Berberine inhibits liver damage in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

Berberine inhibits SGIV replication by suppressing inflammatory response and oxidative stress

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is one of the major infectious diseases responsible for high mortality and huge economic losses in the grouper aquaculture industry. Berberine (BBR), a naturally occurring plant alkaloid, is a phytochemical having a variety of biological properties, such as antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this work, we used an in vitro model based on Western blot, ROS fluorescence probe, and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) to examine the antiviral qualities of BBR against SGIV. The outcomes demonstrated that varying BBR concentrations could significantly inhibit the replication of SGIV. In addition, BBR greatly inhibited the production of genes associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in SGIV-infected or SGIV-uninfected GS cells based on qRT-PCR data. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that BBR suppressed the expression of the promoter activity of NF-κB and NF-κB-p65 protein. Additionally, BBR reduced the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, JNK, and p38. Furthermore, BBR also inhibits SGIV-induced ROS production by upregulating the expression of antioxidant-related genes. In conclusion, BBR is a viable therapy option for SGIV infection due to its antiviral properties.

Inhibition of inflammation by berberine: Molecular mechanism and network pharmacology analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renowned for its holistic approach with a 2000-year history of utilizing natural remedies, offers unique advantages in disease prevention and treatment. Berberine, found in various Chinese herbs, has been employed for many years, primarily for addressing conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. Berberine has recently become a research focus owing to its pharmacological activities and benefits to human bodies. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory mechanism of berberine.

PURPOSE

To summarize recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation and highlight and predict the potential therapeutic effects and systematic mechanism of berberine.

METHODS

Recent studies (2013-2023) on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to July 2023 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were employed to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine against potential diseases.

RESULTS

The related pharmacological mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation include the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), thereby attenuating the inflammatory response; Inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and IκBα degradation; Inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway; Enhancing the activation of the STAT1 signaling pathway; Berberine interacts directly with cell membranes through a variety of pathways, thereby influencing cellular physiological activities. Berberine enhances human immunity and modulates immune system function, which is integral to addressing certain autoimmune and tumour-related health concerns.

CONCLUSION

This study expounds on the correlation between berberine and inflammatory diseases, encapsulating the mechanisms through which berberine treats select typical inflammatory ailments. Furthermore, it delves into a deeper understanding of berberine's effectiveness by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in the context of treating inflammatory diseases. It provides guidance and reference for berberine's subsequent revelation of the modern scientific connotation of Chinese medicine.

Empagliflozin ameliorates liver fibrosis in NASH rat model via targeting hepatic NF-κB/SOX9/OPN signaling and osteocalcin level

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be associated with tissue fibrotic changes and can be treated via different therapeutic tools which may however either initiate weak or long-term side effects that minimize its use. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is an oral anti-diabetic drug which has characteristic effects during hepatic steatosis regarding lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate an additional mechanism through which EMPA can exert and potentiate its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in NASH rat model. Male Wistar albino rats fed on high fat diet (HFD) and 20% fructose in drinking water for 18 weeks and received EMPA (30 mg/kg/day, orally) starting from week 11. Body and liver weights, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, liver function tests, other biochemical and histological parameters were determined. HFD joined with fructose intake significantly increased body and liver weights, HOMA-IR value, hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic markers, liver transaminases, hepatic expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), sex determining region Y box 9 (SOX 9), and osteopontin (OPN) with significant decrease in hepatic osteocalcin (OCN). Intense hepatic lesions with severe microsteatosis and deposition of collagen fibers were clearly observed. Effectively, EMPA restored the normal liver functions, downregulated hepatic inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, SOX 9, OPN, and increased OCN level. These results highlight another pathway illustrated the anti-fibrotic effects of EMPA against liver fibrosis probably through downregulation of NF-κB/SOX 9/OPN signaling along with upregulation of hepatic OCN which may potentiate the valuable anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of EMPA.

