The Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Alisol Acetates Based on HMG-CoA Reductase and Its Molecular Mechanism

Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Targets of Alisol Triterpenoids from Alismatis Rhizoma

More than 100 protostane triterpenoids have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma species, designated Alismatis rhizoma (AR), commonly used in Asian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and vascular diseases. The main products are the alisols, with the lead compounds alisol-A/-B and their acetate derivatives being the most abundant products in the plant and the best-known bioactive products. The pharmacological effects of Ali-A, Ali-A 24-acetate, Ali-B, Ali-B 23-acetate, and derivatives have been analyzed to provide an overview of the medicinal properties, signaling pathways, and molecular targets at the origin of those activities. Diverse protein targets have been proposed for these natural products, including the farnesoid X receptor, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and other enzymes (AMPK, HCE-2) and functional proteins (YAP, LXR) at the origin of the anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative activities. Activities were classified in two groups. The lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects benefit from robust in vitro and in vivo data (group 1). The anticancer effects of alisols have been largely reported, but, essentially, studies using tumor cell lines and solid in vivo data are lacking (group 2). The survey shed light on the pharmacological properties of alisol triterpenoids frequently found in traditional phytomedicines.

A Strategy for Screening the Lipid-Lowering Components in Alismatis Rhizoma Decoction Based on Spectrum-Effect Analysis

Alismatis Rhizoma decoction (ARD), comprised of Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. at a ratio of 5 : 2, is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with successful clinical hypolipidemic effect. This paper aimed to explore the major bioactive compounds and potential mechanism of ARD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia on the basis of spectrum-effect analysis and molecular docking. Nine ARD samples with varying ratios of the constituent herbs were prepared and analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to obtain the chemical spectra. Then, the lipid-lowering ability of the nine samples was tested in an oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation model in human hepatoma cells (HepG₂). Grey relational analysis and partial least squares regression analysis were then performed to determine the correlation between the chemical spectrums and lipid-lowering efficacies of ARD. The potential mechanisms of the effective compounds were investigated by docking with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein. The results indicated that alisol B 23-acetate, alisol C 23-acetate, and alisol B appeared to be the core effective components on hyperlipidemia in ARD. Molecular docking further demonstrated that all three compounds could bind to FXR and were potential FXR agonists for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This study elucidated the effective components and potential molecular mechanism of action of ARD for treating hyperlipidemia from a perspective of different compatibility, providing a new and feasible reference for the research of TCM formulas such as ARD.

Application of herbs and active ingredients ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem, and its prevalence has been on the rise in recent years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contains a wealth of therapeutic resources and has been in use for thousands of years regarding the prevention of liver disease and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD in China. but the molecular mechanisms behind it have not been elucidated. In this article, we have updated and summarized the research and evidence concerning herbs and their active ingredients for the treatment in vivo and vitro models of NAFLD or NASH, by searching PubMed, Web of Science and SciFinder databases. In particular, we have found that most of the herbs and active ingredients reported so far have the effect of clearing heat and dispelling dampness, which is consistent with the concept of dampness-heat syndrome, in TCM theory. we have attempted to establish the TCM theory and modern pharmacological mechanisms links between herbs and monomers according to their TCM efficacy, experiment models, targets of modulation and amelioration of NAFLD pathology. Thus, we provide ideas and perspectives for further exploration of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and herbal therapy, helping to further the scientific connotation of TCM theories and promote the modernization of TCM.

Changes in Triterpenes in Alismatis rhizoma after Processing Based on Targeted Metabolomics Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Alismatis rhizoma (AR) has been used as an herbal medicine in China for over a thousand years. Crude AR, salt-processed AR (SAR), and bran-processed AR (BAR) are recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the differences of chemical composition between crude AR and its processing products remain limited. In this study, triterpenes were identified from crude AR, SAR, and BAR by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Subsequently, the differences of triterpenes between the crude AR and processed ARs were compared via a targeted metabolomics approach. Finally, a total of 114 triterpenes were identified, of which 83, 100, and 103 triterpenes were found in crude AR, SAR, and BAR, respectively. After salt-processing, there were 17 triterpenes newly generated, 7 triterpenes with trends of increasing, and 37 triterpenes decreased. Meanwhile, 56 triterpenes including 21 newly generated and 35 with significant increases were observed in BAR. This study could be benefit to investigate the processing mechanism of AR, as well as support their clinical applications.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Action of Yinchen Wuling Powder for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia, Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Background

Yinchen Wuling powder is often used to treat clinical hyperlipidemia, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the active ingredients found in Yinchen Wuling powder and find its mechanism of action when treating hyperlipidemia, using a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation approaches.

