Matrine attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrion dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating SERCA pathway

Quantitative Proteomics Reveal the Role of Matrine in Regulating Lipid Metabolism

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a prevalent systemic metabolic disorder characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism. Statin drugs have long been the primary choice for managing lipid levels, but intolerance issues have prompted the search for alternative treatments. Matrine, a compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Kushen, exhibits anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which matrine modulates lipid metabolism remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying matrine's regulation of lipid metabolism. Employing quantitative proteomics, we discovered that matrine increases the expression of LDL receptor (LDLR) in HepG2 and A549 cells, with subsequent experiments validating its role in enhancing LDL uptake. Notably, in hyperlipidemic hamsters, matrine effectively lowered lipid levels without affecting body weight, which highlights LDLR as a critical target for matrine's impact on HLP. Moreover, matrine's potential inhibitory effects on tumor cell LDL uptake hint at broader applications in cancer research. Additionally, thermal proteome profiling analysis identified lipid metabolism-related proteins that may interact with matrine. Together, our study reveals matrine's capacity to upregulate LDLR expression and highlights its potential in treating HLP. These findings offer insights into matrine's mechanism of action and open new avenues for drug research and lipid metabolism regulation.

The dynamic equilibrium between the protective and toxic effects of matrine in the development of liver injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Matrine, an alkaloid derived from the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton, has been utilized for the treatment of liver diseases, but its potential hepatotoxicity raises concerns. However, the precise condition and mechanism of action of matrine on the liver remain inconclusive. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to comprehensively evaluate both the hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects of matrine and provide therapeutic guidance based on the findings. Methods: The meta-analysis systematically searched relevant preclinical literature up to May 2023 from eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Med Online, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System. The CAMARADES system assessed the quality and bias of the evidence. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA, which included the use of 3D maps and radar charts to display the effects of matrine dosage and frequency on hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity. Results: After a thorough screening, 24 studies involving 657 rodents were selected for inclusion. The results demonstrate that matrine has bidirectional effects on ALT and AST levels, and it also regulates SOD, MDA, serum TG, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, and CAT levels. Based on our comprehensive three-dimensional analysis, the optimal bidirectional effective dosage of matrine ranges from 10 to 69.1 mg/kg. However, at a dose of 20-30 mg/kg/d for 0.02-0.86 weeks, it demonstrated high liver protection and low toxicity. The molecular docking analysis revealed the interaction between MT and SERCA as well as SREBP-SCAP complexes. Matrine could alter Ca2+ homeostasis in liver injury via multiple pathways, including the SREBP1c/SCAP, Notch/RBP-J/HES1, IκK/NF-κB, and Cul3/Rbx1/Keap1/Nrf2. Conclusion: Matrine has bidirectional effects on the liver at doses ranging from 10 to 69.1 mg/kg by influencing Ca2+ homeostasis in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202340114.

Hugan Qingzhi tablets attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats by regulating PERK and ATF6 pathways

BACKGROUND

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, promoting lipid metabolism disorders and steatohepatitis, contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hugan Qingzhi tablets (HQT) has a definite effect in the clinical treatment of NAFLD patients, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of HQT on ER stress in the liver tissues of NAFLD rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The NAFLD rat model was managed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12weeks. HQT was administrated in a daily basis to the HFD groups. Biochemical markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histology were assayed to evaluate HQT effects in HFD-induced NAFLD rats. Furthermore, the expression of ER stress-related signal molecules including glucose regulating protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), p-PERK, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (EIF2α), p-EIF2α, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), acetyl-coenzyme A-carboxylase (ACC), activating transcription factor (ATF6), and nuclear factor-kappa B-p65 (NF-κB-p65) were detected by western blot and/or qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The histopathological characteristics and biochemical data indicated that HQT exhibited protective effects on HFD-induced NAFLD rats. Furthermore, it caused significant reduction in the expression of ERS markers, such as GRP78, PERK, p-PERK, and ATF6, and subsequently downregulated the expression of EIF2α, p-EIF2α ATF4, ACC, and NF-κB-p65.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that HQT has protective effect against hepatic steatosis and inflammation in NAFLD rats by attenuating ER stress, and the potential mechanism is through inhibition of PERK and ATF6 pathways.

New insights into the effect of VMP1 on the treatment of pressure overload-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy: Involving SERCA-regulated autophagic flux

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive reaction in response to pressure or volume overload. Autophagy is critical for damage caused by pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein that is effective in activating autophagy. However, the role of VMP1 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study was designed to explore the potential mechanisms of VMP1 on pressure overload-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy. In this work, abdominal aorta constriction (AAC) surgery was used to induce pathological cardiac hypertrophy in male C57BL/6 mice. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with phenylephrine stimulation (PE) to induce the hypertrophic response. The in vivo results revealed that mice with AAC surgery caused pathological cardiac hypertrophy as evidenced by improved cardiac function according to multiple echocardiographic parameters. Moreover, elevated VMP1 expression was also observed in mice after AAC surgery. VMP1 knockdown aggravated changes in cardiac structure, cardiac dysfunction, and fibrosis. Meanwhile, VMP1 knockdown suppressed autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity in heart tissues. H9C2 cardiomyocytes with VMP1 overexpression were used to investigate the specific mechanism of VMP1 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and VMP1 overexpression increased autophagic flux by upregulating SERCA activity. In conclusion, these findings revealed that VMP1 protected against pressure overload-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy by inducing SERCA-regulated autophagic flux. Our results provide valuable insights regarding the pathophysiology of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and clues to a novel target for the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Natural products in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Novel lead discovery for drug development

