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Yang S, Cheng Y, Wang X, Yue S, Wang X, Tang L, Li H, Zhang J, Xiong Q, Tan S. Chinese herbal decoction, Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi formula exerts anti-hepatic fibrosis effects in mouse models of CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26129. [PMID: 38434258 PMCID: PMC10907526 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26129] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi Formula (YQJPF) is a herbal medicine that is used to treat patients with liver failure. However, scientific evidence supporting the treatment of hepatic fibrosis with YQJPF has not been forthcoming. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying the anti-fibrotic effects of YQJPF in mouse models of hepatic fibrosis. Methods Mice were randomly assigned to control, hepatic fibrosis model, silymarin (positive treated), and low-, medium- and high-dose YQJPF (7.5, 15, and 30 g/kg, respectively) groups. Liver function, inflammatory cytokines, and oxygen stress were analyzed using ELISA kits. Sections were histopathologically stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, and Sirius red. Macrophage polarization was measured by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Potential targets of YQJPF against hepatic fibrosis were analyzed by network pharmacology of Chinese herbal compound and the effects of YQJPF on the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Suppressor of Mothers against Decapentaplegic family member 3 (Smad3) signaling pathway were assessed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Finally, metagenomics and LC-MS/MS were used to detect the intestinal flora and metabolites of the mice, and an in-depth correlation analysis was performed by spearman correlation analysis. The data were compared by one-way ANOVA and least significant differences (LSDs) or ANOVA-Dunnett's T3 method used when no homogeneity was detected. Results We induced hepatic fibrosis using CCl4 to establish mouse models and found that YQJPF dose-dependently increased body weight, improved liver function, and reversed hepatic fibrosis. Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the model mice were substantially decreased by YQJPF, particularly at the highest dose. Levels of serum malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were elevated and reduced, respectively. The malondialdehyde concentration decreased and SOD activity increased in the high-dose group. M1 polarized macrophages (CD86) in the mouse models were significantly decreased and M2 polarization was mildly decreased without significance. However, high-dose YQJPF increased the numbers of M2 macrophages and inhibited TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Metagenomic and non-targeted metabolomics detection results showed that YQJPF could regulate intestinal homeostasis, and Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Calditerrivibrio_nitroreducens was significantly negatively correlated with 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid. It is suggested that Calditerrivibrio_nitroreducens may reduce the anti-fibrosis effect of licorice and other Chinese herbs by digesting 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid. Conclusions YQJPF can reverse liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation, suppressing oxidative stress, regulating the immunological response initiated by macrophages, inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling and regulating intestinal flora homeostasis. Therefore, YQJPF may be included in clinical regimens to treat hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Yang
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Yajun Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Lianshui, Huai'an, 223000, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, 223200, China
| | - Suyang Yue
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, China
| | - Hailun Li
- Department of Nephrology, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223001, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Qingping Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Regional Resource Exploitation and Medicinal Research, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, 223003, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
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Wang X, Gong Q, Nie H, Tu J, Fan W, Tan X. High level of C3 is associated with Th2 immune response and liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13029. [PMID: 38465509 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13029] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Long-term infection of schistosomiasis will seriously affect the liver health of patients. The serum of 334 chronic Schistosoma japonicum patients and 149 healthy volunteers was collected. Compared with heathy people, the level of C4 (complement 4) was increased, and the level of C3 (complement 3) was in an obvious skewed distribution. ELISA was performed to detect the serum cytokines, the results showed that the levels of IFN-γ (interferon-γ), IL (interleukin)-2 and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) were reduced, while the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) were increased. In the serum of patients with high C3, the secretion of HA (hyaluronic acid), LN (laminin), IV-C (type IV collagen) and PCIII (type III procollagen) were increased, the activation of hepatic stellate cells was promoted. Exogenous human recombinant C3 made mice liver structure of the mice damaged and collagen deposition. IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 were decreased, while HA, LN, PCIII and IV-C were increased, and the expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β1 in liver tissues were up-regulated. However, the addition of IFN-γ partially reversed the effect of C3 on promoting fibrosis. High level of C3 is associated with Th2 immune response and liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmo Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Quan Gong
- Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hao Nie
- Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Clinical College of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Wen Fan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Tan
- Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
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Xin X, Cheng X, Zeng F, Xu Q, Hou L. The Role of TGF-β/SMAD Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: from Mechanism to Therapy and Prognosis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1436-1451. [PMID: 38385079 PMCID: PMC10878151 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high incidence and mortality, accounting for approximately 90% of liver cancer. The development of HCC is a complex process involving the abnormal activation or inactivation of multiple signaling pathways. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling pathway regulates the development of HCC. TGF-β activates intracellular SMADs protein through membrane receptors, resulting in a series of biological cascades. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that TGF-β/SMAD signaling plays multiple regulatory functions in HCC. However, there is still controversy about the role of TGF-β/SMAD in HCC. Because it involves different pathogenic factors, disease stages, and cell microenvironment, as well as upstream and downstream relationships with other signaling pathways. This review will summary the regulatory mechanism of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in HCC, involving the regulation of different pathogenic factors, different disease stages, different cell populations, microenvironments, and the interaction with microRNAs. In addition, we also introduced small molecule inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and traditional Chinese medicine extracts based on targeting the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, which will provide future research direction for HCC therapy targeting the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xin
