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Shi Y, Liu J, Hou M, Tan Z, Chen F, Zhang J, Liu Y, Leng Y. Ursolic acid improves necroptosis via STAT3 signaling in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112463. [PMID: 38971110 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112463] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a serious threat to human survival and quality of life with high mortality and morbidity rates. The current absence of effective treatments for intestinal IRI highlights the urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene natural compound, has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties including intestinal protection. However, its potential protective efficacy on intestinal IRI remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UA on intestinal IRI and explore the underlying mechanisms. To achieve this, we utilized network pharmacology to analyze the mechanism of UA in intestinal IRI and assessed UA's effects on intestinal IRI using a mouse model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion/reperfusion and an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion-induced IEC-6 cells. Our results demonstrated that UA improved necroptosis through the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, reduced necroinflammation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, attenuated morphological damage, and enhanced intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, UA pretreatment downregulated the phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The effects of UA were attenuated by the STAT3 agonist Colivelin. In conclusion, our study suggests that UA can improve intestinal IRI by inhibiting necroptosis in enterocytes via the suppression of STAT3 activation. These results provide a theoretical basis for UA treatment of intestinal IRI and related clinical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Shi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710000, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Min Hou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Tan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Feng Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yufang Leng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Hosseiny SS, Esmaeili Z, Neshati Z. Assessment of ursolic acid effect on in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 101:105924. [PMID: 39218321 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on Angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (rCFs) as an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. The rCFs were isolated from two-day-old neonatal rats. An in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis was established using 500 nm Ang II treatment for 48 h. The cells were then treated with 5 and 10 μM of UA for 24 and 48 h. Masson's trichrome staining, hydroxyproline content assay, scratch assay, apoptosis assay, measurements of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, real-time PCR, immunocytology and western blotting, were employed to assess the impact of UA. Ang II induced fibrosis in rCFs, as evidenced by the examination of various fibrotic markers. Upon treatment with 5 and 10 μM of UA, the amount of fibrosis in Ang II-treated rCFs was significantly decreased, so that the hydroxyproline concentration was reduced to 0.3 and 0.7 times, respectively. The RNA expression of the Col1a1, Col3a1, Tgfb1, Acta2 and Mmp2 genes had a decrease as well as Nrf2 and HO-1 had an increase after UA treatment. UA could lessen the harmful effects of cardiac fibrosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner, due to its antiapoptotic, antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. This suggests the potential of UA for treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samane Sadat Hosseiny
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Esmaeili
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Li X, Xu X, Tao S, Su Y, Wen L, Wang D, Liu J, Feng Q. Gut microbes combined with metabolomics reveal the protective effects of Qijia Rougan decoction against CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1347120. [PMID: 38606180 PMCID: PMC11007057 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1347120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The occurrence and development of Hepatic fibrosis (HF) are closely related to the gut microbial composition and alterations in host metabolism. Qijia Rougan decoction (QJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound utilized clinically for the treatment of HF with remarkable clinical efficacy. However, its effect on the gut microbiota and metabolite alterations is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to examine the impact of QJ on the gut microbiota and metabolism in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF. Methods: 40% CCl4 was used to induce HF, followed by QJ administration for 6 weeks. Serum biochemical analyses, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomics techniques were employed in this study to investigate the interventional effects of QJ on a CCl4-induced HF model in rats. Results: This study demonstrated that QJ could effectively ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, QJ upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (TJPs) and notably altered the abundance of some gut microbes, for example, 10 genera closely associated with HF-related indicators and TJPs. In addition, metabolomics found 37 key metabolites responded to QJ treatment and strongly associated with HF-related indices and TJPs. Furthermore, a tight relation between 10 genera and 37 metabolites was found post correlation analysis. Among them, Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Prevotellaceae UCG 001, and unclassified Peptococcaceae may serve as the core gut microbes of QJ that inhibit HF. Conclusion: These results suggest that QJ ameliorates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by improving intestinal tight junctions and modulating gut microbiota composition as well as modulating host metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Quansheng Feng
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Liu G, Qin P, Cheng X, Wu L, Wang R, Gao W. Ursolic acid: biological functions and application in animal husbandry. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1251248. [PMID: 37964910 PMCID: PMC10642196 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1251248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid with 30 carbon atoms. UA has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, hepato-protective, anticancer, and other biological activities. Most studies on the biological functions of UA have been performed in mammalian cell (in vitro) and rodent (in vivo) models. UA is used in animal husbandry as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent, as well as for enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Although UA has been shown to have significant in vitro bacteriostatic effects, it is rarely used in animal nutrition. The use of UA as a substitute for oral antibiotics or as a novel feed additive in animal husbandry should be considered. This review summarizes the available data on the biological functions of UA and its applications in animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhui Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Peng Qin
