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Zhang P, Cao J, Liang X, Su Z, Zhang B, Wang Z, Xie J, Chen G, Chen X, Zhang J, Feng Y, Xu Q, Song J, Hong A, Chen X, Zhang Y. Lian-Mei-Yin formula alleviates diet-induced hepatic steatosis by suppressing Yap1/FOXM1 pathway-dependent lipid synthesis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:621-633. [PMID: 38516704 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, with a global prevalence of 25%. Patients with NAFLD are more likely to suffer from advanced liver disease, cardiovascular disease, or type II diabetes. However, unfortunately, there is still a shortage of FDA-approved therapeutic agents for NAFLD. Lian-Mei-Yin (LMY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for decades to treat liver disorders. It has recently been applied to type II diabetes which is closely related to insulin resistance. Given that NAFLD is another disease involved in insulin resistance, we hypothesize that LMY might be a promising formula for NAFLD therapy. Herein, we verify that the LMY formula effectively reduces hepatic steatosis in diet-induced zebrafish and NAFLD model mice in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, LMY suppresses Yap1-mediated Foxm1 activation, which is crucial for the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Consequently, lipogenesis is ameliorated by LMY administration. In summary, the LMY formula alleviates diet-induced NAFLD in zebrafish and mice by inhibiting Yap1/Foxm1 signaling-mediated NAFLD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiguang Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jieqiong Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xujing Liang
- Department of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zijian Su
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bihui Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Junye Xie
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Gengrui Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinting Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yanxian Feng
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianping Song
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - An Hong
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University; National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Water extract from artichoke ameliorates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:308. [PMID: 36424606 PMCID: PMC9686119 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "multiple-hit" hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted theory for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of artichoke (WEA) on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and then treated with WEA at three doses (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight, BW) for 8 weeks. At the end of the intervention, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histopathology, hepatic inflammatory gene and lipid metabolism gene expression, and Akt and p-Akt (S473) protein levels were determined. RESULTS The body weight, liver weight, liver triglyceride (TG) and serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, and insulin were all significantly reduced in the WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared with the HFD group (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in hepatic content of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) and glutathione (P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in liver superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01) were observed in WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared to the HFD group. In addition, there was a marked decrease in the hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the WEA-treated groups compared to the HFD group (P < 0.01). In line with these findings, the histopathology of the livers of rats treated with WEA (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) showed a decrease in steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. Mechanistically, the reduced hepatic TG content might be related to the downregulation of lipogenic genes (SREBP1c, FASN, SCD1) and upregulation of lipolytic gene (PPARα), and the improved insulin signaling might be associated with the observed increase in antioxidant activity and reduction in inflammation in the WEA-treated groups. CONCLUSION The hepatoprotective role of WEA in NAFLD may be attributed to its anti-steatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-insulin resistance effects.
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Liu K, Chen X, Ren Y, Liu C, Yuan A, Zheng L, Li B, Zhang Y. Identification of a novel farnesoid X receptor agonist, kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside, a compound ameliorating drug-induced liver injury based on virtual screening and in vitro validation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116251. [PMID: 36150480 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid receptor, plays an essential role in maintaining bile acid and liver homeostasis and has been recognized as an essential target for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This study aimed to identify potential FXR agonists by virtual screening, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and biological assays. First, an in-house Traditional Chinese medicine compound database was screened using a virtual approach based on molecular docking to reveal potential FXR agonists. Secondly, MD was applied to analyze the process of agonist binding. Finally, the acetaminophen (APAP)-induced L02 cells model evaluated the pharmacodynamic activity of agonists treating DILI. Virtual screening results showed that kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside was confirmed as the FXR agonist. MD results showed that kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside could stably bind the FXR. In addition, in vitro cell-based assay showed that kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside could promote the expression of the FXR gene and inhibit the Cyp7a1 gene expression in APAP-induced cells, significantly reducing the activities of AST, AKP and ROS, and enhancing the expression of GSH. The current study confirmed that kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside might improve liver function by promoting proliferation, ameliorating oxidative stress, and regulating FXR target genes as observed in vitro. Therefore, in this study, discovering the FXR agonist, kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside, provides valuable guidance for developing novel drugs against DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yue Ren
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Anlei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Beiyan Li
