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Liu KX, Wang ZY, Ying YT, Wei RM, Dong DL, Sun ZJ. The antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide improves experimental liver fibrosis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116205. [PMID: 38615918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116205] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved antiprotozoal drug. Our previous studies find that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide affect AMPK, STAT3, and Smad2/3 signals which are involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of nitazoxanide on experimental liver fibrosis and elucidated the potential mechanisms. The in vivo experiment results showed that oral nitazoxanide (75, 100 mg·kg-1) significantly improved CCl4- and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Oral nitazoxanide activated the inhibited AMPK and inhibited the activated STAT3 in liver tissues from liver fibrosis mice. The in vitro experiment results showed that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signals in LX-2 cells (human hepatic stellate cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited cell proliferation and collagen I expression and secretion of LX-2 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)- and IL-6-induced increases of cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion, inhibited TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation in LX-2 cells. In mouse primary hepatic stellate cells, nitazoxanide and tizoxanide also activated AMPK, inhibited STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation, inhibited cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion. In conclusion, nitazoxanide inhibits liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms involve AMPK activation, and STAT3 and Smad2/3 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Yang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ting Ying
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Miao Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Wang FR, Peng ML, Zhu QF, Yu LL, Zhang LJ, Xu SY, Wang Q, Li J, He X, Liao SG, Ao JL, Xu GB. Withanolides from the active extract of Physalis angulate and their anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117830. [PMID: 38301983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117830] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Physalis angulata L., a traditional Chinese medicine called "Kuzhi" in China, was used traditionally to treat liver diseases (eg. icterus, hepatitis) as well as malaria, asthma, and rheumatism. AIM OF THE STUDY Our study aimed to investigate the withanolides with anti-hepatic fibrosis effect from P. angulate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Withanolides were obtained from the EtOH extract of P. angulate by bioassay-molecular networking analysis-guided isolation using column chromatography and normal/reversed-phase semipreparative HPLC. The structures of new withanolides were elucidated by combinations of spectroscopic techniques with NMR and ECD calculations. MTT cell viability assay, AO/EB staining method, cell wound healing assay, ELISA and Western blot experiments were employed to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and to uncover related mechanism. Molecular docking analysis and cellular thermal shift assay were used to evaluate and verify the interaction between the active withanolides and their potential targets. RESULTS Eight unreported withanolides, withagulides A-H (1-8), along with twenty-eight known ones were obtained from P. angulate. Withanolides 6, 9, 10, 24, 27, and 29-32 showed marked anti-hepatic fibrosis effect with COL1A1 expression inhibition above 50 %. Physalin F (9), the main component in the active fraction, significantly decreased the TGF β1-stimulated expressions of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells. Mechanism study revealed that physalin F exerted its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This study suggested that withanolides were an important class of natural products with marked anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. The main withanolide physalin F might be a promising candidate for hepatic fibrosis treatment. The work provided experimental foundation for the use of P. angulate to treat hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Mei-Lin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin-Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Ling-Ling Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Li-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Shi-Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shang-Gao Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jun-Li Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.
| | - Guo-Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Gui-an New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.
