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Arado GM, Amatto PDPG, Marins M, Rizzi ES, França SDC, Coppede JDS, Carmona F, Pereira AMS. Anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activities of Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo studies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1378408. [PMID: 38881881 PMCID: PMC11176511 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous groups to treat inflammatory diseases. To date, there are no systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the use of U. tomentosa for inflammation control in animals supporting the traditional knowledge about this species. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of U. tomentosa extracts in modulating inflammatory mediators and to determine which types of inflammatory diseases can be treated by this species. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies published before 26 July 2023, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Four independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risks of bias. The effects of U. tomentosa on inflammatory diseases and the inflammatory mediators involved were extracted from the studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of the outcomes were estimated. The meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration). This protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023450869). Results Twenty-four of 523 studies were included. U. tomentosa extracts decreased the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD: -0.72, 95%CI: -1.15, -0.29, p = 0.001) and transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) (SMD: -1.19, 95%CI: -1.89, -0.48, p = 0.001). However, the extracts did not significantly alter IL-1 (SMD: -0.16, 95%CI: -0.87, +0.56, p = 0.67), IL-10 (SMD: -0.05, 95%CI:-0.35, 0.45, p = 0.80), or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (SMD: 0.18, 95%CI: -0.25, 0.62, p = 0.41). Conclusion Many extracts of stem bark, roots, and leaves of U. tomentosa, mostly aqueous and hydroethanolic, exhibited anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activities and low toxicity. The extracts decreased NF-κB and IL-6. These findings suggest that this species has the potential to treat inflammatory diseases in which these markers are increased, according to the ethnopharmacological use. These activities are not related to a specific class of compounds. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=450869, Identifier CRD42023450869.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Marin Arado
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mozart Marins
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen Sanchez Rizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fábio Carmona
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Araujo L, Dias C, Sucupira F, Ramalho L, Camporez J. A short-term rodent model for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a high-fat diet and carbon tetrachloride. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231532. [PMID: 38660995 PMCID: PMC11081943 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several models of mice-fed high-fat diets have been used to trigger non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and some chemical substances, such as carbon tetrachloride. The present study aimed to evaluate the joint action of a high-fat diet and CCl4 in developing a short-term non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model. C57BL6/J mice were divided into two groups: standard diet-fed (SD), the high-fat diet-fed (HFD) and HFD + fructose-fed and carbon tetrachloride (HFD+CCl4). The animals fed with HFD+CCl4 presented increased lipid deposition compared with both SD and HFD mice. Plasma cholesterol was increased in animals from the HFD+CCl4 group compared with the SD and HFD groups, without significant differences between the SD and HFD groups. Plasma triglycerides showed no significant difference between the groups. The HFD+CCl4 animals had increased collagen deposition in the liver compared with both SD and HFD groups. Hydroxyproline was also increased in the HFD+CCl4 group. Liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, were increased in the HFD+CCl4 group, compared with SD and HFD groups. Also, CCl4 was able to trigger an inflammatory process in the liver of HFD-fed animals by promoting an increase of ∼2 times in macrophage activity, ∼6 times in F4/80 gene expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b and TNFa), in addition to an increase in inflammatory pathway protein phosphorylation (IKKbp). HFD e HFD+CCl4 animals increased glucose intolerance compared with SD mice, associated with reduced insulin-stimulated AKT activity in the liver. Therefore, our study has shown that short-term HFD feeding associated with fructose and CCl4 can trigger non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cause damage to glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layanne C.C. Araujo
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina C.B. Dias
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe G. Sucupira
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandra N.Z. Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Camporez
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Simomura VL, Miorando D, de Oliveira BMM, Mânica A, Bohnen LC, Buzatto MV, Kunst FM, Ansolin LD, Somensi LB, Vidal Gutiérrez M, Venzon L, de Queiroz E Silva TF, Mota da Silva L, Roman Junior WA. Aqueous extract of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa, an amazonian medicinal plant, promotes gastroprotection and accelerates gastric healing in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117542. [PMID: 38056537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE Uncaria tomentosa Willd. DC., is used in the Amazonian region of South America, wherein ethnic groups use the plant to treat diseases, including gastric disorders. However, despite its widespread popular use, this species has yet to be assessed for its anti-ulcer effects. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo gastroprotective and gastric healing activities of an aqueous extract of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa (AEUt) and sought to gain an understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these biological effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS To verify the gastroprotective properties rats were treated with AEUt (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) prior to inducing gastric ulceration with ethanol or piroxicam. Additionally, the involvement of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl compounds (NP-SH), α-2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins was investigated. Furthermore, a pylorus ligature model was employed to investigate the antisecretory activity of AEUt. The gastric healing effects of AEUt (60 mg/kg) were examined in rats in which ulceration had been induced with 80% acetic acid, whereas the quality of healing was evaluated in mice with interleukin-induced recurrent ulcers. We also evaluated the in vivo thickness of the gastric wall using ultrasonography. Moreover, the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in ulcerated mucosa, and we determined the activities of the enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetyl-β-D-glycosaminidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. In addition, we assessed the effects of AEUt on cell viability and subjected the AEUt to phytochemical analyses. RESULTS Administration of the AEUt (60 or 120 mg/kg) prevented ethanol- and piroxicam-induced ulceration, which was also confirmed histologically. Moreover, we observed that pre-treatment with NEM and indomethacin