Preventive effects of total saponins of Panax japonicus on fatty liver fibrosis in mice

The antiangiogenic effect of total saponins of Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer in rheumatoid arthritis is mediated by targeting the HIF-1α/VEGF/ANG-1 axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer has a long history in clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Total saponins of Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer (TSPJs) were extracted from the root of Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer, and its anti-rheumatism mechanism is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate whether TSPJs attenuated synovial angiogenesis in RA and explore the potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Potential TSPJs targets involving gene function were predicted by network pharmacology related databases. Bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking technology were used to predict the mechanism of TSPJs in the treatment of RA. The predicted results were validated by cell experiments and a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis results showed that TSPJs may inhibit RA-related angiogenesis through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways. In vitro, different doses of TSPJs showed a good inhibitory effect on the tube formation of EA.hy926 cells. The results of the cellular thermal shift assay indicated that TSPJs can bind to the HIF-1α, VEGFA, and angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1) proteins. In vivo, the administration of TSPJs alleviated the symptoms of CIA mice, including the arthritis index, hind paw thickness, and swollen joint count. The histological results demonstrated that TSPJs inhibited inflammation, angiogenesis, bone damage, and cartilage destruction. Furthermore, TSPJs decreased the number of vessels and the expression level of CD31. The mechanistic results revealed that TSPJs decreased the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA, and ANG-1 in the serum or synovial tissues of CIA mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TSPJs effectively inhibit angiogenesis in RA, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF/ANG-1 axis.

In-Depth Excavation and Screening of Triterpene Saponins From the Rhizome of Panax japonicus Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The rhizome of Panax japonicus (RPJ) has been used for thousands of years in west China. Triterpene saponins (TSs) were considered to be the main pharmacologically bioactive ingredients in RPJ. However, it is difficult and time-consuming to profile and identify them according to the traditional phytochemical methods. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) was used for chemical identification of TSs from the extract of RPJ in negative ion mode. Their chemical structures were tentatively elucidated based on exact formulas, fragmentation patterns and literature data. In all, 42 TSs were discovered and tentatively characterized in RPJ, of which 12 TSs were identified as potential new compounds according to their molecular mass, fragmentation pattern and chromatographic behavior. The results demonstrated that the developed HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method was conducive to the discovery of the active ingredients of RPJ and the establishment of quality standards.

Total saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate acute alcoholic liver oxidative stress and hepatosteatosis by p62-related Nrf2 pathway and AMPK-ACC/PPARα axis in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Mey. (PJ) has been used as a tonic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for years. Based on its meridian tropism in liver, spleen, and lung, PJ was popularly used to enhance the function of these organs. It is originally recorded with detoxicant effect on binge drink in Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi, a persuasive Chinese materia medica. And binge dink has a close relationship with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Hence, it's meaningful to investigate whether PJ exerts liver protection against binge drink toxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This investigation was carried out not only to emphasize the right recognition of total saponins from PJ (SPJ), but also to study on its sober-up effectiveness and defensive mechanism against acute alcoholic liver injury in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SPJ constituents were verified by HPLC-UV analysis. In vivo, acute alcoholic liver oxidative stress and hepatosteatosis were established by continuous ethanol gavage to C57BL/6 mice for 3 days. SPJ was pre-administered for 7 days to investigate its protective efficacy. Loss of righting reflex (LORR) assay was employed to assess anti-inebriation effect of SPJ. Transaminases levels and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were measured to indicate the alcoholic liver injury. Antioxidant enzymes were measured to evaluate the oxidative stress degree in liver. Measurement of hepatic lipid accumulation was based on Oil Red O staining. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, HepG2 cells were treated with ethanol for 24 h, and SPJ was pre-administered for 2 h. 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used as a probe to indicate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Nrf2 activation was verified by the favor of specific inhibitor, ML385. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was indicated with immunofluorescence analysis. Proteins expressions of related pathways were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Oleanane-type saponins are the most abundant constituents of SPJ. In this acute model, SPJ released inebriation of mice in a dose dependent manner. It decreased levels of serum ALT and AST, and hepatic TG. Besides, SPJ inhibited CYP2E1 expression and reduced MDA level in liver, with upregulations of antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and CAT. p62-related Nrf2 pathway was activated by SPJ with downstream upregulations of GCLC and NQO1 in liver. AMPK-ACC/PPARα axis was upregulated by SPJ to alleviate hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic IL-6 and TNF-α levels were downregulated by SPJ, which indicated a regressive lipid peroxidation in liver. In HepG2 cells, SPJ reduced ethanol-exposed ROS generation. Activated p62-related Nrf2 pathway was verified to contribute to the alleviation of alcohol-induced oxidative stress in hepatic cells.

