Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines 1/2020

01-01-2020 | Fatty Liver | Original Paper

Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii inhibits hepatic de novo lipogenesis by activating the LKB1/AMPK pathway in HepG2 cells

Authors: Sunggun Kim, Yeo Yeong Yoon, Ye Won Park, Wan-Kyunn Whang, So-Young Park, Kwang Woo Hwang

Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines | Issue 1/2020

Login to get access

Abstract

Cynandione A (CA), isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Cynanchum wilfordii (CW), is a bioactive phytochemical that has been found to be beneficial for the treatment of several diseases. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis is one of the main causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is thought to be a hepatic manifestation of certain metabolic syndromes. However, it has not yet been reported if CA has any therapeutic value in these diseases. Here, we investigated whether CA can inhibit hepatic lipogenesis induced by liver X receptor α (LXRα) using an in vitro model. We found that the extract and ethyl acetated layer of CW decreased the mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), which plays a crucial role in hepatic lipogenesis. Additionally, we observed that CA could suppress the level of SREBP-1c, which was increased using two commercial LXRα agonists, GW3954 and T0901317. Moreover, the enzymes that act downstream of SREBP-1c were also inhibited by CA treatment. To understand the mechanism underlying this effect, the levels of phosphorylated AMP kinase (pAMPK) were measured after CA treatment. Therefore, CA might increase the pAMPK level by inducing phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), which can then convert AMPK to pAMPK. Taken together, we conclude that CA has an alleviative effect on hepatic lipogenesis through the stimulation of the LKB1/AMPK pathway.

