The hop constituent xanthohumol exhibits hepatoprotective effects and inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells at different levels

Storage stability and degradation mechanism of xanthohumol in Humulus lupulus L. and beer

Xanthohumol (XN), possessing potent physiological activity, is exclusively derived from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and exhibits high instability. However, its inherent instability often results in degradation during storage, leading to a decline in its activity due to the formation of various products. This study aimed to explore the stability of XN in beer under different storage conditions, establish or clarify degradation kinetic models, and understand the degradation mechanism. Our findings revealed that XN would degrade rapidly when exposed to high temperature and light. Its degradation followed a first-order kinetic model, involving reactions such as isomerization, hydration and ortho-position cyclization, resulting in the formation of five products. These insights shed light on the factors and mechanisms underlying the instability and degradability of XN, serving as a foundation for the development of a stable beer product enriched with functional XN.

The Role of SCAP/SREBP as Central Regulators of Lipid Metabolism in Hepatic Steatosis

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide at an alarming pace, due to an increase in obesity, sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles, and unbalanced dietary habits. MASLD is a unique, multi-factorial condition with several phases of progression including steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sterol element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) is the main transcription factor involved in regulating hepatic de novo lipogenesis. This transcription factor is synthesized as an inactive precursor, and its proteolytic maturation is initiated in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum upon stimulation by insulin. SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP) is required as a chaperon protein to escort SREBP from the endoplasmic reticulum and to facilitate the proteolytic release of the N-terminal domain of SREBP into the Golgi. SCAP inhibition prevents activation of SREBP and inhibits the expression of genes involved in triglyceride and fatty acid synthesis, resulting in the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis. In line, previous studies have shown that SCAP inhibition can resolve hepatic steatosis in animal models and intensive research is going on to understand the effects of SCAP in the pathogenesis of human disease. This review focuses on the versatile roles of SCAP/SREBP regulation in de novo lipogenesis and the structure and molecular features of SCAP/SREBP in the progression of hepatic steatosis. In addition, recent studies that attempt to target the SCAP/SREBP axis as a therapeutic option to interfere with MASLD are discussed.

Reducing gut microbiome-driven adipose tissue inflammation alleviates metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota contributes to macrophage-mediated inflammation in adipose tissue with consumption of an obesogenic diet, thus driving the development of metabolic syndrome. There is a need to identify and develop interventions that abrogate this condition. The hops-derived prenylated flavonoid xanthohumol (XN) and its semi-synthetic derivative tetrahydroxanthohumol (TXN) attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity, hepatosteatosis, and metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6J mice. This coincides with a decrease in pro-inflammatory gene expression in the gut and adipose tissue, together with alterations in the gut microbiota and bile acid composition.

RESULTS

In this study, we integrated and interrogated multi-omics data from different organs with fecal 16S rRNA sequences and systemic metabolic phenotypic data using a Transkingdom Network Analysis. By incorporating cell type information from single-cell RNA-seq data, we discovered TXN attenuates macrophage inflammatory processes in adipose tissue. TXN treatment also reduced levels of inflammation-inducing microbes, such as Oscillibacter valericigenes, that lead to adverse metabolic phenotypes. Furthermore, in vitro validation in macrophage cell lines and in vivo mouse supplementation showed addition of O. valericigenes supernatant induced the expression of metabolic macrophage signature genes that are downregulated by TXN in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings establish an important mechanism by which TXN mitigates adverse phenotypic outcomes of diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. TXN primarily reduces the abundance of pro-inflammatory gut microbes that can otherwise promote macrophage-associated inflammation in white adipose tissue. Video Abstract.

Systematic analysis of randomised controlled trials of Chinese herb medicine for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): implications for future drug development and trial design

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease currently lacking an approved therapy, resulting in significant clinical demand. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been commonly used to manage NASH. This study aimed to systematically analyse the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using TCMs for NASH management.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed by following PRISMA guidelines 2020 in six electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, from inception until August 2022. RCTs using TCMs for NASH were included in the analysis, irrespective of language or blinding.