CONCLUSION

This attenuation of hepatic oxidative stress and steatosis suggested the therapeutic value of SPJ for ALD.

Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer: a comprehensive review on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and authentication

BACKGROUND

Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer (Zhujieshen) is widely used in traditional medicine as a tonic hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent in China, Japan, and Korea. Furthermore, it is used as an important substitute for ginseng roots by minority ethnic groups in China. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on Zhujieshen in recent years, aiming at providing a systematic overview of the current knowledge, and perspectives for future research and exploitation.

MAIN BODY

This review examines the research advances in botanical profile, phytochemicals, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and authentication of Zhujieshen. Various compounds have been reported as active components, mainly including saponins, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that Zhujieshen is an important herb with significant bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, neuro-protective, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Currently, research on Zhujieshen is in the preliminary stages, and further research is required to understand the active compounds present and mechanisms of action. We hope that this comprehensive review of Zhujieshen will serve as a background for future research and exploitation.

Green Alternatives in Treatment of Liver Diseases: the Challenges of Traditional Medicine and Green Nanomedicine

Over the last decade, liver diseases have become a global problem, with approximately two million deaths per year. The high increase in the mortality rate of these diseases is mostly related to the limitations in the understanding of the evolutionary clinical cases of liver diseases, the low delivery of drugs in the liver, the non-specific administration of drugs, and the side effects generated at the systemic level by conventional therapeutic agents. Today it is common knowledge that phytochemicals have a high curative potential, even in the prevention and/or reversibility of liver disorders; however, even using these green molecules, researchers continue to deal with the same challenges implemented with conventional therapeutic agents, which limits the pharmacological potential of these friendly molecules. On the other hand, the latest advances in nanotechnology have proven that the use of nanocarriers as a delivery system for green active ingredients, as well as conventional ones, increases the pharmacological potential of these active ingredients due to their physicochemical characteristics (size, Zeta potential, etc.,) moldable depending on the therapeutic objective; in addition to the above, it should be noted that in recent years, nanoparticles have been developed for the specific delivery of drugs towards a specific target (stellar cells, hepatocytes, Kupffer cells), depending on the clinical state of the disease in the patient. The present review addresses the challenges of traditional medicine and green nanomedicine as alternatives in the treatment of liver diseases.

Review of Plant Extracts and Active Components: Mechanisms of Action for the Treatment of Obesity-Induced Cognitive Impairment

Obesity has been shown to negatively impact cognitive functions, but effective treatments for obesity-induced cognitive impairment are lacking. Natural dietary and plant products, functional foods, and plant-derived compounds have gained attention as potential remedies in part due to the nootropic properties of plants and certain plant-derived agents. This review discusses plant extracts and plant-derived substances that have been shown to ameliorate obesity-induced cognitive impairment in animal models. Mechanistic evaluations of their therapeutic effects are also summarized. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, resulting in the review of 27 English language articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The nine plants (e.g., Ashwagandha, Adzuki bean, and olive) and 18 plant-derived substances (e.g., curcumin, Huperzine A, and Roxburgh's jewel orchid polysaccharides) included in this review improved obesity-induced cognitive impairment through several mechanisms, including attenuation of neuroinflammation, improvement in both central and peripheral insulin resistance, enhancement of neuroprotection and neurogenesis, and modulation of the synthesis and release of cognition-associated neurotransmitters. Based on these findings, plants and plant-derived substances may hold promise for the prevention and treatment of obesity-induced cognitive impairment. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical potential of these plant-derived treatments and to elucidate their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate Panax japonicus prevents kidney injury in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax japonicus C. A. Meye (PJ) has unique effects on diseases by "qi" stagnation and blood stasis in ancient. Modern studies have shown that PJ can treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD) caused by deficiency and blood stasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluated the potential effects of PJ on DKD, a microvascular complication, and investigated its possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the chemical constituents of PJ were analyzed by HPLC. In vivo studies, we constructed a diabetic mice model by HDF combined with STZ, then administered PJ to diabetic mice for 6 weeks. Blood lipid, BUN, 24h urine protein, and renal tissue HE staining were detected to comprehensively evaluate the protective effect of PJ on DKD. Metabolomics investigated the metabolic pathways influenced by PJ in the treatment of DKD. Moreover, the potential targets and signal pathways were investigated using network pharmacology. Finally, molecular docking predicts affinity of active compounds and core targets, and western blotting was used to detect core target expression levels.

