Effects of β-sitosterol derived from Artemisia capillaris on the activated human hepatic stellate cells and dimethylnitrosamine-induced mouse liver fibrosis

Therapeutic role of physalin A in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy

BACKGROUND

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune condition that causes serious ocular symptoms; its treatment strategies are limited. Physalin A is a phytosterol that has shown various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. In this study, we investigated whether physalin A could inhibit inflammation, fibrosis, hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) production, and adipogenesis, which are crucial to the pathogenesis of GO.

METHODS

Orbital tissue explants were obtained from patients with GO during orbital decompression surgery and healthy controls. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) were isolated and treated with different concentrations of physalin A. Using western blot and ELISA analyses, we determined the effects of physalin A on OFs.

RESULTS

Physalin A treatment suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-1β-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory molecules, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-6, IL-8, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. We discovered that physalin A attenuated hyaluronan production induced by IL-1β or insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Moreover, physalin A reduced lipid droplet formation and production of peroxisome proliferator activator (PPAR) γ, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, C/EBP β, sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1, leptin, and adiponectin proteins. Physalin A suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), and suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2 signaling protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the major mechanisms by which physalin A suppresses GO include reducing inflammation, fibrosis, hyaluronan production, and adipogenesis in OFs. The findings of this study provide evidence of the therapeutic effect of physalin A in GO.

Puerarin: a hepatoprotective drug from bench to bedside

Pueraria is a time-honored food and medicinal plant, which is widely used in China. Puerarin, the main component extracted from pueraria, has a variety of pharmacological characteristics. In recent years, puerarin has received increasing attention for its significant hepatoprotective effects, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and hepatic carcinoma. This paper explores the pharmacological effects of puerarin on various liver diseases through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation factors, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and autophagy. Due to its restricted solubility, pharmacokinetic studies revealed that puerarin has a low bioavailability. However, combining puerarin with novel drug delivery systems can improve its bioavailability. Meanwhile, puerarin has very low toxicity and high safety, providing a solid foundation for its further. In addition, this paper discusses puerarin's clinical trials, highlighting its unique advantages. Given its excellent pharmacological effects, puerarin is expected to be a potential drug for the treatment of various liver diseases.

Proteomic study of gamma-oryzanol preventive effect on a diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes prevalence. The use of natural compounds has become an attractive approach to prevent NAFLD and its progression. Gamma-oryzanol (Orz) is a natural compound whose beneficial effects on chronic metabolic diseases have been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Orz on the hepatic proteome in a diet induced NAFLD model. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups (n=6/group) according to the diet received for 30 weeks: Control group, high sugar-fat (HSF) group, and HSF+Orz group. The isolated Orz was added to the chow at the dose of 0.5% (w/w). We evaluated the nutritional profile, characterized the presence of steatosis through histological analysis, triglyceride content in liver tissue and hepatic inflammation. Next, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics of hepatic tissue. Network analysis was performed to describe involved protein pathways. NAFLD induction was characterized by the presence of hepatic steatosis. Orz prevented lipid accumulation. The compound prevented alterations of the hepatic proteome, highlighted by the modulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and the sirtuin signaling pathway. It was possible to identify key altered pathways of NAFLD pathophysiology modulated by Orz which may provide insights into NAFLD treatment targets.

β-sitosterol alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis via inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis

Background: Inflammation-related NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis is involved in the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). β-sitosterol (SIT) was reported to have anti-inflammatory effects on experimental colitis, while the regulation of SIT on pyroptosis is unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to define the protective and healing effects of SIT on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental UC rats and human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and explore the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for its effects on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in UC. Methods: UC model rats were established by oral 4% DSS. Following colitis injury, the animals received SIT (doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) treatment for 2 weeks. For in vitro study, we exposed Caco-2-50 mg/mL DSS with or without SIT (concentrations of 8 and 16 μg/mL). Disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological injury were assessed in vivo. Activation proteins of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling axis, and tight junction-related proteins of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin were detected in colon tissues. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 in serum and cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway activation were analyzed both in tissues and cells. Results: Our findings suggested that SIT treatment attenuated the severity of 4% DSS-induced UC by protecting rats from weight and colon length loss, and macroscopic damage. SIT also reduced proinflammatory factors production (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18) in serum and cell supernatant. Mechanistically, SIT downregulated the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins including Caspase-1, cleaved-Caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in colon tissues and Caco-2 cells. Further analysis indicated that SIT maintained the colonic barrier integrity by enhancing the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. Conclusion: We confirmed that SIT exerts protective and therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis injury by suppressing NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and inflammation response. These findings demonstrated that SIT could be a potential medication for UC treatment.

