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Wei L, Li X, Yao Y, Wang S, Ai X, Liu S. Study on the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin in alleviating liver cirrhosis based on network pharmacology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14421. [PMID: 38230771 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14421] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Hovenia dulcis, which has various activities. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in relieving liver cirrhosis was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The cell model was induced by TGF-β1 activating the human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC; LX-2). The protein levels of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III and pathway-related proteins within LX-2 cells were detected using Western blot. EdU staining was conducted to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I. Next, the drug targets of DHM were screened from the PubChem database. The differentially expressed genes in the liver cirrhosis dataset GSE14323 were identified. The expression of the identified drug targets in LX-2 cells was verified using qRT-PCR. The results showed that TGF-β1 treatment notably increased LX-2 cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, and elevated α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III protein contents. DHM treatment could partially eliminate TGF-β1 effects, as evidenced by the inhibited cell viability and proliferation and reduced α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III contents. After network pharmacology analysis, nine differentially expressed target genes (MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, BCL2L2, ABCB1, TYR, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6) in liver cirrhosis were identified. According to qRT-PCR verification, DHM could inhibit the expression of MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6, and enhance ABCB1 expression levels within LX-2 cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in TGF-β1-induced HSCs. In conclusion, DHM could inhibit HSC activation, which may be achieved via acting on MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, IL6, and ABCB1 genes and their downstream signaling pathways, including mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wei
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xinghui Ai
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shenggui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
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Li X, Bai Y, Ma Y, Li Y. Ameliorating effects of berberine on sepsis-associated lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide: molecular mechanisms and preclinical evidence. Pharmacol Rep 2023:10.1007/s43440-023-00492-2. [PMID: 37184743 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00492-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As a life-threatening disorder, sepsis-associated lung injury is a dysregulated inflammatory response to microbial infection, characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues and excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Therefore, immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory agents are a potential treatment for sepsis-associated lung injury. Berberine, one of the well-studied medicinal plant-derived compounds, has shown promising anti-inflammatory potential in inflammatory conditions, through modulating excessive immune responses induced by various immune cells. A systematic literature search in electronic databases indicated several publications that studied the effect of berberine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis in preclinical investigations. The current review article aims to provide evidence on the effects of berberine against LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), together with underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings reveal that berberine through inhibiting the excessive production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressing the infiltration of immune cells into lung tissues, as well as preventing pulmonary edema and coagulation, can relieve pulmonary histopathological changes from LPS-mediated inflammation, thereby attenuating sepsis-associated lung injury and lethality in the experimental models. In conclusion, berberine shows great potential as a preventing and therapeutic agent for sepsis-associated lung injury, however, further proof-of-concept studies and clinical investigations are warranted for translating these preclinical findings into clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Yi Bai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Yulong Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China.
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HBO1 as an Important Target for the Treatment of CCL4-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Aged-Related Liver Aging and Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1881519. [PMID: 36524217 PMCID: PMC9747301 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1881519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest digestive organ in the human body. The increasing incidence of chronic liver fibrosis is one of the major health challenges in the world. Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to acute or chronic cellular damage of liver tissue. At present, despite a series of research progress on the pathophysiological mechanism of fibrosis that has been made, there is still a gap in identifying antifibrotic targets and converting them into effective treatments. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek a molecular target that can alleviate or reverse liver fibrosis, which has important scientific and clinical significance. In the current study, to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HBO1 as a molecular target on liver aging and fibrosis, naturally-aged mice and CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice were used as animal models, and multiple experiments were performed. Experimental results showed that HBO1 knockdown could strongly mitigate the accumulation of hepatic collagen by Masson and Sirius Red staining. Further study showed that HBO1 knockdown reduced the expression of fibrosis-related marker molecules (α-SMA, collagen type I (ColI), and fibronectin). Further work showed that HBO1 knockdown could significantly alleviate HSC activation. On this basis, we analyzed the underlying mechanism by which HBO1 alleviates liver fibrosis. It was found that HBO1 knockdown may modulate liver fibrosis by regulating the processes of EMT, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We further studied the effect of HBO1 knockdown on liver aging and aging-related liver fibrosis, and the results showed that HBO1 knockdown could significantly reduce the level of aging-related liver fibrosis and relieve liver aging. In conclusion, we systematically investigated the potential of HBO1 as a therapeutic target to attenuate liver fibrosis and liver aging. The current study found a crucial target for liver fibrosis and liver-aging therapy, which has laid a solid foundation for the liver fibrosis-related research.
