Herbs And Phytochemicals: Patrinia Villosa - A Promising Protector Against Acute Liver Injury
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 28, 2024 6 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 8 hours, 57 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: In recent years, the search for effective treatments for liver diseases has intensified, with a particular focus on traditional medicines. One such promising candidate is Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss, a plant integral to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known as "Bai jiang cao" or "herba patriniae." This
Herbs And Phytochemicals study, conducted by researchers from The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Liaoning University, and Liaoning Province Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, aims to uncover the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of Patrinia villosa (PV) in alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury.
Patrinia Villosa - A Promising Protector Against Acute Liver Injury
The Role of Patrinia Villosa in TCM
Patrinia villosa has been traditionally used in TCM for its liver-protective properties. According to TCM theories, PV is believed to function at the liver meridian, aiding in the treatment of liver-related diseases. Despite its historical usage, the precise mechanisms by which PV exerts its protective effects on the liver remain largely unexplored.
Understanding Liver Fibrosis and Injury
Liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components like collagen, disrupts normal liver structure and function. This condition can progress to severe cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), leading to high mortality rates. Effective treatment strategies for liver fibrosis are crucial for public health, given the associated morbidity and mortality.
The Impact of Carbon Tetrachloride
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used in liver-related research due to its ability to induce liver lesions and fibrosis. CCl4-treated rats typically exhibit significant increases in lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers, along with microscopic evidence of fatty changes, inflammatory cell accumulation, and collagen deposition in liver tissues.
Research Methodology
To uncover these mechanisms, the researchers utilized Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC QTOF-MS/MS) to analyze the chemical profile of PV. The study involved five groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats, which were administered different dosages of PV (125 and 375 mg/kg) orally for seven consecutive days. Liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a 40% CCl4 oil solution. Various analyses, including H&E staining, ELISA, and LC-MS/MS, were performed to assess liver damage, serum markers, and bile acid profiles. Additionally, TUNEL staining and HepG2 cell assays were used to evaluate apoptosis and autophagy.
Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Effects
The UPLC QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified 16 compounds in the 70% methanol e
xtract of PV. These compounds are believed to contribute to the therapeutic effects observed in the study. Administration of PV significantly reversed the elevated levels of serum markers such as AST, ALT, and T-BIL caused by CCl4. Histological evaluations revealed that PV reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and restored the structure of liver tissues and hepatocytes.
Restoration of Bile Acid Levels
One of the significant findings of this study was the restoration of bile acid levels by PV treatment. Six bile acids - DCA, HDCA, GCA, TCA, TCDCA, and TUDCA - were notably altered in the serum and liver tissues following CCl4 administration. PV treatment successfully normalized the levels of these bile acids, highlighting its role in maintaining bile acid homeostasis during liver injury.
Inhibition of Apoptosis and Autophagy
Apoptosis and autophagy are critical processes in liver cell function and injury. The study demonstrated that PV inhibited apoptosis induced by CCl4 in liver tissues and suppressed autophagy in HepG2 cells. These effects suggest that PV's protective mechanisms involve the modulation of cell death pathways, which is crucial for preserving liver health during acute injury.
The Role of Bile Acids in Liver Injury
Bile acids, products of cholesterol catabolism, play roles beyond lipid digestion and absorption. They act as signaling molecules involved in inflammatory responses related to liver injury. Previous research indicates that bile acids can directly harm liver cells, inducing apoptosis. This study's revelation that PV can normalize bile acid levels and mitigate apoptosis and autophagy highlights its therapeutic potential.
Future Directions
The findings of this study open new avenues for further research. Future studies should explore the specific roles of individual bile acids in liver injury and the molecular mechanisms by which PV influences apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, the potential involvement of microRNAs, such as miR-217, in PV's protective effects warrants investigation.
Conclusion
Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss emerges as a potent natural agent against CCl4-induced acute liver injury. By restoring bile acid homeostasis and inhibiting cell death pathways, PV demonstrates significant promise in liver protection. These findings not only validate the traditional use of PV in TCM but also pave the way for its integration into modern therapeutic strategies for liver diseases. The scientific basis established by this study could lead to more effective and natural treatments, offering hope for patients suffering from liver conditions.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1409971/full
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