RESULTS

112 RCTs were included in this review, with 10,573 NASH participants. 108 RCTs were conducted in China, and 4 RCTs were in other countries. Herbal medicine decoction was the major dosage form used for treating NASH (82/112). 11 TCMs products have been approved for NASH treatment (8 in China, 2 in Iran, and 1 in Japan). Classic prescriptions, such as "Huang Lian Jie Du decoction", "Yin Chen Hao decoction", and "Yi Guan Jian" were used in some studies. The TCMs treatment of NASH involved the use of 199 different plants, with the top 5 herbs being Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma, Alismatis Rhizoma, Bupleuri Radix, Poria, and Curcumae Radix. "Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma + Bupleuri Radix/Alismatis Rhizoma" were the mostly common drug-pair in the herbs network analysis. Nowadays, "Bupleuri Radix/Alismatis Rhizoma + Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma" are increasingly applied in herbal formulas for NASH. Based on the PICOS principles, the included studies varied in terms of the population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design. However, some studies reported unstandardised results and failed to report diagnostic standards, inclusion or exclusion criteria, or sufficient patient information.

CONCLUSION

Adopting Chinese classic prescriptions or drug-pair may provide a basis for developing new drugs of NASH management. Further research is needed to refine the clinical trial design and obtain more convincing evidence for using TCMs to treat NASH.

Xanthohumol Interferes with the Activation of TGF-β Signaling in the Process Leading to Intestinal Fibrosis

Fibrosis has various biological processes and affects almost every organ, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease, who experience discomfort caused by intestinal fibrosis, which is a problem that needs to be resolved. TGF-β signaling is known to act as a key regulator of intestinal fibrosis, and its modulation could be an excellent candidate for fibrosis therapy. Xanthohumol (XN) has various effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer; however, the detailed mechanism of TGF-β signaling has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-fibrotic effect of XN on TGF-β1-induced intestinal fibrosis using primary human intestinal fibroblasts (HIFs). In this study, to check the anti-fibrotic effects of XN on intestinal fibrosis, we assessed the expression of fibrosis-related genes in TGF-β1-stimulated HIFs by qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining. As a result, XN showed the ability to reduce the expression of fibrosis-associated genes increased by TGF-β1 treatment in HIFs and restored the cell shape altered by TGF-β1. In particular, XN repressed both NF-κB- and Smad-binding regions in the α-SMA promoter, which is important in fibrosis. In addition, XN inhibited NF-κB signaling, including phosphorylated-IkBα and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and TNF-α-stimulated transcriptional activity of NF-κB. XN attenuated TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, and the transcriptional activity of CAGA. Particularly, XN interfered with the binding of TGF-Receptor I (TβRI) and Smad3 by binding to the kinase domain of the L45 loop of TβRI, thereby confirming that the fibrosis mechanism did not proceed further. In conclusion, XN has an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced intestinal fibrosis in HIFs, significantly affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Xanthohumol exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an in vitro model of mechanically stimulated cementoblasts

Xanthohumol (XN) is a prenylated plant polyphenol that naturally occurs in hops and its products, e.g. beer. It has shown to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis inhibiting effects and it prevents the proliferation of cancer cells. These effects could be in particular interesting for processes within the periodontal ligament, as previous studies have shown that orthodontic tooth movement is associated with a sterile inflammatory reaction. Based on this, the study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effect of XN in cementoblasts in an in vitro model of the early phase of orthodontic tooth movement by compressive stimulation. XN shows a concentration-dependent influence on cell viability. Low concentrations between 0.2 and 0.8 µM increase viability, while high concentrations between 4 and 8 µM cause a significant decrease in viability. Compressive force induces an upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene (Il-6, Cox2, Vegfa) and protein (IL-6) expression. XN significantly reduces compression related IL-6 protein and gene expression. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated ERK and AKT under compression was upregulated while XN re-established the expression to a level similar to control. Accordingly, we demonstrated a selective anti-inflammatory effect of XN in cementoblasts. Our findings provide the base for further examination of XN in modulation of inflammation during orthodontic therapy and treatment of periodontitis.

Oral intake of xanthohumol attenuates lipoteichoic acid-induced inflammatory response in human PBMCs

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to determine if xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone found in Hop (Humulus lupulus), has anti-inflammatory effects in healthy humans if applied in low doses achievable through dietary intake.

METHODS

In a placebo-controlled single-blinded cross-over design study, 14 healthy young men and women either consumed a beverage containing 0.125 mg xanthohumol or a placebo. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated before and 1 h after the intake of the beverages. Subsequently, PBMCs were stimulated with or without lipoteichoic acid (LTA) for 24 and 48 h. Concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble cluster of differentiation (sCD14) protein were determined in cell culture supernatant. Furthermore, hTLR2 transfected HEK293 cells were stimulated with LTA in the presence or absence of xanthohumol and sCD14.