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Xinying Cheng
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Lifei Wu
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, China
| | - Ruoning Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, 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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Korczak M, Pilecki M, Granica S, Gorczynska A, Pawłowska KA, Piwowarski JP. Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 111:154642. [PMID: 36641978 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical research in natural product-based psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising herbal medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of mild mood disorders, however failed to unambiguously indicate pharmacologically active constituents. The emerging role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis opens new possibilities in the search for effective methods of treatment and prevention of mood disorders. PURPOSE Considering the clinically proven effectiveness juxtaposed with inconsistencies regarding the indication of active principles for many medicinal plants applied in the treatment of anxiety and depression, the aim of the review is to look at their therapeutic properties from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. METHOD A literature-based survey was performed using Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases. The current state of knowledge regarding Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Piper methysticum, Passiflora incarnata, Humulus lupulus, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, and Rhodiola rosea in terms of their antimicrobial activity, bioavailability, clinical effectiveness in depression/anxiety and gut microbiota - natural products interaction was summarized and analyzed. RESULTS Recent studies have provided direct and indirect evidence that herbal extracts and isolated compounds are potent modulators of gut microbiota structure. Additionally, some of the formed postbiotic metabolites exert positive effects and ameliorate depression-related behaviors in animal models of mood disorders. The review underlines the gap in research on natural products - gut microbiota interaction in the context of mood disorders. CONCLUSION Modification of microbiota-gut-brain axis by natural products is a plausible explanation of their therapeutic properties. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of herbal medicine and isolated compounds in treating mild mood disorders should consider the bidirectional interplay between phytoconstituents and the gut microbiota community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Korczak
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Pilecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Sebastian Granica
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gorczynska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina A Pawłowska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub P Piwowarski
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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The Impact of Za'atar Antioxidant Compounds on the Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Disorders: Insights for Future Clinical Applications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020426. [PMID: 36829984 PMCID: PMC9952350 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in host homeostasis and energy balance, changes in its composition can be associated with disease states through the promotion of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and increasing intestinal permeability, ultimately leading to the impairment of intestinal barrier function. Za'atar is one of the most popular plant-based foods in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Za'atar is a mixture of different plant leaves, fruits, and seeds and contains hundreds of antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols, and fiber, with pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggesting health-promoting effects in cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Za'atar compounds have also been studied from a gastrointestinal perspective, concerning both gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases. Antioxidants such as Za'atar polyphenols may provide beneficial effects in the complex interplay between the diet, gut microbiota, and intestinal permeability. To our knowledge, no studies have reported the effects of the whole Za'atar mixture, however, based on the pre-clinical studies published on components and single compounds found in Za'atar, we provide a clinical overview of the possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, focusing mainly on carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, and other polyphenols. We also cover the potential clinical applications of Za'atar mixture as a possible nutraceutical in disorders involving the gastrointestinal tract.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis has a high incidence worldwide and is the common pathological basis of many chronic liver diseases. Liver fibrosis is caused by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and concomitant collagen accumulation in livers and can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. A large number of studies have provided evidence that liver fibrosis can be blocked or even reversed by appropriate medical interventions. However, the antifibrosis drugs with ideal clinical efficacy are still insufficient. The edible plant-derived natural compounds have been reported to exert effective antifibrotic effects with few side-effects, representing a kind of promising source for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this article, we reviewed the current progress of the natural compounds derived from dietary plants in the treatment of liver fibrosis, including phenolic compounds (capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and vitamin E), flavonoid compounds (genistein, hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, naringin and quercetin), sulfur-containing compounds (S-allylcysteine, ergothioneine, lipoic acid and sulforaphane) and other compounds (betaine, caffeine, cucurbitacin B, lycopene, α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, ursolic acid, vitamin C and yangonin). The pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of these compounds in in-vivo and in-vitro models of liver fibrosis are focused.