Effects of Berberine on Lipid Metabolism, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Response in Liver of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under a High-Fat Diet Feeding

Berberine, a natural alkaloid found abundantly in various medicinal plants, exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulatory properties. Nonetheless, its protective effects and the molecular mechanisms underlying liver injury in fish have not been fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulating effects of berberine against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver damage and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Tilapia were fed diets containing two doses of berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg diet) alongside high fat for 60 days. The results showed that berberine treatments (50 and/or 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced elevated aminotransferases, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in the plasma. In the liver, berberine treatments significantly increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (pparα) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (cpt-1) genes, leading to a reduction in lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, berberine treatment suppressed lipid peroxidation formation and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Berberine upregulated the mRNA levels of erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2) and its downstream genes including heme oxygenase 1 (ho-1) and glutathione-S-transferase (gstα). Additionally, berberine attenuated the inflammation by inhibiting the expression of toll-like receptor 2 (tlr2), myeloid differential protein-88 (myd88), relb, and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (il-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and il-8. In summary, this study suggested that berberine offers protection against HFD-induced liver damage in tilapia via regulating lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, and immune response. This protective effect may be attributed to the modulation of the Nrf2, TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB, and PPARα signaling pathways.

Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Systematic Review of the Literature

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the predominant cause of chronic liver conditions, and its progression is marked by evolution to non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and the potential occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our systematic review, we searched two databases, Medline (via Pubmed Central) and Scopus, from inception to 5 February 2024, and included 73 types of research (nine clinical studies and 64 pre-clinical studies) from 2854 published papers. Our extensive research highlights the impact of Berberine on NAFLD pathophysiology mechanisms, such as Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), gut dysbiosis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), Sirtuins, and inflammasome. Studies involving human subjects showed a measurable reduction of liver fat in addition to improved profiles of serum lipids and hepatic enzymes. While current drugs for NAFLD treatment are either scarce or still in development or launch phases, Berberine presents a promising profile. However, improvements in its formulation are necessary to enhance the bioavailability of this natural substance.

Costunolide attenuates high-fat diet-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disease that can further evolve towards liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the end stage. Costunolide (Cos) is a natural sesquiterpene lactone that exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic effect of Cos on NAFLD is not clear. In this study, we explored the potential protective effect and mechanism of Cos on NAFLD. C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD. Cos was administered by gavage to observe the effect of Cos on NAFLD. We demonstrated that oral administration of Cos reduced HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species. In vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with Cos significantly decreased PA-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in AML-12 cells. Mechanism study showed that the effect of Cos was correlated to the induction of Nrf-2 and inhibition of NF-κB pathways. Collectively, these findings indicated that Cos exerts hepatoprotective effect against NAFLD through blocking inflammation and oxidative stress. Our study suggested that Cos might be an effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of NAFLD.

Chinese herbal medicines: The modulator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease targeting oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants are a natural treasure trove; their secondary metabolites participate in several pharmacological processes, making them a crucial component in the synthesis of novel pharmaceuticals and serving as a reserve resource foundation in this process. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the risk of progression to hepatitis and liver cancer. The "Treatise on Febrile Diseases," "Compendium of Materia Medica," and "Thousand Golden Prescriptions" have listed herbal remedies to treat liver diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD owing to their efficacy and low side effects. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during NAFLD, and the impact and potential mechanism of ROS on the pathogenesis of NAFLD are discussed in this review. Furthermore, common foods and herbs that can be used to prevent NAFLD, as well as the structure-activity relationships and potential mechanisms, are discussed.

METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI database, Google Scholar, and WanFang database were searched for natural products that have been used to treat or prevent NAFLD in the past five years. The primary search was performed using the following keywords in different combinations in full articles: NAFLD, herb, natural products, medicine, and ROS. More than 400 research papers and review articles were found and analyzed in this review.

RESULTS

By classifying and discussing the literature, we obtained 86 herbaceous plants, 28 of which were derived from food and 58 from Chinese herbal medicines. The mechanism of NAFLD was proposed through experimental studies on thirteen natural compounds (quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, salvianolic acid B, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ursolic acid, berberine, honokiol, emodin). The occurrence and progression of NAFLD could be prevented by natural antioxidants through several pathways to prevent ROS accumulation and reduce hepatic cell injuries caused by excessive ROS.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the natural products and routinely used herbs (prescription) in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Firstly, the mechanisms by which natural products improve NAFLD through antioxidant pathways are elucidated. Secondly, the potential of traditional Chinese medicine theory in improving NAFLD is discussed, highlighting the safety of food-medicine homology and the broader clinical potential of multi-component formulations in improving NAFLD. Aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies for MAFLD Targeting TLR4 Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are intricate and involve various factors. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of available effective treatment options. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of pattern-recognition receptors that are responsible for activating the innate immune system. Research has demonstrated that TLR4 plays a pivotal role in the progression of MAFLD by facilitating the pathophysiological mechanisms.