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Sun D, Du X, Cao X, Wu B, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu T, Xu L, Huang H. Neutrophil-Based Bionic Delivery System Breaks Through the Capillary Barrier of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2043-2057. [PMID: 38471114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00173] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The capillarization of hepatic sinusoids resulting from the activation of hepatic stellate cells poses a significant challenge, impeding the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the Disse space for liver fibrosis treatment. Therefore, overcoming these barriers and achieving efficient drug delivery to activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are pressing challenge. In this study, we developed a synergistic sequential drug delivery approach utilizing neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome@atorvastatin/amlisentan (NCM@AtAm) and vitamin A-neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome @albumin (VNCM@Bai) nanoparticles (NPs) to breach the capillary barrier for targeted HSC cell delivery. Initially, NCM@AtAm NPs were successfully directed to the site of hepatic fibrosis through neutrophil-mediated inflammatory targeting, resulting in the normalization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and restoration of fenestrations under the combined influence of At and Am. Elevated tissue levels of the p-Akt protein and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) indicated the normalization of LSECs following treatment with At and Am. Subsequently, VNCM@Bai NPs traversed the restored LSEC fenestrations to access the Disse space, facilitating the delivery of Bai into aHSCs under vitamin A guidance. Lastly, both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the efficacy of Bai in inhibiting HSC cell activation by modulating the PPAR γ/TGF-β1 and STAT1/Smad7 signaling pathways, thereby effectively treating liver fibrosis. Overall, our designed synergistic sequential delivery system effectively overcomes the barrier imposed by LSECs, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiao Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Medical Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030,China
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Lixing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Liu R, Li Y, Zheng Q, Ding M, Zhou H, Li X. Epigenetic modification in liver fibrosis: Promising therapeutic direction with significant challenges ahead. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1009-1029. [PMID: 38486982 PMCID: PMC10935124 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by scar tissue formation, can ultimately result in liver failure. It's a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, often associated with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, current treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of new therapies. As a reversible regulatory mechanism, epigenetic modification is implicated in many biological processes, including liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis could provide valuable insights into developing new treatments for chronic liver diseases, although the current evidence is still controversial. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the regulatory mechanisms and critical targets of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA modification, in liver fibrotic diseases. The potential cooperation of different epigenetic modifications in promoting fibrogenesis was also highlighted. Finally, available agonists or inhibitors regulating these epigenetic mechanisms and their potential application in preventing liver fibrosis were discussed. In summary, elucidating specific druggable epigenetic targets and developing more selective and specific candidate medicines may represent a promising approach with bright prospects for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Yajing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 22460, USA
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
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Novitasari A, Rohmawaty E, Rosdianto AM. Physalis angulata Linn. as a medicinal plant (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:47. [PMID: 38357237 PMCID: PMC10865294 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There are numerous medicinal benefits from herbal plants, with many herbal medicines being used as 'Jamu', 'standardized herbal medicines' and phytopharmaceuticals. Physalis angulata Linn. (P. angulata L.), a plant utilized for both medicinal and food consumption purposes in a number of tropical and subtropical nations, is widely studied for its beneficial properties. The present review summarized the scientific evidence which suggested that P. angulata L. possesses antibacterial, anticancer, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, the various pharmacological studies that have been conducted utilizing in vivo and in vitro models, as well as the identification of phytochemical components with therapeutic value are described. In addition, the present review explained the solvents and the toxicity tests that were used for the investigation of P. angulata L. The authors aspire that this literature review will provide an overview for researchers regarding the scientific progress of P. angulata L. over the past ten years and the potential areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariyani Novitasari
- Magister Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java 45363, Indonesia
| | - Enny Rohmawaty
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java 45363, Indonesia
| | - Aziiz M Rosdianto
- Veterinary Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java 45363, Indonesia
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Zuo W, Liu X, Chen J, Zuo W, Yin Y, Nie X, Tang P, Huang Y, Yu Q, Hu Q, Zhou J, Tan Y, Huang X, Ren Q. Single-cell sequencing provides insights into the landscape of ovary in PCOS and alterations induced by CUMS. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 325:E346-E362. [PMID: 37584608 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00165.