Graphical abstract

Literature
1.
go back to reference Ludwig J, Viggiano TR, McGill DB, Oh BJ (1980) Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Mayo Clinic experiences with a hitherto unnamed disease. Mayo Clin Proc 55:434–438PubMed Ludwig J, Viggiano TR, McGill DB, Oh BJ (1980) Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Mayo Clinic experiences with a hitherto unnamed disease. Mayo Clin Proc 55:434–438PubMed
2.
go back to reference Byrne CD, Olufadi R, Bruce KD, Cagampang FR, Ahmed MH (2009) Metabolic disturbances in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Sci 116:539–564CrossRef Byrne CD, Olufadi R, Bruce KD, Cagampang FR, Ahmed MH (2009) Metabolic disturbances in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Sci 116:539–564CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Postic C, Girard J (2008) Contribution of de novo fatty acid synthesis to hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance: lessons from genetically engineered mice. J Clin Invest 118:829–838CrossRef Postic C, Girard J (2008) Contribution of de novo fatty acid synthesis to hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance: lessons from genetically engineered mice. J Clin Invest 118:829–838CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Marchesini G, Brizi M, Bianchi G, Tomassetti S, Bugianesi E, Lenzi M, McCullough AJ, Natale S, Forlani G, Melchionda N (2001) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a feature of the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes 50:1844–1850CrossRef Marchesini G, Brizi M, Bianchi G, Tomassetti S, Bugianesi E, Lenzi M, McCullough AJ, Natale S, Forlani G, Melchionda N (2001) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a feature of the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes 50:1844–1850CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Dowman JK, Tomlinson JW, Newsome PN (2010) Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. QJM 103:71–83CrossRef Dowman JK, Tomlinson JW, Newsome PN (2010) Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. QJM 103:71–83CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Krawczyk M, Bonfrate L, Portincasa P (2010) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Best Pr Res Clin Gastroenterol 24:695–708CrossRef Krawczyk M, Bonfrate L, Portincasa P (2010) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Best Pr Res Clin Gastroenterol 24:695–708CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Quercioli A, Montecucco F, Mach F (2009) Update on the treatments of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cardiovasc Hematol Disord: Drug Targets 9:261–270CrossRef Quercioli A, Montecucco F, Mach F (2009) Update on the treatments of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cardiovasc Hematol Disord: Drug Targets 9:261–270CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Higuchi N, Kato M, Shundo Y, Tajiri H, Tanaka M, Yamashita N, Kohjima M, Kotoh K, Nakamuta M, Takayanagi R, Enjoji M (2008) Liver X receptor in cooperation with SREBP-1c is a major lipid synthesis regulator in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Res 38:1122–1129CrossRef Higuchi N, Kato M, Shundo Y, Tajiri H, Tanaka M, Yamashita N, Kohjima M, Kotoh K, Nakamuta M, Takayanagi R, Enjoji M (2008) Liver X receptor in cooperation with SREBP-1c is a major lipid synthesis regulator in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Res 38:1122–1129CrossRef
10.
go back to reference Repa JJ, Liang G, Ou J, Bashmakov Y, Lobaccaro JM, Shimomura I, Shan B, Brown MS, Goldstein JL, Mangelsdorf DJ (2000) Regulation of mouse sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c gene (SREBP-1c) by oxysterol receptors, LXRalpha and LXRbeta. Genes Dev 14:2819–2830CrossRef Repa JJ, Liang G, Ou J, Bashmakov Y, Lobaccaro JM, Shimomura I, Shan B, Brown MS, Goldstein JL, Mangelsdorf DJ (2000) Regulation of mouse sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c gene (SREBP-1c) by oxysterol receptors, LXRalpha and LXRbeta. Genes Dev 14:2819–2830CrossRef
11.
go back to reference The Chinese Traditional Medicine State Administration (1999) Zhong Hua Ben Cao. Shanghai Science Technology Publication, Shanghai The Chinese Traditional Medicine State Administration (1999) Zhong Hua Ben Cao. Shanghai Science Technology Publication, Shanghai
12.