SUMMARY

Lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory factors, insulin resistance (IR), and dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota are considered as the pathogenic mechanisms of MAFLD. This review summarizes the impact of TLR4 signaling pathways on the progression of MAFLD, specifically in relation to lipid metabolic disorders, IR, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota disorders. Additionally, we emphasize the potential therapeutic approaches for MAFLD that target TLR4 signaling pathways, including the use of plant extracts, traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics, pharmaceuticals such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor antagonists and farnesol X agonists, and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and exercise also considered. Furthermore, TLR4 signaling pathways have also been linked to the lean MAFLD.

KEY MESSAGES

TLR4 plays a crucial role in MAFLD by triggering IR, buildup of lipids, imbalance in gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and initiation of immune responses. The mitigation of MAFLD can be accomplished by suppressing the TLR4 signaling pathway. In the future, it could potentially emerge as a therapeutic target for the condition.

Effects of Long-Term High-Ergosterol Intake on the Cholesterol and Vitamin D Biosynthetic Pathways of Rats Fed a High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet

Dyslipidemia is a lifestyle-related (physical inactivity or obesity) disease; therefore, dietary foods that can easily be consumed in daily life is important to prevent dyslipidemia. Ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D2, is a fungal sterol present in the membranes of edible mushrooms and other fungi. Ergosterol is converted to brassicasterol by 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), a cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme that converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (a precursor of vitamin D3) into cholesterol. Previously, we reported that ergosterol increases 7-dehydrocholesterol, decreases cholesterol levels by competitive effect of DHCR7, and reduces DHCR7 mRNA and protein levels in human HepG2 hepatoma cells. Here, we investigated the effects of long-term high ergosterol intake on the cholesterol, vitamin D2, and D3 biosynthetic pathways of rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HFHS) diet using GC-MS and LC with tandem mass spectrometry. In HFHS rats, oral ergosterol administration for 14 weeks significantly decreased plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total bile acid, and cholesterol precursor (squalene and desmosterol) levels and increased 7-dehydrocholesterol levels compared to HFHS rats without ergosterol. Ergosterol, brassicasterol, and vitamin D2 were detected, cholesterol levels were slightly decreased, and levels of vitamin D3 and its metabolites were slightly increased in rats fed HFHS with ergosterol. These results showed that ergosterol increased vitamin D2 levels, inhibited the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, and possibly promoted vitamin D3 biosynthesis in vivo. Therefore, daily ergosterol intake may aid in the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The previous meta-analysis showed an advantageous effect of berberine supplementation on interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations; however, it is unknown the dosage that this component influences inflammatory biomarkers. A comprehensive search was done in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science until September 2022 to find randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the effects of berberine/barberry on IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in adults but not trials without a control group. Studies bias was assessed using RoB 2. A random-effects model was performed to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD). A dose-dependent effect was calculated. Eighteen clinical trials with 1600 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. These interventions significantly mitigate IL-6 levels (-1.18 pg/mL), TNF-α levels (-3.72 pg/mL), and CRP levels (-1.33 mg/L). In addition, the non-linear analysis showed a significant lowering effect of berberine/barberry on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in doses <1000 mg/day and less than 5 weeks of intervention. There are limitations to our findings, including low-quality studies and significant heterogeneity. These interventions might be considered adjunct therapy to managing inflammation status. However, more investigation and high-quality evidence must be conducted to obtain more comprehensive and generalizable results.

Preventive and therapeutic effects of natural products and herbal extracts on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that is prevalent in patients who consume little or no alcohol, and is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The disease is becoming increasingly common with the rapid economic development of countries. Long-term accumulation of excess fat can lead to NAFLD, which represents a global health problem with no effective therapeutic approach. NAFLD is a complex, multifaceted pathological process that has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades. Herbal medicines have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents to prevent and treat NAFLD due to their high efficacy and low risk of side effects. Our overview is based on a PubMed and Web of Science database search as of Dec 22 with the keywords: NAFLD/NASH Natural products and NAFLD/NASH Herbal extract. In this review, we evaluate the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of NAFLD. These natural resources have the potential to inform innovative drug research and the development of treatments for NAFLD in the future.

Icariin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Improving Liver Fatty Acid Oxidation and Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation

(1) Background: Icariin is the main component of the Chinese herb Epimedium. A number of studies have shown that it alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it is not clear whether and how icariin can ameliorate hepatic steatosis with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was designed to explore the anti-hepatosteatosis effect of icariin in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. (2) Methods: Female Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were treated with a high-fat diet and letrozole for 21 days to make nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the polycystic ovary syndrome model. Then model rats were treated with icariin (by gavage, once daily) for 28 days. Serum hormones and biochemical variables were determined by ELISA or enzyme. RNA-sequence analysis was used to enrich related target pathways. Then, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to verify target genes and proteins. (3) Results: Icariin treatment reduced excess serum levels of Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E2), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH ratio, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in high-fat diet (HFD) and letrozole fed rats. Meanwhile, icariin ameliorated HFD and letrozole-induced fatty liver, as evidenced by a reduction in excess triglyceride accumulation, vacuolization, and Oil Red O staining area in the liver of model rats. Results of RNA-sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that icariin up-regulated fatty acid translocase (CD36), in mitochondria, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) expression, which led to the enhancement of fatty acid oxidation molecules, such as cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily a, polypeptide 3 (CYP4A3), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 α (CPT1α), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD). Besides, icariin reduced lipid synthesis, which elicited stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA (ACC). (4) Conclusion: Icariin showed an ameliorative effect on hepatic steatosis induced by HFD and letrozole, which was associated with improved fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver.

Potential hepatoprotective effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma: Integrated phytochemical analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, target network analysis, and experimental assessment

Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (CD) possesses hepatoprotective activity, while the active ingredients and involved mechanisms have not been fully explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and hepatoprotective mechanisms of CD. We primarily used ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to identify the phenylethanoid glycoside (PhG) components of CD. Then, network analysis was used to correlate and predict the pharmacology of the identified active components of PhGs with hepatoprotection. Next, the mechanisms of the core components and targets of action were explored by cellular assays and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) target competition assays. Finally, its hepatoprotective effects were further validated in in vivo experiments. The results showed that a total of 34 PhGs were identified based on the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method. Echinacoside (ECH) was identified as the key ingredient, and TLR4 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were speculated as the core targets of the hepatoprotective effect of CD via network analysis. The cellular assays confirmed that PhGs had significant anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot indicated that ECH notably reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as the mRNA expression of TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6, and decreased the high expression of the TLR4 protein, which in turn downregulated the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), p-P65 and TNF-α proteins in the inflammatory model. The target competition experiments suggested that ECH and LPS could competitively bind to the TLR4 receptor, thereby reducing the expression of TLR4 downstream proteins. The results of in vivo studies showed that ECH significantly ameliorated LPS-induced hepatic inflammatory infiltration and liver tissue damage and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in mice. Moreover, ECH remarkably inhibited the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in the serum of mice, exerting the hepatoprotective effect by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. More importantly, ECH could act as a potential inhibitor of TLR4 and deserves further in-depth study. Our results could provide a basis for exploring the hepatoprotective properties of CD.

Exploring therapeutic mechanisms of San-Huang-Tang in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through network pharmacology and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

San-Huang-Tang (SHT), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been clinically used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently it has proved that SHT have a good effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study was designed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of the SHT against NAFLD. The data of SHT were obtained through network pharmacology platform and validated experimentally in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The candidate targets of SHT were predicted by network pharmacological analysis and crucial targets were chosen by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and Genomes (KEGG) were applied to analyze the NAFLD-related signaling pathways affected by SHT, and then the analysis results were verified with molecular biological experiments in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Molecules were screened with network pharmacological analysis, and then the improvement of insulin resistance of NAFLD mice was measured by IPITTs and IPGTTs. Through series of molecular experiments, it is revealed that SHT could increase the transcription of insulin receptor (INSR) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS1), and enhance the phosphorylation of both threonine protein kinase (AKT) and forkhead box O1 (FoxO1).

CONCLUSIONS

Screened by bioinformatics and verified by experiments in vivo and in vitro, SHT could contribute to NAFLD by affecting insulin resistance via activating INSR/IRS1/AKT/FoxO1 pathway. Our research findings provide not only an experimental basis for the therapeutic effect of SHT but also a new target against NAFLD.

Pharmacological effects of Chinese medicine modulating NLRP3 inflammasomes in fatty liver treatment

Inflammation is a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis of fatty liver diseases (FLD), such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated liver diseases (ALDs). The NLRP3 inflammasome is widely present in the hepatic parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, which are assembled and activated by sensing intracellular and extracellular danger signals resulting in the matures of IL-1β/IL-18 and pyroptosis. Moreover, the aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is considered the main factor to drives immune outbreaks in relation to hepatic injury, inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Therefore, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising therapeutic target for FLD. Currently, accumulating evidence has revealed that a number of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) exert beneficial effects on liver injury via inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Here, we summarized the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the progression of FLD, and TCM exerts beneficial effects on FLD via positive modulation of inflammation. We describe that TCM is a promising valuable resource for the prevention and treatment agents against FLD and has the potential to be developed into clinical drugs.

Entropy analysis and grey cluster analysis of multiple indexes of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials

5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials, including Diding (Latin name: Corydalis bungeana Turcz), Purslane (Latin name: Portulaca oleracea L.), straw sandal board (Latin name: Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R. Br), June snow (Latin name: Serissa japonica (Thunb.) Thunb.), pine vine rattan (Latin name: Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides (Spring) Holub. [Lycopodium casuarinoides Spring]), were selected as the research objects. The combustion heat, thermo gravimetric parameters, and fat content, calcium content, trace element content, ash content of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials were measured. The combustion heat, differential thermal gravimetric analysis, fat content, calcium content, trace elements content, and ash content of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials were used to build a systematic multi-index evaluation system by gray pattern recognition and grey correlation coefficient cluster analysis, which can make up for the gaps in this area and provide scientific basis and research significance for the study of genuine medicinal materials quality. The results showed that the order of combustion heat of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials, including Diding, Purslane, straw sandal board, June snow, pine vine rattan, was Diding > June snow > straw sandal board > Purslane > pine vine rattan, the order of fat content (%) of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials was straw sandal board > Diding > pine vine rattan > June snow > Purslane, the order of calcium content (%) was pine vine rattan > June snow > Purslane > straw sandal board > Diding, the order of ash content was June snow > Purslane > straw sandal board > pine vine rattan > Diding. From the analysis of thermogravimetric analysis results and thermogravimetric combustion stability, the order of combustion stability of 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials was June snow > pine Vine rattan > straw sandal board > Diding > Portulaca oleracea. The order of the content of 12 trace elements in 5 kinds of genuine medicinal materials, in terms of trace element content, June snow contains the highest trace elements in all samples. According to combustion heat, combustibility (combustion stability of genuine medicinal materials), fat, calcium, ash, trace element content, the comprehensive evaluation results of multi-index analysis constructed by gray correlation degree, gray correlation coefficient factor analysis, and gray hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the comprehensive evaluation multi-index order of 5 genuine medicinal materials, including Diding, Purslane, straw sandal board, June snow and pine vine rattan, was June snow > straw sandal board > Diding > Purslane > pine vine rattan. Therefore, the comprehensive evaluation results of the quality of genuine medicinal materials selected in this study were June snow the best, followed by straw sandal board. This research has important theoretical and practical significance for the multi-index measurement and comprehensive evaluation of genuine medicinal materials, and can provide scientific basis and research significance for the research of multi-index quality control of genuine medicinal material.

Preclinical Evidence of Berberine on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

As lifestyle and diet structure impact our health, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent all over the world. Some phytomedicines containing berberine (BBR) have been extensively used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. The goal of this systematic review is to investigate the preclinical evidence of BBR on NAFLD models. The following relevant databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase, were retrieved from inception to May 2021. The content involved BBR on different animal models for the treatment of NAFLD. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Animal Experiment Bias Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality and RevMan 5.4 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis based on the Cochrane tool. A total of 31 studies involving 566 animals were included, of which five models and five animal breeds were reported. The results showed that TC, TG, ALT, AST, HDL-C, LDL-C, FBG, FINS, and FFA in the group treated with BBR were significantly restored compared with those in the model group. HOMA-IR had a significant downward trend, but the result was not significantly different (P = 0.08). The subgroup analysis of the different models and different animal breeds indicated that BBR could ameliorate the aforementioned indicator levels, although some results showed no significant difference. Finally, we summarized the molecular mechanisms by which berberine regulated NAFLD/NASH, mainly focusing on activating the AMPK pathway, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, regulating mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating cell death and ER stress, reducing DNA methylation, and regulating intestinal microenvironment and neurotoxicity. The preclinical evidence suggested that BBR might be an effective and promising drug for treating NAFLD/NASH. In addition, further studies with more well-designed researches are needed to confirm this conclusion.