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyu Cheng
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Fanxin Zeng
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan province, China
| | - Qing Xu
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Hou
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
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Chen X, Sun X, Ji S, Yu H, Wu P. TMT-based proteomics analysis identifies the interventional mechanisms of Qijia Rougan decoction in improving hepatic fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117334. [PMID: 37863401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qijia Rougan decoction (QJ), consisting of eight herbs and two animal drugs, is an effective traditional Chinese medicine with hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects. However, its underlying action mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanism underlying the treatment of liver fibrosis in rats by QJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats with fibrosis were constructed using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The QJ was orally administered to fibrotic rats. Hepatic pathological changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in QJ were analyzed using quantitative proteomics. Subsequently, the underlying mechanisms in liver fibrosis after QJ treatment were validated using Western blotting. RESULTS The QJ markedly improved liver function and attenuated fibrotic progression. Based on the tandem mass-tag based (TMT) proteomics, we identified 818 common DEPs between QJ vs Model and Model vs Control, including 296 upregulated and 522 downregulated DEPs, which mostly participate in metabolic pathways, oxidation-reduction reactions, and collagen biosynthetic processes. In addition, we found that QJ reduced hepatocellular death by inhibiting the expression of caspase proteins, repressing pro-apoptotic proteins, and promoting anti-apoptotic proteins. We further demonstrated that QJ suppressed the Akt/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION QJ exerted hepatoprotective effects in CCl4-induced rats through multi-pathway regulation. This study provides protein information on liver fibrosis treated with QJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Shaoxiu Ji
- Infectious Disease Department, Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Han Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Peijie Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Liu X, Chen L, Sun P, Zhan Z, Wang J. Guizhi Fuling Formulation: A review on chemical constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetic studies, pharmacological properties, adverse reactions and clinical applications. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117277. [PMID: 37802375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117277] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guizhi Fuling Formulation (GF), composed of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, Paeoniae Radix, Moutan Cortex, and Persicae Semen, was first recorded as a pill in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classical book Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). As a TCM prescription, it functions to improve blood circulation, reduce blood stasis and eliminate abdominal lumps. Originally used to treat the restlessness of pregnancy due to a mass, it is now also effective in treating gynecological illnesses and various tumors such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and others. With the expansion of clinical applications, GF was developed into different dosage forms, including Guizhi Fuling Pill (GFP), Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GFC), Guizhi Fuling Tablet (GFT), Guizhi Fuling Granule (GFG), and Guizhi Fuling Decoction (GFD). Different dosage forms of GF play an important role in clinical treatment. AIM OF THE REVIEW To systematically analyze and summarize the research findings concerning the chemical constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetic studies, pharmacological properties, adverse reactions, and clinical applications of GF, so as to point out the problems existing in the current research and provides opinions for future study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The relevant literatures were collected from classical TCM books and a variety of databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review. RESULTS There are some problems for GF: the quality control system is not perfect, the study of pharmacokinetics is not comprehensive, the explanation of pharmacological mechanism is insufficient, and the clinical safety has not been fully verified. A few of research directions for future research are proposed: (i) to establish the method of characteristic components combined with bioassay and multi-index content determination to improve the quality evaluation; (ii) to elucidate pharmacokinetic studies based on human pharmacokinetic characteristics and interaction with intestinal microbiota; (iii) to carry out pharmacological mechanism studies at whole, organ, cellular and molecular levels; (iv) to reconfirm safety of various dosage forms of GF based on large-scale clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS GF is extremely valuable in drug research and in clinical treatment especially for gynecological diseases. However, there are also some issues. Future efforts should focus on strengthening quality control, clarifying pharmacological and pharmacokinetic processes, and reconfirming clinical safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Liu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Lele Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Peng Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Zhaoshuang Zhan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
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Huang T, Wu Y, Huang L, Lin R, Li Z, Wang X, Wu P, Huang L. Mechanism of the Effect of Compound Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. Oral Liquid in Treating Alcoholic Rat Liver Injury by Metabolomics. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:3409-3428. [PMID: 38024538 PMCID: PMC10659148 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s427837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Compound Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl oral liquid (CAROL) is often as a hepatoprotective agent. The present study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of CAROL against alcoholic liver injury in rats by untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Methods An alcoholic liver disease model was established in sprague-dawley (SD) rats by gavage of alcohol, and CAROL treatment was administered. The hepatoprotective effect of CAROL was evaluated by examining liver tissues changes and detecting biochemical index activities and cytokines in serum and liver homogenates. The metabolites in serum samples were examined using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to screen for differentially expressed metabolites and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to assess potential metabolic pathways. Results CAROL has the potential to downregulate inflammation levels and alleviate oxidative stress. The differential metabolites are mainly engaged in riboflavin metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism to achieve hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion CAROL may exhibit beneficial hepatoprotective effects by reducing inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and modulating metabolites and their metabolic pathways.This study has important implications for advancing the clinical application of CAROL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxuan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youjia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingyi Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renyi Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyue Li