go back to reference Choi DH, Lee YJ, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS (2012) Cynanchum wilfordii ameliorates hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with high fat/cholesterol diets. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 34:4–11CrossRef Choi DH, Lee YJ, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS (2012) Cynanchum wilfordii ameliorates hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with high fat/cholesterol diets. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 34:4–11CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Choi DH, Lee YJ, Oh HC, Cui YL, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS (2012) Improved endothelial dysfunction by Cynanchum wilfordii in apolipoprotein E(−/−) mice fed a high fat/cholesterol Diet. J Med Food 15:169–179CrossRef Choi DH, Lee YJ, Oh HC, Cui YL, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS (2012) Improved endothelial dysfunction by Cynanchum wilfordii in apolipoprotein E(−/−) mice fed a high fat/cholesterol Diet. J Med Food 15:169–179CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Lee HS, Choi JH, Kim YE, Kim IH, Kim BM, Lee CH (2013) Effects of the Cynanchum wilfordii ethanol extract on the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. Prev Nutr Food Sci 18:157–162CrossRef Lee HS, Choi JH, Kim YE, Kim IH, Kim BM, Lee CH (2013) Effects of the Cynanchum wilfordii ethanol extract on the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. Prev Nutr Food Sci 18:157–162CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Hwang BY, Kim YH, Ro JS, Lee KS, Lee JJ (1999) Acetophenones from the roots of Cynanchum wilfordii H (EMSLEY). Arch Pharm Res 22:72–74CrossRef Hwang BY, Kim YH, Ro JS, Lee KS, Lee JJ (1999) Acetophenones from the roots of Cynanchum wilfordii H (EMSLEY). Arch Pharm Res 22:72–74CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Lee MK, Yeo H, Kim J, Kim YC (2000) Protection of rat hepatocytes exposed to CCl4 in vitro by cynandione A, a biacetophenone from Cynanchum wilfordii. J Pharm Pharmacol 52:341–345CrossRef Lee MK, Yeo H, Kim J, Kim YC (2000) Protection of rat hepatocytes exposed to CCl4 in vitro by cynandione A, a biacetophenone from Cynanchum wilfordii. J Pharm Pharmacol 52:341–345CrossRef
17.
go back to reference Lee MK, Yeo H, Kim J, Markelonis GJ, Oh TH, Kim YC (2000) Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii protects cultured cortical neurons from toxicity induced by H2O2, l-glutamate, and kainate. J Neurosci Res 59:259–264CrossRef Lee MK, Yeo H, Kim J, Markelonis GJ, Oh TH, Kim YC (2000) Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii protects cultured cortical neurons from toxicity induced by H2O2, l-glutamate, and kainate. J Neurosci Res 59:259–264CrossRef
18.
go back to reference Yue R, Yuan X, Liu X, Zhang J, Jiang P, He C, Shan L, Yu Y, Zhang W (2012) Cynandione A mitigates ischemic injuries in rats with cerebral ischemia. J Neurochem 121:451–464CrossRef Yue R, Yuan X, Liu X, Zhang J, Jiang P, He C, Shan L, Yu Y, Zhang W (2012) Cynandione A mitigates ischemic injuries in rats with cerebral ischemia. J Neurochem 121:451–464CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Kim SH, Lee TH, Lee SM, Park JH, Park KH, Jung M, Jung H, Mohamed MA, Baek NI, Chung IS, Kim J (2015) Cynandione A attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced production of inflammatory mediators via MAPK inhibition and NF-KappaB inactivation in RAW264.7 macrophages and protects mice against endotoxin shock. Exp Biol Med 240:946–954CrossRef Kim SH, Lee TH, Lee SM, Park JH, Park KH, Jung M, Jung H, Mohamed MA, Baek NI, Chung IS, Kim J (2015) Cynandione A attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced production of inflammatory mediators via MAPK inhibition and NF-KappaB inactivation in RAW264.7 macrophages and protects mice against endotoxin shock. Exp Biol Med 240:946–954CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Yang SB, Lee SM, Park JH, Lee TH, Baek NI, Park HJ, Lee H, Kim J (2014) Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii attenuates the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells via NF-KappaB inactivation. Biol Pharm Bull 37:1390–1396CrossRef Yang SB, Lee SM, Park JH, Lee TH, Baek NI, Park HJ, Lee H, Kim J (2014) Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii attenuates the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells via NF-KappaB inactivation. Biol Pharm Bull 37:1390–1396CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Ahn CW, Jun DS, Na JD, Choi YJ, Kim YC (2016) Alleviation of hepatic fat accumulation by betaine involves reduction of homocysteine via up-regulation of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 477:440–447CrossRef Ahn CW, Jun DS, Na JD, Choi YJ, Kim YC (2016) Alleviation of hepatic fat accumulation by betaine involves reduction of homocysteine via up-regulation of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 477:440–447CrossRef
22.