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder related to psychological distress. However, the mechanism underlying increased prevalence of depression in PCOS remained unclear. This study aimed to explore the unique transcriptional landscape of ovary and offered a platform to explore the mechanism of PCOS, as well as the influences caused by depression. The PCOS rat model was established by letrozole whereas PCOS rat model with depression was established by letrozole combined with chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). Then single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was applied to analyze the transcriptional features of rat ovaries. Granulosa cells (GCs) and fibroblasts (Fibros) accounted for the top two clusters of total 12 cell types. There were nine clusters in GCs, related to inflammatory response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and steroidogenesis. The expression of differentially expressed genes (DEG) Hes1 was higher in PCOS and PCOS + CUMS groups, exhibiting enhanced expression by pseudotime and positively related to inflammation. Pseudotemporal analysis revealed that inflammation contributed to the different GCs distributions. Moreover, analysis of DEGs and gene ontology (GO) function enrichment revealed CUMS aggravated inflammation in PCOS GCs possibly via interferon signaling pathway. In theca cells (TCs), nine clusters were observed and some of them were relevant to inflammation, ER stress, and lipid metabolism. DEGs Ass1, Insl3, and Ifi27 were positively related to Cyp17a1, and Ces1d might contribute to the different trajectory of TCs. Subsequent scRNA-seq revealed a signature profile of endothelial cells (ECs) and Fibros, which suggest that inflammation-induced damage of ECs and Fibro, further exacerbated by CUMS. Finally, analysis of T cells and mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) revealed the existence of immune dysfunction, among which interferon signaling played a critical role. These findings provided more knowledge for a better understanding PCOS from the view of inflammation and identified new biomarkers and targets for the treatment of PCOS with psychological diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we mapped the landscape of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ovary with rat model induced by letrozole and provided a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of PCOS accompanied by chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) at single-cell transcriptomic level. These observations highlight the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of PCOS, which might also be the bridge between PCOS and psychological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Zuo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangfei Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhuai Chen
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenren Zuo
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyun Yin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Nie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peipei Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunke Huang
- Department of Gynaecology, Women's Hospital School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Science and Technology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoyun Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingling Ren
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Yang T, Wu E, Zhu X, Leng Y, Ye S, Dong R, Liu J, Zhong J, Zheng Y, Xu W, Luo J, Kong L, Zhang H. TKF, a mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis through inhibition of the YAP/Notch3 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154466. [PMID: 36182796 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154466] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a common scarring response and may ultimately lead to liver cancer, unfortunately, there is currently no effective antifibrotic drug approved for human use. Limonoids exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, the potential role of limonoids against fibrosis is largely unknown. PURPOSE This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of TKF (3-tigloyl-khasenegasin F), a natural mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Two well-established mouse models (CCl4 challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess anti-fibrotic effects of TKF in vivo. Human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. RESULT TKF administration significantly attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and suppressed fibrogenesis-associated gene expression including Col1a1, Acta2, and Timp1. In LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs, TKF dose-dependently suppressed HSC activation and the expression levels of fibrogenic markers. Mechanistic studies showed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 and YAP signalings in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, YAP inhibition or knockdown downregulated the Notch3 expression; however, Notch3 inhibition or knockdown did not affect the level of YAP in activated HSC. We revealed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 activation and downregulated hepatic fibrogenic gene expression via inhibiting YAP. CONCLUSION The therapeutic benefit of TKF against liver fibrosis results from inhibition of YAP and Notch3-Hes1 pathways, indicating that TKF may be a novel therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Enyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingrong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengtao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruirui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaman Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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10
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Zhang J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:766855. [PMID: 34805276 PMCID: PMC8602792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.766855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
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11
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Weiskirchen R. Physalin B attenuates liver fibrosis via suppressing LAP2α-HDAC1 mediated deacetylation of glioma-associated oncogene 1 and hepatic stellate cell activation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4045-4047. [PMID: 34409595 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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12
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The Cape Gooseberry Constituent Physalin B Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Attenuates Liver Fibrosis. LIVERS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/livers1020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Physalin B belongs to a family of Physalins that can be isolated from the genus Physalis (Solanaceae). In traditional Chinese Medicine, Physalis angulata L. is frequently used to treat a variety of illnesses such as dermatitis, trachitis, rheumatism, and hepatitis. Physalin B promotes cellular apoptosis and has antitumor, antimalarial, and antimycobacterial activities. Two recent studies evaluated the therapeutic activities of Physalin B in pre-clinical hepatic disease models. In this comment, a brief summary of the most important findings of these two studies is given and discussed.
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