abolished the gastroprotective effects of AEUt, thereby indicating the involvement of NP-SH and prostaglandins in these protective effects. In addition, we found that the administration of AEUt had no appreciable effects on the volume, acidity, or peptic activity of gastric juice. Furthermore, the AEUt (60 mg/kg) accelerated the gastric healing of acetic acid-induced ulcers by 46.2% and ultrasonographic findings revealed a reduction in the gastric wall thickness in this group. The gastric healing effect of AEUt was also accompanied by a reduction in MPO activity. The AEUt (60 mg/kg) also minimized ulcer recurrence in mice exposed to IL-1β and was associated with the maintenance of GSH levels and a reduction in MDA contents. We deduce that the biological effects of AEUt could be associated with the activities of polyphenols and the alkaloids isomitraphylline and mitraphylline, identified as predominant constituents of the AEUt. Furthermore, we found no evidence to indicate that AEUt would have any cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings provide compelling evidence indicating the therapeutic efficacy of U. tomentosa. Our data indicate that compounds in AEUt confer gastroprotection and that this preventive effect of AEUt was accompanied by gastric healing and a reduction in gastric ulcer recurrence. Moreover, we provide evidence to indicate that the gastroprotective and gastric healing effects involve the antioxidant system and anti-inflammatory responses that contribute to preserving the gastric mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Lazari Simomura
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Daniela Miorando
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Mânica
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Lilian Caroline Bohnen
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Maike Valentin Buzatto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Community University of the Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Francine Mantelli Kunst
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Community University of the Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Damo Ansolin
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Community University of the Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| | - Lincon Bordignon Somensi
- Postgraduate Program in Development and Society, Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe University, CEP 89500-199, Caçador, SC, Brazil.
| | - Max Vidal Gutiérrez
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Sonora, Navojoa Sonora, Mexico.
| | - Larissa Venzon
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vale do Itajaí, CEP 88302-202, Itajaí, SC, Brazil.
| | | | - Luisa Mota da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vale do Itajaí, CEP 88302-202, Itajaí, SC, Brazil; TGI Pharmacology and its interactions Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, UFSC, SC, Brazil.
| | - Walter Antônio Roman Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil; Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Community University of the Chapecó Region, CEP 89809-900, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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Zakaria Z, Othman ZA, Nna VU, Mohamed M. The promising roles of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds on hepatic lipid metabolism in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in animal models: molecular targets. Arch Physiol Biochem 2023; 129:1262-1278. [PMID: 34153200 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2021.1939387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Imbalance in hepatic lipid metabolism can lead to an abnormal triglycerides deposition in the hepatocytes which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Four main mechanisms responsible for regulating hepatic lipid metabolism are fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Controlling the expression of transcription factors at molecular level plays a crucial role in NAFLD management. This paper reviews various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds emphasising mechanisms involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, other important NAFLD pathological features, and their promising roles in managing NAFLD through regulating key transcription factors. Although there are many medicinal plants popularly investigated for NAFLD treatment, there is still little information and scientific evidence available and there has been no research on clinical trials scrutinised on this matter. This review also aims to provide molecular information of medicinal plants in NALFD treatment that might have potentials for future scientifically controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Zakaria
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zaidatul Akmal Othman
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Unit of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Victor Udo Nna
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Mahaneem Mohamed
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Unit of Integrative Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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de Freitas-Marchi BL, Dos Santos JF, Reigado GR, Fernandes MTP, Alcalde FSC, de Oliveira Carvalho CR, Nunes VA. Effect of Uncaria tomentosa aqueous extract on the response to palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in cultured skeletal muscle cells. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:412. [PMID: 37968654 PMCID: PMC10647034 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with dyslipidemia, which corresponds to the increase in the triglycerides and fatty acid concentrations in tissues, such as the skeletal muscle. Also, T2DM molecular mechanism involves increasing in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress. The use of herbal medicines such as Uncaria tomentosa (Ut) has been proposed as an auxiliary treatment for patients with T2DM. In this study, it was evaluated the effect of Ut aqueous extract on cell viability and ROS production, in skeletal myoblasts from C2C12 lineage exposed to the free fatty acid palmitate (PA). METHODS Cells were incubated with PA in different concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 μM, for 24 or 48 h, for cytotoxicity assay. Cell death, DNA fragmentation and ROS production assays were performed in cell cultures incubated with PA for 24 h, in the pre (preventive condition) or post treatment (therapeutic condition) with 250 μg/ml Ut aqueous extract, for 2 or 6 h. Cell death was evaluated by MTT method or flow cytometry. ROS generation was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy using the DCFDA probe. RESULTS Cell viability was reduced to approximately 44% after the incubation with PA for 24 h from the concentration of 500 µM. In the incubation of cells with 500 μM PA and Ut extract for 6 h, in both conditions (preventive or therapeutic), it was observed an increase of 27 and 70% in cell viability respectively, in comparison to the cultures incubated with only PA. Also, the incubation of cultures with 500 μM PA, for 24 h, increased 20-fold the ROS formation, while the treatment with Ut extract, for 6 h, both in the preventive or therapeutic conditions, promoted decrease of 21 and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSION The Ut extract was efficient in promoting cell protection against PA lipotoxicity and ROS generation, potentially preventing oxidative stress in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Since T2DM molecular mechanism involves oxidative stress condition and it is often associated with dyslipidemia and fatty acid accumulation in muscle tissue, these results open perspectives for the use of Ut as an auxiliary strategy for T2DM management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Leticia de Freitas-Marchi