RESULTS

The stimulation of PBMCs with LTA for 24 and 48 h resulted in a significant induction of IL-1β, IL-6, and sCD14 protein release in PBMCs of both, fasted subjects and subjects after the ingestion of the placebo. In contrast, after ingesting xanthohumol, LTA-dependent induction of IL-1β, IL-6, and sCD14 protein release from PBMCs was not significantly higher than in unstimulated cells after 48 h. In hTLR2 transfected HEK293 cells xanthohumol significantly suppressed the LTA-dependent activation of cells, an effect attenuated when cells were co-incubated with sCD14.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study suggest that an ingestion of low doses of xanthohumol can suppress the LTA-dependent stimulation of PBMCs through mechanisms involving the interaction of CD14 with TLR2. Study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04847193, 22.03.2022).

Xanthohumol Induces ROS through NADPH Oxidase, Causes Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are either toxic in excess or essential for redox signalling at the physiological level, which is closely related to the site of generation. Xanthohumol (XN) is an important natural product of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and was reported to induce ROS in mitochondria. While in the present study, our data indicate that NADPH oxidase (NOX) is another site. In human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells, we first identified that cell proliferation was inhibited by XN without affecting viability, and this could be alleviated by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC); cell cycles were blocked at G1 phase, apoptosis was induced in a dose-dependent manner, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was upregulated. XN-induced ROS generation was detected by flow cytometry, which can be inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI, a NOX inhibitor), while not by N^G-methyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). The involvement of NOX in XN-induced ROS generation was further evaluated: immunofluorescence assay indicated subunits assembled in the membrane, and gp91^phox knockdown with siRNA decreased XN-induced ROS. Human red blood cells (with NOX, without mitochondria) were further selected as a cell model, and the XN-induced ROS and DPI inhibiting effects were found again. In conclusion, our results indicate that XN exhibits antiproliferation effects through ROS-related mechanisms, and NOX is a source of XN-induced ROS. As NOX-sourced ROS are critical for phagocytosis, our findings may contribute to the anti-infection and anti-inflammatory effect of XN.

Xanthohumol alleviates T2DM-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis by mediating the NRF2/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway

Hyperglycemia-associated advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Xanthohumol (XH) exhibits protective activities against liver diseases. Aim: To investigate the effects of XH on Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis. Methods: NAFLD rat models were duplicated. Biomolecular markers were detected. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. Immunofluorescence assays were employed to identify the subcellular locations. Results: XH significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in rats. XH attenuated the expression of RAGE and NF-κB signaling. XH significantly alleviated inflammation and oxidation by upregulating NRF2 expression. Knockdown of NRF2 blocked XH protection in hepatocytes. Conclusion: XH protected against T2DM-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis by mediating NRF2/AGE/RAGE/NF-κB signaling.

Naturally occurring prenylated chalcones from plants: structural diversity, distribution, activities and biosynthesis

Covering: up to July 2020Naturally occurring chalcones carrying up to three modified or unmodified C5-, C10-, and C15-prenyl moieties on both rings A and B as well as at the α- and β-carbons are widely distributed in plants of the families of Fabaceae, Moraceae, Zingiberaceae and Cannabaceae. Xanthohumol and isobavachalcone being the most investigated representatives, exhibit diverse and remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. The present review deals with their structural characters, biological activities and occurrence in the plant kingdom. Biosynthesis of prenylated chalcones and metabolism of xanthohumol are also discussed.

Xanthohumol for Human Malignancies: Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Targets

Xanthohumol (XH) is an important prenylated flavonoid that is found within the inflorescence of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop plant). XH is an important ingredient in beer and is considered a significant bioactive agent due to its diverse medicinal applications, which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antigenotoxic, antiangiogenic, and antimalarial effects as well as strong anticancer activity towards various types of cancer cells. XH acts as a wide ranging chemopreventive and anticancer agent, and its isomer, 8-prenylnaringenin, is a phytoestrogen with strong estrogenic activity. The present review focuses on the bioactivity of XH on various types of cancers and its pharmacokinetics. In this paper, we first highlight, in brief, the history and use of hops and then the chemistry and structure–activity relationship of XH. Lastly, we focus on its prominent effects and mechanisms of action on various cancers and its possible use in cancer prevention and treatment. Considering the limited number of available reviews on this subject, our goal is to provide a complete and detailed understanding of the anticancer effects of XH against different cancers.

Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Polish "Marynka" Hop Variety Using Efficient Two-Step Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Comparison of Their Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Proliferative Activities In Vitro

Given the health-beneficial properties of compounds from hop, there is still a growing trend towards developing successful extraction methods with the highest yield and also receiving the products with high added value. The aim of this study was to develop efficient extraction method for isolation of bioactive compounds from the Polish "Marynka" hop variety. The modified two-step supercritical fluid extraction allowed to obtain two hop samples, namely crude extract (E1), composed of α-acids, β-acids, and terpene derivatives, as well as pure xanthohumol with higher yield than that of other available methods. The post-extraction residues (R1) were re-extracted in order to obtain extract E2 enriched in xanthohumol. Then, both samples were subjected to investigation of their antibacterial (anti-acne, anti-caries), cytotoxic, and anti-proliferative activities in vitro. It was demonstrated that extract (E1) possessed more beneficial biological properties than xanthohumol. It exhibited not only better antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria strains (MIC, MBC) but also possessed a higher synergistic effect with commercial antibiotics when compared to xanthohumol. Moreover, cell culture experiments revealed that crude extract neither inhibited viability nor divisions of normal skin fibroblasts as strongly as xanthohumol. In turn, calculated selectivity indexes showed that the crude extract had from slightly to significantly better selective anti-proliferative activity towards cancer cells in comparison with xanthohumol.

Xanthohumol: A Metabolite with Promising Anti-Neoplastic Potential

The overwhelming globalburden of cancer has posed numerous challenges and opportunities for developing anti-cancer therapies. Phytochemicalshave emerged as promising synergistic compounds with potential anti-cancer effects to supplement chemo- and immune-therapeutic regimens. Anti cancer synergistic effects have been investigated in the interaction between phytocompounds derived from flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, hesperidin, emodin etc., and conventional drugs. Xanthohumol is one of the prenylatedphytoflavonoid that has demonstrated key anti-cancer activities in in vitro (anti proliferation of cancer cell lines) and in vivo(animal models of xenograft tumours)studies, and has been explored from different dimensions for targeting cancer subtypes. In the last decade, xanthohumol has been investigated how it induces the anti-cancer effects at cellular and molecular level.The different signalling cascades and targets of xanthohumolare summarized in thisreview.Overall, this reviewsummarizes the current advances made in the field of natural compounds with special reference to xanthohumol and its promising anti-cancer effectsto inhibit tumour progression.The present review hasalso touched upon the potential of xanthohumol transitioning into a lead candidate from nano-therapy viewpoint along with the challenges which need to be addressed for extensive pre-clinical and clinical anti-cancer studies.

Xanthohumol, a Prenylated Chalcone Derived from Hops, Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers worldwide. Despite recent progress in melanoma therapy, the prognosis for metastasized melanoma continues to be poor. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone derived from hop cones, is known to possess a broad spectrum of chemopreventive and anticancer activities. However, few studies have analyzed functional XN effects on melanoma cells and there have been no previous in vivo studies of its effects on metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of XN on the tumorigenic and liver metastatic activity of melanoma cells. XN exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human melanoma cell lines (Mel Ju; Mel Im) in vitro. Functional analysis in the subtoxic dose-range revealed that XN dose-dependently inhibited proliferation, colony formation, and migratory activity of melanoma cells. Subtoxic XN doses also induced markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress but inhibited the phosphorylation of the protumorigenic c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Furthermore, XN effects on hepatic metastasis were analyzed in a syngeneic murine model (splenic injection of murine B16 melanoma cells in C57/BL6 mice). Here, XN significantly reduced the formation of hepatic metastasis. Metastases formed in the liver of XN-treated mice revealed significantly larger areas of central necrosis and lower Ki67 expression scores compared to that of control mice. In conclusion, XN inhibits tumorigenicity of melanoma cells in vitro and significantly reduced hepatic metastasis of melanoma cells in mice. These data, in conjunction with an excellent safety profile that has been confirmed in previous studies, indicate XN as a promising novel agent for the treatment of hepatic (melanoma) metastasis.

