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Zhong Y, Li J, Zhu X, Huang N, Liu R, Sun R. A comprehensive review of bupleuri radix and its bioactive components: with a major focus on treating chronic liver diseases. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118244. [PMID: 38663781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bupleuri Radix (BR) has been recognized as an essential herbal medicine for relieving liver depression for thousands of years. Contemporary research has provided compelling evidence of its pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, metabolic regulation, and anticancer properties, positioning it as a promising treatment option for various liver diseases. Hepatitis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are among the prevalent and impactful liver diseases worldwide. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive systematic reviews that explore the prescription, bio-active components, and underlying mechanisms of BR in treating liver diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW To summarize the BR classical Chinese medical prescription and ingredients in treating liver diseases and their mechanisms to inform reference for further development and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature in the last three decades of BR and its classical Chinese medical prescription and ingredients were collated and summarized by searching PubMed, Wiley, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, etc. RESULTS: BR and its classical prescriptions, such as Xiao Chai Hu decoction, Da Chai Hu decoction, Si Ni San, and Chai Hu Shu Gan San, have been utilized for centuries as effective therapies for liver diseases, including hepatitis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. BR is a rich source of active ingredients, such as saikosaponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, sterols, organic acids, and so on. These bioactive compounds exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and lipid metabolism regulation. However, it is important to acknowledge that BR and its constituents can also possess hepatotoxicity, which is associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and oxidative stress. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using BR in therapeutic applications to ensure the safe and appropriate utilization of its potential benefits while minimizing any potential risks. CONCLUSIONS To sum up, BR, its compounds, and its based traditional Chinese medicine are effective in liver diseases through multiple targets, multiple pathways, and multiple effects. Advances in pharmacological and toxicological investigations of BR and its bio-active components in the future will provide further contributions to the discovery of novel therapeutics for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhong
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Jianchao Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhu
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Nana Huang
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China.
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Rong Sun
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Luo K, Dai RJ, Zeng YB, Chang WJ, Deng YL, Lv F. Triterpenoid saponins from Bupleurum marginatum and their anti-liver fibrotic activities. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2024; 26:858-864. [PMID: 38572987 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2336150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
A new triterpenoid saponin (1), along with five known compounds (2-6), was isolated from Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC, of which compounds 2-4 were obtained for the first time from this plant. The structures were confirmed by the analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESIMS data, and comparison with previous spectral data. Anti-liver fibrotic activities of the isolates were determined as proliferation inhibition of LPS-induced activation of HSC-T6 in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Rong-Ji Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan-Bo Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-resources, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Wen-Jun Chang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Functional Components Research and Utilization of Marine Bio-resources, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Yu-Lin Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Fang Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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3
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Hosseinzadeh A, Pourhanifeh MH, Amiri S, Sheibani M, Irilouzadian R, Reiter RJ, Mehrzadi S. Therapeutic potential of melatonin in targeting molecular pathways of organ fibrosis. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:25-50. [PMID: 37995089 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00554-5] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, the excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue in an organ in response to injury, is a pathological condition affecting many individuals worldwide. Fibrosis causes the failure of tissue function and is largely irreversible as the disease progresses. Pharmacologic treatment options for organ fibrosis are limited, but studies suggest that antioxidants, particularly melatonin, can aid in preventing and controlling fibrotic damage to the organs. Melatonin, an indole nocturnally released from the pineal gland, is commonly used to regulate circadian and seasonal biological rhythms and is indicated for treating sleep disorders. While it is often effective in treating sleep disorders, melatonin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also make it a promising molecule for treating other disorders such as organ fibrosis. Melatonin ameliorates the necrotic and apoptotic changes that lead to fibrosis in various organs including the heart, liver, lung, and kidney. Moreover, melatonin reduces the infiltration of inflammatory cells during fibrosis development. This article outlines the protective effects of melatonin against fibrosis, including its safety and potential therapeutic effects. The goal of this article is to provide a summary of data accumulated to date and to encourage further experimentation with melatonin and increase its use as an anti-fibrotic agent in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Pourhanifeh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shiva Amiri
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Irilouzadian
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Wang N, Li Q. Simultaneous Extraction and Analysis of Seven Major Saikosaponins from Bupleuri Radix and the Exploration of Antioxidant Activity and Its Mechanism. Molecules 2023; 28:5872. [PMID: 37570843 PMCID: PMC10420870 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponins (SS) are the main active components of Bupleuri Radix. In this study, the yields of SS a, b1, b2, c, d, e, and f were simultaneously determined using the HPLC-DAD dual wavelength method, and the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of saikosaponins was optimized using the response surface methodology. The antioxidant effect of saikosaponins was investigated using the scavenging rate of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2-diazo-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and hydroxyl (-OH) groups, and the mechanism was clarified via network pharmacological analysis. The results showed that the optimal extraction process of SS was a 5% ammonia-methanol solution as an extraction solvent, a material-liquid ratio of 1:40, a temperature of 46.66 °C, an extraction time of 65.07 min, and an ultrasonic power of 345.56 W. The total content of the seven saikosaponins under this condition was up to 6.32%, which was close to the model's predicted value of 6.56%, where the yields of the seven saikosaponins a, b1, b2, c, d, e, and f were 1.18%, 0.11%, 0.26%, 1.02%, 3.02%, 0.38%, and 0.44%, respectively. The saikosaponins have an obvious scavenging ability for DPPH, ABTS, and -OH radicals. The interactions of seven saikosaponins with antioxidant targets were studied, and a database was used to collate the core of saikosaponins and antioxidants through network pharmacology. The mechanisms of the antioxidant effects of the saikosaponins were derived via GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. Finally, the binding energy of the saikosaponins to the antioxidant targets was found to be less than -5.0 kcal·mol-1 via molecular docking, indicating that the antioxidant capacity of the saikosaponins are good. Therefore, this study developed a rapid and efficient method for the extraction of saikosaponins, which provides a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the rational utilization of saikosaponins and the development of their medicinal value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
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Tang L, Qiu W, Zhang S, Wang J, Yang X, Xu B, Magnuson JT, Xu EG, Wu M, Zheng C. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances Induce Immunotoxicity via the TLR Pathway in Zebrafish: Links to Carbon Chain Length. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6139-6149. [PMID: 37017313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the immunotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), but it remains a significant challenge to assess over 10,000 distinct PFASs registered in the distributed structure-searchable toxicity (DSSTox) database. We aim to reveal the mechanisms of immunotoxicity of different PFASs and hypothesize that PFAS immunotoxicity is dependent on the carbon chain length. Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) representing different carbon chain lengths (4-9) at environmentally relevant levels strongly reduced the host's antibacterial ability during the zebrafish's early-life stage. Innate and adaptive immunities were both suppressed after PFAS exposures, exhibiting a significant induction of macrophages and neutrophils and expression of immune-related genes and indicators. Interestingly, the PFAS-induced immunotoxic responses were positively correlated to the carbon chain length. Moreover, PFASs activated downstream genes of the toll-like receptor (TLR), uncovering a seminal role of TLR in PFAS immunomodulatory effects. Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) morpholino knock-down experiments and MyD88 inhibitors alleviated the immunotoxicity of PFASs. Overall, the comparative results demonstrate differences in the immunotoxic responses of PFASs due to carbon chain length in zebrafish, providing new insights into the prediction and classification of PFASs mode of toxic action based on carbon chain length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bentuo Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Chashan University Town, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, Måltidets Hus - Richard Johnsens gate 4, Stavanger 4021, Norway
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Minghong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
- EIT Institute for Advanced Study, 568 Tongxin Road, Zhenhai District, Ningbo 315410, China
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Xiang Q, Liu Y, Chen L. Saikosaponin d (SSD) alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by regulating the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acta Diabetol 2023; 60:805-815. [PMID: 36920548 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-023-02060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes with a poor prognosis. Saikosaponin d (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Radix Bupleuri that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, whether SSD affects DPN is unclarified. METHODS Sprague Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD) to induce DPN, in the presence or absence of SSD, with or without transfection of lentivirus vectors carrying siRNA targeting aquaporin 1 (si-AQP1). The body weight, plasma glucose levels, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and nerve conductive velocity (NCV) of rats were measured. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used for histopathological observation of sciatic nerves. RT-qPCR and western blotting were utilized for measuring expression levels of AQP1 and ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling pathway-related markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats. RESULTS SSD increased the body weight, decreased plasma glucose levels, attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, enhanced NCV and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in DPN rats. AQP1 displayed a high level in DPN rats and SSD treatment repressed the expression of AQP1. SSD enhanced the protective effect of AQP1 knockdown on the pathological changes of DPN. AQP1 depletion suppressed the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in DPN rats. CONCLUSION SSD alleviates STZ/HFD-induced DPN in rats by inhibiting the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Xiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4, Huayuan Mountain, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4, Huayuan Mountain, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
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Chemotherapeutic Potential of Saikosaponin D: Experimental Evidence. J Xenobiot 2022; 12:378-405. [PMID: 36547471 PMCID: PMC9782205 DOI: 10.3390/jox12040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin D (SSD), an active compound derived from the traditional plant Radix bupleuri, showcases potential in disease management owing to its antioxidant, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The toxicological effects of SSD mainly include hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hemolysis, and cardiotoxicity. SSD exhibits antitumor effects on multiple targets and has been witnessed in diverse cancer types by articulating various cell signaling pathways. As a result, carcinogenic processes such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis are inhibited, whereas apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation are induced in several cancer cells. Since it reduces side effects and strengthens anti-cancerous benefits, SSD has been shown to have an additive or synergistic impact with chemo-preventive medicines. Regardless of its efficacy and benefits, the considerations of SSD in cancer prevention are absolutely under-researched due to its penurious bioavailability. Diverse studies have overcome the impediments of inadequate bioavailability using nanotechnology-based methods such as nanoparticle encapsulation, liposomes, and several other formulations. In this review, we emphasize the association of SSD in cancer therapeutics and the discussion of the mechanisms of action with the significance of experimental evidence.
