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Chae YR, Lee HB, Lee YR, Yoo G, Lee E, Park M, Choi SY, Park HY. Ameliorating effects of Orostachys japonica against high-fat diet-induced obesity and gut dysbiosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118443. [PMID: 38909828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Orostachys japonica (rock pine) has been used as a folk remedy to treat inflammation, hepatitis, and cancer in East Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rock pine extract (RPE) on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice and to examine its effects on gut dysbiosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The characteristic compound of RPE, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The prebiotic potential of RPE was evaluated by assessing the prebiotic activity score obtained using four prebiotic strains and high-fat (HF)-induced obesity C57BL/6 mice model. Analysis included examining the lipid metabolism and inflammatory proteins and evaluating the changes in gut permeability and metabolites to elucidate the potential signaling pathways involved. RESULTS In vitro, RPE enhanced the proliferation of beneficial probiotic strains, including Lactiplantibacillus and Bifidobacterium. HF-induced model showed that the administration of 100 mg/kg/day of RPE for 8 weeks significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the body weight, serum lipid levels, and insulin resistance, which were associated with notable changes in lipid metabolism and inflammation-related markers. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that rock pine consumption could mitigate obesity and metabolic endotoxemia in HF-fed mice through enhancing intestinal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rim Chae
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye-Bin Lee
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu Ra Lee
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Guijae Yoo
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Miri Park
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Yoon Choi
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho-Young Park
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Ju S, Tan Y, Wang Q, Zhou L, Wang K, Wen C, Wang M. Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects of esculin and esculetin (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:248. [PMID: 38682114 PMCID: PMC11046185 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Fraxinus chinensis Roxb is a deciduous tree, which is distributed worldwide and has important medicinal value. In Asia, the bark of Fraxinus chinensis Roxb is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine called Qinpi. Esculetin is a coumarin compound derived from the bark of Fraxinus chinensis Roxb and its glycoside form is called esculin. The aim of the present study was to systematically review relevant literature on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of esculetin and esculin. Esculetin and esculin can promote the expression of various endogenous antioxidant proteins, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. This is associated with the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of esculetin and esculin are associated with the inhibition of the nuclear factor κ-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase inflammatory signaling pathways. In various inflammatory models, esculetin and esculin can reduce the expression levels of various proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, thereby inhibiting the development of inflammation. In summary, esculetin and esculin may be promising candidates for the treatment of numerous diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, such as ulcerative colitis, acute lung and kidney injury, lung cancer, acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Ju
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Youli Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Chenghong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mingjian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Wu Z, Zhao X, Li R, Wen X, Xiu Y, Long M, Li J, Huang X, Wen J, Dong X, Xu Y, Bai Z, Zhan X, Xiao X. The combination of Schisandrin C and Luteolin synergistically attenuates hepatitis B virus infection via repressing HBV replication and promoting cGAS-STING pathway activation in macrophages. Chin Med 2024; 19:48. [PMID: 38500179 PMCID: PMC10946137 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00888-z] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV infection can result in severe liver diseases and is one of the primary causes of liver cell carcinoma-related mortality. Liuwei Wuling tablet (LWWL) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, with a protecting liver and decreasing enzyme activity, usually used to treat chronic hepatitis B with NAs in clinic. However, its main active ingredients and mechanism of action have not been fully investigated. Hence, we aimed to screen the active ingredient and effective ingredient combinations from Liuwei Wuling tablet to explore the anti-herpatitis B virus activity and mechanism. METHODS Analysis and screening of effective antiviral components in LWWL by network pharmacology, luteolin (Lut) may be a compound with significant antiviral activity. The mechanism of antiviral action of Lut was also found by real-time PCR detection and western blotting. Meanwhile, we established a co-culture model to investigate the antiviral mechanism of Schisandrin C (SC), one of the main active components of Schisandra chinensis fructus (the sovereign drug of LWWL). Next, HBV-infected mice were established by tail vein injection of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid and administered continuously for 20 days. And their antiviral capacity was evaluated by checking serum levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, levels of HBV DNA, and liver levels of HBcAg. RESULTS In this study, we conducted network pharmacology analysis on LWWL, and through in vitro experimental validation and data analysis, we found that luteolin (Lut) possessed obviously anti-HBV activity, inhibiting HBV replication by downregulating hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) via the ERK pathway. Additionally, we established a co-culture system and proved that SC promoted activation of cGAS-STINIG pathway and IFN-β production in THP-1 cells to inhibit HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells. Moreover, we found the combination of SC and Lut shows a greater effect in inhibiting HBV compared to SC or Lut alone in HBV-infected mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study suggests that combination of SC and Lut may be potential candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Research Institute of Department of Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xinru Wen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ye Xiu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Minjuan Long
