Erchen Decoction Ameliorates Lipid Metabolism by the Regulation of the Protein CAV-1 and the Receptors VLDLR, LDLR, ABCA1, and SRB1 in a High-Fat Diet Rat Model

A Review of the Role of Caveolin-1 in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen (APAP) is commonly used as an antipyretic and analgesic agent. Excessive APAP can induce liver toxicity, known as APAP-induced liver injury (ALI). The metabolism and pathogenesis of APAP have been extensively studied in recent years, and many cellular processes such as autophagy, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver regeneration have been identified to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALI. Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) as a scaffold protein has also been shown to be involved in the development of various diseases, especially liver disease and tumorigenesis. The role of CAV-1 in the development of liver disease and the association between them remains a challenging and uncharted territory.

SUMMARY

In this review, we briefly explore the potential therapeutic effects of CAV-1 on ALI through autophagy, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Further research to better understand the mechanisms by which CAV-1 regulates liver injury will not only enhance our understanding of this important cellular process, but also help develop new therapies for human disease by targeting CAV-1 targets.

KEY MESSAGES

This review briefly summarizes the potential protective mechanisms of CAV-1 against liver injury caused by APAP.

Erchen decoction alleviates the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting lipid accumulation and iron overload through Caveolin-1 signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A combination of 6 different Chinese herbs known as Erchen decoction (ECD) has been traditionally used to treat digestive tract diseases and found to have a protective effect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite its efficacy in treating NAFLD, the precise molecular mechanism by which Erchen Decoction regulated iron ion metabolism to prevent disease progression remained poorly understood.

AIM OF STUDY

Our study attempted to confirm the specific mechanism of ECD in reducing lipid and iron in NAFLD from the perspective of regulating the expression of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1).

STUDY DESIGN

In our study, the protective effect of ECD was investigated in Palmitic Acid + Oleic Acid-induced hepatocyte NAFLD model and high-fat diet-induced mice NAFLD model. To investigate the impact of Erchen Decoction (ECD) on lipid metabolism and iron metabolism via mediating Cav-1 in vitro, Cav-1 knockdown cell lines were established using lentivirus-mediated transfection techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We constructed NAFLD model by feeding with high-fat diet for 12 weeks in vivo and Palmitic Acid + Oleic Acid treatment for 24 h in vitro. The regulation of Lipid and iron metabolism results by ECD were detected by serological diagnosis, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting. The binding ability of 6 small molecules of ECD to Cav-1 was analyzed by molecular docking.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that ECD alleviated the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting lipid accumulation, nitrogen oxygen stress, and iron accumulation in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, ECD inhibited lipid and iron accumulation in liver by up-regulating the expression of Cav-1, which indicated that Cav-1 was an important target for ECD to exert its curative effect.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study demonstrated that ECD alleviated the accumulation of lipid and iron in NAFLD through promoting the expression of Cav-1, and ECD might serve as a novel Cav-1 agonist to treat NAFLD.

Erchen Decoction alleviates obesity-related hepatic steatosis via modulating gut microbiota-drived butyric acid contents and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erchen decoction (ECD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula comprising six distinct herbs and has been documented to possess a protective effect against obesity. The study conducted previously demonstrated that ECD has the potential to effectively modulate the composition of gut microbiota and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in obese rat. However, the regulatory mechanism of ECD on gut microbiota and SCFAs and further improvement of obesity have not been thoroughly explained.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of ECD in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats with HFD-induced obesity were treated with ECD. Upon completion of the study, serum and liver samples were procured to conduct biochemical, pathological, and Western blotting analyses. The investigation of alterations in the gut microbiota subsequent to ECD treatment was conducted through the utilization of 16S rRNA sequencing. The metabolic alterations in the cecal contents were examined through the utilization of mass spectrometry-ultraperformance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

ECD treatment improved lipid metabolic disorders and reduced hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced obese rats. Obese rat treated with ECD showed a higher abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Butyricicoccus, and lower abundance of disease-related bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Sediminibacterium. Additionally, ECD caused an increase in total SCFAs levels; in particular, butyric acid was dramatically increased in the HFD group. Rats treated with ECD also exhibited significantly increased butyric acid concentrations in the serum and liver. The subsequent reduction in histone deacetylase 1 expression and increase in acetyl-histone 3-lysine 9 (H3K9ac) levels contributed to the promotion of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) in liver by ECD.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that ECD regulates the gut microbiota and promotes butyric acid production to ameliorate obesity-related hepatic steatosis. The mechanism might be related to the promotion of FAO via a butyric acid-mediated increase in H3K9ac levels in the liver.

