"Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 28;25(17):9346. doi: 10.3390/ijms25179346.
Chronic liver injuries often lead to hepatic fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia. Without effective treatment, hepatic fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments, including liver transplantation, are limited by donor shortages and high costs. As such, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the potential of plant-based therapeutics, particularly polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, in treating hepatic fibrosis. These compounds have demonstrated anti-fibrotic activities through various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, AMPK/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and hedgehog pathways. Additionally, this review highlights the advancements in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems that enhance the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Methodologically, this review synthesizes findings from recent studies, providing a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms and benefits of these plant-based treatments. The integration of novel drug delivery systems with plant-based therapeutics holds significant promise for developing effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis.
慢性肝损伤常导致肝纤维化，其特征为细胞外基质过度积累和异常结缔组织增生。如果没有有效的治疗方法，肝纤维化可能会进展为肝硬化或肝细胞癌。目前的治疗方法，包括肝移植，受到供体短缺和高成本的限制。因此，迫切需要有效的治疗策略。本综述重点介绍了植物疗法，特别是多酚、酚酸和类黄酮在治疗肝纤维化方面的潜力。这些化合物通过 TGF-β/Smad、AMPK/mTOR、Wnt/β-catenin、NF-κB、PI3K/AKT/mTOR 和 hedgehog 途径等多种信号通路表现出抗纤维化活性。此外，本综述还强调了纳米颗粒药物递送系统的进展，这些系统增强了这些生物活性化合物的药代动力学、生物利用度和治疗效果。从方法学上讲，本综述综合了最近研究的结果，全面分析了这些植物治疗方法的机制和益处。将新型药物递送系统与植物疗法相结合，为开发肝纤维化的有效治疗方法提供了巨大的潜力。