Methods

The TCMSP database was used to obtain the principle active ingredients found in Yinchen Wuling powder and the NCBI and DisGeNet databases were used to obtain the main target genes involved in hyperlipidemia, and the intersectional targets were obtained by EXCEL. We also used Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to construct a “Traditional Chinese Medicine-Active Ingredient-Target” network and use STRING platform to conduct “protein-protein interactional” (PPI) analyses on the intersection targets. Bioconductor software and RX 64 4.0.0 software were then used to perform GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the targets. Molecular docking of core protein-ligand interactions was modeled using AutoDock Vina software. A simulation of molecular dynamics was conducted for the optimal core protein-ligand obtained by molecular docking using Amber18 software.

Results

A total of 63 active ingredients were found in Yinchen Wuling powder, corresponding to 175 targets, 508 hyperlipidemia targets, and 55 intersection targets in total. Cytoscape 3.7.2 showed that the key active ingredients were quercetin, isorhamnetin, taxifolin, demethoxycapillarisin, and artepillin A. The PPI network showed that the key proteins involved were AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, and PTGS2. GO enrichment analysis found that genes were enriched primarily in response to oxygen levels and nutrient levels of the vesicular lumen and were associated with membrane rafts. These were mainly enriched in AGE-RAGE (advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis, as well as other pathways. The molecular docking results indicated key binding activity between PTGS2-quercetin, PTGS2-isorhamnetin, and PTGS2-taxifolin. Results from molecular dynamics simulations showed that PTGS2-quercetin, PTGS2-isorhamnetin, and PTGS2-taxifolin bound more stably, and their binding free energies were PTGS2-quercetin -29.5 kcal/mol, PTGS2-isorhamnetin -32 kcal/mol, and PTGS2-taxifolin -32.9 kcal/mol.

Conclusion

This study is based on network pharmacology and reveals the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of hyperlipidemia by Yinchen Wuling powder.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and RT-qPCR Analysis to Investigate the Mechanisms Underlying ZeXie Decoction-Mediated Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

ZeXie Decoction (ZXD) is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep. and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. ZXD has been widely used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The mechanistic basis for the pharmacological activity of ZXD, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a network pharmacology approach and investigated the association between ZXD and NAFLD. We identified the active ingredients of ZXD and screened the potential targets of these ingredients, after which a database of relevant NAFLD-related targets were constructed and several enrichment analyses were performed. Furthermore, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of ZXD were prepared and experimental pharmacology validation was conducted using RT-qPCR of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. As a result, a herb-compound-target-pathway network model was developed, and HMGCR, SREBP-2, MAPK1, and NF-κBp65 targets were validated. The gene expression results of these four targets were consistent with those of the network pharmacology prediction. Using an integration strategy, we revealed that ZXD could treat NAFLD by targeting HMGCR, SREBP-2, MAPK1, and NF-κBp65.

Ameliorative Effect of Trigonella Foenum Graecum L. on Lipid Profile, Liver Histology and LDL-Receptor Gene Expression in High Cholesterol-Fed Hamsters

Background

Trigonella foenum graecum L. (Fenugreek, FG) is used in many countries as a medicinal plant. Evidence has suggested the hypolipidemic effect of Fenugreek; however, its actual mechanism has not been determined yet.

Objectives

The purpose of our research was to investigate the effect of Fenugreek on lipid profile, liver histology and LDL receptor gene expression in male hamsters fed with high cholesterol diet.

Methods

These animals were given normal diet (ND), high cholesterol diet (HCD: 2% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid added to ND), HCD supplemented with 2g and 8g fenugreek per 100g ND (HCD+FG2 and HCD+FG8) respectively for four weeks. At the end of treatment, serum lipids, lipoproteins and liver enzymes were measured. Finally, LDL receptor (LDLR) gene expression was determined in the liver of the studied animals using Real Time-PCR method and liver histological changes were evaluated by H&E staining method.

Results

A significant reduction was observed in serum triglyceride (p<0.01), total cholesterol, low and very low density cholesterol, aspartate and alanine transaminases in HCD+FG8 group (p<0.05) compared with HCD group, while serum level of HDL-c (p<0.01) increased. In addition, LDLR gene expression in HCD+FG8 group increased 7.8 folds. The results confirm the protection effect of liver tissue in HCD+FG8 group against pathological changes. There was no significant change in LDLR gene expression in HCD+FG2 group. In conclusion, fenugreek ameliorated dyslipidemia by up-regulation of LDLR gene expression and can be used as a protective agent against hypercholesterolemia.

Alisol B 23-acetate, a new promoter for cholesterol efflux from dendritic cells, alleviates dyslipidemia and inflammation in advanced atherosclerotic mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation. In the high-fat environment, the lipid metabolism of dendritic cells (DCs) is abnormal, which leads to abnormal immune function, promotes the occurrence of immune inflammatory reactions, and promotes the development of AS. Alisol B 23-acetate (23B) is a triterpenoid in the rhizomes of Alisma, which is a traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we identified cholesterol metabolism-related targets of 23B through a virtual screen, and further transcriptome analysis revealed that 23B can change antigen presentation and cholesterol metabolism pathways in cholesterol-loaded DCs. In vitro experiments confirmed that 23B promoted cholesterol efflux from ApoE^-/- DCs, reduced the expression of MHC II, CD80, and CD86, and inhibited the activation of CD4⁺ T cells and the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ. In advanced AS mice, 23B can decrease triacylglycerol (TG) levels and increase high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in plasma and the expression of cholesterol efflux genes in the aorta. Neither helper T cells 1 (Th1) nor regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood changed significantly in the presence of 23B, but 23B reduced the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in serum. However, 23B did not change the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in serum or lipid accumulation in the aorta. Moreover, 23B did not increase the production of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in vivo or in vitro. These results indicate that 23B promotes cholesterol efflux from DCs, which can improve the immune inflammatory response and contribute to controlling the inflammatory status of AS.

Alisol A 24-acetate stimulates lipolysis in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes

BACKGROUND

Alisol A 24-acetate (AA-24-a), one of the main active triterpenes isolated from the well-known medicinal plant Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz., exhibits multiple biological activities including hypolipidemic activity. However, its effect on lipid metabolism in adipocytes remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the effect of AA-24-a on adipocyte lipolysis and to determine its potential mechanism of action using 3 T3-L1 cells.

METHODS

We assayed the release of glycerol into culture medium of 3 T3-L1 cells under treatment with AA-24-a. Protein and mRNA expression and phosphorylation levels of the main lipases and kinases involved in lipolysis regulation were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Specific inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA; H89) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK; PD98059), which are key enzymes in relevant signaling pathways, were used to examine their roles in AA-24-a-stimulated lipolysis.

RESULTS

AA-24-a significantly stimulated neutral lipolysis in fully differentiated adipocytes. To determine the underlying mechanism, we assessed the changes in mRNA and protein levels of key lipolysis-related genes in the presence or absence of H89 and PD98059. Both inhibitors reduced AA-24-a-induced lipolysis. Moreover, pretreatment with H89 attenuated AA-24-a-induced phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase at Ser660, while pretreatment with PD98059 attenuated AA-24-a-induced downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and perilipin A.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that AA-24-a promoted neutral lipolysis in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes by activating PKA-mediated phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase and ERK- mediated downregulation of expression of perilipin A.

Comprehensive metabolic profiling of Alismatis Rhizoma triterpenes in rats based on characteristic ions and a triterpene database

Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) is widely used in Chinese medicine, and its major bioactive components, triterpenes, reportedly possess various pharmacological activities. Therefore, it is very important to study the metabolism of triterpenes in vivo. However, the metabolism of AR triterpene extract has not been comprehensively elucidated due to its complex chemical components and metabolic pathways. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method, which was based on the characteristic ions from an established database of known triterpenes, was used to analyze the major metabolites in rats following the oral administration of Alismatis Rhizoma extracts (ARE). As a result, a total of 233 constituents, with 85 prototype compounds and 148 metabolites, were identified for the first time. Hydrogenation, oxidation, sulfate and glucuronidation conjugation were the major metabolic pathways for triterpenes in AR. In addition, the mutual in vivo transformation of known ARE triterpenes was discovered and confirmed for the first time. Those results provide comprehensive insights into the metabolism of AR in vivo, which will be useful for future studies on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, this established strategy may be useful in metabolic studies of similar compounds.

Alisma genus: Phytochemical constituents, biosynthesis, and biological activities

The genus Alisma contains 11 species distributed worldwide, of which at least two species (A. orientale [Sam.] Juzep. and A. plantago-aquatica Linn.) have been used as common herbal medicines. Secondary metabolites obtained from the genus Alisma are considered to be the material basis for the various biological functions and medicinal applications. In this review, we mainly focused on the recent investigations of secondary metabolites from plants of the genus Alisma and their biological activities, with the highlighting on the diversity of the chemical structures, the biosynthesis of interesting secondary metabolites, the biological activities, and the relationships between structures and bioactivities.

Activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) is required for Alisol B23-acetate to prevent post-menopausal atherosclerosis and reduced lipid accumulation

The risk of atherosclerosis (AS) ascends among post-menopausal women, while current hormone replacement therapy exerts several adverse effects. Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from the rhizome of Alisma orientale, was reported to show multiple physiological activities, including regulating lipid metabolism. According to molecular docking analysis, it was predicted to bind with estrogen receptor α (ERα). In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of AB23A on preventing post-menopausal AS and explore whether the mechanism was mediated by ERα. In vitro, free fatty acid (FFA) was applied to induce the abnormal lipid metabolism of L02 cells. In vivo, the ApoE^-/- mice were ovariectomized to mimic the cessation of estrogen. The high-fat diet was also given to induce post-menopausal AS. We demonstrated AB23A attenuated the accumulation of total cholesterol and triglyceride induced by free fatty acids in hepatocytes. In high-fat diet-ovariectomy-treated ApoE^-/- mice, AB23A eliminated lipids in blood and liver. AB23A not only reduced the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) through sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) but also suppressed the secretion of PCSK9 through silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). Notably, AB23A promoted the expression of ERα in vivo and in vitro. The both ERα inhibitor and ERα siRNA were also applied in confirming whether the hepatic protective effect of AB23A was mediated by ERα. We found that AB23A significantly promoted the expression of ERα. AB23A could inhibit the synthesis and secretion of PCSK9 through ERα, lower the accumulation of triglyceride and cholesterol, and prevent post-menopausal AS.

Triterpenoids From Alisma Species: Phytochemistry, Structure Modification, and Bioactivities

Plants from Alisma species belong to the genus of Alisma Linn. in Alismataceae family. The tubers of A. orientale (Sam.) Juzep, also known as Ze Xie in Chinese and Takusha in Japanese, have been used in traditional medicine for a long history. Triterpenoids are the main secondary metabolites isolated from Alisma species, and reported with various bioactive properties, including anticancer, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and diuretic activities. In this brief review, we aimed to summarize the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of triterpenoids found in Alisma, and discuss their structure modification to enhance cytotoxicity as well.

Alisol A-24-acetate promotes glucose uptake via activation of AMPK in C2C12 myotubes

BACKGROUND

Alisol A-24-acetate (AA-24-a) is one of the main active triterpenes isolated from the well-known medicinal plant Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz., which possesses multiple biological activities, including a hypoglycemic effect. Whether AA-24-a is a hypoglycemic-active compound of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. is unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the effect and potential mechanism of action of AA-24-a on glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes.

METHOD

Effects of AA-24-a on glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane were evaluated. Glucose uptake was determined using a 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) uptake assay. Cell membrane proteins were isolated and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein was detected by western blotting to examine the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. To determine the underlying mechanism, the phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in the insulin and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways were examined using western blotting. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of key enzymes in AMPK signaling pathway were used to examine the role of these kinases in the AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation.

RESULTS

We found that AA-24-a significantly promoted glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 myotubes. AA-24-a increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, but had no effect on the insulin-dependent pathway involving insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). In addition, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the AKT substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), two proteins that act downstream of AMPK, was upregulated. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, blocked AA-24-a-induced AMPK pathway activation and reversed AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane, indicating that AA-24-a promotes glucose metabolism via the AMPK pathway in vitro. STO-609, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) inhibitor, also attenuated AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. Moreover, STO-609 weakened AA-24-a-induced phosphorylation of AMPK, p38 MAPK and AS160.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that AA-24-a isolated from A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. significantly enhances glucose uptake via the CaMKKβ-AMPK-p38 MAPK/AS160 pathway.

Alisol A attenuates high-fat-diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders via the AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c pathway

Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hepatic steatosis and chronic heart diseases are affecting billions of individuals. However there is no satisfactory drug to treat such diseases. In this study, we found that alisol A, a major active triterpene isolated from the Chinese traditional medicine Rhizoma Alismatis, could significantly attenuate high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Our biochemical detection demonstrated that alisol A remarkably decreased lipid levels, alleviated glucose metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. We also found that alisol A reduced hepatic steatosis and improved liver function in the obese mice model.In addition, protein expression investigation revealed that alisol A had an active effect on AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c pathway. As suggested by the molecular docking study, such bioactivity of alisol A may result from its selective binding to the catalytic region of AMPK.Therefore, we believe that Alisol A could serve as a promising agent for treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases.

