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Zhou X, Fu Y, Chen J, Liu P. Progress in clinical and basic research of fuzheng Huayu formula for the treatment of liver fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:118018. [PMID: 38453100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118018] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential and advantages in the treatment of liver fibrosis, with Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY) serving as a prime example due to its remarkable efficacy in delaying and reversing liver fibrosis while simultaneously improving clinical symptoms for patients. AIM OF THE REVIEW In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of recent studies on the therapeutic potential of FZHY and its components/ingredients in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with the aim of providing insights for future research endeavors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on FZHY, TCM319, traditional Chinese medicine 319, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis using multiple internationally recognized databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of science, SciVerse ScienceDirect, Clinical Trails. Gov, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. RESULTS FZHY is widely used clinically for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by various chronic liver diseases, with the effects of improving serum liver function, liver pathological histology, serological indices related to liver fibrosis, decreasing liver stiffness values and portal hypertension, as well as reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and morbidity/mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that FZHY possesses anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing inflammation, protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and angiogenesis, promoting extracellular matrix degradation, and facilitating liver regeneration. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on investigating the primary active components/ingredients of FZHY, and significant strides have been made in comprehending their synergistic mechanisms that enhance efficacy. CONCLUSION FZHY is a safe and effective drug for treating liver fibrosis. Future research on FZHY should focus on its active components/ingredients and their synergistic effects, as well as the development of modern cocktail drugs based on its components/ingredients. This will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and targets of FZHY in treating liver fibrosis, thereby further guide clinical applications and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 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, Shanghai, 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, Shanghai, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Allahverdi H. Exploring the therapeutic potential of plasma from intermittent fasting and untreated rats on aging-induced liver damage. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18456. [PMID: 38923278 PMCID: PMC11199341 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18456] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This research aims to investigate the effects of plasma from 12-month-old intermittently fasting rats (IFpls) and untreated rats (Npls) on the liver biomolecules and histological changes in 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Fasting rats underwent an 18-h daily fasting period and a 6-h feeding window for 35 days. The plasma was administered bi-daily, and blood samples were examined for specific liver biomolecules. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to identify molecular profiles. Liver sections were stained for histopathological evaluation, and the expression levels of Notch signalling pathway components were assessed. Distinct molecular profiles were identified across liver biomolecules, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids with high accuracy. Notably, IFpls was found to protect against hepatic instability, microvesicular steatosis and liver fibrosis by decreasing lymphatic infiltration density and Notch pathway expression levels. Both treatments reduced protein oxidation and carbonylation, with Npls showing a pronounced decrease in protein oxidation. Furthermore, Npls increased protein conformation and glycogen/phosphate content, while IFpls increased glucose/protein content. Both IFpls and Npls induce substantial and unique alterations in liver biomolecules. IFpls offers a protective effect on various liver conditions, while Npls exhibits promising results in reducing protein oxidation and altering biomolecule content. These findings offer valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Allahverdi
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsMuş Alparslan UniversityMuşTurkey
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Fu Y, Zhou X, Wang L, Fan W, Gao S, Zhang D, Ling Z, Zhang Y, Ma L, Bai F, Chen J, Sun B, Liu P. Salvianolic acid B attenuates liver fibrosis by targeting Ecm1 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103029. [PMID: 38184998 PMCID: PMC10808927 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103029] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte ferroptosis promotes the pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) exerts antifibrotic effects. However, the pharmacological mechanism and target has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 in wild-type mice and hepatocyte-specific extracellular matrix protein 1 (Ecm1)-deficient mice, which were separately treated with Sal B, ferrostatin-1, sorafenib or cilengitide. Erastin- or CCl4-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis models with or without Ecm1 gene knockdown were evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, the interaction between Ecm1 and xCT and the binding kinetics of Sal B and Ecm1 were determined. We found that Sal B significantly attenuated liver fibrosis in CCl4-induced mice. Ecm1 deletion in hepatocytes abolished the antifibrotic effect of Sal B. Mechanistically, Sal B protected against hepatocyte ferroptosis by upregulating Ecm1. Further research revealed that Ecm1 as a direct target for treating liver fibrosis with Sal B. Interestingly, Ecm1 interacted with xCT to regulate hepatocyte ferroptosis. Hepatocyte ferroptosis in vitro was significantly attenuated by Sal B treatment, which was abrogated after knockdown of Ecm1 in LO2 cells. Therefore, Sal B alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by targeting up-regulation of Ecm1 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis. The interaction between Ecm1 and xCT regulates hepatocyte ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Fu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese 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, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Weiguo Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Danyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhiyang Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Liyan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, 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, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Bing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, 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, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, 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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Li Y, Lu Y, Nian M, Sheng Q, Zhang C, Han C, Dou X, Ding Y. Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:643-657. [PMID: 37777315 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60443-1] [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: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mozuo Nian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Mu Y, Lv Y, Chen G, Zhang H, Liu P, Chen J. Testicular orphan receptor 4 induced hepatic stellate cells activation via the regulation of TGF-β receptor Ⅰ/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:100775. [PMID: 36280014 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Liver fibrosis is a common pathological change in many chronic liver diseases. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the core event in liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of testicular orphan receptor 4 (TR4) in the activation of HSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo, bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced rat liver fibrosis model was established, and the expressions of TR4 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissues were detected. In vitro, TR4 knockdown and overexpression in JS-1 cells using lentiviral vectors were constructed, and the expressions of TR4, α-SMA, Col-I, and TGF-β1/smads and retinoid X receptor (RXR) pathway-related genes were detected. RESULTS TR4 was highly expressed in BDL-induced fibrotic liver, accompanied by increased expression of α-SMA. Knockdown of TR4 significantly inhibited the expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, p-TβRI, and p-Smad2/3, and up-regulated the expression of RXRα in HSCs in vitro. In contrast, TR4 overexpression significantly increased the expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, p-TβRI, and p-Smad2/3, and inhibited the expression of RXRα. CONCLUSIONS TR4 may promote the activation of HSCs by up-regulating TβR I/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and down-regulating RXRα signaling, thereby promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Our findings may provide a new therapeutic target against hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Fu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuping 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, 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, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng 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, 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, 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, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, 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, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Yang T, Wu E, Zhu X, Leng Y, Ye S, Dong R, Liu J, Zhong J, Zheng Y, Xu W, Luo J, Kong L, Zhang H. TKF, a mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis through inhibition of the YAP/Notch3 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154466. [PMID: 36182796 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154466] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a common scarring response and may ultimately lead to liver cancer, unfortunately, there is currently no effective antifibrotic drug approved for human use. Limonoids exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, the potential role of limonoids against fibrosis is largely unknown. PURPOSE This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of TKF (3-tigloyl-khasenegasin F), a natural mexicanolide-type limonoid derivative. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Two well-established mouse models (CCl4 challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess anti-fibrotic effects of TKF in vivo. Human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. RESULT TKF administration significantly attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and suppressed fibrogenesis-associated gene expression including Col1a1, Acta2, and Timp1. In LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs, TKF dose-dependently suppressed HSC activation and the expression levels of fibrogenic markers. Mechanistic studies showed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 and YAP signalings in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, YAP inhibition or knockdown downregulated the Notch3 expression; however, Notch3 inhibition or knockdown did not affect the level of YAP in activated HSC. We revealed that TKF inhibited Notch3-Hes1 activation and downregulated hepatic fibrogenic gene expression via inhibiting YAP. CONCLUSION The therapeutic benefit of TKF against liver fibrosis results from inhibition of YAP and Notch3-Hes1 pathways, indicating that TKF may be a novel therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Enyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingrong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengtao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruirui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaman Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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9
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Feng F, Pan L, Wu J, Liu M, He L, Yang L, Zhou W. Schisantherin A inhibits cell proliferation by regulating glucose metabolism pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1019486. [PMID: 36425581 PMCID: PMC9679220 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1019486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schisantherin A (STA) is a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the plant Schisandra chinensis, which has a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. This study investigates the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of STA and the underlying mechanisms. STA significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. RNA-sequencing showed that 77 genes are upregulated and 136 genes are downregulated in STA-treated cells compared with untreated cells. KEGG pathway analysis showed significant enrichment in galactose metabolism as well as in fructose and mannose metabolism. Further gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS) confirmed this, indicating that STA significantly inhibits the glucose metabolism pathway of Hep3B cells. Tumor xenograft in nude mice showed that STA has a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our results indicate that STA can inhibit cell proliferation by regulating glucose metabolism, with subsequent anti-tumor effects, and has the potential to be a candidate drug for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Feng