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Chen XF, Wang Y, Ji S, Sun X, Feng Q, Yu H, Liu C. Hepatoprotective Efficacy and Interventional Mechanism of Qijia Rougan Decoction in Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911250. [PMID: 35846987 PMCID: PMC9283647 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a leading contributor to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which pose a serious health threat worldwide, and there are no effective drugs to treat it. Qijia Rougan decoction was modified from Sanjiasan, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) described in the “Wenyilun” manuscript. Qijia Rougan decoction possesses hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects for clinical applications. However, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, fibrotic rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were treated with two doses of Qijia Rougan decoction. Histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were carried out to assess liver structure and function, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify bioactive compositions in Qijia Rougan decoction. Transcriptome analysis using mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was used to explore the underlying mechanisms and verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Qijia Rougan decoction significantly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrotic injury, supported by promoted liver function and improved liver fibrosis. Eight main representative components originating from raw materials in the Qijia Rougan decoction were found to possess an antifibrotic role. Mechanistically, Qijia Rougan decoction regulated biological processes such as oxidation–reduction, fatty acid metabolism, cell adhesion, and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. We determined that Qijia Rougan decoction reversed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the activation of fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling. It also reversed the deterioration of liver structure and function in rats induced by CCl4. Overall, Qijia Rougan decoction significantly mediated metabolism-associated processes, inhibited inflammatory reactions, and repressed fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling, which prevented liver fibrosis deterioration. Our study deepens our understanding of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Han Yu
- *Correspondence: Han Yu, ; Chao Liu,
| | - Chao Liu
- *Correspondence: Han Yu, ; Chao Liu,
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Li G, Zhang C, Liang W, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Tian X. Berberine regulates the Notch1/PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and acts synergistically with 17-AAG and SAHA in SW480 colon cancer cells. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:21-30. [PMID: 33417512 PMCID: PMC7808376 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2020.1865407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Berberine (BBR) is used to treat diarrhoea and gastroenteritis in the clinic. It was found to have anticolon cancer effects. OBJECTIVE To study the anticolon cancer mechanism of BBR by connectivity map (CMAP) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS CMAP based mechanistic prediction was conducted by comparing gene expression profiles of 10 μM BBR treated MCF-7 cells with that of clinical drugs such as helveticoside, ianatoside C, pyrvinium, gossypol and trifluoperazine. The treatment time was 12 h and two biological replications were performed. The DMSO-treated cells were selected as a control. The interaction between 100 μM BBR and target protein was measured by cellular thermal shift assay. The protein expression of 1-9 μM BBR treated SW480 cells were measured by WB assay. Apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of 1-9 μM BBR treated SW480 cells were measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining methods. RESULTS CMAP analysis found 14 Hsp90, HDAC, PI3K or mTOR protein inhibitors have similar functions with BBR. The experiments showed that BBR inhibited SW480 cells proliferation with IC50 of 3.436 μM, induced apoptosis, autophage, MMP depolarization and arrested G1 phase of cell cycle at 1.0 μM. BBR dose-dependently up-regulated PTEN, while inhibited Notch1, PI3K, Akt and mTOR proteins at 1.0-9.0 μM (p < 0.05). BBR also acted synergistically with Hsp90 and HDAC inhibitor (0.01 μM) in SW480 cells at 0.5 and 1.0 μM. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The integrative gene expression-based chemical genomic method using CMAP analysis may be applicable for mechanistic studies of other multi-targets drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Li
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Liang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yanbing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yunheng Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xinhui Tian
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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Antifibrotic and anthelminthic effect of casticin on Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c mice. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 55:314-322. [PMID: 34167886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease caused by Schistosoma. Although the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been intensively studied, the choice of effective treatment is still inadequate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of using Casticin to treat Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS BALB/c mice were divided into three groups - control, infection, and treatment group. The infection and treatment group were percutaneously infected with 100-120 cercariae. Mice from the treatment group were treated with 20 mg/kg/day Casticin for 14 consecutive days to investigate the potential protective effects of Casticin. Mice were sacrificed and were used for histological, RNA, protein, and parasite burden analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that hepatic fibrosis was significantly attenuated, as indicated by histology and reduction of fibrotic markers such as collagen AI, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Casticin treatment significantly reduced worm burden. Anthelmintic effect of Casticin was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study suggested that Casticin may be a beneficial candidate in treating S. mansoni infection.
