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Shi H, Duan X, Dong J, Tao Y, Lei Y. RNA-seq combined network pharmacology reveals that Fu-Gan-Wan (FGW) inhibits liver fibrosis via NF-κB/CCL2/CCR2 and lipid peroxidation via Nrf2/HMOX1 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117963. [PMID: 38387680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117963] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liver fibrosis is a serious complication of liver disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, without effective therapeutic agents in the clinic. Fu-Gan-Wan (FGW) is an empirical formula used for the clinical treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis. It has been shown to reverse experimental liver fibrosis. However, its corresponding mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study aimed to elucidate the key pathways and target genes of FGW in attenuating liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The therapeutic effects of different doses of FGW on liver fibrosis were investigated using a 2 mL/kg 15% CCl4-induced mouse model. Then, RNA-seq combined with network pharmacology was used to analyze the key biological processes and signaling pathways underlying the anti-liver fibrosis exertion of FGW. These findings were validated in a TGF-β1-induced model of activation and proliferation of mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS-1. Finally, the key signaling pathways and molecular targets were validated using animal tissues, and the effect of FGW on tissue lipid peroxidation was additionally observed. RESULTS We found that 19.5 g/kg FGW significantly down-regulated CCl4-induced elevation of hepatic ALT and AST, decreased collagen deposition, and inhibited the expression of pro-fibrotic factors α-SMA, COL1α1, CTGF, TIMP-1, as well as pro-inflammatory factor TGF-β1. Additionally, FGW at doses of 62.5, 125, and 250 μg/mL dose-dependently blocked JS-1 proliferation, migration, and activation. Furthermore, RNA-seq identified the NF-κB signaling pathway as a key target molecular pathway for FGW against liver fibrosis, and network pharmacology combined with RNA-seq focused on 11 key genes. Significant changes were identified in CCL2 and HMOX1 by tissue RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We further demonstrated that FGW significantly attenuated CCl4-induced increases in p-p65, CCL2, CCR2, and HMOX1, while significantly elevating Nrf2. Finally, FGW significantly suppressed the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products MDA and 4-HNE and reconfigured the oxidation-reduction balance, including promoting the increase of antioxidants GPx, GSH, and SOD, and the decrease of peroxidation products ROS and GSSG. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that FGW exhibits potential in mitigating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, and iron metabolism disorders in mice. This effect may be mediated through the NF-κB/CCL2/CCR2 and Nrf2/HMOX1 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Shi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Duan
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Tao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yang Lei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Choubey P, Sharma V, Joshi R, Upadhyaya A, Kumar D, Patial V. Hydroethanolic extract of Gentiana kurroo Royle rhizome ameliorates ethanol-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrogenesis in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117866. [PMID: 38350504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gentiana kurroo Royle is a medicinal plant mentioned as Traymana in Ayurveda. In the folklore, it is used to cure fever, stomach ache, skin diseases and liver disorders. However, limited reports are available on the therapeutic potential of Gentiana kurroo Royle against alcohol-induced liver damage. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess the effectiveness of the hydroethanolic extract of Gentiana kurroo Royle rhizome (GKRE) against alcohol-induced liver injury and explore the mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS GKRE was characterized using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The binding affinity of the identified compound was studied in silico. In vitro studies were performed in the Huh-7 cell line. An acute oral toxicity study (2 g/kg BW) of GKRE was done in rats following OECD 420 guidelines. In the efficacy study, rats were treated with 50% ethanol (5 mL/kg BW, orally) for 4 weeks, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of CCl4 (30%; 1 mL/kg BW) to induce liver injury. After 4th week, the rats were treated with GKRE at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW doses for the next fifteen days. The biochemical and antioxidant parameters were analyzed using commercial kits and a biochemistry analyzer. Histopathology, gene and protein expressions were studied using qRT PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Thirteen compounds were detected in GKRE. Few compounds showed a strong interaction with the fibrotic and inflammatory proteins in silico. GKRE reduced (p < 0.05) the ethanol-induced ROS production and inflammation in Huh-7 cells. The acute oral toxicity study revealed no adverse effect of GKRE in rats at 2 g/kg BW. GKRE improved (p < 0.05) the body and liver weights in ethanol-treated rats. GKRE improved (p < 0.05) the mRNA levels of ADH, SREBP1c and mitochondrial biogenesis genes in the liver tissues. GKRE also improved (p < 0.05) the liver damage markers, lipid peroxidation and levels of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. A reduced severity (p < 0.05) of pathological changes, fibrotic tissue deposition and caspase 3/7 activity were observed in the liver tissues of GKRE-treated rats. Further, GKRE downregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of fibrotic (TGFβ, αSMA and SMADs) and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, IL1β and NFκB) in the liver. CONCLUSION GKRE showed efficacy against alcohol-induced liver damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and fibrogenesis in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Choubey
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; PG Department of Dravyaguna, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, 176115, HP, India
| | - Vinesh Sharma
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, UP, India
| | - Robin Joshi
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, UP, India
| | - Ashwani Upadhyaya
- PG Department of Dravyaguna, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, 176115, HP, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Chemical Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, UP, India
| | - Vikram Patial
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, UP, India.
