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Zhang J, Duan M, Wu S, Jiang S, Hu S, Chen W, Zhang J, Quan H, Yang W, Wang C. Comprehensive pharmacological and experimental study of Ginsenoside Re as a potential therapeutic agent for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116955. [PMID: 38906030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ginsenoside Re, a unique tetracyclic triterpenoid compound found in ginseng, has been suggested in previous reports to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating lipid imbalance. This study aims to elucidate the potential mechanisms of Ginsenoside Re in treating NAFLD through a combination of bioinformatics analysis and biological experiments. METHODS Network pharmacology methods were employed to systematically depict the effective components and mechanisms of Ginsenoside Re in improving NAFLD. Molecular docking was utilized to evaluate the binding affinity of Ginsenoside Re with NAFLD-related targets and identify potential targets. NAFLD-related target genes were obtained from the GEO database for gene enrichment analysis, revealing signaling pathways, biological processes, and gene differential expression. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to verify the mechanism of action of Ginsenoside Re in NAFLD. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Ginsenoside Re improves NAFLD by modulating targets such as AKT1 and TLR4, findings corroborated by molecular docking, GEO database analysis, and experimental validation. Further investigation found that Ginsenoside Re ameliorates lipid metabolism disorders and inflammatory responses induced by NAFLD by modulating the PI3K/AKT and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the pharmacological effects of Ginsenoside Re in treating NAFLD, implicating multiple components, targets, and pathways. This provides a solid foundation for considering Ginsenoside Re as an alternative therapy for NAFLD, with promising clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Zhang
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Mingfei Duan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shaohong Wu
- Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songhao Hu
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junchang Zhang
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Quan
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China.
| | - Wah Yang
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Cunchuan Wang
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Tie F, Ding J, Gao Y, Wang H. Chlorogenic Acid and its Isomers Attenuate NAFLD by Mitigating Lipid Accumulation in Oleic Acid-Induced HepG2 Cells and High-Fat Diet- Fed Zebrafish. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400564. [PMID: 38708558 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid (Chl), isochlorogenic acid A (Isochl A), and isochlorogenic acid B (Isochl B) are naturally occurring phenolic compounds, which have been shown to exert a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of these three phenolic compounds on oleic acid (OA)-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed zebrafish. Lipid accumulation and triacylglycerol levels increased in OA-induced cells, which was attenuated by Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased by Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B treatment. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B reduced the expression of lipogenesis-related protein, including fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gamma (PPARα) was increased by Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B treatment. In addition, our results indicated that Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B decreased lipid profiles and lipid accumulation in HFD-fed zebrafish. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B as effective agents for treating or/and ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Tie
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, 810008, P.R. China
| | - Jin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, 810008, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, 810008, P.R. China
| | - Honglun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, 810008, P.R. China
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Lv T, Lou Y, Yan Q, Nie L, Cheng Z, Zhou X. Phosphorylation: new star of pathogenesis and treatment in steatotic liver disease. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:50. [PMID: 38368351 PMCID: PMC10873984 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease poses a serious threat to human health and has emerged as one of the most significant burdens of chronic liver disease worldwide. Currently, the research mechanism is not clear, and there is no specific targeted drug for direct treatment. Phosphorylation is widely regarded as the most common type of protein modification, closely linked to steatotic liver disease in previous studies. However, there is no systematic review to clarify the relationship and investigate from the perspective of phosphorylation. Phosphorylation has been found to mainly regulate molecule stability, affect localization, transform molecular function, and cooperate with other protein modifications. Among them, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), serine/threonine kinase (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) are considered the core mechanisms in steatotic liver disease. As to treatment, lifestyle changes, prescription drugs, and herbal ingredients can alleviate symptoms by influencing phosphorylation. It demonstrates the significant role of phosphorylation as a mechanism occurrence and a therapeutic target in steatotic liver disease, which could be a new star for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansu Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Lou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianhua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijuan Nie
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe Cheng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiqiao Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Wang D, Zhang J, Dai H, Tong K, Chen M, Peng J, Huang W. Probable targets and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38038388 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2289045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), a key bioactive component of medicinal herbs, has shown beneficial effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and numerous other conditions. Nevertheless, the specific targets that are actively involved and the potential mechanisms underlying NAFLD treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of GRg1 in alleviating NAFLD using a combined approach of network pharmacology and molecular biology validation. The analysis yielded 294 targets for GRg1 and 1293 associated with NAFLD, resulting in 89 overlapping targets. Through protein-protein interactions (PPI) network topology analysis, 10 key targets were identified. Upon evaluating the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, GRg1 may exert therapeutic effects on NAFLD by negatively regulating the apoptotic process, insulin and endocrine resistance, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and the Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. The three differential gene targets for Akt1, EGFR, and IGF1 were identified through the compound-target network in conjunction with the aforementioned methods. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that AKT1 and EGFR had a strong binding affinity with GRg1. Overall, our findings point to a novel therapeutic strategy involving NAFLD, with further in vivo and in vitro studies promising to deepen our comprehension and validate its potential advantages.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haifeng Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kexin Tong