A narrative review of the role of exosomes and caveolin-1 in liver diseases and cancer

Exosomes are nanoscale (40-100 nm) vesicles secreted by different types of cells and have attracted extensive interest in recent years because of their unique role in disease development. It can carry related goods, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, to mediate intercellular communication. This review summarizes exosome biogenesis, release, uptake, and their role in mediating the development of liver diseases and cancer, such as viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other tumors. Meanwhile, a fossa structural protein, caveolin-1(CAV-1), has also been proposed to be involved in the development of various diseases, especially liver diseases and tumors. In this review, we discuss the role of CAV-1 in liver diseases and different tumor stages (inhibition of early growth and promotion of late metastasis) and the underlying mechanisms by which CAV-1 regulates the process. In addition, CAV-1 has also been found to be a secreted protein that can be released directly through the exosome pathway or change the cargo composition of the exosomes, thus contributing to enhancing the metastasis and invasion of cancer cells during the late stage of tumor development. In conclusion, the role of CAV-1 and exosomes in disease development and the association between them remains to be one challenging uncharted area.

Regulation of Fatty Acid Metabolism and Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Progression by Erchen Decoction

Erchen decoction (ECD) is a traditional Chinese prescription widely used in the treatment of various diseases such as obesity, fatty liver, diabetes, and hypertension. In this study, we investigated the effect of ECD on fatty acid metabolism in a colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model fed a high-fat (HF) diet. The HF-CRC mouse model was established by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) combined with a high-fat diet. Mice were then gavaged with ECD. Change in the body weight was recorded every two weeks for 26 weeks. Changes in blood glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Colorectal tissues were collected to observe changes in colorectal length and tumorigenesis. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe changes in intestinal structure and inflammatory markers. Fatty acids and the expression of related genes in colorectal tissues were also studied. ECD gavage inhibited HF-induced weight gain. CRC induction and HF diet intake resulted in increased GLU, TC, TG, and CRP, where ECD gavage reduced these elevated indicators. ECD gavage also increased colorectal length and inhibited tumorigenesis. HE staining revealed that ECD gavage suppressed inflammatory infiltration of colorectal tissues. ECD gavage suppressed the fatty acid metabolism abnormalities caused by HF-CRC in colorectal tissues. Consistently, ECD gavage lowered ACSL4, ACSL1, CPT1A, and FASN levels in colorectal tissues. Conclusions. ECD inhibited HF-CRC progression through the regulation of fatty acid metabolism.

Erchen decoction to reduce oxidative stress in dyslipidemia phlegm-dampness retention syndrome mice: In vivo mechanism revealed by metabolomics (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry)

OBJECTIVE

Erchen decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, can reduce the level of oxidative stress for the treatment of dyslipidemia phlegm-dampness retention syndrome (DPDRS); however, studies have not elucidated the mechanism underlying its metabolic action. Here, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomic techniques were utilized to characterize the in vivo effects of Erchen decoction in achieving reduction of oxidative stress levels and understand the potential metabolic mechanisms of action.

METHODS

We constructed a DPDRS animal model using a multifactorial composite modeling approach, and Erchen decoction was administered by gavage. We employed LC-MS-based metabolomic techniques in combination with serum-associated factors, gene transcription, methylation detection, and hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

In this study, the constructed animal model of DPDRS had satisfactory quality. Erchen decoction treatment reduced the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, t total cholesterol and riglyceride; it improved the endothelial structure, increased levels of serum β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione concentrations, increased aortic phosphoserine aminotransferase and phosphoserine phosphatase gene expression levels, and decreased aortic phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase methylation level. A total of 64 differential metabolites were obtained using LC-MS assay, and 34 differential metabolic pathways were obtained after enrichment.

CONCLUSIONS

Erchen decoction treatment of DPDRS mice reversed lipid indexes, improved vascular endothelial structure, increased serum and aortic anti-oxidative stress factor concentration and expression levels, and decreased methylation levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress and protecting vascular endothelium. Tricarboxylic acid cycle and metabolic pathways of serum glutamine, serine, tryptophan, pyrimidine, and pyruvate were the most relevant metabolic pathways involved in reducing oxidative stress levels by Erchen decoction during DPDRS treatment; especially, mitochondrial redox homeostasis maintenance in endothelial cells may be crucial. In this work, the therapeutic potential of Erchen decoction for reducing the oxidative stress level in DPDRS was demonstrated; however, its in-depth mechanism is worth further exploration.