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jeniffer Farias Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Roncoli Reigado
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Myrian Thiago Pruschinski Fernandes
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Santiago Chambergo Alcalde
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Viviane Abreu Nunes
- Laboratory of Skin Physiology and Tissue Bioengineering, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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González-Castelazo F, Soria-Jasso LE, Torre-Villalvazo I, Cariño-Cortés R, Muñoz-Pérez VM, Ortiz MI, Fernández-Martínez E. Plants of the Rubiaceae Family with Effect on Metabolic Syndrome: Constituents, Pharmacology, and Molecular Targets. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3583. [PMID: 37896046 PMCID: PMC10610173 DOI: 10.3390/plants12203583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) predisposes individuals to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disorders caused by systemic inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis, and diminished antioxidant ability, leading to oxidative stress and compromised insulin sensitivity across vital organs. NCDs present a global health challenge characterized by lengthy and costly pharmacological treatments. Complementary and alternative medicine using herbal therapies has gained popularity. Approximately 350,000 plant species are considered medicinal, with 80% of the world's population opting for traditional remedies; however, only 21,000 plants are scientifically confirmed by the WHO. The Rubiaceae family is promissory for preventing and treating MetS and associated NCDs due to its rich content of metabolites renowned for their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. These compounds influence transcription factors and mitigate chronic low-grade inflammation, liver lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, making them a cost-effective non-pharmacological approach for MetS prevention and treatment. This review aims to collect and update data that validate the traditional uses of the Rubiaceae family for treating MetS and associated NCDs from experimental models and human subjects, highlighting the mechanisms through which their extracts and metabolites modulate glucose and lipid metabolism at the molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola González-Castelazo
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
| | - Luis E. Soria-Jasso
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
| | - Ivan Torre-Villalvazo
- Departamento de Fisiología de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Raquel Cariño-Cortés
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
| | - Víctor M. Muñoz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
| | - Mario I. Ortiz
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Martínez
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology of the Center for Research on Reproductive Biology, Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca 42090, Mexico; (F.G.-C.); (L.E.S.-J.); (V.M.M.-P.); (M.I.O.)
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Araujo LCC, Cruz AG, Camargo FN, Sucupira FG, Moreira GV, Matos SL, Amaral AG, Murata GM, Carvalho CRO, Camporez JP. Estradiol Protects Female ApoE KO Mice against Western-Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9845. [PMID: 37372993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is higher in men than in women of reproductive age, and postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to developing the disease. AIM we evaluated if female apolipoprotein E (ApoE) KO mice were protected against Western-diet (WD)-induced NASH. METHODS Female ovariectomized (OVX) ApoE KO mice or sham-operated (SHAM) mice were fed either a WD or a regular chow (RC) for 7 weeks. Additionally, OVX mice fed a WD were treated with either estradiol (OVX + E2) or vehicle (OVX). RESULTS Whole-body fat, plasma glucose, and plasma insulin were increased and associated with increased glucose intolerance in OVX mice fed a WD (OVX + WD). Plasma and hepatic triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) hepatic enzymes were also increased in the plasma of OVX + WD group, which was associated with hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. Estradiol replacement in OVX mice reduced body weight, body fat, glycemia, and plasma insulin associated with reduced glucose intolerance. Treatment also reduced hepatic triglycerides, ALT, AST, hepatic fibrosis, and inflammation in OVX mice. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that estradiol protects OVX ApoE KO mice from NASH and glucose intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layanne C C Araujo
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Alessandra G Cruz
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe N Camargo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe G Sucupira
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriela V Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sandro L Matos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Andressa G Amaral
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Gilson Masahiro Murata
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Carla R O Carvalho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joao Paulo Camporez
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, Brazil
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Sowjanya JN, Rao PR. Development, optimization, and invitro evaluation of novel fast dissolving oral films (FDOF's) of Uncaria tomentosa extract to treat osteoarthritis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14292. [PMID: 36925552 PMCID: PMC10010999 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast dissolving oral films(FDOF's) are the popular dosage forms when placed in the oral cavity, disintegrate rapidly and dissolve to release the medication for improving oral absorption. Traditionally Uncaria tomentosa plant is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory agent along with analgesic properties. The plant extract is reported to be used in low dose as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent in Rheumatoid Arthritis. No scientific data was reported on Uncaria plant formulation as FDOF's for treating osteoarthritis. This study aims to formulate fast oral dissolving film(FDOFs) Uncaria tomentosa bark extract and evaluate using Invitro studies for osteoarthritis. About 14 formulations were prepared using standard Box Behnken design protocol for optimization using the natural film formers, synthetic polymers, super disintegrants, plasticizers as independent variables with folding endurance and disintegration time as dependent variables by solvent casting method. Further the formulation characteristics including physical and mechanical behavior of films and drug release behavior was evaluated. The 3D countour plots and response curves suing the design expert software were investigated which proved that the optimized oral dissolving films of extract with Pullalan gum, HPMC (polymers), Propylene glycol, PEG 400 (Co-solvents) and Croscarmellose sodium (super Disintegrant) are stable and uniform with formulation characteristics. The drug release rates prove that F5 and F13 formulations showed 99.90% drug release within 30 min following first order kinetics with satisfactory mechanical properties. The study results suggest that the fast dissolving oral films of Uncaria tomentosa extract is novel, attractive and alternative to the available marketed products resulting in improved patient adherence in treatment of osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Naga Sowjanya