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingjing Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Peng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenxiang Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Afshari H, Noori S, Zarghi A. A novel combination of metformin and resveratrol alleviates hepatic steatosis by activating autophagy through the cAMP/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3135-3148. [PMID: 37209153 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02520-7] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder that is associated with the accumulation of triglycerides (TG) in hepatocytes. Resveratrol (RSV), as a natural product, and metformin have been reported to have potential lipid-lowering effects for the treatment of NAFLD via autophagy, but the combined effects of both have not yet been studied. The current study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy in the lipid-lowering effects of RSV, alone and in combination with metformin, on the hepatic steatosis model of HepG2 cells and elucidate the mechanism of action. Triglyceride measurement and real-time PCR showed that RSV-metformin reduced lipid accumulation and the expression of lipogenic genes in palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells. Additionally, the LDH release assay indicated that this combination protected HepG2 cells against PA-induced cell death through autophagy. The western blotting analysis revealed that RSV-metformin induced autophagy by reducing the expression of p62 and increasing LC3-I and LC3-II proteins. This combination also enhanced cAMP, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), and Beclin-1 levels in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibitor treatment inhibited autophagy induced by RSV-metformin, which indicated the autophagy induction is SIRT1-dependent. This study demonstrated for the first time that RSV-metformin reduced hepatic steatosis by triggering autophagy via the cAMP/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havva Afshari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofe Noori
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Zarghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wiriyakulsit N, Keawsomnuk P, Thongin S, Ketsawatsomkron P, Muta K. A model of hepatic steatosis with declined viability and function in a liver-organ-on-a-chip. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17019. [PMID: 37813918 PMCID: PMC10562420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) begins with benign steatosis caused by ectopic storage of triacylglycerols in the liver. Persistent steatosis, in combination with other genetic and environmental factors, leads to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by functional impairment, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, it remains unclear how persistent steatosis directly contributes to the progression of NAFLD, which may represent a therapeutic target. The organ-on-a-chip (OOC) has emerged as a new culture platform to recapitulate human pathological conditions under which drug candidates can be screened. Here, we developed a simple OOC steatosis model using the Mimetas OrganoPlate with a human liver cell line, HepG2. Treating the HepG2 OOCs with fatty acid overload induced steatosis within 24 h. Moreover, persistent steatosis for 6 days impaired OOC viability and hepatic function, as measured by a WST-8 assay and albumin production, respectively. Lastly, the HepG2 OOCs were exposed to drugs being tested in clinical trials for NAFLD/NASH during the 6-day period. Pioglitazone improved the OOC viability while elafibranor reduced the steatosis in association with reduced viability and albumin production. In conclusion, we show that the HepG2 steatosis OOC model is a useful tool on which the efficacy and toxicity of various therapeutic candidates can be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsupa Wiriyakulsit
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111 Bang Pla, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
| | - Ploychanok Keawsomnuk
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111 Bang Pla, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
| | - Saowarose Thongin
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111 Bang Pla, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
| | - Pimonrat Ketsawatsomkron
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111 Bang Pla, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
| | - Kenjiro Muta
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111 Bang Pla, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand.
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Zhang N, Liu T, Wang J, Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Dai J, Ma Z, Ma D. Si-Ni-San Reduces Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Rats with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease by AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:3047-3060. [PMID: 37808345 PMCID: PMC10559901 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s417378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic disease characterized by excessive lipid deposition in the liver without alcohol or other clear liver-damaging factors. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/silencing information regulator (SIRT)1 signaling pathway plays an important role in MAFLD development. Si-Ni-San (SNS), a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown reducing hepatic lipid deposition in MAFLD rats, however, the underlying mechanisms of SNS are barely understood. Purpose The aim of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of SNS in reducing hepatic lipid deposition in MAFLD rats by regulating AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathways. Methods The components of SNS were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis. MAFLD rats were induced by high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD), and treated by SNS. SNS-containing serum and Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) were used to treat palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells. To elucidate the potential mechanism, lipid synthesis-related proteins (SREBP-1c and FAS), fatty acid oxidation (PPARα and CPT-1), and AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway (p-AMPK and SIRT1) were assessed by Western blot. Results SNS improved serum lipid levels, liver function and reduced hepatic lipid deposition in MAFLD rats. SNS-containing serum reduced lipid deposition in PA-induced HepG2 cells. SNS could up-regulate protein expressions of PPARα, CPT-1, p-AMPK and SIRT1, and down-regulate protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS. Similar effects of SNS-containing serum were observed in PA-induced HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, Compound C weakened the therapeutic effects of SNS-containing serum on lipid deposition. Conclusion SNS could reduce hepatic lipid deposition by inhibiting lipid synthesis and promoting fatty acid oxidation, which might be related with activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the clinical use of SNS to treat MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianan Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Dai
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donglai Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China
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Yang W, Cheng S, Liu M, Li N, Wang J, Yao W, Chen F, Xie J, Gong P. Lipid-Lowering Effects of a Novel Polysaccharide Obtained from Fuzhuan Brick Tea In Vitro. Foods 2023; 12:3428. [PMID: 37761137 PMCID: PMC10527736 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid accumulation causes diseases such as obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism, thus impairing human health. Tea polysaccharide is one of the natural, active substances that can lower lipid levels. In this paper, an oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cell model was established. The lipid-lowering effects of a novel group of Fuzhuan brick tea polysaccharides (FTPs)-obtained from Fuzhuan brick tea-were examined in vitro. The monosaccharide composition of FTP3 was Glc, Gal, Ara, Man, Rha, GalAc, GlcAc, and Xyl with a molar ratio of 23.5:13.2:9.0:5.5:5.4:2.7:1.3:1.0, respectively. A molecular weight of 335.68 kDa was identified for FTP3. HepG2 cells treated with FTP3 achieved a prominent lipid-lowering effect compared with cells treated with oleic acid. Images of the Oil Red O staining treatment showed that FTP3-treated groups had significantly fewer red fat droplets. TC and TG levels were lower in FTP3-treated groups. FTP3 alleviated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, activated AMPK, and decreased the SREBP-1C and FAS protein expressions associated with fatty acid synthesis. FTP3 holds promising potential for its lipid-lowering effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Yang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Shirui Cheng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Meng Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Wenbo Yao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Fuxin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China;
| | - Jianwu Xie
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Pin Gong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (W.Y.); (S.C.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (J.W.); (W.Y.); (J.X.)
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China
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Yan BF, Pan LF, Quan YF, Sha Q, Zhang JZ, Zhang YF, Zhou LB, Qian XL, Gu XM, Li FT, Wang T, Liu J, Zheng X. Huangqin decoction alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by triggering Sirt1/NF-κB pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4744-4762. [PMID: 37664157 PMCID: PMC10473922 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i31.4744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by intrahepatic ectopic steatosis. As a consequence of increased consumption of high-calorie diet and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of NAFLD has surpassed that of viral hepatitis, making it the most common cause of chronic liver disease globally. Huangqin decoction (HQD), a Chinese medicinal formulation that has been used clinically for thousands of years, has beneficial outcomes in patients with liver diseases, including NAFLD. However, the role and mechanism of action of HQD in lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD remain poorly understood. AIM To evaluate the ameliorative effects of HQD in NAFLD, with a focus on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. METHODS High-fat diet-induced NAFLD rats and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated HepG2 cells were used to investigate the effects of HQD and identify its potential mechanism of action. Phytochemicals in HQD were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the key components. RESULTS Ten primary chemical components of HQD were identified by HPLC analysis. In vivo, HQD effectively prevented rats from gaining body and liver weight, improved the liver index, ameliorated hepatic histological aberrations, decreased transaminase and lipid profile disorders, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and insulin resistance. In vitro studies revealed that HQD effectively alleviated PA-induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. In-depth investigation revealed that HQD triggers Sirt1/NF-κB pathway-modulated lipogenesis and inflammation, contributing to its beneficial actions, which was further corroborated by the addition of the Sirt1 antagonist EX-527 that compromised the favorable effects of HQD. CONCLUSION In summary, our study confirmed that HQD mitigates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD by triggering the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Fei Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lan-Fen Pan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Fang Quan
- Department of Education and Science, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Kunshan 215400, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Sha
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Zheng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Feng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Bing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xi-Long Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng-Tao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
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10
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Fang X, Song J, Zhou K, Zi X, Sun B, Bao H, Li L. Molecular Mechanism Pathways of Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Molecules 2023; 28:5645. [PMID: 37570615 PMCID: PMC10419790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its incidence continues to increase each year. Yet, there is still no definitive drug that can stop its development. This review focuses mainly on lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal flora dysbiosis to understand NAFLD's pathogenesis. In this review, we used NCBI's PubMed database for retrieval, integrating in vivo and in vitro experiments to reveal the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on NAFLD. We also reviewed the mechanisms by which the results of these experiments suggest that these compounds can protect the liver from damage by modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, decreasing insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in the liver, and interacting with the intestinal microflora. The natural compounds discussed in these papers target a variety of pathways, such as the AMPK pathway and the TGF-β pathway, and have significant therapeutic effects. This review aims to provide new possible therapeutic lead compounds and references for the development of novel medications and the clinical treatment of NAFLD. It offers fresh perspectives on the development of natural compounds in preventing and treating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (X.F.)
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11
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Jin Y, Heo KS. Experimental model and novel therapeutic targets for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 27:299-310. [PMID: 37386828 PMCID: PMC10316197 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2023.27.4.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disorder characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. It is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. It is closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, the development of effective drugs is essential for NAFLD treatment. In this article, we discuss the experimental models and novel therapeutic targets for NAFLD. Additionally, we propose new strategies for the development of drugs for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Jin
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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12
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Ma H, Yu Y, Mo L, Chen Q, Dong H, Xu Y, Zhuan B. Exosomal miR-663b from "M1" macrophages promotes pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction through inhibiting the AMPK/Sirt1 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3549-3571. [PMID: 37142272 PMCID: PMC10449306 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204690] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory mediators from macrophages are proven to be involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Here, this study intends to explore the mechanism of "M1" macrophage-derived exosomal miR-663b in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) dysfunctions and pulmonary hypertension. METHODS Hypoxia-treated PASMCs were utilized for constructing an in-vitro pulmonary hypertension model. THP-1 cells were treated with PMA (320 nM) and LPS (10 μg/mL) + IFN-γ (20 ng/ml) for eliciting macrophage "M1" polarization. Exosomes derived from "M1" macrophages were isolated and added into PASMCs. The proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and migration of PASMCs were evaluated. RT-PCR or Western blot examined the levels of miR-663b and the AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. Dual luciferase activity assay and RNA pull-down assay were carried out for confirming the targeted association between miR-663b and AMPK. An in-vivo PH model was built. Macrophage-derived exosomes with miR-663b inhibition were used for treating the rats, and alterations of pulmonary histopathology were monitored. RESULTS miR-663b was obviously up-regulated in hypoxia-elicited PASMCs and M1 macrophages. miR-663b overexpression boosted hypoxia-induced proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and migration in PASMCs, whereas miR-663b low expression resulted in the opposite situation. AMPK was identified as a target of miR-663b, and miR-663b overexpression curbed the AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. AMPK activation ameliorated the damaging impact of miR-663b overexpression and "M1" macrophage exosomes on PASMCs. In vivo, "M1" macrophage exosomes with miR-663b low expression alleviated pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension rats. CONCLUSION Exosomal miR-663b from "M1" macrophage facilitates PASMC dysfunctions and PH development by dampening the AMPK/Sirt1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Ma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Third Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Lirong Mo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Third Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Third Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Hui Dong
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Yan Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
| | - Bing Zhuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Third Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia, China
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Natural Product Skatole Ameliorates Lipotoxicity-Induced Multiple Hepatic Damage under Hyperlipidemic Conditions in Hepatocytes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061490. [PMID: 36986221 PMCID: PMC10052055 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Skatole (3-methylindole, 3MI) is a natural-origin compound derived from plants, insects, and microbial metabolites in human intestines. Skatole has an anti-lipid peroxidation effect and is a biomarker for several diseases. However, its effect on hepatocyte lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity has not been elucidated. Hepatic lipotoxicity is induced by excess saturated free fatty acids in hyperlipidemia, which directly damages the hepatocytes. Lipotoxicity is involved in several metabolic diseases and hepatocytes, particularly affecting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. NAFLD is caused by the accumulation of fat by excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) in the blood and is accompanied by hepatic damage, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, abnormal glucose and insulin metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipoapoptosis with lipid accumulation. Hepatic lipotoxicity causes multiple hepatic damages in NAFLD and has a directly effect on the progression from NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study confirmed that the natural compound skatole improves various damages to hepatocytes caused by lipotoxicity in hyperlipidemic conditions. To induce lipotoxicity, we exposed HepG2, SNU-449, and Huh7 cells to palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, and confirmed the protective effect of skatole. Skatole inhibited fat accumulation in the hepatocytes, reduced ER and oxidative stress, and recovered insulin resistance and glucose uptake. Importantly, skatole reduced lipoapoptosis by regulating caspase activity. In conclusion, skatole ameliorated multiple types of hepatocyte damage induced by lipotoxicity in the presence of excess free fatty acids.
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Afshari H, Noori S, Zarghi A. Hepatic Steatosis Alleviated by a Novel Metformin and Quercetin Combination Activating Autophagy Through the cAMP/AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e136952. [PMID: 38116565 PMCID: PMC10728872 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-136952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence and prevalence are rapidly increasing globally. The combined effects of metformin and quercetin (Que) have yet to be investigated. However, both have demonstrated the potential to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels and treat NAFLD by promoting autophagy. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of action and assess the role of autophagy in the lipid-lowering effects of Que, both individually and in combination with metformin, in a HepG2 cell model of hepatic steatosis. Triglyceride levels and lipogenic gene expression were reduced in HepG2 cells exposed to palmitic acid (PA) when treated with Que-metformin, as evidenced by triglyceride measurements and real-time PCR. The LDH release assay also showed that this combination induced autophagy to protect HepG2 cells from PA-induced cell death. According to the Western blot analysis outcomes, Que-metformin increased LC3-I and LC3-II protein levels while decreasing p62 expression to induce autophagy. In HepG2 cells, the co-administration of Que-metformin elevated cAMP, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), and Beclin-1 levels. Additionally, the inhibition of SIRT1 reversed the autophagy induced by Que-metformin. The findings of this study demonstrated for the first time that Que-metformin reduced hepatosteatosis by stimulating autophagy through the cAMP/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and diminishing inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havva Afshari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofe Noori
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Zarghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Yang YH, Gu XP, Hu H, Hu B, Wan XL, Gu ZP, Zhong SJ. Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation via the YAP1/TAZ pathway in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:555. [PMID: 36539815 PMCID: PMC9768949 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain, which not only affects patients' life quality, but also places a great burden on the public health system. Recently, ginsenoside Rg1 has been found to act in IDD; however, the mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the function of ginsenoside Rg1 and its molecular mechanism in IDD. METHODS The rat model of IDD and nucleus pulposus (NP) experimental groups treated with ginsenoside Rg1 was constructed for investing the role of ginsenoside Rg1 in IDD rats. In the in vitro and in vivo study, the histological morphological changes, motor threshold (MT), inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, apoptosis and expression of the YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway-related proteins of the intervertebral discs (IVD) were measured by histological staining, mechanical and thermal stimulation, ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and western blot, respectively. RESULTS Ginsenoside Rg1 significantly increased the threshold for mechanical and thermal stimulation and alleviated histological changes in IDD rats. Ginsenoside Rg1 had a significant inhibitory effect on the secretion level of inflammatory factors, redox activity, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in IVD tissue and NP cells, and apoptosis in NP cells. Further investigation revealed that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly inhibited the expression of YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway-related proteins. Additionally, the above inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on IDD progression was concentration-dependent, that is, the highest concentration of ginsenoside Rg1 was most effective. CONCLUSION Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits IDD progression by suppressing the activation of YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway. This means that ginsenoside Rg1 has the potential to treat IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-hua Yang
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiao-peng Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Guhechuan Bone Injury Hospital, Zhoushan,, 316101 Zhejiang China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Guhechuan Bone Injury Hospital, Zhoushan,, 316101 Zhejiang China
| | - Bin Hu
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiang-lian Wan
- grid.460061.5The Nursing Department, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Zhi-ping Gu
- grid.460061.5The Third Department of Orthopedics, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, 332000 Jiangxi China
| | - Shao-jin Zhong
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Pharmaceutical Department, Orthopedics and Diabetes Hospital in Haikou, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Pharmaceutical Department, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208 Hainan China
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Hong Y, Lee M, Kim C, Kim GH. Dehydrocostus lactone ameliorates lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in palmitate-treated hepatocytes. J Anal Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s40543-022-00349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractFatty liver disease is caused by lipid accumulation in the liver, insulin resistance (IR), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Dehydrocostus lactone (DHE) has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer effects. However, its effects on hepatic steatosis and IR remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether DHE has antisteatotic effect on fatty liver in vitro. Hepatocytes HepG2 and SNU-449 cells were exposed to 0.25 mM palmitate (PA), and then antisteatotic effect was evaluated by treatment with 10 μM DHE. DHE treatment reduced lipid accumulation and lipogenesis factor protein levels, compared with PA-treated hepatocytes. DHE treatment also decreased gluconeogenesis marker expression and recovered IR in PA-treated hepatocytes, and promoted glucose uptake in PA-treated HepG2 cells. Additionally, the levels of ROS and ER stress factors in PA-treated HepG2 cells were reduced by DHE treatment, compared with PA-treated HepG2 cells. Overall, DHE decreased lipid accumulation and lipogenesis factors as well as recovered IR, gluconeogenesis, and glucose uptake by reducing ER stress and ROS levels in PA-treated hepatocytes. Thus, DHE is a potential antisteatotic agent.