Recent patents on therapeutic activities of xanthohumol: a prenylated chalconoid from hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

There is expanding proof that specific natural compounds found in plants have additional conventional medicinal properties. One such compound is xanthohumol (XN), which is being explored as an antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agent - aside from its utilization in dealing with conditions like autism, bone and skin improvement and microbial infections, lipid-related illnesses, and so on. XN is reported to suppress the uncontrolled production of inflammatory mediators responsible for diseases including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and tumors. Further, it is accounted to limit adipogenesis and control obesity by focusing on principal adipocyte marker proteins. It is most generally utilized in the brewing industry as an additive and flavoring agent to add bitterness and aroma to beer. Present investigation sum up the patents filed in most recent 2 years on development of different pharmaceutical mixes and strategies dependent on various therapeutic potentials of XN.

Formation of Prenylated Chalcone Xanthohumol Cocrystals: Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction, Vibrational Spectroscopic Study Coupled with Multivariate Analysis

Four novel xanthohumol (XN) cocrystals with pharmaceutically acceptable coformers, such as nicotinamide (NIC), glutarimide (GA), acetamide (AC), and caffeine (CF) in the 1:1 stoichiometry were obtained by the slow evaporation solution growth technique. The structure of the cocrystals was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The analysis of packing and interactions in the crystal lattice revealed that molecules in the target cocrystals were packed into almost flat layers, formed by the O–H⋅⋅⋅O, O–H⋅⋅⋅N, and N–H⋅⋅⋅O-type contacts between the xanthohumol and coformer molecules. The results provided details about synthons responsible for crystal net stabilization and all hydrogen bonds observed in the crystal lattice. The main synthon was formed via the hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group in the B ring of XN and coformers. The three-dimensional crystal lattice was stabilized by the hydrogen XN−XN interactions whereas the π–π stacking interactions played an additional role in layer binding, with the exception of low quality cocrystals formed with caffeine. Application of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the crystalline phase of obtained cocrystals was not a simple combination of individual components and completely different crystal phases resulted from the effect of intermolecular interactions. The multivariate analysis showed the changes in the spectra, and this technique can be applied in a combination with vibrational spectroscopy for fast screening of new crystal phases. Additionally, the solubility studies of pure XN and its cocrystals exhibited a 2.6-fold enhancement in XN solubility in aqueous solution for XN–AC and, to a lesser extent, for other cocrystals.

Inhibitory Effects and Kinetic-Docking Studies of Xanthohumol FromHumulus lupulusCones Against Carbonic Anhydrase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Butyrylcholinesterase

Xanthohumol is an essential prenyl flavonoid of Humulus lupulus L. cones, and the taste of beer is due to this compound. Lately, xanthohumol has earned significant interest due to its potential anticancer, antigenotoxic, and adipogenesis effects. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of xanthohumol on human carbonic anhydrase isozymes (hCAI and hCAII), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were studied. Also, molecular docking studies were used to investigate ligand interaction diagrams of xanthohumol at the binding cavities of hCAI and II. Xanthohumol was isolated from hop cones by silica gel column chromatography. Carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically. In addition, molecular modeling approaches were used for the hCAI and hCAII isoenzymes. Ellman’s method was used for the inhibitor activities of AChE and BChE. The KIvalues of xanthohumol were detected as 0.085 µM for hCAI, 0.049 µM for hCAII, 95.5 nM for AChE, and 124.9 nM for BChE. In conclusion, xanthohumol can pleiotropically exert health promoting effects. It has antiglaucoma, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, and anticancer activities due to its potent inhibitory effects on hCAI and hCAII. These findings may open new avenues for the design and development of novel hCAI, hCAII, AChE, and BChE inhibitors compared with sulfonamide/sulfamate.

Active Ingredients and Action Mechanisms of Yi Guan Jian Decoction in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Liver Fibrosis

Background and Aim

The progression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is currently insufficiently controlled worldwide. The Yi Guan Jian decoction (YGJD) has been widely used in the treatment of liver fibrosis in CHB cases. Although animal studies have reported the antifibrotic effects of the decoction, the active ingredients of the YGJD remain unknown. This study aimed at identifying the potential active ingredients and exploring the mechanisms of action (MOA) of the decoction when treating CHB patients with fibrosis.

Methods

Using data mining techniques and a structural clustering analysis, the potential active ingredients were determined. A network analysis of the differentially expressed genes was conducted to identify the potential targets. Selected compounds were docked to the potential targets for the compound-target interaction simulation. In vitro validation, including a cell proliferation assay and Western blot analysis, was conducted to evaluate the prediction results.