- Research Scholar, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - P Raja Rao
- Department of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
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Shedding light on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, models, and emerging therapeutics. Life Sci 2022; 312:121185. [PMID: 36375569 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder globally impacting an estimated 25% of the population associated with severe consequences such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and overall mortality. Fatty liver disease is triggered through multiple pathways, but the most prominent cause is either diabetes or obesity, or a combination of both. Therefore, hepatic glucose, insulin and fatty acid signaling becomes a dire need to understand which is well elaborated in this review. This review summarizes the popular two-hit pathogenesis of NAFLD, the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic insulin resistance. As fatty liver disease gets advanced, it requires in-vitro as well as in-vivo models closer to disease progression in humans for better understanding the pathological state and identifying a novel therapeutic target. This review summarizes in-vitro (2D cell-culture/co-culture, 3D spheroid/organoid/liver-on-a-chip) models as well as in-vivo (genetically/dietary/chemically induced fatty liver disease) research models. Fatty liver disease research has gathered lots of attention recently since there is no FDA approved therapy available so far. However, there have been numerous promising targets to treat fatty liver disease including potential therapeutic targets under clinical trials are listed in this review.
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Western Diet-Fed ApoE Knockout Male Mice as an Experimental Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4692-4703. [PMID: 36286035 PMCID: PMC9600038 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the consequences of the Western lifestyle and high-fat diet is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its aggressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is rapidly becoming the leading cause of end-stage liver disease or liver transplantation. Currently, rodent NASH models lack significant aspects of the full NASH spectrum, representing a major problem for NASH research. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize a fast rodent model with all characteristic features of NASH. Eight-week-old male ApoE KO mice were fed with Western diet (WD), high fatty diet (HFD) or normal chow (Chow) for 7 weeks. Whole-body fat was increased by ~2 times in WD mice and HFD mice and was associated with increased glucose intolerance, hepatic triglycerides, and plasma ALT and plasma AST compared with Chow mice. WD mice also showed increased galectin-3 expression compared with Chow or HFD mice and increased plasma cholesterol compared with Chow mice. WD and HFD displayed increased hepatic fibrosis and increased F4/80 expression. WD mice also displayed increased levels of plasma MCP-1. Hepatic inflammatory markers were evaluated, and WD mice showed increased levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6 and IFN-γ. Taken together, these data demonstrated that the ApoE KO mouse fed with WD is a great model for NASH research, once it presents the fundamental parameters of the disease, including hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.
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Villegas Vílchez LF, Ascencios JH, Dooley TP. GlucoMedix®, an extract of Stevia rebaudiana and Uncaria tomentosa, reduces hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension in rat models without toxicity: a treatment for metabolic syndrome. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:62. [PMID: 35260150 PMCID: PMC8905912 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this in vivo study is to evaluate in five rat models the pharmacologic effects and toxicity of a commercial hydro-alcoholic extract, GlucoMedix®, derived from Stevia rebaudiana and the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria Tomentosa (Willd.) DC, for use as a treatment for metabolic syndrome. The extract contains phytochemicals of Stevia (e.g., steviol glycosides) and Uncaria (e.g., pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, but lacks tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids). METHODS The pharmacologic assessments in three rat models include reductions in chemically induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides), and hypertension, all of which are comorbidities of metabolic syndrome. Acute toxicity and 28-day subacute toxicity were assessed in rat models at doses higher than those used in the efficacy models. RESULTS The acute oral toxicity was evaluated in Holtzman rats and the extract did not produce acute toxic effects or lethality, with the LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (extract wet weight). Furthermore, subacute oral toxicity was evaluated in rats for 28 days at daily doses as high as 2000 mg/kg without toxicity or abnormal clinical chemistry or hematological effects. Daily oral doses of 250 - 1000 mg/kg were used to evaluate the treatment effects in hyperglycemic (alloxan-induced and glibenclamide-controlled), hyperlipidemic (cholesterol-induced and atorvastatin-controlled), and hypertensive (L-NAME-induced and enalapril-controlled) rat models. Alloxan-induced hyperglycemia was reduced in a dose-dependent manner within 28 days or less. Cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rats exhibited dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides at 21 days. Furthermore, GlucoMedix® produced a dose-dependent decrease in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats at 28 days. CONCLUSIONS The five in vivo rat models revealed that the all-natural phytotherapy GlucoMedix® is a safe and effective treatment for hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. This extract is expected to affect multiple comorbidities of metabolic syndrome, without any acute or subacute oral toxicity in humans. Although multiple prescription drugs are well known for the treatment of individual comorbidities of metabolic syndrome, no drug monotherapy concurrently treats all three comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- León F Villegas Vílchez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Quality Control Service, Research and Development Laboratories, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Julio Hidalgo Ascencios
- Quality Control Service, Research and Development Laboratories, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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A comprehensive review on phytochemicals for fatty liver: are they potential adjuvants? J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:411-425. [PMID: 34993581 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and, as such, is associated with obesity. With the current and growing epidemic of obesity, NAFLD is already considered the most common liver disease in the world. Currently, there is no official treatment for the disease besides weight loss. Although there are a few synthetic drugs currently being studied, there is also an abundance of herbal products that could also be used for treatment. With the World Health Organization (WHO) traditional medicine strategy (2014-2023) in mind, this review aims to analyze the mechanisms of action of some of these herbal products, as well as evaluate toxicity and herb-drug interactions available in literature.
