Work

Mechanistic Insights into the Protective Effects of Cryptotanshinone Against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: , is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antifibrotic effects. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect and mechanisms of CPT were explored using transcriptome and network pharmacology. A carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mouse model was established. The anti-ALI effects of different doses of CPT were evaluated by analysis of biochemical indicators, histopathological staining, and immunohistochemical analysis. Combining network pharmacology with transcriptomic analysis revealed therapeutic targets, which were subsequently validated through polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. CPT (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β in model mice and regulated oxidative stress indicators, including malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. MCP-1 protein expression in the liver was inhibited by treatment with CPT. Network pharmacology revealed 72 core targets involved in the treatment of ALI by CPT. By combining transcriptomic data from liver tissue, three key targets-TNF-α, TLR9, and ADORA2B-were identified, along with the TLR, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. Furthermore, PCR and Western blot assays revealed that CPT significantly decreased TNF-α, TLR9, and ADORA2B expression levels in the livers of ALI mice. In conclusion, the hepatoprotective effects of CPT may be related to the suppression of TNF-α-, TLR9-, and ADORA2B-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These results provide a foundation for the development of CPT as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI.

Source: Biomolecules

DOI: 10.3390/biom15101449

Authors: Xin Zhang, Qiulin Luo, Yanting Hu, Puyang Gong, Yunsong Zhang, Li Zhang

Institutions: Sichuan Agricultural University, Southwest Minzu University

Language: English

Topic: Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258