Combined Amphiphilic Silybin Meglumine Nanosuspension Effective Against Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice Model

Novel Strategies Enhancing Bioavailability and Therapeutical Potential of Silibinin for Treatment of Liver Disorders

Silibinin, a bioactive component found in milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), is known to have significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of various liver diseases. It is considered a key element of silymarin, which is traditionally used to support liver function. The main mechanisms of action of silibinin are attributed to its antioxidant properties protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals. Experimental studies conducted in vitro and in vivo have confirmed its ability to inhibit inflammatory and fibrotic processes, as well as promote the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Therefore, silibinin represents a promising tool for the treatment of liver diseases. Since the silibinin molecule is insoluble in water and has poor bioavailability in vivo, new perspectives on solving this problem are being sought. The two most promising approaches are the water-soluble derivative silibinin-C-2',3-dihydrogen succinate, disodium salt, and the silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex. Both drugs are currently under evaluation in liver disease clinical trials. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying silibinin biological activity is still elusive and its more detailed understanding would undoubtedly increase its potential in the development of effective therapeutic strategies against liver diseases. This review is focused on the therapeutic potential of silibinin and its derivates, approaches to increase the bioavailability and the benefits in the treatment of liver diseases that have been achieved so far. The review discusses the relevant in vitro and in vivo studies that investigated the protective effects of silibinin in various forms of liver damage.

The potential of flavonoids in hepatic fibrosis: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of extracellular matrix abnormal deposition induced by multiple pathogenic factors. Currently, there is still a lack of effective and non-toxic drugs for treating fibrosis in clinic. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds synthesized in plants and modern pharmacological studies confirmed flavonoids exhibit potent hepatoprotective effect.

PURPOSE

Summarize literature to elaborate the mechanism of HF and evaluate the potential of flavonoids in HF, aiming to provide a new perspective for future research.

METHODS

The literatures about hepatic fibrosis and flavonoids are collected via a series of scientific search engines including Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, SciFinder and Web of Science database. The key words are "flavonoids", "hepatic fibrosis", "pharmacokinetic", "toxicity", "pathogenesis" "traditional Chinese medicine" and "mechanism" as well as combination application.

RESULTS

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies revealed that about 86 natural flavonoids extracted from Chinese herbal medicines possess significantly anti-fibrosis effect and the mechanisms maybe through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation and clearing activated hepatic stellate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the flavonoids which are effective in HF and the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. However, fewer studies are focused on the pharmacokinetics of flavonoids in HF model and most studies are limited to preclinical studies, therefore there is no reliable data from clinical trials for the development of new drugs. Further in-depth research related it can be conducted to improve the bioavailability of flavonoids and serve the development of new drugs.

Dual-targeting galactose-functionalized hyaluronic acid modified lipid nanoparticles delivering silybin for alleviating alcoholic liver injury

Alcoholic liver injury stands as a predominant pathogenic contributor to the global burden of liver diseases, with alcohol consumption serving as a significant determinant of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Given that liver-targeted therapy for mitigating alcoholic liver injury remains to be a major clinical challenge due to the poor specificity and instability associated with single targeting modification in actively targeted nanomedicine systems, bifunctional targeting modification may serve as a more promising strategy. Here, galactose-functionalized hyaluronic acid (Gal-HA) coated cationic solid lipid nanoparticles carrying silybin (Gal-HA/SIL-SLNPs) featuring dual-targeting hyaluronic acid (HA) and galactose (Gal) moieties, enabled specific liver surface targeting of asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) proteins to enhance silybin uptake, while simultaneously ameliorating the deficiencies of positively charged lipid nanoparticles as drug carriers and preserving their stability in the bloodstream. Based on the findings, Gal-HA/SIL-SLNPs with excellent biocompatibility demonstrated improved cellular internalization and liver distribution, while also displaying ideal curative properties in a mouse model of alcohol-induced liver injury without causing damage to other organs. This work suggests that Gal-HA/SIL-SLNPs with dual modification may represent an encouraging approach for developing more effective liver targeted nano-drug delivery systems to achieve accurate medication for alcoholic liver injury.

Advancements in Plant-Based Therapeutics for Hepatic Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems

Chronic liver injuries often lead to hepatic fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia. Without effective treatment, hepatic fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments, including liver transplantation, are limited by donor shortages and high costs. As such, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the potential of plant-based therapeutics, particularly polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, in treating hepatic fibrosis. These compounds have demonstrated anti-fibrotic activities through various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, AMPK/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and hedgehog pathways. Additionally, this review highlights the advancements in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems that enhance the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Methodologically, this review synthesizes findings from recent studies, providing a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms and benefits of these plant-based treatments. The integration of novel drug delivery systems with plant-based therapeutics holds significant promise for developing effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis.

Yinchen gongying decoction mitigates CCl4-induced chronic liver injury and fibrosis in mice implicated in inhibition of the FoxO1/TGF-β1/ Smad2/3 and YAP signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common reversible consequence of chronic liver damage with limited therapeutic options. Yinchen Gongying decoction (YGD) composed of two homologous plants: (Artemisia capillaris Thunb, Taraxacum monochlamydeum Hand.-Mazz.), has a traditionally application as a medicinal diet for acute icteric hepatitis. However, its impact on LF and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to assess the impact of YGD on a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and elucidate its possible mechanisms. The study seeks to establish an experimental foundation for YGD as a candidate drug for hepatic fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC-MS/MS identified 11 blood-entry components in YGD, and network pharmacology predicted their involvement in the FoxO signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Using a CCl4-induced LF mouse model, YGD's protective effects were evaluated in comparison to a positive control and a normal group. The underlying mechanisms were explored through the assessments of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, fibrotic signaling, and inflammation.

RESULTS

YGD treatment significantly improved liver function, enhanced liver morphology, and reduced liver collagen deposition in CCl4-induced LF mice. Mechanistically, YGD inhibited HSC activation, elevated MMPs/TIMP1 ratios, suppressed the FoxO1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and YAP pathways, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Notably, YGD improved the insulin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

YGD mitigates LF in mice by modulating fibrotic and inflammatory pathways, enhancing antioxidant responses, and specifically inhibiting FoxO1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and YAP signal pathways.

Research Progress Regarding the Effect and Mechanism of Dietary Polyphenols in Liver Fibrosis

The development of liver fibrosis is a result of chronic liver injuries may progress to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a major global problem, and the incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. However, there are currently no approved treatments. Research on anti-liver-fibrosis drugs is a top priority. Dietary polyphenols, such as plant secondary metabolites, have remarkable abilities to reduce lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation, and are attracting more and more attention as potential drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. Gradually, dietary polyphenols are becoming the focus for providing an improvement in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The impact of dietary polyphenols on the composition of intestinal microbiota and the subsequent production of intestinal microbial metabolites has been observed to indirectly modulate signaling pathways in the liver, thereby exerting regulatory effects on liver disease. In conclusion, there is evidence that dietary polyphenols can be therapeutically useful in preventing and treating liver fibrosis, and we highlight new perspectives and key questions for future drug development.