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
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Zhang K, Lin L, Zhu Y, Zhang N, Zhou M, Li Y. Saikosaponin d Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Negatively Regulating the ROS/NLRP3 Inflammasome Through Activating the ERβ Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894981. [PMID: 35694250 PMCID: PMC9174603 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Saikosaponin d (SSd) has a steroidal structure and significant anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying SSd’s inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis. Methods: Wild-type and estrogen receptor knockout (ERKO) mice were treated with CCl4 to establish liver fibrosis mouse models. The effects of SSd on hepatic fibrogenesis were studied in these mouse models. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were activated by H2O2 to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. The establishment of the models and the degrees of inflammation and liver tissue fibrosis were evaluated by detecting changes in serum liver enzymes and liver histopathology. The expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression and significance of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins were explored by RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. The mitochondrial ROS-related indexes were evaluated by MitoSOX Red. Results: In wild-type and ERKO mice treated with CCl4, the fluorescence expression of mitochondrial ROS was up-regulated, while the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content were decreased, suggesting that the mitochondria were damaged. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, TGF-β, TIMP-1, MMP-2, and Vimentin) in liver tissue increased. Furthermore, the above indexes showed the same expression trend in activated HSCs. In addition, the peripheral serum ALT and AST levels increased in CCl4-induced liver injury model mice. And HE staining showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of model mice. Picric acid-Sirius staining and Masson staining showed that there was significant collagen fibrous tissue deposition in mice liver sections. IHC and WB detection confirmed that the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 increased. Liver fibrosis scores were also elevated. Then, after SSd intervention, the expression of ROS in wild-type mice and αERKO mice decreased, mitochondrial membrane potential recovered, ATP level increased, NLRP3 inflammasome and fibrosis indexes decreased, liver enzyme levels decreased, and liver pathology showed liver inflammation. The damage and collagen deposition were significantly relieved, the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was decreased, and the fibrosis score was also decreased. More importantly, the effect of SSd in alleviating liver injury and liver fibrosis had no effect on βERKO mice. Conclusion: SSd alleviated liver fibrosis by negatively regulating the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome through activating the ERβ pathway. By establishing liver fibrosis models using wild-type and ERKO mice, we demonstrated that SSd could alleviate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome axis through activating the ERβ pathway.
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Jia A, Yang X, Zou B, Li J, Wang Y, Ma R, Li J, Yao Y. Saikosaponins: A Review of Structures and Pharmacological Activities. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221094908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Radix Bupleuri is a traditional medicine widely used in China and other Asian countries. Phytochemistry and pharmacology study reveal that saikosaponins(SSs) are the main bioactive compounds in Radix Bupleuri. SSs are complex compounds composed of triterpene aglycone and carbohydrate part containing 1-13 monosaccharides, which can be divided into seven types based on their structural characteristics. Many different kinds of SSs have been isolated from plants of Bupleurum L. SSs show a variety of biological activities, such as central nervous system protection, liver protection, antivirus, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, hormone-like effects, and immune regulation functions. Due to their broad activity and favorable safety profile, SSs attract an increasing amount of attention in recent years. In this review, the structures of 86 SSs are summarized based on the different aglycones due to the diverse structures of saikosaponin(SS). The pharmacological effects and related mechanism of SSs are thoroughly reviewed, and perspectives for future research are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Jia
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xinhe Yang
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Bin Zou
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yefeng Wang
- School of Public Health & Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ruixia Ma
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Saikosaponin-D Mitigates Oxidation in SH-SY5Y Cells Stimulated by Glutamate Through Activation of Nrf2 Pathway: Involvement of PI3K. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:230-240. [PMID: 34994954 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a typical neurodegenerative disease. Well-established studies have shown an elevated level of ROS (reactive oxygen species) that induces oxidative stress in AD. Saikosaponin-D exhibited significant therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative diseases. However, its in-depth molecular mechanisms against neurotoxicity remain not fully uncovered. Herein, the possible protective effects of saikosaponin-D on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and the underlying mechanism were elucidated. Saikosaponin-D pretreatment could ameliorate glutamate-induced cytotoxicity according to MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and depress apoptosis according to Hoechst 33,342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, saikosaponin-D administration suppressed oxidative stress in response to glutamate indicated by diminished intracellular ROS formation and reduced MDA (malondialdehyde) content in SH-SY5Y cells. These phenomena, appeared to correlate with the recovered cellular antioxidant enzyme activities and inducted HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) expression accompanying the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 conduct by saikosaponin-D preconditioning which had been altered by glutamate, were correlated with its neuroprotective. Furthermore, addition of LY294002, a selective inhibitor of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase), blocked saikosaponin-D-caused Nrf2 nuclear translocation and reversed the protection of saikosaponin-D against glutamate in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, saikosaponin-D exhibited antioxidant potential with high free radical-scavenging activity as confirmed by a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) in a cell-free system in vitro. Taken together, our results indicated that saikosaponin-D enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity through not only intrinsic free radical-scavenging activity but also induction of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and HO-1 expression mediated, at least in part, by activating PI3K and subsequently Nrf2 nuclear translocation, thereby protecting the SH-SY5Y cells from glutamate-induced oxidative cytotoxicity. In concert, these data raise the possibility that saikosaponin-D may be an attractive candidate for prevention and treatment of AD and other diseases related to oxidation in the future.
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Chen Y, Que R, Zhang N, Lin L, Zhou M, Li Y. Saikosaponin-d alleviates hepatic fibrosis through regulating GPER1/autophagy signaling. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7853-7863. [PMID: 34714484 PMCID: PMC8604865 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06807-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is the final pathway of chronic liver disease characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which eventually develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Emerging studies demonstrated that Saikosaponin-d (SSd) exhibits a protective role in liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying anti-liver fibrosis of SSd in vivo and in vitro remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were used for creating liver fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The role of SSd in regulating liver fibrosis was assessed through Sirius red and Masson staining, and IHC assay. We found that SSd attenuated remarkably CCl4-induced liver fibrosis as evidenced by decreased collagen level, and decreased expression of fibrotic markers Col 1 and α-SMA. Meanwhile, SSd repressed autophagy activation as suggested by decreased BECN1 expression and increased p62 expression. Compared with HSCs from CCl4-treated group, the primary HSCs from SSd-treated mice exhibited a marked inactivation of autophagy. Mechanistically, SSd treatment enhanced the expression of GPER1 in primary HSCs and in TGF-β-treated LX-2 cells. GPER1 agonist G1 repressed autophagy activation, whereas GPER1 antagonist G15 activated autophagy and G15 also damaged the function of SSd on suppressing autophagy, leading to subsequent increased levels of fibrotic marker level in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight that SSd alleviates hepatic fibrosis by regulating GPER1/autophagy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Renye Que
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai TCM Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Liubing Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Mengen Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China.
