Ancient Herbal Formula Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction Protects Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure via Inhibiting von Willebrand Factor Signaling

NLRP3 neuroinflammatory intervention of Mahuang-Lianqiao-Chixiaodou decoction for mental disorders in atopic dermatitis mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mahuang-Lianqiao-Chixiaodou decoction (MLCD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) formula recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases. It is commonly used for clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the potential mechanisms of MLCD intervention in AD combined with mental disorders behaviors such as anxiety and depression remain elusive and deserves further investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to observe the effect of MLCD on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in AD mice and explore the possible neuroinflammatory mechanism of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components of MLCD extracts were identified using UHPLC-MS. The AD mice were induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and treated with MLCD or mometasone furoate (MF, as a positive control) for 7 days. The pathological changes in their skin tissue and brain hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Elevated plus-maze test (EPM), open field test (OFT), and the suspended tail (TST) were used to measure the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in AD mice. Expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in brain hippocampus were measured by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting (WB).

RESULTS

We found that MLCD contain many active ingredients, including ephedrine, Forsythoside A, phillyrin, glycyrrhizic acid, etc. Both MLCD and MF alleviated skin lesions and promoted positive histopathological changes in the hippocampus of AD mince to varying degrees. MLCD however, could further increase their proportion of open arm entry times (Oentries%) in EPM, residence time in the central area (Ctime) and the proportion of the number of times in the central area (Centries%) in OFT significantly. MLCD also reduces their immobility time in TST considerably. Mechanistically, MLCD downregulated the relative mRNA expression and protein level of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in hippocampal tissue compared to the model group.

CONCLUSIONS

MLCD can alleviate anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in AD mice by intervening in the gene and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors, thus treating AD.

Hepatoprotective efficacy and interventional mechanism of JianPi LiShi YangGan formula in acute-on-chronic liver failure

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) progresses rapidly with a high short-term death rate. Although JianPi LiShi YangGan formula (YGF) has been used to treat ACLF by managing inflammatory responses and reducing endotoxemia, hepatocyte injury, and mortality, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy and protective benefits of YGF in mice with ACLF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

YGF composition was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We constructed a mouse model of ACLF using carbon tetrachloride, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and D-galactosamine (D-Gal), as well as an in vitro model of D-Gal/LPS-induced hepatocyte injury. The therapeutic effects of YGF in ACLF mice were verified using hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red, and Masson staining, and by measuring serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and inflammatory cytokine levels. Mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes was evaluated using electron microscopy, while superoxide anion levels in liver tissue were investigated using dihydroethidium. Transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of YGF against ACLF.

RESULTS

In mice with ACLF, YGF therapy partially decreased serum inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as hepatocyte injury and liver fibrosis. The livers of ACLF mice treated with YGF exhibited decreased mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species generation, as well as a decreased number of M1 macrophages and increased number of M2 macrophages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that YGF may regulate biological processes such as autophagy, mitophagy, and PI3K/AKT signaling. In ACLF mice, YGF promoted mitophagy and inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, the autophagy inhibitor 3M-A reduced the capacity of YGF to induce autophagy and protect against hepatocyte injury in vitro. In contrast, the PI3K agonist 740 Y-P suppressed the ability of YGF to control PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation and induce autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings suggest that YGF mediates autophagy, tight junctions, cytokine generation, and other biological processes. In addition, YGF inhibits hepatic inflammatory responses and ameliorates hepatocyte injury in mice with ACLF. Mechanistically, YGF can promote mitophagy to ameliorate acute-on-chronic liver failure by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Unveiling the hub genes associated with ochratoxin A-induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens

Ochratoxin A (OTA) widely exists in raw food and feed materials and can induce liver damage and toxicity. However, the mechanisms of OTA-induced hepatotoxicity were largely unknown. Thus, our study aimed to uncover the vital genes relevant to OTA-induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens. Gene expression data of chicken embryo primary hepatocytes (CEPHs) in OTA-treated and control groups were obtained from the GEO database. Totally 1407 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected, of which 850 and 557 genes were up- and downregulated in OTA-treated CEPHs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that the DEGs were in connection with various biological processes, such as signal transduction, extracellular matrix organization, axon guidance, cell division, cholesterol homeostasis, proteolysis, microtubule cytoskeleton organization, and chromosome segregation. Pathway enrichment showed that the DEGs were related to metabolic pathways, ferroptosis, calcium, FoxO, Wnt, cell cycle, apoptosis, calcium, and cell adhesion molecules signaling pathways. Furthermore, the hub genes, including CDK1, DLGAP5, KIF2C, VCL, ITGB3, and ZYX, were identified as hub genes potentially contributing to OTA-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying OTA-induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens.

Niujiao Dihuang Jiedu decoction promotes SLC7A11 m5C methylation modification against ferroptosis in acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) constitutes a prevalent manifestation of liver failure within clinical settings. This condition manifests swiftly and is characterized by an exceedingly elevated fatality rate.

OBJECTIVE

While numerous investigations have delved into the role of RNA methylation in ferroptosis, the impact of such methylation on ACLF-associated ferroptosis remains notably underexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the efficacy of Niujiao Dihuang Jiedu decoction (NDD) in mitigating ferroptosis in ACLF, with a specific focus on RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ACLF rat model was established alongside an erastin-induced ferroptosis model in LO2 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to substantiate NDD's influence on ferroptosis. The modifying influence of methylase NOL1/NOP2/sun domain (NSUN5) upon SLC7A11, a key ferroptosis-associated gene, was probed through dot blot, immunofluorescence co-localization, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiments.

RESULTS

Serological and hepatic histopathological findings indicated NDD's discernible therapeutic impact on ACLF. Furthermore, ferroptosis phenotype experiments revealed NDD's proficiency in effectively impeding the occurrence and development of ferroptosis. Dot blot assays demonstrated a reduction in the overall RNA m5C levels during cellular ferroptosis. Furthermore, through immunofluorescence co-localization and RIP techniques, we found that the propensity of methylase NSUN5 to associate with SLC7A11 mRNA, thereby enhancing its protein translation and conferring resistance against ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

RNA methylation is involved in the process of ACLF-associated ferroptosis, and NDD can inhibit ACLF-associated ferroptosis by fostering SLC7A11 m5C methylation.

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo formula promotes autophagy and alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by controlling the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo (FZTL) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription which is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We previously reported that the FZTL formula could improve IPF injury in rats; however, the mechanism remains unelucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the FZTL formula on IPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model and transforming growth factor-β-induced lung fibroblast model were used. Histological changes and fibrosis formation were detected in the rat model after treatment with the FZTL formula. Furthermore, the effects of the FZTL formula on autophagy and lung fibroblast activation were determined. Moreover, the mechanism of FZTL was explored using transcriptomics analysis.

RESULTS

We observed that FZTL alleviated IPF injury in rats and inhibited inflammatory responses and fibrosis formation in rats. Moreover, it promoted autophagy and inhibited lung fibroblast activation in vitro. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that FZTL regulates the Janus kinase 2 (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT) signaling pathway. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling activator interleukin 6 inhibited the anti-fibroblast activation effect of the FZTL formula. Combined treatment with the JAK2 inhibitor (AZD1480) and autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) did not enhance the antifibrotic effect of FZTL.

CONCLUSIONS

The FZTL formula can inhibit IPF injury and lung fibroblast activation. Its effects are mediated via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The FZTL formula may be a potential complementary therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.