With changing lifestyles, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide. A substantial increase in the incidence, mortality, and associated burden of NAFLD-related advanced liver disease is expected. Currently, the initial diagnosis of NAFLD is still based on ultrasound and there is no approved treatment method. Lipid-lowering drugs, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle improvement treatments are commonly used in clinical practice. However, most lipid-lowering drugs can produce poor patient compliance and specific adverse effects. Therefore, the exploration of bio-diagnostic markers and active lead compounds for the development of innovative drugs is urgently needed. More and more studies have reported the anti-NAFLD effects and mechanisms of natural products (NPs), which have become an important source for new drug development to treat NAFLD due to their high activity and low side effects. At present, berberine and silymarin have been approved by the US FDA to enter clinical phase IV studies, demonstrating the potential of NPs against NAFLD. Studies have found that the regulation of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways may play important roles in the process. With the continuous updating of technical means and scientific theories, in-depth research on the targets and mechanisms of NPs against NAFLD can provide new possibilities to find bio-diagnostic markers and innovative drugs. As we know, FXR agonists, PPARα agonists, and dual CCR2/5 inhibitors are gradually coming on stage for the treatment of NAFLD. Whether NPs can exert anti-NAFLD effects by regulating these targets or some unknown targets remains to be further studied. Therefore, the study reviewed the potential anti-NAFLD NPs and their targets. Some works on the discovery of new targets and the docking of active lead compounds were also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide some reference values for the development of non-invasive diagnostic markers and new drugs against NAFLD in the clinic.

Preventive and therapeutic effects of natural products and herbal extracts on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that is prevalent in patients who consume little or no alcohol, and is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The disease is becoming increasingly common with the rapid economic development of countries. Long-term accumulation of excess fat can lead to NAFLD, which represents a global health problem with no effective therapeutic approach. NAFLD is a complex, multifaceted pathological process that has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades. Herbal medicines have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents to prevent and treat NAFLD due to their high efficacy and low risk of side effects. Our overview is based on a PubMed and Web of Science database search as of Dec 22 with the keywords: NAFLD/NASH Natural products and NAFLD/NASH Herbal extract. In this review, we evaluate the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of NAFLD. These natural resources have the potential to inform innovative drug research and the development of treatments for NAFLD in the future.

Diacerein ameliorates cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis in rat via modulating HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB/JNK pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Diacerein is an interleukin (IL)-1β inhibitor approved for osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of diacerein against bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into: sham-operated group, BDL group, and BDL groups treated with diacerein at 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg/day starting two days before surgery and continued for 4 weeks. Diacerein decreased the hepatic injury markers and alleviated oxidative stress triggered by BDL by reducing hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Diacerein mitigated BDL-induced inflammation via lowering hepatic levels and mRNA expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and IL-1β. The hepatic gene expression of Advanced Glycation End products Receptor (RAGE) gene and immunohistochemical expression of some ER stress markers, e.g., glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1α), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase protein contents were lowered by diacerein. Furthermore, diacerein suppressed the hepatic levels of fibrogenic mediators, e.g., Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), α- smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1, and hydroxyproline, as well as the apoptotic caspase 3 and BAX immunostaining in BDL rats. The histopathological abnormalities induced by BDL significantly improved. Our study demonstrated that diacerein exhibited an antifibrotic effect by inhibiting HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB/JNK pathway, and ER stress. Better protection was observed with increasing the dose.

Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion attenuates DCD liver ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the JAK2/STAT3/HAX1 pathway to regulate endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors is a major determinant of transplantation success. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a key role in hepatic IRI, with potential involvement of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway and the antiapoptotic protein hematopoietic-lineage substrate-1-associated protein X-1 (HAX1). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE), an organ preservation modality, on ER stress and apoptosis during hepatic IRI in a DCD rat model.

METHODS

To investigate whether HOPE could improve IRI in DCD livers, levels of different related proteins were examined by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Further expression analyses, immunohistochemical analyses, immunofluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to analyze the effects of HOPE on ER stress and apoptosis. To clarify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and HAX1 in this process, AG490 inhibitor, JAX1 plasmid transfection, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and flow cytometry analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

HOPE reduced liver injury and inflammation while alleviating ER stress and apoptosis in the DCD rat model. Mechanistically, HOPE inhibited unfolded protein responses by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, thus reducing ER stress and apoptosis. Moreover, the activated JAK2/STAT3 pathway upregulated HAX1, promoting the interaction between HAX1 and SERCA2b to maintain ER calcium homeostasis. Upregulated HAX1 also modulated ER stress and apoptosis by inhibiting the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

JAK2/STAT3-mediated upregulation of HAX1 during HOPE alleviates hepatic ER stress and apoptosis, indicating the JAK2/STAT3/HAX1 pathway as a potential target for IRI management during DCD liver transplantation.

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation through endoplasmic reticulum stress in septic liver injury

OBJECTIVE

Septic liver injury is a major burden for the clinical management of sepsis. Hepatocyte cell death plays a crucial pathophysiological role in sepsis. A recent study proposed that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis participates in septic liver injury. Therefore, investigating the mechanism controlling this process may help manage sepsis.

METHODS

We investigated the role of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo using mouse models and in vitro in primary hepatocytes.

RESULTS

HIPK2 could improve liver injury and survival in a mouse model of sepsis. Overexpression of HIPK2 could suppress NLRP3 and caspase-1-p20 expression, while HIPK2 knockdown led to higher levels of these two molecules. Importantly, HIPK2 could suppress endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Pharmacologically inhibiting ER stress could abolish activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocytes with HIPK2 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

HIPK2 can regulate ER stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver during sepsis, and HIPK2-mediated suppression of ER stress participates in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The present study highlights the role of HIPK2 in regulating the inflammasome in septic liver injury, which may serve as a target for managing sepsis.

