1.Research Advances on Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidation Effect of Medicinal and Edible Herbs Liver-protecting Chinese Medicine
Jinghan ZHAO ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):293-301
The liver is closely associated with inflammation and the redox response, and inflammation is the body's innate defense system for clearing away harmful stimuli and participating in the liver's wound-healing response.Oxidative stress is associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, and sustained inflammation and the corresponding regenerative wound healing response can induce fibrosis, cirrhosis, progression to end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately death.Some "medicine and food homology" traditional Chinese medicine has been used in clinical effect, showing the ability to protect the liver.This paper reviewed the relationship between liver and oxidative stress response and inflammation response, and sorted out 110 "medicine and food same origin" traditional Chinese medicines based on the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) and the Chinese materia medica.The results showed that common floweringqince fruit, licorice root, cassia seed, emblic,seabuckthorn fruit,Chinese date, honeysuckle, ginger, cape jasmine fruit, platycodon root, lotus leaf, dandelion, reed root, honey, mountain honeysuckle, milkvetch root, glossy ganoderma, Gastrodia gastrodia and eucommia leaf were recorded to have liver protection effects.The liver protection mechanism is mainly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Some Chinese herbs can also play a liver protection role by inhibiting the growth of hepatitis virus and liver cancer cells and regulating bile acid metabolism.In addition, the biological mechanism of its liver protection effect through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal experiments was analyzed, and it was found that it plays a role through multiple pathways and multiple targets, providing new ideas for the role of "medicine and food homology" traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment strategy of liver diseases.
2.Research Advances on Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidation Effect of Medicinal and Edible Herbs Liver-protecting Chinese Medicine
Jinghan ZHAO ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):293-301
The liver is closely associated with inflammation and the redox response, and inflammation is the body's innate defense system for clearing away harmful stimuli and participating in the liver's wound-healing response.Oxidative stress is associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, and sustained inflammation and the corresponding regenerative wound healing response can induce fibrosis, cirrhosis, progression to end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately death.Some "medicine and food homology" traditional Chinese medicine has been used in clinical effect, showing the ability to protect the liver.This paper reviewed the relationship between liver and oxidative stress response and inflammation response, and sorted out 110 "medicine and food same origin" traditional Chinese medicines based on the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) and the Chinese materia medica.The results showed that common floweringqince fruit, licorice root, cassia seed, emblic,seabuckthorn fruit,Chinese date, honeysuckle, ginger, cape jasmine fruit, platycodon root, lotus leaf, dandelion, reed root, honey, mountain honeysuckle, milkvetch root, glossy ganoderma, Gastrodia gastrodia and eucommia leaf were recorded to have liver protection effects.The liver protection mechanism is mainly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Some Chinese herbs can also play a liver protection role by inhibiting the growth of hepatitis virus and liver cancer cells and regulating bile acid metabolism.In addition, the biological mechanism of its liver protection effect through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal experiments was analyzed, and it was found that it plays a role through multiple pathways and multiple targets, providing new ideas for the role of "medicine and food homology" traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment strategy of liver diseases.
3.Tuihuang Mixture improves α‑naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes via regulating farnesoid X receptor.
Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Yuchun YU ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):718-724
OBJECTIVES:
To study the therapeutic mechanism of Tuihuang Mixture against cholestasis.
METHODS:
Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tuihuang Mixture group. Except for those in the blank group, all the rats were given α‑naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish rat models of cholestasis, followed by treatments with indicated drugs or distilled water. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL of the rats were determined, and hepatic expressions IL-1β, IL-18, FXR, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected using q-PCR, ELISA or Western blotting. Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed using HE staining.
RESULTS:
The rat models of cholestasis had significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL with increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18, decreased protein and mRNA expressions of FXR, and increased protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 and mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the liver tissue, showing also irregular arrangement of liver cells, proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltration. Treatment of the rat models with Tuihuang Mixture significantly decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL, lowered IL-1β and IL-18 and increased FXR protein and mRNA expressions, and reduced NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins and NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue. Tuihuang Mixture also significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury, bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of the rat models.
CONCLUSIONS
Tuihuang Mixture can effectively improve cholestasis in rats possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatosome-mediated pyroptosis via regulating FXR.
