• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• 제17권3호
• /
• pp.216-220
• /
• 2011

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) characterized by increased proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition is identified as the major pathological feature of hepatic cirrhosis. Therefore, suppression of HSC activation has been proposed as an important antifibrotic therapeutic strategy. In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative activity of root barks of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) by employing HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cells as an in vitro assay system. Further investigation of the n-hexane and $CHCl_3$ fractions of root barks of U. davidiana var japonica led to the isolation of six triterpenoids: friedelin (1), epifridelanol (2), oleanolic acid (3), maslinic acid (4), ${\beta}$-amyrin (5) and ${\alpha}$-amyrin (6), together with ${\beta}$-sitosterol (7) and daucosterol (8). Among these compounds, 2, 3 and 4 significantly inhibited HSC proliferation. In addition, 4 inhibited HSC proliferation in time- and concentration-related manners, via a partially direct toxic effect, as assessed by morphological changes and release of lactate dehydrogenase.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제13권1호
• /
• pp.289-294
• /
• 2012

Background: Myofibroblasts play an important role in the development of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In the current study, we investigate the effect of curcumin on growth and apoptosis of myofibroblasts derived from human oral mucosa. Methods: Myofibroblasts were generated by incubating fibroblasts, obtained from human oral mucosa, with transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$). MTT, PI staining, and FACS assays were used to investigate curcumin's effect on proliferation and cell cycle of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Annexin V/PI binding and FACS assays were used to examine apoptosis of myofibroblasts, Western blotting to determine the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax, and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was employed to examine the levels of collagen type I and III in the supernatants of myofibroblasts. Results: Curcumin inhibits proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts; it also disturbs the cell cycle, induces apoptosis and decreases the generation of collagen type I and III in myofibroblasts, which are more sensitive to its effects than fibroblasts. Curcumin induces apoptosis in myofibroblasts by down-regulating the Bcl-2/ Bax ratio. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the antifibrotic effect of curcumin in vitro. It may therefore be a candidate for the treatment of OSF.

• 약학회지
• /
• 제45권5호
• /
• pp.513-521
• /
• 2001

The chronic cholestasis induce to biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) and the increased products of ROS(reactive oxygen species) cause to the liver damage. In this study ; the antioxidant and antifibrotic effect of dried extracts of oriental medicine (DW) was investigated under the liver fibrotic (cirrhotic) condition. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 5 groups (Normal, Op-2, Op-4, OpDW-2, OpDW-4). Except for normal group, the rats were induced to biliary liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) by the operation of bile duct ligation/scission (BDU/S) and were observed in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. And the prepared DW was treated p.o.2 ml/day/rats in 2 weeks or 4 weeks for OpDW groups. At the time of sacrifice, the liver, kidney, spleen were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. The MDA, the hyp and biochemical parameters (GOT GTP, ALP, t-bili) were measured in sera and liver tissue of rats. The biochemical change was observed on liver tissue. In the result, the hepatomegaly and spleenomegaly appeared in all BDL/S operated rats, and significantly lower liver weight was observed in OpDW-4 group compared with in Op-4 group (p<0.05). The level of clinical parameters in sera of all liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) developed rats was higher than in normal group. Especial1y, the value of GOT in OpDW-2 group and ALP in OpDW-4 group showed significantly lower than in Op-2 group and Op-4 group (p<0.01, p<0.005). The content of hyp in all operation groups was significantly higher than in normal group (p<0.05∼<0.005), and showed significantly lower value in the OpDW-4 group than in Op-4 group (p<0.05). The product of lipid peroxidationUDA) increased significantly under the fibrotic(cirrhotic) condition (p<0.05∼ <0.005), and the MDA value in OpDW-4 group decreased significantly in Op-4 group (p<0.005). The histological change (bile duct proliferation, fibrosis, collagen bundle) was similarly observed in Op-2 group and in OpDW-2 group, but the weak fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were observed in OpDW-4 group compared with in Op-4 group. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation and severe liver damage were activated by bile duct obstruction, and the measurement of MDA and hap can be useful monitor for the screening of antioxidant and antifibrotic effect in experimental liver fibrosis (cirrhosis). The 4 weeks treatment with DW extracts suppressed lipid peroxidation and inhibited fibrotic (cirrhotic) process in BDL/S operated rats.