Results

In the microarray data, 224 differentially expressed genes related to liver fibrosis were considered to be potential targets. Thirty active ingredients of the YGJD and 15 main targets and relevant pathways were identified. Among them, two active ingredients, methylophiopogonone A and 8-geranyloxypsoralen, were validated as exhibiting antifibrotic effects on hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusions

We identified the potential active ingredients of the YGJD and proposed the possible explanation for the MOA in the treatment of CHB patients with liver fibrosis. Moreover, this study provides a methodological reference for the systematic investigation of the bioactive compounds and related MOA of a traditional Chinese medicine formula in a clinical context.

Targeted therapy of the AKT kinase inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo

Esophageal cancer, a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is associated with abnormal activation of the AKT signaling pathway. Xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid tested in clinical trials, is reported to exert anti-diabetes, anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. However, the mechanisms underlying its chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic effects remain elusive. In the present study, we found that xanthohumol directly targeted AKT1/2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Xanthohumol significantly inhibited the AKT kinase activity in an ATP competitive manner, which was confirmed in binding and computational docking models. KYSE70, 450 and 510 ESCC cell lines highly express AKT and knockdown of AKT1/2 suppressed proliferation of these cells. Treatment with xanthohumol inhibited ESCC cell growth and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Xanthohumol also decreased expression of cyclin D1 and increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3, -7 and -PARP as well as Bax, Bims and cytochrome c in ESCC cells by downregulating AKT signaling targets, including glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), mammalian target of rapamycin, and ribosomal protein S6 (S6K). Furthermore, xanthohumol decreased tumor volume and weight in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) that highly expressed AKT, but had no effect on PDXs that exhibited low expression of AKT in vivo. Kinase array results showed that xanthohumol treatment decreased phosphorylated p27 expression in both ESCC cell lines and PDX models. Taken together, our data suggest that the inhibition of ESCC tumor growth with xanthohumol is caused by targeting AKT. These results provide good evidence for translation toward clinical trials with xanthohumol.

Toxicological Studies of Czech Beers and Their Constituents

BACKGROUND

Czech beers are unique because they are brewed using specific technology at a particular latitude and for being entirely produced in the area of the Czech Republic. The purpose of this work is the evaluation of toxicological effects of a variety of freeze-dried Czech beers, their raw materials (malts, hops and yeast) and processed-beer (wort, hopped wort and young beer).

METHODS

In vivo assays to evaluate the safety and protective effects in the Drosophila melanogaster eukaryotic system, and the in vitro evaluations of chemopreventive and DNA damage activity using the HL-60 tumour human cell line were carried out.

RESULTS

The safe effects for all the analysed substances and general protective effects against H2O2 were shown both at the individual and genomic level in the Drosophila animal model, with some exceptions. Moreover, all the substances were able to inhibit the tumour cell growth and to induce DNA damage in the HL-60 cells at different levels (proapoptotic, single/double strands breaks and methylation status).

CONCLUSIONS

The promising effects shown by freeze-dried Czech beers due to their safety, protection against a toxin, chemopreventive potential and the induction of DNA damage in tumour cells, allow the proposition of Czech beer as a beverage with nutraceutic potential.

Therapeutic Application of Micellar Solubilized Xanthohumol in a Western-Type Diet-Induced Mouse Model of Obesity, Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone from hops, has been reported to exhibit a variety of health-beneficial effects. However, poor bioavailability may limit its application in the prevention and therapy of diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether a micellar solubilization of xanthohumol could enhance the bioavailability and biological efficacy of xanthohumol in a Western-type diet (WTD) induced model of obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). After 3 weeks feeding with WTD, XN was additionally applied per oral gavage as micellar solubilizate (s-XN) or native extract (n-XN) at a daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight for a further 8 weeks. Control mice received vehicle only in addition to the WTD. WTD-induced body weight-gain and glucose intolerance were significantly inhibited by s-XN application. Furthermore, WTD-induced hepatic steatosis, pro-inflammatory gene expression (MCP-1 and CXCL1) and immune cell infiltration as well as activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and expression of collagen alpha I were significantly reduced in the livers of s-XN-treated mice compared to WTD controls. In contrast, application of n-XN had no or only slight effects on the WTD-induced pathological effects. In line with this, plasma XN concentration ranged between 100–330 nmol/L in the s-XN group while XN was not detectable in the serum samples of n-XN-treated mice. In conclusion, micellar solubilization enhanced the bioavailability and beneficial effects of xanthohumol on different components of the metabolic syndrome including all pathological steps of NAFLD. Notably, this was achieved in a dose more than 10-fold lower than effective beneficial doses of native xanthohumol reported in previous in vivo studies.