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The Ameliorative Effects of Saikosaponin in Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111383. [PMID: 34768813 PMCID: PMC8583725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disorders are a major health concern. Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is an effective active ingredient extracted from Bupleurum falcatum, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its hepatoprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of SSd treatment for thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury and high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in male C57BL/6 mice. The SSd group showed significantly higher food intake, body weight, and hepatic antioxidative enzymes (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and lower hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) compared with controls, as well as reduced expression of inflammation-related genes (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) messenger RNA (mRNA). In NAFLD mice, SSd reduced serum ALT, AST, triglycerides, fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) and sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP1) mRNA, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-related proteins (phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α subunit (p-eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). SSd has a hepatoprotective effect in liver injury by suppressing inflammatory responses and acting as an antioxidant.
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Saikosaponin D Inhibits the Proliferation and Promotes the Apoptosis of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inducing Autophagosome Formation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5451758. [PMID: 34457023 PMCID: PMC8390134 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5451758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of saikosaponin D (SSd) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cell line and determine the key pathway that mediates SSd's function. Methods Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 kit. The EdU kit and flow cytometry were used to examine cell proliferation. The Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining kit and flow cytometry were used to examine cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis was performed to analyze the expression levels of LC3, Ki67, cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl2. Autophagosome formation was detected by LC3-GFP adenovirus transfection. Results SSd inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cells. SSd treatment increased the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and Bax but reduced that of Ki67 and Bcl2. The same concentration of SSd barely influenced the growth of normal rat liver BRL-3A cells. SSd upregulated LC3-II expression and induced autophagosome formation. Autophagy agonist rapamycin had the same effect as SSd and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine could neutralize the effect of SSd in acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cells. Conclusions SSd could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells by inducing autophagosome formation.
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Wang JP, Li TZ, Huang XY, Geng CA, Shen C, Sun JJ, Xue D, Chen JJ. Synthesis and anti-fibrotic effects of santamarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents against hepatic stellate cell line LX2. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:127994. [PMID: 33775837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a final result of extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and starts with the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our previous study showed that eudesmane sesquiterpenoid santamarin had cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with IC50 values of 16.5 ± 0.7 μM. To explore the structure-activity relationships, twenty-six derivatives were synthesized by modifying the hydroxyl group, double-bond and unsaturated lactone. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that eight derivatives (6, 9, 13, 17, 20 and 25-27) increased activity against HSC-LX2. Especially, derivatives 17, 20 and 25 displayed obvious cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 6.4 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.1, and 3.5 ± 0.1 μM, which were 3 to 5-fold higher than santamarin. Preliminary mechanisms study revealed that the active compound 20 exhibited more than 8-fold and 6-fold enhancement of inhibitory effect on the deposition of human hyaluronic acid (HA) and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values of 7.6 ± 0.6 and 3.3 ± 1.2 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-An Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
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Lin L, Zhou M, Que R, Chen Y, Liu X, Zhang K, Shi Z, Li Y. Saikosaponin-d protects against liver fibrosis by regulating Estrogen receptor-β/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:666-674. [PMID: 33974808 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the ultimate common pathway in most types of chronic liver damage characterized by imbalance of extracellular matrix degradation and synthesis. Saikosaponin-d (SSd) possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-liver fibrosis effects. However, the underlying mechanism of SSd in repressing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation remains unclear. Here we found that SSd alleviated remarkably carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased collagen level and profibrotic markers (COl1a1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)) expression. SSd repressed CCl4-induced NOD-like receptor family pyrin-domain-containng-3 (NLRP3) activation in fibrotic livers, as suggested by decreased level of NLRP3, IL-18, and IL-β. The primary HSCs of CCl4 mice exhibited a significant increase in profibrotic markers expression and NLRP3 activation, but SSd treatment reversed the effect. SSd also repressed TGF-β-induced profibrotic markers expression and NLRP3 activation in vitro. Mechanistically, TGF-β decreased the expression of Estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in HSCs, whereas SSd treatment reversed the effect. ERβ inhibition enhanced NLRP3 activation in HSCs. More important, ERβ or NLRP3 inhibition destroyed partially the function of SSd on anti-liver fibrosis. In summary, the current data suggest that SSd prevents hepatic fibrosis through regulating ERβ/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and suggest SSd as a potential agent for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubing Lin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Mengen Zhou
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Renye Que
- Shanghai TCM Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yirong Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Kehui Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Zhe Shi
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, Shanghai, China;
| | - Yong Li
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gastroenterology, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Jing 'an District, Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200071;
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Yu X, Pan J, Shen N, Zhang H, Zou L, Miao H, Xing L. Development of Saikosaponin D Liposome Nanocarrier with Increased Hepatoprotective Effect Against Alcoholic Hepatitis Mice. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:627-639. [PMID: 35057889 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mortality rate of ethanol induced liver disease has substantially raised to alert level with an increasing use of alcohol, but development of definite hepatoprotective drug is still challenging. The efficacy of Saikosaponin D, one of the natural herbal medicine has been studied
in different diseases. Nonetheless, its clinical application is restricted by poor bioavailability, stability and solubility. This study sought to develop a Saikosaponin D loaded liposome via thin film hydration method. The surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity
were detected with transmission electron microscopy and HPLC, in vitro dissolution was via dialysis method, but efficacy and safety evaluation was through pharmacokinetics, while the assessment of hepatoprotective activity on alcohol induced acute hepatitis mice models was conducted.
The optimized liposomes showed significant greater therapeutic effect on liver, through decreased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG)
in liver homogenate. In contrast, levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were increased significantly. Pathological study exhibited remarkable alteration of hepatitis liver architecture to almost normal state after administration of Saikosaponin D
liposome. The increased hepatoprotective effect of Saikosaponin D liposome was observed during the attenuation of alcoholic hepatitis in mice, which might be ascribable to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the drug. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing
advanced system of Saikosaponin D delivery for the promotion of the therapeutic effects of the liposome against various kinds of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jielu Pan
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Zou
- Experiment Center for Teaching & Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongyu Miao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lianjun Xing
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Reparative and toxicity-reducing effects of liposome-encapsulated saikosaponin in mice with liver fibrosis. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225990. [PMID: 32756863 PMCID: PMC7426636 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin d (SSd), a primary active component of the Chinese herb Bupleurum falcatum, has antitumor and antiliver fibrosis effects. However, the toxicity of SSd at high doses can induce conditions such as metabolic disorders and hemolysis in vivo, thus hampering its clinical use. The present study investigated the toxicity-reducing effects of liposome encapsulation of pure SSd and the therapeutic action of SSd-loaded liposomes (Lipo-SSd) in liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Lipo-SSd (diameter, 31.7 ± 7.8 nm) was prepared at an entrapment efficiency of 94.1%. After 10-day incubation, a slow release profile of 56% SSd from Lipo-SSd was observed. The IC50 of SSd on hepatic stellate cells was approximately 2.9 μM. Lipo-SSd exhibited much lower cytotoxicity than did pure SSd. In the in vivo toxicity assay, Lipo-SSd significantly increased mice survival rate and duration compared with pure SSd at the same dose. These in vitro and in vivo data indicate that liposomal encapsulation can reduce the cytotoxicity of SSd. The histopathological analysis results demonstrated that in mice with thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis, Lipo-SSd exerted more obvious fibrosis- and inflammation-alleviating and liver tissue-reparative effects than did pure SSd; these effects are potentially attributable to the sustained release of SSd. In conclusion, Lipo-SSd fabricated here have antiliver fibrosis effects and lower toxicity compared with that of pure SSd.
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Kang-Xian Pills Inhibit Inflammatory Response and Decrease Gut Permeability to Treat Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Hepatic Injury through Modulating Gut Microbiota. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8890182. [PMID: 33144872 PMCID: PMC7596455 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8890182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kang-Xian (KX) pills have been clinically used for the treatment of chronic hepatic injury (CHI). However, the mechanisms of KX on CHI remain unknown. The aim of this study mainly focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of KX in a CHI mouse model based on modulating gut microbiota and gut permeability. We first established a CHI model using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and treated it with KX. The anti-inflammatory effects of KX on CHI model mice and the changes in gut permeability after KX treatment were also investigated. 16S rRNA analysis was used to study the changes of gut microbiota composition after KX treatment. In addition, gut microbiota was depleted using a combination of antibiotics in order to further confirm that KX could inhibit the inflammatory response and decrease gut permeability to treat CHI by modulating the gut microbiota. Results showed that KX treatment significantly improved liver function in CHI model mice. KX could also increase the levels of tight junction proteins in the colon and decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver. 16S rRNA analysis indicated that KX treatment affected the alpha and beta diversities in CHI model mice. Further analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that KX treatment increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. At the genus level, KX treatment increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia and decreased the relative abundance of Ralstonia, Alloprevotella, and Lachnoclostridium. However, KX could not alleviate CHI after depleting the gut microbiota. The effects of KX on gut permeability and inflammatory response in the liver were also decreased following the depletion of gut microbiota. In conclusion, our current study demonstrated that gut microbiota was significantly affected during CHI progression. KX could inhibit the inflammatory response and decrease the gut permeability in CHI model mice through modulating the gut microbiota.