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Lu DX, Liu F, Wu H, Liu HX, Chen BY, Yan J, Lu Y, Sun ZG. Wumei pills attenuates 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis through Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-κB pathway and microbiota regulation. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4574-4599. [PMID: 36157934 PMCID: PMC9476879 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i32.4574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can kill tumor cells and improve the survival rate of cancer patients. However, they can also damage normal cells and cause serious intestinal toxicity, leading to gastrointestinal mucositis[1]. Traditional Chinese medicine is effective in improving the side effects of chemotherapy. Wumei pills (WMP) was originally documented in the Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases. It has a significant effect on chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases, but it is not clear whether it affects chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis (CIM).
AIM To explore the potential mechanism of WMP in the treatment of CIM through experimental research.
METHODS We used an intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) to establish a CIM mouse model and an oral gavage of WMP decoction (11325 and 22650 mg/kg) to evaluate the efficacy of WMP in CIM. We evaluated the effect of WMP on CIM by observing the general conditions of the mice (body weight, food intake, spleen weight, diarrhea score, and hematoxylin and eosin stained tissues). The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathway proteins and tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, claudin-1, E-cadherin, and mucin-2) was determined. Furthermore, intestinal permeability, intestinal flora, and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were also assessed.
RESULTS WMP effectively improved the body weight, spleen weight, food intake, diarrhea score, and inflammatory status of the mice with intestinal mucositis, which preliminarily confirmed the efficacy of WMP in CIM. Further experiments showed that in addition to reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MPO and inhibiting the expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway proteins, WMP also repaired the integrity of the mucosal barrier of mice, regulated the intestinal flora, and increased the levels of SCFA (such as butyric acid).
CONCLUSION WMP can play a therapeutic role in CIM by alleviating inflammation, restoring the mucosal barrier, and regulating gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Xue Lu
- Department of Nutrition, Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Massage College & Health Preservation and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanjing Pukou District Chinese Medicine Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Massage College & Health Preservation and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Xia Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bing-Yu Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 451150, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Key Pharmacology Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Guang Sun
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
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Fu K, Ma C, Wang C, Zhou H, Gong L, Zhang Y, Li Y. Forsythiaside A alleviated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by modulating gut microbiota composition to increase short-chain fatty acids and restoring bile acids metabolism disorder. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113185. [PMID: 35623173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease with complex pathogenesis related to bile acids (BAs) and gut microbiota. Forsythiaside A (FTA), isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus (Lian Qiao), is a natural hepatoprotective agent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of FTA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL/kg CCl4 three times a week for 4 weeks. FTA attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, which was proved by the results of Masson and Sirius red staining, liver hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid, laminin, type III procollagen, and type IV collagen assays. FTA inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation, and reduced hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress in mice treated with CCl4. What's more, FTA ameliorated CCl4-induced gut dysbiosis, maintained intestinal barrier function, increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and improved endotoxemia, as manifested by decreased serum lipopolysaccharide levels and increased expression of ileal tight junction proteins. Besides, FTA can modulate the genes related to bile acid metabolism to alter the distribution of fecal BAs in fibrotic mice. In a word, FTA can improve liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating gut microbiota and BA metabolism, and increasing the content of SCFAs. The results of this study provided an important reference for the study on the mechanisms by which natural products prevent liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Cheng Ma
- 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
| | - Honglin Zhou
- 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
| | - Lihong Gong
- 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
| | - Yafang Zhang
- 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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Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Its TCM Therapeutic Perspectives. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5325431. [PMID: 35529927 PMCID: PMC9071861 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5325431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of abnormal tissue proliferation in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors, which will further develop into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma if liver injury is not intervened in time. As a diffuse progressive liver disease, its clinical manifestations are mostly excessive deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix resulting in scar formation due to liver injury. Hepatic fibrosis can be caused by hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol, and rare diseases such as hemochromatosis. As the metabolic center of the body, the liver regulates various vital activities. During the development of fibrosis, it is influenced by many other factors in addition to the central event of hepatic stellate cell activation. Currently, with the increasing understanding of TCM, the advantages of TCM with multiple components, pathways, and targets have been demonstrated. In this review, we will describe the factors influencing liver fibrosis, focusing on the effects of cells, intestinal flora, iron death, signaling pathways, autophagy and angiogenesis on liver fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on liver fibrosis.