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Mai ZH, Huang Y, Huang D, Huang ZS, He ZX, Li PL, Zhang S, Weng JF, Gu WL. Reversine and herbal Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi decoction ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury by regulating the RelA/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway. Open Life Sci 2020; 15:696-710. [PMID: 33817258 PMCID: PMC7747499 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2020-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of reversine and Chinese medicine Xiang–Sha–Liu–Jun–Zi decoction (XSLJZD) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered with TAA, then injected with reversine intraperitoneally, and/or orally provided with XSLJZD. TAA resulted in liver injury with increases in the liver index and levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase. Reversine alleviated the liver index and AST level and improved TAA-induced pathological changes but decreased TAA-induced collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β1 expression. Reversine also modulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as RelA, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3, platelet-derived growth factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein, and suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) phosphorylation and caspase 1 activation. Meanwhile, XSLJZD protected TAA-injured liver without increasing fibrosis and enhanced the regulating effect of reversine on RelA, IL-17A, IL-1β, and MCP-1 cytokines. In conclusion, reversine ameliorates liver injury and inhibits inflammation reaction by regulating NF-κB, and XSLJZD protects the liver through its synergistic effect with reversine on regulating inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hao Mai
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Sheng Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiang He
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Lin Li
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Weng
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Gu
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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8
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Ye L, Yu Y, Zhao Y. Icariin-induced miR-875-5p attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting hedgehog signaling in liver fibrosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:482-491. [PMID: 31617598 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is the final endpoint for most chronic liver diseases and remains a significant public health problem worldwide. Icariin, a naturally occurring flavonol glucoside, has been reported to exhibit protective effects on liver injury and alleviate liver fibrosis. However, the underlying detail molecular mechanism is not fully revealed. METHODS Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4 )-induced liver fibrosis model in mice were used as in vitro and in vivo models in this study. The expression levels of miR-875-5p were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The validation of the direct target of miR-875-5p was through dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blotting assay. The cell proliferation and cell mobility were determined using MTT assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. RESULTS We found that icariin inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition and collagen protein section of HSCs. Icariin exerted hepatoprotective effects on mice model of CCL4 -induced liver fibrosis. Our further results revealed that miR-875-5p was downregulated in human cirrhosis tissues and activated murine HSCs. Icariin induced miR-875-5p upregulation and subsequently decreased glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) expression through direct binding to the three prime untranslated region of GLI1 mRNA. CONCLUSION Our study highlighted the potential therapeutic application of icariin for liver fibrosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ye
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaping Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang, China
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Mohammadinejad R, Ahmadi Z, Tavakol S, Ashrafizadeh M. Berberine as a potential autophagy modulator. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14914-14926. [PMID: 30770555 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Today, pharmacognosy is considered a valuable science in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Among herbals, Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the Berberis species. Surprisingly, it shows antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, it diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy and enhances tumor suppression in part through autophagy and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the effect of berberine on diverse cellular pathways and describe how berberine acts as an autophagy modulator to adjust physiologic and pathologic conditions and diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mohammadinejad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad Branch, Shushtar, Khuzestan, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Li S, Tan HY, Wang N, Feng Y, Wang X, Feng Y. Recent Insights Into the Role of Immune Cells in Alcoholic Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1328. [PMID: 31244862 PMCID: PMC6581703 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating clinical and experimental evidences have demonstrated that both innate and adaptive immunity are involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), in which the role of immunity is to fuel the inflammation and to drive the progression of ALD. Various immune cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of ALD. The activation of innate immune cells induced by alcohol and adaptive immune response triggered by oxidative modification of hepatic constituents facilitate the persistent hepatic inflammation. Meanwhile, the suppressed antigen-presenting capability of various innate immune cells and impaired function of T cells may consequently lead to an increased risk of infection in the patients with advanced ALD. In this review, we summarized the significant recent findings of immune cells participating in ALD. The pathways and molecules involved in the regulation of specific immune cells, and novel mediators protecting the liver from alcoholic injury via affecting these cells are particularly highlighted. This review aims to update the knowledge about immunity in the pathogenesis of ALD, which may facilitate to enhancement of currently available interventions for ALD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Li