• 약학회지
• /
• 제40권5호
• /
• pp.550-557
• /
• 1996

One of therapeutics in liver disease (morbus wilson) is D-penicillamin (D-pen: D-3-mercapto-valin). Especially the cross-linking of collagen molecules could be inhibited by D-pe n in extracellular space. In this study we investigated the antifibrotic effects of D-pen in rats that were induced the liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S). Rats were treated for 4 weeks with D-pen after BDL/S operation or sham operation. The balance between fibrogenesis-marker (PNIIIP) and the fibrolysis-maker (PNIVP) were observed in sera by RIA (radioimmunoassay), and the parameter of collagen deposition in liver tissue (hydroxyproline: HYP) was measured by colorimetry. The weight of liver in BDL/S operated group was increased significantly in compared with sham operation group (15.2g${\pm}$1.1, vs 11.9g${\pm}$3.9: p<0.005, p<0.05). The rats group treated by D-pen showed the lower level of PNIIIP (6.7ng/ml${\pm}$1.5, vs 9.5ng/ml${\pm}$2.8) and the higher value of PIVCP (14.0ng/ml${\pm}$1.9, vs 7.9ng/ml${\pm}$1.5) in sera that compared to untreated rats. The content of HYP was decreased by 141% in BDL/S with D-pen treated group than that of it in BDL/S group. No correlation was revealed between collagen parameters in sera and HYP in liver tissue of BDL/S operated and D-pen treated rats. The group treated with D-pen showed the lower value of clinical biochemistry parameters (GOT: glutamate oxalacetate transaminase, Total-Bilirubin) in compared with only BDL/S operated rats, but the value of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and Alkaline phosphatase in two BDL/S groups was nearly same. In the histological finding, we observed mild bile duct proliferation, weak inflammation and fibrosis in BDL/S with D-pen treated group, but BDL/S operated group showed the formation of septum (island of hepatocytes), massive bile duct proliferation. This result represents that the BDL/S operation induces liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) in 4 weeks, and D-pen inhibits the synthesis of collagen weakly and stimulates the degradation of collagen in the extracellular space. We conclude that the monitoring of PNIIIP, PIVCP in sera is useful parameter for screening of antifibrotic effect, and D-pen delay the liver fibrosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제31권5호
• /
• pp.484-495
• /
• 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be defined as a progressive chronic pulmonary disease showing scarring in the lung parenchyma, thereby resulting in increase in mortality and decrease in the quality of life. The pathophysiologic mechanism of fibrosis in IPF is still unclear. Repetitive microinjuries to alveolar epithelium with genetical predisposition and an abnormal restorative reaction accompanied by excessive deposition of collagens are involved in the pathogenesis. Although the two FDA-approved drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are under use for retarding the decline in lung function of patients suffered from IPF, they are not able to improve the survival rate or quality of life. Therefore, a novel therapeutic agent acting on the major steps of the pathogenesis of disease and/or, at least, managing the clinical symptoms of IPF should be developed for the effective regulation of this incurable disease. In the present review, we tried to find a potential of managing the clinical symptoms of IPF by natural products derived from medicinal plants used for controlling the pulmonary inflammatory diseases in traditional Asian medicine. A multitude of natural products have been reported to exert an antifibrotic effect in vitro and in vivo through acting on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway, transforming growth factor (TGF)- β-induced intracellular signaling, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. However, clinical antifibrotic efficacy of these natural products on IPF have not been elucidated yet. Thus, those effects should be proven by further examinations including the randomized clinical trials, in order to develop the ideal and optimal candidate for the therapeutics of IPF.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• 제66권
• /
• pp.138-143
• /
• 2023

Liver fibrosis is caused by metabolic problems such as cholestasis, genetic problems, or viral infections. Inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation or inducing selective apoptosis of activated HSCs is used as a treatment strategy for liver fibrosis. It has been reported that when HSCs are activated, their apoptosis sensitivity to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is enhanced because the expression of death receptor 5 is elevated. Finding a natural compound that can enhance the apoptotic effect of TRAIL on HSCs is a necessary strategy for liver fibrosis treatment. It was confirmed here that mangosteen-derived gartanin increased the effect of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of DR5 in a p38-dependent manner in the hepatic stellate cell line LX-2. Combined treatment with gartanin and TRAIL accelerated DNA cleavage through caspase-3 activation and enhanced antifibrotic effects in LX-2 cells.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제17권1호
• /
• pp.118-122
• /
• 2003

Oxidative stress and its consequent lipid peroxidation exert harmful effects, which have been currently involved in the generation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced fibrosis(cirrhosis). In this study, it was investigated whether dried extract of 田螺(Concha Cipangopaludinae; CC) has liver functional improvement, antioxidative and antifibrotic effect in rats those were induced liver fibrosis by CCl₄ administration. The female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups(Normal, AC, AC-CC) and were observed in 6 weeks. Except for normal group, liver fibrosis(cirrhosis) in rats were developed by CCl₄ administration(0.8 ㎖/rat/week). And the rats were treated with prepared CC(p. o. 2 ㎖/day/rat). At the time of sacrifice, the liver, kidney and spleen were weighed and the ratio of organ weight/body weight was calculated. The MDA, hyp and biochemical parameters(AST, ALT, ALP, t-bili) were measured in sera and liver tissue of rats. The strong yellow color of urine was observed in all CCl₄-treated group compared with normal group, but jaundice didn't appear in CCl₄-treated group. The mortality of CCl₄-treated group is very low(<13%) during 6 weeks of observation time. The ratio of liver/body as well as the weight of liver in CCl₄-treated rats significantly increased compared with that in normal group(p<0.001). The level of clinical parameters in sera of all liver fibrosis(cirrhosis) developed rats were significantly higher than that of normal group(p<0.001-0.05). Especially the value of BUN, ALP, t-bilirubin in AC-CC group showed 20.9%, 19.6%, 47.9% lower than that in AC group. The content of hyp in CCl₄-treated rats was significantly higher than normal group(p<0.001～<0.05), and showed 12.2% lower value in the AC-CC group than AC group(p<0.05). The production of lipid peroxidation(MDA) in sera and liver tissue significantly increased under the fibrotic(cirrhotic) condition(p<0.001～<0.05). Especially the MDA value of AC-CC group in sera significantly 46.5% decreased compared with that of AC group(p<0.05), and the MDA value of AC-CC in liver tissue showed 21.4% lower than that of AC group. Concha Cipangopaludinae can be improved hepatic function, and maybe have effect of liver protection, antioxidation and antifibrosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제10권1호
• /
• pp.12-18
• /
• 2002

Silymarin and curcumin have been used for supportive treatment of liver disease of difffrent etiology due to their hepatoprotective activities. The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective efffcts of silymarin and/or curcuma extract against hepatotoxins induced liver injury. To investigate hepatoprotective effects, the silymarin and/or curcuma extract were pre-treated orally to experimental animals. And thereafter a single dose of hepatotoxin, carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$) and acetaminophen were administered through oral or intraperitoneal route, respectively. Chronic liver damage was induced by subcutaneous injection of $CCl_4$ for 3 weeks (2 times/week). Hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects were monitored by estimating serurn ALT and AST levels and by measuring hepatic glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)levels. Collagen type 1 was detected with irnrnunostaining to assess fibrosis. The results showed that the mix-ture of silymarin and curcuma extract significantly reduced serum biochemistry levels and MDA levels com-pared with those of control group in both acute and chronic animal models. In antifibrotic effect, the relative hepatic collagen content was significantly decreased by silymarin and/or curcuma extract treatment. It was concluded that the complex of silymarin and curcuma extract have a both hepatoprotective and therapeutic effect synergically in rat liver injury induced by heptotoxins.

• 한국약용작물학회지
• /
• 제17권4호
• /
• pp.243-250
• /
• 2009

Fifty percent ethanol extract of Lythrum salicaria Linne root (LSR) was tested in vitro on antioxidant activity, and furthermore was investigated on antioxidative and fibrosis protecting activities in $CCL_4$-induced liver fibrosis rat model. Ratio of hepatic GSH/GSSG (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) as bio-parameter of antioxidant level in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats for 6 weeks significantly increased from 2.8- to 5.7-fold than that of $CCL_4$-treated rats at p < 0.05. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats ranged from 1.57- to 2.19-fold of normal rats and were lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-treated rats ($1.78{\sim}2.46$-fold of normal rats) (p < 0.05). Amounts of hydroxyproline of liver tissue showing the content of total collagen, a parameter of fibrosis, in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-administrated rat livers were $4.9{\sim}8.8{\mu}g$/mg ($-47{\sim}-71%$, compared with that in $CCL_4$-treated rat livers ($16.6{\mu}g$/mg tissue), which were significantly lower than those in $CCL_4$ plus silymarin-administrated rats being $8.4{\sim}11.7{\mu}g$/mg ($-30{\sim}-50%$). This collagen reducing effect of liver tissue in $CCL_4$ plus LSR-treated rats was supported by histological observation using microscopy assay. From the results, we conclude that the root of L. salicaria have efficient antioxidant potential and effective antifibrotic activities.

• 한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국응용약물학회 1994년도 춘계학술대회 and 제3회 신약개발 연구발표회
• /
• pp.202-202
• /
• 1994

G009의 hepatic cirrhosis animal model중 bile duct ligation/scission (BDL/S) rat에서의 항섬유화 효과를 조사하였다. BDL/S 수술 후 4주간 투약군에는 G009 saline soln.(5mg/rat/day)을, 대조군에는 saline을 경구투여하였다. fibrosis가 최고에 달하는 4주후 rat를 도살하여, 혈청중 N-terminal procollagen type III peptide(PIIINP) level, 간 조직중 hydroxy proline content, serum biochemical value(ALT, AST, choleterol, total bilirubin, creatinine) 측정 및 간조직검사를 실시하였다. 그 결과 1) 혈청중 PIIINP의 경우, 투약군 BDL/S group(10.3ng/ml$\pm$2.2)이 대조군 (20.5ng/m1$\pm$3.9)에 비해 약 50%정도 유의성 있게 감소하였다(p<0,01). 2) 간 조직중 hydroxy proline치 측정 결과, 투약군 BDL/S group(471$\pm$160$\mu\textrm{g}$/g liver)이 대조군(566$\pm$42.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/g liver)에 비하여 약 13%정도 유의성있게 감소하였다(p<0.05). 3) 간조직검사 결과 투약군의 BDL/S op. group이 대조군보다 necrosis, inflammetion, bile duct proliferation, connective tissue 침착 등이 약화되었다. 위 실험을 종합한 결과 G009는 biliary cirrhosis model에서 antifibrotic effect가 있음이 사료된다.