Efficiency of Sophora flavescens-Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Drug Pairs in the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis Based on the Response Surface Method

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo formula promotes autophagy and alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by controlling the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo (FZTL) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription which is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We previously reported that the FZTL formula could improve IPF injury in rats; however, the mechanism remains unelucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the FZTL formula on IPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model and transforming growth factor-β-induced lung fibroblast model were used. Histological changes and fibrosis formation were detected in the rat model after treatment with the FZTL formula. Furthermore, the effects of the FZTL formula on autophagy and lung fibroblast activation were determined. Moreover, the mechanism of FZTL was explored using transcriptomics analysis.

RESULTS

We observed that FZTL alleviated IPF injury in rats and inhibited inflammatory responses and fibrosis formation in rats. Moreover, it promoted autophagy and inhibited lung fibroblast activation in vitro. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that FZTL regulates the Janus kinase 2 (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT) signaling pathway. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling activator interleukin 6 inhibited the anti-fibroblast activation effect of the FZTL formula. Combined treatment with the JAK2 inhibitor (AZD1480) and autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) did not enhance the antifibrotic effect of FZTL.

CONCLUSIONS

The FZTL formula can inhibit IPF injury and lung fibroblast activation. Its effects are mediated via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The FZTL formula may be a potential complementary therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Oxymatrine Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Renal Injury in Rats

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat Gram-negative bacterial infections that possesses considerable nephrotoxicity. Oxymatrine is a phytochemical with the ability to counter gentamicin toxicity. We investigated the effects and protective mechanism of oxymatrine in rats. The experimental groups were as follows: Control, Oxymatrine only group (100 mg/kg/d), Gentamicin only group (100 mg/kg/d), Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/d) plus Oxymatrine (100 mg/kg/d) group (n = 10). All rats were treated for seven continuous days. The results indicated that oxymatrine alleviated gentamicin-induced kidney injury, and decreased rats’ kidney indices and NAG (N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase), BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and CRE (creatine) serum levels. The oxymatrine-treated group sustained less histological damage. Oxymatrine also relived gentamicin-induced oxidative and nitrative stress, indicated by the increased SOD (superoxidase dismutase), GSH (glutathione) and CAT (catalase) activities and decreased MDA (malondialdehyde), iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and NO (nitric oxide) levels. Caspase-9 and -3 activities were also decreased in the oxymatrine-treated group. Oxymatrine exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect on gentamicin-induced kidney injury, down-regulated the Bcl-2ax and NF-κB mRNAs, and upregulated Bcl-2, HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNAs in the kidney tissue. Our investigation revealed the renal protective effect of oxymatrine in gentamicin-induced kidney injury for the first time. The effect was achieved through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The study underlines the potential clinical application of oxymatrine as a renal protectant agent for gentamicin therapy.

Chemical diversity, biological activities and Traditional uses of and important Chinese herb Sophora

BACKGROUND

Sophora flavescens Aiton (SF), also known as Kushen (Chinese:), has been an important species in Chinese medicine since the Qin and Han dynasties. It is also recognized as a plant resource suitable for the globalization of Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been used in various ethnic medical systems in East Asia, especially in China, to kill insects and dispel dampness. Sophora flavescens is commonly used for clearing heat-clearing, killing worms, and diuretic. Nowdays, accumulating studies demonstrated its anticancer and cardioprotection.

OBJECTIVE OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to systematically review information on the genus, pharmacological and toxicological significance, chemical composition and biological activity of Sophora flavescens. To promoting its development and application. To summarize recent findings regarding to the metabolism, pharmacological/toxicological effects of Sophora flavescens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online academic databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CNKI) were searched using search terms of "Sophora flavescens Aiton", "Ku shen", "Pharmacology", "Active ingredient", "Toxicology" and combinations to include published studies of Sophora flavescens Aiton primarily from 1970-2021. Several critical previous studies beyond this period were also included and other related terms.

CONCLUSION

Sophora flavescens has a broad spectrum of biological activities associated with Sophora flavescens has been considered a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine. However, there is a lack of in-depth studies on the medicinal uses of Sophora flavescens. Moreover, further studies on single chemical components should be conducted based on the diversity of chemical structures, significant biological activities and clinical applications. The discovery of its bioactive molecules and multi-component interactions would be of great importance for the clinical application of Sophora flavescens spp. Detailed pharmacological and toxicological studies on the classic prescriptions of Sophora flavescens are also needed. It is more beneficial to the wide application of SF plant and facilitates the worldwide promotion of modern Chinese medicine. However, an increasing number of reports indicate that the administration of Sophora flavescens has serious adverse effects. Its main toxic effects are neurotoxicity and acute toxicity, which have caused widespread concern worldwide. In addition, the alkaloids of Sophora flavescens are distributed in the heart, liver, stomach and large intestine. They are excreted from the body through gluconeogenesis, which is the mode of action of certain therapeutic mechanisms of action such as anticancer. The detailed metabolic study of alkaloids and other components of Sophora flavescens in vivo needs to be further investigated. It is important to improve the pharmacological effects and reduce the toxicity of Sophora flavescens. For this purpose, structural modification of active components of Sophora flavescens or combination with other drugs is very essential.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula FTZ Protects against Cardiac Fibrosis by Suppressing the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 Pathway