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Liu B, Pang F, Bi H, Guo D. Regulatory mechanisms of Gentiopicroside on human diseases: a brief review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:725-750. [PMID: 37632552 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Gentiopicroside (GPS), a single compound isolated from Gentiana lutea L. and the crucial representative of secoiridoid constituent, has been permitted for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. GPS and its metabolites have been increasingly used in the search for clinical management with therapeutic properties and fewer side effects. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the involvement of molecular pathways in the therapeutic effects of GPS on human diseases and chronic conditions. This study presents a meticulously conducted comprehensive search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases (from 1983 to 2023), aimed at identifying articles relating to regulatory mechanisms of GPS on human diseases and the pharmacokinetics of GPS. The inclusion criteria were meticulously and precisely defined to encompass original research papers that explicitly focused on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of GPS in various human diseases through in vitro and animal studies. Notably, these studies were mandated to integrate specific genetic markers or pathways as essential components of their research inquiries. The evaluated pharmacokinetic parameters included maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC), clearance, and plasma half-life (t1/2). Subsequently, through a rigorous screening process of titles and abstracts, studies conducted in vitro or on animals, as well as those reporting pharmacokinetic data related to drugs other than GPS or language barriers, were systematically excluded. Drawing from the data and studies pertaining to this review, we conducted a thorough and informative analysis of the pharmacological characteristics and biological functions of GPS. These encompassed a wide range of effects, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antioxidant, analgesic, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties. The analysis provided a comprehensive and insightful understanding of GPS's pharmacological profile and its diverse activities. Enhancing theoretical and experimental methodologies could prove advantageous in expanding the clinical applications of GPS. This could involve optimizing the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of GPS, uncovering additional biomarkers and potential biotransformation pathways, and investigating its combined effects with standard-of-care medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655#, Daxue Road, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Feng Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Qingdao Hiser Hospital, No.4, Renmin Road, Qingdao, 266033, China
- Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266033, China
| | - Hongsheng Bi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, No. 48#, Yingxiongshan Road, Jinan, 250002, China
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Dadong Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, No. 48#, Yingxiongshan Road, Jinan, 250002, China.
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China.
