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Zhao J, Yue P, Mi N, Li M, Fu W, Zhang X, Gao L, Bai M, Tian L, Jiang N, Lu Y, Ma H, Dong C, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhang J, Ren Y, Suzuki A, Wong PF, Tanaka K, Rerknimitr R, Junger HH, Cheung TT, Melloul E, Demartines N, Leung JW, Yao J, Yuan J, Lin Y, Schlitt HJ, Meng W. Biliary fibrosis is an important but neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:326-365. [PMID: 39135601 PMCID: PMC11317084 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2024-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis resulting from pathological repair secondary to recurrent or persistent tissue damage often leads to organ failure and mortality. Biliary fibrosis is a crucial but easily neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders, which may promote the development and progression of benign and malignant biliary diseases through pathological healing mechanisms secondary to biliary tract injuries. Elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of biliary diseases. In this review, we emphasized the importance of biliary fibrosis in cholangiopathies and summarized the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and aberrant cellular composition involving the biliary ductules, cholangiocytes, immune system, fibroblasts, and the microbiome. We also focused on pivotal signaling pathways and offered insights into ongoing clinical trials and proposing a strategic approach for managing biliary fibrosis-related cholangiopathies. This review will offer a comprehensive perspective on biliary fibrosis and provide an important reference for future mechanism research and innovative therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ping Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Matu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xianzhuo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningzu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yawen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hengwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinduo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Azumi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Peng F. Wong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Kiyohito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rungsun Rerknimitr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Henrik H. Junger
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tan T. Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmanuel Melloul
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph W. Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC Davis Medical Center and Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinqiu Yuan
- Clinical Research Center, Big Data Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wenbo Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Song S, Wu S, Meiduo D, Chen P, Li H, He H. Nano-biomaterial Fibrinogen/P(LLA-CL) for prevention of intrauterine adhesion and restoration of fertility. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:167-179. [PMID: 37724479 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial damage resulting from surgical procedures is a significant cause of intrauterine adhesion, thin endometrium, and subsequent miscarriage and infertility. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective clinical solution to promote endometrial regeneration after severe injury. In this study, we combined fibrinogen (Fg) and P(LLA-CL) by electrostatic spinning to form a stable nano-biomaterial Fg/P(LLA-CL), which can promote endometrial regeneration. After inducing physical injury to rat endometrium, we found that Fg/P(LLA-CL) membranes placed in the uterine cavities increased endometrial thickness and the number of glands after injury, while reducing the area of endometrial fibrosis. In addition, Fg/P(LLA-CL) increased neovascularization and decreased COL1A1 deposition. The expression of TGF-β1, a cytokine that promotes fibrosis, was down-regulated in the early stage of injury. Finally, fertility assays confirmed that Fg/P(LLA-CL) improved the pregnancy rate in rats with endometrial injury, and its safety was verified by blood tests and pathological examination of heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. Therefore, Fg/P(LLA-CL) shows great potential as a safe and nontoxic biomaterial for endometrial regeneration, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes in patients with intrauterine adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danzeng Meiduo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaifang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbing He
- Shanghai Pine & Power Biotech Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
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Ghafouri‐Fard S, Askari A, Shoorei H, Seify M, Koohestanidehaghi Y, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Samsami M. Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18052. [PMID: 38041559 PMCID: PMC10826439 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Arian Askari
- Phytochemistry Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Shoorei
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr HospitalTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mohammad Seify
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Yeganeh Koohestanidehaghi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of PharmacyHawler Medical UniversityErbilIraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human GeneticsJena University HospitalJenaGermany
- Urology and Nephrology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Yang X, Liu Z, Xu X, He M, Xiong H, Liu L. Casticin induces apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy while inhibiting stemness involving Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in glioblastoma. Phytother Res 2024; 38:305-320. [PMID: 37869765 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma. However, the current systemic drugs cannot completely cure GBM. Casticin is a methoxylated flavonol compound isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine Vitex rotundifolia L.f. and exhibits a strong antitumor activity in multiple human malignancies. This study was aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of casticin in GBM. The MTT assay and colony formation was used to evaluate the casticin-induced cell viability in GBM cells. Apoptosis was assessed by ANNEXIV/PI staining assay. Autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence assays. GBM stem cell (GSC) was analyzed by tumor-sphere formation assay and ALDEFLUOR assay. The anti-GBM effect of casticin was also determined by the U87MG xenograft model. Casticin inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, as well as significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy. Autophagy inhibition augmented casticin-induced apoptosis. Casticin also reduced the GSC population by suppressing Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. Mechanistically, casticin inhibited Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 signal pathways. The antitumor effect of casticin in GBM was demonstrated by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and reducing population of GSCs; thus, it may be a potential GBM therapeutic agent for future clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Yang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyuan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan City, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School), Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng He
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School), Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongtao Xiong
- Department of Hand & Microvascular Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School), Shenzhen, China
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Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Slautin VN, Grebnev DY, Maklakova IY, Sazonov SV. Fucoxanthin exert dose-dependent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects on CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis. J Nat Med 2023; 77:953-963. [PMID: 37391684 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The lack of an effective non-surgical liver fibrosis treatment is a major problem in hepatology. Fucoxanthin is a marine xanthophyll that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties, thereby indicating its potential effectiveness in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The study aims to investigate the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of fucoxanthin and its main mechanisms on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in 50 outbred ICR/CD1 mice. 2 μl/g of CCl4 were injected intraperitoneally 2 times a week for 6 weeks. Fucoxanthin (5, 10, 30 mg/kg) was administered via gavage. Liver histopathology was evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) and Sirius Red staining using the METAVIR scale. The immunohistochemical method was used to determine the number of CD45 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive cells, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and α-SMA positive areas. Using enzyme immunoassays, procollagen 1 (COL1A1), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were determined in homogenate, and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined in blood serum. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (Tbil) levels are determined by biochemical assays. Fucoxanthin significantly reduced the severity of liver fibrosis, profibrogenic markers, inflammatory infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, we confirmed that fucoxanthin has a dose-dependent antifibrotic effect on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. We found that the anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin is related to the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α synthesis, as well as the decrease in the number of leukocytes in the injured liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilii N Slautin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Professional Education, Ural State Medical University", 3, Repin Street, 620028, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation.
