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Yang Y, Gong Z, Yang J, Cai Y, Hong S, Mao W, Guo Z, Qiu M, Fan Z, Cui B. Exploring shared mechanisms between ulcerative colitis and psoriasis and predicting therapeutic natural compounds through bioinformatics and molecular docking. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37624. [PMID: 39309918 PMCID: PMC11416260 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37624] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous studies have suggested a potential correlation between psoriasis (PS) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, studies exploring the shared mechanisms of both diseases remain limited. Current treatments primarily involve using immunosuppressive drugs, which can lead to potential side effects and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated favorable efficacy in treating UC and PS with fewer side effects. This study aims to elucidate the shared biological mechanisms underlying UC and PS and to predict natural compounds effective for treating both disorders. Method We collected and validated differentially expressed genes associated with UC and PS from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, aiding in identifying core targets. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were utilized to analyze the functions and genomic enrichment of the identified core targets. The CIBERSORT method was employed to assess the correlation of core targets with immune cells. Compounds with potential therapeutic values were selected from the Coremine and TCMSP databases, and their therapeutic efficacy was predicted via molecular docking. Results In UC and PS, 20 common core targets were identified, with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), cluster of differentiation 274 (CD274), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) emerging as the most relevant targets shared between both conditions. Elevated levels of macrophages and dendritic cells were observed in UC and PS, with CXCL10 exhibiting the closest association with macrophages. UC and PS shared common signaling pathways, including IL-17, TNF, and chemokine signaling pathways, among others. Molecular docking revealed that quercetin, baicalen, irisolidone, rutaecarpine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and others held potential as natural compounds for treating both disorders. Conclusion MMP9, MMP1, and CXCL10, central mediators in the inflammatory pathways of UC and PS, establish a shared mechanism by triggering cytokine and chemokine activation, leading to tissue damage and positioning them as promising therapeutic targets for both conditions. Compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, irisolidone, rutaecarpine, and so on may be key drugs for treating both conditions. These findings suggest the potential advancement of therapeutic strategies and the enhancement of patient care by exploring shared mechanisms and predicting promising natural compounds for treating UC and PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhuozhi Gong
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shengwei Hong
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenjun Mao
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zijian Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhu Fan
- Department of Dermatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Bingnan Cui
- Department of Dermatology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
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Abdulaal WH, Omar UM, Zeyadi M, El-Agamy DS, Alhakamy NA, A. R. Almalki N, Asfour HZ, Al-Rabia MW, Alzain AA, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SR. Protective effect of kaempferol glucoside against lipopolysaccharide-caused acute lung injury via targeting Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD: Integrating experimental and computational studies. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102073. [PMID: 38681737 PMCID: PMC11046126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study explored the protective potential of kaempferol 3-sophoroside-7-glucoside (KSG) against acute lung injury (ALI). Pre-treatment with KSG effectively secured mice from ALI and showed similar efficaciousness to dexamethasone. KSG markedly increased the survival rate and alleviated lung pathological lesions induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, KSG attenuated differential and total cell counts in BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity. KSG counteracted the NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) activation and significantly ameliorated the downstream inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α). Simultaneously, KSG suppressed the over-expression of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3), caspase-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin IL-1β (interleukine-1β) and prohibited the elevation of the pyroptotic parameter GSDMD-N (N-terminal domain of gasdermin D) induced by LPS challenge. In addition, KSG significantly enhanced Nrf2 (nuclear-factor erythroid-2-related factor) and HO-1 (heme-oxygenase-1) expression. Meanwhile, KSG mitigated lipid peroxidative markers (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and 4-hydroxynonenal) and boosted endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase/reduced glutathione/catalase) in lung tissue. In silico analyses revealed that KSG disrupts Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interactions by binding to the KEAP1 domain, consequently activating Nrf2. Specifically, molecular docking demonstrated superior binding affinity of KSG to KEAP1 compared to the reference inhibitor, with docking scores of -9.576 and -6.633 Kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, the MM-GBSA binding free energy of KSG (-67.25 Kcal/mol) surpassed that of the reference inhibitor (-56.36 Kcal/mol). Furthermore, MD simulation analysis revealed that the KSG-KEAP1 complex exhibits substantial and stable binding interactions with various amino acids over a duration of 100 ns. These findings showed the protective anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative modulatory efficiencies of KSG that effectively counteracted LPS-induced ALI and encouraged future research and clinical applications of KSG as a protective strategy for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ulfat M. Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa Zeyadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina S. El-Agamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif A. R. Almalki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim A. Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Madani 21111, Sudan
| | - Gamal A. Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R.M. Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Department of Chemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