Vanillic acid mitigates hyperinsulinemia induced ER stress mediated altered calcium homeostasis, MAMs distortion and surplus lipogenesis in HepG2 cells

Hyperinsulinemia (HI) induced insulin resistance (IR) and associated pathologies are the burning and unsolvable issues in diabetes treatment. The cellular, molecular and biochemical events associated with HI are not yet elucidated. Similarly, no focused research on designing therapeutic strategies with natural products for attenuation of HI are seen in literature. Keeping this in mind we planned the present study to evaluate the alterations occurring at ER/Ca²⁺ homeostasis/mitochondria associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) in HepG2 cells during HI and to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of vanillic acid (VA) to mitigate the complications. An in vitro model of HI was established by treating HepG2 cells with human insulin (1 μM) for 24 h. Then, ER stress, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, MAMs, IR and hepatic lipogenesis were studied at protein level. Various proteins critical to ER, Ca²⁺ homeostasis and MAMs such as p-IRE-1α, ATF6, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP, XBP1, p-CAMKII, InsP3R, SERCA, JNK, GRP78, VDAC, Cyp D, GRP75, MFN2, PTEN and mTORC were studied and found altered significantly causing ER stress, defect in Ca²⁺ movements and distortion of MAMs. The decreased expression of IRS2 and an unaltered expression of IRS1 confirmed the development of selective insulin resistance in hepatocytes during HI and this was the crucial factor for the progression of the hepatic lipid accumulation. We found simultaneous treatment of VA is beneficial up to a certain extent to protect HepG2 cells from the adverse effect of HI via its antioxidant, antilipogenic, mitochondrial and ER protection properties.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress in liver diseases

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an intracellular organelle that fosters the correct folding of linear polypeptides and proteins, a process tightly governed by the ER-resident enzymes and chaperones. Failure to shape the proper 3-dimensional architecture of proteins culminates in the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the ER, disturbs ER homeostasis, and leads to canonically defined ER stress. Recent studies have elucidated that cellular perturbations, such as lipotoxicity, can also lead to ER stress. In response to ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to reestablish ER homeostasis ("adaptive UPR"), or, conversely, to provoke cell death when ER stress is overwhelmed and sustained ("maladaptive UPR"). It is well documented that ER stress contributes to the onset and progression of multiple hepatic pathologies including NAFLD, alcohol-associated liver disease, viral hepatitis, liver ischemia, drug toxicity, and liver cancers. Here, we review key studies dealing with the emerging role of ER stress and the UPR in the pathophysiology of liver diseases from cellular, murine, and human models. Specifically, we will summarize current available knowledge on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that may be used to target maladaptive UPR for the treatment of nonmalignant liver diseases.

Utility of Human Relevant Preclinical Animal Models in Navigating NAFLD to MAFLD Paradigm

Fatty liver disease is an emerging contributor to disease burden worldwide. The past decades of work established the heterogeneous nature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) etiology and systemic contributions to the pathogenesis of the disease. This called for the proposal of a redefinition in 2020 to that of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to better reflect the current understanding of the disease. To date, several clinical cohort studies comparing NAFLD and MAFLD hint at the relevancy of the new nomenclature in enriching for patients with more severe hepatic injury and extrahepatic comorbidities. However, the underlying systemic pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Preclinical animal models have been imperative in elucidating key biological mechanisms in various contexts, including intrahepatic disease progression, interorgan crosstalk and systemic dysregulation. Furthermore, they are integral in developing novel therapeutics against MAFLD. However, substantial contextual variabilities exist across different models due to the lack of standardization in several aspects. As such, it is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing models to better align them to the human condition. In this review, we consolidate the implications arising from the change in nomenclature and summarize MAFLD pathogenesis. Subsequently, we provide an updated evaluation of existing MAFLD preclinical models in alignment with the new definitions and perspectives to improve their translational relevance.

Intramammary infusion of matrine-chitosan hydrogels for treating subclinical bovine mastitis —effects on milk microbiome and metabolites

Background

Bovine metabolism undergoes significant changes during subclinical mastitis, but the relevant molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study we investigated the changes in milk microbiota and metabolites after intramammary infusion of matrine-chitosan hydrogels (MCHs) in cows with subclinical mastitis.

Methods

Infusions were continued for 7 days, and milk samples were collected on days 1 and 7 for microbiome analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolite profiling by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

MCHs significantly decreased the somatic cell count on day 7 compared to day 1, and the Simpson index indicated that microbial diversity was significantly lower on day 7. The relative abundance of Aerococcus, Corynebacterium_1, Staphylococcus and Firmicutes was significantly decreased on day 7, while Proteobacteria increased. In the milk samples, we identified 74 differentially expressed metabolites. The MCHs infusion group had the most significantly upregulated metabolites including sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, flavonoids and fatty acyls. The mammary gland metabolic pathways identified after MCHs treatment were consistent with the known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of matrine that are associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism and the sphingolipid metabolic signaling pathways.

Conclusion

These insights into the immunoregulatory mechanisms and the corresponding biological responses to matrine demonstrate its potential activity in mitigating the harmful effects of bovine mastitis.

MiR-125b-5p is targeted by curcumin to regulate the cellular antioxidant capacity

As a natural polyphenolic food supplement and the principal curcuminoid in turmeric, curcumin shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. However, its specific functional mechanism remains unclear. Our preliminary study indicated that miR-125b-5p was downregulated by a curcumin extract. This study aimed to determine whether miR-125b-5p is involved in the antioxidant regulation of curcumin. The results showed that miR-125b-5p overexpression had a pro-oxidant effect by reducing the cellular antioxidant capacity, as well as decreasing the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the normal liver cell line LO2. However, miR-125b-5p repression significantly increased the cellular antioxidant capacity and enhanced the activities of CAT and SOD. Further investigation demonstrated that the cellular antioxidant capacity induced by curcumin extract was inhibited by miR-125b-5p overexpression. Thus, curcumin may exhibit antioxidant effects by repressing miR-125b-5p expression, which provides new insights into the molecular antioxidant mechanism of curcumin and other functional food components.

