Effect of Pheretima aspergillum on reducing fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background:Pheretima aspergillum (common name: Earthworm, Chinese name: dilong) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, a few scientific studies have investigated the antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract (DE) and produced controversial results. We conducted a meta-analysis to make an informed decision on the antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract.Methods: The studies on antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract published until July 2022 in the scientific databases [PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, SinoMed and WanFang database] were reviewed. The RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for standardized mean difference (SMD) analysis. Two researchers independently reviewed all the studies, and their quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: A total of 325 studies were found in the scientific databases; however, only 13 studies met the criteria for analysis. Dilong extract treatment was associated with antifibrotic effects via inhibiting the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1, SMD = −3.16, 95% CI: −4.18, −2.14, p < .00001) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA: SMD = −2.57, 95% CI: −3.47, −1.66, p < .00001).Conclusion: Dilong extract effectively reduces tissue fibrosis; thus, further scientific studies should be conducted to investigate and develop it for clinical use.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022357141.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage induced redox imbalance by modulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway

“…Rehder and E.H. Wilson ( Zhang et al, 2021 ), displaying significant prevention from tissue injury via antioxidant mechanisms. In addition, two constituents of the ZLHXTY capsule are of animal origin, i.e., H. nipponica Whitman and P. aspergillum (E. Perrier), that have also been shown to act through antioxidant mechanisms ( Li et al, 2021 ; Xu et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Rehder and E.H. Wilson, and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl ( Table 1 ). Interestingly, antioxidant activity is common among all of these components ( Yang et al, 2012 ; Rao and Gan, 2014 ; Durazzo et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2021 ; Samuel et al, 2021 ; Zhang et al, 2021 ; Xu et al, 2022 ). According to TCM theory, the combination of these five drugs work in concert to reduce inflammation, resist oxidation, and fight against aging by enriching Qi, eliminating phlegm and blood stasis, and promoting blood circulation; thereby suitable for the treatment of stroke, atherosclerosis, and other related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions ( Liang et al, 2021 ).…”

Naoxintong capsule for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: from bench to bedside

“…The main chemical compositions of Pheretima (Dilong) include protein, amino acid, enzymes, lipids, trace elements and nucleotides. Lumbrukinase is one of the characteristic components of Pheretima, which possess the anticoagulant and thrombolytic effects ( Xu et al, 2022 ). Hirudo (Shuizhi) mainly contains protein polypeptides, pteridines, glycolipids, carboxylic esters and free amino acids.…”

Lumbricus Extract Prevents LPS-Induced Inflammatory Activation of BV2 Microglia and Glutamate-Induced Hippocampal HT22 Cell Death by Suppressing MAPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling and Oxidative Stress

“…Pheretima aspergillum (Megascolecidae) and various derivative products have long been used in traditional oriental medicine to treat high fever, seizures in children, asthma, and high blood pressure. Previous studies have demonstrated that the dried bodies of P. aspergillum (termed Lumbricus) reduce fibrosis, inhibit mitochondrial damage, and relieve asthma [21][22][23]. However, the efficacies of Lumbricus extracts against microgliainduced neuroinflammation and hippocampal cell excitotoxicity have not been evaluated.…”