β-Sitosterol Inhibits The Proliferation of Endometrial Cells via Regulating Smad7-Mediated TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of β-sitosterol on endometrial cells to understand the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a laboratory-based experimental study conducted on animals and cells. Histological assays were performed to determine the effect of β-sitosterol on endometrial cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to assess the inhibitory effect of β-sitosterol on the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (hEM15A). Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the induction of apoptosis by β-sitosterol in hEM15A cells. The transwell invasion assay was conducted to measure the suppression of hEM15A cell migration by β-sitosterol. Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the effect of β-sitosterol on the expression of Smad family member 7 (Smad7) and the activity of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3.

RESULTS

Histological assays showed that β-sitosterol regulates histopathology and induces apoptosis of endometrial cells in vivo. The CCK-8 assay revealed that β-sitosterol could inhibit the proliferation of hEM15A in human endometriosis patients. Flow cytometry showed that apoptosis was triggered by β-sitosterol in hEM15A. The transwell invasion assay indicated that the hEM15A migration under the β-sitosterol treatment group was suppressed. Western blot analyses suggested that β-sitosterol increased the expression of Smad7, decreased the activity of TGF-β1, and reduced the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. The effect of β-sitosterol was weakened by the silence of Smad7.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that β-sitosterol can inhibit the proliferation of endometrial cells and relieve endometriosis by inhibiting TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smads through regulation of Smad7.

β-sitosterol attenuates high- fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in rats by modulating lipid metabolism, inflammation and ER stress pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic hepatic disorder. The naturally occurring phytosterol; β-sitosterol has antiobesogenic and anti-diabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of β-sitosterol in preventing hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. In the current study, to induce NAFLD in the female Wister rats, an HFD was administered to them for 8 weeks. The pathogenic severity of steatosis in rats receiving an HFD diet was dramatically decreased by oral administration of β-sitosterol. After administering β-sitosterol to HFD-induced steatosis for three weeks, several oxidative stress-related markers were then assessed. We showed that β-sitosterol reduced steatosis and the serum levels of triglycerides, transaminases (ALT and AST) and inflammatory markers (IL-1β and iNOS) compared to HFD-fed rats. Additionally, β-sitosterol reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress by preventing the overexpression of inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE-1α), X-box binding protein 1(sXBP1) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) genes which, showing a function in the homeostatic regulation of protein folding. Also, it was found that the expression of the lipogenic factors; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α), sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1(CPT-1), which are involved in the regulation of the fatty acid oxidation process, may be regulated by β-sitosterol. It can be concluded that β-sitosterol may prevent NAFLD by reducing oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory responses, which supports the possibility of using β-sitosterol as an alternative therapy for NAFLD. Together, β-sitosterol may be an option for NAFLD prevention.

Integration of pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and metabolomics to elucidate effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. in the treatment of jaundice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As one of the most commonly used herbs, Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (ACT) display favorable effect in the treatment of jaundice. However, mechanism of ACT in the treatment of jaundice remains unclear at present, which limits its development and application.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (ACT) in the treatment of jaundice using pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and metabolomics.

METHODS

Effect of ACT in treating jaundice was evaluated by biochemical assays and pathological observation using the α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mice. Jaundice-relieving mechanism of ACT was investigated by integration of network pharmacology and metabolomics.

RESULTS

After the mice with jaundice were administrated ACT extract for 9 days, compared to that of the model group, serum D-BIL, T-BIL and ALP levels of the mice in the low, medium, high dose of ACT group decreased by 39.81%, 15.30% and 16.92%; 48.06%, 42.54% and 36.91%; 26.90%, 12.34% and 16.90%, respectively. The pathologic study indicated that ACT improved the symptoms of liver injury of the mice with jaundice. The network of herb (i.e., ACT)-components-targets-disease (i.e., jaundice) was established, which consisted of 17 components classified in flavonoids, chromones, organic acids, terpenoids, and 234 targets related to treatment of jaundice. Metabolomics analysis showed that, compared to that in the model group, level of 8 differential metabolites were upregulated and level of 29 differential metabolites were downregulated in the mice liver in the ACT group, respectively. The main metabolic pathways involved in treatment of jaundice by ACT were pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, primary bile acid biosynthesis in the liver, respectively. The integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics showed that 3α,7α,12α a-Trihydroxy-5β-cholanate, glycocholate, taurocholate, pantetheine 4'-phosphate, and d-4'-phosphopantothenate were the potential biomarkers for treatment of jaundice, and AKR1C4, ALDH2 and HSD11B were the potential drug targets in the treatment of jaundice by ACT.