Animals
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
;
Rats
;
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism*
;
Cholestasis/drug therapy*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
1-Naphthylisothiocyanate
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Male
;
Interleukin-18/metabolism*
;
Caspase 1/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
4.The regulatory role and mechanism of microRNA in cholestasis
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2187-2194
As a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) can regulate gene expression and thereby intervene against the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex and is mainly associated with the metabolism and transport of bile acids, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and intestinal flora. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid is the preferred drug for the clinical treatment of cholestasis, but it may cause adverse reactions and exhibit poor efficacy in some patients. Studies have shown that miRNA can intervene in the disease process of cholestasis through multiple mechanisms such as regulating bile acid metabolism and transport, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory response, improving cholangiocyte proliferation, and regulating intestinal flora. It can be used as a new biomarker and action target for cholestasis, with high research potential and value. Therefore, this article summarizes the role and mechanisms of miRNA in regulating cholestasis in recent years, in order to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of cholestasis by targeting miRNA.
5.Role of bile acids-gut microbiota interaction in the pathogenesis and treatment of cholestasis
Yinpei Tang ; Zhengwang Zhu ; Pingsheng Zhu ; Qingchun Cai ; Bing Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):578-583
Abstract
Cholestasis can be seen in many acute and chronic liver diseases. If not intervened in time, persistent cholestasis can further progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex, and there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Bile acids(BAs), the main component of bile, are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver as primary bile acids. After entering the intestine through the enterohepatic circulation, they are reshaped into secondary bile acids by gut microbiota. BAs can directly or indirectly affect the composition and function of gut microbiota, which in turn can regulate the synthesis and metabolism of BAs. The interaction between BAs and gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of cholestasis. This review elucidates the bidirectional regulatory mechanisms between BAs and gut microbiota and their roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of cholestasis, aiming to provide insights and references for basic research and clinical practice related to cholestasis-associated diseases.
6.Study on the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types and Medication Rules of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Data Mining
Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(9):1437-1444
Objective To explore syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and medication rules of functional dyspepsia,and to provide reference for modern TCM clinical treatment.Methods The clinical research literature on the treatment of functional dyspepsia with TCM were searched from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,PubMed and Web of Science databases,TCM compounds were collected and database was established.Excel 2019,Clementine 12.0 and SPSS 21.0 were used for frequency analysis of TCM syndrome types,drug frequency,efficacy classifications,properties,tastes,and meridian tropisms of functional dyspepsia,and association rule analysis,factor analysis and cluster analysis were performed on high-frequency drugs.Results A total of 428 articles were included,and 442 prescriptions were extracted,involving 225 Chinese medicines and 24 high-frequency drugs,among which Codonopsis Radix,Poria,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Bupleuri Radix were most frequently used.Tonic deficiency drugs and regulating qi drugs were the most common efficacy categories.The property was mainly warm,the tastes were mainly bitter,pungent and sweet,most of which belonged to spleen,lung and stomach meridians.Twenty drug combinations were obtained by association rule analysis,nine common factors were extracted by factor analysis,and drugs could be divided into four categories by cluster analysis.Functional dyspepsia with the liver-stomach disharmony is the most common syndrome.Twelve drug combinations were obtained by association rule analysis,three common factors were extracted by factor analysis,and drugs could be divided into two categories by cluster analysis.Conclusion The clinical treatment of functional dyspepsia in TCM is mainly to replenish qi and invigorate spleen,dredge liver and promote qi,replenish deficiency with sweet and warm drugs,disperse pungent and descend bitter,which were compatible with drugs for resolving dampness,relieving external symptoms and clearing heat according to syndrome differentiation.
