Niemann-Pick disease type C protein 1 (NPC1), classically associated with cholesterol transport and viral entry, has an emerging role in cancer biology. Here, we demonstrate that knockout of Npc1 in hepatocytes attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in both DEN (diethylnitrosamine)-CCl induced and MYC-driven HCC mouse models. Mechanistically, NPC1 significantly promotes HCC progression by modulating the TGF-β pathway, independent of its traditional role in cholesterol transport.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Chronic bronchitis (CB), a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), poses a significant global health burden owing to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Eucalyptol, limonene and pinene enteric capsules (ELPs) are clinically used as expectorants to treat various respiratory diseases, including CB, but their acting mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-CB effects of ELP in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Xuelian injection (XI), a classic preparation extracted from Saussureae Involucratae Herba, has been clinically used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for nearly twenty years in China. However, the underlying -RA mechanism of XI remains unclear. In this study, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced acute arthritic model was used to examine the -RA effects of XI .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Sichen (SC) formula is a classic prescription of Tibetan medicine. Due to its potential anti-inflammatory effect, the SC formula has been clinically used to treat respiratory diseases for many years in the Chinese Tibet region. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of SC and explore the underlying mechanisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Schisandrin B (Sch B), which inhibits hepatic steatosis caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the most active dibenzocyclooctadienes isolated from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill with various pharmacological activities. In this study, the role of Sch B-induced autophagy in lipid-lowering activities of Sch B was examined and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications pose a major public health threat which is approaching epidemic proportions globally. Current drug options may not provide good efficacy and even cause serious adverse effects. Seeking safe and effective agents for DM treatment has been an area of intensive interest.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFXiao Qing Long Tang (literally "Minor blue dragon decoction" in Chinese), a traditional Chinese formula, is prescribed to treat respiratory diseases. However, only few studies have been reported on its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Xiao Qing Long Tang essential oil on inflammatory mediators and explored the mechanisms of action of XQEO in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.
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