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Chen LP, Zhang LF, Liu S, Hua H, Zhang L, Liu BC, Wang RR. Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via modulating the gut microbiota. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0197923. [PMID: 38647315 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01979-23] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have supported that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LG) has been clinically used to treat NAFLD, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of LG in mice with NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet (HD). An HD-induced NAFLD mice model was established to evaluate the efficacy of LG followed by biochemical and histopathological analysis. Metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics were used to explore the structure and metabolism of the gut microbiota. LG significantly improved hepatic function and decreased lipid droplet accumulation in HD-induced NAFLD mice. LG reversed the structure of the gut microbiota that is damaged by HD and improved intestinal barrier function. Meanwhile, the LG group showed a lower total blood bile acids (BAs) concentration, a shifted BAs composition, and a higher fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration. Furthermore, LG could regulate the hepatic expression of genes associated with the primary BAs biosynthesis pathway and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Our study suggested that LG could ameliorate NAFLD by altering the structure and metabolism of gut microbiota, while BAs and SCFAs are considered possible mediating substances. IMPORTANCE Until now, there has still been no study on the gut microbiota and metabolomics of Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LG) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mouse models. Our study is the first to report on the reshaping of the structure and metabolism of the gut microbiota by LG, as well as explore the potential mechanism underlying the improvement of NAFLD. Specifically, our study demonstrates the potential of gut microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and blood bile acids (BAs) as mediators of LG therapy for NAFLD in animal models. Based on the results of transcriptomics, we further verified that LG attenuates NAFLD by restoring the metabolic disorder of BAs via the up-regulation of Fgf15/FXR in the ileum and down-regulation of CYP7A1/FXR in the liver. LG also reduces lipogenesis in NAFLD mice by mediating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, which then contributes to reducing hepatic inflammation and improving intestinal barrier function to treat NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Ping Chen
- Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Fang Zhang
- Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Shanxi Institute for Function Food, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hua Hua
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Cheng Liu
- Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Rui Wang
- Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chen H, Wu Q, Chen X, Yu X, Zhao H, Huang Q, Huang Y, Wang J, Huang X, Wei J, Wu F, Xiao X, Wang L. Gestational supplementation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus attenuates hepatic steatosis in offspring mice through promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. J Food Sci 2024; 89:3064-3077. [PMID: 38578136 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17056] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Currently, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus (BLS) are widely recognized as the crucially beneficial bacteria in the gut. Many preclinical and clinical studies have shown their protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether gestational BLS supplementation could alleviate NAFLD in the offspring is still unknown. Kunming mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks before mating. They received BLS supplementation by gavage during pregnancy. After weaning, offspring mice were fed with a regular diet up to 5 weeks old. Gestational BLS supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibaculum in the gut of dams exposed to HFD. In offspring mice exposed to maternal HFD, maternal BLS intake significantly decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes as well as the relative abundance of Prevotella and Streptococcus, but increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides. In offspring mice, maternal BLS supplementation significantly decreased the hepatic triglyceride content and mitigated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, maternal BLS supplementation increased the glutathione content and reduced malondialdehyde content in the liver. In addition, mRNA and protein expression levels of key rate-limiting enzymes in mitochondrial β-oxidation (CPT1α, PPARα, and PGC1α) in the livers of offspring mice were significantly increased after gestational BLS supplementation. Thus, gestational BLS supplementation may ameliorate maternal HFD-induced steatosis and oxidative stress in the livers of offspring mice by modulating fatty acid β-oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjun Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiongmei Wu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyi Chen
- Liwan District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxue Yu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanqing Zhao
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoli Huang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinting Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyi Huang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Science and Technology, Guangzhou Customs, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Science and Technology, Guangzhou Customs, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Lu J, Zeng Y, Zhong H, Guo W, Zhang Y, Mai W, Qin Y, Su X, Zhang B, Wu W, Zhu Y, Huang Q, Ye Y. Dual-Stimuli-Responsive Gut Microbiota-Targeting Nitidine Chloride-CS/PT-NPs Improved Metabolic Status in NAFLD. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2409-2428. [PMID: 38476281 PMCID: PMC10929648 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s452194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Nitidine chloride (NC) is a botanical drug renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and hepatocellular carcinoma-inhibiting properties; however, its limited solubility poses challenges to its development and application. To address this issue, we have devised a colon-targeted delivery system (NC-CS/PT-NPs) aimed at modulating the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota by augmenting the interaction between NC and the intestinal microbiota, thereby exerting an effect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods The NC-CS/PT-NPs were synthesized using the ion gel method. Subsequently, the particle size distribution, morphology, drug loading efficiency, and release behavior of the NC-CS/PT-NPs were characterized. Furthermore, the impact of NC-CS/PT-NPs on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice was investigated through serum biochemical analysis, ELISA, and histochemical staining. Additionally, the influence of NC-CS/PT-NPs on intestinal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Results The nanoparticles prepared in this study have an average particle size of (255.9±5.10) nm, with an encapsulation rate of (72.83±2.13) % and a drug loading of (4.65±0.44) %. In vitro release experiments demonstrated that the cumulative release rate in the stomach and small intestine was lower than 22.0%, while it reached 66.75% in the colon. In vivo experiments conducted on HFD-induced NAFLD mice showed that treatment with NC-CS/PT-NPs inhibited weight gain, decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lipid levels, improved liver and intestinal inflammation, and altered the diversity of gut microbiota in mice. Conclusion This study provides new evidence for the treatment of NAFLD through the regulation of gut microbiota using active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmei Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