Investigating the effects and mechanisms of Erchen Decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer by network pharmacology and experimental validation

Objective: Erchen Decoction (ECD), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, exerts metabolism-regulatory, immunoregulation, and anti-tumor effects. However, the action and pharmacological mechanism of ECD remain largely unclear. In the present study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of ECD in the treatment of CRC using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and systematic experimental validation.

Methods: The active components of ECD were obtained from the TCMSP database and the potential targets of them were annotated by the STRING database. The CRC-related targets were identified from different databases (OMIM, DisGeNet, GeneCards, and DrugBank). The interactive targets of ECD and CRC were screened and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. Then, the hub interactive targets were calculated and visualized from the PPI network using the Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. In addition, the molecular docking was performed. Finally, systematic in vitro, in vivo and molecular biology experiments were performed to further explore the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of ECD in CRC.

Results: A total of 116 active components and 246 targets of ECD were predicted based on the component-target network analysis. 2406 CRC-related targets were obtained from different databases and 140 intersective targets were identified between ECD and CRC. 12 hub molecules (STAT3, JUN, MAPK3, TP53, MAPK1, RELA, FOS, ESR1, IL6, MAPK14, MYC, and CDKN1A) were finally screened from PPI network. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses demonstrated that the biological discrepancy was mainly focused on the tumorigenesis-, immune-, and mechanism-related pathways. Based on the experimental validation, ECD could suppress the proliferation of CRC cells by inhibiting cell cycle and promoting cell apoptosis. In addition, ECD could inhibit tumor growth in mice. Finally, the results of molecular biology experiments suggested ECD could regulate the transcriptional levels of several hub molecules during the development of CRC, including MAPKs, PPARs, TP53, and STATs.

Conclusion: This study revealed the potential pharmacodynamic material basis and underlying molecular mechanisms of ECD in the treatment of CRC, providing a novel insight for us to find more effective anti-CRC drugs.

Erchen Decoction Ameliorates the Metabolic Abnormalities of High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Objective

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates chemical energy to protect against obesity. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of Erchen decoction on the lipolysis and thermogenesis function of BAT in high-fat diet-fed rats.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, which were fed a control diet (C) or a high-fat diet (HF), and the latter was administered with high and low doses of Erchen decoction by gavage once a day, for 12 weeks. Body weight, the serum lipid profile, serum glucose, and insulin levels of the rats were evaluated. In addition, the phosphorylation and protein and mRNA expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator- (PGC-) 1α, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) in BAT were measured by immunoblotting and RT-PCR.

Results

Erchen decoction administration decreased body weight gain and ameliorated the abnormal lipid profile and insulin resistance index of the high-fat diet-fed rats. In addition, the expression of p-AMPK and ATGL in the BAT was significantly increased by Erchen decoction. Erchen decoction also increased the protein and mRNA expression of PGC-1α and UCP-1 in BAT.

Conclusion

Erchen decoction ameliorates the metabolic abnormalities of high-fat diet-fed rats, at least in part via activation of lipolysis and thermogenesis in BAT.

Effects of Erchen Decoction on Oxidative Stress-Related Cytochrome P450 Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid in Dyslipidemic Mice with Phlegm-Dampness Retention Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial on the Correspondence between Prescription and Syndrome

Phlegm-dampness retention (PDR) syndrome is one of the main syndromes of dyslipidemia. This study investigated the effects of Erchen decoction (ECD) on concentrations of two oxidative stress-related cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolites of arachidonic acid—14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET) and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE)—in mice with dyslipidemia and phlegm-dampness retention (PDR) syndrome (n = 5 C57BL/6J mice and n = 30 apolipoprotein E knockout mice). Murine models of the disease and syndrome were established using multifactor stimulation. Then, all mice were assigned to normal, model, low- (L-), medium- (M-), or high- (H-) dose ECD groups or to a control or an unmatched prescription-syndrome (unmatched P-S) group; five mice were included in each group. Dose formulations were administered by oral gavage for 30 days to animals in the corresponding groups. We detected and analyzed hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining characteristics of the mouse aorta and serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), 14,15-DHET, and 20-HETE concentrations in each group. TC and LDL-C concentrations significantly decreased in the M-ECD versus control group (P < 0.05); however, the TC and LDL-C concentrations were not significantly different in the unmatched P-S versus model group (P > 0.05). After treatment in the P-S correspondence groups (L-ECD, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups), the concentration of ONOO⁻ decreased to different degrees in each group. Among these groups, the concentration of ONOO⁻ significantly decreased in the L-ECD, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups versus the model group (P < 0.05). However, the concentration of ONOO⁻ was not significantly different in the unmatched P-S versus the model group (P > 0.05). From the perspective of aortic HE staining, the P-S group experienced an improved endothelium structure after treatment. 14,15-DHET concentrations significantly increased in the normal, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups versus the model group; in the H-ECD versus the L-ECD group; and in the H-ECD versus the control group (all P < 0.05) to various extents after different doses of the prescription. 20-HETE concentrations pronouncedly decreased in the M-ECD versus normal group; in the M- and H-ECD groups versus the model group; in the M-ECD versus the L-ECD group; in the M-ECD versus the control group; and in the M-ECD versus the unmatched P-S (P < 0.05). However, the concentrations of 14,15-DHET and 20-HETE in the model group were not significantly different from those of the unmatched P-S (P > 0.05). In this study, ECD reversed blood lipid indexes and ameliorated oxidative stress-related metabolites, elevating serum 14,15-DHET and lowering serum 20-HETE in mice with dyslipidemia and PDR syndrome via CYP450 pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. The efficacy of ECD relies on correspondence between the prescription and the syndrome. These findings scientifically validate the treatment according to traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation. ECD can strengthen the protective effect on the vascular endothelium by driving out pathogenic factors and strengthening healthy resistance. Its efficacy may be related to the adjustment of the polarization state of macrophages.