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of TCM-information Engineer of State Administration of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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Cao Y, Shu X, Li M, Yu S, Li C, Ji G, Zhang L. Jiangzhi granule attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through modulating bile acid in mice fed high-fat vitamin D deficiency diet. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112825. [PMID: 35305348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a common phenomenon in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the progressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Jiangzhi Granule (JZG) formula is a Traditional Chinese medicine prescription, and has been found effective against NAFLD/NASH. Here we showed that vitamin D deficiency could accelerate NASH development, and reduce vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression. JZG treatment alleviated high-fat vitamin D deficient (HF-VDD) diet-induced NASH in C57BL/6 J mice, and up-regulated both the liver and intestinal VDR expression independent of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 level. We analyzed the fecal BA profile using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQMS) -based metabolomics, and found that JZG modulated fecal BA profile, predominantly increased the ratio of secondary BA species, as well as the expression of tight junction proteins Zona occludens 1(ZO-1) and occludin in the colon. In vitro experiment further confirmed the representative secondary BA species lithocholic acid (LCA) and keto-LCA upregulated the expression of and ZO-1 through VDR in LPS-stressed Caco-2 cells. Our results identified the endogenous VDR activation by JZG through modulating BA species in vitamin D deficiency-related NASH mice, thus providing evidence for the clinical application of JZG in treating NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiangbing Shu
- Department of Geratology, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Siyu Yu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Structural and Functional Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Jiangzhi Granules during the Amelioration of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:2234695. [PMID: 34966475 PMCID: PMC8712166 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2234695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, accumulating evidence revealed that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly associated with the dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Jiang Zhi Granule (JZG), which is composed of five widely used Chinese herbs, has shown hypolipidemic effect, while whether such effect is mediated by gut microbiota is still unclear. Here, we found that both low and high doses of JZG (LJZ and HJZ) could improve hepatic steatosis and function, as well as insulin resistance in NAFLD mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that JZG treatment could reverse the dysbiosis of intestinal flora in NAFLD mice, exhibiting a dose-dependent effect. Notably, HJZ could significantly reduce the relative abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae, while increasing the relative abundance of such as S24_7 and Lachnospiraceae. PICRUSt analysis showed that HJZ could significantly alter the functional profile of gut microbiota, including the reduction of the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and sulfur metabolism pathway, which is verified by the decreased levels of fecal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). In addition, hepatic mRNA sequencing further indicated that the HJZ group can regulate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway and inflammatory signaling pathway, as validated by RT-PCR and Western blot. We also found that different doses of JZG may regulate lipid metabolism through differentiated pathways, as LJZ mainly through the promotion of hepatic lipid hydrolysis, while HJZ mainly through the improvement of hepatic lipid oxidation. Taken together, JZG could modulate gut dysbiosis with dose-effect, alleviate inflammation level, and regulate hepatic lipid metabolism, which may subsequently contribute to the improvement of NAFLD. Our study revealed the underlying mechanisms in the improvement of NAFLD by a Chinese herbal compound, providing future guidance for clinical usage.
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Tang R, Li R, Li H, Ma XL, Du P, Yu XY, Ren L, Wang LL, Zheng WS. Design of Hepatic Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Products: Insights into Nomenclature Revision of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17016-17046. [PMID: 34705426 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), affects a quarter of the worldwide population. Natural products have been extensively utilized in treating NAFLD because of their distinctive advantages over chemotherapeutic drugs, despite the fact that there are no approved drugs for therapy. Notably, the limitations of many natural products, such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability in vivo, low hepatic distribution, and lack of targeted effects, have severely restricted their clinical application. These issues could be resolved via hepatic targeted drug delivery systems (HTDDS) that boost clinical efficacy in treating NAFLD and decrease the adverse effects on other organs. Herein an overview of natural products comprising formulas, single medicinal plants, and their crude extracts has been presented to treat NAFLD. Also, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of active monomer compounds against NAFLD are systematically discussed. The targeted delivery of natural products via HTDDS has been explored to provide a different nanotechnology-based NAFLD treatment strategy and to make suggestions for natural-product-based targeted nanocarrier design. Finally, the challenges and opportunities put forth by the nomenclature update of NAFLD are outlined along with insights into how to improve the NAFLD therapy and how to design more rigorous nanocarriers for the HTDDS. In brief, we summarize the up-to-date developments of the NAFLD-HTDDS based on natural products and provide viewpoints for the establishment of more stringent anti-NAFLD natural-product-targeted nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rou Tang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - He Li
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Peng Du
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiao-You Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lu-Lu Wang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Zheng
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Zhou W, Zhu Z, Xiao X, Li C, Zhang L, Dang Y, Ge G, Ji G, Zhu M, Xu H. Jiangzhi Granule attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by suppressing TNF/NFκB signaling pathway-a study based on network pharmacology. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112181. [PMID: 34649337 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Jiangzhi Granule is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, its key ingredients and underlying mechanisms for attenuating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain unclear. To address this issue, UPLC-TOF-MS based chemical profiling, network pharmacology and animal experimental validation were employed. First, a total of 56 main ingredients of Jiangzhi Granule and 38 ingredients in the blood and liver (after oral administration) were identified. Then, 170 potential targets of the absorbed ingredients and 50 targets of NASH were identified, and 10 overlapped genes were identified as candidate targets of Jiangzhi Granule for NASH treatment. A Jiangzhi Granule-ingredients-targets-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape software, which included eight main ingredients (such as emodin, resveratrol and quercetin) and 10 candidate targets (such as TNF, IL6 and CCL2). Functional enrichment indicated that the candidate targets were enriched in multiple pathways (such as the TNF signaling pathway). Furthermore, a NASH mice model was constructed and intervened with Jiangzhi Granule. The results revealed that Jiangzhi Granule could ameliorate NASH characteristics, such as histopathological changes and liver cholesterol level. Meanwhile, Jiangzhi Granule significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of TNFα in NASH mice liver, suppressed NFκB activation, and inhibited the expression of macrophage activation marker F4/80 and M1-type polarization marker CD11b/CD11c. ELISA assay indicated that Jiangzhi Granule reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) in the liver. Collectively, our results suggested that Jiangzhi Granule could attenuate NASH by suppressing TNF/NFκB signaling mediated macrophage M1-type polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ziye Zhu