- Federal Budgetary Institution of Science "Federal Scientific Research Institute of Viral Infection "Virome", 23, Letnyaya Street, 620030, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Dmitry Yu Grebnev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Professional Education, Ural State Medical University", 3, Repin Street, 620028, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
- Institute of Medical Cell Technologies, 22a, Karl Marx Street, 620026, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Yu Maklakova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Professional Education, Ural State Medical University", 3, Repin Street, 620028, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
- Institute of Medical Cell Technologies, 22a, Karl Marx Street, 620026, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey V Sazonov
- Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Professional Education, Ural State Medical University", 3, Repin Street, 620028, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
- Institute of Medical Cell Technologies, 22a, Karl Marx Street, 620026, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
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Meng X, Wang H, Kuang Z, Wu Y, Su X, Wang J, Li L, Liu C, Jia M. Traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Viticis Fructus. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19144. [PMID: 37810114 PMCID: PMC10558315 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance Viticis Fructus (called Manjingzi in China) is the dried ripe fruits of the plant species Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis Steenis and Vitex trifolia L. in the family Lamiaceae. Viticis Fructus has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat illness such as colds, headache, vertigo, anesthesia, and hyperkinesias. More chemical constituents and medicinal effects have been discovered in Viticis Fructus with the development of modern technology.The aim of the review: This review aims to analyze the research progress of Viticis Fructus from the aspects of botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity, as well as to provide an outlook on the research and use prospects of Viticis Fructus. Material and methods A comprehensive literature search using online databases such Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang Data and SCI-Finder. In addition, information was obtained from local and foreign books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicine. Results The application of Viticis Fructus as a medicine can be traced back to around 480 AD. So far, more than 190 compounds have been isolated from Viticis Fructus, including flavonoids, sterols, cyclic enol ether terpenoids, and diterpenoids. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the extracts of Viticis Fructus have various pharmacological effects, such as anti-allergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial effects. Conclusion As a widely used traditional medicine, Viticis Fructus is rich in chemical compositions and has an obvious biological activity. However, the application and pharmacological activity of Viticis Fructus have not been scientifically evaluated or convincing due to poor methodology, unclear results and lack of clinical data. Systematic and comprehensive research evaluations are needed to verify its pharmaceutical activity, clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety. As an important herbal medicine, it should be further explored to facilitate the development of new medicines and treatments for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqing Meng
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hongrui Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhixuan Kuang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yujie Wu
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jinyi Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Min Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine Authentication, Faculty of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Paliwal VM, Kundu S, Kulhari U, Jala A, Ishteyaque S, Borkar RM, Mugale MN, Murty US, Sahu BD. Alternanthera brasiliana L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrotic changes in mice: Role of matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β/Smad axis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115992. [PMID: 36509261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alternanthera brasiliana L. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae and is popularly known as "penicillin". It is used in folk medicine to treat infections, coughs, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effect of Alternanthera brasiliana L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (AB) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic changes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six male Balb/C mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, AB control, CCl4 control, CCl4 + AB-200 mg/kg, and CCl4 + AB-400 mg/kg. In mice, liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (20% in corn oil, 5 ml/kg body weight) thrice a week for six consecutive weeks. AB extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for six consecutive weeks. Liver injury-related serum markers (ALT, AST, ALP), antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, and vitamin C), pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, ultrasonographic and histological alterations, proteins of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), nuclear factor-κB (p65) (NF-κB), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and TGF-β/Smad signaling were accessed. LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AB was performed. RESULTS AB treatment significantly decreased the CCl4-induced rise in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities and improved the histological alterations. Compared with the CCl4-treated group, treatment with AB significantly restored the hepatic antioxidants and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. The antioxidant activity of AB may be attributed to its terpenoid constituents, which was confirmed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The CCl4-induced rise in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decrease in TIMP-1 were markedly restored in the AB-treated groups. Further findings revealed a significant reduction in the protein levels of phospho-NF-κB (p65), NLRP3, TGF-β, pSmad2/3, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the AB treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS The hepatoprotective effect of AB may be attributed to the high content of terpenoid compounds and alleviates liver injury and associated fibrotic changes through modulating MMPs, NF-κB (p65), and the TGF-β/Smad axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay M Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Kundu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Aishwarya Jala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Roshan M Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
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Guo H, Huang J, Liang Y, Wang D, Zhang H. Focusing on the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway: role, regulation, and therapy for osteoarthritis. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:288. [PMID: 36503684 PMCID: PMC9743529 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disabling disease that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. The most important pathological feature is the rupture and loss of articular cartilage, and the characteristics of avascular joint tissues lead to limited repair ability. Currently, there is no effective treatment to prevent cartilage degeneration. Studies on the mechanism of cartilage metabolism revealed that hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are key regulatory genes that maintain the balance of cartilage catabolism-matrix anabolism and are considered to be the major OA regulator and promising OA treatment target. Although the exact mechanism of HIFs in OA needs to be further clarified, many drugs that directly or indirectly act on HIF signaling pathways have been confirmed by animal experiments and regarded as promising treatments for OA. Targeting HIFs will provide a promising strategy for the development of new OA drugs. This article reviews the regulation of HIFs on intra-articular cartilage homeostasis and its influence on the progression of osteoarthritis and summarizes the recent advances in OA therapies targeting the HIF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Guo
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Jianghong Huang
- grid.452847.80000 0004 6068 028XDepartment of Spine Surgery and Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center), Shenzhen, 518035 China ,grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Innovation Leading Engineering Doctor, Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School, Class 9 of 2020, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Yujie Liang
- grid.452897.50000 0004 6091 8446Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, 518020 China
| | - Daping Wang
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.452847.80000 0004 6068 028XDepartment of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China ,grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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10
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Yim MJ, Lee JM, Ko SC, Kim HS, Kim JY, Park SK, Lee DS, Choi IW. Antifibrosis Efficacy of Apo-9-Fucoxanthinone-Contained Sargassum horneri Ethanol Extract on Nasal Polyp: An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Organ Culture Assay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5815-5826. [PMID: 36421679 PMCID: PMC9689088 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44110395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sargassum horneri is a seaweed species with diverse bioactivities. However, its antifibrotic effects during nasal polyp (NP) formation are not clearly understood. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effect of S. horneri on fibrosis progression in NP-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and NP tissues ex vivo. NPDFs were stimulated with TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE). The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production levels, myofibroblast differentiation (α-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA), and phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and -ERK in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs were investigated using western blotting. Further, the contractile activity of SHE was assessed by performing a collagen gel contraction assay. The expression levels of collagen-1, fibronectin, and α-SMA were investigated in NP organ cultures treated with SHE. TGF-β1 stimulated ECM protein expression, myofibroblast differentiation, and collagen contractile activity while these were attenuated by pretreatment with SHE. We also found antifibrotic effect of SHE on ex vivo NP tissues. The antifibrotic effects of SHE were modulated through the attenuation of Smad 2/3 and ERK signaling pathways in TGF-β1-stimulated NPDFs. In conclusion, SHE inhibited ECM protein accumulation and myofibroblast differentiation during NP remodeling. Thus, SHE may be helpful as a treatment for NP recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jin Yim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Chun Ko
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yul Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Kook Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Lee
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Whan Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
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11
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Anwar C, Tsai ML, Chen BN, Hsu LY, Lai CS. Molecular mechanisms of Agardhiella subulata attenuates hepatic fibrosis by modulating hepatic stellate cell activation via the reduction of autophagy. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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Sun C, Yan H, Jiang K, Huang L. Protective Effect of Casticin on Experimental Skin Wound Healing of Rats. J Surg Res 2022; 274:145-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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13
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El-Tantawy WH, Temraz A. Anti-fibrotic activity of natural products, herbal extracts and nutritional components for prevention of liver fibrosis: review. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:382-393. [PMID: 31711319 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1684952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a grave problem worldwide, and the development of this condition is the first step towards cirrhosis. In fact, when lesions of different aetiologies chronically affect the liver, it triggers fibrogenesis, the resulting damage and the progression of fibrosis cause serious clinical influences including severe complications, expensive treatments, and death in end-stage liver disease. Although impressive progress has been reported in understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, no effective agent has been developed to prevent or reverse the fibrotic process directly. This article reviews natural products, herbal medicines and nutritional components that exhibited an anti-fibrotic activity through different mechanisms of action, including suppressing of cytokine production, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells "HSCs" propagation, modulation of the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatic fibrosis, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abeer Temraz
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy For Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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14
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Zhou L, Li Y, Liang Q, Liu J, Liu Y. Combination therapy based on targeted nano drug co-delivery systems for liver fibrosis treatment: A review. J Drug Target 2022; 30:577-588. [PMID: 35179094 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2044485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the hallmark of liver disease and occurs prior to the stages of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Any type of liver damage or inflammation can result in fibrosis. Fibrosis does not develop overnight, but rather as a result of the long-term action of injury factors. At present, however, there are no good treatment methods or specific drugs other than removing the pathogenic factors. Drug application is still limited, which means that drugs with good performance in vitro cannot achieve good therapeutic effects in vivo, owing to various factors such as poor drug targeting, large side effects, and strong hydrophobicity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the primary effector cells in liver fibrosis. The nano-drug delivery system is a new and safe drug delivery system that has many advantages which are widely used in the field of liver fibrosis. Drug resistance and side effects can be reduced when two or more drugs are used in combination drug delivery. Combination therapy of drugs with different targets has emerged as a novel approach to treating liver fibrosis, and the nano co-delivery system enhances the benefits of combination therapy. While nano co-delivery systems can maximize benefits while avoiding drug side effects, this is precisely the advantage of the nano co-delivery system. This review briefly described the pathogenesis and current treatment strategies, the different co-delivery systems of combination drugs in the nano delivery system, and targeting strategies for nano delivery systems on liver fibrosis therapy. Because of their superior performance, nano delivery systems and targeting drug delivery systems have received a lot of attention in the new drug delivery system. The new delivery systems offer a new pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis, and it is believed that it can be a new treatment for fibrosis in the future. Nano co-delivery system of combination drugs and targeting strategies has proven the effectiveness of anti-fibrosis at the experimental level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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15
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Cho K, Kim NH, Seo SH, Song SH, Jeong CH, Kim HS, Um JE, Ku M, Yang J, Park JY, Ahn SH, Yook JI, Kim SU. A micellized bone morphogenetic protein-7 prodrug ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing transforming growth factor- β signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:763-778. [PMID: 35261800 PMCID: PMC8900005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) antagonizes transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which is critically involved in liver fibrogenesis. Here, we designed a micelle formulation consisting of a protein transduction domain (PTD) fused BMP-7 polypeptide (mPTD-BMP-7) to enhance endocytic delivery, and investigated its ability to ameliorate liver fibrosis. The mPTD-BMP-7 formulation was efficiently delivered into cells via endocytosis, where it inhibited TGF-β mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. After successfully demonstrating delivery of fluorescently labeled mPTD-BMP-7 into the murine liver in vivo, we tested the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation in a murine liver fibrosis model, developed by repeated intraperitoneal injection of hepatotoxic carbon tetrachloride, twice weekly from 4 to 16 weeks. mPTD-BMP-7 effects were tested by injecting the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation (or vehicle control) into the lateral tail at a dose of 50 (n=8) or 500 μg/kg (n=10), also twice per week from 4 to 16 weeks. Vehicle-treated control mice developed fibrous septa surrounding the liver parenchyma and marked portal-to-portal bridging with occasional nodules, whereas mice treated with mPTD-BMP-7 showed only fibrous expansion of some portal areas, with or without short fibrous septa. Using the Ishak scoring system, we found that the fibrotic burden was significantly lower in mPTD-BMP-7 treated mice than in control mice (all P<0.001). Treatment with mPTD-BMP-7 protected tight junctions between hepatocytes and reduced extracellular matrix protein levels. It also significantly decreased mRNA levels of collagen 1A, smooth muscle α-actin, and connective tissue growth factor compared with that in control mice (all P<0.001). Collectively, out results indicate that mPTD-BMP-7, a prodrug formulation of BMP-7, ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway in a murine liver fibrosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoo Cho
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Seo
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Song
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Chul Hee Jeong
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Sil Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | | | - Minhee Ku
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jaemoon Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
- MET Life Sciences LtdSeoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
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16
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Dai W, Qin Q, Li Z, Lin L, Li R, Fang Z, Han Y, Mu W, Ren L, Liu T, Zhan X, Xiao X, Bai Z. Curdione and Schisandrin C Synergistically Reverse Hepatic Fibrosis via Modulating the TGF-β Pathway and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:763864. [PMID: 34858986 PMCID: PMC8631446 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.763864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the final pathway of several chronic liver diseases, which is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic hepatocyte damage. Activation of hepatic stellate cells and oxidative stress (OS) play an important role in mediating liver damage and initiating hepatic fibrosis. Hence, hepatic fibrosis can be reversed by inhibiting multiple channels such as oxidative stress, liver cell damage, or activation of hepatic stellate cells. Liuwei Wuling Tablets is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with the effect of anti- hepatic fibrosis, but the composition and mechanism of reversing hepatic fibrosis are still unclear. Our study demonstrated that one of the main active components of the Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis, schisandrin C (Sin C), significantly inhibited oxidative stress and prevented hepatocyte injury. Meanwhile one of the main active components of the Chinese medicine Curdione inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation by targeting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. The further in vivo experiments showed that Sin C, Curdione and the combination of both have the effect of reversing liver fibrosis in mice, and the combined effect of inhibiting hepatic fibrosis is superior to treatment with Sin C or Curdione alone. Our study provides a potential candidate for multi-molecular or multi-pathway combination therapies for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and demonstrates that combined pharmacotherapy holds great promise in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Dai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhie Fang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhong Han
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lutong Ren
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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Quercetin Reduces Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway in LX-2 Cell Line. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.113484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis and can eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During fibrogenesis, the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain active and continuously produce more extracellular matrix (ECM). Quercetin, one of the main flavonoids in vegetables, has shown hepatoprotective potential, but its effects on liver fibrosis are not apparent. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic activity of quercetin following stimulation of TGF-β in the LX-2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods: The LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 (2 ng/mL) for 24 h. Next, the cells were treated with quercetin for 24 h, and the mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1α1, and p-Smad3 protein levels were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of α-SMA, collagen 1α1 (COL1α1) genes, and also the level of p-Smad3 protein in the presence of TGF-β increased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, quercetin in concentrations of 75 and 100 μM inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA and COL1α1 genes and the p-Smad3 protein in LX-2 cells. Conclusions: We conclude that quercetin inhibits further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduces ECM accumulation during liver fibrosis in vitro, and may prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Thus, the use of quercetin is suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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18
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Shang HS, Chen KW, Chou JS, Peng SF, Chen YL, Chen PY, Huang HC, Lu HF, Chang HY, Shih YL, Huang WW. Casticin Inhibits In Vivo Growth of Xenograft Tumors of Human Oral Cancer SCC-4 Cells. In Vivo 2021; 34:2461-2467. [PMID: 32871773 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Casticin, one of the active components of Vitex rotundifolia L., presents biological and pharmacological activities including inhibition of migration, invasion and induction of apoptosis in numerous human cancer cells in vitro. This study aimed to assess the effects of casticin on tumor growth in a human oral cancer SCC-4 cell xenograft mouse model in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four nude mice were injected subcutaneously with SCC-4 cells and when palpable tumors reached a volume of 100-120 mm3 the mice were randomly divided into three groups. The control (0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide), casticin (0.2 mg/kg), and casticin (0.4 mg/kg) groups were intraperitoneally injected every two days for 18 days. Tumor volume and body weights were measured every two days. RESULTS Casticin significantly decreased tumor volume and weight in SCC-4 cell xenograft mice but there was no statistically significant difference between the body weights of control mice and mice treated with 0.2 mg/kg or 0.4 mg/kg casticin. Therefore, the growth of SCC-4 cells in athymic nude mice can be inhibited by casticin in vivo. CONCLUSION These findings support further investigations in the potential use of casticin as an oral anti-cancer drug in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Sheng Shang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kuo-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jiann-Shang Chou
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shu-Fen Peng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yung-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Yuan Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsieh-Chou Huang
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsu-Feng Lu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsin-Yu Chang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yung-Luen Shih
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Wen Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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19
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Antifibrotic and anthelminthic effect of casticin on Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c mice. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 55:314-322. [PMID: 34167886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease caused by Schistosoma. Although the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been intensively studied, the choice of effective treatment is still inadequate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of using Casticin to treat Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS BALB/c mice were divided into three groups - control, infection, and treatment group. The infection and treatment group were percutaneously infected with 100-120 cercariae. Mice from the treatment group were treated with 20 mg/kg/day Casticin for 14 consecutive days to investigate the potential protective effects of Casticin. Mice were sacrificed and were used for histological, RNA, protein, and parasite burden analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that hepatic fibrosis was significantly attenuated, as indicated by histology and reduction of fibrotic markers such as collagen AI, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Casticin treatment significantly reduced worm burden. Anthelmintic effect of Casticin was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study suggested that Casticin may be a beneficial candidate in treating S. mansoni infection.
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20
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Wu F, Ning L, Zhou R, Shen A. Screening and evaluation of key genes in contributing to pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis based on microarray data. Eur J Med Res 2020; 25:43. [PMID: 32943114 PMCID: PMC7499914 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF), which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver, usually progresses to liver cirrhosis and then death. To screen differentially expressed (DE) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, explore their potential functions to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HF. METHODS The microarray of GSE80601 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which is based on the GPL1355 platform. Screening for the differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs was conducted between the control and model groups. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to analyze the biological functions and pathways of the DE mRNAs. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was delineated. In addition, utilizing the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) package and Cytoscape software, we constructed lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression networks. RESULTS A total of 254 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and 472 mRNAs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that DE mRNAs regulated HF by participating in the GO terms of metabolic process, inflammatory response, response to wounding and oxidation-reduction. DE mRNAs were also significantly enriched in the pathways of ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion (FA), retinol metabolism and metabolic pathways. Moreover, 24 lncRNAs associated with 40 differentially expressed genes were observed in the modules of lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression network. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed crucial information on the molecular mechanisms of HF and laid a foundation for subsequent genes validation and functional studies, which could contribute to the development of novel diagnostic markers and provide new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Ning
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Aizong Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Li XX, Wang L, Liu YL, Zhao ZX, Wang XL, Lei R, Li HJ. Comprehensive identification of Vitex trifolia fruit and its five adulterants by comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles. Microsc Res Tech 2020; 83:1530-1543. [PMID: 32734676 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Prevention against the adulteration of traditional Chinese medicine in an accurate way has been long exploring. Vitex trifolia fruit (VTF), as a widely used analgesic in East Asia, has frequently been found to be adulterated with five adulterants, namely Vitex cannabifolia fruit (VCF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Vitex negundo fruit (VNF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Piper cubeba fruit (PCF) (Fam. Lauraceae), Euphorbia lathyris seed (ELS) (Fam. Euphorbiaceae), and Vaccinium bracteatum fruit (VBF) (Fam. Ericaceae). In this study, the methods of micromorphological identification, microscopic identification, and chemical analysis were combined to distinguish VTF from its five adulterants comprehensively. As a result, the micromorphological features in terms of fruit or seed epidermis were photographed by stereomicroscopy firstly. Secondly, the microscopic characteristics of various herb powders were captured under light microscopy. Thirdly, 33 nonvolatile components and 124 volatile components in VTF were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS), respectively. Furthermore, betulinic acid, persicogenin, and the volatile 4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-1-yl)-butan-2-one were screened out to be the specific markers of VTF distinctive from the adulterants. Collectively, VTF and its five adulterants were distinguished successfully by the comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Li Liu
- Hebei Institute of Drug Control and Research, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhen-Xia Zhao
- Hebei Institute of Drug Control and Research, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Wang
- Hebei Institute of Drug Control and Research, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rong Lei
- Hebei Institute of Drug Control and Research, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Li X, Mei W, Huang Z, Zhang L, Zhang L, Xu B, Shi X, Xiao Y, Ma Z, Liao T, Zhang H, Wang P. Casticin suppresses monoiodoacetic acid-induced knee osteoarthritis through inhibiting HIF-1α/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 86:106745. [PMID: 32622201 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disabling chronic inflammatory disease that is closely associated with synovium tissue hypoxia and synovial fibrosis. Casticin, a compound purified from the Chinese herb Viticis Fructus, has been proved effective in preventing inflammation and fibrosis in previous studies. However, the effect of casticin on synovial fibrosis in KOA is not clear. In present study, we aimed to investigate how did casticin affect synovial fibrosis on monoiodoacetic acid (MIA)-induced KOA in rats. The MIA-induced knee osteoarthritis model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated primary synovial fibroblasts inflammation model were established. Pathological and morphological changes in synovial tissue were observed by H&E and sirius red staining. The hypoxia of synovium was detected by pimonidazole staining and immunohistochemistry of hypoxia-inducible factors 1α (HIF-1α). The levels of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components, fibrogenic markers (TGF-β, COL1A1 and TIMP1) and inflammatory cytokines were examined by western blotting, qRT-PCR or ELISA in both KOA rat models and primary synovial fibroblasts. Our data suggested that casticin improved hypoxia and inflammation in synovium tissue, as well the synovial fibrosis in rats. Besides, casticin inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in MIA-induced KOA rats and synovial fibroblasts. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that casticin alleviated MIA-induced KOA by inhibiting of HIF-1α/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, casticin could be a potential treatment strategy for KOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Mei
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhengquan Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoqing Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yancheng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhenyuan Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Taiyang Liao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haosheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peimin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
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23
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Hussein RM, Anwar MM, Farghaly HS, Kandeil MA. Gallic acid and ferulic acid protect the liver from thioacetamide-induced fibrosis in rats via differential expression of miR-21, miR-30 and miR-200 and impact on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 324:109098. [PMID: 32278740 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the possible protective effects of gallic acid (GaA) and ferulic acid (FeA) against an experimentally induced liver fibrosis by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Animals were divided into: Control group, GaA group (20 mg/kg/day, p.o), FeA (20 mg/kg/day, p.o), TAA group (receiving 250 mg/kg twice/week, I.P), TAA + GaA group, TAA + FeA group (received the same previous doses) and TAA+silymarin group (received silymarin at 100 mg/kg/day+TAA as mentioned above). After 6 consecutive weeks, animals were sacrificed and the assessment of liver functions, oxidative stress biomarkers and histopathological examination of the liver tissues were performed. In addition, the effect on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and the expression of miR-21, miR-30 and miR-200 were evaluated. The results showed that administration of GaA or FeA with TAA induced a significant reduction in serum ALT, AST and ALP activities and protected the integrity of liver tissues. Furthermore, they increased the activities of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase and catalase while decreased malondialdehyde content to a normal level. The hepatic expression of TGF-β1, phosphorylated and total Smad3 proteins were significantly decreased. In addition, miR-21 expression was downregulated while miR-30 and miR-200 expressions were upregulated by administration of gallic acid or ferulic acid. In conclusion, gallic and ferulic acids exhibit hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats. These effects are mediated through inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and differentially regulating the hepatic expression level of miR-21, miR-30 and miR-200.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Mutah University, 61710, Al-Karak, Jordan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, 62514, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Mona M Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hatem S Farghaly
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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24
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Li L, Ran J, Li L, Chen G, Zhang S, Wang Y. Gli3 is a novel downstream target of miR‑200a with an anti‑fibrotic role for progression of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1861-1871. [PMID: 32319630 PMCID: PMC7057771 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI family zinc finger 3 (Gli3), as the upstream transcriptional activator of hedgehog signaling, has previously been demonstrated to participate in the process of liver fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential functions of microRNA (miR)‑200a and Gli3 in the progression of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of miR‑200a and Gli3 in cells and tissues were determined by PCR and western blotting; the interaction of Gli3 and miR‑200a was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis and dual‑luciferase reporter assay. miR‑200a was significantly reduced in serum samples from clinical patients, liver tissues of a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‑induced rat model and activated LX2 cells. The expression of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and albumin at the mRNA and protein levels was increased and decreased in LX2 cells, respectively. However, the expression levels of α‑SMA and albumin were reversed and Gli3 expression was markedly decreased in LX2 cells when transfected with miR‑200a mimics. In addition, the dual‑-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the target interaction between miR‑200a and Gli3. Finally, following the administration of miR‑200a mimics to CCl4‑induced rats, it was revealed that the alterations of α‑SMA, albumin and Gli3 presented a similar trend to that in LX2 cells with miR‑200a mimics transfection. Taken together, these results indicated that downregulation of miR‑200a might enhance the formation of liver fibrosis, probably by targeting Gli3, and elevated miR‑200a may attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis by suppressing Gli3. These findings suggested that miR‑200a may function as a novel anti‑fibrotic agent in liver fibrosis via inhibition of the expression of Gli3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Shengning Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Yingjia Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
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25
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Duan FF, Barron G, Meliton A, Mutlu GM, Dulin NO, Schuger L. P311 Promotes Lung Fibrosis via Stimulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1, -β2, and -β3 Translation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 60:221-231. [PMID: 30230348 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2018-0028oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung fibrosis, a frequently idiopathic and fatal disease, has been linked to the increased expression of profibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-βs. P311 is an RNA-binding protein that stimulates TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 translation in several cell types through its interaction with the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3b. We report that P311 is switched on in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and in the mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. To assess the in vivo role of P311 in lung fibrosis, BLM was instilled into the lungs of P311-knockout mice, in which fibrotic changes were significantly decreased in tandem with a reduction in TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 concentration/activity compared with BLM-treated wild-type mice. Complementing these findings, forced P311 expression increased TGF-β concentration/activity in mouse and human lung fibroblasts, thereby leading to an activated phenotype with increased collagen production, as seen in IPF. Consistent with a specific effect of P311 on TGF-β translation, TGF-β1-, -β2-, and -β3-neutralizing antibodies downregulated P311-induced collagen production by lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, treatment of BLM-exposed P311 knockouts with recombinant TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 induced pulmonary fibrosis to a degree similar to that found in BLM-treated wild-type mice. These studies demonstrate the essential function of P311 in TGF-β-mediated lung fibrosis. Targeting P311 could prove efficacious in ameliorating the severity of IPF while circumventing the development of autoimmune complications and toxicities associated with the use of global TGF-β inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angelo Meliton
- 2 Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gokhan M Mutlu
- 2 Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nickolai O Dulin
- 2 Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
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26
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Jiang H, Wu F, Jiang N, Gao J, Zhang J. Reconstruction and analysis of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals regulatory role of long non‑coding RNAs in hepatic fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4091-4100. [PMID: 31545470 PMCID: PMC6797987 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF), one of the leading global health problems, is defined as aberrant and excess production of extracellular matrix components. The pathogenesis of HF is complex and poorly understood. Long non‑coding RNAs (LncRNAs) can interact with microRNAs (miRNAs) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate the expression of target genes, which play a significant role in the initiation and progression of HF. In the present study, the LncRNA‑associated ceRNA network was reconstructed based on LncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles that were downloaded from National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus. Bioinformatics assessments including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed with Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery. The ceRNA network was composed of 220 LncRNA nodes, 24 miRNA nodes, 164 mRNA nodes and 1,149 edges. Functional assays identified that a total of 338 GO terms and 25 pathways, including regulation of cytokine and collagen, and the transforming growth factor‑β and Toll‑like receptor signaling pathways, were significantly enriched. In addition, 4 LncRNAs (NONMMUT036242, XR_877072, XR_378619 and XR_378418) were highly related to HF and thereby chosen as key LncRNAs. The present study uncovered a ceRNA network that could further the understanding of the mechanisms underlying HF development and provide potential novel markers for clinical diagnosis and targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Nannan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jiarong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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27
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Yan Y, Jun C, Lu Y, Jiangmei S. Combination of metformin and luteolin synergistically protects carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity: Mechanism involves antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Biofactors 2019; 45:598-606. [PMID: 31336028 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver diseases are one of the fatal disorders due to the vital role of the liver. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) is the most perceived chemical substance utilized in developing models of hepatic damage. Metformin (Met) is a potent antidiabetic and redox modulatory agent that has shown anticancer and protective effects on various organs. Therefore, addition of therapy with natural antioxidative agents or herbal extracts shows defensive impacts against different injuries inside the body. Luteolin (Lut) can be found in several customary Chinese remedies. It has been reported for various pharmacological actions such as antitumor, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory impacts. Here, the liver injury rat model was established using CCl4 (1.00 mL/kg body weight) in vivo. The protective roles of Met and Lut separately or in combination were observed in hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 . The result was shown that both Met and Lut, while individually used, were normally active in diminishing CCl4 -caused hepatotoxicity. The combination of two drugs performed synergistically to improve liver damage caused by CCl4 , as shown by the considerably improved liver dysfunction. Met and Lut showed highly antioxidative effects on CCl4 -treated rats moderately by increasing the activities and expression of the antioxidant enzymes. Along with this, a combination of Met and Lut significantly suppressed inflammatory responses, which is evidenced by the reduced level of inflammatory cytokines together with interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Additionally, CCl4 -agitated apoptosis was intensely reduced by Met and Lut through reducing cleaved caspase-3 and Bax (pro-apoptotic factor) while increasing Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic factor) signaling pathways. Cotreatments of Met and Lut upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the CCl4 -intoxicated rat's liver. The above result recommended that combination of Met and Lut may have a substantial potential and synergizing impact against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yan
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Jun
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Song Jiangmei
- Department of Internal Medicine, CAS Cancer Hospital, Hefei, China
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28
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Kim MB, Bae M, Hu S, Kang H, Park YK, Lee JY. Fucoxanthin exerts anti-fibrogenic effects in hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:657-662. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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29
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Zhao ZB, Ji K, Shen XY, Zhang WW, Wang R, Xu WP, Wei W. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate promotes hepatic fibrosis by regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation responses in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 68:109-119. [PMID: 30884453 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an environmental pollutant that is widely used in medical and consumer products. An epidemiological study has suggested that a large daily intake of DEHP from phthalate-contaminated food may be a risk factor for liver dysfunction. Long-term exposure to DEHP is associated with liver disease and exacerbates the progression of chronic liver injury. However, the effect of DEHP on hepatic fibrosis is rarely studied. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of DEHP on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and to further examine the molecular mechanisms. We found that DEHP exposure remarkably promoted liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis, and increased expression of the protein associated with liver inflammation and fibrogenesis, including α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, COL-Ⅲ, TGF-β1, P-Smad2, P-Smad3, P-p38 and P-p65. The similar trend was observed in the LX-2 cells. Furthermore, DEHP exposure induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, DEHP might play a fibrotic role in hepatic fibrosis rats and TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells in vitro which was related to TGF-β1/Smad and p38MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Biao Zhao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Ji
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xin-Yue Shen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wen-Wen Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wei-Ping Xu
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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30
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Casticin protects against IL-1β-induced inflammation in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 842:314-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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31
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Cheng Q, Li C, Yang CF, Zhong YJ, Wu D, Shi L, Chen L, Li YW, Li L. Methyl ferulic acid attenuates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation through the TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 299:131-139. [PMID: 30543783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological wound-healing response caused by chronic liver damage due to a virus, autoimmune disorder, or drugs. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Methyl ferulic acid (MFA), a biologically active monomer, has a protective effect on liver injury. However, the effects and roles of MFA in liver fibrosis remain unknown. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of MFA on hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. Human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells were exposed to 5 μg/L TGF-β1 for 48 h to stimulate liver fibrosis in vitro. Using MTT, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we revealed that MFA significantly inhibited the proliferation of LX-2 cells as well as decreased the expressions of α-SMA and type I collagen in LX-2 cells. SD rats were fed with ethanol, and this combined with the intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in vivo. We found that the administration of MFA markedly decreased the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PC-III), type IV collagen (CIV) and laminin (LN) in the serum, inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as well as type I and type III collagen, and up-regulated the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-1 in rats. The antifibrotic effects of MFA were also evaluated by H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining. In addition, further studies suggested that this protection by MFA from liver fibrosis was possibly related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS signalling. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MFA attenuated liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Cheng-Fang Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Dan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Lin Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yong-Wen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Li Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
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Lee JH, Kim C, Ko JH, Jung YY, Jung SH, Kim E, Kong M, Chinnathambi A, Alahmadi TA, Alharbi SA, Sethi G, Ahn KS. Casticin inhibits growth and enhances ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis through the suppression of STAT3 signaling cascade. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:9787-9798. [PMID: 30520154 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Casticin (CTC), one of the major components of Vitex rotundifolia L., has been reported to exert significant beneficial pharmacological activities and can function as an antiprolactin, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and immunomodulatory agent. This study aimed at investigating whether the proapoptotic effects of CTC may be mediated through the abrogation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in a variety of human tumor cells. We found that CTC significantly decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed cell proliferation in 786-O, YD-8, and HN-9 cells. CTC also induced programmed cell death that was found to be mediated via caspase-3 activation and induction of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Interestingly, CTC repressed both constitutive and interleukin-6-induced STAT3 activation in 786-O and YD-8 cells but only affected constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in HN-9 cells. Moreover, CTC could potentiate ionizing radiation-induced apoptotic effects leading to the downregulation of STAT3 activation and thus may be used in combination with radiation against diverse malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyun Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Ko
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Yun Jung
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Jung
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunok Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine, Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkyoo Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani Awad Alahmadi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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33
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Luo YH, Chen J, Xiao EH, Li QY, Luo YM. Zebularine Promotes Hepatic Differentiation of Rabbit Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Interfering with p38 MAPK Signaling. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:9612512. [PMID: 30405726 PMCID: PMC6199887 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9612512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Demethylating agent zebularine is reported to be capable of inducing differentiation of stem cells by activation of methylated genes, though its function in hepatocyte differentiation is unclear. p38 signal pathway is involved in differentiation of hepatocytes and regulating of DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1) expression. However, little is known about the impact of zebularine on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and p38 signaling during hepatic differentiation. The present study investigated the effects of zebularine on hepatic differentiation of rabbit BMMSCs, as well as the role of p38 on DNMT1 and hepatic differentiation, with the aim of developing a novel strategy for improving derivation of hepatocytes. BMMSCs were treated with zebularine at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 μM in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor; changes in the levels of hepatic-specific alpha-fetoprotein and albumin were detected and determined by RT-PCR, WB, and immunofluorescence staining. Expression of DNMT1 and phosphorylated p38 as well as urea production and ICG metabolism was also analyzed. Zebularine at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 μM could not affect cell viability after 48 h. Zebularine treatment leads to an inhibition of DNMT activity and increase of hepatic-specific proteins alpha-fetoprotein and albumin in BMMSCs in vitro; zebularine addition also induced expression of urea production of and ICG metabolism. p38 signal was activated in BMMSCs simulated with HGF; inhibition of p38 facilitated the synthesis of DNMT1 and albumin in cells. Zebularine restrained DNMT1 and phosphorylated p38 which were induced by HGF. Therefore, this study demonstrated that treatment with zebularine exhibited terminal hepatic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro in association with hepatocyte growth factor; p38 pathway at least partially participates in zebularine-induced hepatic differentiation of rabbit BMMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Heng Luo
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Qiu-Yun Li
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yong-Mei Luo
- Department of safety & environmental protection, Shenzhen Zhongjin Lingnan Nonfemet Company Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518040, China
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34
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Ma Y, Yuan H, Jin R, Bao X, Wang H, Su X, Mu MGSL, Liang J, Zhang J, Wu X. Flavonoid-rich Scabiosa comosa inflorescence extract attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by modulating TGF-β-induced Smad3 phosphorylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:426-433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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35
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Zhu D, Yang C, Shen P, Chen L, Chen J, Sun X, Duan L, Zhang L, Zhu J, Duan Y. rSjP40 suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation by promoting microRNA-155 expression and inhibiting STAT5 and FOXO3a expression. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:5486-5493. [PMID: 30091834 PMCID: PMC6201359 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central event of the evolution of hepatic fibrosis. Schistosomiasis is one of the pathogenic factors which could induce hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that recombinant Schistosoma japonicum egg antigen P40 (rSjP40) can inhibit the activation and proliferation of HSCs. MicroRNA‐155 is one of the multifunctional noncoding RNA, which is involved in a series of important biological processes including cell development, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Here, we try to observe the role of microRNA‐155 in rSjP40‐inhibited HSC activation and explore its potential mechanisms. We found that microRNA‐155 was raised in rSjP40‐treated HSCs, and further studies have shown that rSjP40 enhanced microRNA‐155 expression by inhibiting STAT5 transcription. Up‐regulated microRNA‐155 can down‐regulate the expression of FOXO3a and then participate in rSjP40‐inhibited expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen I. Furthermore, we observed microRNA‐155 inhibitor could partially restore the down‐regulation of FOXO3a, α‐SMA and collagen I expression in LX‐2 cells induced by rSjP40. Therefore, our research provides further insight into the mechanism by which rSjP40 could inhibit HSC activation via miR‐155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chunzhao Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Pei Shen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liuting Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinhua Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yinong Duan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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36
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Effect of phlorotannins on myofibroblast differentiation and ECM protein expression in transforming growth factor β1‑induced nasal polyp‑derived fibroblasts. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:2213-2220. [PMID: 30015862 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlorotannins (PTNs), a group of phenolic compounds from seaweeds, have diverse bioactivities. However, there has been no report on their antifibrotic effects during nasal polyp (NP) formation. In the present study, the effect of PTNs on transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1‑induced profibrotic responses in nasal polyp‑derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) were determined and the relevant signaling pathways were investigated. The expression levels of collagen type‑1 (Col‑1) and fibronectin in NP tissues were measured by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The NPDFs were treated with TGF‑β1 (1 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of PTNs (5‑30 µg/ml). The expression levels of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), Col‑1, fibronectin, and phosphorylated‑small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad)2/3 in NPDFs were measured by western blot analysis. The contractile activity of the NPDFs was determined by a collagen gel contraction assay. Col‑1 and fibronectin proteins were found to be expressed in NP tissues. PTNs had no significant cytotoxic effect on TGF‑β1‑induced NPDFs. TGF‑β1 induced the expression α‑SMA, Col‑1 and fibronectin, and stimulated fibroblast‑mediated contraction of collagen gel. However, pre‑treatment with PTNs inhibited the expression of these proteins. The inhibitory effects were mediated through the suppression of Smad2/3 signaling pathways in TGF‑β1‑induced NPDFs. These resulted suggested that PTNs may be important in inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix protein accumulation in NP formation through the Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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37
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Ning J, Zhang H, Yang H. MicroRNA‑326 inhibits endometrial fibrosis by regulating TGF‑β1/Smad3 pathway in intrauterine adhesions. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:2286-2292. [PMID: 29956752 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), characterized by endometrial fibrosis, may lead to infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. At present, there is no ideal therapy for IUA. Recent findings have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a decisive role in the regulation of fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in endometrial fibrosis. The present study compared the expression profiles of miRNAs between endometrial tissues from patients with IUA and normal endometrial tissues using microarray analysis. Validation of miR‑326 level in endometrial tissues was performed using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). Subsequently, the effects of miR‑326 on fibrotic markers including α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), collagen type I α 1 chain (COL1A1), transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1) and fibronectin (FN), were evaluated in endometrial tissues and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from patients with IUA. Additional bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays, RT‑qPCR and western blotting were performed to identify target genes. Additionally, the expression levels of TGF‑β1, p‑Smad3 and Smad3 were quantified to determine whether the anti‑fibrotic role of miR‑326 was associated with the activity of the TGF‑β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. The present study determined that miR‑326 was downregulated in endometrial tissues from patients with IUA and miR‑326 levels were inversely correlated with the expression of TGF‑β1, α‑SMA, COL1A1 and FN. Additional findings revealed that overexpression of miR‑326 inhibited endometrial fibrosis by downregulating these pro‑fibrotic genes. TGF‑β1, an important pro‑fibrogenic mediator, was identified as a direct target of miR‑326. Additionally, overexpression of miR‑326 blocked the activation of the TGF‑β1/SMAD family member 3 (Smad3) signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of TGF‑β1 in ESCs from patients with IUA. The findings of the present study indicated that miR‑326 inhibited endometrial fibrosis by suppressing the TGF‑β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, suggesting that miR‑326 may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ning
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572013, P.R. China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fuxing Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fuxing Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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38
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Liou CJ, Cheng CY, Yeh KW, Wu YH, Huang WC. Protective Effects of Casticin From Vitex trifolia Alleviate Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in a Murine Asthma Model. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:635. [PMID: 29962952 PMCID: PMC6010522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Casticin has been isolated from Vitex trifolia and found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. We also previously discovered that casticin can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 expression in inflammatory pulmonary epithelial cells. In the present study, we evaluated whether casticin reduced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and oxidative stress in the lungs of a murine asthma model and alleviated inflammatory and oxidative responses in tracheal epithelial cells. Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal controls, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, and OVA-induced asthma treated with intraperitoneal injection of casticin (5 or 10 mg/kg) or prednisolone (5 mg/kg). Casticin reduced AHR, goblet cell hyperplasia, and oxidative responses in the lungs of mice with asthma. Mechanistic studies revealed that casticin attenuated the levels of Th2 cytokine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and regulated the expression of Th2 cytokine and chemokine genes in the lung. Casticin also significantly regulated oxidative stress and reduced inflammation in the lungs of mice with asthma. Consequently, inflammatory tracheal epithelial BEAS-2B cells treated with casticin had significantly suppressed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eotaxin, and reduced THP-1 monocyte cell adherence to BEAS-2B cells via suppressed ICAM-1 expression. Thus, casticin is a powerful immunomodulator, ameliorating pathological changes by suppressing Th2 cytokine expression in mice with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chian-Jiun Liou
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nursing, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wei Yeh
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hong Wu
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chung Huang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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Ma J, Yin G, Lu Z, Xie P, Zhou H, Liu J, Yu L. Casticin prevents DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice through inhibitions of NF-κB pathway and ROS signaling. Phytother Res 2018; 32:1770-1783. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Ganghui Yin
- Department of Spine Surgery; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Zibin Lu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Pei Xie
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Hongling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Junshan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Linzhong Yu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
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40
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41
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Casticin inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 830:39-46. [PMID: 29665364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Casticin (3', 5-dihydroxy-3, 4', 6, 7-tetramethoxyflavone), one of the main components from Vitex rotundifolia L., was reported to possess several pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-asthma activities. However, the effects of casticin on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) proliferation and migration have not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of casticin on the proliferation and migration of ASMCs, and study the possible molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that casticin significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration of ASMCs exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), as well as reversed the PDGF-induced inhibition of the expression of contractile phenotype markers in ASMCs. In addition, casticin also inhibited PDGF-induced the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin in ASMCs induced by PDGF. Furthermore, casticin significantly prevented the activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways in PDGF-stimulated ASMCs. Taken together, these data demonstrated that casticin inhibits PDGF-induced human ASMC proliferation and migration through suppressing the activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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42
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Chan EWC, Wong SK, Chan HT. Casticin from Vitex species: a short review on its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2018; 16:147-152. [PMID: 29559215 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This short review provides an update of the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of casticin from Vitex species. Casticin is a polymethylflavone with three rings, an orthocatechol moiety, a double bond, two hydroxyl groups and four methoxyl groups. Casticin has been isolated from various tissues of plants in the Vitex genus: fruits and leaves of V. trifolia, aerial parts and seeds of V. agnus-castus and leaves of V. negundo. Studies have reported the antiproliferative and apoptotic activities of casticin from Vitex species. The compound is effective against many cancer cell lines via different molecular mechanisms. Studies have also affirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of casticin, with several molecular mechanisms identified. Other pharmacological properties include anti-asthmatic, tracheospasmolytic, analgesic, antihyperprolactinemia, immunomodulatory, opioidergic, oestrogenic, anti-angiogenic, antiglioma, lung injury protection, rheumatoid arthritis amelioration and liver fibrosis attenuation activities. Clinical trials and commercial use of the casticin-rich fruit extract of V. agnus-castus among women with premenstrual syndrome were briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wei Chiang Chan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.
| | - Siu Kuin Wong
- School of Science, Monash University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 46150, Malaysia
| | - Hung Tuck Chan
- Secretariat of International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0129, Japan
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