CONCLUSION

The study based on metabolomics and network pharmacology indicated that ACT can display favorable jaundice-relieving effect by its multiple components regulating multiple biomarkers, multiple targets and multiple pathways, and may be a rational therapy for the treatment of jaundice.

Mechanisms of Xiaochaihu Decoction on Treating Hepatic Fibrosis Explored by Network Pharmacology

Purpose. To explore the material basis and pharmacological mechanism of Xiaochaihu Decoction (XCHD), the classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis (HF). Methods. The main components in XCHD were screened from the TCMSP database, ETCM database, and literature, and their potential targets were detected and predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction platform. The HF-related targets were retrieved and screened through GeneCard database and OMIM database, combined with GEO gene chips. The XCHD targets and HF targets were mapped to search common targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was acquired via the STRING11.0 database and analyzed visually using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. The potential mechanisms of the common targets identified through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by using Metascape database. The results were visualized through OmicShare Tools. The “XCHD compound-HF target” network was visually constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. AutoDockVina1.1.2 and PyMoL software were used to verify the molecular docking of XCHD main active compounds and HF key targets. Results. A total of 164 potential active compounds from XCHD were screened to act on 95 HF-related targets. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that quercetin, β-sitosterol, and kaempferol may be candidate agents, which acted on multiple targets like PTGS2, HSP90AA1, and PTGS1 and regulate multiple key biological pathways like IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to relieve HF. Moreover, molecular docking suggested that quercetin and PTGS2 could statically bind and interact with each other through amino acid residues val-349, LEU-352, PHE-381, etc. Conclusion. This work provides a systems perspective to study the relationship between Chinese medicines and diseases. The therapeutic efficacy of XCHD on HF was the sum of multitarget and multi-approach effects from the bioactive ingredients. This study could be one of the cornerstones for further research.

Traditional Use, Phytochemical Profiles and Pharmacological Properties of Artemisia Genus from Central Asia

The flora of Kazakhstan is characterized by its wide variety of different types of medicinal plants, many of which can be used on an industrial scale. The Traditional Kazakh Medicine (TKM) was developed during centuries based on the six elements of ancient Kazakh theory, associating different fields such as pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, immunology and food nursing as well as disease prevention. The endemic Artemisia L. species are potential sources of unique and new natural products and new chemical structures, displaying diverse bioactivities and leading to the development of safe and effective phytomedicines against prevailing diseases in Kazakhstan and the Central Asia region. This review provides an overview of Artemisia species from Central Asia, particularly traditional uses in folk medicine and the recent numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The review is done by the methods of literature searches in well-known scientific websites (Scifinder and Pubmed) and data collection in university libraries. Furthermore, our aim is to search for promising and potentially active Artemisia species candidates, encouraging us to analyze Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), α-glucosidase and bacterial neuraminidase (BNA) inhibition as well as the antioxidant potentials of Artemisia plant extracts, in which endemic species have not been explored for their secondary metabolites and biological activities so far. The main result of the study was that, for the first time, the species Artemisia scopiformis Ledeb. Artemisia albicerata Krasch., Artemisia transiliensis Poljakov, Artemisia schrenkiana Ledeb., Artemisia nitrosa Weber and Artemisia albida Willd. ex Ledeb. due to their special metabolites, showed a high potential for α-glucosidase, PTP1B and BNA inhibition, which is associated with diabetes, obesity and bacterial infections. In addition, we revealed that the methanol extracts of Artemisia were a potent source of polyphenolic compounds. The total polyphenolic contents of Artemisia extracts were correlated with antioxidant potential and varied according to plant origin, the solvent of extraction and the analytical method used. Consequently, oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be managed by the dietary intake of current Artemisia species. The antioxidant potentials of the species A. schrenkiana, A. scopaeformis, A. transiliensis and Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam. were also promising. In conclusion, the examination of details between different Artemisia species in our research has shown that plant materials are good as an antioxidant and eznyme inhibitory functional natural source.