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Oleanolic Acid: Extraction, Characterization and Biological Activity. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030623. [PMID: 35276982 PMCID: PMC8838233 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid ubiquitously present in the plant kingdom, is receiving outstanding attention from the scientific community due to its biological activity against multiple diseases. Oleanolic acid is endowed with a wide range of biological activities with therapeutic potential by means of complex and multifactorial mechanisms. There is evidence suggesting that oleanolic acid might be effective against dyslipidemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, through enhancing insulin response, preserving the functionality and survival of β-cells and protecting against diabetes complications. In addition, several other functions have been proposed, including antiviral, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic activities, as well as interfering in several stages of the development of different types of cancer; however, due to its hydrophobic nature, oleanolic acid is almost insoluble in water, which has led to a number of approaches to enhance its biopharmaceutical properties. In this scenario, the present review aimed to summarize the current knowledge and the research progress made in the last years on the extraction and characterization of oleanolic acid and its biological activities and the underlying mechanisms of action.
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Jia Z, Li W, Bian P, Yang L, Liu H, Pan D, Dou Z. Ursolic acid treats renal tubular epithelial cell damage induced by calcium oxalate monohydrate via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5450-5461. [PMID: 34506233 PMCID: PMC8806476 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1955176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) has been proved to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is not clear whether it has a protective impact on kidney damage induced by crystals of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). This work aimed to make clear the potential mechanism of UA protecting COM-induced kidney damage. The results manifested that high- and low-dose UA reduced COM crystals in COM rats' kidney, down-regulated urea, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in rat plasma, declined kidney tissue and HK-2 cell apoptosis, inhibited Bax expression but elevated Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, UA alleviated renal fibrosis in COM rats, repressed α-SMA and collagen I protein expressions in the kidney and COM rats' HK-2 cells, depressed COM-induced oxidative damage in vivo and in vitro via up-regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, up-regulated SOD levels and reduced MDA levels, down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in vivo and in vitro via suppressing activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In summary, the results of this study suggest that COM-induced renal injury can be effectively improved via UA, providing powerful data support for the development of effective clinical drugs for renal injury in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Jia
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Pan Bian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Liuyang Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Dong Pan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhongling Dou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
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Zhao YH, Zhang SW, Zhao HJ, Qin HY, Wu F, Zhang J, Zhang YQ, Liu XL, Liang S, Zhang H, Wu JD, Zhao ZY, Wang HZ, Shao M, Liu J, Dong JT, Zhang WJ. Gadolinium chloride pre-treatment reduces the inflammatory response and preserves intestinal barrier function in a rat model of sepsis. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1143. [PMID: 34504589 PMCID: PMC8393272 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10577] [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: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response is closely associated with sepsis occurrence and progression. Damage to the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier is considered to be the ῾initiation factor᾿ for the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, which is the most severe progression of sepsis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) could alleviate the systemic inflammatory response and protect the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier in a rat model of sepsis. The mechanism underlying this protective effect was also explored. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Sham, sham + GdCl3, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP; a model of sepsis) and CLP + GdCl3. In each group, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta, and intestinal tissue was collected after 6, 12 and 24 h of successful modeling. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were determined using ELISA. Western blot analysis was used to determine levels of occludin, tight junction protein ZO-1 (ZO-1), myosin light chain kinase 3 (MLCK), NF-κB and caspase-3 in intestinal tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the degree of damage to intestinal tissue. The results indicated that in CLP sepsis model rats treated with GdCl3, the release of systemic and intestinal pro-inflammatory factors was reduced and tissue damage was alleviated when compared with untreated CLP rats. Additionally, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was increased, while that of NF-κB, MLCK, and caspase-3 was reduced in the CLP + GdCl3 rats compared with the CLP rats. GdCl3 may alleviate systemic and intestinal inflammatory responses and reduce the expression of MLCK through inhibition of the activation of NF-kB. The results of the present study also indicated that GdCl3 promoted the expression of occludin and ZO-1. GdCl3 was also demonstrated to reduce cell apoptosis through the inhibition of caspase-3 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Heng Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Shun Wen Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Hai Jun Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yuan Qin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Yu Qing Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Ling Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Su Liang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Dong Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Yong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhou Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Meng Shao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Tao Dong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Wan Jiang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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15
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Peng F, Zhang H, He X, Song Z. Effects of Ursolic Acid on Intestinal Health and Gut Bacteria Antibiotic Resistance in Mice. Front Physiol 2021; 12:650190. [PMID: 34122127 PMCID: PMC8195277 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.650190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been widely reported to exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of UA on the intestinal homeostasis and gut microbiota were rarely explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of UA on intestinal health and gut microflora antibiotic-resistance in antibiotic-exposed mice. Kunming mice (n = 80) were randomly allocated into three groups and fed with one of the following diets, respectively: Cont group (n = 20), the basal diet; UA group (n = 20), the basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg UA; Tet group (n = 40), the basal diet supplemented with 659 mg/kg chlortetracycline. After 14 days, 10 mice in each group were euthanatized and the remaining 30 mice in the Tet group were randomly allocated into three sub-groups (n = 10 per group) as follows: the Tet group which were kept feeding a Tet diet for 14 days; the Natural Restoration (NatR) group which received a basal diet for 14 days; and the UA therapy (UaT) group which fed a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg UA for 14 days. Throughout the experiment, the weight and the food intake of each mouse were recorded once weekly. Serum LPS and diamine oxidase (DAO), jejunal morphology, jejunal tight junction proteins and nutrient transporters, colonic inflammatory cytokines, gut microbiota and its antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) were examined at euthanasia. The results showed that UA treatment significantly increased average daily food intake (ADFI) of mice. Notably, UA increased the jejunal villi height, decreased the jejunal crypt depth and promoted the expression of jejunum nutrient transporters. UaT group had higher villi height, lower crypt depth and higher nutrient transporter mRNA expression in jejunum than NatR group. Besides, UA decreased serum DAO content, upregulated mRNA expression of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin and downregulated TNF-α and IL-6. The mRNA abundances of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin and TNF-α and IL-6 in UaT group were, respectively upregulated and downregulated than NatR group. Furthermore, an analysis of 16S rDNA sequences demonstrated that UA increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. And the results of ARG test showed that UA downregulated the expression of antibiotic-induced resistance genes. The UaT group inhibited the increase of harmful bacteria abundance and suppressed the mRNA abundances of ARG compared to the NatR group. In conclusion, considering the positive effects of UA on the growth performance and intestinal mucosal barrier, we anticipate that these findings could be a stepping stone for developing UA as a novel substitute of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center of Feed Safety and Efficient Use, Changsha, China
| | - Haihan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center of Feed Safety and Efficient Use, Changsha, China
| | - Xi He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center of Feed Safety and Efficient Use, Changsha, China
| | - Zehe Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center of Feed Safety and Efficient Use, Changsha, China
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16
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Sheng Q, Li F, Chen G, Li J, Li J, Wang Y, Lu Y, Li Q, Li M, Chai K. Ursolic Acid Regulates Intestinal Microbiota and Inflammatory Cell Infiltration to Prevent Ulcerative Colitis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6679316. [PMID: 34007853 PMCID: PMC8111854 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6679316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disorder in the colon and rectum leading to low life-quality and high societal costs. Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural product with pharmacological and biological activities. The studies are aimed at investigating the protective and treatment effects of UA against the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced UC mouse model and its underlying mechanism. UA was orally administered at different time points before and after the DSS-induced model. Mice body weight, colon length, and histological analysis were used to evaluate colon tissue damage and therapeutic evaluation. Intestinal transcriptome and microbe 16 s sequencing was used to analyze the mechanisms of UA in the prevention and treatment of UC. The early prevention effect of UA could effectively delay mouse weight loss and colon length shorten. UA alleviated UC inflammation and lowered serum and colon IL-6 levels. Three classical inflammatory pathways: MAPKs, IL-6/STAT3, and PI3K were downregulated by UA treatment. The proportion of macrophages and neutrophils in inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in UA treatment groups. UA could significantly reduce the richness of intestinal flora to avoid the inflammatory response due to the destruction of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The function of UA against UC was through reducing intestinal flora abundance and regulating inflammatory and fatty acid metabolism signaling pathways to affect immune cell infiltration and cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinsong Sheng