Targeted therapeutics and novel signaling pathways in non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH)

Non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH) has become the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. NASH, an advanced form of NAFL, can be progressive and more susceptible to developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, lifestyle interventions are the most essential and effective strategies for preventing and controlling NAFL without the development of fibrosis. While there are still limited appropriate drugs specifically to treat NAFL/NASH, growing progress is being seen in elucidating the pathogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. In this review, we discussed recent developments in etiology and prospective therapeutic targets, as well as pharmacological candidates in pre/clinical trials and patents, with a focus on diabetes, hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Importantly, growing evidence elucidates that the disruption of the gut-liver axis and microbe-derived metabolites drive the pathogenesis of NAFL/NASH. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as a signaling mediator, resulting in lipid accumulation, macrophage and hepatic stellate cell activation, further promoting inflammation and liver fibrosis progression during the development of NAFL/NASH. Targeting gut microbiota or EVs may serve as new strategies for the treatment of NAFL/NASH. Finally, other mechanisms, such as cell therapy and genetic approaches, also have enormous therapeutic potential. Incorporating drugs with different mechanisms and personalized medicine may improve the efficacy to better benefit patients with NAFL/NASH.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress in innate immune cells - a significant contribution to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Liver disease and its complications affect millions of people worldwide. NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is the liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction and consists of four stages: steatosis with or without mild inflammation (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. With increased necroinflammation and progression of liver fibrosis, NAFLD may progress to cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated in detail, what is clear is that complex immune responses are involved in the pathogenesis of NASH, activation of the innate immune system is critically involved in triggering and amplifying hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. Additionally, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis in cells, also known as ER stress, triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) which has been shown to be involved to inflammation and apoptosis. To further develop the prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH, it is imperative to clarify the relationship between NAFLD/NASH and innate immune cells and ER stress. As such, this review focuses on innate immune cells and their ER stress in the occurrence of NAFLD and the progression of cirrhosis.

Matrine alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation via SIRT3/OPA1 pathway

Cisplatin is extensively used to treat malignancies. However, its clinical use is always limited due to the serious side effects, especially the nephrotoxicity. Matrine (MAT), a tetracyclic quinolizine alkaloid found in sophora genus, exerts multiple pharmacological roles, including anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis, but the role of MAT on acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been evaluated. Here, we found that MAT potently inhibited cell injury induced by cisplatin in HK2 cells in vitro, which was associated with the inhibition of oxidative injury and NF-κB-mediated inflammation. Moreover, MAT treatment could activate the SIRT3/OPA1 axis and subsequently suppress the mitochondrial fragmentation and improve mitochondrial function. More importantly, SIRT3 knockdown suppressed the deacetylation of OPA1, which blocked the protective role of MAT on cisplatin-induced cell injury. In vivo, MAT treatment alleviated renal dysfunction, histological damage and inflammation induced by cisplatin in mice. Furthermore, consistent with the founding in vitro, MAT also activated SIRT3-mediated deacetylation of OPA1 and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI mice. Our study proved that MAT protected against cisplatin-induced AKI by synergic anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation actions via SIRT3/OPA1-mediated improvement of mitochondrial function, suggesting that MAT may be a novel and effective strategy for AKI.

Screening Potential Drugs for the Development of NAFLD Based on Drug Perturbation Gene Set

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the problems affecting the health of the population worldwide. The progressive disease includes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis, which with no approved therapy, system identification of effective drugs remains challenging. In this work, we applicated drug perturbation gene set enrichment analysis to screen drugs for the development of NAFLD. A total 15490 small-molecule compounds were analyzed in our study; based on the p value of enrichment score, 7 small-molecule compounds were found to have a potential role in NASH and fibrosis. After pathway analyses, we found indoximod had effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through regulated TNFa, AP-1, AKT, PI3K, etc. Furthermore, we established the NAFLD cell model with LO2 cells induced using PA; ELISA showed that the levels of TG, ALT, and AST were significantly improved by indoximod. In summary, our study offers optimal therapeutic drugs, which may provide novel insight into the precise treatment of NAFLD and promote researches.

Targeted Lipidomics Reveal the Effects of Different Phospholipids on the Phospholipid Profiles of Hepatic Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum in High-Fat/High-Fructose-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Mice

The lipid alternation in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) might be indicative of their abnormal morphology and function, which contribute to development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the influence of dietary phospholipids (PLs) on the PL composition of the organellar membrane is largely unknown. High-fat/high-fructose (HFHF)-diet-induced NAFLD mice were administrated with different PLs (2%, w/w) with specific fatty acids and headgroups, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)/phosphatidylserine (PS), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-PC/PE/PS, egg-PC/PE/PS, and soy-PC/PE/PS. After 8 weeks of feeding, PLs dramatically decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, in which EPA/DHA-PS had the best efficiency. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis revealed that the HFHF diet narrowed the difference in PL composition between mitochondria and ER, significantly reduced the PC/PE ratio, and changed the unsaturation of cardiolipin in mitochondria. Dietary PLs reversed these alterations. Heatmap analysis indicated that dietary PL groups containing the same fatty acids clustered together. Moreover, dietary PLs significantly increased the ratio of PC/PE in both hepatic mitochondria and ER, especially EPA-PE. This study showed that fatty acid composition of PLs might represent greater impact on the PL composition of the organellar membrane than headgroups.

Matrine alleviates spatial learning and memory impairment in diabetic mice by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and through modulation of PK2/PKRs pathway

Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that diabetic cognitive impairment often occurs in diabetes mellitus patients. Matrine (Mat), an active component of Sophora flavescens Ait root extracts, has widely pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-diabetes, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. The present study was designed to elucidate the possibly neuroprotective effects of Mat against diabetic spatial learning and memory impairment caused by high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection in mice. The results showed that Mat treatment significantly ameliorated fasting blood glucose level, impaired glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism disorder in diabetic mice. In addition, diabetic mice exhibited spatial learning and memory impairment in the Morris water maze test, which could be attenuated by Mat treatment. Moreover, administration of Mat remarkably alleviated histological damage in diabetic hippocampus. Also, further investigations showed that Mat treatment abated endoplasmic reticulum stress induced hippocampal ultra-structure injury as evidenced by increasing the numbers of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as down-regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress related protein levels (GRP78, CHOP, ATF6 and Caspase-12). Furthermore, administration of Mat enhanced hippocampal protein expressions of PK2, PKR1 and PKR2, which decreased significantly in diabetic mice. Collectively, these findings suggested that Mat could ameliorate diabetes-induced spatial learning and memory impairment, possibly by alleviating ER stress, and partly through modulation of PK2/PKRs pathway.