Iso-alpha acids from hops (Humulus lupulus) inhibit hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Iso-alpha acids (IAAs), hop-derived bitter compounds in beer, have been shown to beneficially affect different components of the metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. However, IAAs have not yet been studied in the context of chronic liver disease. Here we analyzed the effect of IAA on the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Once, we applied IAA to mice in combination with a NAFLD-inducing Western-type diet (WTD), and observed that IAA significantly inhibited WTD-induced body weight gain, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis. Fitting to this, IAA dose-dependently inhibited cellular lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) in vitro. Reduced expression of PPAR-gamma and key enzymes of lipid synthesis as well as increased expression of PPAR-alpha, indicative for increased lipid combustion, were identified as underlying mechanisms of reduced hepatocellular steatosis in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of hepatic HMOX1 expression indicated reduced oxidative stress in IAA-treated mice, which was paralleled by reduced activation of the JNK pathway and pro-inflammatory gene expression and immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, IAA reduced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and pro-fibrogenic gene expression. Similarly, IAA also dose-dependently reduced oxidative stress and JNK activation in steatotic PHH, inhibited HSC activation, and reduced proliferation and pro-fibrogenic gene expression in already activated HSC in vitro. In conclusion, IAAs inhibit different pathophysiological steps of disease progression in NAFLD. Together with previous studies, which demonstrated the safety of even long-term application of IAA in humans, our data suggest IAA as promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of (non)alcoholic (fatty) liver disease.

Natural Products with Toll-Like Receptor 4 Antagonist Activity

Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) are the innate immunity receptors that play an activating role when interacting with molecules released by bacteria and viruses (PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or with molecules released by injured cells and tissues (DAMPs, danger-associated molecular patterns). TLR triggering leads to the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, driving the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) has been described to be involved in the inflammatory processes observed in several pathologies (such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer). Molecules obtained by natural sources have been discovered to exert an anti-inflammatory action by targeting TLR4 activation pathways. This review focuses on TLR4 antagonists obtained from bacteria, cyanobacteria, and plants.

An iso-α-acid-rich extract from hops (Humulus lupulus) attenuates acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis in mice

OBJECTIVE

Results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that consumption of beer is less harmful for the liver than consumption of spirits. It also has been suggested that secondary plant compounds derived from hops such as xanthohumol or iso-α-acids may have beneficial effects on the development of liver diseases of various etiologies. The aim of this study was to determine whether iso-α-acids consumed in doses achieved by "normal" beer consumption have beneficial effects on health.

METHODS

Female C57 Bl/6 J mice, pretreated for 4 d with an iso-α-acid-rich extract (∼30% iso-α-acids from hops, 0.75 mg/kg body weight), were fed one bolus of ethanol (6 g/kg body weight intragastric) or an iso-caloric maltodextrin solution. Markers of liver damage, toll-like receptor-4 signaling, and lipid peroxidation were determined. Furthermore, the effect of isohumulone on the lipopolysaccharide-dependent activation of J774 A.1 macrophages, used as a model of Kupffer cells, was determined.

RESULTS

In the liver, acute ethanol administration led to a significant accumulation of fat (∼10-fold), which was accompanied by significantly higher inducible nitric oxide synthase protein level, elevated nitric oxide production, and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 protein concentration when compared to controls. In mice pretreated with iso-α-acids, these effects of alcohol were markedly attenuated. Pretreatment of J774 A.1 macrophages with isohumulone significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-6 as well as the release of nitric oxide.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, iso-α-acids markedly attenuated the development of acute alcohol-induced damage in mice.

Novel 3',5'-diprenylated chalcones inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro by inducing cell apoptosis and arresting cell cycle phase

A double Claisen rearrangements synthetic strategy was established for the total synthesis of 4,4'-dimethyl medicagenin (compound 6c). A series of its analogs also were prepared, including two novel 3',5'-diprenylated chalcones, in which ring B was replaced by azaheterocycle. The structures of the twenty-two newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ESI-MS. In vitro, the cytotoxicity of the target compounds was evaluated using cancer cells. Noticeably, compound 10 exhibited broad-spectrum cytotoxicity on PC3 prostate cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (MDA), HEL and K562 erythroleukemia cells with IC₅₀ values of 2.92, 3.14, 1.85 and 2.64 μM, respectively. Further studies indicated that compound 10 induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle phase of the above mentioned four cancer cell lines. By contrast, compound 6g selectively displayed potent inhibitory activity against the proliferation of HEL cells with an IC₅₀ value of 4.35 μM. Compound 6g slightly induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle phase of HEL cells. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies indicated that, in all cancer cell lines evaluated, the 3-pyridinyl group was essential for cytotoxicity.