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pingping Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liying Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China
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Nam Y, Kim M, Erdenebileg S, Cha KH, Ryu DH, Kim HY, Lee SH, Jung JH, Nho CW. Sanguisorba officinalis L. Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Gut Microbiota in CDAHFD-Induced Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3779. [PMID: 37686810 PMCID: PMC10490207 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173779] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and encompasses non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO) roots have traditionally been used for their antioxidant properties and have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. However, its effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of a 95% ethanolic SO extract (SOEE) on NAFLD and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. The SOEE was orally administered to C57BL/6J mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The SOEE inhibited hepatic steatosis by modulating hepatic malondialdehyde levels and the expression of oxidative stress-associated genes, regulating fatty-acid-oxidation-related genes, and inhibiting the expression of genes that are responsible for fibrosis. The SOEE suppressed the deposition of extracellular matrix hydroxyproline and mRNA expression of fibrosis-associated genes. The SOEE decreased the expression of fibrosis-related genes in vitro by inhibiting SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the SOEE restored the gut microbial diversity and modulated specific bacterial genera associated with NAFLD and fibrosis. This study suggests that SOEE might be the potential candidate for inhibiting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, fatty acid oxidation, and gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseong Nam
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Myungsuk Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Saruul Erdenebileg
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Ryu
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ho Youn Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Su Hyeon Lee
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Je Hyeong Jung
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
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Guo M, Wang Z, Dai J, Fan H, Yuan N, Gao L, Peng H, Cheng X. Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via activating CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 112:154587. [PMID: 36805480 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154587] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis, a common pathological feature of chronic liver injuries, is a serious public health problem and lacks effective therapy. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a bioactive ingredient in the root of traditional Chinese medicine licorice, and exhibits remarkable anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions. PURPOSE Here we aimed to investigated whether GA provided a therapeutic efficacy in hepatic fibrosis and uncover its molecular mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We investigated the anti-fibrosis effects of GA using CCl4-induced mouse mode of liver fibrosis as well as TGF-β1-activated human LX-2 cells and primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signaling was examined with immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. We designed and studied the binding of GA to CUGBP1 using in silico docking, and validated by microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay. RESULTS GA obviously attenuated CCl4-induced liver histological damage, and reduced serum ALT and AST levels. Meanwhile, GA decreased liver fibrogenesis markers such as α-SMA, collagen α1, HA, COL-III, and LN in the hepatic tissues. Mechanistically, GA remarkably elevated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, Smad7, and decreased CUGBP1 in vivo and in vitro. Over-expression of CUGBP1 completely abolished the anti-fibrotic effect of GA and regulation on IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 pathway in LX-2 cells and primary HSCs, confirming CUGBP1 played a pivotal role in the protection by GA from liver fibrosis. Further molecular docking and MST assay indicated that GA had a good binding affinity with the CUGBP1 protein. The dissociation constant (Kd) of GA and CUGBP1 was 0.293 μM. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated for the first time that GA attenuated liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by promoting CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signalling pathways. GA may be a potential candidate compound for preventing or reliving liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongda Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Jinya Dai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Haizhen Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ningning Yuan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Liming Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiping Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolan Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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ZNF165 Is Involved in the Regulation of Immune Microenvironment and Promoting the Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by AhR/CYP1A1. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4446805. [PMID: 35692498 PMCID: PMC9177304 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4446805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The strong tumorigenic capacity and treatment resistance made hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a huge threat to public health. ZNF165, the kruppel family of zinc-finger-containing transcription factors, is expressed in HCC; however, its specific role in HCC and the molecular mechanism are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we observed that ZNF165 was overexpressed in liver cancer tissues and the immune microenvironment; higher ZNF165 expression was correlated with lower overall survival in liver cancer patients. The ZNF165 knockdown in Bel7402 cells revealed the impairment of the tryptophan/kynurenine/AhR/CYP1A1 axis. Moreover, the knockdown of CYP1A1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, and ZNF165 promoted the transcriptional activity of AhR by facilitating the nuclear translocation of CYP1A1. In conclusion, the present study argued that ZNF165 was highly expressed in liver tissues and the immune microenvironment. ZNF165 promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells by activating the tryptophan/kynurenine/AhR/CYP1A1 axis and promoting the expression of CYP1A1.
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