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Licorice extract inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway and protects against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Authors :
Wei Luo
Guang Xu
Zheng Song
Wenqing Mu
Jincai Wen
Siwen Hui
Jia Zhao
Xiaoyan Zhan
Zhaofang Bai
Xiaohe Xiao
Source :
Frontiers in Pharmacology, Vol 14 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2023.

Abstract

Background: Inflammation and fibrosis are typical symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway has been implicated in the progression of NASH, and targeting this pathway may represent a new therapeutic strategy. Licorice is a widely used herb with anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties. In this study, we assessed the effect of licorice extract on the cGAS-STING pathway.Methods: Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with licorice extract and then stimulated with HT-DNA, 2'3'-cGAMP, or other agonists to activate the cGAS-STING pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were conducted to analyze whether licorice extract could affect the cGAS-STING pathway. Methionine and choline-deficient diet (MCD) was used to induce NASH in mice, which were treated with licorice extract (500 mg/kg) by gavage and/or c-176 (15 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection every 2 days. After 6 weeks of treatment, histological analysis of liver tissue was performed, along with measurements of plasma biochemical parameters.Results: Licorice extract inhibits cGAS-STING pathway activation. Mechanistically, it might function by inhibiting the oligomerization of STING. Treatment with licorice extract reduced inflammation and fibrosis in MCD diet-induced NASH mice models. Furthermore, we found that the therapeutic effect of combination treatment with licorice extract and C-176 (STING inhibitor) on the pathology and fibrosis of MCD diet-induced NASH models was similar to that of licorice extract or C-176 administered alone.Conclusion: Licorice extract can inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway and improve hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NASH mice models. It strongly suggests that licorice extract may be a candidate therapeutic for NASH.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16639812
Volume :
14
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.38e9d43dcb6d4d0889faa1e4e221ee9f
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1160445