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yigang Feng
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanbin Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Han Y, Pan L, Ran S, Song Y, Sun FF, Wang YZ, Hong Y. Rhizoma Paridis saponins ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in rats by downregulating expression of angiogenesis‑associated growth factors. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:3548-3554. [PMID: 30864692 PMCID: PMC6471138 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS), the major active component of Rhizoma Paridis, may exhibit hepatoprotective effects. The present study aimed to identify the potential mechanism of RPS on hepatic injury and improvement in hepatic fibrosis (HF). A HF model was created in Sprague-Dawley rats by administration of carbon tetrachloride. RPS was administered for treatment following creation of the HF model. The protein and mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. RPS was demonstrated to improve hepatic inflammation and decrease HF severity according to hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining. Following RPS treatment, the level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde, and expression levels of the mRNA and protein of VEGF, ERK1/2, PDGF and α-SMA in the model group was decreased. By contrast, the content of glutathione-PX and superoxide dismutase was increased. These data suggest that RPS may treat HF primarily through downregulation of the expression levels of the mRNA and phosphorylated VEGF, ERK1/2, PDGF and α-SMA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanquan Han
- Grade 3 Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Pan
- Grade 3 Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Shan Ran
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yan Song
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Fang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Zhong Wang
- Grade 3 Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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12
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Li X, Zhu L, Wang B, Yuan M, Zhu R. Drugs and Targets in Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:855. [PMID: 29218009 PMCID: PMC5703866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to the development of many diseases and many target molecules are involved in fibrosis. Currently, the majority of fibrosis treatment strategies are limited to specific diseases or organs. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates great similarities among fibroproliferative diseases, and more and more drugs are proved to be effective anti-fibrotic therapies across different diseases and organs. Here we comprehensively review the current knowledge on the pathological mechanisms of fibrosis, and divide factors mediating fibrosis progression into extracellular and intracellular groups. Furthermore, we systematically summarize both single and multiple component drugs that target fibrosis. Future directions of fibrosis drug discovery are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Genome, Environment and Microbiome Community of Excellence, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meifei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, SINO High Goal Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Boye A, Yang Y, Asenso J, Wei W. Anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic Chinese herbal medicines: A mechanistic overview. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESEARCH 2016; 5:278-89. [PMID: 27366355 PMCID: PMC4927134 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160530032814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is an integral component of complementary/alternative medicine and it is increasingly becoming the preferred therapeutic modality for the treatment of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has attested to the popularity and efficacy of indigenous herbal therapies including CHM as a first line of treatment for some diseases including liver disorders. However, the WHO and drug discovery experts have always recommended that use of indigenous herbal remedies must go hand-in-hand with the requisite mechanistic elucidation so as to constitute a system of verification of efficacy within the ethnobotanical context of use. Although many CHM experts have advanced knowledge on CHM, nonetheless, more enlightenment is needed, particularly mechanisms of action of CHMs on fibro-hepato-carcinogenesis. We, herein, provide in-depth mechanisms of the action of CHMs which have demonstrated anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic effects, in pre-clinical and clinical studies as published in PubMed and other major scientific databases. Specifically, the review brings out the important signaling pathways, and their downstream targets which are modulated at multi-level by various anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Boye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - James Asenso
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Berberine Inhibition of Fibrogenesis in a Rat Model of Liver Fibrosis and in Hepatic Stellate Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:8762345. [PMID: 27239214 PMCID: PMC4867075 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8762345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aim. To examine the effect of berberine (BBR) on liver fibrosis and its possible mechanisms through direct effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Methods. The antifibrotic effect of BBR was determined in a rat model of bile duct ligation- (BDL-) induced liver fibrosis. Multiple cellular and molecular approaches were introduced to examine the effects of BBR on HSC. Results. BBR potently inhibited hepatic fibrosis induced by BDL in rats. It exhibited cytotoxicity to activated HSC at doses nontoxic to hepatocytes. High doses of BBR induced apoptosis of activated HSC, which was mediated by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and Bcl-2/Bax imbalance. Low doses of BBR suppressed activation of HSC as evidenced by the inhibition of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and cell motility. BBR did not affect Smad2/3 phosphorylation but significantly activated 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling, which was responsible for the transcriptional inhibition by BBR of profibrogenic factors α-SMA and collagen in HSC. Conclusion. BBR is a promising agent for treating liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms, at least partially by directly targeting HSC and by inhibiting the AMPK pathway. Its value as an antifibrotic drug in patients with liver disease deserves further investigation.