- The Second Nanning People’s Hospital, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongzhu Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huashuai Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanting Mai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yucui Qin
- Maternity and Child Health Care of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Su
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weisen Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiujie Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Precision Detection and Screening, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nanoscale Bioanalysis and Drug Screening of Guangxi Education Department, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
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Gao S, Wei L, Qin Y, Zhang P, Quan T, Liang F, Huang G. Network pharmacological analysis on the mechanism of Linggui Zhugan decoction for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37281. [PMID: 38457573 PMCID: PMC10919485 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), represents a chronic progressive disease that imposes a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Linggui Zhugan decoction (LGZGD) plays a substantial role in treating NAFLD, but its exact molecular mechanism is unknown. Using network pharmacology, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of LGZGD in treating NAFLD. Active ingredients and targets were identified through the integration of data from the TCMSP, GEO, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, in conjunction with the STRING platform, was employed to construct network diagrams and screen core targets. The enrichment analysis of gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were conducted by using the R. Molecular docking of the active ingredients and core targets was performed with AutoDock Vina software. We obtained 93 and 112 active ingredients and potential targets using the bioinformatic analysis of LGZGD in treating NAFLD. The primary ingredients of LGZGD included quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin. The core targets were identified AKT1, MYC, HSP90AA1, HIF1A, ESR1, TP53, and STAT3. Gene ontology function enrichment analysis revealed associations with responses to nutrient and oxygen levels, nuclear receptor activity, and ligand-activated transcription factor activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway analysis implicated the involvement of the PI3K-Akt, IL-17, TNF, Th17 cell differentiation, HIF-1, and TLR signaling pathways. Molecular docking studies indicated strong binding affinities between active ingredients and targets. LGZGD intervenes in NAFLD through a multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. Treatment with LGZGD can improve insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism associated with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Gao
- Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liuting Wei
- Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Qin
- Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tingwei Quan
- Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fei Liang
- Graduate School of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guihua Huang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Dou C, Zhu H, Xie X, Huang C, Cao C. Integrated Pharmaco-Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Verification To Explore the Effect of Britanin on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:8274-8286. [PMID: 38405493 PMCID: PMC10882692 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent global liver disorder, posing substantial health risks. Britanin, a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Inula japonica, has demonstrated antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective attributes. Nonetheless, the precise impact of Britanin on NAFLD and the intricate biological mechanisms underpinning this interaction remain unexplored. We integrated computer-aided methods to unearth shared biological targets and signaling pathways associated with both Britanin and NAFLD. A network was constructed by compiling putative targets associated with Britanin and NAFLD, followed by a stringent screening of key targets and mechanisms through protein-protein interaction analysis along with GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was integrated as an evaluation tool, culminating in the identification of HO-1 as the pivotal therapeutic target, showcasing a satisfactory binding affinity. The primary mechanism was ascribed to biological processes and pathways linked to oxidative stress, as evidenced by the outcomes of enrichment analyses. Of these, the AMPK/SREBP1c pathway assumed centrality in this mechanism. Furthermore, in vivo experiments substantiated that Britanin effectively curtailed NAFLD development by ameliorating liver injury, modulating hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid accumulation, and alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential of Britanin as a promising therapeutic drug against NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Dou
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department
of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Xia Xie
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Department
of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Chuangjie Cao
- Department
of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
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Ding X, He X, Tang B, Lan T. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: future directions and strategies. Chin Med 2024; 19:21. [PMID: 38310315 PMCID: PMC10838467 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00894-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used for several centuries for metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). At present, NAFLD has become the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease worldwide and can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is still a lack of effective treatment strategies in Western medicine. The development of NAFLD is driven by multiple mechanisms, including genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Currently, certain drugs, including insulin sensitizers, statins, vitamin E, ursodeoxycholic acid and betaine, are proven to be beneficial for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. Due to its complex pathogenesis, personalized medicine that integrates various mechanisms may provide better benefits to patients with NAFLD. The holistic view and syndrome differentiation of TCM have advantages in treating NAFLD, which are similar to the principles of personalized medicine. In TCM, NAFLD is primarily classified into five types based on clinical experience. It is located in the liver and is closely related to spleen and kidney functions. However, due to the multi-component characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, its application in the treatment of NAFLD has been considerably limited. In this review, we summarize the advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD, drawn from both the Western medicine and TCM perspectives. We highlight that Chinese and Western medicine have complementary advantages and should receive increased attention in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xu He
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bulang Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tian Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
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