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Yang HX, Jiang XL, Zuo RM, Wu YL, Nan JX, Lian LH. Targeting RXFP1 by Ligustilide: A novel therapeutic approach for alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111460. [PMID: 38157696 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111460] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ligustilide (Lig) is the main active ingredient of Umbelliferae Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Chinese Angelica) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Sichuan lovase rhizome). Lig possesses various pharmacological properties and could treat obesity by regulating energy metabolism. However, the impact and regulatory mechanism of Lig on alcoholic hepatic steatosis remains unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of Lig on alcoholic hepatic steatosis and its related pharmacological mechanism. RESULTS With chronic and binge ethanol feeding, liver tissue damage and lipid accumulation in mice suffering alcoholic hepatic steatosis were significantly improved after Lig treatment. Lig effectively regulated the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related proteins in alcoholic hepatic steatosis. In addition, Lig reduced RXFP1 expression, inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and blocked NET formation. Lig reduced the infiltration of immune cells to the liver and the further prevented the occurrence of alcohol-stimulated inflammatory response in liver. Lig significantly regulated lipid accumulation in alcohol exposed AML12 cells via modulating PPARα and SREBP1. In MPMs, Lig decreased the expression of RXFP1, inhibited the activation of NLRP3 in macrophages stimulated by LPS/ATP, and slowed down the occurrence of inflammatory response. CONCLUSION Lig sustained lipid metabolism homeostasis in alcoholic hepatic steatosis, through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and the formation of NETs, especially targeting RXFP1 in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Xue-Li Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Rong-Mei Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Ji-Xing Nan
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Li-Hua Lian
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University) of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
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Antoniadi L, Bartnik M, Angelis A, Wawruszak A, Halabalaki M, Kukula-Koch W, Skaltsounis LA. Gentiopicroside-An Insight into Its Pharmacological Significance and Future Perspectives. Cells 2023; 13:70. [PMID: 38201274 PMCID: PMC10778152 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gentiopicroside (GPS) is a leading component of several plant species from the Gentianaceae botanical family. As a compound with plenty of biological activities and a component of herbal drugs, GPS has an important role in the regulation of physiological processes in humans. The results of recently published scientific studies underline a meaningful role of this molecule as an active factor in metabolic pathways and mechanisms, which may have an influence in the treatment of different diseases, including digestive tract disorders, malignant changes, neurological disorders, microbial infections, bone formation disorders, inflammatory conditions, and others. This review aims to collect previously published reports on the biological properties of GPS as a single compound that were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and to draw attention to the newly discovered role of this bitter-tasting secoiridoid. Thanks to these properties, the research on this substance could be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemonia Antoniadi
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (L.A.); (A.A.); (M.H.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Magdalena Bartnik
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Apostolis Angelis
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (L.A.); (A.A.); (M.H.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Anna Wawruszak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Halabalaki
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (L.A.); (A.A.); (M.H.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Leandros A. Skaltsounis
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (L.A.); (A.A.); (M.H.); (L.A.S.)
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Ji X, Ma Q, Wang X, Ming H, Bao G, Fu M, Wei C. Digeda-4 decoction and its disassembled prescriptions improve dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway on tyloxapol-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116827. [PMID: 37348794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver and the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Digeda-4 decoction (DGD-4) is a commonly prescribed Mongolian herbal drug for treating acute and chronic liver injury and fatty liver. However, the mechanisms underlying the improvement of dislipidemia and liver injury via treatment with DGD-4 remain unclear. Disassembling a prescription is an effective approach to studying the effects and mechanisms underlying Mongolian medicine prescriptions. By disassembling a prescription, it is feasible to discover effective combinations of individual herbs to optimize a given prescription. Accordingly, we disassembled DGD-4 into two groups: the single Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries ex Nym (LR) (DGD-1) and non-LR (DGD-3). AIM OF THIS STUDY To study whether DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions have protective effects against tyloxapol (TY)-induced NAFLD and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and compatibility of prescriptions. MATERIAL AND METHODS NAFLD mice were developed by TY induction. Biochemical horizontal analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and liver histological staining were performed to explore the protective effects of DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions DGD-3 and DGD-1. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemical analyses and Western blotting to further explore the expression of target proteins. RESULTS DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions could inhibit TY-induced dislipidemia and liver injury. In addition, DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions increased the levels of p-AMPKα and p-ACC, but decreased the levels of SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1 proteins. The activation of lipid metabolic pathways SIRT1, PGC-1α, and PPARα improved lipid accumulation in the liver. Moreover, DGD-4 could inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and treat TY-induced liver injury by upregulating the Bcl-2 expression, downregulating the expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and positively regulating the imbalance of oxidative stress (OxS) markers (such as superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA], and myeloperoxidase [MPO]). DGD-1 was superior to DGD-3 in regulating lipid synthesis-related proteins such as SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1. DGD-3 significantly affected the expression of lipid metabolic proteins SIRT1, PGC-1α, PPARα, apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, DGD-1 showed no regulatory effects on Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the protective effects of DGD-4 in the TY-induced NAFLD mice through a mechanism involving improvement of dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Although the Monarch drug DGD-1 reduces lipid accumulation and DGD-3 inhibits apoptosis and protects the liver from injury, DGD-4 can be more effective overall as a therapy when compared to DGD-1 and DGD-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ji
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Qianqian Ma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Xuan Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Hui Ming
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Guihua Bao
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Minghai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Chengxi Wei
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
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Fu J, Yu H, Guo Q, Wang Y, Xu H, Lu J, Hu J, Wang Y. Metabolic Transformation of Gentiopicrin, a Liver Protective Active Ingredient, Based on Intestinal Bacteria. Molecules 2023; 28:7575. [PMID: 38005297 PMCID: PMC10673279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gentiopicrin, the main component of the famous Chinese patent medicine Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, has the characteristics of fast absorption in vivo and low bioavailability. Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the absorption and pharmacokinetics of oral drugs. In this study, the metabolic transformation of gentiopicrin by intestinal bacteria was examined. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MSn-IT-TOF) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used, and six metabolites were identified, including reduction products (G-M1, G-M2, G-M4, and G-M6), a hydrolytic product (G-M3), and a dehydration product (G-M5) of gentiopicrin aglycone after hydrolysis, reduction, and dehydration reactions were performed by the intestinal flora. This is the first time that chiral metabolites of gentiopicrin (G-M1 and G-M2) were found in this study. In addition, the precursors of glucuronic acid conjugates previously reported in vivo may have come from the intestinal bacterial metabolites G-M1, G-M2, and G-M3. In addition, the metabolic transformation of gentiopicrin in liver microsomes was studied in vitro, and it was found that gentiopicrin did not undergo metabolic transformation under the action of liver microsomes. It is suggested that gentiopicroside may be metabolized in the intestine. This study provides both new insight regarding the investigation of effective substances and an exploration of the pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties of gentiopicrin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (J.F.); (H.Y.); (Q.G.); (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.); (J.H.)
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Wang X, Long D, Hu X, Guo N. Gentiopicroside modulates glucose homeostasis in high-fat-diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1172360. [PMID: 37601073 PMCID: PMC10438990 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1172360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gluconeogenesis is closely related to the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Gentiopicroside (GPS) is the main active secoiridoid glycoside in Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa, which can improve chronic complications associated with diabetes and regulate glucose metabolism. However, the effects and potential mechanisms by which GPS affects T2DM understudied and poorly understood. In this study, we systematically explored the pharmacological effects of GPS on T2DM induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) as well as explored its related mechanisms. The results showed that GPS supplementation discernibly decreased blood glucose levels, food intake and water consumption, ameliorated glucose intolerance, abnormal pyruvate tolerance, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, GPS discernibly ameliorated pathological morphological abnormalities of the liver and pancreas, reduced hepatic steatosis and maintain the balance between α-cells and β-cells in pancreas. Moreover, GPS significantly inhibited gluconeogenesis, as evidenced by the suppressed protein expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in the liver. Additionally, the results of Western blot analysis revealed that GPS increased p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-FOXO1 expression levels, and decreased FOXO1 expression at protein level in the liver. Furthermore, the results of the immunostaining and Western blot analysis demonstrated that GPS supplementation increased the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the ileum. Collectively, these results indicate that GPS may inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and ultimately improve T2DM. Together, these findings indicate that GPS is a potential candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of T2DM, and the results of our study will provide experimental basis for further exploration of the possibility of GPS as a therapeutic agent for T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Dongmei Long