Network pharmacology-based investigation to explore the effect and mechanism of Erchen decoction against the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

This study aimed to uncover the potential mechanism of Erchen decoction (ECD) on the amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to determine the active components of ECD and its potential target in treating NAFLD. High fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice model was used. Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Oil Red O. Serum lipid profiles and hepatic inflammatory molecules in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) pathway were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intestinal barrier function, including intestinal epithelial tight junction (IETJ) proteins, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration and intestinal microbiota composition, was also assessed. Screening relevant databases revealed 123 active components and 158 potential target proteins in ECD, as well as 1,783 differential genes for NAFLD. Enrichment analyses predicted that the regulation of LPS, cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory pathways might be the underlying mechanisms of ECD in NAFLD treatment. ECD ameliorated the multi-profiles of NAFLD and reversed the high levels of inflammatory molecules such as, serum LPS, hepatic TLR-4, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β. Additionally, ECD upregulated the concentration levels of IETJ proteins and fecal SCFAs. 16s RNA sequencing indicated that ECD can improve the gut microbiota, such as Akkermansia, Clostridium XIVa, Coprococcus, and Ruminococcus. The current study demonstrated that ECD can reverse the HFD-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, thereby reducing the LPS translocation and alleviating the hepatic inflammation, and eventually exhibiting a protective effect against NAFLD.

Imperatae rhizoma-Hedyotis diffusa Willd. herbal pair alleviates nephrotic syndrome by integrating anti-inflammatory and hypolipidaemic effects

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common nephropathy with a complex and diverse aetiology. Both Imperatae rhizoma and Hedyotis diffusa Willd. are herbs that are widely used as medicine and functional food. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, they are used as an herbal pair (HP) to treat inflammation-related diseases in the clinic, especially disorders of the kidney.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and hypolipidaemic effects of HP in an NS rat model and provide scientific data for its clinical application.

METHODS

An NS model was established by two-dose injection of Sprague-Dawley rats with adriamycin. Seven groups, including the sham, model, HP treatment (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg/d), prednisone (positive control, 5 mg/kg/d), and atorvastatin (positive control, 4 mg/kg/d) groups, were tested. The biochemical indexes of renal function and inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA kits and/or qPCR assays, and the crucial protein involved in the signalling pathway were subsequently tested by qPCR and/or Western blotting. Based on specific compounds identified by LC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacological study was carried out.

RESULTS

The levels of BUN, Scr, Upro, UA, Alb, TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly elevated in model rats. HP treatment for four weeks improved the renal function and the dyslipidaemia by decreasing the levels of all parameters, except BUN and Scr. HP treatment (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg/d) upregulated the expression of PPARγ, CYP7b1, and LDLR in the liver, while it down-regulated PCSK9, showing a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism disorder. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the plasma and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and TGF-β1 in the kidney were decreased in HP groups, revealing its anti-inflammatory effect in NS rats. The HP exerted an alleviation effect on the inflammatory response through the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression of p50 and p65. There were 34 compounds identified or tentatively characterized in HP. In the network pharmacological study, PPARG(PPARγ), PCSK9, RELA(p65), and NF-κB1(p50) were the top 20 targets for HP, supporting the animal experimental results.

