• 中文核心期刊要目总览
  • 中国科技核心期刊
  • 中国科学引文数据库(CSCD)
  • 中国科技论文与引文数据库(CSTPCD)
  • 中国学术期刊文摘数据库(CSAD)
  • 中国学术期刊(网络版)(CNKI)
  • 中文科技期刊数据库
  • 万方数据知识服务平台
  • 中国超星期刊域出版平台
  • 国家科技学术期刊开放平台
  • 荷兰文摘与引文数据库(SCOPUS)
  • 日本科学技术振兴机构数据库(JST)

Dual-function natural products: Farnesoid X receptor agonist/inflammation inhibitor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease therapy

  • Abstract: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, with only one Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for its treatment. Given MASLD’s complex pathophysiology, therapies that simultaneously target multiple pathways are highly desirable. One promising approach is dual-modulation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which regulates lipid and bile acid metabolism. However, FXR agonists alone are insufficient due to their limited anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to dto identify natural products capable of both FXR activation and inflammation inhibition to provide a comprehensive therapeutic approach for MASLD. Potential FXR ligands from the Natural Product Library were predicted via virtual screening using the Protein Preparation Wizard module in Schrodinger (2018) for molecular docking. Direct binding and regulation of candidate compounds on FXR were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assay, reporter gene analysis, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds were evaluated in AML12 cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Dual-function compounds with FXR agonism and inflammation inhibition were further identified in cells transfected with Fxr siRNA and treated with TNF-α. The effects of these dual-function compounds on lipid accumulation and inflammation were evaluated in cells treated with palmitic acid. Results revealed that 17 natural products were predicted via computational molecular docking as potential FXR agonists, with 15 exhibiting a strong affinity for FXR recombinant protein. Nine isoflavone compounds significantly enhanced FXR reporter luciferase activity and the mRNA expressions of Shp and Ostb. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that introducing isopropyl or methoxy groups at the C7 position or a methoxy group at the C6 position could enhance the agonistic efficacy of isoflavones. Three compounds (2, 6, and 8) were identified as dual-function natural products functioning as FXR agonists and inflammatory inhibitors, while one compound (12) acted as an FXR agonist to inhibit inflammation. These natural products protected hepatocytes against palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation and inflammation. In conclusion, compounds 2, 6, and 8 (genistein, biochanin A, and 7-methoxyisoflavone, respectively) were identified as dual-function bioactive products that transactivate FXR and inhibit inflammation, serving as potential candidates or lead compounds for MASLD therapy.

     

/

返回文章
返回