Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qing Liu, Limin Zhang, Erik L. Allman, Troy D. Hubbard, Iain A. Murray, Fuhua Hao, Yuan Tian, Wei Gui, Robert G. Nichols, Philip B. Smith, Mallappa Anitha, Gary H. Perdew, Andrew D. Patterson
Summary: Activation of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) leads to hepatic ceramide accumulation, increased expression of ceramide biosynthetic genes, and elevated activity of their respective enzymes. AHR activation directly upregulates Sptlc2, resulting in ceramide accumulation, which promotes lipogenesis and hepatic lipid accumulation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mi Jeong Heo, Ji Ho Suh, Sung Ho Lee, Kyle L. Poulsen, Yu A. An, Bhagavatula Moorthy, Sean M. Hartig, David D. Moore, Kang Ho Kim
Summary: This study identifies a new role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating mitophagy and maintaining hepatic energy homeostasis. AhR inhibition leads to decreased mitochondrial respiration and impaired fasting response of autophagy genes and mitophagy process. The mitophagy receptor BNIP3 is identified as an AhR target gene and its overexpression restores functional mitophagy.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Huiyuan Yu, Fan Yang, Wentao Zhong, Xin Jiang, Fan Zhang, Xueying Ji, Mengjuan Xue, Yixuan Qiu, Jiaming Yu, Xiaona Hu, Jie Chen, Zhijun Bao
Summary: Galectin-3 plays a crucial role in the early pathogenesis of NAFLD by promoting hepatic steatosis through increased fatty acid uptake. Inhibition of Gal3 can reduce the occurrence of fatty liver, suggesting that targeting Gal3 may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of NAFLD.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Abdullah A. Alangari, Matin D. Ashoori, Wisam Alwan, Hannah R. Dawe, Brigitta Stockinger, Jonathan N. Barker, Emma Wincent, Paola Di Meglio
Summary: Manuka honey activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) to downregulate IL-4-induced CCL26 expression and upregulate FLG expression. These findings have potential clinical implications for atopic diseases and beyond.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sheng-Feng Tsai, Hao-Chang Hung, Monica Meng-Chun Shih, Fu-Chuan Chang, Bon-chu Chung, Chia-Yih Wang, Yu-Ling Lin, Yu-Min Kuo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between chronic ingestion of a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs) and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study found that the release of glucocorticoids induced by high-fat diet contributes to the development of NAFLD, and this process involves the upregulation of CD36 in the liver.
Article
Immunology
Zhi-Bin Huang, Zhen Hu, Chen-Xin Lu, Si-Dan Luo, Yu Chen, Zhi-Peng Zhou, Jing-Juan Hu, Fang-Ling Zhang, Fan Deng, Ke-Xuan Liu
Summary: This study reveals the protective role of gut microbiota-derived indole 3-propionic acid (IPA) in sepsis. IPA promotes macrophage phagocytosis to control infection and improve clinical outcomes in septic patients. The findings suggest that IPA may be a potential new treatment strategy for sepsis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tianhui Hu, Mian Wei, Guoping Hong, Tingting Qi, Yuanyuan Xiang, Yunjie Yang, Yuanyuan Yi
Summary: Research findings indicate that Xiaoyao San inhibits hepatic steatosis in postmenopausal animal models by reducing the expression of genes related to triglyceride synthesis through the estrogen receptor alpha pathway.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Claudia Cerracchio, Francesco Serra, Maria Grazia Amoroso, Filomena Fiorito
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is involved in the host response to coronaviruses (CoVs) infection. AhR antagonists reduce the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and suppress severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in mammalian cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Xin Xie, Yi-Fan Tie, Song Lai, Yun-Long Zhang, Hui-Hua Li, Ying Liu
Summary: This study revealed the importance of CGI-58 in maintaining heart function, with CGI-58 knockout leading to cardiac hypertrophic remodeling and dysfunction, while CGI-58 injection alleviated these adverse effects. Proteomic analysis showed that ER stress plays a crucial role in cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Minxuan Xu, Chenxu Ge, Liancai Zhu, Yuting Qin, Chengjiang Du, Deshuai Lou, Qiang Li, Linfeng Hu, Yan Sun, Xianling Dai, Mingxin Xiong, Tingting Long, Jianxia Zhan, Qin Kuang, Huanhuan Li, Qiufeng Yang, Ping Huang, Xuepeng Teng, Jing Feng, Yekuan Wu, Wei Dong, Bochu Wang, Jun Tan
Summary: The study demonstrates that iRhom2 plays a crucial role in promoting hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Mice with iRhom2 deficiency show less severe hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, indicating iRhom2 as a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD-related complications.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yifan Zhang, Min Du, Jiarou Wang, Ping Liu
Summary: In this study, it was found that AS-IV can attenuate atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis in LDLR-/- mice through the MAPK/NF-kappa B signaling pathway. AS-IV decreased serum lipid levels, reduced plaque area, increased plaque stability, and decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappa B p65.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Christoph F. A. Vogel, Gwendal Lazennec, Sarah Y. Kado, Carla Dahlem, Yi He, Alejandro Castaneda, Yasuhiro Ishihara, Christian Vogeley, Andrea Rossi, Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann, Juliann Jugan, Hidetoshi Mori, Alexander D. Borowsky, Michele A. La Merrill, Colleen Sweeney
Summary: AhRR is a potential tumor suppressor that can inhibit the development of mammary tumors, suggesting therapeutic potential for the restoration and expression of AhRR.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wei Song, Xiaoting Yang, Wanqiu Wang, Zi Wang, Jie Wu, Fengjie Huang
Summary: Research has shown that the new drug sinomenine can repair lung injury and alleviate inflammation caused by cecum ligation and puncture. Sinomenine can also improve gut microbiota richness, modulate intestinal flora composition, reduce colon damage, and improve intestinal barrier integrity in mice undergoing cecum ligation and puncture. The protective effect of sinomenine on the intestinal tract is linked to the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/Nrf2-dependent pathway.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yudi Yao, Yang Chen, Huijian Chen, Xin Pan, Xiaojun Li, Wenqi Liu, Yerlan Bahetjan, Binan Lu, Kejian Pang, Xinzhou Yang, Zongran Pang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the potential of Morus nigra L. fruit ethyl acetate extract (MNF-EA) in reducing blood sugar levels by preventing the production of hepatic lipogenesis, and to provide more evidence for its use as an adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hua Miao, Xia-Qing Wu, Yan-Ni Wang, Dan-Qian Chen, Lin Chen, Nosratola D. Vaziri, Shougang Zhuang, Yan Guo, Wei Su, Shi-Xing Ma, Huan-Qiao Zhang, You-Quan Shang, Xiao-Yong Yu, Yan-Long Zhao, Jia-Rong Mao, Ming Gao, Jin-Hua Zhang, Jin Zhao, Yuan Zhang, Li Zhang, Ying-Yong Zhao, Gang Cao
Summary: This study identified the role of 1-hydroxypyrene in mediating renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease. The findings suggest that targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for CKD progression.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minchun Jiang, Huanyu Ding, Yu Huang, Li Wang
Summary: Shear stress and metabolic disorder play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with complex interactions between them potentially amplifying the proatherogenic effects through increased oxidative stress and inflammation. A deeper understanding of the cross talk network holds promise for comprehensive clinical management of atherosclerosis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Huina Zhang, Jinghui Dong, Chi-Wai Lau, Yu Huang
Summary: This study demonstrated that berberine reverses NTG tolerance by inhibiting PKC alpha activity in VSMCs. These findings suggest that berberine could be a promising drug for prevention of NTG tolerance and targeting PKC alpha in VSMCs may be a potential therapeutic strategy for reversal of NTG tolerance in blood vessels.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mingyu Huo, Xiaoyun Cao, Hongsong Zhang, Chi Wai Lau, Huiling Hong, Francis M. Chen, Yu Huang, Ajay Chawla, Xiao Yu Tian
Summary: This study aims to investigate the contribution of BMAL1 to the pro-fibrotic macrophage phenotype in the vasculature during hypertension.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Guozhi Jiang, Andrea O. Luk, Claudia H. T. Tam, Risa Ozaki, Cadmon K. P. Lim, Elaine Y. K. Chow, Eric S. Lau, Alice P. S. Kong, Baoqi Fan, Ka Fai Lee, Shing Chung Siu, Grace Hui, Chiu Chi Tsang, Kam Piu Lau, Jenny Y. Leung, Man-wo Tsang, Grace Kam, Ip Tim Lau, June K. Li, Vincent T. Yeung, Emmy Lau, Stanley Lo, Samuel Fung, Yuk Lun Cheng, Chun Chung Chow, Nelson L. S. Tang, Yu Huang, Hui-yao Lan, Richard A. Oram, Cheuk Chun Szeto, Wing Yee So, Juliana C. N. Chan, Ronald C. W. Ma
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and all-cause mortality, as well as investigate the determinants of AKI in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings suggest that patients with AKI have a higher risk of developing CKD, ESRD, and all-cause death. Additionally, a polygenic risk score (PRS) composed of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum uric acid (SUA) was found to be associated with AKI and CKD in both discovery and replication cohorts.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lei Zhao, Cheng-Lin Zhang, Lei He, Qinghua Chen, Limei Liu, Lijing Kang, Jian Liu, Jiang-Yun Luo, Lingshan Gou, Dan Qu, Wencong Song, Chi Wai Lau, Ho Ko, Vincent C. T. Mok, Xiao Yu Tian, Li Wang, Yu Huang
