Chrysophanol Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Upregulating Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and the Unfolded Protein Response

Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.

Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.

Resveratrol Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis in Associated with Decreased Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the typical response to chronic liver disease and is characterized by deposition of abundant extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) in a CCl₄-induced rat model of HF. We demonstrate that the administration of RSV effectively improves liver function and ameliorates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen deposition and reversing the expression of COL1A1 and PPAR-γ. Treatment efficacy of RSV could be attributed to reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress with upregulated expression of E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA. Moreover, RSV significantly decreased the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins CHOP; Bip; cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-12; Bax; and Bak while promotes the expression of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl2. The important role of ERS in HF was confirmed by using 4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor, which markedly ameliorated CCl₄-induced HF. Further, mechanistic studies demonstrated that RSV significantly decreased CCl₄-induced transforming growth factor-β synthesis and inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) expression and reduced the inflammation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the results suggested that RSV ameliorated HF in associated with decreased ERS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rats.

Peach Kernel Extracts Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation of HSC-T6 Hepatic Stellate Cells

There is an important role for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrosis. As it stands, many traditional Chinese medicine formulations can effectively improve liver fibrosis, whether it is clinically used or in animal studies; however, the efficacy and mechanism of the main formulations remain unclear, including the peach kernel, which contains numerous phytochemicals with a wide range of biological activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate peach kernel's anti-liver fibrosis effects. In this study, peach kernel extracts inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation in HSC-T6 cells and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and connective tissue growth factor induced by LPS in HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, peach kernel extracts inhibited signal transducers involving protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase, which regulate downstream genes associated with inflammation. As a result, peach kernel extracts inhibited inflammatory responses and subsequently inhibited LPS-induced transformation of activated HSC-T6 cells.