RESULTS

In vivo study, PJ can reduce hyperlipidemia, serum BUN, and 24-h urinary protein in diabetic mice, and protect the pathological changes in renal tissue. Metabolomics results showed that PJ had significant regulatory effect on unsaturated fatty acids, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and purine metabolism. Network pharmacology showed that MAPK1, MAPK8, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 were the core targets in PJ against DKD. Molecular docking revealed that Bcl-2 and Caspase 3 have a strong affinity for Chikusetsusaponin Iva, Ginsenoside Rb1, and Ginsenoside Rg1. Moreover, when compared to the model group, the PJ group had higher levels of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 and lower levels of pro-apoptosis protein Caspase 3.

CONCLUSION

PJ can reduce blood lipids, regulate the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and purine metabolism, thereby alleviating the renal injury of diabetic mice. Moreover, it can regulate the Bcl-2/caspase 3 apoptosis signaling pathway to prevent the apoptosis of renal cells and protect the renal function of diabetic mice.

Natural Compounds as Integrative Therapy for Liver Protection against Inflammatory and Carcinogenic Mechanisms: From Induction to Molecular Biology Advancement

The liver is exposed to several harmful substances that bear the potential to cause excessive liver damage ranging from hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to extreme cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver ailments have been effectively treated from very old times with Chinese medicinal herbal formulations and later also applied by controlled trials in Japan. However, these traditional practices have been hardly well characterized in the past till in the last decades when more qualified studies have been carried out. Modern advances have given rise to specific molecular targets which are specifically good candidates for affecting the intricate mechanisms that play a role at the molecular level. These therapeutic regimens that mainly affect the progression of the disease by inhibiting the gene expression levels or by blocking essential molecular pathways or releasing cytokines may prove to play a vital role in minimizing the tissue damage. This review, therefore, tries to throw light upon the variation in the therapies for the treatment of benign and malignant liver disease from ancient times to the current date. Nonetheless, clinical research exploring the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment of benign chronic liver diseases as well as prevention and treatment of HCC is still warranted.

A characterized saponin extract of Panax japonicus suppresses hepatocyte EMT and HSC activation in vitro and CCl4-provoked liver fibrosis in mice: Roles of its modulatory effects on the Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Liver fibrosis constitutes a pathologic condition resulting in a series of advanced liver diseases. Oleanane-type saponins are distinctive active constituents in the medicinal plant Panax japonicus C. A. Mey (P. japonicus). Herein, we assessed protective effects of a characterized saponin extract of rhizomes of P. japonicus (SEPJ) on hepatocyte EMT and HSC activation in vitro and liver fibrosis in mice. We also investigated molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective activity of SEPJ.

METHODS

EMT of AML-12 hepatocytes was evaluated by observing morphology of cells and quantifying EMT marker proteins. Activation of LX-2 HSCs was assessed via scratch assay, transwell assay, and EdU-incorporation assay, and by quantifying activation marker proteins. Liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated by HE, SR, and Masson staining, and by measuring related serum indicators. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR were performed to study mechanisms underlying the action of SEPJ.

RESULTS

SEPJ inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT in AML-12 hepatocytes and activation of LX-2 HSCs. SEPJ elevated Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9 in these cells, giving rise to a descent of the catalytic activity of GSK3β. These events increased levels of both total and nuclear Nrf2 protein and upregulated expressions of Nrf2-responsive antioxidative genes. In addition, enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β acted upstream of SEPJ-mediated activation of Nrf2. Knockdown of Nrf2 or inhibition of Akt diminished the protective activity of SEPJ against TGF-β in both AML-12 and LX-2 cells. Our further in vivo experiments revealed that SEPJ imposed a considerable alleviation on CCl₄-provoked mouse liver fibrosis. Moreover, hepatic Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade were potentiated by SEPJ. Taken together, our results unveiled that SEPJ exerted protective effects against fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β in vitro and ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, SEPJ regulated the Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling which subsequently enhanced intracellular antioxidative capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

SEPJ inhibits hepatocyte EMT and HSC activation in vitro and alleviates liver fibrosis in mice. Modulation of the Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade attributes to its hepatoprotective effects. Our findings support a possible application of SEPJ in the control of liver fibrosis.

Saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate cognitive impairment in ageing rats through regulating microglial polarisation and autophagy

CONTEXT

Panax japonicus is the dried rhizome of Panax japonicus C.A. Mey. (Araliaceae). Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the neuroprotective effect of SPJ on natural ageing of rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats 18-month-old were divided into ageing control, ageing treated with SPJ 10 or 30 mg/kg (n = 8). Five-month-old rats were taken as the adult control (n = 8). Rats were fed regular feed or feed containing SPJ for 4 months. Cognitive level was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test. The mechanisms of SPJ's neuroprotection were evaluated by transmission electron microscope, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

SPJ attenuated ageing-induced cognitive impairment as indicated by elevated number of times crossing the target platform (from 1.63 to 3.5) and longer time spent in the target platform quadrant (from 1.33 to 1.98). Meanwhile, SPJ improved the morphology of microglia and synapse, and activated M2 microglia polarisation including increased hippocampus levels of CD206 (from 0.98 to 1.47) and YM-1 (from 0.67 to 1.1), and enhanced autophagy-related proteins LC3B (from 0.48 to 0.82), Beclin1 (from 0.32 to 0.51), Atg5 (from 0.22 to 0.89) whereas decreased p62 level (from 0.71 to 0.45) of ageing rats. In vitro study also showed that SPJ regulated the microglial polarisation and autophagy.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

SPJ improved cognitive deficits of ageing rats through attenuating microglial inflammation and enhancing microglial autophagy, which could be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders.

Saponins from Panax japonicus alleviate HFD-induced impaired behaviors through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome to upregulate AMPA receptors

Obesity is characterized by a condition of low-grade chronic inflammation that facilitates development of numerous comorbidities and dysregulation of brain homeostasis. It is reported that obesity can lead to behavioral alterations such as cognitive decline and depression-like behaviors both in humans and rodents. Saponins from panax japonicus (SPJ) have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory action in mouse model of diet-induced obesity. We evaluated the neuroprotection of SPJ on high fat diet (HFD) induced impaired behaviors such as memory deficit and depressive-like behaviors, and explored the underlying mechanisms. 6-week male Balb/c mice were divided into normal control group (NC, 17% total calories from fat), HFD group (60% total calories from fat), and HFD treated with SPJ groups (orally gavaged with dosages of 15 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg), respectively. After treatment for 16 weeks, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the cognition and depression-like behaviors of the mice. The underling mechanisms of SPJ on HFD-induced impaired behaviors were investigated through histopathological observation, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that HFD-fed mice caused behavioral disorders, neuronal degeneration as well as elevated neuroinflammation, which was partly involved in NLRP3 inflammasome that finally resulted in decreased protein levels of AMPA receptors and down-regulated phosphorylated levels of CaMKII and CREB in cortex and hippocampus. All the above changes in cortex and hippocampus induced by HFD were mitigated by SPJ treatment. SPJ treatment alleviated HFD-induced recognitive impairment and depression-like behaviors of mice, which could be partly due to the capacity of SPJ to mitigate neuroinflammation through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and upregulation of AMPA receptors signaling pathway.

Phenolic Compounds of Propolis Alleviate Lipid Metabolism Disorder

Lipid metabolism disorder is one of the significant risk factors for a multitude of human diseases and has become a serious threat to human health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of phenolics from poplar-type propolis on regulating lipid metabolism by using cell models of steatosis induced by palmitic acid (PA). Our study shows that phenolic esters have higher lipid-lowering activities than phenolic acids, especially for three caffeic acid esters, including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), caffeic acid cinnamyl ester (CACE), and caffeic acid benzyl ester (CABE). Most notably, CACE presents prominent properties to prevent intracellular lipid accumulation and to amend extracellular adipokine secretion abnormalities. In addition, our results firstly reveal that CACE can alleviate lipid metabolism disorder through mediating protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) signaling pathway-associated protein expression, suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) by distinct upregulation of PPARα and downregulation of PPARγ.

