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Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) could interfere with the physiological capacities of H9C2 cells and cause cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), one of the main medicinal component of Glycyrrhetinic Radix et Rhizoma, shows toxic and adverse side effects in the clinic setting. In particular, some studies have reported that GA exerts toxic effects on H9C2 cells. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of GA-induced oxidative stress on cultured H9C2 cells and reveal the relevant signaling pathways. LDH assay was used to assess cell damage. Apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33242 and a propidium iodide (PI) assay. An Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI double-staining assay was utilized to investigate GA-induced apoptosis in H9C2 cells. The expression level of specific genes/proteins was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Flow cytometry and DCFH-DA fluorescent testing were used to determine the ROS levels of H9C2 cells. The potential mechanism of GA-induced cardiomyocyte injury was also investigated. GA treatment increased ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization and triggered caspase-3/9 activation and apoptosis. GA treatment also caused the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 after its dissociation from Keap1. This change was accompanied by a dose-dependent decline in the expression of the downstream target gene heme oxygenase-1. The findings demonstrated that GA could regulate the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling axis and induce oxidative stress to promote the apoptosis of H9C2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huangjia Ruangan granule (HJRG) is a clinically effective Kampo formula, which has a significant effect on liver fibrosis and early liver cirrhosis. However, the mechanism underlying HJRG in treating liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce liver fibrosis in rats to clarify the effect of HJRG on liver fibrosis and its mechanism. Using network pharmacology, the potential mechanism of HJRG was initially explored, and a variety of analyses were performed to verify this mechanism. In the liver fibrosis model, treatment with HJRG can maintain the liver morphology, lower the levels of AST and ALT in the serum, and ameliorate pathological damage. Histopathological examinations revealed that the liver structure was significantly improved and fibrotic changes were alleviated. It can effectively inhibit collagen deposition and the expression of α-SMA, reduce the levels of the rat serum (HA, LN, PC III, and Col IV), and inhibit the expression of desmin, vimentin, and HYP content in the liver. Analyzing the results of network pharmacology, the oxidative stress, inflammation, and the related pathways (primarily the TNF signaling pathway) were identified as the potential mechanism of HJRG against liver fibrosis. Experiments confirmed that HJRG can significantly increase the content of superoxide dismutase and glutathione and reduce the levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase in the rat liver; in addition, HJRG significantly inhibited the content of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and reduced the expression of inflammatory regulators (Cox2 and iNOS). Meanwhile, treatment with HJRG inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB P65, IκBα, ERK, JNK, and MAPK P38. Moreover, HJRG treatment reversed the increased expression of TNFR1. The Huangjia Ruangan granule can effectively inhibit liver fibrosis through antioxidation, suppressing liver inflammation by regulating the TNF/MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby preventing the effect of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]