Artemicapillasins A-N, cytotoxic coumaric acid analogues against hepatic stellate cell LX2 from Artemisia capillaris (Yin-Chen)

Under the guidance of bioassay against HSC-LX2, the EtOH extract and the EtOAc fraction of Artemisia capillaris (Yin-Chen) exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-LX2 with inhibitory ratios of 39.7% and 68.7% at the concentration of 400.0 μg/mL. Bioassay-guided investigation of Fr. D (the active fraction) yielded 14 new coumaric acid analogues, artemicapillasins A-N (1-14). The structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses involving UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra and ECD calculations. Cytotoxic activity against HSC-LX2 cells of these isolates was performed to reveal that 12 compounds demonstrated cytotoxicity with inhibitory ratios more than 50% at 400 μM. The most active artemicapillasin B (2) gave an IC₅₀ value of 24.5 μM, which was about 7 times more toxic than the positive drug silybin (IC₅₀, 162.3 μM). Importantly, artemicapillasin B (2) showed significant inhibition on the deposition of human collagen type I (Col I), human laminin (HL) and human hyaluronic acid (HA) with IC₅₀ values of 11.0, 14.4 and 13.8 μM, which was about 7, 11 and 5 times more active than silybin. Artemicapillasin B (2) as an interesting antihepatic fibrosis candidate is worth in-depth study.

The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (A.capillaris, Yin-Chen in Chinese) is a traditional medicinal herb with a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties ranging from effects against liver dysfunction to treatments of severe cirrhosis and cancer. We used relevant keywords to search electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, for scientific contributions related to this medicinal herb and the pharmacokinetics of its components. The pharmaceutical effects of A.capillaris contribute to the treatment not only of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular hepatoma, but also metabolic syndrome, psoriasis, and enterovirus in the clinic. The bioactive compounds, including scoparone, capillarisin, scopoletin, and chlorogenic acid, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral, and antitumor properties, reflecting the pharmacological effects of A.capillaris. The pharmacokinetics of the main bioactive compounds in A. capillaris can achieve a maximum concentration within 1 hour, but only chlorogenic acid has a relatively long half-life. Regarding the use of the A. capillaris herb by health professionals to treat various diseases, the dosing schedule of this herb should be carefully considered to maximize therapeutic outcomes while lessening possible side effects.

Hugan tablets for the treatment of RUCAM based drug-induced liver injury: a propensity score matching analysis using a nationwide database

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major clinical challenge with no specific therapeutic drugs available. It is crucial to develop new agents to improve the clinical outcome of patients with DILI. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Hugan tablets in DILI patients using a nationwide database.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the clinical data of DILI patients from a nationwide DILI database (www.hepatox.org). Patients who received oral Hugan tablets for DILI were defined as the Hugan group, and those who received no treatment for DILI were defined as the control group.

RESULTS

There were 111 cases in the Hugan group and 512 cases in the control group. One-to-one propensity score matching created 111 matched pairs. The normalization rates of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the Hugan group were significantly higher than those in the control group (50.45% vs. 26.13%, p ≤ .0002 and 67.57% vs. 41.75%, p ≤ .0001). There were no differences in the incidence of renal function impairment or blood abnormality between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hugan tablets are safe and effective in DILI treatment. Large-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to explore the effects of Hugan tablets on DILI induced by different offending drugs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was posted on ClinicalTrials.gov with NCT number: NCT02407964.

Identification of Targets and Active Components of Yiqi SanJie Formula Against Lung Neoplasms Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis and Molecular Docking

Yiqi Sanjie formula (YQSJF) is mainly applied clinically for the treatment of lung neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to explore the pharmacodynamics of the active components of YQSJF and the mechanism of therapeutic effects in the treatment of lung neoplasm diseases based on network pharmacology. The network of component-target, target-pathway, and pathway-disease of YQSJF was constructed by using Cytoscape software. According to the screening result, 37 key components, 57 important targets, and 866 candidate pathways were obtained. The enrichment analysis results indicated that YQSJF might play a therapeutic role in lung cancer by regulating several signaling pathways, such as the PI3K-AKT, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and apoptosis pathways. There were 53 intersection genes between YQSJF and the lung cancer gene, 52 common genes, and 11 key targets, including CASP8, CASP9, AR, ESR1, PTGS2, NOS3, PGR, TGFB1, PPARG, RELA, and NOS2, screened by using Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis. These could be the potential therapeutic targets of YQSJF against lung cancer. Enrichment analysis of the intersection gene pathways revealed 10 major functional pathways, including the VEGF, apoptosis, and IL-17 signaling pathways. The molecular docking results showed the potential regulating activity of kaempferol against AR, pelargonidin against PGR, and baicalein against both PTGS2 and AR. In conclusion, combinational network pharmacology analysis results indicated that YQSJF might present its efficacy of alleviating lung neoplasm symptoms through multiple targets in a synergetic way.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and TNF-α inhibition (upon RAW 264.7 cell line) followed by the selection of extract (leaf and stem) with respect to potency to introduce anti-oral-ulcer model obtained from Olax psittacorum (Lam.) Vahl in addition to GC-MS illustration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Olax psittacorum (Lam.) Vahl., belongs to family olacaceae claimed as an "Issan folk medicine" portray the ethnomedicinal value like curative property of infection in the urinary tract, analgesic, antipyretic, skin-ulcer, antianemic (bark) as well as food additives (leaves). Research articles have proven the presence of anti-swelling property, laxative action, and antiviral activity against poliovirus moreover, the antioxidant property too.