Mitochondrial Targeting Therapeutics: Promising Role of Natural Products in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is still growing rapidly. However, the efficient therapies for this liver disease are still limited. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been proven to be closely associated with NAFLD. The mitochondrial injury caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxidative stress can aggravate the hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. which contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD. Therefore, pharmacological therapies that target mitochondria could be a promising way for the NAFLD intervention. Recently, natural products targeting mitochondria have been extensively studied and have shown promising pharmacological activity. In this review, the recent research progress on therapeutic effects of natural-product-derived compounds that target mitochondria and combat NAFLD was summarized, aiming to provide new potential therapeutic lead compounds and reference for the innovative drug development and clinical treatment of NAFLD.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the main liver diseases worldwide. The most common cause of death in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is cardiovascular disease. The relationship between these two conditions has been well established. Indeed, identical reasons may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentariness, poor nutritional habits, and physical inactivity being major aspects. This review focuses on potential pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver. PubMed, EMBASE, Orphanet, MIDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published between 2006 and 2022. Relevant articles were selected using the following terms: "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," "Сardiovascular diseases," "Pathophysiological mechanisms." The reference lists of all identified articles were searched for other relevant publications as well. The pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver remain largely speculative and may include systemic low-grade inflammation, atherogenic dyslipidemia, abnormal glucose metabolism and hepatic insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, as well as the associated cardiac remodeling, which are influenced by interindividual genetic and epigenetic variations. It is clear that the identification of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will make the selection of therapeutic measures more optimal and effective.

Application of herbs and active ingredients ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem, and its prevalence has been on the rise in recent years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contains a wealth of therapeutic resources and has been in use for thousands of years regarding the prevention of liver disease and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD in China. but the molecular mechanisms behind it have not been elucidated. In this article, we have updated and summarized the research and evidence concerning herbs and their active ingredients for the treatment in vivo and vitro models of NAFLD or NASH, by searching PubMed, Web of Science and SciFinder databases. In particular, we have found that most of the herbs and active ingredients reported so far have the effect of clearing heat and dispelling dampness, which is consistent with the concept of dampness-heat syndrome, in TCM theory. we have attempted to establish the TCM theory and modern pharmacological mechanisms links between herbs and monomers according to their TCM efficacy, experiment models, targets of modulation and amelioration of NAFLD pathology. Thus, we provide ideas and perspectives for further exploration of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and herbal therapy, helping to further the scientific connotation of TCM theories and promote the modernization of TCM.

The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity

Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.

Regulatory roles of phytochemicals on circular RNAs in cancer and other chronic diseases

As novel non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, and the regulation of these functional molecules has become a research hotspot gradually. Within the past decade, phytochemicals were reported to regulate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in various chronic diseases, and more recently, most studies focus on the regulatory roles of phytochemicals on circRNAs. Abnormal expression of circRNAs has been identified in chronic diseases like cancer, heart failure, depression and atherosclerosis, and numerous studies have revealed the modulation of circRNAs by phytochemicals including berberine, celastrol, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, et al. The expression of circRNAs, such as circSATB2 and circFOXM1, were modulated by phytochemicals, and these regulations further affected cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, autophagy, chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity and other biological processes. Mechanismly, the circRNAs mainly functioned as miRNA sponge, subsequently affecting miRNA-mediated regulation of target genes and related cell signaling pathways. In this review, we summarized the impact of phytochemicals on circRNAs expression and biological function, and discussed the mechanisms underlying phytochemicals regulating circRNAs in cancer and other chronic diseases.

Lily bulbs' polyphenols extract ameliorates oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols have the potential to reduce the risk of many metabolic disorders. Lily bulbs are rich in polyphenols; however, their effects on lipid metabolism remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of lily bulbs' polyphenols (LBPs) on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

A total of 14 polyphenolic compounds in LBPs were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode-array detection mass spectrometry. Total phenolic compound in LBPs was 53.76 ± 1.12 g kg^-1 dry weight. In cellular experiments, LBPs attenuated the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, impeded reactive oxygen species production, alleviated oxidative stress, and reduced lipid accumulation in oleic acid induced HepG2 cells. In in vivo studies, LBPs significantly inhibited body weight gain, reduced lipid levels in serum and liver, and improved oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner in mice fed a high-fat diet. Moreover, LBPs ameliorated hepatic steatosis and suppressed the expression of hepatic-lipogenesis-related genes (SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC1, and SCD-1) and promoted lipolysis genes (SRB1 and HL) and lipid oxidation genes (PPARα and CPT-1) in mice fed a high-fat diet.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that LBPs are a potential complementary therapeutic alternative in the development of functional foods to curb obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Cytosolic DNA-Sensing cGAS-STING Pathway in Liver Diseases

Inflammation is regulated by the host and is a protective response activated by the evolutionarily conserved immune system in response to harmful stimuli, such as dead cells or pathogens. cGAS-STING pathway is a vital natural sensor of host immunity that can defend various tissues and organs against pathogenic infection, metabolic syndrome, cellular stress and cancer metastasis. The potential impact of cGAS-STING pathway in hepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury, alcoholic/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), hepatic B virus infection, and other liver diseases has recently attracted widespread attention. In this review, the relationship between cGAS-STING pathway and the pathophysiological mechanisms and progression of liver diseases is summarized. Additionally, we discuss various pharmacological agonists and antagonists of cGAS-STING signaling as novel therapeutics for the treatment of liver diseases. A detailed understanding of mechanisms and biology of this pathway will lay a foundation for the development and clinical application of therapies for related liver diseases.

Matrine Impairs Platelet Function and Thrombosis and Inhibits ROS Production

Matrine is a naturally occurring alkaloid and possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether it affects platelet function and thrombosis remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of matrine on platelet function and thrombus formation. Human platelets were treated with matrine (0–1 mg/ml) for 1 h at 37°C followed by measuring platelet aggregation, granule secretion, receptor expression by flow cytometry, spreading and clot retraction. In addition, matrine (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into mice to measure tail bleeding time, arterial and venous thrombus formation. Matrine dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation and ATP release in response to either collagen-related peptide (Collagen-related peptide, 0.1 μg/ml) or thrombin (0.04 U/mL) stimulation without altering the expression of P-selectin, glycoprotein Ibα, GPVI, or αIIbβ3. In addition, matrine-treated platelets presented significantly decreased spreading on fibrinogen or collagen and clot retraction along with reduced phosphorylation of c-Src. Moreover, matrine administration significantly impaired the in vivo hemostatic function of platelets, arterial and venous thrombus formation. Furthermore, in platelets stimulated with CRP or thrombin, matrine significantly reduced Reactive oxygen species generation, inhibited the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204), p38 (Thr180/Tyr182) and AKT (Thr308/Ser473) as well as increased VASP phosphorylation (Ser239) and intracellular cGMP level. In conclusion, matrine inhibits platelet function, arterial and venous thrombosis, possibly involving inhibition of ROS generation, suggesting that matrine might be used as an antiplatelet agent for treating thrombotic or cardiovascular diseases.