Summary: Monomerization and uncoupling of eNOS play crucial roles in mediating vascular dysfunction in diabetes. This study reveals that impaired autophagic flux leads to eNOS monomerization and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in diabetic mice. Restoring autophagic flux improves endothelial cell oxidative stress, promotes eNOS dimerization, and enhances endothelium-dependent relaxations in diabetic mice.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh, Xiao-Yu Tian, Christine Yim-Ping Wong, Chi-Wai Lau, Chak-Kwong Cheng, Victor Wai-Lun Tang, Ronald Cheong-Kin Chan, Yu Huang, Chi-Fai Ng
Summary: ADT treatment causes endothelial dysfunction in male rats, with different modalities of ADT treatment having varying effects on arterial endothelial function, possibly related to oxidative stress induced by AngII-AT1R-NOX2.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yalan Wu, Xiaolong Tang, Sharen Lee, Huiling Hong, Xiaoyun Cao, Chi Wai Lau, Baohua Liu, Ajay Chawla, Ronald Ching Wan Ma, Yu Huang, Kathy O. Lui, Xiao Yu Tian
Summary: Activation of PPAR delta by hypoxia stabilizes HIF1 alpha protein, facilitating the post-ischemic restoration of vascular homeostasis. Lack of endothelial PPAR delta delays blood perfusion recovery and tissue repair, impairs vascular integrity, increases vascular leakage and inflammatory responses.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yingqiu Cui, Mario Kassmann, Sophie Nickel, Chenglin Zhang, Natalia Alenina, Yoland Marie Anistan, Johanna Schleifenbaum, Michael Bader, Donald G. Welsh, Yu Huang, Maik Gollasch
Summary: This study demonstrates that myogenic arterial constriction requires G(q/11)-dependent signaling pathways of mechanoactivated AT1R but not G protein-independent, noncanonical pathways in smooth muscle cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pengcheng Wang, Guangyi Zeng, Yu Yan, Song-yang Zhang, Yongqiang Dong, Yangming Zhang, Xingzhong Zhang, Huiying Liu, Zhipeng Zhang, Changtao Jiang, Yanli Pang
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a chronic multifactorial cardiovascular disease that can be regulated through the adipose function. Inhibition of HIF-1 alpha reduces adipose ceramide generation, cholesterol levels, and inflammatory responses, leading to improved dyslipidemia and atherogenesis. This inhibition may be a novel approach to slow atherosclerotic progression.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ke Ma, Jie Yang, Yihui Shao, Ping Li, Hongchang Guo, Jianing Wu, Yi Zhu, Hui Zhang, Xu Zhang, Jie Du, Yulin Li
Summary: An accurate prediction model based on arachidonic acid metabolites was developed to predict mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. The model showed high accuracy in predicting death in validation cohort and provided incremental information beyond existing clinical scores. In a murine model, inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase was shown to be a potential therapeutic target for treating heart failure.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kathy O. Lui, Yu Huang
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bo Chen, Lulu Sun, Guangyi Zeng, Zhe Shen, Kai Wang, Limin Yin, Feng Xu, Pengcheng Wang, Yong Ding, Qixing Nie, Qing Wu, Zhiwei Zhang, Jialin Xia, Jun Lin, Yuhong Luo, Jie Cai, Kristopher W. Krausz, Ruimao Zheng, Yanxue Xue, Ming-Hua Zheng, Yang Li, Chaohui Yu, Frank J. Gonzalez, Changtao Jiang
Summary: Tobacco smoking is positively correlated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study found that nicotine accumulates in the intestine during tobacco smoking and activates intestinal AMPK alpha. The gut bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens is identified as an effective nicotine degrader. These findings highlight the role of intestinal nicotine accumulation in NAFLD progression and the presence of an endogenous bacterium in the human intestine that can metabolize nicotine.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huanyu Ding, Minchun Jiang, Chi Wai Lau, Jianfang Luo, Andrew M. M. Chan, Li Wang, Yu Huang
Summary: YAP inhibition by CBL0137 is a promising therapeutic approach for atherosclerotic vascular disease.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Wenbin Cai, Le Liu, Xuelian Shi, Yanan Liu, Jin Wang, Xuan Fang, Zhipeng Chen, Ding Ai, Yi Zhu, Xu Zhang
Summary: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to cardiac dysfunction and cell loss. The time point and mechanisms of different types of cell death after reperfusion injury are unclear. This study found that ferroptosis is the predominant form of cell death during prolonged reperfusion and identified Alox15/15-HpETE as important regulators of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chak Kwong Cheng, Huanyu Ding, Minchun Jiang, Huiyong Yin, Maik Gollasch, Yu Huang
Summary: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) refers to the aggregate of adipose tissue surrounding the vasculature, exhibiting the phenotypes of white, beige and brown adipocytes. PVAT is actively involved in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and inflammation in the vascular system. The phenotype-genotype of PVAT varies in different regions of the vasculature and plays a role in cardiovascular pathogenesis. Treatments targeting PVAT may provide new therapeutic insights for cardiovascular diseases.