Pharmacological Activities of Alisma orientale against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome: Literature Review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rapidly emerging hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. However, its unrevealed mechanism and complicated comorbidities have led to no specific medication, except for weight loss and lifestyle modification. Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep (A. orientale, Alismataceae) has been increasingly reported on therapeutic effects of A. orientale against NAFLD and metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to review the preclinical efficacy of A. orientale and its chemical constituents including Alisol A 24-acetate, Alisol B 23-acetate, Alisol F, and Alismol against NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. A. orientale prevented hepatic triglyceride accumulation through suppressing de novo lipogenesis and increasing lipid export. In addition, it controlled oxidative stress markers, lipoapoptosis, liver injury panels, and inflammatory and fibrotic mediators, eventually influencing steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Moreover, it exhibited pharmacological activities against hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hyperglycemia as well as appetite. These biological actions of A. orientale might contribute to adiponectin activation or a role as a farnesoid X receptor agonist. In particular, Alisol A 24-acetate and Alisol B 23-acetate could be expected as main compounds. Taken together, A. orientale might be an effective candidate agent for the treatment of NAFLD and its comorbidities, although further assessment of its standardization, safety test, and clinical trials is consistently required.

Alisol B 23-acetate-induced HepG2 hepatoma cell death through mTOR signaling-initiated G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis: A quantitative proteomic study

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular events in alisol B 23-acetate (ABA) cytotoxic activity against a liver cancer cell line.

Methods

First, we employed a quantitative proteomics approach based on stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to identify the different proteins expressed in HepG2 liver cancer cells upon exposure to ABA. Next, bioinformatics analyses through DAVID and STRING on-line tools were used to predict the pathways involved. Finally, we applied functional validation including cell cycle analysis and Western blotting for apoptosis and mTOR pathway-related proteins to confirm the bioinformatics predictions.

Results

We identified 330 different proteins with the SILAC-based quantitative proteomics approach. The bioinformatics analysis and the functional validation revealed that the mTOR pathway, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis pathways were differentially regulated by ABA. G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and mTOR inhibition were confirmed.

Conclusions

ABA, a potential mTOR inhibitor, induces the disruption of ribosomal biogenesis. It also affects the mTOR-MRP axis to cause G1 cell cycle arrest and finally leads to cancer cell apoptosis.

Effects of sanshoamides and capsaicinoids on plasma and liver lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sanshoamides and capsaiciniods on plasma and liver lipid levels and the mRNA expression levels of key receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. A total of 56 three-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 7 treatment groups based on initial body weight (n = 8 rats per group). With certain combinations of sanshoamides and capsaicinoids significantly increased food intake, reduced lipid levels in blood and liver, improved histological characteristics of a fatty liver, down regulated mRNA expression levels of cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutary CoA (HMG-CoA) and Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) in liver and apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, Ileal Bile Acid Binding Protein and FXR in the ileum in hyperlipidemic rats. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with sanshoamides and capsaicinoids reduced blood lipid levels and improved cholesterol metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.

An Integrated Lipidomics and Phenotype Study Reveals Protective Effect and Biochemical Mechanism of Traditionally Used Alisma orientale Juzepzuk in Chronic Kidney Disease

Alisma orientale Juzepzuk (AO) is widely used for various diuretic and nephropathic treatments in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). In a clinical setting, AO is used as both a lipid-lowering and tubular interstitial fibrosis agent. However, the mechanisms of AO for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis and abnormal lipid metabolism are not well-understood. In this study, pharmacological and UPLC-HDMS-based lipidomic approaches were employed to investigate the lipid-lowering and tubular interstitial fibrosis effect of AO on rats with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Rats with CKD showed increased serum levels of creatinine and urea, tubular damage, and tubular interstitial fibrosis. Moreover, multiple lipid species were identified in CKD rats. Among these lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, 8,9-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid levels were significantly decreased in CKD rats compared to control rats. In CKD rats, up-regulation of the NF-κB pathway may impair polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, causing renal fibrosis. In addition, CKD rats showed significantly decreased diglyceride levels and increased triglyceride levels compared to the control group. Pathway over-representation analysis demonstrated that 30 metabolic pathways were associated with lipid species. AO treatment suppressed up-regulation of inflammation, and partly restored the deregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and glycerolipids metabolism. Our results indicated that AO treatment attenuated renal fibrosis by down-regulating inflammation, and mitigating lipid metabolism in CKD rats. In conclusion, this study has identified the therapeutic lipid-lowering and anti-fibrosis effects of AO on CKD.