Background

Fu fang Zhen Zhu Tiao Zhi (FTZ) is a patented preparation of Chinese herbal medicine that has been used as a natural medicine to treat several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease. However, its effects on cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of FTZ in treating cardiac fibrosis.

Methods

FTZ was administered to mice by oral gavage daily at a dosage of 1.2 g/kg or 2.4 g/kg of body weight for 7 weeks after a transverse aorta constriction (TAC) surgery. Doppler echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess the effect of FTZ on the cardiac structure and function of mice that had undergone TAC. EdU and wound-healing assays were performed to measure the proliferative and migratory abilities of cardiac fibroblasts. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression of TGFβ1, Col1A2, Col3, and α-SMA proteins and mRNA levels.

Results

FTZ treatment reduced collagen synthesis, attenuated cardiac fibrosis, and improved cardiac function in mice subjected to TAC. Moreover, FTZ treatment prevented the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and reduced Ang-II-induced collagen synthesis. Furthermore, FTZ downregulated the expression of TGFβ1, p-smad2, and p-smad3 and inhibited the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway in the setting of cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusion

FTZ alleviated the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and suppressed collagen synthesis via the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway during the progression of cardiac fibrosis. These findings indicated the therapeutic potential of FTZ in treating cardiac fibrosis.

Ligustroflavone ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through down-regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that are mainly derived from activated hepatic stellate cells. Previous studies suggested that ligustroflavone (LF) was an ingredient of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. with activities of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. In this study, we investigated whether LF had any effect on liver fibrosis. In our study, we established a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis and used TGF-β₁-stimulated human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) to explore the effect of LF and associated underlying mechanism. LF was used in vivo with low dose (L-LF, 5 mg·kg^-1, i.p., 3 times each week) and high dose (H-LF, 20 mg·kg^-1, i.p., 3 times each week) and in vitro (25 μmol·L^-1). Histopathological and biochemical assays investigations showed that LF delayed the formation of liver fibrosis; decreased AST, ALT activities and increased Alb activity in serum; decreased MDA level, Hyp content and increased GSH-Px concentration, SOD activity in liver tissues. Moreover, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent and Western blot results showed that LF reduced the expressions of hepatic stellate cells specific marker proteins, including collagen I and α-SMA in vivo and in vitro. In addition, LF markedly suppressed TGF-β₁-upregulated protein expressions of TβR I, TβR II, P-Smad2, P-Smad3 and Smad4 in LX-2 cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated LF could decrease histopathological lesions, ameliorate oxidative injury, attenuate CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, which may be associated with down-regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Taxifolin after Oral Administration of Fructus Polygoni Orientalis Extract in Normal and Fibrotic Rats by UPLC-MS/MS

Fructus polygoni orientalis (FPO) is widely used in clinical practice in China, especially in treatment of liver diseases including viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. However, its pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations in liver fibrotic rats have rarely been reported. To study whether taxifolin, one of the main flavonoids in FPO can be absorbed into blood after oral administration of FPO extract and to compare the differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of taxifolin to normal and liver fibrotic rats induced by porcine serum (PS), a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for determination of taxifolin in rat plasma using puerarin as the internal standard (IS). All validation parameters met the acceptance criteria according to regulatory guidelines. The results indicated that after treatment of rats with PS alone for 12 weeks, the liver fibrotic model group was built successfully. The taxifolin can be absorbed into the blood after oral administration of the FPO extract. The C _max of taxifolin was 1940 ± 502.2 ng/mL and 2648 ± 208.5 ng/mL (p < 0.05), the AUC_0∼t of taxifolin was 4949.7 ± 764.89 h·ng/mL and 6679.9 ± 734.26 h·ng/mL (p < 0.05), the AUC_0∼∞ of taxifolin was 5049.4 ± 760.7 and 7095.2 ± 962.3 h·ng/mL (p < 0.05), and the mean residence time (MRT) of taxifolin was 2.46 ± 0.412 h and 3.17 ± 0.039 h (p < 0.05) in the normal and fibrotic model groups, respectively. These results confirmed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of taxifolin are altered in liver fibrosis, manifested as C _max, AUC_0∼t , AUC_0∼∞, and the mean residence time (MRT). It suggested that it is essential to consider the characteristics of pharmacokinetics after oral administration of FPO in liver disease patients.