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” Base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lianhong Pan
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqin Wu
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” Base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingying Liu
- School of Comprehensive Health Management, XiHua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Long He
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” Base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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10
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Guo SS, Wang ZG. Salvianolic acid B from Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge: A potential antitumor agent. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1042745. [PMID: 36386172 PMCID: PMC9640750 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1042745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb widely found in China since ancient times with a high economic and medicinal value. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is an important natural product derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza and this review summarizes the anticancer activity of Sal-B. Sal-B inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by targeting multiple cell signaling pathways. This review aims to review experimental studies to describe the possible anticancer mechanisms of Sal-B and confirm its potential as a therapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Guo
- Key Laboratory of Theory of TCM, Ministry of Education of China, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-Guo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Theory of TCM, Ministry of Education of China, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen-Guo Wang,
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11
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
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12
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Tan W, Wang Y, Dai H, Deng J, Wu Z, Lin L, Yang J. Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Renal Fibrosis: Cordyceps and Related Products. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:932172. [PMID: 35873549 PMCID: PMC9304961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.932172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no effective drug for the treatment of renal fibrosis; in particular, a safe and effective treatment for renal fibrosis should be established. Cordyceps has several medical effects, including immunoregulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and may prevent kidney, liver, and heart diseases. Cordyceps has also been reported to be effective in the treatment of renal fibrosis. In this paper, we review the potential mechanisms of Cordyceps against renal fibrosis, focusing on the effects of Cordyceps on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, regulation of autophagy, reduction of extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. We also discuss relevant published clinical trials and meta-analyses. Available clinical studies support the possibility that Cordyceps and related products provide benefits to patients with chronic kidney diseases as adjuvants to conventional drugs. However, the existing clinical studies are limited by low quality and significant heterogeneity. The use of Cordyceps and related products may be a potential strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Randomized controlled trial studies with good methodological quality, favorable experimental design, and large sample size are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tan
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunyan Wang
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Dai
- Nephrology, YunYang County People’s Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Junhui Deng
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifen Wu
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lirong Lin
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jurong Yang
- Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jurong Yang,
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13
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Bae UJ, Park BH, Cho MK, Bae EJ. Therapeutic Effect of Acer tegmentosum Maxim Twig Extract in Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Cholestasis in Mice. J Med Food 2022; 25:652-659. [PMID: 35708629 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2022.k.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease, or cholestasis, is a condition characterized by liver inflammation and fibrosis following a bile duct obstruction and an intrahepatic accumulation of bile acids. Inhibiting inflammation is a promising therapeutic strategy for cholestatic liver diseases. Acer tegmentosum Maxim extract (ATE) is best known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of ATE on liver injury and fibrosis in mice with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestasis through analysis of gene expression, cytokines, and histological examination. Oral administration of ATE (20 or 50 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly attenuated hepatocellular necrosis compared to vehicle-treated BDL mice, which was accompanied by the reduced level of serum bile acids and bilirubin. We determined that ATE treatment reduced liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. These beneficial effects of ATE were concurrent with the decreased expression of genes involved in the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effect of ATE could be a possible mechanism against cholestasis-associated liver injury. Our findings substantiate ATE's role as an alternative therapeutic agent for cholestasis-induced liver injury and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ui-Jin Bae
- Functional Food Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Korea
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Min Kyung Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Kyungju, Korea
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
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