Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Li-yun Zheng, Xi Zou, Yan-li Wang, Min Zou, Fang Ma, Ning Wang, Jia-wen Li, Ming-sheng Wang, Hsin-Yi Hung, Qiang Wang
Summary: Alcoholic abuse is a major cause of liver diseases globally, with oxidative stress being a critical factor. This study showed that BAN, a betulinic acid and nucleoside hybrid compound with good water solubility, effectively reversed acute alcohol-induced liver damages by reducing serum ALT level and liver oxidative stress. The protective role of BAN was mediated through hepatic FXR activation and the promotion of cellular autophagy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zi Chao Wu, Xin Yu Liu, Jia Yan Liu, Jing Shu Piao, Ming Guan Piao
Summary: This study investigates the use of betulinic acid-loaded galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles (BA-GC-NPs) for liver protection in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The results demonstrate that BA-GC-NPs have a small diameter and a core-shell structure, and can consistently and continuously release betulinic acid. In vitro and in vivo studies show that BA-GC-NPs have good biocompatibility and liver-targeting potential, reducing the degree of liver injury in a mouse model of liver fibrosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Li Guo, Hongyan Pei, Yi Yang, Yun Kong
Summary: This study found that betulinic acid (BET) inhibited M2 macrophage polarization and decreased infiltration in the microenvironment of liver cancer by binding to the STAT6 site and inhibiting STAT6 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that BET exerts an antitumor effect by modulating M2 macrophage function.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jung Joo Yoon, Chan Ok Son, Hye Yoom Kim, Byung Hyuk Han, Yun Jung Lee, Ho Sub Lee, Dae Gill Kang
Summary: The study showed that DOX induces cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells, but BA treatment can suppress these pathological responses and inhibit ROS generation. In addition, BA also blocks the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38, and improves the GATA-4 and calcineurin/NFAT-3 signaling pathway activation induced by DOX in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, BA treatment reduces DOX-induced cell apoptosis and regulates the protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3/-9.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alexandra Shingina, Nizar Mukhtar, Jamile Wakim-Fleming, Saleh Alqahtani, Robert J. Wong, Berkeley N. Limketkai, Anne M. Larson, Lafaine Grant
Summary: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare, potentially reversible condition that causes severe liver damage and rapid clinical deterioration in patients without preexisting liver disease. Due to limited studies, guidelines provided by the American College of Gastroenterology serve as the official practice recommendations for the identification, treatment, and management of ALF. The guidelines were developed through a process of reviewing scientific evidence and using expert opinions when robust evidence was lacking. Individualized care should be applied in specific clinical scenarios due to the varied clinical presentations of ALF.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Huizi Zhao, Lin Wu, Yuan Zhang, Shiqi Feng, Yuhao Ding, Xin Ding, Rui Feng, Jun Li, Taotao Ma
Summary: BA can promote the expression of SOCS1 by inhibiting the interaction between Lck and SOCS1, followed by the inhibition of JAK/STAT phosphorylation to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Evangelos Triantafyllou, Cathrin L. C. Gudd, Marie-Anne Mawhin, Hannah C. Husbyn, Francesca M. Trovato, Matthew K. Siggins, Thomas O'Connor, Hiromi Kudo, Sujit K. Mukherjee, Julia A. Wendon, Christine Bernsmeier, Robert D. Goldin, Marina Botto, Wafa Khamri, Mark J. W. McPhail, Lucia A. Possamai, Kevin J. Woollard, Charalambos G. Antoniades, Mark R. Thursz
Summary: The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway regulates KC and monocyte antimicrobial responses after acute liver injury, suppressing immune response and increasing susceptibility to infections.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Takashi Ito, Mao Odama, Eiji Maegawa, Kohsuke Suzuki, Yujiro Fujii, Reika Maeda, Shigeru Murakami
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pentacyclic triterpenoids, including betulinic acid (BA), on the cellular proliferation and senescence of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). BA treatment increased the proliferation of young fibroblasts and reduced the proportion of senescent cells in high-passage NHDFs. The downregulation of interferon (IFN)-inducible genes, including IFIT1, IFITM1, IFI6, MX1, and OAS2, by BA suggested the suppression of the type I IFN signaling pathway. BA also downregulated the expression of the IRF9 transcriptional factor downstream of the type 1 IFN signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Zheng, Wei Ling, Deming Zhu, Zhi Li, Yousheng Li, Haoming Zhou, Lianbao Kong
Summary: In this study, it was found that Roquin-1 expression decreased in SALI and was mainly expressed in monocyte-derived macrophages. Roquin-1 in macrophages regulated the function of miRNAs through phosphorylation and ubiquitination of Ago2, thereby influencing the differentiation of Tregs and polarization of M1 macrophages, and alleviating SALI. This suggests that Roquin-1 can be used as a potential tool for SALI treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiangrong Kong, Wei Liu, Xinwen Zhang, Chendong Zhou, Xinyu Sun, Long Cheng, Jinxia Lin, Zhifu Xie, Jingya Li
Summary: The development of acute liver failure (ALF) is dependent on inflammation, which accelerates hepatocyte death and liver failure. In this study, researchers found that the small molecule HIF-1a inhibitor PX-478 inhibits the secretion of IL-1 beta, leading to decreased liver injury and improved ALF in mice. The administration of PX-478 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammation-induced ALF.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jun Weng, Xu Han, Fanhong Zeng, Yue Zhang, Lei Feng, Lei Cai, Kangyan Liang, Shusong Liu, Shao Li, Gongbo Fu, Min Zeng, Yi Gao
Summary: The study utilized a fiber scaffold bioreactor for high-density, 3D culture of porcine hepatocytes to construct a bioartificial liver and evaluated its protective effects in an ALF porcine model. The bioartificial liver treatment enhanced liver regeneration, alleviated systemic inflammatory response, and reduced extrahepatic organ injury, leading to prolonged survival in the ALF model.
Article
Immunology
Lanqiu Zhang, Xiaolin Jiang, Jinlu Zhang, Hejun Gao, Lei Yang, Dihua Li, Qi Zhang, Botao Wang, Lihua Cui, Ximo Wang
Summary: (-)-Syringaresinol (SYR) extracted from Albiziae Cortex may exert anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB activation, modulating microglia polarization, and interacting with ERβ. This study suggests that SYR could offer a new therapeutic avenue for brain diseases associated with inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yan Zhang, Ning He, Xuejian Zhou, Feifan Wang, Hairong Cai, Shih Han Huang, Xianwu Chen, Zhenghui Hu, Xiaodong Jin
Summary: Betulinic acid (BA) exhibits antitumor effects against human bladder cancer cells by triggering autophagy and apoptosis. The effects can be attenuated by inhibiting ROS production, inhibiting autophagy, or silencing ATG7. BA activates autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway, with potential downregulation of Bmi-1 as a mechanism for autophagy-dependent apoptosis.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
B. R. Vinay Kumar, Shiv Kumar Sarin
Summary: Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a severe condition characterized by liver function deterioration, jaundice, coagulopathy, ascites, and high mortality. It is caused by extensive hepatic necrosis, leading to systemic inflammation, cytokine storm, and organ dysfunction. Patients with increased gut permeability show hyperimmune activation followed by immune paralysis, resulting in infections and organ failure. Early detection and treatment, especially within the golden window period of 7 days, can reverse the syndrome. Mortality prediction scores like APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) score, MELD, and CLIF-C ACLF score can aid in prognosis. Treatment strategies include addressing the acute insult and considering early transplantation for eligible patients. Emerging therapies like fecal microbial transplant and plasma exchange can be considered for non-transplant patients.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhiru Xiu, Yilong Zhu, Shanzhi Li, Yaru Li, Xia Yang, Yue Li, Gaojie Song, Ningyi Jin, Jinbo Fang, Jicheng Han, Yiquan Li, Xiao Li
Summary: Betulinic acid, found in several foods and plants, exhibits low toxicity and a wide range of anticancer activities. It can suppress proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells, raise ROS level, and inhibit antioxidation level. It promotes ferritinophagy to inhibit tumors and has low toxicity in mice.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anca D. Petrescu, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Matthew McMillin, Jessica Kain, Maheedhar Kodali, Ashok K. Shetty, Sharon DeMorrow
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Immunology
Matthew McMillin, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Anca D. Petrescu, Elaina Williams, Brandi Jefferson, Alison Thomas, Ankita Brahmaroutu, Sharon DeMorrow
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2019)
Article
Toxicology
Matthew McMillin, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Anca D. Petrescu, Elaina Williams, Brandi Jefferson, Sharon DeMorrow
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Pathology
Brandi Jefferson, Malaika Ali, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Michaela Ploof, Sarah Andry, Sharon DeMorrow, Matthew McMillin
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Pathology
Anca D. Petrescu, Stephanie Grant, Elaina Williams, Gabriel Frampton, Natalie Parks, Hanna Blaney, Marcus Davies, Rebekah John, Evan H. Reinhart, Matthew McMillin, Sharon DeMorrow
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Alican Ozkan, Danielle Stolley, Erik N. K. Cressman, Matthew McMillin, Sharon DeMorrow, Thomas E. Yankeelov, Marissa Nichole Rylander
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie M. Grant, Sharon DeMorrow
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anca D. Petrescu, Stephanie Grant, Elaina Williams, Gabriel Frampton, Evan H. Reinhart, Amy Nguyen, Suyeon An, Matthew McMillin, Sharon DeMorrow
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Alican Ozkan, Danielle L. Stolley, Erik N. K. Cressman, Matthew McMillin, Sharon DeMorrow, Thomas E. Yankeelov, Marissa Nichole Rylander
Summary: Variations in tumor biology from patient to patient, the low overall survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma, and changes in microenvironmental properties during the progression of chronic liver diseases present significant clinical challenges. The study found that CYP3A4 enzyme expression levels were linked to chemoresistance in HCC cells, with higher expression associated with cirrhosis-dependent resistance to doxorubicin, and lower expression associated with decreased resistance in response to increased microenvironmental stiffness. This suggests that considering patient-specific tumor microenvironmental factors may be necessary for more effective use of chemotherapeutics in HCC patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elaina Williams, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Anca Petrescu, Matthew McMillin, Sharon DeMorrow
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Matthew McMillin, Stephanie Grant, Elaina Williams, Gabriel Frampton, Anca Petrescu, Sharon DeMorrow
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Matthew McMillin, Stephanie Grant, Gabriel Frampton, Anca D. Petrescu, Jessica Kain, Elaina Williams, Rebecca Haines, Lauren Canady, Sharon DeMorrow
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei-Yang Gao, Ya-Nan Ou, Yi-Ming Huang, Zhi-Bo Wang, Yan Fu, Ya-Hui Ma, Qiong-Yao Li, Li-Yun Ma, Rui-Ping Cui, Yin-Chu Mi, Lan Tan, Jin-Tai Yu
Summary: Liver function may play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that as AD progressed, certain liver function markers increased while others decreased. The relationship between liver function and CSF AD biomarkers indicates a potential mediation effect on cognition.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2024)