Panax japonicus and chikusetsusaponins: A review of diverse biological activities and pharmacology mechanism

Panax japonicus, which in the Tujia dialect is known as “Baisan Qi” and “Zhujieshen”, is a classic “qi” drug of Tujia ethnomedicine and it has unique effects on disease caused by “qi” stagnation and blood stasis. This paper serves as the basis of further scientific research and development of Panax japonicus. The pharmacology effects of molecular pharmacology were discussed and summarized. P. japonicus plays an important role on several diseases, such as rheumatic arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular agents, and this review provides new insights into P. japonicus as promising agents to substitute ginseng and notoginseng.

Hybrid-cell membrane-coated nanocomplex-loaded chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester for a combinational therapy against breast cancer assisted by Ce6

Hybrid-cell membrane coating nanocomplexes loading chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester for combinational therapy against breast cancer assisted with Ce6.

Protective effects of saponins from Panax japonicus on neurons of the colon myenteric plexus in aging rats through reduction of α-synuclein through endoplasmic reticulum stress

AIM

The enteric nervous system degenerates gradually with age, and α-synuclein (α-syn) is a suitable marker of enteric nervous system degeneration, which is intimately related with endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR^ER ). Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) have obvious protective effects on neurons in several degenerative disease models. Here, the study was designed to investigate whether SPJ could reverse the neuron degeneration through regulating the UPR^ER in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats.

METHODS

Aging rats had been treated with SPJ for 6 months since they were aged 18 months. Then, the colon samples were collected and neuron morphology in the myenteric plexus was observed. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of NeuN, α-syn, GRP78 and three different UPR^ER branches. Double immunofluorescence was used to determine the co-localization of α-syn and NeuN, GRP78 and NeuN.

RESULTS

Neurons degenerated in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats, but co-localization of α-syn and NeuN increased. In addition, both the expressions of GRP78 and three UPR^ER branch signaling pathway proteins decreased in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats. Treatment of SPJ almost alleviated the above effects in aging rats, except for ATF6.

CONCLUSIONS

SPJ could reverse the neuron loss caused by accumulation of α-syn in the myenteric plexus of colon in aging rats, which is potentially associated with increased GRP78 and most URP^ER changes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 85-93.

Ginsenosides: potential therapeutic source for fibrosis-associated human diseases

Tissue fibrosis is an eventual pathologic change of numerous chronic illnesses, which is characterized by resident fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts during inflammation, coupled with excessive extracellular matrix deposition in tissues, ultimately leading to failure of normal organ function. Now, there are many mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis, which facilitate the discovery of effective antifibrotic drugs. Moreover, many chronic diseases remain a significant clinical unmet need. For the past five years, many research works have undoubtedly addressed the functional dependency of ginsenosides in different types of fibrosis and the successful remission in various animal models treated with ginsenosides. Caveolin-1, interleukin, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), liver X receptors (LXRs), Nrf2, microRNA-27b, PPARδ-STAT3, liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-AMPK, and TGF-β1/Smads are potential therapy targeting using ginsenosides. Ginsenosides can play a targeting role and suppress chronic inflammatory response, collagen deposition, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as myofibroblast activation to attenuate fibrosis. In this report, our aim was to focus on the therapeutic prospects of ginsenosides in fibrosis-related human diseases making use of results acquired from various animal models. These findings should provide important therapeutic clues and strategies for the exploration of new drugs for fibrosis treatment.

C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) Activates Macrophages and Promotes Liver Fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum-Infected Mice

CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP), a transcriptional regulator induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) is a pivotal factor in the ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathway. Previous studies have shown that CHOP is involved in the formation of fibrosis in a variety of tissues and is associated with alternative macrophage activation. The role of CHOP in the pathologic effects of liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis has not been reported, and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study is aimed at understanding the effect of CHOP on liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) in vivo and clarifying its mechanism. C57BL/6 mice were infected with cercariae of S. japonicum through the abdominal skin. The liver fibrosis was examined. The level of IL-13 was observed. The expressions of CHOP, Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), phosphorylation STAT6, interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 (IL-13Rα1), and interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) were analysed. The eosinophilic granuloma and collagen deposition were found around the eggs in mice infected for 6 and 10 weeks. IL-13 in plasma and IL-13Rα1 and IL-4Rα in liver tissue were significantly increased. The phosphorylated STAT6 was enhanced while Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was decreased in liver tissue. The expression of CHOP and colocalization of CHOP and CD206 were increased. Overall, these results suggest that CHOP plays a critical role in hepatic fibrosis induced by S. japonicum, likely through promoting alternative activation of macrophages.