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Liu T, Zhang N, Kong L, Chu S, Zhang T, Yan G, Ma D, Dai J, Ma Z. Paeoniflorin alleviates liver injury in hypercholesterolemic rats through the ROCK/AMPK pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:968717. [PMID: 36081948 PMCID: PMC9445162 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.968717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component in Paeonia lactiflora Pall, and it has multiple effects. However, the precise mechanism of PF in hypercholesterolemia is unclear. In this study, rats were either fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 4 weeks to establish the hypercholesterolemic model or administered normal saline or PF (20 mg/kg/day). PF significantly reduced liver weight and the liver index. PF reduced hepatic lipid deposition and inflammation, improved serum lipid metabolism, and significantly inhibited serum and hepatic oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. PF treatment caused a marked decrease in the phosphorylated myosin phosphatase target subunit (p-MYPT)-1, nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels, and an increase in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Thus, PF could alleviate liver injury in hypercholesterolemic rats, and the specific mechanism may be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and ROCK/AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lingya Kong
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Sijie Chu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Experimental Center, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Guangdi Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Donglai Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihong Ma, ; Donglai Ma, ; Jun Dai,
| | - Jun Dai
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihong Ma, ; Donglai Ma, ; Jun Dai,
| | - Zhihong Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihong Ma, ; Donglai Ma, ; Jun Dai,
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Inflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and Palmitic Acid Increases Cholesterol Accumulation via Enhancing Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Expression in HepG2 Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070813. [PMID: 35890112 PMCID: PMC9322353 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, multiple studies have shown that chronic inflammation disturbs cholesterol homeostasis and promotes its accumulation in the liver. The underlying molecular mechanism remains to be revealed. The relationship between the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inflammatory signaling pathway and cholesterol accumulation was investigated in HepG2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or palmitic acid (PA) for different lengths of time. In addition, the effects of pretreatment with 20μmol/L ST2825 (MyD88 inhibitor) were also studied in LPS- or PA-treated HepG2 cells and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-overexpressing HEK293T cells. The intracellular total and free cholesterol levels were measured using a commercial kit and filipin staining, respectively. The expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) and components in the TLR4 signaling pathway were determined using Western blotting. The treatments with LPS for 12 h and with PA for 24 h significantly increased the contents of intracellular total and free cholesterol, as well as the expression levels of SREBP-2 and components in the TLR4 signaling pathway. The inhibition of MyD88 by ST2825 significantly decreased the cholesterol content and the expression levels of SREBP-2 and components of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in HepG2 cells, as well as MyD88-overexpressing HEK293T cells. These results indicated that LPS and PA treatments increase SREBP-2-mediated cholesterol accumulation via the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells.
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Fucoxanthin Attenuates Free Fatty Acid-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Lipid Metabolism/Oxidative Stress/Inflammation via the AMPK/Nrf2/TLR4 Signaling Pathway. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20040225. [PMID: 35447899 PMCID: PMC9027317 DOI: 10.3390/md20040225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in brown algae, is reported to have several biological functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities, in mice. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of fucoxanthin in the mixture oleate/palmitate = 2/1(FFA)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model in this study. The results showed that the content of superoxide dismutase in the FFA group was 9.8 ± 1.0 U/mgprot, while that in the fucoxanthin high-dose (H-Fx) group (2 μg/mL) increased to 22.9 ± 0.6 U/mgprot. The content of interleukin-1β in the FFA group was 89.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL, while that in the H-Fx group was reduced to 53.8 ± 2.8 ng/mL. The above results indicate that fucoxanthin could alleviate the FFA-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory levels in the liver cells. Oil red-O staining revealed visible protrusions and a significant decrease in the number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of cells in the fucoxanthin group. These findings on the mechanisms of action suggest that fucoxanthin can repair FFA-induced NAFLD via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated (Nrf2) signaling pathway, as well as by downregulating the expression of the Toll-like receptor 4-mediated (TLR4) signaling pathway. Fucoxanthin exhibited alleviating effects in the FFA-induced NAFLD model and could be explored as a potential anti-NAFLD substance.