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Vasilakopoulou PB, Yanni AE, Fanarioti E, Dermon CR, Karathanos VT, Chiou A. Determination of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids in the Liver of Wistar Rats after a Dietary Enrichment with Corinthian Currant ( Vitis vinifera L., var. Apyrena): A Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Study. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11549-11560. [PMID: 38718199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Corinthian currants are dried fruits produced from Vitis vinifera L. var. Apyrena grape. This study investigated the distribution of phenolic compounds in male Wistar rat livers following two distinct Corinthian currant long-term dietary intake protocols (3 and 10% w/w). Method optimization, comparing fresh and lyophilized tissues, achieved satisfactory recoveries (>70%) for most analytes. Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (37 °C, pH 5.0) minimally affected phenolics, but enzyme addition showed diverse effects. Hydrolyzed lyophilized liver tissue from rats consuming Corinthian currants (3 and 10% w/w) exhibited elevated levels of isorhamnetin (20.62 ± 2.27 ng/g tissue and 33.80 ± 1.38 ng/g tissue, respectively), along with similar effects for kaempferol, quercetin, and chrysin after prolonged Corinthian currant intake. This suggests their presence as phase II metabolites in the fasting-state liver. This study is the first to explore phenolic accumulation in rat liver, simulating real conditions of dried fruit consumption, as seen herein with Corinthian currant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi B Vasilakopoulou
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 176 76 Kallithea, Greece
| | - Amalia E Yanni
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 176 76 Kallithea, Greece
| | - Eleni Fanarioti
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rion, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Catherine R Dermon
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rion, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Vaios T Karathanos
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 176 76 Kallithea, Greece
- Agricultural Cooperatives' Union of Aeghion, Corinthou 201, 25100 Aeghion, Greece
| | - Antonia Chiou
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 176 76 Kallithea, Greece
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Lin X, Chi W, Geng X, Jiang Q, Ma B, Dai B, Sui Y, Jiang J. Evaluation of the Mechanism of Yishan Formula in Treating Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:2583-2597. [PMID: 38178684 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073266004231105164321] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yishan formula (YSF) has a significant effect on the treatment of breast cancer, which can improve the quality of life and prolong the survival of patients with breast cancer; however, its mechanism of action is unknown. OBJECTIVE In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods have been used to explore the potential pharmacological effects of the YSF, and the predicted targets have been validated by in vitro experiments. METHODS Active components and targets of the YSF were obtained from the TCMSP and Swiss target prediction website. Four databases, namely GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, and DisGeNET, were used to search for disease targets. The Cytoscape v3.9.0 software was utilized to draw the network of drug-component-target and selected core targets. DAVID database was used to analyze the biological functions and pathways of key targets. Finally, molecular docking and in vitro experiments have been used to verify the hub genes. RESULTS Through data collection from the database, 157 active components and 618 genes implicated in breast cancer were obtained and treated using the YSF. After screening, the main active components (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, dinatin, luteolin, and tamarixetin) and key genes (AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL6, EGFR, SRC, VEGFA, STAT3, MAPK3, and JUN) were obtained. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that the YSF could affect the progression of breast cancer by regulating biological processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis, protein phosphorylation, as well as PI3K-Akt, Rap1, MAPK, FOXO, HIF-1, and other related signaling pathways. Molecular docking suggested that IL6 with isorhamnetin, MAPK3 with kaempferol, and EGFR with luteolin have strong binding energy. The experiment further verified that YSF can control the development of breast cancer by inhibiting the expression of the hub genes. CONCLUSION This study showed that resistance to breast cancer may be achieved by the synergy of multiple active components, target genes, and signal pathways, which can provide new avenues for breast cancer-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Lin
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Wencheng Chi
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Xue Geng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Qinghui Jiang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Baozhu Ma
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Bowen Dai
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Yutong Sui
- Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Jiakang Jiang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China
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Hu Q, Zhang W, Wei F, Huang M, Shu M, Song D, Wen J, Wang J, Nian Q, Ma X, Zeng J, Zhao Y. Human diet-derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization. Phytother Res 2024; 38:280-304. [PMID: 37871899 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the potential ameliorative effects of polyphenolic compounds derived from human diet on hepatic diseases. It discusses the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in clinical applications. Edible polyphenols have been found to play a therapeutic role, particularly in liver injury, liver fibrosis, NAFLD/NASH, and HCC. In the regulation of liver injury, polyphenols exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, primarily targeting the TGF-β, NF-κB/TLR4, PI3K/AKT, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. In the regulation of liver fibrosis, polyphenolic compounds effectively reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds show efficacy against NAFLD/NASH by inhibiting lipid oxidation and accumulation, mediated through the AMPK, SIRT, and PPARγ pathways. Moreover, several polyphenolic compounds exhibit anti-HCC activity by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This inhibition primarily involves blocking Akt and Wnt signaling, as well as inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, clinical trials and nutritional evidence support the notion that certain polyphenols can improve liver disease and associated metabolic disorders. However, further fundamental research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of dietary polyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Meilan Huang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengyao Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Nian