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Xiao
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chunlin Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanqi Dang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mingzhe Zhu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Hongxi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Zhang M, Yuan Y, Zhou W, Qin Y, Xu K, Men J, Lin M. Network pharmacology analysis of Chaihu Lizhong Tang treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 86:107248. [PMID: 32208163 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, the network pharmacological methods were used to predict the target of active components of Chaihu Lizhong Tang (CHLZT) in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHOD The active components of "CHLZT", their targets, and NAFLD related targets were screened by multiple databases, and the potential targets of "CHLZT" in the treatment of NAFLD were predicted. The active component-target network of "CHLZT" was constructed by Cytoscape software. The potential target of "CHLZT" for the treatment of NAFLD constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING). The hub genes of "CHLZT" in the treatment of NAFLD were screened by network topological parameters, and the results were verified by molecular docking. "ClusterProfiler" in R was used for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS OB ≥ 30 % and DL ≥ 0.18 were selected as the screening criteria of active components. A total of 83 active components and 456 targets were selected. Based on the evaluation of topological parameters of degree network, five hub genes for interaction with "CHLZT" therapy for NAFLD were screened, that is, AKT1, ALB, IL6, EGFR, and CASP3. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components in "CHLZT" had a good binding ability with the key targets. The enrichment analysis results showed that the treatment of NAFLD with "CHLZT" mainly involved in cofactor binding, protease binding, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and IL-17 signaling pathway, which mediated the potential mechanism of "CHLZT" intervention in NAFLD. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanism of "CHLZT" in the treatment of NAFLD indicated the synergistic features of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway of traditional Chinese medicine, which provided an important scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism of "CHLZT" in the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- Basic Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Yali Qin
- Basic Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Kaixia Xu
- Basic Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Jiuzhang Men
- Basic Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Mingxin Lin
- Institute of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Zhang S, Wong YT, Tang KY, Kwan HY, Su T. Chinese Medicinal Herbs Targeting the Gut-Liver Axis and Adipose Tissue-Liver Axis for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatments: The Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:572729. [PMID: 33101207 PMCID: PMC7556113 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.572729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex. Frontline western medicines only ameliorate the symptoms of NAFLD. On the contrary, the uniqueness of Chinese medicine in its interpretation of NAFLD and the holistic therapeutic approach lead to a promising therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies reveal that the gut-liver axis and adipose tissue-liver axis play important roles in the development of NAFLD. Interestingly, with advanced technology, many herbal formulae are found to target the gut-liver axis and adipose tissue-liver axis and resolve the inflammation in NAFLD. This is the first review summarizes the current findings on the Chinese herbal formulae that target the two axes in NAFLD treatment. This review not only demonstrates how the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine is being interpreted by modern pharmacological studies, but also provides valuable information for the further development of the herbal-based treatment for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Zhang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yui-Tung Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Yu Tang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hiu-Yee Kwan
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Hiu-Yee Kwan, ; Tao Su,
| | - Tao Su
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hiu-Yee Kwan, ; Tao Su,
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Zai JA, Khan MR, Mughal ZUN, Batool R, Naz I, Maryam S, Zahra Z. Methanol extract of Iphiona aucheri ameliorates CCl 4 induced hepatic injuries by regulation of genes in rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2019; 8:815-832. [PMID: 34055308 PMCID: PMC8142630 DOI: 10.1039/c9tx00157c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the protective potential of methanol extract of Iphiona aucheri (IAM) on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated genes and inflammatory genes on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic toxicity in rats. Hepatic damage markers: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin were elevated while the content of antioxidants: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in CCl4 treated rats as compared to the control group. The CCl4 intoxication induced a higher expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), X-box-binding protein 1 total (XBP1t), spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s), unspliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1u), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), mothers against DPP homolog 3 (SMAD3), alpha skeletal muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1). The intoxicated rats showed a low expression of the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) like-2 (Nrf2). The administration of IAM to intoxicated rats restored the expression of ER stress, inflammatory, fibrosis and antioxidant genes in a dose dependent manner. Our results indicated that IAM can impede the ER stress and inflammatory genes and it could be a complementary and alternative therapeutic agent for oxidative stress associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaid Ahmed Zai
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Muhammad Rashid Khan
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Zaib Un Nisa Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Riffat Batool
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Irum Naz
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Sonia Maryam
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Zartash Zahra
- Department of Biochemistry , Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-azam University Islamabad , Islamabad , Pakistan . ; ; ; ; ; ;
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