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiuqin Huang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jincai Wen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Chen Y, Song Z, Hou X, Liu J, Zheng C, Zhao X, Lv G, Li J, Xiu Y, Shi W, Zhao J, Yang H, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhan X, Niu M, Zou W, Bai Z, Xiao X. Liuweiwuling Tablet relieves the inflammatory transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117406. [PMID: 37952733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117406] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a patented Chinese medicine approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Clinically, it is used to treat a range of liver diseases that precede hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LWWL is hypothesized to inhibit the inflammatory transformation of HCC, which may have a positive impact on the prevention and treatment of HCC. However, its exact mechanism of action remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate how LWWL is effective in the treatment of HCC and to validate the pathways involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vivo model of HCC induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was established to study the effect of LWWL on the development of HCC. The rat serum was analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). The rat liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome for pathological analysis. Rat liver tissue was subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Expression of inflammatory and liver fibrosis-related factors in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and LX-2 cells was detected by QRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot (WB). The expression of apoptosis and stemness genes in HepG2 and Huh7 cells was assessed through flow cytometry and QRT-PCR. Transcriptomics, network pharmacology, WB, and QRT-PCR were employed to validate the mechanisms associated with the amelioration of HCC development by LWWL. RESULTS LWWL significantly reduced the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, the expression of tumor stemness genes, and the incidence of HCC. In addition, LWWL inhibited the release of inflammatory substances and nuclear accumulation of P65 protein in BMDMs as well as the conversion of LX-2 cells to fibroblasts. LWWL inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells, including the initiation of apoptosis and the reduction of stemness gene expression. Importantly, LWWL regulates the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, which affects hepatic inflammation and cancer progression. CONCLUSION LWWL inhibited the occurrence and development of HCC by modulating the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, indicating the potential clinical relevance of LWWL in preventing and treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China
| | - Congyang Zheng
- Digestive Department of the Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Guiji Lv
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ye Xiu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ming Niu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China.
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5
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Li X, Lao R, Lei J, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Wang T, Tong Y. Natural Products for Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:7901. [PMID: 38067630 PMCID: PMC10708418 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a vital role in metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification, but it is susceptible to damage from various factors such as viral infections, drug reactions, excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. This susceptibility is particularly problematic for patients requiring medication, as drug-induced liver injury often leads to underestimation, misdiagnosis, and difficulties in treatment. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used and safe drug in therapeutic doses but can cause liver toxicity when taken in excessive amounts. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of APAP and explore potential treatment strategies using a mouse model of APAP-induced liver injury. The study involved the evaluation of various natural products for their therapeutic potential. The findings revealed that natural products demonstrated promising hepatoprotective effects, potentially alleviating liver damage and improving liver function through various mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause changes in signaling pathways. These results underscore the importance of exploring novel treatment options for drug-induced liver injury, suggesting that further research in this area could lead to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, ultimately benefiting patients with liver injury caused by medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyangzi Li
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; (X.L.); (R.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruyang Lao
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; (X.L.); (R.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiawei Lei
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; (X.L.); (R.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Yuting Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116000, China;
| | - Qi Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China;
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; (X.L.); (R.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Yingpeng Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China;
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Yao C, Dai S, Wang C, Fu K, Wu R, Zhao X, Yao Y, Li Y. Luteolin as a potential hepatoprotective drug: Molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115464. [PMID: 37713990 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteolin is a flavonoid widely present in various traditional Chinese medicines. In recent years, luteolin has received more attention due to its impressive liver protective effect, such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatic fibrosis and hepatoma. This article summarizes the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and toxicity of luteolin against liver diseases, and provides prospect. The results indicate that luteolin improves liver lesions through various mechanisms, including inhibiting inflammatory factors, reducing oxidative stress, regulating lipid balance, slowing down excessive aggregation of extracellular matrix, inducing apoptosis and autophagy of liver cancer cells. Pharmacokinetics research manifested that due to metabolic effects, the bioavailability of luteolin is relatively low. It is worth noting that appropriate modification, new delivery systems, and derivatives can enhance its bioavailability. Although many studies have shown that the toxicity of luteolin is minimal, strict toxicity experiments are still needed to evaluate its safety and promote its reasonable development. In addition, this study also discussed the clinical applications related to luteolin, indicating that it is a key component of commonly used liver protective drugs in clinical practice. In view of its excellent pharmacological effects, luteolin is expected to become a potential drug for the treatment of various liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, 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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8