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Cytotoxic sesquiterpenoids against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 from Artemisia lavandulaefolia. Bioorg Chem 2020; 103:104107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ge S, Wu X, Xiong Y, Xie J, Liu F, Zhang W, Yang L, Zhang S, Lai L, Huang J, Li M, Yu YQ. HMGB1 Inhibits HNF1A to Modulate Liver Fibrogenesis via p65/miR-146b Signaling. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:1711-1722. [PMID: 32833553 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.5330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is essential for the pathogenesis of liver injury and liver fibrosis. We previously revealed that miR-146b promotes hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation. Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms are still unknown. Herein, HMGB1 increased HSCs proliferation and COL1A1 and α-SMA protein levels. However, the knockdown of miR-146b inhibited HSCs proliferation and COL1A1 and α-SMA protein levels induced via HMGB1 treatment. miR-146b was upregulated by HMGB1 and miR-146b targeted hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) to modulate its expression negatively. Further, we confirmed that HMGB1 might elicit miR-146b expression via p65 within HSCs. Knockdown or block of HMGB1 relieved the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In fibrotic liver tissues, miR-146b expression was positively correlated with p65 mRNA, but HNF1A mRNA was inversely correlated with p65, and miR-146b expression. In summary, our findings suggest that HMGB1/p65/miR-146b/HNF1A signaling exerts a crucial effect on liver fibrogenesis via the regulation of HSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanfei Ge
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, ShangRao People's Hospital, ShangRao, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lingling Lai
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiansheng Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yan-Qing Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Zhou L, Huang JY, Zhang D, Zhao YL. Cognitive improvements and reduction in amyloid plaque deposition by saikosaponin D treatment in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1082-1090. [PMID: 32742347 PMCID: PMC7388258 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a severe neurodegenerative disease that currently lacks an optimally effective therapeutic agent for its management. Saikosaponin D (SSD) is a component extracted from the herb Bupleurum falcatum that is commonly used in Chinese medicine. Although SSD has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects, its pharmacological role in AD has not been previously elucidated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether SSD treatment improves the cognitive function and pathological features of 3xTg mice, a triple-transgenic mouse model of AD that displays classical pathological features of AD. The effects of SSD treatment on the behavioral, histological and physiological features of the animal were quantified. Results from the behavioral experiments on the SSD-treated 3xTg mice identified a significant reduction in memory impairment. In addition, histological staining results indicated that SSD application could preserve the morphology of neurons, reduce apoptosis and significantly inhibit amyloid-β deposition in the hippocampus of 3xTg mice. SSD treatment also decelerated the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus of 3xTg mice, possibly via the inhibition of the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Therefore, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of SSD against progressive neurodegeneration and identified the potential underlying pharmacological mechanism. It was speculated that SSD may serve as a possible therapeutic agent in AD treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Health Management Center, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Yuan Huang
- Health Management Center, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- Health Management Center, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Liang Zhao
- Health Management Center, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
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Tu Y, Zhu S, Wang J, Burstein E, Jia D. Natural compounds in the chemoprevention of alcoholic liver disease. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2192-2212. [PMID: 31264302 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Much effort has been expended to explore the pathogenesis of ALD. Hepatic cell injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, regeneration, and bacterial translocation are all involved in the pathogenesis of ALD. Immediate abstinence is the most important therapeutic treatment for affected individuals. However, the medical treatment for ALD had not advanced in a long period. Intriguingly, an increasing body of research indicates the potential of natural compounds in the targeted therapy of ALD. A plethora of dietary natural products such as flavonoids, resveratrol, saponins, and β-carotene are found to exert protective effects on ALD. This occurs through various mechanisms composed of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, iron chelation, pro-apoptosis, and/or antiproliferation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatments of ALD and focus on the potential of natural compounds in ALD therapies and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Tu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Zhu
- Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Foresight and Evaluation Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ezra Burstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Da Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liu L, Yan J, Ge F, Xu X, Lu J, Shi H, Li S, Zhao Y, Zhang C. Saikosaponin‑D improves fear memory deficits in ovariectomized rats via the action of estrogen receptor‑α in the hippocampus. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:332-340. [PMID: 31115535 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin‑D (SSD), which is the main bioactive component in the traditional Chinese medicine Chai Hu (Bupleurum falcatum L), possesses estrogen‑like properties and is widely used in treating estrogen‑related neurological disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of SSD on the fear memory deficit in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and the potential underlying mechanism. SSD treatment significantly prolonged freezing time in OVX rats in a manner similar to that of estradiol (E2), whereas this effect was markedly suppressed by co‑administration of ICI182780, a non‑selective estrogen receptor (ER) inhibitor. The expression of ERα in the hippocampus of OVX rats was significantly elevated by SSD; however, Erβ expression and E2 synthesis were not markedly affected by SSD treatment. Collectively, this study demonstrated that SSD‑mediated fear memory improvement in OVX rats may be attributed not to E2 levels or ERβ activity, but to ERα activation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Haian, Jiangsu 226600, P.R. China
| | - Xiangtao Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Huilian Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shuihong Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Imageology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry and Imageology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
| | - Changzheng Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Psychological Assessment and Rehabilitation for Exceptional Children, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
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Lv Y, Hou X, Zhang Q, Li R, Xu L, Chen Y, Tian Y, Sun R, Zhang Z, Xu F. Untargeted Metabolomics Study of the In Vitro Anti-Hepatoma Effect of Saikosaponin d in Combination with NRP-1 Knockdown. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071423. [PMID: 30978940 PMCID: PMC6480384 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin d (SSd) is one of the main active ingredients in Radix Bupleuri. In our study, network pharmacology databases and metabolomics were used in combination to explore the new targets and reveal the in-depth mechanism of SSd. A total of 35 potential targets were chosen through database searching (HIT and TCMID), literature mining, or chemical similarity predicting (Pubchem). Out of these obtained targets, Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) was selected for further research based on the degree of molecular docking scores and novelty. Cell viability and wound healing assays demonstrated that SSd combined with NRP-1 knockdown could significantly enhance the damage of HepG2. Metabolomics analysis was then performed to explore the underlying mechanism. The overall difference between groups was quantitatively evaluated by the metabolite deregulation score (MDS). Results showed that NRP-1 knockdown exhibited the lowest MDS, which demonstrated that the metabolic profile experienced the slightest interference. However, SSd alone, or NRP-1 knockdown in combination with SSd, were both significantly influenced. Differential metabolites mainly involved short- or long-chain carnitines and phospholipids. Further metabolic pathway analysis revealed that disturbed lipid transportation and phospholipid metabolism probably contributed to the enhanced anti-hepatoma effect by NRP-1 knockdown in combination with SSd. Taken together, in this study, we provided possible interaction mechanisms between SSd and its predicted target NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingtong Lv
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Ruiting Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yadong Chen
- Department of Organic Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Rong Sun
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Zunjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Fengguo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Barghi M, Ashrafi M, Aminlari M, Namazi F, Nazifi S. The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 44:229-237. [PMID: 30746963 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1571502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells by free radicals is an initial step in the development of liver fibrosis. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) essential oil as a natural product has antioxidant activity and maybe a suitable candidate for treatment or prevention of the disease. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of ZM oil in CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Male rats were divided into 5 groups, group C: control rats; CO: vehicle control group; CE: rats that received essential oil (500 µl/kg); F: fibrosis group, rat were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg); FE: fibrosis rats that received both CCl4 and ZM essential oil as mentioned above. At the end of the 11th week, serum samples and liver tissues were collected for the evaluation of fibrosis markers, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological studies. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of serum AST, ALT, total bilirubin, TGF-β1, hyaluronan, and hydroxyproline levels in serum and liver tissues in F group. Also, an abnormality in lipid profile and the existence of oxidative stress was found in serum and liver tissues in F group compared to the control groups. Our study showed that ZM essential oil could ameliorate mentioned parameters. Histopathological examinations confirmed the results of biochemical evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Barghi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Ashrafi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Aminlari
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fateme Namazi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Cui LH, Li CX, Zhuo YZ, Yang L, Cui NQ, Zhang SK. Saikosaponin d ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting autophagy of pancreatic stellate cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 300:18-26. [PMID: 30611790 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by pancreatic fibrosis, associated with excessive activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Recently, our studies have shown that autophagy inhibitor could inhibit PSCs activation and reduce collagen secretion. Saikosaponin d (SSd), the major active component of bupleurum falcatum (a medicinal plant), has anti-fibrosis effects in liver. However, it is unclear whether SSd has a role in pancreatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SSd on the autophagy and activation of PSCs in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, a rat chronic pancreatitis model was induced by intravenous injection of dibutyltin dichloride. SSd was administered at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight per day by gavage. After 4 weeks, the pancreas was collected for histological and molecular analysis. In vitro, PSCs were isolated and cultured for treatment with different dosages of SSd. The results showed that SSd inhibited PSCs autophagy and activation while also reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and pancreatic damage. SSd inhibited autophagy through activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. SSd also promoted degradation of ECM with an increasing ratio of MMPs/TIMPs and suppressed the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. From these results, we concluded that SSd prevents pancreatic fibrosis by reducing autophagy of PSCs through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which has crosstalk with the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Cui
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China
| | - Cai-Xia Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China
| | - Yu-Zhen Zhuo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China
| | - Nai-Qiang Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China
| | - Shu-Kun Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, PR China; Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300107, PR China.