Distinct expression patterns of aging effects on the UPRER signaling pathway in rat colon and regulatory role of saponins from Panax japonicus

BACKGROUND

Studies have reported that the unfolded protein response of ER (UPR^ER) declines in the several organs of aging mice. However, changes of UPR^ER during the aging process in the intestine are rarely reported. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) have anti-aging effects in different murine models and can modulate ER stress. In the present study, we focused on age-dependent expressions of UPR^ER in the intestine of 6- to 24-month-old rats by an immunohistochemical (IHC) method and determined whether SPJ could regulate the three different UPR^ER branches of the colon in aging rats.

METHODS

Aging rats had been treated with different doses (10 and 30 mg/kg) of SPJ for 6 months, which were mixed with feed, since they were 18 months old. Then the expressions of GRP78 and three different UPR^ER branches were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Total expressions of GRP78 and p-JNK increased, and other UPR^ER proteins decreased in the colon of aging rats, while SPJ treatment relieved the corresponding changes in aging rats. Here we also found different patterns of GRP78 and the three UPR^ER branches in the different layers of colon in rats.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that UPR^ER declined and GRP78 increased in the colon of aging rats. SPJ could reverse most URP^ER changes in the colon of aging rats. This study also showed different expression patterns of the three branches of UPR^ER in different layers of the colon in rats.

Jiang-Zhi granules decrease sensitivity to low-dose CCl4 induced liver injury in NAFLD rats through reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may increase the sensitivity to liver injury caused by stimulants such as drugs and poisons. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jiang-Zhi Granule (JZG) has been proven effective for improving liver function, reducing hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation in NAFLD. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of JZG on the susceptibility of NAFLD rats to liver injury and to identify the relevant mechanism.

Methods

Forty wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, normal group, normal+CCl₄ group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, HFD + CCl₄ group, and HFD + CCl₄ + JZG group. NAFLD were established with HFD for 8 weeks. Then Low-dose CCl₄ was given intraperitoneally to induce liver injury in NAFLD rats for 48 h. From the 5th week of HFD, intragastric administration of JZG was simultaneously given to the rats in the HFD + CCl₄ + JZG group. At the end of the experiment, liver histological pathology, serum transaminase, lipid in liver and blood, as well as hepatic expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related molecules were evaluated.

Results

NAFLD rat model was established by eight-week HFD feeding, exhibiting elevated levels of hepatic lipid, blood lipid, serum transaminase and significantly increased expression of ERS related molecules including glucose regulating protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (EIF2α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) in liver tissues. After injection of CCl₄ in NAFLD rats, elevated serum transaminases, severe inflammation and focal necrosis were observed in liver tissue, but no obvious change was found in the rats of normal group. JZG reduced hepatic inflammation, hepatic necrosis, hepatic lipid, blood transaminases and blood lipids in HFD + CCl₄ rats. ERS related molecules were significantly elevated by low-dose CCl₄ in NAFLD rats, and were down-regulated by JZG.

Conclusion

The sensitivity to CCl₄-induced liver injury is increased in NAFLD rats, which could be improved by JZG. The pharmacological mechanism may involve the regulation of ERS signaling pathway by JZG.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Herbs and Supplements in Patients with NAFLD

Our aim is to review the efficacy of various herbs and supplements as a possible therapeutic option in the treatment and/or prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We performed a systematic review of medical literature using the PubMed Database by searching the chemical names of many common herbs and supplements with “AND (NAFLD or NASH)”. Studies and medical literature that discussed the roles and usage of herbs and supplements in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from inception until 20 June 2018 were reviewed. Many studies have claimed that the use of various herbs and supplements may improve disease endpoints and outcomes related to NAFLD and/or NASH. Improvement in liver function tests were noted. Amelioration or reduction of lobular inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis were also noted. However, well-designed studies demonstrating improved clinical outcomes are lacking. Furthermore, experts remain concerned about the lack of regulation of herbs/supplements and the need for further research on potential adverse effects and herb–drug interactions. In conclusion, preliminary data on several herbs have demonstrated promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-adipogenic properties that may help curtail the progression of NAFLD/NASH. Clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy must be completed before widespread use can be recommended.