Small-molecule natural products for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of HSCs activation: an update

Abstract

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries, featured by excessive proliferation as well as abnormal dismissal of extracellular matrix as the main pathological features, and its continuous development will deteriorate into cirrhosis, liver cancer as well as other illnesses. The occurrence of LF is closely related to Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulation, and intervention in HSCs proliferation is expected to reverse LF. Plant-based small molecule drugs have anti-LF effects, and their mechanisms of action are related to anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, as well as inhibition of abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix. Consequently, new agents for HSCs will be required to furnish a possible curative response. Small-molecule natural products might be attractive for LF therapy. That is because they not only have the effect against HSCs, but also have excellent qualities such as low toxic side effects and easy availability from the perspective of safety and cost. In this review, we provide an updated review of the signal transduction pathways involved in HSCs and small-molecule natural products targeting HSCs reported in the past 3 years at home and abroad, with the aim of providing new ideas for the development of plant-based small molecule drugs targeting HSCs to reverse LF.

Insights into the Role of LncRNAs and miRNAs in Glioma Progression and Their Potential as Novel Therapeutic Targets

“…They can modulate the expression or activity of pathway components, affecting downstream signaling events and promoting glioma cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. LncRNA CCAT2 has been found to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioma cells, contributing to tumor growth [ 56 ]. While our understanding of the precise functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in adult glioma is still evolving, the emerging evidence suggests their important roles in glioma pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.…”