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Wang X, Wang N, Cheung F, Lao L, Li C, Feng Y. Chinese medicines for prevention and treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma: current progress on pharmacological actions and mechanisms. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2015; 13:142-64. [PMID: 26006028 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(15)60171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of leading causes of death in the world. Although various treatments have been developed, the therapeutic side effects are far from desirable. Chinese medicines (CMs, including plants, animal parts and minerals) have drawn a great deal of attention in recent years for their potential in the treatment of HCC. Most studies have shown that CMs may be able to retard HCC progression with multiple actions, either alone or in combination with other conventional therapies to improve quality of life in HCC patients. Additionally, CMs are used for preventing HCC occurrence. The aim of this study is to review the potential prophylactic and curative effects of CMs on human HCC and the possible mechanisms that underlie these pharmacological actions. Publications were collected and reviewed from PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 2000 to 2014. Keywords for literature searches include "Chinese medicine", "Chinese herb", "traditional Chinese Medicine", "hepatocellular carcinoma" and "liver cancer". CMs in forms of pure compounds, isolated fractions, and composite formulas are included. Combination therapies are also considered. Both in vitro and in vivo efficacies of CMs are being discussed and the translational potential to bedside is to be discussed with clinical cases, which show the actions of CMs on HCC may include tumor growth inhibition, antimetastatic activities, anti-inflammation, anti-liver cancer stem cells, reversal on multi-drug resistance and induction/reduction of oxidative stress. Multiple types of molecules are found to contribute in the above actions. The review paper indicated that CMs might have potential to both prevent HCC occurrence and retard HCC progression with several molecular targets involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanbin Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fan Cheung
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charlie Li
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Sedum mexicanum Britt. Induces Apoptosis of Primary Rat Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:194373. [PMID: 26078767 PMCID: PMC4452845 DOI: 10.1155/2015/194373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background. Liver fibrosis is a significant liver disease in Asian countries. Sedum mexicanum Britt. (SM) has been claimed to have antihepatitis efficacy. In traditional folk medicine, a solution of boiling water-extracted SM (SME) is consumed to prevent and treat hepatitis. However, its efficacy has not yet been verified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of SME on hepatoprotection. Methods. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatocytes (HCs) were isolated from the livers of the rats by enzymatic digestion and density gradient centrifugation. Results. Treating the HCs and aHSCs with SME caused a dose-dependent decrease in the viability of aHSCs but not that of HCs. In addition, treatment with SME resulted in apoptosis of aHSCs, as determined by DAPI analysis and flow cytometry. SME also increased the amount of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in aHSCs. Furthermore, SME treatment induced a dose-dependent reduction in Bcl-2 expression and increased the expression of Bax in aHSCs. Conclusions. SME did not cause cytotoxicity in HCs, but it induced apoptosis in aHSCs through the mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. Therefore, SME may possess therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis.
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Xin X, Yang W, Yasen M, Zhao H, Aisa HA. The mechanism of hepatoprotective effect of sesquiterpene rich fraction from Cichorum glandulosum Boiss. et Huet on immune reaction-induced liver injury in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:1068-1075. [PMID: 24933227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cichorum glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is a traditional Uygur herbal medicine that has been used as a cholagogic and diuretic agent to improve liver function. However, the mechanism is not known for the liver-protective function. We investigated the antioxidant effects of plant extraction (CGE60) in vitro and in vivo, and find the mechanism of liver protection in Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG)+Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced liver injury in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS CGE60 was made, and the antioxidant activity was investigated by comparing the ability of scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azinobis(3-ehtylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfnicAcid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals in vitro. Then, CGE60 was administrated in mice of liver damage model which was induced in mice using the BCG+LPS protocol. The CGE 60 extract was tested at three dosages: 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX,), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthetase (NOS), hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) contents were evaluated in liver to determine the CGE60 activity in the hepatic injury model. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) proteins were determined in the liver tissues using ELSIA. The signaling activities were evaluated in Western blot. RESULTS CGE60 exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. With oral administration, CGE60 significantly increased the activity of CAT, SOD, GSH-PX, and decreased the level of NO, NO synthase, hydroxyproline, ALP and lipid peroxidation liver of in the BDG+ LPS model. CGE60 attenuated hepatic inflammation via down- regulation of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β. CGE60 blocked protein expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),but activated the expression of p-P38 MAPK. CONCLUSION This study suggests that CGE60 possesses antioxidant activity and this activity associates with hepatoprotective effect in the mice of BCG +LPS model, and the mechanisms underlying these effects may involve antioxidant actions and anti-inflammation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Xin
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Weijun Yang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Xinjiang Institute of material medic, Urumqi 830002, China
| | - Mireguli Yasen
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Haiqing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Haji akber Aisa
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
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Liu YW, Huang YT. Inhibitory effect of tanshinone IIA on rat hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103229. [PMID: 25076488 PMCID: PMC4116159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is one therapeutic approach to hepatic fibrosis. Tanshinone IIA (C19H18O3, Tan IIA) is a lipophilic diterpene isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, with reported anti-inflammatory activity. We tested whether Tan IIA could inhibit HSC activation. Materials and Methods The cell line of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/ml). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. HSC-T6 cells were pretreated with Tan IIA (1, 3 and 10 µM), then induced by LPS (100 ng/ml). NF-κB activity was evaluated by the luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blotting analysis was performed to measure NF-κB-p65, and phosphorylations of MAPKs (ERK, JNK, p38). Cell chemotaxis was assessed by both wound-healing assay and trans-well invasion assay. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect gene expression in HSC-T6 cells. Results All concentrations of drugs showed no cytotoxicity against HSC-T6 cells. LPS stimulated NF-κB luciferase activities, nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65, and phosphorylations of ERK, JNK and p38, all of which were suppressed by Tan IIA. In addition, Tan IIA significantly inhibited LPS-induced HSCs chemotaxis, in both wound-healing and trans-well invasion assays. Moreover, Tan IIA attenuated LPS-induced mRNA expressions of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, iNOS, and α-SMA in HSC-T6 cells. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that Tan IIA decreased LPS-induced HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsau Huang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Lu KH, Liu CT, Raghu R, Sheen LY. Therapeutic potential of chinese herbal medicines in alcoholic liver disease. J Tradit Complement Med 2014; 2:115-22. [PMID: 24716123 PMCID: PMC3942913 DOI: 10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complex chronic disease and is associated with a spectrum of liver injury ranging from steatosis and steatohepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Since effective therapies for ALD are still limited, Chinese herbal medicine is thought to be an important and alternative approach. This review focuses on the current scientific evidence of ALD by ten Chinese Materia Medica ( zhōng yào), including Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix ( dān shēn), Notoginseng Radix ( sān qī), Lycii Fructus ( gǒu qǐ zǐ), Cnidii Fructus ( shé chuáng zǐ), Gentianae Radix ( lóng dǎn), Puerariae Radix ( gé gēn), Puerariae Flos ( gé huā), Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex ( hòu pò), Platycodonis Radix ( jié gěng), and Trigonellae Semen ( hú lú bā). Potential mechanisms of these herbal medicines in ALD are involved in amelioration of enhanced inflammation, reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and lipogenesis, and enhancement of intestinal permeability in alcohol-induced liver injury models in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, the evidenced therapeutic potential suggests that these herbs are promising candidates for prevention and development of new drugs for ALD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Hung Lu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ting Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rajasekaran Raghu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Yan Sheen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhou WC, Zhang QB, Qiao L. Pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:7312-7324. [PMID: 24966602 PMCID: PMC4064077 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i23.7312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is the final pathological result of various chronic liver diseases, and fibrosis is the precursor of cirrhosis. Many types of cells, cytokines and miRNAs are involved in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal event in fibrosis. Defenestration and capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are major contributing factors to hepatic dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. Activated Kupffer cells destroy hepatocytes and stimulate the activation of HSCs. Repeated cycles of apoptosis and regeneration of hepatocytes contribute to pathogenesis of cirrhosis. At the molecular level, many cytokines are involved in mediation of signaling pathways that regulate activation of HSCs and fibrogenesis. Recently, miRNAs as a post-transcriptional regulator have been found to play a key role in fibrosis and cirrhosis. Robust animal models of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, as well as the recently identified critical cellular and molecular factors involved in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for these conditions.