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28
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Li L, Feng Y, Hong Y, Lin X, Shen L. Recent Advances in Drug Delivery System for Bioactive Glycosides from Traditional Chinese Medicine. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2018; 46:1791-1824. [PMID: 30482025 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x18500908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in China for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The materials that exert a therapeutic effect are called the active ingredients. The bioactive glycosides are important active ingredients from TCM that can make significant contributions to treating diseases. Because of the possibilities of various clinical applications, the properties and administration of these bioactive glycosides deserve further investigation. Their promising treatment effects, however, are hindered by their poor solubility, poor stability and rapid elimination. Therefore, it is necessary that we improve the therapeutic efficacy of bioactive glycosides by overcoming these problems. Meanwhile, some practical design strategies and novel drug delivery vehicles based on drug delivery systems provide favorable support in clinical practice for these active ingredients. This review summarizes diverse pharmacological activities of bioactive glycosides and focuses on recent advances in delivery system for these active constitutes; in particular, some glycol glycosides can effectively cure intractable diseases through targeted drug delivery. This review elucidates some design strategies for drug delivery system that are mainly based on two methods (avoiding physical barriers by changing dosage forms and enhancing the ability to bind to receptors or proteins after administration) and indicate the current challenges during the combination of delivery vehicles and these glycosides in hopes of promoting the process of receiving ideal therapeutic efficacy of them in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- * School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yi Feng
- † Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation, Technology of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yanlong Hong
- ‡ Shanghai Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese, Medicine Health Service, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Lin
- * School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,† Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation, Technology of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lan Shen
- * School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,† Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation, Technology of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Sekkien A, Swilam N, Ebada SS, Esmat A, El-Khatib AH, Linscheid MW, Singab AN. Polyphenols from Tamarix nilotica: LC⁻ESI-MS n Profiling and In Vivo Antifibrotic Activity. Molecules 2018; 23:E1411. [PMID: 29891794 PMCID: PMC6100050 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge (Tamaricaceae), an indigenous plant to the Middle East region, is well-known as a medicinal plant for treating many human ailments. The current study aimed at exploring the polyphenol profile of the alcohol soluble fraction of aqueous T. nilotica extract, assessing its in vivo antifibrotic activity and the possible underlying mechanism, to unravel the impact of quantitative difference of sulphated polyphenols content on the antifibrotic activity of T. nilotca grown in two different habitats. Polyphenol profiling of T. nilotica extracts was performed using HPLC-HRESI-QTOF-MS-MS. The major polyphenol components included sulphated flavonoids, phenolic acids and free aglycones. The antifibrotic activity was evaluated through carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Biochemical evaluations revealed that both fractions ameliorated the increased levels of hepatic aminotransferases, lipid peroxidation, hydroxyproline, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, both fractions reduced catalase activity (CAT) and enhanced hepatic glutathione (GSH) content. Histopathological imaging undoubtedly confirmed such results. In conclusion, the T. nilotica polyphenol-rich fraction exhibited potential antifibrotic activity in rats. Significant alterations in GSH levels were recorded based on the sulphated polyphenol metabolite content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sekkien
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt.
| | - Noha Swilam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt.
| | - Sherif S Ebada
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed H El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
- Laboratory of Applied Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Michael W Linscheid
- Laboratory of Applied Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Abdel Nasser Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
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Li XQ, Song YN, Wang SJ, Rahman K, Zhu JY, Zhang H. Saikosaponins: a review of pharmacological effects. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2018; 20:399-411. [PMID: 29726699 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2018.1465937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, a number of phytochemicals have been reported to possess potent pharmacological effects. Saikosaponins represent a group of oleanane derivatives, usually as glucosides, which are commonly found in medicinal plants Bupleurum spp., which have been used as traditional Chinese medicine for more than 1,000 years in China. Emerging evidence suggests that saikosaponins have many pharmacological effects, including sedation, anticonvulsant, antipyretic, antiviral, immunity, anti-inflammation, antitumor properties, protecting liver and kidney and so on. The present review provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of the pharmacological properties of saikosaponins, supporting the potential uses of saikosaponins as a medicinal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qin Li
- a School of Pharmacy , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chengdu 611137 , China
- b Central Laboratory , Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM , Shanghai 200137 , China
| | - Ya-Nan Song
- b Central Laboratory , Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM , Shanghai 200137 , China
| | - Su-Juan Wang
- b Central Laboratory , Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM , Shanghai 200137 , China
| | - Khalid Rahman
- c Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool L3 3AF , UK
| | - Jian-Yong Zhu
- b Central Laboratory , Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM , Shanghai 200137 , China
| | - Hong Zhang
- a School of Pharmacy , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chengdu 611137 , China
- b Central Laboratory , Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM , Shanghai 200137 , China
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Saikosaponin‑d alleviates carbon‑tetrachloride induced acute hepatocellular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the HL‑7702 cell line. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7939-7946. [PMID: 29620210 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin‑d (SSd) the primary active component of triterpene saponin derived from Bupleurum falcatum L., possesses anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of SSd on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‑induced acute hepatocellular injury in the HL‑7702 cell line and its underlying mechanisms. HL‑7702 cells were treated with SSd at different doses (0.5, 1 or 2 µmol/l). Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay. Injury was assessed by the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Oxidative stress was assessed using malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total‑superoxide dismutase (T‑SOD) activity. The expression of nucleotide‑binding domain, leucine‑rich‑containing family, pyrin domain‑containing‑3 (NLRP3), apoptosis‑associated speck‑like protein (ASC), caspase‑1 and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) was assessed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and western blot analysis. Interleukin (IL)‑1β and IL‑18 were determined by RT‑qPCR and ELISA. SSd attenuated the inhibition of cell viability and the high AST and ALT levels induced by CCl4 in HL‑7702 cells. Oxidative stress was induced in HL‑7702 cells by CCl4, as demonstrated by the increase of MDA and the decrease of T‑SOD activity. These changes were reversed by SSd. SSd significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase‑1, IL‑1β, IL‑18 and HMGB1 induced by CCl4. In conclusion SSd alleviated CCl4‑induced acute hepatocellular injury, possibly by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the HL‑7702 cell line.
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Liang GW, Chen YC, Wang Y, Wang HM, Pan XY, Chen PH, Niu QX. Interaction between Saikosaponin D, Paeoniflorin, and Human Serum Albumin. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020249. [PMID: 29382045 PMCID: PMC6017552 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin D (SSD) and paeoniflorin (PF) are the major active constituents of Bupleuri Radix and Paeonia lactiflora Pall, respectively, and have been widely used in China to treat liver and other diseases for many centuries. We explored the binding of SSD/PF to human serum albumin (HSA) by using fluorospectrophotometry, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking. Both SSD and PF produced a conformational change in HSA. Fluorescence quenching was accompanied by a blue shift in the fluorescence spectra. Co-binding of PF and SSD also induced quenching and a conformational change in HSA. The Stern-Volmer equation showed that quenching was dominated by static quenching. The binding constant for ternary interaction was below that for binary interaction. Site-competitive experiments demonstrated that SSD/PF bound to site I (subdomain IIA) and site II (subdomain IIIA) in HSA. Analysis of thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were mostly responsible for the binary association. Also, there was energy transfer upon binary interaction. Molecular docking supported the experimental findings in conformation, binding sites and binding forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Wu Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Inflammation and Immune Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Yi-Cun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Inflammation and Immune Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Hong-Mei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Inflammation and Immune Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Xiang-Yu Pan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Inflammation and Immune Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Pei-Hong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Qing-Xia Niu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Inflammation and Immune Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong 515041, China.