Xanthohumol Modulates Calcium Signaling in Rat Ventricular Myocytes: Possible Antiarrhythmic Properties

Cardiac arrhythmia is a major cause of mortality in cardiovascular pathologies. A host of drugs targeted to sarcolemmal Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺ channels has had limited success clinically. Recently, Ca²⁺ signaling has been target of pharmacotherapy based on finding that leaky ryanodine receptors elevate local Ca²⁺ concentrations causing membrane depolarizations that trigger arrhythmias. In this study, we report that xanthohumol, an antioxidant extracted from hops showing therapeutic effects in other pathologies, suppresses aberrant ryanodine receptor Ca²⁺ release. The effects of xanthohumol (5-1000 nM) on Ca²⁺ signaling pathways were probed in isolated rat ventricular myocytes incubated with Fluo-4 AM using the perforated patch-clamp technique. We found that 5-50 nM xanthohumol reduced the frequency of spontaneously occurring Ca²⁺ sparks (>threefold) and Ca²⁺ waves in control myocytes and in cells subjected to Ca²⁺ overload caused by the following: 1) exposure to low K⁺ solutions, 2) periods of high frequency electrical stimulation, 3) exposures to isoproterenol, or 4) caffeine. At room temperatures, 50-100 nM xanthohumol reduced the rate of relaxation of electrically- or caffeine-triggered Ca²⁺transients, without suppressing I_Ca, but this effect was small and reversed by isoproterenol at physiologic temperatures. Xanthohumol also suppressed the Ca²⁺ content of the SR and its rate of recirculation. The stabilizing effects of xanthohumol on the frequency of spontaneously triggered Ca²⁺ sparks and waves combined with its antioxidant properties, and lack of significant effects on Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ channels, may provide this compound with clinically desirable antiarrhythmic properties.

Xanthohumol improves dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice

Xanthohumol (XN) is a prenylated flavonoid found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and beer. The dose-dependent effects of XN on glucose and lipid metabolism in a preclinical model of metabolic syndrome were the focus of our study. Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice, 9 weeks of age, were randomly divided into three XN dose groups of 16 animals. The mice were fed a high-fat diet (60% kcal as fat) supplemented with XN at dose levels of 0, 30, or 60 mg/kg body weight/day, for 12 weeks. Dietary XN caused a dose-dependent decrease in body weight gain. Plasma levels of glucose, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and MCP-1 were significantly decreased in mice on the 60 mg/kg/day treatment regimen. Treatment with XN at 60 mg/kg/day resulted in reduced plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), IL-6, insulin and leptin levels by 80%, 78%, 42%, and 41%, respectively, compared to the vehicle control group. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 (PCSK-9) levels were 44% lower in the 60 mg/kg dose group compared to the vehicle control group (p ≤ 0.05) which may account for the LDL-C lowering activity of XN. Our results show that oral administration of XN improves markers of systemic inflammation and metabolic syndrome in diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step

Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies. Pre-clinical animal models are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new anti-fibrotic compounds and are immensely valuable for understanding and proofing the mode of their proposed action. In fibrosis research, inbreed mice and rats are by far the most used species for testing drug efficacy. During the last decades, several hundred or even a thousand different drugs that reproducibly evolve beneficial effects on liver health in respective disease models were identified. However, there are only a few compounds (e.g., GR-MD-02, GM-CT-01) that were translated from bench to bedside. In contrast, the large number of drugs successfully tested in animal studies is repeatedly tested over and over engender findings with similar or identical outcome. This circumstance undermines the 3R (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction) principle of Russell and Burch that was introduced to minimize the suffering of laboratory animals. This ethical framework, however, represents the basis of the new animal welfare regulations in the member states of the European Union. Consequently, the legal authorities in the different countries are halted to foreclose testing of drugs in animals that were successfully tested before. This review provides a synopsis on anti-fibrotic compounds that were tested in classical rodent models. Their mode of action, potential sources and the observed beneficial effects on liver health are discussed. This review attempts to provide a reference compilation for all those involved in the testing of drugs or in the design of new clinical trials targeting hepatic fibrosis.