Bergenin Attenuates Hepatic Fibrosis by Regulating Autophagy Mediated by the PPAR-γ/TGF-β Pathway

Abstract

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process involving diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the liver. It is typical of many chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, and effective drugs are needed. In this study, we explored the protective effect of bergenin on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride and bile duct ligation. A variety of molecular biological methods (qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry) were employed to confirm the increased degree of hepatocyte injury and ECM formation in the disease model, consistent with autophagy and activation of the TGF-β pathway. Bergenin activated PPAR-γ and inhibited TGF-β and autophagy and decreased liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatocyte necrosis and ECM formation in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that bergenin may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Bergenin alleviates H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells: Involvement of the PPAR‐γ/NF‐κB pathway

“…49,50 Simultaneously, several studies showed that bergenin acted as an agonist of PPAR-γ when exerted its several biological activities. 32,[51][52][53] Particularly, Wang et al demonstrated that bergenin could ameliorate colitis in mice through banding PPAR-γ, then inhibiting the activation of NF-κB in macrophage. 53 In order to find out whether PPARγ-dependent pathway involved in the protective effect of bergenin in H 2 O 2 -induced HNPCs, we used western blot to measure PPAR-γ.…”

“…PPAR‐γ has been reported to protect neurons from ROS‐induce oxidative damage 48 and its antioxidant capacity was associated with NF‐κB suppression 49,50 . Simultaneously, several studies showed that bergenin acted as an agonist of PPAR‐γ when exerted its several biological activities 32,51–53 . Particularly, Wang et al demonstrated that bergenin could ameliorate colitis in mice through banding PPAR‐γ, then inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB in macrophage 53 .…”

A Fresh Look on Bergenin: Vision of Its Novel Drug Delivery Systems and Pharmacological Activities

“…In an investigation, Xia and his research team assessed the defensive effect of BER on hepatic fibrosis via bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride. In this study, BER was observed as a potential bioactive for the management of hepatic fibrosis [70].…”

PPARs as Metabolic Sensors and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases

“…PPARγ can regulate the TGF-β/Smads pathway and binds directly to Smad3 and inhibits TGF-β-induced CTGF and α-SMA expression in smooth muscle cells [ 82 ]. Several molecules that upregulate PPARγ can inhibit TGF-β production during fibrosis in different tissues [ 83 , 84 ]. PPARγ is involved in HSC transdifferentiation and fibroblast transformation, PPARγ2 is highly expressed in quiescent HSC, and PPARγ is downregulated during HSC activation [ 85 ].…”