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Li G, Xie H, Cao X, Ma C, Li Y, Chen L. Ginsenoside Rg1 exerts anti‑apoptotic effects on non‑alcoholic fatty liver cells by downregulating the expression of SGPL1. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:178. [PMID: 35322862 PMCID: PMC8972265 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a high incidence, and can lead to liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma in severe cases. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no safe and effective treatment for the management of this disease. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is an active monomer derived from ginseng and notoginseng. In the present study, HHL‑5 hepatocytes were used to establish an in vitro cell model of NAFLD by medium‑ and long‑chain fat emulsion treatment, and the effects of Rg1 on adipose accumulation, apoptosis and the expression levels of apoptosis‑related proteins in HHL‑5 hepatocytes were examined. The results demonstrated that Rg1 inhibited the accumulation of fat in HHL‑5 cells, while inhibiting apoptosis, and Rg1 downregulated the expression levels of the pro‑apoptotic protein Bax and upregulated the expression levels of the anti‑apoptotic protein Bcl‑2, indicating that Rg1 could promote the stability or integrity of mitochondria and exert an anti‑apoptotic effect by regulating Bcl‑2 family proteins. In addition, Rg1 markedly downregulated the expression levels of sphingosine‑1‑phosphate lyase 1 (SGPL1), a key enzyme in the sphingosine signaling pathway, in HHL‑5 cells with steatosis, and increased the expression levels of the downstream pro‑survival signals phosphorylated (p‑)Akt and p‑Erk1/2. Furthermore, overexpression of SGPL1 abolished the anti‑apoptotic effect of Rg1 on SGPL1‑overexpressing HHL‑5 cells with steatosis, and downregulated the expression levels of pro‑survival proteins, such as Bcl‑2, p‑Akt and p‑Erk1/2, whereas the expression levels of pro‑apoptotic Bax were markedly increased. In conclusion, although there are some reports regarding the protective effect of Rg1 on fatty liver cells, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report that Rg1 may exert an anti‑apoptotic effect on fatty liver cells by regulating SGPL1 in the sphingosine signaling pathway. Rg1 is the main component of the prescription drug Xuesaitong in China; therefore, the findings of the present study may provide a theoretical molecular basis for the use of Rg1 or Xuesaitong in the treatment of patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiming Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650100, P.R. China
| | - Hongqing Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodie Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Chong Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650100, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650100, P.R. China
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Rebollo-Hernanz M, Aguilera Y, Martín-Cabrejas MA, Gonzalez de Mejia E. Activating Effects of the Bioactive Compounds From Coffee By-Products on FGF21 Signaling Modulate Hepatic Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Energy Metabolism in vitro. Front Nutr 2022; 9:866233. [PMID: 35392289 PMCID: PMC8981461 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.866233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coffee by-products contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have the capacity to modulate human metabolism. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the main bioactive compounds in coffee by-products and two aqueous extracts from the coffee husk and silverskin on the activation of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) signaling and the subsequent regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and lipid and glucose metabolism. HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid (PA) were used in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model. The bioactive compounds from coffee by-products (50 μmol L−1) and the aqueous extracts from the coffee silverskin and coffee husk (100 μg mL−1) increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the secretion of FGF21 (1.3 to 1.9-fold). Coffee by-products' bioactive compounds counteracted inflammation and PA-triggered lipotoxicity. Oxidative stress markers (ROS, mitochondrial superoxide, and NADPH oxidase) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were modulated through the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Mitochondrial bioenergetics were regulated by enhancing respiration and ATP production via PGC-1α, and the expression of oxidative phosphorylation complexes increased. Coffee by-products' bioactive compounds decreased lipid accumulation (23–41%) and fatty acid synthase activity (32–65%) and triggered carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 activity (1.3 to 1.7-fold) by activating AMPK and SREBP-1c pathways. The GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake were increased (58–111%), followed by a promoted glucokinase activity (55–122%), while glucose production and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity were reduced due to IRS-1/Akt1 regulation. The bioactive compounds from coffee by-products, primarily chlorogenic and protocatechuic acids, could regulate hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid and glucose metabolism by activating FGF21 and related signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz
- Department of Production and Characterization of Novel Foods, Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Yolanda Aguilera
- Department of Production and Characterization of Novel Foods, Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A. Martín-Cabrejas
- Department of Production and Characterization of Novel Foods, Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia
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SGLT-2 Inhibitors in NAFLD: Expanding Their Role beyond Diabetes and Cardioprotection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063107. [PMID: 35328527 PMCID: PMC8953901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an ‘umbrella’ term, comprising a spectrum ranging from benign, liver steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has evolved as a major health problem in recent years. Discovering ways to prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD has become a global focus. Lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment, even though various pharmaceutical interventions are currently under clinical trial. Among them, sodium-glucose co-transporter type-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are emerging as promising agents. Processes regulated by SGLT-2i, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis are all implicated in NAFLD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the NAFLD pathophysiology, and specifically focus on the potential impact of SGLT-2i in NAFLD development and progression, providing current evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies. Given this evidence, further mechanistic studies would advance our understanding of the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the potential beneficial actions of SGLT-2i in the context of NAFLD treatment.
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Lu Q, Li R, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Li J. Ingredients with anti-inflammatory effect from medicine food homology plants. Food Chem 2022; 368:130610. [PMID: 34419798 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation occurs when the immune system responses to external harmful stimuli and infection. Chronic inflammation induces various diseases. A variety of foods are prescribed in the traditional medicines of many countries all over the world, which gave birth to the concept of medicine food homology. Over the past few decades, a number of secondary metabolites from medicine food homology plants have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present review, the effects and mechanisms of the medicine food homology plants-derived active components on relieving inflammation and inflammation-mediated diseases were summarized and discussed. The information provided in this review is valuable to future studies on anti-inflammatory ingredients derived from medicine food homology plants as drugs or food supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Lu
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Rui Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yixi Yang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yujin Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
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Chen XQ, Peng B, Jiang HM, Zhang CX, Li HY, Li ZY. Effect of salvianolic acid B on NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyrolysis pathway in NASH cells. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:69-76. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have proved that salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has a therapeutic effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cell pyrolysis plays an important role in the onset of NAFLD and its progression to NASH. By studying the regulatory effect of Sal B on the main proteins related to cell pyrolysis in NASH, it was found that Sal B has the advantages of multiple approaches and multiple targets in the treatment of NAFLD.
AIM To establish a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cell model by treating HepG2 cells with palmitic acid (PA), and explore the effect of Sal B on cell pyrolysis and the pyrolysis-related GSDMD/NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway.