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Guanping Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Jing Li
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - YiFan Wang
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Yingyan Lu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Qun Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Kequn Chai
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
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17
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Shi Y, Leng Y, Liu D, Liu X, Ren Y, Zhang J, Chen F. Research Advances in Protective Effects of Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid Against Gastrointestinal Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2021; 49:413-435. [PMID: 33622215 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal tract plays an essential role in protecting tissues from the invasion of external harmful substances due to impaired barrier function. Furthermore, it participates in immunomodulation by intestinal microorganisms, which is important in health. When the intestinal tract is destroyed, it can lose its protective function, resulting in multiple systemic complications. In severe cases, it may lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Thus far, there are no curative therapies for intestinal mucosal barrier injury, other than a few drugs that can relieve symptoms. Thus, the development of novel curative agents for gastrointestinal diseases remains a challenge. Ursolic acid (UA) and its isomer, Oleanolic acid (OA), are pentacyclic triterpene acid compounds. Both their aglycone and glycoside forms have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, antiviral, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio protective, hepatoprotective, and anti-neurodegenerative properties in living organisms. In recent years, several studies have shown that UA and OA can reduce the risk of intestinal pathological injury, alleviate intestinal dysfunction, and restore intestinal barrier function. The present study evaluated the beneficial effects of UA and OA on intestinal damage and diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Shi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yufang Leng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Disheng Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yixing Ren
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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18
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Nie Y, Liu Q, Zhang W, Wan Y, Huang C, Zhu X. Ursolic acid reverses liver fibrosis by inhibiting NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and bacterial dysbiosis. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1972746. [PMID: 34530693 PMCID: PMC8451456 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1972746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway has been associated with fibrosis in other organs. An imbalance in intestinal bacteria is an important driving factor of liver fibrosis through the liver-gut axis. This study aimed to explore whether the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on liver fibrosis was associated with the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and intestinal bacteria. Wild-type (WT), NLRP3-/-, and NOX4-/- mice and AP-treated mice were injected with CCI4 and treated with or without UA. The intestinal contents of the mice were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. UA alleviated liver fibrosis, which manifested as decreases in collagen deposition, liver injury, and the expression of fibrosis-related factors, and the expression of NOX4 and NLRP3 was significantly inhibited by UA treatment. Even after CCI4 injection, liver damage and fibrosis-related factors were significantly decreased in NLRP3-/-, NOX4-/-, and AP-treated mice. Importantly, the expression of NLRP3 was obviously inhibited in NOX4-/- and AP-treated mice. In addition, the diversity of intestinal bacteria and the abundance of probiotics in NLRP3-/- and NOX4-/- mice was significantly higher than those in WT mice, while the abundance of harmful bacteria in NLRP3-/- and NOX4-/- mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. The NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway plays a crucial role in liver fibrosis and is closely associated with the beneficial effect of UA. The mechanism by which the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is involved in liver fibrosis may be associated with disordered intestinal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yipeng Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chenkai Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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19