CONCLUSION

HP exhibited protective effects on NS rats. These effects might be closely related to the inhibition of NF-κB and PCSK9-LDLR and activation of the PPARγ-CYP7B1 signalling pathways.

The Effects of Erchen Decoction on Gut Microbiota and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by genetic and environmental factors that has become a serious global health problem. There is evidence that gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of obesity. Erchen Decoction (ECD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for clinical treatment and basic research of obesity and related metabolic diseases in recent years. It can significantly improve insulin resistance (IR) and lipid metabolism disorders. However, there is no microbiological study on its metabolic regulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of ECD on obesity, especially lipid metabolism and the composition and function of gut microbiota in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, and explored the correlation between the biomarkers of gut microbiota and metabolite and host phenotype. The results showed that ECD could reduce body weight, improve IR and lipid metabolism, and reduce the concentration of free fatty acids (FFA) released from white adipose tissue (WAT) due to excessive lipolysis by interfering with the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/protein kinase B (AKT)/protein kinase A (PKA)/hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase (HSL) signaling pathway in ZDF rats. Additionally, ECD gradually adjusted the overall structure of changed gut microbiota, reversed the relative abundance of six genera, and changed the function of gut microbiota by reducing the content of propionic acid, a metabolite of gut microbiota, in ZDF rats. A potentially close relationship between biomarkers, especially Prevotella, Blautia, and Holdemania, propionic acid and host phenotypes were demonstrated through correlation analysis. The results suggested that the beneficial effects of ECD on obesity, especially lipid metabolism disorders, are related to the regulation of gut microbiota in ZDF rats. This provides a basis for further research on the mechanism and clinical application of ECD to improve obesity via gut microbiota.

Effect of Huoxiang Zhengqi Pill on Early Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Recanalization Therapy and Predictive Effect of Essen Score

Early neurologic deterioration (END) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke is a serious clinical event, which is closely related to poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to identify presentation features that predict END and take relevant treatment measures, as they could help to prevent the deterioration of high-risk patients. The prospective intervention study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2019. We included consecutive patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 6 hours of onset. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to recanalization therapy plus Huoxiang Zhengqi Pill (HXZQ) (intervention group) or standard recanalization therapy alone (control group). The primary outcome was the development of END according to predefined criteria within the first 1 week of stroke onset. Poisson regression was used to identify predictors for END. Of the 155 patients enrolled in the study (age, 63 ± 11 years; 28.4% female), 20 (12.9%) developed END. Univariate analysis showed that the use of HXZQ and Essen stroke risk score (ESRS) (low risk group) were protective factors for END, while advanced age was a risk factor for END. However, in multivariate analysis, only ESRS (OR, 0.232; 95%CI, 0.058–0.928; P=0.039) and the use of HXZQ (OR, 0.297; 95%CI, 0.096–0.917; P=0.035) were statistically significant. ESRS can be used as the prediction factor of END. HXZQ has small side effects and wide indication. It could be used in the treatment of AIS.

Lipidomic analysis reveals therapeutic effects of Yijin-Tang on high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

In Traditional Korean and Chinese medicine, the herbal remedy Yijin (Erchen)-Tang (YJT) is widely used to treat obesity-related disorders, and its therapeutic potential has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, the systemic effect of YJT on obesity status and change of lipid metabolism by YJT still remains unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of the YJT on obesity by using lipidomics.

METHODS

To evaluate the effects of treatment with YJT on obesity, C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC, 40% fat and 1% cholesterol) diet for 8 weeks and treated them with YJT for an additional 6 weeks. We then performed untargeted lipidomic analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry mass spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis.

RESULTS

YJT ameliorated obesity induced systemic inflammation and improved insulin resistance. Additionally, YJT protected against HFHC-diet-induced hepatic inflammation. To explore specific changes in lipid metabolism associated with the therapeutic effects of YJT, we performed untargeted lipid profiling of the plasma. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots showed that YJT altered the lipid metabolic pattern of HFHC mice. In particular, ceramides and triglycerides with saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly changed by YJT, which were significantly associated with insulin resistance, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and adipocytokine signaling pathway in pathway enrichment analysis. Thus, we analyzed the changes in adipocytes and adipokine caused by YJT, and confirmed that YJT alleviated adipocytes inflammation and macrophage infiltration, and reversed HFHC-induced alterations in leptin and adiponectin levels in adipose tissue and plasma.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that YJT ameliorates obesity-induced systemic inflammation and insulin resistance by regulating lipid metabolism, and demonstrated that lipidomic profiling is a useful method to investigate the therapeutic effects of herbal decoctions in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine.