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Cai T, Song X, Xu X, Dong L, Liang S, Xin M, Huang Y, Zhu L, Li T, Wang X, Fang Y, Xu Z, Wang C, Wang M, Li J, Zheng Y, Sun W, Li L. Effects of plant natural products on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and the underlying mechanisms: a narrative review with a focus on the modulation of the gut microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1323261. [PMID: 38444539 PMCID: PMC10912229 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1323261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of MAFLD, there are no officially approved drugs for treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-MAFLD drugs. Recently, the relationship between the gut microbiota and MAFLD has been widely recognized, and treating MAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic strategy. Natural products, especially plant natural products, have attracted much attention in the treatment of MAFLD due to their multiple targets and pathways and few side effects. Moreover, the structure and function of the gut microbiota can be influenced by exposure to plant natural products. However, the effects of plant natural products on MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Based on the above information and to address the potential therapeutic role of plant natural products in MAFLD, we systematically summarize the effects and mechanisms of action of plant natural products in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota. This narrative review provides feasible ideas for further exploration of safer and more effective natural drugs for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Dong
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Shufei Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Meiling Xin
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Linghui Zhu
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueke Wang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yini Fang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengbao Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Jingda Li
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Liang Y, Fang J, Zhou X, Zhang Z, Liu W, Hu Y, Yu X, Mu Y, Zhang H, Liu P, Chen J. Schisantherin A protects hepatocyte via upregulating DDAH1 to ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 124:155330. [PMID: 38185067 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155330] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is the pivotal determinant in the progression of chronic liver diseases towards cirrhosis or advanced stages. Studies have shown that Schisantherin A (Sin A), the primary active compound from Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., exhibits anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. However, the mechanism of Sin A in liver fibrosis remain unclear. PURPOSE To examine the effects and underlying mechanism of Sin A on hepatic fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The effects and mechanism of Sin A were investigated using liver fibrosis mouse models induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), as well as H2O2-induced hepatocyte injury in vitro. RESULTS Sin A treatment ameliorated hepatocyte injury, inflammation, hepatic sinusoidal capillarization, and hepatic fibrosis in both CCl4-induced and DMN-induced mice. Sin A effectively reversed the reduction of DDAH1 expression, the p-eNOS/eNOS ratio and NO generation and attenuated the elevation of hepatic ADMA level induced by CCl4 and DMN. Knockdown of DDAH1 in hepatocytes not only triggered hepatocyte damage, but it also counteracted the effect of Sin A on protecting hepatocytes in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that Sin A ameliorates liver fibrosis by upregulating DDAH1 to protect against hepatocyte injury. These results provide compelling evidence for Sin A treatment in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yonghong Hu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohan Yu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Ren G, Bai C, Yi S, Cong Q, Zhu Y. Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies for MAFLD Targeting TLR4 Signaling Pathways. J Innate Immun 2023; 16:45-55. [PMID: 38128497 PMCID: PMC10783892 DOI: 10.1159/000535524] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are intricate and involve various factors. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of available effective treatment options. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of pattern-recognition receptors that are responsible for activating the innate immune system. Research has demonstrated that TLR4 plays a pivotal role in the progression of MAFLD by facilitating the pathophysiological mechanisms. SUMMARY Lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory factors, insulin resistance (IR), and dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota are considered as the pathogenic mechanisms of MAFLD. This review summarizes the impact of TLR4 signaling pathways on the progression of MAFLD, specifically in relation to lipid metabolic disorders, IR, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota disorders. Additionally, we emphasize the potential therapeutic approaches for MAFLD that target TLR4 signaling pathways, including the use of plant extracts, traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics, pharmaceuticals such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor antagonists and farnesol X agonists, and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and exercise also considered. Furthermore, TLR4 signaling pathways have also been linked to the lean MAFLD. KEY MESSAGES TLR4 plays a crucial role in MAFLD by triggering IR, buildup of lipids, imbalance in gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and initiation of immune responses. The mitigation of MAFLD can be accomplished by suppressing the TLR4 signaling pathway. In the future, it could potentially emerge as a therapeutic target for the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Ren
- Department of Infectious Disease, Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China,
| | - Changchuan Bai
- Dalian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Sitong Yi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qingwei Cong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Bicknell B, Liebert A, Borody T, Herkes G, McLachlan C, Kiat H. Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Diseases and the Gut-Brain Axis: The Potential of Therapeutic Targeting of the Microbiome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119577. [PMID: 37298527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome contains the largest number of bacteria in the body and has the potential to greatly influence metabolism, not only locally but also systemically. There is an established link between a healthy, balanced, and diverse microbiome and overall health. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis) through dietary changes, medication use, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and ageing, this has a profound effect on our health and is linked to many diseases, including lifestyle diseases, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases. While this link in humans is largely an association of dysbiosis with disease, in animal models, a causative link can be demonstrated. The link between the gut and the brain is particularly important in maintaining brain health, with a strong association between dysbiosis in the gut and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. This link suggests not only that the gut microbiota composition can be used to make an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases but also that modifying the gut microbiome to influence the microbiome-gut-brain axis might present a therapeutic target for diseases that have proved intractable, with the aim of altering the trajectory of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others. There is also a microbiome-gut-brain link to other potentially reversible neurological diseases, such as migraine, post-operative cognitive dysfunction, and long COVID, which might be considered models of therapy for neurodegenerative disease. The role of traditional methods in altering the microbiome, as well as newer, more novel treatments such as faecal microbiome transplants and photobiomodulation, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bicknell
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ann Liebert
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Governance and Research, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia
| | - Thomas Borody
- Centre for Digestive Diseases, Five Dock, NSW 2046, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Herkes
- Department of Governance and Research, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia
| | - Craig McLachlan
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Hosen Kiat
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Fang J, Yu CH, Li XJ, Yao JM, Fang ZY, Yoon SH, Yu WY. Gut dysbiosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic implications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:997018. [PMID: 36425787 PMCID: PMC9679376 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.997018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing recently and has become one of the most common clinical liver diseases. Since the pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been completely elucidated, few effective therapeutic drugs are available. As the "second genome" of human body, gut microbiota plays an important role in the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food and drugs. Gut microbiota can act as an important driver to advance the occurrence and development of NAFLD, and to accelerate its progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Growing evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota and its metabolites directly affect intestinal morphology and immune response, resulting in the abnormal activation of inflammation and intestinal endotoxemia; gut dysbiosis also causes dysfunction of gut-liver axis via alteration of bile acid metabolism pathway. Because of its composition diversity and disease-specific expression characteristics, gut microbiota holds strong promise as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NAFLD. Intervening intestinal microbiota, such as antibiotic/probiotic treatment and fecal transplantation, has been a novel strategy for preventing and treating NAFLD. In this article, we have reviewed the emerging functions and association of gut bacterial components in different stages of NAFLD progression and discussed its potential implications in NAFLD diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue-Jian Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-Mei Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Fang
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Soo-Hyun Yoon
- Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Wen-Ying Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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