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Zhao J, Xu G, Hou X, Mu W, Yang H, Shi W, Wen J, Liu T, Wu Z, Bai J, Zhang P, Wang Z, Xiao X, Zou W, Bai Z, Zhan X. Schisandrin C enhances cGAS-STING pathway activation and inhibits HBV replication. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116427. [PMID: 37001770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Schisandra Chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is a long-term used traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of tonifying the kidney and calming the heart, tonifying qi and engendering fluid. It can be used to treat insomnia and dreaminess, spermatorrhea, coughs, as well as liver and kidney deficiency of Yin or Yang Syndrome. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Schisandra Chinensis regulates host immunity and exhibits anti-cancer, antiviral and liver-protecting effects. However, the specific mechanism by which Schisandra Chinensis modulates antiviral immunity is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY We sought to explore the therapeutic effect of the active components of Schisandra Chinensis on anti-viral immunity and further investigate the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the effect of schisandrin C (SC), one of the most abundant and biologically active components of Schisandra Chinensis, on the activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway and the underlying mechanism. In addition, CMA-mediated STING activation and hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model were used to investigate the effect of SC on the activation of STING signaling pathway and its antiviral effect in vivo. RESULTS SC promoted cGAS-STING pathway activation, accompanied by increased production of interferon β (IFN β) and downstream gene expression. Moreover, SC also exerted anti-HBV effects, reducing HBeAg, HBcAg, HBsAg, and HBV DNA levels in hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model and elevating the production of IFN β and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (IFIT1, ISG15, and CXCL10). Mechanistically, SC could facilitate the interaction between TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and STING, which is important for IRF3 phosphorylation and production of IFN β. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed that SC enhances cGAS-STING pathway activation and inhibits HBV replication, as well as provides clues for chronic hepatitis B and other infectious diseases treated by SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Guang Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jincai Wen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese People Liberty Army, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhongxia Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Wenjun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
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Zhang R, Luo S, Zhao T, Wu M, Huang L, Zhang L, Huang Y, Gao H, Sun X, Gong T, Zhang Z. Scavenger receptor A-mediated nanoparticles target M1 macrophages for acute liver injury. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100813. [PMID: 37274920 PMCID: PMC10238850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver injury (ALI) has an elevated fatality rate due to untimely and ineffective treatment. Although, schisandrin B (SchB) has been extensively used to treat diverse liver diseases, its therapeutic efficacy on ALI was limited due to its high hydrophobicity. Palmitic acid-modified serum albumin (PSA) is not only an effective carrier for hydrophobic drugs, but also has a superb targeting effect via scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) on the M1 macrophages, which are potential therapeutic targets for ALI. Compared with the common macrophage-targeted delivery systems, PSA enables site-specific drug delivery to reduce off-target toxicity. Herein, we prepared SchB-PSA nanoparticles and further assessed their therapeutic effect on ALI. In vitro, compared with human serum albumin encapsulated SchB nanoparticles (SchB-HSA NPs), the SchB-PSA NPs exhibited more potent cytotoxicity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated Raw264.7 (LAR) cells, and LAR cells took up PSA NPs 8.79 times more than HSA NPs. As expected, the PSA NPs also accumulated more in the liver. Moreover, SchB-PSA NPs dramatically reduced the activation of NF-κB signaling, and significantly relieved inflammatory response and hepatic necrosis. Notably, the high dose of SchB-PSA NPs improved the survival rate in 72 h of ALI mice to 75%. Hence, SchB-PSA NPs are promising to treat ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiqing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Wang YX, Yang Z, Wang WX, Huang YX, Zhang Q, Li JJ, Tang YP, Yue SJ. Methodology of network pharmacology for research on Chinese herbal medicine against COVID-19: A review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:477-487. [PMID: 36182651 PMCID: PMC9508683 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine, as a complementary and alternative medicine, has been practiced for thousands of years in China and possesses remarkable clinical efficacy. Thus, systematic analysis and examination of the mechanistic links between Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and the complex human body can benefit contemporary understandings by carrying out qualitative and quantitative analysis. With increasing attention, the approach of network pharmacology has begun to unveil the mystery of CHM by constructing the heterogeneous network relationship of "herb-compound-target-pathway," which corresponds to the holistic mechanisms of CHM. By integrating computational techniques into network pharmacology, the efficiency and accuracy of active compound screening and target fishing have been improved at an unprecedented pace. This review dissects the core innovations to the network pharmacology approach that were developed in the years since 2015 and highlights how this tool has been applied to understanding the coronavirus disease 2019 and refining the clinical use of CHM to combat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China,Department of Scientific Research, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen-xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-xi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jia-jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shi-jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China,Corresponding author
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Wang K, Yang L, Zhou J, Pan X, He Z, Liu J, Zhang Y. Smilax china L. Polysaccharide Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Protects From Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Activating the Nrf2-ARE Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888560. [PMID: 35571121 PMCID: PMC9098950 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The alleviation of oxidative stress is considered an effective treatment for acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (AILI). However, it remains unknow whether the potential antioxidant Smilax china L. polysaccharide (SCLP) protects against AILI. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to verify the hepatoprotective effect of SCLP against AILI and explore the potential mechanism. We found that SCLP relieved liver histopathological changes; reversed the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS); reversed the change in liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; and enhanced liver antioxidant (GSH, GSH-Px, and t-SOD) levels in APAP-treated mice, thereby significantly reducing APAP-induced liver toxicity. SCLP rescued the cell viability and alleviated oxidative stress in H2O2-treated mouse AML12 (Alpha mouse liver 12) hepatocytes. The results of the mechanistic studies showed that SCLP upregulated nuclear factor E2 related factor (Nrf2) expression, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and enhanced the ability of Nrf2 to bind antioxidant response elements (AREs). Furthermore, SCLP activated Nrf2-ARE pathway, thus upregulating the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO-1) and glutamic acid cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). In conclusion, this study confirmed the close correlation between liver protection by SCLP upon exposure to APAP and activated of the Nrf2-ARE pathway. These findings suggest that SCLP is an attractive therapeutic candidate drug for the treatment of AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiping Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianglin Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihao He
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Junxi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Zhang,
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