1
|
Pan D, Di X, Yan B, Su X. Advances in the Study of Non-Coding RNA in the Signaling Pathway of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1419-1431. [PMID: 38617054 PMCID: PMC11016256 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s455707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of chronic, progressive, and irreversible interstitial lung diseases, which are common to most end-stage lung diseases and are one of the most difficult diseases of the respiratory system. In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence of air pollution and smog, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in China has increased year by year, the morbidity and mortality rates of pulmonary fibrosis have gradually increased and the age of the disease tends to be younger. However, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is not yet fully understood and is needed to further explore new drug targets. Studies have shown that non-coding RNAs play an important role in regulating the process of pulmonary fibrosis, non-coding RNAs and their specifically expressed can promote or inhibit the process. Here, we review the role of some in the regulation of pulmonary fibrosis signaling pathways and provide new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengyun Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingdi Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu YX, Song XM, Dan LW, Tang JM, Jiang Y, Deng C, Zhang DD, Li YZ, Wang W. Astragali Radix: comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical application. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:165-218. [PMID: 38493280 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01489-y] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Astragali Radix (A. Radix) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., belonging to the family Leguminosae, which is mainly distributed in China. A. Radix has been consumed as a tonic in China for more than 2000 years because of its medicinal effects of invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. Currently, more than 400 natural compounds have been isolated and identified from A. Radix, mainly including saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and others. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that A. Radix has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, and anti-aging effects. It has been clinically used in the treatment of tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular complications associated with diabetes with few side effects and high safety. This paper reviewed the progress of research on its chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, developing applications, and toxicology, which provides a basis for the better development and utilization of A. Radix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lin-Wei Dan
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Mei Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chong Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dong-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Ze Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China.
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China.
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hao Y, Li J, Dan L, Wu X, Xiao X, Yang H, Zhou R, Li B, Wang F, Du Q. Chinese medicine as a therapeutic option for pulmonary fibrosis: Clinical efficacies and underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116836. [PMID: 37406748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fibrotic interstitial lung disease caused by continuous damage and excessive repair of alveolar epithelial cells, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. At present, the incidence of PF has increased significantly around the world. The therapeutic arsenals against PF are relatively limited, with often poor efficacy and many adverse effects. As a conventional and effective therapeutic strategy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in treating lung fibrosis for thousands of years in China. Due to the multi-ingredient, multi-target characteristics, Chinese medicines possess promising clinical benefits for PF treatment. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This review aims to systematically analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine on PF, and further summarize the relevant mechanisms of Chinese medicine treating PF in preclinical studies, in order to provide a comprehensive insight into the beneficial effects of Chinese medicines on PF. METHODS Eight major Chinese and English databases were searched from database inception up to October 2022, and all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Chinese medicine intervention on effectiveness and safety in the treatment of PF patients were included. Subsequently, preclinical studies related to the treatment of PF in Chinese medicine, including Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese herbal materials and extracts, and Chinese herbal formulas (CHFs) were searched through PubMed and Web of science to summarize the related mechanisms of Chinese medicine against PF. RESULTS A total of 56 studies with 4019 patients were included by searching the relevant databases. Total clinical efficacy, pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, lung high resolution CT (HRCT), 6 min walk test (6-MWT), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, clinical symptom scores, TCM syndrome scores and other outcome indicators related to PF were analyzed. Besides, numerous preclinical studies have shown that many Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese herbal materials and extracts, and CHFs play a preventive and therapeutic role in PF by reducing oxidative stress, ameliorating inflammation, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and myofibroblasts activation, and regulating autophagy and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Chinese medicines show potential as supplements or substitutes for treating PF. And studies on Chinese medicines will provide a new approach to better management of PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Hao
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lijuan Dan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xuanyu Wu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Quanyu Du
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qin S, Tan P, Xie J, Zhou Y, Zhao J. A systematic review of the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine against pulmonary fibrosis: from a pharmacological perspective. Chin Med 2023; 18:96. [PMID: 37537605 PMCID: PMC10398979 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00797-7] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease caused by a variety of etiologies. The disease can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the lung tissue structure, severely affecting respiratory function and posing a serious threat to human health. Currently, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the main drugs used in the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but their efficacy is limited and they can cause serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines have important research value and potential for clinical application in anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, more and more scientific researches have been conducted on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve or reduce pulmonary fibrosis, and some important breakthroughs have been made. This review paper systematically summarized the research progress of pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines and their active compounds in improving or reducing pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted a systematic search in several main scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, natural products, herbal medicine, and therapeutic methods. Ultimately, 252 articles were included and systematically evaluated in this analysis. The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of these traditional Chinese medicine studies can be roughly categorized into 5 main aspects, including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improvement of extracellular matrix deposition, mediation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The purpose of this article is to provide pharmaceutical researchers with information on the progress of scientific research on improving or reducing Pulmonary fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine, and to provide reference for further pharmacological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanbo Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peng Tan
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Junjie Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Junning Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tan J, Yi J, Cao X, Wang F, Xie S, Dai A. Untapping the Potential of Astragaloside IV in the Battle Against Respiratory Diseases. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1963-1978. [PMID: 37426627 PMCID: PMC10328396 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s416091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases are an emerging public health concern, that pose a risk to the global community. There, it is essential to establish effective treatments to reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural saponin isolated from Radix astragali (Huangqi in Chinese) used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. This compound has become increasingly popular due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has indicated the AS-IV protective effect against respiratory diseases. This article presents a current understanding of AS-IV roles and mechanisms in combatting respiratory diseases. The ability of the agent to suppress oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), to attenuate inflammatory responses, and modulate programmed cell death (PCD) will be discussed. This review highlights the current challenges in respiratory diseases and recommendations to improve disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junlan Tan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Yi
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianya Cao
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiying Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
| | - Silin Xie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiguo Dai
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Translational Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, People's Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410021, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhai Y, Wang T, Fu Y, Yu T, Ding Y, Nie H. Ferulic Acid: A Review of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Effects on Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098011. [PMID: 37175715 PMCID: PMC10178416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA), a prevalent dietary phytochemical, has many pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects, and has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Many studies have shown that FA can significantly downregulate the expression of reactive oxygen species and activate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling, exerting anti-oxidative effects. The anti-inflammatory effect of FA is mainly related to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathways. FA has demonstrated potential clinical applications in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The transforming growth factor-β1/small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 signaling pathway can be blocked by FA, thereby alleviating pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, in the context of asthma, the T helper cell 1/2 imbalance is restored by FA. Furthermore, FA ameliorates acute lung injury by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via toll-like receptor 4, consequently decreasing the expression of downstream inflammatory mediators. Additionally, there is a moderate neuraminidase inhibitory activity showing a tendency to reduce the interleukin-8 level in response to influenza virus infections. Although the application of FA has broad prospects, more preclinical mechanism-based research should be carried out to test these applications in clinical settings. This review not only covers the literature on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of FA, but also discusses the therapeutic role and toxicology of FA in several pulmonary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Zhai
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yunmei Fu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hongguang Nie
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Genetic association of circulating C-reactive protein levels with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Respir Res 2023; 24:7. [PMID: 36624433 PMCID: PMC9830761 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several observational studies have found that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is often accompanied by elevated circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, the causal relationship between them remains to be determined. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the causal effect of circulating CRP levels on IPF risk by the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS We analyzed the data from two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European ancestry, including circulating CRP levels (204,402 individuals) and IPF (1028 cases and 196,986 controls). We primarily used inverse variance weighted (IVW) to assess the causal effect of circulating CRP levels on IPF risk. MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO global test were used to determine pleiotropy. Heterogeneity was examined with Cochran's Q test. The leave-one-out analysis tested the robustness of the results. RESULTS We obtained 54 SNPs as instrumental variables (IVs) for circulating CRP levels, and these IVs had no significant horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, or bias. MR analysis revealed a causal effect between elevated circulating CRP levels and increased risk of IPF (ORIVW = 1.446, 95% CI 1.128-1.854, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The present study indicated that elevated circulating CRP levels could increase the risk of developing IPF in people of European ancestry.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou R, Guo T, Li J. Research progress on the antitumor effects of astragaloside IV. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175449. [PMID: 36473596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important and effective components of Astragalus membranaceus is astragaloside IV (AS-IV), which can exert anti-tumor effects through various pathways. For instance, AS-IV exerts an anti-tumor effect by acting at the cellular level, regulating the phenotype switch of tumor-associated macrophages, or inhibiting the development of tumor cells. Furthermore, AS-IV inhibits tumor cell progression by enhancing its sensitivity to antitumor drugs or reversing the drug resistance of tumor cells. This article reviews the different mechanisms of AS-IV inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells, inducing apoptosis and improving the sensitivity of anti-tumor drugs. This review summarizes recent progress in the current research into AS-IV anti-tumor effect and provides insight on the next anti-tumor research of AS-IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixi Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Tiankang Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Junliang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730030, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu Y, Chai Y, Xiao G, Liu Y, Xie X, Xiao W, Zhou P, Ma W, Zhang C, Li L. Astragalus and its formulas as a therapeutic option for fibrotic diseases: Pharmacology and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040350. [PMID: 36408254 PMCID: PMC9669388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, characterized by accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which causes organ dysfunction and even death. Despite advances in understanding fibrosis pathology and clinical management, there is no treatment for fibrosis that can prevent or reverse it, existing treatment options may lead to diarrhea, nausea, bleeding, anorexia, and liver toxicity. Thus, effective drugs are needed for fibrotic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in fibrotic diseases, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) can attenuate multiple fibrotic diseases, which include liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and so on, mechanisms may be related to inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, apoptosis, inflammation pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize the pharmacology and mechanisms of Astragalus in treating fibrotic diseases, the data reviewed demonstrates that Astragalus is a promising anti-fibrotic drug, its main anti-fibrotic components are Calycosin, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharides and formononetin. We also review formulas that contain Astragalus with anti-fibrotic effects, in which Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels are the most commonly used combinations. We propose that combining active components into new formulations may be a promising way to develop new drugs for fibrosis. Besides, we expect Astragalus to be accepted as a clinically effective method of treating fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Xiao
- Nursing Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Heart Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li Q, Wang G, Guo Z. Inhibition of AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. J Gene Med 2022; 24:e3442. [PMID: 35882062 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3442] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and advanced interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 (AHNAK2) is a macromolecular protein that is important for cell migration and muscle membrane repair. The protein acts via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, very few studies have elucidated the effect of AHNAK2 in the development of IPF. Therefore, we aimed to determine the role of AHNAK2 in IPF development. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were induced with bleomycin (BLM), while A549 and Beas-2b pulmonary epithelial cell lines were treated with TGF-β1 to induce IPF model. The expression of AHNAK2 was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in vivo, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-sh NC or AAV-sh AHNAK2; the pulmonary function and EMT markers expression were measured in mice. The migratory abilities of the two transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced cell lines were examined using wound-healing and Transwell assays after transfection with si-NC, si-AHNAK2-1 and -2. EMT markers expression was detected using RT-qPCR and WB. Smad3 and phosphorylated-Smad3 of the two cells were examined using WB. Following Smad3 inhibition by Smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor (SIS3), TGF-β1-induced cell migration and EMT markers expression were evaluated again after different transfections. RESULTS AHNAK2 expression was higher in the IPF model than in the normal model in vivo and in vitro. Partial inhibition of AHNAK2 suppressed the EMT process and improved pulmonary ventilation and compliance in the mouse model of IPF. Similarly, knockdown of AHNAK2 suppressed the migration of pulmonary epithelial cells and reversed EMT. Furthermore, Smad3 of the two TGF-β1-induced cell lines was not activated when AHNAK2 was inhibited. When SIS3 inhibited the activation of Smad3, the suppression of AHNAK2 had no effect on A549 and Beas-2b, regardless of TGF-β1 induction. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of AHNAK2 alleviates pulmonary fibrosis and partially reverses EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Therefore, AHNAK2 is a potential therapeutic target for IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinchuan Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxue Wang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu H, Pang Q, Cao F, Liu Z, Wei W, Li Z, Long Q, Jiao Y. Number 2 Feibi Recipe Ameliorates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inducing Autophagy Through the GSK-3β/mTOR Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:921209. [PMID: 35903328 PMCID: PMC9315309 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.921209] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Number 2 Feibi Recipe (N2FBR) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. N2FBR inhibits H2O2-mediated oxidative stress damage in alveolar epithelial cells by increasing autophagy, as we previously demonstrated. However, it is unknown if similar mechanisms occur in vivo. We established a pulmonary fibrosis model by instilling bleomycin (BLM) from the airway to examine the effects of N2FBR on pulmonary fibrosis and investigate its probable mechanism in this work. We discovered that N2FBR treatment effectively alleviated interstitial fibrosis as well as collagen deposition, primarily in upregulating SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC and downregulating MDA content. N2FBR also increased the expression of LC3B, Beclin-1, LAMP1, TFEB and downregulated the expression of p62, legumain. N2FBR treatment boosted the production of autophagosomes, according to the results of the TEM observation. Furthermore, we explored that N2FBR exerted its anti-oxidative stress and pro-autophagy effects via GSK-3β/mTOR signalling pathway. Therefore, these results provide further evidence for the protective effect of N2FBR in pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings could have ramifications for the development of antifibrosis therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoge Liu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglu Pang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Cao
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoheng Liu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Wei
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Long
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Long, ; Yang Jiao,
| | - Yang Jiao
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Long, ; Yang Jiao,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Therapeutic Effect of Astragali Radix Extract Injection Combined with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrotic Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4933255. [PMID: 35733628 PMCID: PMC9208943 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4933255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease for which effective drugs are unavailable. Here, we treated rat models of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis with Astragali Radix extract injection (AI) combined with or without bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). We injected rats intratracheally with BLM and transplanted BMSCs via tail vein injection 15 days later. We also intraperitoneally injected AI daily from days 15 to 28. Changes in lung pathology and function, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinases, collagen, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and cluster of differentiation 90 (CD90) were assessed. The results revealed that compared with the BLM group, groups treated with ARE and BMSCs (alone or combined) reduced the expression levels of TGF-β1 and collagens I and III, ameliorated pathological lung fibrotic damage, and improved lung function. The expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were reduced by either AI or BMSCs alone, whereas those of MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, CXCL12, and CD90 were elevated by combined AI and BMSCs compared with the BLM group. Overall, these findings demonstrated that AI and BMSCs both can reduce damage caused by PF in rats and that AI altered the expression of chemokines and surface markers in BMSCs.
Collapse
|