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Que R, Shen Y, Ren J, Tao Z, Zhu X, Li Y. Estrogen receptor‑β‑dependent effects of saikosaponin‑d on the suppression of oxidative stress‑induced rat hepatic stellate cell activation. Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:1357-1364. [PMID: 29286085 PMCID: PMC5819932 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is one of the major triterpenoid saponins derived from Bupleurum falcatum L., which has been reported to possess antifibrotic activity. At present, there is little information regarding the potential target of SSd in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which serve an important role in excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Our recent study indicated that SSd may be considered a novel type of phytoestrogen with estrogen-like actions. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of SSd on the proliferation and activation of HSCs, and the underlying mechanisms associated with estrogen receptors. In the present study, a rat HSC line (HSC-T6) was used and cultured with dimethyl sulfoxide, SSd, or estradiol (E2; positive control), in the presence or absence of three estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists [ICI-182780, methylpiperidinopyrazole (MPP) or (R,R)-tetrahydrochrysene (THC)], for 24 h as pretreatment. Oxidative stress was induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide for 4 h. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT growth assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP- 1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen-1 (COL1) levels in cell culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by flow cytometry. Total and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by western blot analysis. TGF-β1 mRNA expression was determined by RT-quantitative (q)PCR. SSd and E2 were able to significantly suppress oxidative stress-induced proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, SSd and E2 were able to reduce ECM deposition, as demonstrated by the decrease in transforming growth factor-β1, hydroxyproline, collagen-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, and by the increase in matrix metalloproteinase-1. These results suggested that the possible molecular mechanism could involve downregulation of the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway. Finally, the effects of SSd and E2 could be blocked by co-incubation with ICI-182780 or THC, but not MPP, thus indicating that ERβ may be the potential target of SSd in HSC-T6 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggested that SSd may suppress oxidative stress-induced activation of HSCs, which relied on modulation of ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renye Que
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Yanting Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Jianlin Ren
- Department of Scientific Research, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
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Yuan B, Yang R, Ma Y, Zhou S, Zhang X, Liu Y. A systematic review of the active saikosaponins and extracts isolated from Radix Bupleuri and their applications. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017; 55:620-635. [PMID: 27951737 PMCID: PMC6130612 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1262433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Radix Bupleuri has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years with functions of relieving exterior syndrome, clearing heat, regulating liver-qi, and lifting yang-qi. More natural active compounds, especially saikosaponins, have been isolated from Radix Bupleuri, which possess various valuable pharmacological activities. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on pharmacological activities, mechanisms and applications of extracts and saikosaponins isolated from Radix Bupleuri, and obtain new insights for further research and development of Radix Bupleuri. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Research Gate, Academic Journals and Google Scholar were used as information sources through the inclusion of the search terms 'Radix Bupleuri', 'Bupleurum', 'saikosaponins', 'Radix Bupleuri preparation', and their combinations, mainly from the year 2008 to 2016 without language restriction. Clinical preparations containing Radix Bupleuri were collected from official website of China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION 296 papers were searched and 128 papers were reviewed. A broad spectrum of in vitro and in vivo research has proved that Radix Bupleuri extracts, saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d, saikosaponin c, and saikosaponin b2, exhibit evident anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, anti-allergic, immunoregulation, and neuroregulation activities mainly through NF-κB, MAPK or other pathways. 15 clinical preparations approved by CFDA remarkably broaden the application of Radix Bupleuri. The main side effect of Radix Bupleuri is liver damage when the dosage is excess, which indicates that the maximum tolerated dose is critical for clinical use of Radix Bupleuri extract and purified compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochuan Yuan
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Yang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Ma
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Zhou
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- CONTACT Ying LiuSchool of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Wangjing Zhonghuan South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing100102, China
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Chen MF, Huang SJ, Huang CC, Liu PS, Lin KI, Liu CW, Hsieh WC, Shiu LY, Chen CH. Saikosaponin d induces cell death through caspase-3-dependent, caspase-3-independent and mitochondrial pathways in mammalian hepatic stellate cells. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:532. [PMID: 27461108 PMCID: PMC4962421 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Saikosaponin d (SSd) is one of the main active triterpene saponins in Bupleurum falcatum. It has a steroid-like structure, and is reported to have pharmacological activities, including liver protection in rat, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in several cancer cell lines. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of mammalian cells under SSd treatment are still unclear. Methods The cytotoxicity and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) upon SSd treatment were discovered by MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. The collage I/III, caspase activity and apoptotic related genes were examined by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and ELISA. The mitochondrial functions were monitored by flow cytometry, MitoTracker staining, ATP production and XF24 bioenergetic assay. Results This study found that SSd triggers cell death via an apoptosis path. An example of this path might be typical apoptotic morphology, increased sub-G1 phase cell population, inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. However, the apoptotic effects induced by SSd are partially blocked by the caspase-3 inhibitor, Z-DEVD-FMK, suggesting that SSd may trigger both HSC-T6 and LX-2 cell apoptosis through caspase-3-dependent and independent pathways. We also found that SSd can trigger BAX and BAK translocation from the cytosol to the mitochondria, resulting in mitochondrial function inhibition, membrane potential disruption. Finally, SSd also increases the release of apoptotic factors. Conclusions The overall analytical data indicate that SSd-elicited cell death may occur through caspase-3-dependent, caspase-3-independent and mitochondrial pathways in mammalian HSCs, and thus can delay the formation of liver fibrosis by reducing the level of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Feng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - S Joseph Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Chao-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Tissue Bank and Biobank, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Shihlin, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-I Lin
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Lukang Zhen, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wen Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Hsieh
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, I-SHOU University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yen Shiu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research, Cell Therapy and Research Center, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No.6, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City, 82445, Taiwan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chang-Han Chen
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan. .,Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Antifibrotic effect of meloxicam in rat liver: role of nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 389:971-83. [PMID: 27245167 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the antifibrotic effect of meloxicam in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and elucidating its underlying mechanism. Forty male rats were equally randomized for 8-week treatment with corn oil (negative control), CCl4 (to induce liver fibrosis), and/or meloxicam. Meloxicam effectively ameliorated the CCl4-induced alterations in liver histology, liver weight to body weight ratio, liver functions, and serum markers for liver fibrosis (hyaluronic acid, laminin, and PCIII). Meloxicam significantly abrogated CCl4-induced elevation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions for collagen I and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hepatic contents of hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases (TIMP-1). Meloxicam mitigated CCl4-induced elevation in hepatic levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-l beta (IL 1β), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Meloxicam modulated CCl4-induced disturbance of liver cytochrome P450 subfamily 2E1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The attenuation of meloxicam to liver fibrosis was associated with suppression of oxidative stress via reduction of lipid peroxides along with induction of reduced glutathione content and enhancement of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities. This study provides an evidence for antifibrotic effect of meloxicam against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rat. The antifibrotic mechanism of meloxicam could be through decreasing NF-κB level and subsequent proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, NO, IL-1 beta, and PGE2) and, hence, collagen deposition through inhibition of TIMP-1 and TGF-β. Abrogation of oxidative stress and modulation of liver-metabolizing enzymes (CYP2E1 and GST) were also involved.