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Stevia and Uncaria extract (GlucoMedix®) reduces glucose levels and the need for medications in type 2 diabetes: an open label case series of six patients. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-021-00332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
GlucoMedix® is an all-natural phytotherapy consisting of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni and pentacyclic chemotype Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. Ex Schult.) DC. The nutraceutical product has potential for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.
Methods
Six adult Hispanic type 2 diabetic patients were included in an outpatient retrospective open label physician-sponsored case series study. GlucoMedix® extract of Stevia plus pentacyclic chemotype Uncaria was administered orally at doses of 2 ml, diluted in water, two or three times daily. The patients’ blood glucose levels were recorded historically, at baseline, and thereafter while taking GlucoMedix® orally.
Results
When treated with GlucoMedix®, with or without coincident advice to modify diet, all six patients manifested reductions in blood glucose levels. At baseline four of the six patients were administering one or more prescription treatments for hyperglycemia, e.g., Glibenclamide, Metformin, Vildagliptin, or Insulin. Two patients displayed substantial reductions in glucose of 50 and 70 mg/dl, and in conjunction with the removal of their prior drug treatments of Glibenclamide plus Metformin or of Vildagliptin. An Insulin-treated patient experienced a 50 mg/dl reduction while ceasing Metformin and was subsequently able to reduce the dose of Insulin by half. Thus, in three patients GlucoMedix® abrogated in whole or in part the requirement for pharmaceutical or biologic therapies to achieve substantial beneficial reductions in glycemic levels.
Conclusions
In this proof-of-principle study oral GlucoMedix® was an effective treatment for hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic individuals. This all-natural phytotherapy can be used beneficially in conjunction with existing pharmaceutical or biological therapy regimens, and in some cases can replace in whole or in part the requirement for pharmaceutical or biologic therapies. These in-life results suggest that this natural product approach can serve as an alternative to prescription monotherapies or multimodal therapies for the regulation of hyperglycemia.
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Uncaria tomentosa extract (AC-11) improves pregnancy hypertension together with suppression of sFlt-1 and sEng. Pregnancy Hypertens 2021; 26:127-132. [PMID: 34773881 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of well-controlled reproductive functions leads to pregnancy complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Uncaria tomentosa (Wild), known as cat's claw, is widely used for the treatment of a various types of health problems; AC-11 (AC-11®, hot-water extract of U. tomentosa) is unique phytochemical compound and has potential roles as anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant processes. We investigated whether AC-11 has a protective effect on pathogenesis of HDP in vivo and production of anti-angiogenic factors (sFlt-1 and sEng, major factors for the onset of HDP) in in vitro. Non-pregnant or pregnant mice were administered AC-11 (4 mg/mL), then, angiotensin II (Ang II) was subcutaneously infused to increase blood pressure. Human placental tissues or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with or without AC-11. Treatment with AC-11 significantly reduced blood pressure induced by Ang II infusion. The population of CD8+T cells, the ratio of CD8/CD4, and plasma interleukin-6 levels were increased by Ang II infusion, and were decreased by AC-11 both in pregnant and non-pregnant mice. In pregnant mice, plasma levels of sFlt-1 and sEng were decreased by AC-11. In in vitro cell culture of HUVECs or placental tissue culture, treatment with AC-11 significantly inhibited secretion of sFlt-1 and sEng. We suggest a novel role of AC-11 in regulating blood pressure by controlling the balance of T cell population and inflammatory cytokine production both in non-pregnant and pregnant conditions. In addition, AC-11 inhibits HDP-related factors, including sFlt-1 and sEng, suggesting that AC-11 may useful for relieving HDP.