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

Evaluation of antiulcer property (induced within the oral mucosa) of the extract selected amongst two extracts based upon better property towards the ability of anti-inflammatory and analgesia through the in-vivo model as well as the inhibitory property of TNF-α (cell line RAW264.7). To justify the presence of activity extracts were introduced for GC-MS investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic extracts (leaf; LME and stem; SME) were collected through maceration and introduced to carrageenan-induced paw edema to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and formalin-induced as well as tail-flick in-vivo models to evaluate the analgesic property. Anti-oral ulcer property was analyzed through the acetic-acid induced in-vivo model. The cytotoxicity was performed on mouse macrophages and fibroblast cells to find a toxic concentration of test substances and to evaluate their modulatory effect of TNF-α inhibition property against LPS induced toxicity.

RESULTS

As compared to diclofenac (100 mg/kg) only LME and SME 200 mg/kg dose group have insignificant (P < 0.05) difference and P-values are 0.99 and 0.88 respectively. From the overall outcome, it can be concluded that compared to the diclofenac (100 mg/kg) group from 4th hours onwards LME (200 mg/kg) group was able to sustain the inflammation so similar. According to statistical consideration, LME (200 mg/kg) dose has also shown better results in formalin-induced analgesia as well as tail-flick. Cytotoxicity (CTC₅₀) concentrations of LME and SME are 419.60 ± 4.09 and 230.21 ± 0.79 μg/ml respectively on RAW264.7 cell line. According to CTC₅₀ the highest concentration of LME and SME is 400 and 200 μg/ml respectively has chosen to evaluate percentage inhibition of TNF-α as compared to diclofenac sodium (25 μg/ml). 50% inhibition was achieved by LME as well as diclofenac i.e. 51.2 ± 2.6% and 50.3 ± 0.8% instead of SME i.e. 45.2 ± 1.7%. As compared to the negative group on DAY-4, LME 200 mg/kg/bw dose shown proper growth of epithelial or mucosal layer which reveals proper healing of the surface of the tongue with no sign of injury. GC-MS results also reveal that, LME and SME both have Cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl; Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester which are responsible for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity but besides, LME has more 4 compounds responsible for activities these are methyl salicylate; phytol; β-Sitosterol; 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid,2,3-bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]propyl ester, (Z, Z, Z).

CONCLUSION

The overall outcomes of the study encapsulate that LME extract with a dose of 200 mg/kg/bw will be a good choice to overcome the above-cited ailments. Further studies upon this plant are needed to establish its importance in the human society through quantitative isolation of the metabolites and their pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic evaluation to establish the proper pathway of action.

Deciphering the Potential Pharmaceutical Mechanism of GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN on Systemic Sclerosis based on Systems Biology Approaches

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a complicated idiopathic connective tissue disease with seldom effective treatment. GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN (GFW) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula widely used for the treatment of SSc. However, the mechanism of how the GFW affects SSc remains unclear. In this study, the system biology approach was utilized to analyze herb compounds and related targets to get the general information of GFW. The KEGG enrichment analysis of 1645 related targets suggested that the formula is involved in the VEGF signaling pathway, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the relationship among the 3 subsets (formula targets, drug targets and disease genes) showed that the formula targets overlapped with 38.0% drug targets and 26.0% proteins encoded by disease genes. Through the analysis of SSc related microarray statistics from the GEO database, we also validated the consistent expression behavior among the 3 subsets before and after treatment. To further reveal the mechanism of prescription, we constructed a network among 3 subsets and decomposed it into 24 modules to decipher how GFW interfere in the progress of SSc. The modules indicated that the intervention may come into effect through following pathogenic processes: vasculopathy, immune dysregulation and tissue fibrosis. Vitro experiments confirmed that GFW could suppress the proliferation of fibroblasts and decrease the Th1 cytokine (TNF-α, MIP-2 and IL-6) expression for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bleomycin (BLM) stimulation in macrophages, which is consistent with previous conclusion that GFW is able to relieve SSc. The systems biology approach provides a new insight for deepening understanding about TCM.