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Cao Z, Lu P, Li L, Geng Q, Lin L, Yan L, Zhang L, Shi C, Li L, Zhao N, He X, Tan Y, Lu C. Bioinformatics-led discovery of liver-specific genes and macrophage infiltration in acute liver injury. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1287136. [PMID: 38130716 PMCID: PMC10733525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1287136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute liver injury (ALI) is an important global health concern, primarily caused by widespread hepatocyte cell death, coupled with a complex immune response and a lack of effective remedies. This study explores the underlying mechanisms, immune infiltration patterns, and potential targets for intervention and treatment ALI. Methods The datasets of acetaminophen (APAP), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were individually identified using the limma packages. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using KEGG, GO, and GSEA methods. The overlapping genes were extracted from the three datasets, and hub genes were identified using MCODE and CytoHubba algorithms. Additionally, PPI networks were constructed based on the String database. Immune cell infiltration analysis was conducted using ImmuCellAI, and the correlation between hub genes and immune cells was determined using the Spearman method. The relationship between hub genes, immune cells, and biochemical indicators of liver function (ALT, AST) was validated using APAP and triptolide (TP) -induced ALI mouse models. Results Functional enrichment analysis indicated that all three ALI models were enriched in pathways linked to fatty acid metabolism, drug metabolism, inflammatory response, and immune regulation. Immune analysis revealed a significant rise in macrophage infiltration. A total of 79 overlapping genes were obtained, and 10 hub genes were identified that were consistent with the results of the biological information analysis after screening and validation. Among them, Clec4n, Ms4a6d, and Lilrb4 exhibited strong associations with macrophage infiltration and ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Li JZ, Chen N, Ma N, Li MR. Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 28:7936. [PMID: 38067665 PMCID: PMC10707854 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhong Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ning Chen
- General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Min-Ran Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Zhang Z, Wang H, Kuang Z, Liang H, Ju Y, Meng D. From Tea to Health: Exploring Abrus mollis for Liver Protection and Unraveling Its Potential Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:15145-15155. [PMID: 37800321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Abrus mollis Hance is a characteristic medicinal herb which is used in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces of China for making soup, medicinal meals, and herbal tea to treat dampheat jaundice and rib discomfort. Current phytochemical study on A. mollis led to the isolation of four new flavones, mollisone A-D (1-4), and thirty two known compounds (5-36). Their structures were characterized by an extensive analysis of spectroscopic data including IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR, as well as electronic circular dichroism calculation. In addition, in order to initially understand their biological activities for traditional applications, in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective tests were carried out, whose results illustrated that 25 compounds had significant free radical scavenging ability, and compounds 13 and 16 exhibited protective activities on D-GalN-induced LO2 cell damage than the positive control. Moreover, network pharmacological analysis revealed that the hepatoprotective activity of A. mollis involved multitargets and multipathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and JAK-STAT pathways and various biological processes such as positive regulation of phosphorylation and regulation of kinase activity. These results suggested that this species could serve as a potential hepatoprotective agent for functional food or medicinal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hanchuan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Zhulingzhi Kuang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hui Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yan Ju
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Dali Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
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Mahmud AR, Ema TI, Siddiquee MFR, Shahriar A, Ahmed H, Mosfeq-Ul-Hasan M, Rahman N, Islam R, Uddin MR, Mizan MFR. Natural flavonols: actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for various diseases. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2023; 12:47. [PMID: 37216013 PMCID: PMC10183303 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-023-00387-4] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Flavonols are phytoconstituents of biological and medicinal importance. In addition to functioning as antioxidants, flavonols may play a role in antagonizing diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and viral and bacterial diseases. Quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, and fisetin are the major dietary flavonols. Quercetin is a potent scavenger of free radicals, providing protection from free radical damage and oxidation-associated diseases. Main body of the abstract An extensive literature review of specific databases (e.g., Pubmed, google scholar, science direct) were conducted using the keywords "flavonol," "quercetin," "antidiabetic," "antiviral," "anticancer," and "myricetin." Some studies concluded that quercetin is a promising antioxidant agent while kaempferol could be effective against human gastric cancer. In addition, kaempferol prevents apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells via boosting the function and survival rate of the beta-cells, leading to increased insulin secretion. Flavonols also show potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics, restricting viral infection by antagonizing the envelope proteins to block viral entry. Short conclusion There is substantial scientific evidence that high consumption of flavonols is associated with reduced risk of cancer and coronary diseases, free radical damage alleviation, tumor growth prevention, and insulin secretion improvement, among other diverse health benefits. Nevertheless, more studies are required to determine the appropriate dietary concentration, dose, and type of flavonol for a particular condition to prevent any adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aar Rafi Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902 Bangladesh
| | - Tanzila Ismail Ema
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | | | - Asif Shahriar
- Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh, 51 Siddeswari Road, Dhaka, 1217 Bangladesh
| | - Hossain Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative (UODA), Dhaka, 1208 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mosfeq-Ul-Hasan
- Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, 5200 Bangladesh
| | - Nova Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342 Bangladesh
| | - Rahatul Islam
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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