Elucidation of the mechanism of NEFA-induced PERK-eIF2α signaling pathway regulation of lipid metabolism in bovine hepatocytes

During the periparturient transition period, negative energy balance (NEB) characterized by high concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) may cause fatty liver and ketosis in dairy cows. Previous studies have shown that the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) branch of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response plays an important role in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. This study, therefore, investigated the role of the PERK-branch in NEFA-induced fatty liver. Different concentrations of NEFA or GSK2656157 (a novel catalytic inhibitor of PERK) were used to treat hepatocytes isolated from calves. The NEFA treatment significantly increased the triacylglycerol (TG) content, the phosphorylation level of PERK and eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), and the abundance of glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), apolipoprotein B (APOB), and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Compared with the 1.2 mM NEFA group, inhibition of PERK activity further increased the TG content in hepatocytes, the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content in the supernatant and the protein abundance of APOB while reducing the expression and nuclear levels of SREBP-1c and PPARα, as well as the expression of CPT1A and CPT2. In conclusion, the results showed that the NEFA-induced PERK-eIF2α signaling pathway promotes lipid synthesis, lipid oxidation, but inhibits the assembly and secretion of VLDL. Therefore, during the transition period, the activation of the PERK-eIF2α signaling pathway in the liver of dairy cows could defeat the acid-induced lipotoxicity and provide energy to alleviate NEB.

Matrine: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Dogel ebs" was known as Sophora flavescens Ait., which has been widely utilized in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Mongolian herbal medicine for thousands of years. Shen Nong's Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing in Chinese pinyin) recorded that it is bitter in taste and cold in nature with the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, insecticide, diuresis. Due to its extensive application in the fields of ethnopharmacological utilization, the pharmaceutical researches of Sophora flavescens Ait.s keeps deepening. Modern pharmacological studies have exhibited that matrine, which is rich in this traditional herbal medicine, mediates its main biological properties.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed at summarizing the latest and comprehensive information of matrine on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches to explore the therapeutic potential of this natural ingredient. In addition, outlooks and perspective for possible future researches that related are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Related information concerning matrine was gathered from the internet database of Google scholar, Pubmed, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library with the keywords including "matrine", "pharmacology", "toxicology" and "pharmacokinetics", "clinical application", etc. RESULTS: Based on literatures, matrine has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, detoxification and so on. Nevertheless, there are still some doubts about it due to the toxicity and questionable bioavailability that does exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Future researches directions probably include elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity and accurately tracing the in vivo behavior of its drug delivery system. Without doubt, integration of toxicity and efficiency and structure modification based on it are also pivotal methods to enhance pharmacological activity and bioavailability.

Matrine, as a CaSR agonist promotes intestinal GLP-1 secretion and improves insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Matrine (Mat), a bitter tastes compounds of derived from leguminosae such as Sophora flavescens and S. subprostrata, commonly used to improve obesity and diabetes.

PURPOSE

Our study to demonstrate bitter substances can stimulate the Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) or Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 to promote blood glucose regulation.

METHODS

The diabetic mice and intestinal secretory cell model were established to evaluate the Mat on glucose metabolism, intestinal insulin secretion and GLP-1 secretion related substances. To clarify the mechanism of Mat in regulating GLP-1 secretion by immunofluorescence, calcium labeling, siRNA, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

The results showed that Mat could significantly improve glucose metabolism and increased insulin and GLP-1 secretion in diabetic mice and increased trisphosphate inositol (IP3) levels by affecting the expression of phospholipase C β2 (PLCβ2) and promote an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in STC-1 cells to subsequently stimulate the secretion of GLP-1. Knockdown of the bitter taste receptors mTas2r108, mTas2r137, and mTas2r138 in STC-1 cells by siRNA did could not affect the role of Mat in regulating GLP-1. However, the secretion of GLP-1 by Mat could be significantly inhibited by administration of a CaSR inhibitor or siRNA CaSR. Molecular docking analysis showed that Mat could embed CaSR protein and bind to the original ligand of the egg white at the same amino acid site to play the role of an agonist.

CONCLUSION

Matrine is a typical bitter alkaloid could be used as an agonist of CaSR to stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 in the intestine, and it may be used as a potential drug for diabetes treatment.

Research progress in use of traditional Chinese medicine monomer for treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

With the improvement of people's living standards and the change of eating habits, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has gradually become one of the most common chronic liver diseases in the world. However, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, it is urgent to find safe, efficient, and economical anti-NAFLD drugs. Compared with western medicines that possess fast lipid-lowering effect, traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have attracted increasing attention for the treatment of NAFLD due to their unique advantages such as multi-targets and multi-channel mechanisms of action. TCM monomers have been proved to treat NAFLD through regulating various pathways, including inflammation, lipid production, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and intestinal microbiota. In particular, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), nuclear transcription factor kappa (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p53 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) are considered as important molecular targets for ameliorating NAFLD by TCM monomers. Therefore, by searching PubMed, Web of Science and SciFinder databases, this paper updates and summarizes the experimental and clinical evidence of TCM monomers for the treatment of NAFLD in the past six years (2015-2020), thus providing thoughts and prospects for further exploring the pathogenesis of NAFLD and TCM monomer therapies.

NAFLD and Cardiovascular Diseases: Epidemiological, Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations

Overwhelming evidence suggests an association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely speculative. It is, however, likely that common mechanisms contribute to the development of CVD and NAFLD, with lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle with poor nutrition habits and physical inactivity being major candidates. These behavioral factors, on a predisposing genetic background, trigger changes in gut microbiota, inflammation, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, leading to metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity as well as atherosclerosis. Treatment options to counteract both the progression and development of CVD and NAFLD include lifestyle interventions, optimal medical therapy of comorbid conditions and, as final possibility, bariatric surgery. As no causal pharmacotherapy of NAFLD is available, further research is urgently needed to address the unmet need of a growing population with NAFLD and CVD.