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Sodium houttuyfonate enhances the intestinal barrier and attenuates inflammation induced by Salmonella typhimurium through the NF-κB pathway in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107058. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Zhao Y, Zeng J, Guo Y. A comprehensive review of natural products to fight liver fibrosis: Alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and other compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173578. [PMID: 32976828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of drugs to treat liver fibrosis has long been a challenge over the past decades due to its complicated pathogenesis. As a primary approach for drug development, natural products account for 30% of clinical drugs used for disease treatment. Therefore, natural products are increasingly important for their medicinal value in liver fibrosis therapy. In this part of the review, special focus is placed on the effect and mechanism of natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and others. A total of 36 kinds of natural compounds demonstrate significant antifibrotic effects in various liver fibrosis models in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Revealing the mechanism will provide further basis for clinical conversion, as well as accelerate drug discovery. The mechanism was further summarized with the finding of network regulation by several natural products, such as oxymatrine, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1 and taurine. Moreover, there are still improvements needed in investigating clinical efficacy, determining mechanisms, and combining applications, as well as semisynthesis and modification. Therefore, natural products area promising resource for agents that protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yaoguang Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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21
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Hao W, Kwek E, He Z, Zhu H, Liu J, Zhao Y, Ma KY, He WS, Chen ZY. Ursolic acid alleviates hypercholesterolemia and modulates the gut microbiota in hamsters. Food Funct 2020; 11:6091-6103. [PMID: 32568327 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00829j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid acid widely abundant in fruits and vegetables such as apple, blueberry and cranberry. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of UA supplementation in diet on blood cholesterol, intestinal cholesterol absorption and gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. A total of thirty-two hamsters were randomly assigned to four groups and given a non-cholesterol diet (NCD), a high-cholesterol diet containing 0.1% cholesterol (HCD), an HCD diet containing 0.2% UA (UAL), or an HCD diet containing 0.4% UA (UAH) for 6 weeks. Results showed that UA supplementation reduced plasma cholesterol by 15-16% and inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption by 2.6-9.2%. The in vitro micellar cholesterol solubility experiment clearly demonstrated that UA could displace 40% cholesterol from micelles. In addition, UA decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, whereas it enhanced the growth of short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in the intestine. In conclusion, UA possessed a cholesterol-lowering activity and could favorably modulate the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjun Hao
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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22
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Elchaninov AV, Fatkhudinov TK, Vishnyakova PA, Lokhonina AV, Sukhikh GT. Phenotypical and Functional Polymorphism of Liver Resident Macrophages. Cells 2019; 8:E1032. [PMID: 31491903 PMCID: PMC6769646 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are one of the main causes of mortality. In this regard, the development of new ways of reparative processes stimulation is relevant. Macrophages play a leading role in the regulation of liver homeostasis in physiological conditions and in pathology. In this regard, the development of new liver treatment methods is impossible without taking into account this cell population. Resident macrophages of the liver, Kupffer cells, represent a unique cell population, first of all, due to their development. Most of the liver macrophages belong to the self-sustaining macrophage cell population, whose origin is not bone marrow. In addition, Kupffer cells are involved in such processes as regulation of hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis, remodeling of the intercellular matrix, lipid metabolism, protective function, etc. Such a broad spectrum of liver macrophage functions indicates their high functional plasticity. The review summarizes recent data on the development, phenotypic and functional plasticity, and participation in the reparative processes of liver macrophages: resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and bone marrow-derived macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Elchaninov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, Moscow 117997, Russia.
- Histology, Embryology and Cytology Department, Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov Street, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Timur Kh Fatkhudinov
- Histology, Embryology and Cytology Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow 117198, Russia.
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsurupa Street, Moscow 117418, Russia.
| | - Polina A Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Anastasia V Lokhonina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, Moscow 117997, Russia.
- Histology, Embryology and Cytology Department, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow 117198, Russia.
| | - Gennady T Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, Moscow 117997, Russia.
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