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Zhang L, Liu T, Hu C, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Shi K. Proteome analysis identified proteins associated with mitochondrial function and inflammation activation crucially regulating the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:640. [PMID: 34481473 PMCID: PMC8418032 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07950-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fatty liver disease prevalently occurs in commercial postpartum dairies, resulting in a worldwide high culling rate because of their subsequent limitations of production and reproduction performance. Results Fatty liver-specific proteome and acetylome analysis revealed that energy metabolism suppression closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation activation were shown to be remarkable biological processes underlying the development of fatty liver disease, furthermore, acetylation modification of proteins could be one of the main means to modulate these processes. Twenty pivotal genetic factors/genes that differentially expressing and being acetylation modified in liver were identified and proposed to regulate the pathogenesis of fatty liver dairies. These proteins were confirmed to be differentially expressing in individual liver tissue, eight of which being validated via immunohistochemistry assay. Conclusions This study provided a comprehensive proteome and acetylome profile of fatty liver of dairy cows, and revealed potential important biological processes and essential regulators in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. Expectantly, understanding the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease in dairies, as an animal model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in human beings, which is a clinico-pathologically defined process associated with metabolic syndrome, could inspire and facilitate the development of efficacious therapeutic drugs on NAFLD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07950-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingjun Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengzhang Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Kerong Shi
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Bioengineering and Disease Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People's Republic of China.
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Lima RPD, Nunes PIG, Viana AFSC, Oliveira FTBD, Silva RAC, Alves APNN, Viana DA, Fonseca SGC, Carvalho AA, Chaves MH, Rao VS, Santos FA. α,β-Amyrin prevents steatosis and insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD via the AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling mechanism. Braz J Med Biol Res 2021; 54:e11391. [PMID: 34406209 PMCID: PMC8373198 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e11391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis, is intrinsically related to obesity. Our previous study reported on the anti-obese activity of α,β-amyrin (AMY), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Protium heptaphyllum. This study investigated its ability to prevent fatty liver and the underlying mechanism using the mouse model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in male Swiss mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. The controls were fed a normal chow diet (ND). The mice were simultaneously treated with AMY at 10 and 20 mg/kg or fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg. Lipid levels along with metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in liver and serum. The liver sections were histologically examined using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were performed to analyze signaling mechanisms. Mice fed HFD developed severe hepatic steatosis with elevated triglycerides and lipid droplets compared with ND controls. This was associated with a decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, an increase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, which have roles in lipogenesis, inhibition of lipolysis, and inflammatory response. AMY treatment reversed these signaling activities and decreased the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response, evidenced by serum and liver parameters as well as histological findings. AMY-induced reduction in hepatic steatosis seemed to involve AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling pathways, which supported its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P de Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - P I G Nunes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - A F S C Viana
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - F T B de Oliveira
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - R A C Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - A P N N Alves
- Departamento de Clínica Odontológica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Odontologia e Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - D A Viana
- Laboratório de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Ciência Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - S G C Fonseca
- Departamento de Farmácia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Odontologia e Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - A A Carvalho
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí, Piripiri Campus, Piripiri, PI, Brasil
| | - M H Chaves
- Departamento de Química, Ministro Petrônio Portella Campus, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - V S Rao
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - F A Santos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
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Azizian-Farsani F, Osuchowski M, Abedpoor N, Forootan FS, Derakhshan M, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Sheikhha MH, Ghaedi K. Anti-inflammatory and -apoptotic effects of a long-term herbal extract treatment on DSS-induced colitis in mice fed with high AGEs-fat diet. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:77. [PMID: 34380504 PMCID: PMC8359107 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00603-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity is associated with many comorbidities including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We investigated prophylactic effects of an herbal extract (HE) on the DSS-induced colitis mice challenged with high AGEs-fat diet 60% (HFD). Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed with either HFD (8 groups, 6 mice in each group), or normal diet (ND) (8 groups, 6 mice in each group). After 6 weeks, animals received HE (combination of turmeric, ginger, boswellia and cat’s claw extract) for 7 weeks in three doses (high dose (0.6 mg/g); low dose (0.15 mg/g) and mid dose (0.3 mg/g)). Next, mice were subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Control mice received ND and instead of HE and DSS they received distilled water. Obesity index markers were determined, H&E staining and TUNEL assay evaluated apoptosis. Colonic expressions of IL-6, RAGE, AGER1, Sirt1, Bax, Bcl2, ZO-1 and P53 were determined.
Results HE ameliorated colitis in HFD mice by reducing colonic myeloperoxidase activity (by 2.3-fold), macrophage accumulation (by 2.6-fold) and mRNA expression of IL-6 (by 2.3-fold) in HFD mice. Moreover, HE restored ZO-1 (by 2.7-fold), prevented apoptosis and maintained immune homeostasis. HE reduced activation of NF-κB protein (by 1.3-fold) through decreasing RAGE (by 1.93-fold) and up-regulation of Sirt1 (by 7.71-fold) and prevented down-regulation of DDOST (by 6.6-fold) in HFD mice. Conclusions HE ameliorated colitis in prophylactic in HFD mice and it was, at least partly, due to the restoration of the gut integrity, suppression of inflammation and apoptosis via modulation of colonic Sirt1, RAGE and DDOST signaling. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00603-x.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Osuchowski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical and Experimental Traumatology in AUVA Research Center, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Navid Abedpoor
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Royan, Salman Streets, 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzad Seyed Forootan
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Royan, Salman Streets, 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran.,Legal Medicine research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Derakhshan
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Royan, Salman Streets, 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. .,Biotechnology Research Center, International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jerib Ave., Azadi Sq., 81746-73441, Isfahan, Iran.