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Disease Prevention, Control and Detection in Livestock and Poultry, Nanchong Vocational and Technical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianghong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Nan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yang C, Zhao Y, Luo Z, Hu Y, Wang S, Hu S, Yao Y, Pan L, Shen C, Xu T. Honokiol Inhibits the Inflammatory Response and Lipid Metabolism Disorder by Inhibiting p38α in Alcoholic Liver Disease. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:273-285. [PMID: 35714651 DOI: 10.1055/a-1878-3991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease is one of the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, but effective treatments are still lacking. Honokiol, a lignin-type natural compound isolated from the leaves and bark of Magnolia plants, has been widely studied for its beneficial effects on several chronic diseases. Accumulating studies have revealed that honokiol displays a potential therapeutic effect on alcoholic liver disease. In this study, the protective activity of honokiol on alcoholic liver disease was confirmed due to its significant inhibitory activity on the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) in EtOH-fed mice and in EtOH-induced AML-12 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of the lipid metabolic parameter sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c was also reduced. However, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α was increased in animal and cell experiments, which indicates that the activity of honokiol was related to its regulated activity on lipid metabolism. The result showed that honokiol significantly inhibited the expression level of p38α in vivo and in vitro. Blocking p38α inhibited the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c but promoted the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α compared with the honokiol-treated group. Moreover, the forced expression level of p38α further produced the opposite effect on inflammatory cytokines and lipid metabolism indicators. Furthermore, p38α has been related to the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. In our study, honokiol significantly inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway mediated by p38α. In conclusion, the results suggest that honokiol might be an effective regulator of p38α by downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism disorder in alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yinglian Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Zhipan Luo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuang Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Yao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Linxin Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanpu Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Xiao H, Sun X, Lin Z, Yang Y, Zhang M, Xu Z, Liu P, Liu Z, Huang H. Gentiopicroside targets PAQR3 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and ameliorate disordered glucose and lipid metabolism. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2887-2904. [PMID: 35755276 PMCID: PMC9214054 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The obstruction of post-insulin receptor signaling is the main mechanism of insulin-resistant diabetes. Progestin and adipoQ receptor 3 (PAQR3), a key regulator of inflammation and metabolism, can negatively regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Here, we report that gentiopicroside (GPS), the main bioactive secoiridoid glycoside of Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa, decreased lipid synthesis and increased glucose utilization in palmitic acid (PA) treated HepG2 cells. Additionally, GPS improved glycolipid metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ) treated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. Our findings revealed that GPS promoted the activation of the PI3K/AKT axis by facilitating DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2)-mediated PAQR3 ubiquitinated degradation. Moreover, results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), microscale thermophoresis (MST) and thermal shift assay (TSA) indicated that GPS directly binds to PAQR3. Results of molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) revealed that GPS directly bound to the amino acids of the PAQR3 NH2-terminus including Leu40, Asp42, Glu69, Tyr125 and Ser129, and spatially inhibited the interaction between PAQR3 and the PI3K catalytic subunit (P110α) to restore the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, our study identified GPS, which inhibits PAQR3 expression and directly targets PAQR3 to restore insulin signaling pathway, as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhanchi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding authors.
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11
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Fu K, Wang C, Ma C, Zhou H, Li Y. The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771459. [PMID: 34803712 PMCID: PMC8600187 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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12
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Zhang ZH, Yang HX, Jin Q, Wu YL, Cui ZY, Shang Y, Liu J, Zhan ZY, Lian LH, Nan JX. Luteolin attenuates hepatic injury in septic mice by regulating P2X7R-based HMGB1 release. Food Funct 2021; 12:10714-10727. [PMID: 34607339 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo01746b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and NLRP3 cooperatively participate in inflammation and hepatocyte damage during hepatic injury induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) released from immune cells in response to such stimuli plays a vital role in mediating inflammation via TLR4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a receptor for HMGB1. However, the correlation among P2X7R, RAGE and TLR4 in regulating the release of HMGB1 has not been elucidated. Increasing the number of daily foods is found to be beneficial for hepatocyte damage in septic hepatic injury. Hence, we investigated the effects of luteolin, a natural flavonoid mainly existing in vegetables and fruits, on liver injury, focusing on how luteolin participates in hepatitis based on the P2X7R-RAGE-TLR4 axis by regulating the release of HMGB1. The results demonstrated that the indicators of hepatic injury such as increased ALT, AST in the serum and infiltration of immune cells were attenuated after luteolin treatment in LPS-induced mice. Luteolin could also suppress the production and release of HMGB1 and the activation of caspase 1 both in LPS-induced mice and LPS/ATP-stimulated HepG2 cells. Collectively, luteolin reversed LPS-induced hepatic injury, especially inflammation, likely by regulating the release of HMGB1 through the P2X7R-RAGE-TLR4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Hong-Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Quan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Zhen-Yu Cui
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Yue Shang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Zi-Ying Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Li-Hua Lian
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - Ji-Xing Nan