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Guo C, Xu L, He Q, Liang T, Duan X, Li R. Anti-fibrotic effects of puerarin on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats possibly through the regulation of PPAR-γ expression and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 56:436-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Wang N, Feng Y, Cheung F, Chow OY, Wang X, Su W, Tong Y. A comparative study on the hepatoprotective action of bear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma aqueous extract on experimental liver fibrosis in rats. Altern Ther Health Med 2012. [PMID: 23190573 PMCID: PMC3543725 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Bear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma have been used in Chinese medicine with a long tradition in treating heat-diseases. Both bear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma are used to treat liver diseases in clinical practice of Chinese Medicine. Since bears are currently endangered, it raises the question whether the use of bear bile is ethical. To look for substitute for bear bile, the aim of this study is to compare the anti-fibrotic effects of Coptidis Rhizoma and its major component berberine with the actions of bear bile and its major compound tauroursodeoxycholic acid on experimental liver fibrosis in rats. METHOD Quality assessment was conducted with high performance liquid chromatography. The experimental liver fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, and bile duct ligation respectively. The biochemical criteria in the blood and tissue samples were measured to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties and underlying mechanisms of the drugs. RESULTS Coptidis Rhizoma Aqueous Extract (CRAE), berberine, and bear bile exerted anti-fibrotic properties on various liver fibrosis models in rats. CRAE and berberine significantly reduced the peroxidative stress in liver through increasing the superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. CRAE and berberine were able to excrete bilirubin products from the liver and protect hepatocytes from cholestatic damage. The effect of CRAE and berberine are comparable to that of bear bile. CONCLUSION Instead of using bear bile, CRAE and berberine can be potential substitutes in treating liver fibrosis.
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Zhou J, Liang Y, Lin XM, Ma RJ, Fang JQ. Acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis: a review with recommendation for future studies. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES : AJTCAM 2012; 9:452-458. [PMID: 23983380 PMCID: PMC3746655 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v9i4.1] [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: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, as a major medical problem, is characterized with significant morbidity and mortality. Acupuncture has potential advantages in treating hepatic fibrosis as acupuncture functions well to reduce Qi and Blood stagnation, resolve stasis and enhance body immunity, which are important factors in treating hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this review was to appraise the current limited evidence of acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis from both animal experiments and clinical trials by using both Chinese and western databases and to provide recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhou
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Potdar D, Hirwani R, Dhulap S. Phyto-chemical and pharmacological applications of Berberis aristata. Fitoterapia 2012; 83:817-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Application of microcalorimetry of Escherichia coli growth and discriminant analysis to the quality assessment of a Chinese herbal injection (Yinzhihuang). Acta Pharm Sin B 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Cheung F, Feng Y, Wang N, Yuen MF, Tong Y, Wong VT. Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in treating liver fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chin Med 2012; 7:5. [PMID: 22376935 PMCID: PMC3310806 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-7-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The studies on the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) in treating liver fibrosis (LF) were not consistent. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of CHM on treating LF patients. Methods Databases including MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, TCMOnline, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Medical Current Contents were searched up to March 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving LF patients receiving CHM, Western medicine, combined CHM and Western medicine compared with placebo, Western medicine or no intervention were included. LF markers including serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type III (PC-III), type IV collagen (IV-C), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) were measured as primary outcomes. Liver biochemistry, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartarte aminotransferase (AST), and improvement of related clinical symptoms were measured as secondary outcomes. Risk of bias of allocation sequence, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other biases were assessed. Results Twenty-three RCTs with 2123 participants were analyzed in subgroups of types of comparison and study quality. Fifteen studies were graded as good quality. CHM alone and combined with Western medicine showed significant improvements in HA, LN, PC-III and IV-C compared with Western medicine alone. However, there were no significant differences observed between CHM and placebo treatments. Conclusion The current inconclusive results in determining the effectiveness of CHM treatment on LF, due to the poor methodological quality and high heterogeneity of the studies, suggests that large RCTs using standardized Chinese medicine syndrome diagnosis and CHM formulae with longer follow-up are required for further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Cheung