Antioxidant Potential of Artemisia capillaris, Portulaca oleracea, and Prunella vulgaris Extracts for Biofabrication of Gold Nanoparticles and Cytotoxicity Assessment

Three aqueous plant extracts (Artemisia capillaris, Portulaca oleracea, and Prunella vulgaris) were selected for the biofabrication of gold nanoparticles. The antioxidant activities (i.e., free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and reducing power) of the extracts and how these activities affected the biofabrication of gold nanoparticles were investigated. P. vulgaris exerted the highest antioxidant activity, followed by A. capillaris and then P. oleracea. P. vulgaris was the most efficient reducing agent in the biofabrication process. Gold nanoparticles biofabricated by P. vulgaris (PV-AuNPs) had a maximum surface plasmon resonance of 530 nm with diverse shapes. High-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the PV-AuNPs had a face-centered cubic structure. The reaction yield was estimated to be 99.3% by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The hydrodynamic size was determined to be 45 ± 2 nm with a zeta potential of - 13.99 mV. The PV-AuNPs exerted a dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Remarkably, the highest cytotoxicity of the PV-AuNPs was observed against human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in the absence of fetal bovine serum, while for human pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cells, the highest cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of fetal bovine serum. This result demonstrates that P. vulgaris extract was an efficient reducing agent for biofabrication of gold nanoparticles exerting cytotoxicity against cancer cells.

Flavonoids, Sterols and Lignans from Cochlospermum vitifolium and Their Relationship with Its Liver Activity

The sterols β-sitostenone (1), stigmast-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (2), β-sitosterol (3) and stigmasterol (4), the aromatic derivatives antiarol (5) and gentisic acid (6), the phenylpropanes coniferyl alcohol (7), epoxyconiferyl alcohol (8) and ferulic acid (9), the apocarotenoid vomifoliol (10), the flavonoids naringenin (11), 7,4′-dimethoxytaxifolin (7,4′-dimethoxydihydroquercetin, 12), aromadendrin (13), kaempferol (14), taxifolin (dihydroquercetin, 15), prunin (naringenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, 16), populnin (kaempferol-7-O-β-d-glucoside, 17) and senecin (aromadendrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, 18) and the lignans kobusin (19) and pinoresinol (20), were isolated from the dried bark of Cochlospermum vitifolium Spreng (Cochlospermaceae), a Mexican medicinal plant used to treat jaundice, liver ailments and hepatitis C. Fourteen of these compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant and from the Cochlospermum genus. Compounds 3–4, 6–7, 9–11, 13–17 and 20 have previously exhibited diverse beneficial liver activities. The presence of these compounds in C. vitifolium correlates with the use of this Mexican medicinal plant.

Preventive effects of total saponins of Panax japonicus on fatty liver fibrosis in mice

INTRODUCTION

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver of a patient without a history of alcohol abuse. Fatty liver fibrosis, a severe form of NAFLD, is a key step which can be reversed by effective medical intervention. This paper aims to describe the protective role and mechanisms of action of total saponins of Panax japonicus (SPJ) against fatty liver fibrosis in mice. In this study, fatty liver fibrosis was induced by a high-fat (HF) diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The fatty liver fibrosis model was induced by HF diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum. The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and p-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated apoptosis and inflammation were assessed by serum biochemistry, hematoxylin-eosin (H + E), Masson and electronic microscopy staining, Hyp content detection, Western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Saponins of Panax japonicus could significantly improve liver function and decrease the lipid level in the serum. The liver steatosis, collagen fibers and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly improved in the SPJ group according to microscope observation. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that the collagen I (Coll), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP), CHOP and GRP78 mRNA expression levels were distinctly weakened by SPJ treatment; and western blotting analysis indicated that the phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), Coll and 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) protein expression levels were significantly alleviated, which might be associated with the inhibition of the ERS response and the CHOP and JNK-mediated apoptosis and inflammation pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this research, SPJ as a preventive medicine has great potential in prevention of liver fibrosis.

Kyungheechunggan-Tang-01, a New Herbal Medication, Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Medicinal plants have been used as alternative therapeutic tools to alleviate inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of Kyungheechunggan-tang- (KCT-) 01, KCT-02, and Injinchunggan-tang (IJCGT) as newly developed decoctions containing 3–11 herbs in LPS-induced macrophages. KCT-01 showed the most potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, and IL-6 production among those three herbal formulas. In addition, KCT-01 significantly inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 at protein levels and expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 at mRNA levels. Molecular data revealed that KCT-01 attenuated the activation of JAK/STAT signaling cascade without affecting NF-κB or AP-1 activation. In ear inflammation induced by croton oil, KCT-01 significantly reduced edema, MPO activity, expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, and STAT3 phosphorylation in ear tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that KCT-01 can downregulate the expression of proinflammatory genes by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling pathway under inflammatory conditions. This study provides useful data for further exploration and application of KCT-01 as a potential anti-inflammatory medicine.

Effect of Yi Guan Jian decoction on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymalstem cells into hepatocyte-like cells in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in mice

Yi Guan Jian decoction (YGD) may induce the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs); however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate this process. To do this, a dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model was established. The mice from the model group were randomly divided into three subgroups: i) Negative control, ii) hepatocyte growth factor and iii) YGD. The overall health, liver function and histological alterations were monitored. The expression of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), C‑X‑C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK1/2), nuclear factor κB p65 subunit (NF‑κB p65) and β‑catenin were measured by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Following administration of DMN, the overall health of the mice significantly decreased, with an increase in pathological developments and liver damage resulting in a decrease in liver function. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of α‑SMA, CXCR4, ERK1/2, NF‑κB p65 and β‑catenin was upregulated. Following treatment with YGD, the overall health, liver function and pathology improved. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CXCR4 and ERK1/2 were upregulated, where as α‑SMA, NF‑κB p65 and β‑catenin levels were downregulated. The results demonstrated that YGD may induce the differentiation of BMSCs into HLCs to reverse DMN‑induced liver cirrhosis; this may be achieved via an upregulation of the SDF‑1/CXCR4 axis to activate the mitogen activated protein kinase/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Using Light Microscopy and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Qualitative and Quantitative Control of a Combined Three-Herb Formulation in Different Preparations

Artemisia capillaries Thunb, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, and Rheum officinale Baill have been combined to treat jaundice for thousands of years. Studies have revealed that these herbs induce anti-hepatic fibrosis and anti-hepatic apoptosis and alleviate hepatic oxidative stress. This study aims to determine the quality and quantity of an herbal formulation (Chinese name: Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang) using physical and chemical examinations. Physical examination of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang in pharmaceutical herbal products, raw fiber powders, and decoction preparations was performed using Congo red and iodine-potassium staining. A sensitive and validated method employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed to simultaneously quantify the bioactive compounds scoparone, geniposide, and rhein in the Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang formulation in different preparations. Physical examination indicated that cellulose fibers with irregular round shapes were present in the pharmaceutical herbal products. The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method showed good linearity and was well validated. The quantification results revealed that the decoction preparations had the highest amounts of geniposide and rhein. Scoparone appeared in pharmaceutical herbal products from two manufacturers. This experiment provides a qualitative and quantitative method using physical and chemical examinations to test different preparations of herbal products. The results provide a reference for clinical herbal product preparations and further pharmacokinetic research.

Comparison of the therapeutic effectiveness of human CD34+ and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on improvement of experimental liver fibrosis in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have numerous advantages as grafts for cell transplantation. We hypothesized differing impacts of human UCB cells and rat BM-MSCs on reversal of hepatic injury and revival of liver function in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Forty rats were divided into 4 groups; control group, CCl₄ group, CCl₄/CD34⁺ group and CCl₄/BM-MSCs group. Blood samples were driven from rats at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to measure serum concentration of albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Quantitative expression of collagen Iα, TGF-β, α-SMA, albumin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TNF-α were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological examination of the liver tissue was performed. GFP labeled cells were detected in groups injected with stem cells.

RESULTS

Regarding liver function, CD34⁺ were more efficient than BM-MSCs in elevating albumin (P<0.05) and reducing ALT (P<0.05) concentrations. Concerning gene expression, CD34⁺ were more effective than BM-MSCs in reducing gene expressions of collagen Iα (P<0.01), TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and α-SMA (P<0.01). Both CD34⁺ and BM-MSCs have the same efficacy in reducing TNF-α (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, CD34⁺ were more valuable than BM-MSCs in increasing gene expression of albumin (P<0.05) and MMP-9 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Taken together; human UCB CD34⁺ stem cells were more efficient in improvement of experimental liver injury than BM-MSCs. This study highlighted an important role of human UCB CD34⁺ stem cells in liver fibrosis therapy.