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Han LP, Li CJ, Sun B, Xie Y, Guan Y, Ma ZJ, Chen LM. Protective Effects of Celastrol on Diabetic Liver Injury via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:2641248. [PMID: 27057550 PMCID: PMC4745324 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2641248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune and inflammatory pathways play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic liver injury. Celastrol is a potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent. So far, there is no evidence regarding the mechanism of innate immune alterations of celastrol on diabetic liver injury in type 2 diabetic animal models. The present study was aimed at investigating protective effects of celastrol on the liver injury in diabetic rats and at elucidating the possible involved mechanisms. We analyzed the liver histopathological and biochemical changes and the expressions of TLR4 mediated signaling pathway. Compared to the normal control group, diabetic rats were found to have obvious steatohepatitis and proinflammatory cytokine activities were significantly upregulated. Celastrol-treated diabetic rats show reduced hepatic inflammation and macrophages infiltration. The expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and downstream inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNFα in the hepatic tissue of treated rats were downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. We firstly found that celastrol treatment could delay the progression of diabetic liver disease in type 2 diabetic rats via inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling cascade pathways and its downstream inflammatory effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-ping Han
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chun-jun Li
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Bei Sun
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yun Xie
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yue Guan
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ze-jun Ma
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Li-ming Chen
- 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Hormone and Development, Ministry of Health, Metabolic Disease Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- *Li-ming Chen:
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Wei SZ, Luo SQ, Wang J, Wang JB, Li RS, Zhang XM, Guo YL, Chen C, Ma X, Chen Z, Liu HH, Yang ZR, Li JY, Wang RL, Zhang YM, Yang HY, Xiao XH, Zhao YL. San-Cao Granule (三草颗粒) Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis through High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein/Smad Signaling Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2015; 24:502-511. [PMID: 26688180 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-2127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Emodin inhibits coxsackievirus B3 replication via multiple signalling cascades leading to suppression of translation. Biochem J 2015; 473:473-85. [PMID: 26621875 DOI: 10.1042/bj20150419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CVB3 (coxsackievirus 3) is a primary causal agent of viral myocarditis. Emodin is a natural compound isolated from certain plant roots. In the present study, we found that emodin inhibited CVB3 replication in vitro and in mice, and now we report an unrecognized mechanism by which emodin inhibits CVB3 replication through suppression of viral protein translation via multiple pathways. On one hand, emodin treatment inhibited Akt/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling and activated 4EBP1 (eukaryotic initiation factor 4R-binding protein 1), leading to suppression of translation initiation of ribosomal protein L32 encoded by a 5'-TOP (terminal oligopyrimidine) mRNA. On the other hand, emodin treatment differentially regulated multiple signal cascades, including Akt/mTORC1/p70(S6K) (p70 S6 kinase), ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2)/p90(RSK) (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin, leading to activation of eEF2K (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase) and subsequent inactivation of eEF2 (eukaryotic elongation factor 2), resulting in inhibition of CVB3 VP1 (viral protein 1) synthesis. These data imply that eEF2K is a major factor mediating cross-talk of different arms of signalling cascades in this signal network. This notion was verified by either overexpressing eEF2K or treating the cells with siRNAs or eEF2K inhibitor A484954. We showed further that the emodin-induced decrease in p70(S6K) phosphorylation plays a dominant positive role in activation of eEF2K and in turn in conferring the antiviral effect of emodin. This finding was further solidified by expressing constitutively active and dominant-negative Akt. Collectively, our data reveal that emodin inhibits viral replication through impairing translational machinery and suppression of viral translation elongation.
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Wei XL, Fang RT, Yang YH, Bi XY, Ren GX, Luo AL, Zhao M, Zang WJ. Protective effects of extracts from Pomegranate peels and seeds on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 15:389. [PMID: 26508316 PMCID: PMC4624702 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a feature in the majority of chronic liver diseases and oxidative stress is considered to be its main pathogenic mechanism. Antioxidants including vitamin E, are effective in preventing liver fibrogenesis. Several plant-drived antioxidants, such as silymarin, baicalin, beicalein, quercetin, apigenin, were shown to interfere with liver fibrogenesis. The antioxidans above are polyphenols, flavonoids or structurally related compounds which are the main chemical components of Pomegranate peels and seeds, and the antioxidant activity of Pomegranate peels and seeds have been verified. Here we investigated whether the extracts of pomegranate peels (EPP) and seeds (EPS) have preventive efficacy on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and explored its possible mechanisms. METHODS The animal model was established by injection with 50 % CCl4 subcutaneously in male wistar rats twice a week for four weeks. Meanwhile, EPP and EPS were administered orally every day for 4 weeks, respectively. The protective effects of EPP and EPS on biochemical metabolic parameters, liver function, oxidative markers, activities of antioxidant enzymes and liver fibrosis were determined in CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats. RESULTS Compared with the sham group, the liver function was worse in CCl4 group, manifested as increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. EPP and EPS treatment significantly ameliorated these effects of CCl4. EPP and EPS attenuated CCl4-induced increase in the levels of TGF-β1, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid laminin and procollagen type III. They also restored the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidized products in rats treated with CCl4. CONCLUSION The EPP and EPS have protective effects against liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, and its mechanisms might be associated with their antioxidant activity, the ability of decreasing the level of TGF-β1 and inhibition of collagen synthesis.
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Strategies to prevent and reverse liver fibrosis in humans and laboratory animals. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1727-50. [PMID: 25963329 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic damage to the liver in conjunction with various pathways and is mediated by a complex microenvironment. Based on clinical observations, it is now evident that fibrosis is a dynamic, bidirectional process with an inherent capacity for recovery and remodeling. The major mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis include the repetitive injury of hepatocytes, the activation of the inflammatory response after injury stimulation, and the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which represents the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, stimulated by hepatocyte injury and inflammation. The microenvironment in the liver is synergistically regulated abnormal ECM deposition, scar formation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis. Moreover, recent studies have clarified novel mechanism in fibrosis such as epigenetic regulation of HSCs, the leptin and PPARγ pathways, the coagulation system, and even autophagy. Uncovering the mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis provides a basis to develop potential therapies to reverse and treat the fibrotic response, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease. Although both scientific and clinical challenges remain, emerging studies attempt to reveal the ideal anti-fibrotic drug that could be easily delivered to the liver with high specificity and low toxicity. This review highlights the mechanisms, including novel pathways underlying fibrogenesis that may be translated into preventive and treatment strategies, reviews both current and novel agents that target specific pathways or multiple targets, and discusses novel drug delivery systems such as nanotechnology that can be applied in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In addition, we also discuss some current treatment strategies that are being applied in animal models and in clinical trials.
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Duval F, Moreno-Cuevas JE, González-Garza MT, Maldonado-Bernal C, Cruz-Vega DE. Liver fibrosis and mechanisms of the protective action of medicinal plants targeting inflammation and the immune response. Int J Inflam 2015; 2015:943497. [PMID: 25954568 PMCID: PMC4411506 DOI: 10.1155/2015/943497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a central feature of liver fibrosis as suggested by its role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells leading to extracellular matrix deposition. During liver injury, inflammatory cells are recruited in the injurious site through chemokines attraction. Thus, inflammation could be a target to reduce liver fibrosis. The pandemic trend of obesity, combined with the high incidence of alcohol intake and viral hepatitis infections, highlights the urgent need to find accessible antifibrotic therapies. Medicinal plants are achieving popularity as antifibrotic agents, supported by their safety, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. The aim of this review is to describe the role of inflammation and the immune response in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and detail the mechanisms of inhibition of both events by medicinal plants in order to reduce liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Duval
- Catedra de Terapia Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Avenida Morones Prieto 3000 Pte., 64710 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Jorge E. Moreno-Cuevas
- Catedra de Terapia Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Avenida Morones Prieto 3000 Pte., 64710 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - María Teresa González-Garza
- Catedra de Terapia Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Avenida Morones Prieto 3000 Pte., 64710 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Carmen Maldonado-Bernal
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunología y Proteómica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Calle Dr. Márquez 162, 06720 Ciudad de México, DF, Mexico
| | - Delia Elva Cruz-Vega
- Catedra de Terapia Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Avenida Morones Prieto 3000 Pte., 64710 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