METHODS HepG2 cells in logarithmic growth phase were collected, and the optimal drug intervention concentration and intervention time for PA were assessed by MTT assay. The cells were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (PA), a treatment group (Sal B + PA), and a pyrolysis inhibitor group (VX-765 + PA). The cells of each group were stained with oil red O to observe the lipid accumulation in the cells under an inverted phase-contrast microscope. The cell supernatant was collected to measure the OD value with a microplate reader. The immunofluorescence probe DCFH-DA was used to determine the intracellular ROS content. The expression of interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in cell supernatant was determined by ELISA. The expression of NLRP3 and pyrolysis-related proteins caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS Compared with the control group, the model group had obvious accumulation of lipids and ROS, increased secretion of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 (P < 0.05), and increased protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N (P < 0.05). Sal B or VX-765 inhibitor treatment can reverse the accumulation of lipids and ROS caused by PA, decreased the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, and down-regulated the protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION PA can induce pyrolysis of liver cells. Sal B can reduce inflammation and alleviate the progression of NASH by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Chen
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong-Mei Jiang
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chang-Xu Zhang
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Li
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zi-Yin Li
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
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Rebollo-Hernanz M, Aguilera Y, Martin-Cabrejas MA, Gonzalez de Mejia E. Phytochemicals from the Cocoa Shell Modulate Mitochondrial Function, Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Hepatocytes via Activation of FGF21/ERK, AKT, and mTOR Pathways. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010136. [PMID: 35052640 PMCID: PMC8772970 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cocoa shell is a by-product that may be revalorized as a source of bioactive compounds to prevent chronic cardiometabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals from the cocoa shell as targeted compounds for activating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) signaling and regulating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related biomarkers linked to oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and metabolism in hepatocytes. HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid (PA, 500 µmol L−1) were used in an NAFLD cell model. Phytochemicals from the cocoa shell (50 µmol L−1) and an aqueous extract (CAE, 100 µg mL−1) enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation (1.7- to 3.3-fold) and FGF21 release (1.4- to 3.4-fold) via PPARα activation. Oxidative stress markers were reduced though Nrf-2 regulation. Mitochondrial function (mitochondrial respiration and ATP production) was protected by the PGC-1α pathway modulation. Cocoa shell phytochemicals reduced lipid accumulation (53–115%) and fatty acid synthase activity (59–93%) and prompted CPT-1 activity. Glucose uptake and glucokinase activity were enhanced, whereas glucose production and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity were diminished. The increase in the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, AKT, AMPKα, mTOR, and ERK1/2 conduced to the regulation of hepatic mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. For the first time, the cocoa shell phytochemicals are proved to modulate FGF21 signaling. Results demonstrate the in vitro preventive effect of the phytochemicals from the cocoa shell on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.-H.); (Y.A.); (M.A.M.-C.)
- Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yolanda Aguilera
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.-H.); (Y.A.); (M.A.M.-C.)
- Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A. Martin-Cabrejas
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.-H.); (Y.A.); (M.A.M.-C.)
- Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL (UAM-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-217-244-3196
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26
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Wang F, Park JS, Ma Y, Ma H, Lee YJ, Lee GR, Yoo HS, Hong JT, Roh YS. Ginseng Saponin Enriched in Rh1 and Rg2 Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Inhibiting Inflammasome Activation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030856. [PMID: 33807927 PMCID: PMC7999915 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming one of the most common chronic liver diseases in the world. One of the features of NAFLD is hepatic fat accumulation, which further causes hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Saponins, the major pharmacologically active ingredients isolated from Panax notoginseng, contain several ginsenosides, which have various pharmacological and therapeutic functions. However, the ginsenoside-specific molecular mechanism of saponins in NAFLD remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of ginseng saponin extract and its ginsenosides on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation and their underlying action mechanism in NAFLD. Mice were fed a fast food diet (FFD) for 16 weeks to induce NAFLD and then treated with saponin extract (50 or 150 mg/kg) for the remaining nine weeks to determine the effects of saponin on NAFLD. Saponin extract administration significantly alleviated FFD-induced hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Particularly, saponin extract, compared with conventional red ginseng, contained significantly increased amounts of ginsenosides (Rh1 (10.34-fold) and Rg2 (7.1-fold)). In vitro Rh1 and Rg2 treatments exerted an anti-steatotic effect in primary hepatocytes, an antifibrotic effect in hepatic stellate cells, and anti-inflammatory and pro-mitophagy effects in immortalized mouse Kupffer cells. Mechanistically, saponin extract alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation by promoting mitophagy. In conclusion, saponin extract inhibited inflammation-mediated pathological inflammasome activation in macrophages, thereby preventing NAFLD development. Thus, saponin extract administration may be an alternative method for NAFLD prevention.
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27
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Yang C, He X, Zhao J, Huang W. Hepatoprotection by Ginsenoside Rg1 in alcoholic liver disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 92:107327. [PMID: 33412392 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) has caused serious mortality to the world's population. Despite tremendous efforts to reduce disease burden, effective treatments for this disease are still lacking. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) has been reported to be hepatoprotective in several liver injury models. However, therapeutic potential of this drug in AH has not been tested. In this study, using a chronic ethanol-feeding model, we found that ethanol-fed mice presented clinical indicators of liver injury, such as elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (Tbil), as well as development of hepatic steatosis. Upon treatment with G-Rg1, animals showed marked decreases in serum biochemical parameters, as well as improvement in liver histology. Mechanistically, G-Rg1 blocked the induction of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), and prevented the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria damage, as well as hepatocellular apoptosis. As a result, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was inhibited, which subsequently suppressed the production of active caspase-1 and inflammatory cytokines. Our data has demonstrated a hepatoprotective role for G-Rg1 in AH, and identified potential drugable pathways to improve disease outcomes. These findings may have significant implications for developing novel therapies for inflammatory liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoqing He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Jinqiu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Wenxiang Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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28
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Lee JH, Oh JY, Kim SH, Oh IJ, Lee YH, Lee KW, Lee WH, Kim JH. Pharmaceutical Efficacy of Gypenoside LXXV on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101426. [PMID: 33050067 PMCID: PMC7599508 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ginsenosides have offered a wide array of beneficial roles in the pharmacological regulation of hepatic metabolic syndromes, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and obesity. Of the numerous ginsenosides, Rg3 has been widely investigated, but there have been few studies of gypenosides (Gyp). Particularly, no study on Gyp LXXV has been reported to date. Here, to firstly explore the pharmacological effects of Gyp LXXV against NASH and the related mechanism, methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH mice and hepatic cells (stellate cells, hepatic macrophages, and hepatocytes) were selected. Gyp LXXV exhibited markedly alleviated MCD diet-induced hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis by down-regulating hepatic fibrosis markers such as α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), collagen1, transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MCP-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, nuclear factor κB (NFκB), and GRP78. Remarkably, histopathological studies confirmed that 15 mg/kg of Gyp LXXV administration to MCD diet-induced mice led to effective prevention of liver injury, lipid accumulation, and activation of hepatic macrophages, indicating that Gyp LXXV might be a potential anti-NASH drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ha Lee
- MODNBIO Inc., digital road 34, Kolon Science Valley I, Guro-gu, Seoul 08378, Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.W.L.); (W.H.L.)
| | - Ji Young Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50–1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.O.); (S.H.K.); (I.J.O.); (Y.-h.L.)
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50–1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.O.); (S.H.K.); (I.J.O.); (Y.-h.L.)
| | - In Jeong Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50–1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.O.); (S.H.K.); (I.J.O.); (Y.-h.L.)
| | - Yong-ho Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50–1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.O.); (S.H.K.); (I.J.O.); (Y.-h.L.)
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- MODNBIO Inc., digital road 34, Kolon Science Valley I, Guro-gu, Seoul 08378, Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.W.L.); (W.H.L.)
| | - Woong Hee Lee
- MODNBIO Inc., digital road 34, Kolon Science Valley I, Guro-gu, Seoul 08378, Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.W.L.); (W.H.L.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Kim
- MODNBIO Inc., digital road 34, Kolon Science Valley I, Guro-gu, Seoul 08378, Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.W.L.); (W.H.L.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
- Correspondence:
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29
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Singh P, Garg R, Goand UK, Riyazuddin M, Reza MI, Syed AA, Gupta AP, Husain A, Gayen JR. Combination of Pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 with metformin inhibits Fetuin-A in type 2 diabetic mice. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05133. [PMID: 33033766 PMCID: PMC7533370 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the preceding study, we delineated that high-fat diet (HFD) consumption in mice increases the circulatory level of pancreastatin (PST), which additionally enhances the free fatty acid (FFA) concentration in circulation. Consequently, the aggravated FFA activates Fetuin-A, which facilitates hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance (IR), and culminates in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Metformin (Met) is a widely known first-line drug for the treatment of T2D. We previously unveiled PSTi8, an inhibitor of PST, comprising antidiabetic property. Hence, we hypothesized that combination therapy of Met and PSTi8, at reduced therapeutic doses, would mitigate HFD-induced IR by inhibiting hepatic Fetuin-A in mice model of T2D. C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD for 12 weeks, followed by treatment with Met, PSTi8, and its combination for 10 days. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. Circulatory levels of PST, Fetuin-A, and lipid markers were determined. Also, the mRNA and protein expression of Fetuin-A was assessed by qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Moreover, the energy expenditure was measured by comprehensive laboratory animal monitoring system (CLAMS). Combination therapy displayed improved PST, Fetuin-A, and lipid profile in plasma. We also found reduced hepatic Fetuin-A, which reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of IRS and increased phosphorylation of AKT. Consequently, ameliorated hepatic lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and inflammation. Also, combination treatment attenuated Fetuin-A expression, lipid accumulation, and glucose production in palmitate-induced HepG2 cells. Altogether current study promulgates the beneficial effect of combination therapy of Met and PSTi8 (comparable to alone higher therapeutic doses) to ameliorate Fetuin-A activation, hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and associated progressive pathophysiological alterations in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati Singh
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Richa Garg
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Umesh K. Goand
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mohammed Riyazuddin
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mohammad Irshad Reza
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Anees A. Syed
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Anand P. Gupta
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Athar Husain
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jiaur R. Gayen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Corresponding author.
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Gao Y, Zhang S, Li J, Zhao J, Xiao Q, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Huang W. Effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1-regulating hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acid. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2228-2240. [PMID: 32654591 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1793293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) is a bioactive phytochemical that has been found to be beneficial for the treatment of several diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But there is a lack of literature reporting the effect of G-Rg1 on lipid metabolism balance in NAFLD. We investigated the effect and mechanism of G-Rg1 on lipid metabolism in vitro. We found that G-Rg1 decreased the levels of TG, TC, and MDA, and increased activity of SOD. Results of RT-PCR and western blotting showed that supplementation with G-Rg1 downregulated the expression of PPAR γ, FABP1, FATP2/5, CD36, SREBP1 c, and FASN, while the expression of PPAR ɑ, CPT1, ACOX1, MTTP, and ApoB100 was upregulated, after induction by a free fatty acid. Taken together, we conclude that G-Rg1 inhibits lipid synthesis and lipid uptake, and enhances lipid oxidation and lipid export to reduce hepatic steatosis of HepG2 cells by regulating PPAR ɑ and PPAR γ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jinqiu Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yali Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Wenxiang Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing, China
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