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
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13
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He M, Hu C, Chen M, Gao Q, Li L, Tian W. Effects of Gentiopicroside on activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in acute gouty arthritis mice induced by MSU. J Nat Med 2021; 76:178-187. [PMID: 34586567 PMCID: PMC8732881 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute gouty arthritis is a self-limiting inflammatory disease resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. It has been shown that Gentiopicroside (GPS) possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic functions. The aim of this study was to parse out whether GPS has an effect on acute gouty arthritis. We established an acute gouty arthritis model by the injection of MSU into the paw, and found that GPS relieves MSU-induced mechanical, thermal hyperalgesia, and paw swelling. Furthermore, GPS down-regulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in paw tissues, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α. The results of H&E staining and MPO activity measurement showed that GPS inhibits neutrophil infiltration. And the over-expressions of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and Caspase-1 induced by MSU were inhibited by treatment with GPS. These results revealed that GPS can treat acute gouty arthritis based on anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in vivo, which might be ascribed to the inhibition on NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, we performed in vitro study to confirm the results of in vivo study. Consistently, the results proved that GPS could inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS-MSU. In conclusion, this study provides an experimental basis for the application of GPS and expands the potential value of GPS in the therapy of acute gouty arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Gao
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liqiu Li
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiqian Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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14
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Jiao W, Bai M, Yin H, Liu J, Sun J, Su X, Zeng H, Wen J. Therapeutic Effects of an Inhibitor of Thioredoxin Reductase on Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smads Pathway. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:690170. [PMID: 34540892 PMCID: PMC8440796 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.690170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an important stage in the progression of liver injury into cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to produce α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagens in liver fibrosis. Butaselen (BS), which was previously synthesized by our group, is an organic selenium compound that exerts antioxidant and tumor cell apoptosis–promoting effects by inhibiting the thioredoxin (Trx)/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of BS on liver fibrosis and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of its action. Liver fibrosis models were established using male BALB/c mice through intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. BS was administered orally once daily at a dose of 36, 90, or 180 mg/kg. Silymarin (Si), which is a drug used for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, was administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg per day as a control. The action mechanisms of BS against liver fibrosis progression were examined in HSCs. The study revealed that the activity and expression levels of TrxR were elevated in the mouse liver and serum after CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Oral administration of BS relieved the pathological state of mice with liver fibrosis, showing significant therapeutic effects against liver fibrosis. Moreover, BS not only induced HSC apoptosis but also inhibited the production of α-SMA and collagens by HSCs by downregulating the TGF-β1 expression and blocking the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The results of the study indicated that BS inhibited liver fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Man Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hanwei Yin
- Shanghai Yuanxi Medicine Corp, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Su
- Department of Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhua Wen
- Department of Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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15
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Zhang Y, Yang X, Wang S, Song S, Yang X. Gentiopicroside prevents alcoholic liver damage by improving mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat model. Phytother Res 2020; 35:2230-2251. [PMID: 33300653 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma is a medical plant that is widely cultivated in China, North Korea, Japan, and Russia, and gentiopicroside is one of its major active compounds. In this study, the hepatoprotective activity of gentiopicroside on rats with alcoholic liver damage (ALD) was evaluated using the transaminase and blood lipid levels and antioxidant capacity. The potential mechanism of hepatoprotective effect of gentiopicroside was evaluated by mitochondrial function detection, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomic analysis, and anti-apoptosis analysis. Results showed that the gentiopicroside exhibited good hepatoprotective activity on rats with ALD by decreasing the transaminase levels, regulating the blood lipid levels, and increasing the antioxidant capacity. The potential mechanisms were related to regulating mitochondrial dysfunction by recovering mitochondrial membrane potential level, adenosine triphosphate concentration, activities of key enzymes in tricarboxylic acid cycle, and activities of complex I-V, regulating micromolecular metabolism and anti-apoptosis. These findings supported the further exploration of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma as effective phytotherapy to prevent and treat ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Nutritional Department, Jilin Medical University affiliated hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Graduate school, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Song
- Graduate school, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
| | - Xiudong Yang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, China
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