The combined usage of Matrine and Osthole inhibited endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis induced by PCV2

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an important and common DNA virus that infect pig and can cause immunosuppression and induce apoptosis in the infected cells. To escape the host immune system, PCV2 constantly builds up complex mechanisms or mutates genes, and that is why it is difficult to eradicate complex PCV2 infection by relying on vaccines and single compound. At present, there is few literature reports on the effective prevention and treatment of PCV2 infection by a combination of two or more compounds. Previously, we have demonstrated the anti-PCV2 effect of Matrine in vitro, but its mechanism has not been further evaluated. Literatures have proven that Osthole has a variety of pharmacological activities, and we tested the ability of Osthole to inhibit PCV2 replication in cell culture. Therefore, this study explored the synergistic antiviral effect of Matrine combined with Osthole and their synergistic anti-apoptotic mechanism.

Results

Osthole alone had an anti-PCV2 effect, and then its synergistic anti-PCV2 effect of Osthole and Matrine was better than that of Matrine or Osthole alone as demonstrated by qRT-PCR, IFA and Western blotting results. The anti-apoptotic mechanism of these two compounds by inducing the PERK pathway by PCV2 was elucidated through Annexin V-FITC/PI, JC-1 and Western blotting. Matrine and Osthole combination could inhibit the expression of Cap in Cap-transfected PK-15 cells, thus inhibiting Cap-induced PERK apoptosis. Ribavirin was used as a positive control.

Conclusions

The combination of Osthole and Matrine had the synergistic effect of anti-PCV2 infection by directly inhibiting the expression of PCV2 Cap protein. The combination of these two compounds also inhibited PERK apoptosis induced by PCV2 Cap protein, possibly by regulating the level of GRP78. The results formed a base for further studies on the mechanism of anti-PCV2 in vivo using Matrine and Osthole combination and developing new anti-PCV2 compounds with Cap and GRP78 as therapeutic targets.

The water extract of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its mechanism

BACKGROUND

Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma is traditionally used for clearing away heat and toxic materials in China.

PURPOSE

This study aims to observe the amelioration of Sophorae tonkinensis water extract (STR) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the engaged mechanism.

METHODS

NAFLD was induced in mice fed by methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet. Liver histological observation, Oil Red O, Masson's trichrome and F4/80 immunohistochemical staining were performed. Serum and liver biochemical parameters, hepatic gene and protein expression were detected. Cellular lipids accumulation in human normal liver l-02 and hepatoma HepRG cells were induced by 0.5 mM nonestesterified fatty acid (NEFA). The contents of matrine (MT) and oxymatrine (OMT) in STR were detected by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) expression and enzymatic activity were detected both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and liver histological observation showed that STR alleviated hepatocellular damage in mice fed with MCD diet. Hepatic triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and NEFA amounts, and Oil Red O staining showed that STR reduced hepatic lipids accumulation in mice fed with MCD diet. STR and its main compounds including MT and OMT decreased NEFA-induced cellular lipids accumulation in hepatocytes. STR enhanced CPT1A activity both in vivo and in vitro. MT and OMT also enhanced cellular CPT1A activity in l-02 hepatocytes treated with NEFA. Moreover, the CTP1A inhibitor etomoxir (ETO) reduced the lipid-lowering activity provided by STR, MT or OMT in vitro. Liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and hydroxyproline content, Masson's trichrome and F4/80 immunohistochemical staining, and hepatic mRNA expression of some molecules involved in regulating inflammation or fibrosis demonstrated that STR alleviated hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis in mice fed with MCD diet.

CONCLUSION

STR alleviated NAFLD by inhibiting hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis, and reducing hepatic lipids accumulation through promoting fatty acids β-oxidation by enhancing liver CPT1A activity. MT and OMT may be the main active compounds contributing to the lipid-lowering activity provided by STR.

Long noncoding RNA CCAT1 inhibits miR-613 to promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via increasing LXRα transcription

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a threat to public health; however, the pathologic mechanism of NAFLD is not fully understood. We attempted to identify abnormally expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) and messenger RNA that may affect the occurrence and development of NAFLD in this study. The expression of differentially expressed lncRNAs in NAFLD was determined in oleic acid (OA)-treated L02 cells, and the functions of CCAT1 in lipid droplet formation were evaluated in vitro. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by microarray analysis, and DEGs related to CCTA1 were selected and verified by weighted correlation network analysis. The dynamic effects of LXRα and CCTA1 on lipid droplet formation and predicted binding was examined. The binding between miR-631 and CCAT1 and LXRα was verified. The dynamic effects of miR-613 inhibition and CCTA1 silencing on lipid droplet formation were examined. The expression and correlations of miR-631, CCAT1, and LXRα were determined in tissue samples. As the results show, CCAT1 was induced by OA and upregulated in NAFLD clinical samples. CCAT1 silencing significantly suppressed lipid droplet accumulation in vitro. LXRα was positively correlated with CCAT1. By inhibiting miR-613, CCAT1 increased the transcription of LXRα and promoted LXRα expression. The expression of LXRα was significantly increased in NAFLD tissues and was positively correlated with CCAT1. In conclusion, CCAT1 increases LXRα transcription by serving as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-613 in an LXRE-dependent manner, thereby promoting lipid droplet formation and NAFLD. CCAT1 and LXRα might be potent targets for NAFLD treatment.

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside alleviates hepatic lipid metabolic misalignment involving the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial axis

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) has positive effects on obesity and its complications. We investigated the effects and mechanism of SDG on high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced hepatic lipid metabolic disorders. Supplementation with 40 mg kg^-1 d^-1 SDG for 12 weeks significantly reduced the body weight and the ratio of liver and adipose tissue to body weight in HFFD-fed mice. Serum and hepatic TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels became normalized, and hepatic lipid metabolic disorders lessened because of the downregulation of lipid synthesis genes and upregulation of lipid oxidation genes. SDG also alleviated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating the ER stress factors Bip, IRE1α, Xbp1, Atf6, Perk, and Chop and mitochondrial function-related genes Cox5b, Cox7a1, Cox8b, and Cycs. Results with HepG2 cells confirmed that SDG regulated lipid metabolic disorders by the ER stress-Ca²⁺-mitochondrial-associated pathway. Our study provides a strategy for the treatment of obesity and its related comorbidities.

Plant Sterol Ester of α-Linolenic Acid Attenuates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Rescuing the Adaption to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Enhancing Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more common in the world and is presenting a great challenge concerning prevention and treatment. Plant sterol ester of α-linolenic acid (PS-ALA) has a potential benefit to NAFLD. To examine the effect of PS-ALA on NAFLD, C57BL/6J mice were given a control diet, high fat and high cholesterol diet (HFD), and HFD plus 2% PS, 1.3% ALA, or 3.3% PS-ALA for 16 weeks. Our results showed that PS-ALA treatment suppressed hepatic steatosis, ameliorated lipid disorder, attenuated inflammatory response, and inhibited oxidative stress. In the molecular level, PS-ALA downregulated high transcriptional and translational levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (Grp78 and Chop) leading to decreased protein expression of transcription factor and key enzymes involved in de novo lipogenesis (Srebp-1c and Fas) and cholesterol synthesis (Srebp-2 and Hmgcr). In parallel, PS-ALA blocked Nlrp3 activation and reduced release of IL-1β and IL-18 via inhibiting ER stress-induced sensitization of unfolded protein response sensors (Ire1α and Xbp1s). Finally, PS-ALA improved HFD-induced mitochondrial damage and fatty acid accumulation as exhibited by higher protein and mRNA expression of key genes administering mitochondrial biogenesis (Pgc-1α, Nrf1, and Tfam) and fatty acid β-oxidation (Pparα and Cpt1a). In conclusion, our study originally demonstrated that PS-ALA rescued ER stress, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, and thus ameliorated NAFLD.

Liver metabolomic characterization of Sophora flavescens alcohol extract-induced hepatotoxicity in rats through UPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

This study aimed to observe the influence of Sophora flavescens alcohol extract (SFAE) on hepatic metabolic profiling in rats to explore the possible mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by S. flavescens.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 in each group) and administered with SFAE at different doses of 0, 1.25 and 2.5 g/kg for two weeks. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was utilized to detect the change in the metabolites in rat liver. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were adapted to perform multivariate statistical analysis between groups and to screen the potential biomarkers. Related metabolic pathway analysis was also conducted.Results indicated that hepatic metabolites in the three groups were separated on day 14, and 25 major differential metabolites were identified. Six bile acids, four carnitines, four lysophosphatidylcholines and glutathione were closely related to hepatotoxicity. Liver metabolomic results showed that rats orally exposed to SFAE exhibited a disturbance of the metabolism of bile acids, fatty acids, glycerophospholipids and amino acids.This study provided new insights into the possible mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by SFAE in rats.

Correction to: Matrine attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrion dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating SERCA pathway

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported errors in Fig. 5. The ROS picture of low dose Marine intervention group in Fig. 5d was used incorrectly, which was caused by the error of the storage path of the picture in the experiment. It was not discovered in time due to the approximation of the two graphs. In addition, the label of middle dose Marine intervention group in Fig. 5a was omitted.

Overview of Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Herbal Compounds for Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis from Macrophage Linage RAW264.7

Differentiation from RAW264.7 cells to osteoclasts rely on many signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, Akt and others. However, the specific underlying mechanisms are not clear. Recently, much works have focused on the inhibitory effects of plant derived compounds in the differentiation from RAW264.7 to osteoclasts. However, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this paper, we summarize a lot of plant derived compounds which exert blocking effect on the progression of differentiation via signaling pathways.

Calcium Signaling As a Therapeutic Target for Liver Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis, the first step in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can arise from various pathophysiological conditions. While lipid metabolism in the liver is normally balanced such that there is no excessive lipid accumulation, when this homeostasis is disrupted lipid droplets (LDs) accumulate in hepatocytes resulting in cellular toxicity. The mechanisms underlying this accumulation and the subsequent hepatocellular damage are multifactorial and poorly understood, with the result that there are no currently approved treatments for NAFLD. Impaired calcium signaling has recently been identified as a cause of increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributing to hepatic lipid accumulation. This review highlights new findings on the role of impaired Ca²⁺ signaling in the development of steatosis and discusses potential new approaches to NAFLD treatment based on these new insights.

Salidroside-Mitigated Inflammatory Injury of Hepatocytes with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Inhibition TRPM2 Ion Channel Activation

PURPOSE

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). TRPM2 ion channel functions as a molecular sensor for oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of Salidroside, a powerful antioxidative plant, on TRPM2 in an established in vitro model of NAFLD.

METHODS

NAFLD model was established by palmitic acid (PA) in hepatic L02 cell lines and was added to the media at a final concentration of 400 μM. Cells were used as normal group, PA group and PA receiving varied concentrations of Salidroside (75μg/mL, 150μg/mL, 300μg/mL). After treating 24 hrs, MTT assay was used to detect cell viability, and ALT level was measured using an appropriate kit assay. Intracellular lipid accumulation was observed by Oil red O staining. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations were evaluated by flow cytometer with Fluo-3/AM. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of TRPM2, IL-1β and IL-6, and the protein expressions of TRPM2, p-CaMKII and autophagy (LC3B, p62) were determined using Western blot.

RESULTS

Treatment with Salidroside effectively restored liver injury and alleviated lipid droplet deposition in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with inhibition of TRPM2/Ca²⁺/CaMKII pathway. Additionally, autophagic clearance was enhanced by intervention with Salidroside in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigation indicated that Salidroside down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6-pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Salidroside could alleviate inflammatory injury and steatosis via autophagy activation mediated by downregulation of the TRPM2/Ca²⁺/CaMKII pathway. Targeting the TRPM2 ion channel is a novel treatment strategy for oxidative stress-induced liver in NAFLD.