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Sustained-Release Hydrogel-Based Rhynchophylline Delivery System Improved Injured Tendon Repair. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 205:111876. [PMID: 34087778 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During the injured flexor tendon healing process, tendon tissue is easy to form extremely dense adhesion with the surrounding tissue, which causes the serious influence of hand function recovery. Uncaria is widely used in clinic and its main composition, Rhynchophylline (Rhy), has been reported on its good therapeutic effect, which could effectively inhibit the intra-abdominal adhesion formation. However, the therapeutic effect of Rhy on tendon healing and adhesion formation is still unclear. Due to the short half-life of Rhy, hyaluronic acid (HA) sustained-release system for Rhy delivery was constructed and it could also avoid drug from the undesired loss during the transit. After Rhy delivery system was applied around the injured tendons, adhesion formation, gliding function and healing strength of tendons were evaluated. Our results showed that the gliding excursion and healing strength of repaired tendons were both significantly increased, as well as the adhesion was inhibited. From in vivo experiments, Rhy could be able to increase the expression of Col Ⅰ/Col Ⅲ and helped fibroblasts to ordered organization for tendon tissues. But for adhesion tissues, Rhy promoted the apoptosis and accelerated the degradation of extracellular matrix. In vitro study showed Rhy could help tenocytes stimulated with TGF-β1 to recover to normal cell functions involving cell proliferation and apoptosis level. Through high-throughput sequencing, we found that Rhy was involved in the regulation of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) signaling pathway. We draw a conclusion that Rhy enhanced the tendon healing and prevented adhesion formation through inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2. In a word, this sustained release system of Rhy may be a promising strategy for the treatment of injured tendons.
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Kolodziejczyk-Czepas J, Ponczek M, Sady-Janczak M, Pilarski R, Bukowska B. Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa as antiplatelet agents and thrombin inhibitors - The in vitro and in silico study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113494. [PMID: 33091497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A wide range of traditional medicine applications of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC., commonly known as 'vilcacora' or 'cat's claw', includes blood purification, its anticoagulant properties and its use in haemorrhage therapy. AIM OF THE STUDY Our work is devoted to the effects of ethanol and aqueous extracts (1-50 μg/ml) from U. tomentosa leaves and bark on the haemostatic system. The study is based on two main questions: Can these extracts influence the coagulation cascade of blood plasma or the activation of blood platelets? Do they feature any anticoagulant properties? MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood platelet aggregation was measured in human platelet-rich plasma; the anticoagulant tests were based on the thrombin, prothrombin and the activated partial thromboplastin time. For the thrombin (TH)-inhibitory activity evaluation, the chromogenic substrate S-2238 and fibrinogen, i.e. physiological substrate for this enzyme, were used. In silico studies included the interactions of TH and the main components of the extracts. RESULTS The examined extracts demonstrated slight antiplatelet activity. The thrombin time was slightly prolonged. The most efficient TH inhibitor was the ethanolic fraction from leaves (IC50 = 5.86 and 12.48 μg/ml, for the amidolytic and proteolytic assay, respectively). The plant ingredients interacted with TH within and outside the active site, dependently on the compound. The higher binding affinity was found for procyanidins B2 and C1. CONCLUSIONS The examined extracts demonstrated slight antiplatelet effects; however, they may be promising candidates for the natural inhibitors of TH, which is critical for the formation of fibrin clot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kolodziejczyk-Czepas
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Michał Ponczek
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sady-Janczak
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Radosław Pilarski
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Noskowskiego 12/14 Str., 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236, Lodz, Poland
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Qin N, Lu X, Liu Y, Qiao Y, Qu W, Feng F, Sun H. Recent research progress of Uncaria spp. based on alkaloids: phytochemistry, pharmacology and structural chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112960. [PMID: 33148492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants are well-known in affording clinically useful agents, with rich medicinal values by combining with disease targets through various mechanisms. Plant secondary metabolites as lead compounds lay the foundation for the discovery and development of new drugs in disease treatment. Genus Uncaria from Rubiaceae family is a significant plant source of active alkaloids, with anti-hypertensive, sedative, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-drug addiction and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes and discuss the research progress of Uncaria based on alkaloids in the past 15 years, mainly in the past 5 years, including biosynthesis, phytochemistry, pharmacology and structural chemistry. Among, focusing on representative compounds rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, the pharmacological activities surrounding the central nervous system and cardiovascular system are described in detail. On the basis of case studies, this article provides a brief overview of the synthesis and analogues of representative compounds types. In summary, this review provides an early basis for further searching for new targets and activities, discussing the mechanisms of pharmacological activity and studying the structure-activity relationships of active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Qiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian, 223003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian, 223003, People's Republic of China.