Molecular targets of Chinese herbs: a clinical study of hepatoma based on network pharmacology

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat tumors for years and has been demonstrated to be effective. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of herbs remain unclear. This study aims to ascertain molecular targets of herbs prolonging survival time of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on network pharmacology, and to establish a research method for accurate treatment of TCM. The survival benefit of TCM treatment with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was proved by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis among 288 patients. The correlation between herbs and survival time was performed by bivariate correlation analysis. Network pharmacology method was utilized to construct the active ingredient-target networks of herbs that were responsible for the beneficial effects against HCC. Cox regression analysis showed CHM was an independent favorable prognostic factor. The median survival time was 13 months and the 5-year overall survival rates were 2.61% in the TCM group, while there were 6 months, 0 in the non-TCM group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that 8 herbs closely associated with prognosis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the 8 herbs regulated multiple HCC relative genes, among which the genes affected proliferation (KRAS, AKT2, MAPK), metastasis (SRC, MMP), angiogenesis (PTGS2) and apoptosis (CASP3) etc.

A Survey of Therapeutic Effects of Artemisia capillaris in Liver Diseases

Artemisia capillaris has been recognized as an herb with therapeutic efficacy in liver diseases and widely used as an alternative therapy in Asia. Numerous studies have reported the antisteatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antiviral, antifibrotic, and antitumor activities of A. capillaris. These reports support its therapeutic potential in various liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, several properties of its various constituents, which provide clues to the underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects, have been studied. This review describes the scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of A. capillaris and its constituents in various liver diseases.

Flax Fiber Hydrophobic Extract Inhibits Human Skin Cells Inflammation and Causes Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix and Wound Closure Activation

Inflammation is the basis of many diseases, with chronic wounds amongst them, limiting cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. Our previous preclinical study of flax fiber applied as a wound dressing and analysis of its components impact on the fibroblast transcriptome suggested flax fiber hydrophobic extract use as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing preparation. The extract contains cannabidiol (CBD), phytosterols, and unsaturated fatty acids, showing great promise in wound healing. In in vitro proliferation and wound closure tests the extract activated cell migration and proliferation. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases in skin cells was increased, suggesting activation of extracellular components remodeling. The expression of cytokines was diminished by the extract in a cannabidiol-dependent manner, but β-sitosterol can act synergistically with CBD in inflammation inhibition. Extracellular matrix related genes were also analyzed, considering their importance in further stages of wound healing. The extract activated skin cell matrix remodeling, but the changes were only partially cannabidiol- and β-sitosterol-dependent. The possible role of fatty acids also present in the extract is suggested. The study shows the hydrophobic flax fiber components as wound healing activators, with anti-inflammatory cannabidiol acting in synergy with sterols, and migration and proliferation promoting agents, some of which still require experimental identification.

A Novel Matrine Derivative WM130 Inhibits Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Attenuates Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a critical event in process of hepatic fibrogenesis and cirrhosis. Matrine, the active ingredient of Sophora, had been used for clinical treatment of acute/chronic liver disease. However, its potency was low. We prepared a high potency and low toxicity matrine derivate, WM130 (C30N4H40SO5F), which exhibited better pharmacological activities on antihepatic fibrosis. This study demonstrated that WM130 results in a decreased proliferative activity of HSC-T6 cells, with the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 68 μM. WM130 can inhibit the migration and induce apoptosis in HSC-T6 cells at both concentrations of 68 μM (IC50) and 34 μM (half IC50). The expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III, and TGF-β1 could be downregulated, and the protein phosphorylation levels of EGFR, AKT, ERK, Smad, and Raf (p-EGFR, p-AKT, p-ERK, p-Smad, and p-Raf) were also decreased by WM130. On the DMN-induced rat liver fibrosis model, WM130 can effectively reduce the TGF-β1, AKT, α-SMA, and p-ERK levels, decrease the extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, and inhibit rat liver fibrosis progression. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that WM130 can significantly inhibit the activation of HSC-T6 cells and block the rat liver fibrosis progression by inducing apoptosis, suppressing the deposition of ECM, and inhibiting TGF-β/Smad and Ras/ERK pathways.