7.Characteristics and Application Analysis of Animals Model of Cholelithiasis Based on Data Mining
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Mingsan MIAO ; Pingsheng ZHU
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(10):1621-1627
Objective To summarize the existing animal models of cholelithiasis,and to explore a pathological model that can better reflect the characteristics of clinical syndromes of traditional Chinese and western medicine and meet the needs of the development of clinical and basic research of traditional Chinese medicine. Methods The animal models for experimental research on cholelithiasis at home and abroad were collected and sorted out by searching CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed and other databases. The animal types,modeling methods,modeling cycles,detection indicators and positive drugs of the models were statistically analyzed. Results Among the 128 articles included,the animal types of cholelithiasis models were mainly guinea pigs,rabbits and C57BL/6J mice. The most used modeling method is high-fat diet,and the feeding cycle takes eight weeks to complete. High-frequency detection indicators were stone formation rate,total cholesterol,phospholipids,total bilirubin,total bile acid,etc. The commonly used intervention methods are traditional Chinese medicine compound,western medicine and single Chinese medicine or extract. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is mainly used for western medicine intervention,whereas the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine mainly includes traditional Chinese medicine compound,acupuncture,exercise,diet and other methods. The positive control drug in the experiment was mostly UDCA. Conclusion With the continuous improvement and development of cholelithiasis animal model,there are many kinds of modeling methods to simulate the clinical manifestations of cholelithiasis in Chinese and western medicine,but there are also some limitations. This paper aims to provide reference for the selection,application and improvement of cholelithiasis model through data mining and characteristic analysis.
8.Role and Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Saponins in Ameliorating Metabolism-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):273-281
Saponins are widely found in various Chinese medicines such as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Bupleuri Radix. They possess multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects. They play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as acute lung injury, hyperlipidemia, and diabetic cardiovascular complications, and hold significant research potential and value. Metabolism-related fatty liver disease is a prevalent chronic liver disease characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. According to the "multiple hit" theory, its occurrence is the result of systemic homeostasis disorder, influenced by abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and intestinal microbiota. However, there is currently no effective treatment available in clinical practice. Recent studies have found that Chinese herbal saponins can alleviate metabolism-related fatty liver disease through various pathways, including regulating abnormal lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammatory responses, alleviating oxidative stress, reducing insulin resistance, improving mitochondrial dysfunction, modulating intestinal flora, inhibiting hepatocyte programmed death, regulating liver autophagy, and correcting immune imbalances. Therefore, this review summarized the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of Chinese herbal saponins in improving metabolism-related fatty liver disease in recent years, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application and experimental research of Chinese herbal saponins in the prevention and treatment of metabolism-related fatty liver disease.
9.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Gut Microbiota in Treating Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Yinpei TANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):272-278
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a manifestation of multi-system metabolic dysfunction that affects the liver. Its disease spectrum not only includes fatty liver hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver malignancies, and other liver diseases but also includes extrahepatic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis diseases, and chronic kidney disease. It is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, with a complex pathogenesis and a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. With the improvement of people's living standards and the acceleration of the aging process, the incidence of MAFLD may continue to increase in the future, and its occurrence, development, prevention, and treatment have received widespread attention. Recent studies have shown that abnormal composition and proportion of gut microbiota can affect the changes in gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Metabolic disorders of bile acids and choline can further exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance, leading to a vicious cycle that destroys intestinal barrier function, increases intestinal permeability, and allows lipopolysaccharides, bacteria, viruses, and other substances to enter the liver through the ''gut-liver axis''. This process promotes liver inflammation and lipid deposition. Factors such as gut microbiota shift, regulation of host energy absorption, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response interact to participate in the occurrence and development of MAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine regulates the structure and function of gut microbiota through multiple targets, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibiting the formation of harmful bacteria, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, inhibiting liver inflammation and lipid degeneration, and influencing liver metabolism and immune response. This ultimately contributes to the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. This article systematically reviewed the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of MAFLD targeting gut microbiota through a literature search, aiming to provide ideas and references for TCM treatment of MAFLD.
10.Evaluation of cholestatic liver disease animal model based on clinical syndrome characteristics of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Zhengwang ZHU ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2023;39(12):2959-2964
Cholestatic liver disease is a common disease of the hepatobiliary system. Its etiology and pathogenesis are complex. The establishment of an appropriate animal model of cholestatic liver disease is the basis for further study of its pathogenesis and prevention. This study summarized the existing modeling methods, mechanisms, and characteristics of this model, and analyzed its alignment with the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine based on the modern clinical diagnostic criteria and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of cholestatic liver disease, so as to provide a reference for establishing standard animal models and evaluation methods for cholestatic liver disease that accord better with the clinical practice of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail