BackgroundThe Gnaphalium pensylvanicum willd. is used in China as a folk medicine to treat anti-inflammatory, cough and rheumatism arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the extract of G. pensylvanicum to treat hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis in animal model.Methods G. pensylvanicum extract was evaluated in an experimental model with potassium oxonate (PO) induced hyperuricemia in mice which was used to evaluate anti-hyperuricemia activity and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition. Therapies for acute gouty arthritis was also investigated on monosodium urate (MSU) crystal induced paw edema model.Results G. pensylvanicum extract showed activity in reducing serum uric acid (Sur) through effect renal glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) mainly and inhibited XO activity in vivo of mice with PO induced hyperuricemia. The extract of G. pensylvanicum also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and reduced the paw swelling on MSU crystal-induced paw edema model. Meanwhile, 13 caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and 1 flavone were identified by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS as the main active component of G. pensylvanicum.ConclusionsThe extract of G. pensylvanicum showed significant effect on evaluated models and therefore may be active agents for the treatment of hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis.
Background Liver fibrosis, defined as the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen in the liver, is a common feature of chronic liver disease, and often culminates in portal hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and hepatic failure. Though therapeutically manageable, fibrosis is not always successfully treated by conventional antifibrotic agents. While the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Alisma Shugan Decoction (ASD) has several health benefits, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and limitation of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, it remains unclear if it has any hepato-protective potential. Material/Methods The present study examined the therapeutic effect of ASD in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury and fibrosis rat models. Results We demonstrated that 50 mg/kg ASD significantly reversed TAA-induced elevation of alanine or aspartate transaminase levels, elicited no dyscrasia, and conferred a 40% (p<0.01) or 20% (p<0.05) survival advantage, compared to rats treated with TAA or TAA+ASD, respectively. Treatment with ASD reversed TAA-induced liver injury and fibrogenesis via repression of α-SMA protein and reduction of the collagen area and fibrosis score. Concurrently, ASD markedly suppressed the mRNA expression of fibrogenic procollagen, ICAM-1, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13, and production of TIMP-1, ICAM-1, CXCL7, or CD62L cytokine in rat liver injury models. Interestingly, ASD-elicited reduction of liver injury and fibrogenesis was mediated by dysregulated p65/NrF-2/JunD signaling, with a resultant 3.18-fold (p<0.05) increase in GSH/GSSH ratio, and a 3.61-fold (p<0.01) or 1.51-fold (p<0.01) reduction in the 4-hydroxynonenal and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, respectively, indicating reduced oxidative stress in the ASD-treated rats, and suggesting an hepato-protective role for ASD. Conclusions In conclusion, the present study provides supplementary evidence of the therapeutic benefit of ASD as an efficient treatment option in cases of liver injury and fibrosis. Further large-cohort validation of these findings is warranted.
Background: Over the years, Alisma Shugan Decoction (ASD), because of its potent anti-inflammation activity, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of many inflammation-associated disorders including those of the heart, blood vessel and brain. Methods: Herein, we examined the probable therapeutic effect of ASD in carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis mice models. Results: Our results demonstrate that ASD dose-dependently reduced the fibrosis-related increased collagen deposition secondary to liver tissue exposure to CCI4. Data from our biochemical analyses showed significantly less liver damage biomarkers including ALT, AST and hydroxyproline in the ASD-treated samples, suggesting hepato-protective effect of ASD. Furthermore, we demonstrated that treatment with ASD significantly reversed CCI4-induced elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1. Comparative immunohistochemical staining of liver samples revealed that ASD dose-dependently downregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic, Bax while upregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein. Interestingly, NF-κB signaling, a principal regulator of inflammation was markedly suppressed by ASD treatment. In addition, treatment with ASD deregulated stress signaling pathways by suppressing the expression of markers of unfolded protein response, such as ATF6, IRE and GRP78. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study provides preclinical evidence for the use of ASD as an efficacious therapeutic option in cases of chemical-induced liver damage and/or fibrosis. Further large-cohort validation of these findings is warranted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.