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Yepes-Pérez AF, Herrera-Calderon O, Quintero-Saumeth J. Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw): a promising herbal medicine against SARS-CoV-2/ACE-2 junction and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein based on molecular modeling. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:2227-2243. [PMID: 33118480 PMCID: PMC7657399 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1837676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Currently, there is no effective treatment and vaccines seem to be the solution in the future. Virtual screening of potential drugs against the S protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has provided small molecular compounds with a high binding affinity. Unfortunately, most of these drugs do not attach with the binding interface of the receptor-binding domain (RBD)–angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) complex in host cells. Molecular modeling was carried out to evaluate the potential antiviral properties of the components of the medicinal herb Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) focusing on the binding interface of the RBD–ACE-2 and the viral spike protein. The in silico approach starts with protein–ligand docking of 26 Cat’s claw key components followed by molecular dynamics simulations and re-docked calculations. Finally, we carried out drug-likeness calculations for the most qualified cat’s claw components. The structural bioinformatics approaches led to the identification of several bioactive compounds of U. tomentosa with potential therapeutic effect by dual strong interaction with interface of the RBD–ACE-2 and the ACE-2 binding site on SARS-CoV-2 RBD viral spike. In addition, in silico drug-likeness indices for these components were calculated and showed good predicted therapeutic profiles of these phytochemicals found in U. tomentosa (cat’s claw). Our findings suggest the potential effectiveness of cat’s claw as complementary and/or alternative medicine for COVID-19 treatment. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F Yepes-Pérez
- Chemistry of Colombian Plants, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia-UdeA, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Oscar Herrera-Calderon
- Academic Department of Pharmacology Bromatology and Toxicology,Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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Reference Gene and Protein Expression Levels in Two Different NAFLD Mouse Models. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:1093235. [PMID: 32089674 PMCID: PMC7023843 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1093235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression levels of some reference genes and proteins are used for data normalization and quantification. However, these levels can change in response to experimental conditions or treatments. Aim. The aim of this work was to evaluate reference gene and protein expression in models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, using mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and mice that are genetically obese (ob/ob). Main Methods. Histological staining techniques were used to verify the morphology and quantify the amount of lipid droplets present in the liver. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were employed for monitoring protein expression and gene expression levels, respectively. Key Finding. The results showed that there was a substantial increase in the amount of lipid droplets in the livers of HFD and ob/ob animals when compared to the standard diet (SD) group. There was an observed reduction in the expression of β-actin (10%), α-tubulin (6%), GAPDH (19%), and RPL3 (15%) genes when comparing the ob/ob group to the HFD group. Additionally, the ob/ob mice displayed GAPDH protein levels that were substantially, but not significantly, reduced when compared to SD. Significance. It was concluded that there are slight differences in the expression levels of reference genes and proteins in these two NAFLD animal models, and researchers should consider these alterations when working with these models.
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Jian T, Lü H, Ding X, Wu Y, Zuo Y, Li J, Chen J, Gu H. Polyphenol-rich Trapa quadrispinosa pericarp extract ameliorates high-fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in mice. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8165. [PMID: 31803542 PMCID: PMC6886490 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In China, Trapa quadrispinosa (also called water caltrop) has long been used as a function food and folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus for years. In the present study, the extract of T. quadrispinosa pericarp (TQPE) which mainly contains hydrolysable tannins was prepared to investigate the potential therapeutic action in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice induced by high fat-diet (HFD). After the administration of TQPE (15, 30 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, the increased weight of body and liver were significantly suppressed. TQPE also ameliorated liver lipid deposition and reduced lipids parameters of blood in mice. Moreover, TQPE attenuated oxidative stress and showed a hepatoprotective effect in mice. TQPE was also found to decrease the value of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. In addition, TQPE administration increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and inhibited sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, TQPE elevated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRs-1) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. These results reflected that, as a nature product, TQPE is a potential agent for suppressing the process of NAFLD via regulation of the AMPK/SREBP/ACC and IRs-1/Akt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tunyu Jian
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Lü
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Ding
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexian Wu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zuo
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangyin, China
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Dehydroepiandrosterone on metabolism and the cardiovascular system in the postmenopausal period. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 98:39-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Inamdar S, Joshi A, Malik S, Boppana R, Ghaskadbi S. Vitexin alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating AMPK in high fat diet fed mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 519:106-112. [PMID: 31472955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a most common liver disorder characterized by accumulation of fat in the liver and currently there is no approved treatment for it. Obesity and diabetes being leading cause of NAFLD, compounds having anti-obesity activity and potential to reduce insulin resistance are considered suitable candidate for NAFLD treatment. In this study, we checked effect of vitexin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, on high fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD in C57BL/6J mice. In presence of vitexin, significant reduction in body and liver weight, triglyceride and cholesterol content in serum and liver was observed. Serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were reduced significantly by vitexin which were elevated in HFD group whereas serum lipase activity remained unchanged. Vitexin suppressed de novo lipogenesis by downregulating expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). Additionally, it also enhanced fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis by upregulating Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (CPT-1a) and Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Inhibition of lipogenesis and activation of lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation by vitexin was found to be mediated by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Vitexin also improved insulin signalling by activating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and its downstream target AKT. AMPK activation of vitexin was possibly through binding of vitexin to leptin receptor (LepR) which was confirmed by molecular docking studies and by observed enhanced expression of LepR. Thus, we propose that vitexin alleviates NAFLD by activating AMPK possibly by binding to LepR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrirang Inamdar
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Ankita Joshi
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Sajad Malik
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | | | - Saroj Ghaskadbi
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
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