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Huang W, Li L, Tian X, Yan J, Yang X, Wang X, Liao G, Qiu G. Astragalus and Paeoniae radix rubra extract inhibits liver fibrosis by modulating the transforming growth factor‑β/Smad pathway in rats. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:805-14. [PMID: 25373883 PMCID: PMC4262501 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been previously demonstrated that Astragalus and Paeoniae radix rubra extract (APE) had a protective effect against liver fibrosis in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of APE on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of 50% CCl4 twice a week for eight weeks. Organ coefficients, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hexadecenoic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type III (PCIII), hydroxyproline (Hyp), glutathione (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels were measured in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Histopathological changes in affected livers were studied using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression of transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway proteins, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III was observed in fibrotic livers using western blot analysis. The present study observed significant reductions in serum levels of AST, ALT, HA, LN, PCIII and Hyp in APE-treated (2.6 and 5.2 g/kg) rats, indicating the significant hepatoprotective effects of APE. Furthermore, the depletion of GSH-Px and SOD, in addition to the accumulation of MDA in liver tissue was suppressed by APE (2.6 and 5.2 g/kg). Pathological assessment of CCl4-induced fibrotic livers revealed a significant reduction of liver injury and development of hepatic fibrosis in rats treated with APE (2.6 and 5.2 g/kg). Moreover, APE (2.6 and 5.2 g/kg) decreased the elevation of TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I and collagen III expression, inhibited Smad2/3 phosphorylation as well as elevated the expression of the TGF-β1 inhibitor Smad7. These results suggested that APE may protect against liver damage and inhibit the progression of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. The mechanism of action of APE is hypothesized to proceed via scavenging free radicals, decreasing TGF-β1 levels and blocking of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijuan Huang
- Department of Scientific Research, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Scientific Research, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jinjin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xinzheng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Department of Scientific Research, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Guozhen Liao
- Department of Scientific Research, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Genquan Qiu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710061, P.R. China
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LI XIA, HE CAN, WU WANGYANG, HUANG HUAN, LI WEIZU, YIN YANYAN. Anti-fibrotic effects of Acremoniumterricola milleretal mycelium on immunological hepatic fibrosis in rats. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:3327-33. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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He S, Lu G, Hou H, Zhao Z, Zhu Z, Lu X, Chen J, Wang Z. Saikosaponin‑d suppresses the expression of cyclooxygenase‑2 through the phospho‑signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:2556-62. [PMID: 25231214 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and accounts for ~6% of all types of human cancer worldwide, particularly in Asia. The incidence and mortality rates in the USA have also rapidly increased. Saikosaponin‑d (SSD), a saponin derivative extracted from several species of Bupleurum (Umbelliferae), possesses unique biological activities, including anti‑inflammatory, antihepatitic and immunomodulatory effects. Our previous studies have demonstrated that SSD inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of HCC SMMC‑7721 cells by downregulating the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‑2 and decreasing the production of prostaglandin E2. However, the specific mechanism underlying how SSD controls the expression of COX‑2 remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was demonstrated that hypoxia inducible factor‑1α (HIF‑1α) was responsible for the expression of COX‑2 under hypoxic conditions in HCC cells, and the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was required for the expression of HIF‑1α. SSD treatment inhibited STAT3 activation [phosphorylation of STAT3 (p‑STAT3)], reduced the protein level of HIF‑1α and decreased the expression of COX‑2. These results suggested that SSD may target HCC cells by suppressing the expression of COX‑2 through the p‑STAT3/HIF‑1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuixiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Guifang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Helei Hou
- Department of Oncology, Qindao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjun Zhao
- The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Zhanfang Zhu
- Department of Public Health, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P.R. China
| | - Xinlan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Department of Public Health, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P.R. China
| | - Zhilun Wang
- Department of Public Health, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, P.R. China
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Abdelaziz DHA, Ali SA. The protective effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:736-743. [PMID: 24945397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In traditional Egyptian medicine, Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seeds are listed in folk remedies for the management of diabetes, liver diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds aqueous suspension against the chemically-induced hepatic injury in rats. METHODS Liver injury was achieved by exposing Wistar rats to CCl4 (10% in olive oil; 0.5 mL/rat; IP) twice a week for 4 weeks. Along with CCl4, aqueous suspensions of raw or roasted Phoenix dactylifera seeds (1.0 g/kg) were administered orally in a daily manner. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that Phoenix dactylifera seeds significantly improved the CCl4-induced alterations in liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP and albumin). Moreover, the CCl4-induced oxidative stress, represented by elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), nitric oxide and oxidative DNA damage, was ameliorated by Phoenix dactylifera seeds treatment. In addition, Phoenix dactylifera seeds restored the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase) that were declined after CCl4 treatment. Examination of liver histopathology revealed that Phoenix dactylifera seeds attenuate the incidence of liver lesions (including vacuolization and fibroblast proliferation) triggered by CCl4 intoxication. CONCLUSION The Phoenix dactylifera seeds could be a promising candidate for protection against the CCl4-induced liver intoxication, and this hepatoprotective effect might be attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia H A Abdelaziz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sahar A Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Yao Y, Yang X, Shi Z, Ren G. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Saponins from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) Seeds in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages Cells. J Food Sci 2014; 79:H1018-23. [DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yao
- Inst. of Crop Science; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081 China
| | - Xiushi Yang
- Inst. of Crop Science; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081 China
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering; Shanxi Univ.; Taiyuan 030006 China
| | - Zhenxing Shi
- Inst. of Crop Science; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081 China
| | - Guixing Ren
- Inst. of Crop Science; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081 China
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering; Shanxi Univ.; Taiyuan 030006 China
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Chen MF, Huang CC, Liu PS, Chen CH, Shiu LY. Saikosaponin a and saikosaponin d inhibit proliferation and migratory activity of rat HSC-T6 cells. J Med Food 2014; 16:793-800. [PMID: 24044489 PMCID: PMC3778952 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2013.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) profoundly impact the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. As a perennial herb native to China, Bupleurum falcatum is administered for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antihepatotoxic effects. Saikosaponin a (SSa) and Saikosaponin d (SSd) are the major active components of triterpene saponins in Bupleurum falcatum. This study analyzes how SSa and SSd affect rat HSC-T6 cell line proliferation and migration. Experimental results indicate that, in addition to suppressing HSC-T6 proliferation, wound healing activity and cell migration in a time- and dose-dependent manner, SSa and SSd significantly induce apoptosis. Additionally, SSa and SSd decreased the expressions of extracellular matrix-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor 1 (PDGFR1), and subsequently transforming growth factor-β1 receptor (TGF-β1R), α-smooth muscle actin, TGF-β1 and connective tissue growth factor. They also decreased phosphorylation of p38 (p-p38) and ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) of HSC-T6. Furthermore, both SSa and SSd can block PDGF-BB and TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and migration of HSC-T6. These results suggest that SSa and SSd may inhibit proliferation and activation of HSC-T6, and the modulated mechanisms warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Feng Chen
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-DA hospital , Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Wang BF, Dai ZJ, Wang XJ, Bai MH, Lin S, Ma HB, Wang YL, Song LQ, Ma XL, Zan Y, Min WL, Cheng YA. Saikosaponin-d increases the radiosensitivity of smmc-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells by adjusting the g0/g1 and g2/m checkpoints of the cell cycle. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:263. [PMID: 24119370 PMCID: PMC3852960 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Saikosaponin-d (SSd), a monomer terpenoid purified from the Chinese herbal drug Radix bupleuri, has multiple effects, including anticancer properties. However, the effect of SSd on tumors exposed to radiation is largely unknown. To investigate the radiosensitizing effect of SSd and its possible mechanism, we combined SSd with radiation therapy to treat SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells under oxia and hypoxia. Methods Cell growth, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution were examined after treatment with SSd alone, radiation alone, and their combinations under oxia and hypoxia. The protein and mRNA levels of p53, Bcl2, and BAX were measured using western blot analysis and RT-PCR, respectively. Results Treatment with SSd alone and radiation alone inhibited cell growth and increased apoptosis rate at the concentration used. These effects were enhanced when SSd was combined with radiation. Moreover, SSd potentiated the effects of radiation to induce G0/G1 arrest in SMMC-7721 cells, and reduced the G2/M-phase population under hypoxia. However, under oxia, SSd only potentiated the effects of radiation to induce G0/G1 arrest, but not G2/M-phase arrest. These effects of SSd alone, radiation alone, and their combination, were accompanied by upregulated expression of p53 and BAX and downregulation of Bcl2 expression under oxia and hypoxia. Conclusion SSd potentiates the effects of radiation on SMMC-7721 cells; thus, it is a promising radiosensitizer. The radiosensitizing effect of SSd may contribute to its effect on the G0/G1 and G2/M checkpoints of the cell cycle.
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Chinese Medicines as an Adjuvant Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:487919. [PMID: 23956773 PMCID: PMC3730382 DOI: 10.1155/2013/487919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To conduct a comprehensive PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicines (CMs) as an adjuvant therapy for unresectable HCC during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods. Main databases were searched up to October 2012 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of CMs plus TACE on unresectable HCC compared with TACE alone. References of relevant reviews and eligible studies were also assessed. Risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and mean difference were calculated. Heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. Results. Sixty-seven trials (N = 5,211) were included in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis and random-effects model were performed for assessing significant heterogeneity. CMs plus TACE showed beneficial effects on tumor response, survival at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, quality of life, and TACE toxicity reduction compared with TACE alone. Conclusion. The results show that the use of CMs may increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of TACE in treating patients with unresectable HCC. These findings suggest that CMs could be considered as an adjuvant therapy for unresectable HCC patients during TACE. Larger-scale RCTs using standard methods and long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.
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