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Feng Y, Wang N, Ye X, Li H, Feng Y, Cheung F, Nagamatsu T. Hepatoprotective effect and its possible mechanism of Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver hepatotoxicity in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 138:683-690. [PMID: 21963555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coptidis rhizoma is traditionally used for heat-clearing and toxic-scavenging and it belongs to liver meridian in Chinese medicine practice. Clinically, Coptidis rhizoma can be used for hepatic and biliary disorders, yet details in the therapies of liver diseases and underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract (CRAE) against CCl(4)-induced acute liver damage was related to antioxidant property. In the present study, the protection of CRAE on chronic liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rats and its related mechanism were explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CCl(4)-induced chronic liver damage model was established, and CRAE's protective effect was examined. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, serum and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were then measured. The histological changes were observed under microscopy and then computed in numerical score. The normal or damaged cells were isolated and related signaling pathway was evaluated. RESULT Serum AST and ALT activities were significantly decreased in rats treated with different doses of CRAE, indicating its protective effect against CCl(4)-induced chronic liver damage. Observation on serum SOD activity revealed that CRAE might act as an anti-oxidant agent against CCl(4)-induced chronic oxide stress. Histological study supported these observations. Erk1/2 inhibition may take part into CRAE's effect on preventing hepatocyte from apoptosis when exposed to oxidative stress. CONCLUSION CRAE showed protective effect against CCl(4)-induced chronic liver damage in rats and its potential as an agent in the treatment of chronic liver diseases by protecting hepatocyte from injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Zhu M, Wang N, Tsao SW, Yuen MF, Feng Y, Wan TSK, Man K, Feng Y. Up-regulation of microRNAs, miR21 and miR23a in human liver cancer cells treated with Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract. Exp Ther Med 2010; 2:27-32. [PMID: 22977465 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2010.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coptidis rhizoma (CR; Huanglian in Chinese) has been used for the treatment of cancer in Chinese medicine, and recent studies have supported its use in cancer therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of human cancers. We examined alterations in the miRNA profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells after treatment with Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract (CRAE). An on-chip microarray method was used to detect alterations in the expression profile of miRNAs in human HCC MHCC97-L cells after exposure to 175 μg/ml CRAE. Altered expression of several miRNAs was detected in the MHCC97-L cells after treatment with 175 μg/ml CRAE. The microarray results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Consistent results were obtained; qRT-PCR confirmed that both miR-21 and miR-23a were significantly up-regulated. TargetScan and PicTar microRNA databases were used to predict the possible target genes of the altered miRNAs. The results showed that the altered miRNAs after CRAE treatment may serve as markers for the therapy of liver cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the up-regulation of miRNAs, miR21 and miR23a in human liver cancer cells treated with CRAE. Our results suggest that CRAE targets miR-21 and miR-23a in liver cancer cells supporting the potential application of CRAE in the treatment of HCC.
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He Q, Zhang J, Chen F, Guo L, Zhu Z, Shi J. An anti-ROS/hepatic fibrosis drug delivery system based on salvianolic acid B loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2010; 31:7785-96. [PMID: 20674009 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The rhodamine B (RhB) covalently grafted SBA-15-structured mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-RhB) of high surface area (750 m(2) g(-1)), large pore volume (0.7 cm(3) g(-1)), uniform particle size (about 400 nm) and positively charged surface (29.6 +/- 5.0 mV), has been developed as a drug delivery system (SAB@MSNs-RhB) for anti-ROS (reactive oxygen species)/hepatic fibrosis by loading a negatively charged drug salvianolic acid B (SAB). The dosage formulation SAB@MSNs-RhB effectively protected the loaded drug SAB from decomposition. The multi-release experimental results showed that SAB@MSNs-RhB exhibited an outstanding SAB sustained-release property, and relatively high SAB release rates and concentrations in a long term after the consumption of previously released SAB as compared to SAB loaded MSNs (SAB@MSNs) of negatively charged surface (-31.1 +/- 2.6 mV). The influences of the drug concentration, incubation time, drug formula and drug carrier on the ROS level, proliferative activity and cytotoxicity of LX-2 cells were evaluated. The results showed that the inhibiting effect of SAB@MSNs-RhB on the ROS level and proliferative activity of LX-2 cells was more remarkable than free SAB in a long term (72 h), and became more intensive with the increase of the sample concentration and the incubation time. SAB@MSNs-RhB enhanced the cellular drug uptake, the drug bioaccessability and efficacy for anti-ROS/hepatic fibrosis via the nanoparticles-mediated endocytosis and the sustained release of the drug. There was no visible cytotoxicity of free SAB, MSNs-RhB and SAB@MSNs-RhB against LX-2 cells in a broad concentration range (0.5-100 microm) and incubation time periods up to 72 h. The blood compatibility of the carrier MSNs-RhB was evaluated by investigating the hemolysis and coagulation behaviors in a broad concentration range (50-500 microg mL(-1)) under in vitro conditions. The results suggested that MSNs-RhB possessed good blood compatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjun He
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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