go back to reference Lin YL, Lin TC, Kuo YH (1997) Two acetophenone glucosides, cynanonesides A and B, from Cynanchum taiwanianum and revision of the structure for cynandione A. J Nat Prod 60:368–370CrossRef Lin YL, Lin TC, Kuo YH (1997) Two acetophenone glucosides, cynanonesides A and B, from Cynanchum taiwanianum and revision of the structure for cynandione A. J Nat Prod 60:368–370CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Woods A, Johnstone SR, Dickerson K, Leiper FC, Fryer LG, Neumann D, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Carlson M, Carling D (2003) LKB1 Is the upstream kinase in the AMP-activated protein kinase cascade. Curr Biol 13:2004–2008CrossRef Woods A, Johnstone SR, Dickerson K, Leiper FC, Fryer LG, Neumann D, Schlattner U, Wallimann T, Carlson M, Carling D (2003) LKB1 Is the upstream kinase in the AMP-activated protein kinase cascade. Curr Biol 13:2004–2008CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Goldstein JL, Brown MS (2008) From fatty streak to fatty liver: 33 years of joint publications in the JCI. J Clin Invest 118:1220–1222CrossRef Goldstein JL, Brown MS (2008) From fatty streak to fatty liver: 33 years of joint publications in the JCI. J Clin Invest 118:1220–1222CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Zhou G, Myers R, Li Y, Chen Y, Shen X, Fenyk-Melody J, Wu M, Ventre J, Doebber T, Fujii N, Musi N, Hirshman MF, Goodyear LJ, Moller DE (2001) Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mechanism of metformin action. J Clin Invest 108:1167–1174CrossRef Zhou G, Myers R, Li Y, Chen Y, Shen X, Fenyk-Melody J, Wu M, Ventre J, Doebber T, Fujii N, Musi N, Hirshman MF, Goodyear LJ, Moller DE (2001) Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mechanism of metformin action. J Clin Invest 108:1167–1174CrossRef
26.
go back to reference Ahmed MH, Byrne CD (2009) Current treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetes Obes Metab 11:188–195CrossRef Ahmed MH, Byrne CD (2009) Current treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetes Obes Metab 11:188–195CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Kohjima M, Higuchi N, Kato M, Kotoh K, Yoshimoto T, Fujino T, Yada M, Yada R, Harada N, Enjoji M, Takayanagi R, Nakamura M (2008) SREBP-1c, regulated by the insulin and AMPK signaling pathways, plays a role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Int J Mol Med 21:507–511PubMed Kohjima M, Higuchi N, Kato M, Kotoh K, Yoshimoto T, Fujino T, Yada M, Yada R, Harada N, Enjoji M, Takayanagi R, Nakamura M (2008) SREBP-1c, regulated by the insulin and AMPK signaling pathways, plays a role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Int J Mol Med 21:507–511PubMed
28.
go back to reference Quesada H, del Bas JM, Pajuelo D, Diaz S, Fernandez-Larrea J, Pinent M, Arola L, Salvado MJ, Blade C (2009) Grape seed proanthocyanidins correct dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet in rats and repress genes controlling lipogenesis and VLDL assembling in liver. Int J Obes 33:1007–1012CrossRef Quesada H, del Bas JM, Pajuelo D, Diaz S, Fernandez-Larrea J, Pinent M, Arola L, Salvado MJ, Blade C (2009) Grape seed proanthocyanidins correct dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet in rats and repress genes controlling lipogenesis and VLDL assembling in liver. Int J Obes 33:1007–1012CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Hardie DG (2007) AMP-activated/SNF1 protein kinases: conserved guardians of cellular energy. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 8:774–785CrossRef Hardie DG (2007) AMP-activated/SNF1 protein kinases: conserved guardians of cellular energy. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 8:774–785CrossRef
30.
go back to reference Zang M, Zuccollo A, Hou X, Nagata D, Walsh K, Herscovitz H, Brecher P, Ruderman NB, Cohen RA (2004) AMP-activated protein kinase is required for the lipid-lowering effect of metformin in insulin-resistant human HepG2 cells. J Biol Chem 279:47898–47905CrossRef Zang M, Zuccollo A, Hou X, Nagata D, Walsh K, Herscovitz H, Brecher P, Ruderman NB, Cohen RA (2004) AMP-activated protein kinase is required for the lipid-lowering effect of metformin in insulin-resistant human HepG2 cells. J Biol Chem 279:47898–47905CrossRef
31.
go back to reference Li Y, Xu S, Mihaylova MM, Zheng B, Hou X, Jiang B, Park O, Luo Z, Lefai E, Shyy JY, Gao B, Wierzbicki M, Verbeuren TJ, Shaw RJ, Cohen RA, Zang M (2011) AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits SREBP activity to attenuate hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis in diet-induced insulin-resistant mice. Cell Metab 13:376–388CrossRef Li Y, Xu S, Mihaylova MM, Zheng B, Hou X, Jiang B, Park O, Luo Z, Lefai E, Shyy JY, Gao B, Wierzbicki M, Verbeuren TJ, Shaw RJ, Cohen RA, Zang M (2011) AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits SREBP activity to attenuate hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis in diet-induced insulin-resistant mice. Cell Metab 13:376–388CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Yap F, Craddock L, Yang J (2011) Mechanism of AMPK suppression of LXR-dependent Srebp-1c transcription. Int J Biol Sci 7:645–650CrossRef Yap F, Craddock L, Yang J (2011) Mechanism of AMPK suppression of LXR-dependent Srebp-1c transcription. Int J Biol Sci 7:645–650CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Kim YW, Lee SM, Shin SM, Hwang SJ, Brooks JS, Kang HE, Lee MG, Kim SC, Kim SG (2009) Efficacy of sauchinone as a novel AMPK-activating lignan for preventing iron-induced oxidative stress and liver injury. Free Radic Biol Med 47:1082–1092CrossRef Kim YW, Lee SM, Shin SM, Hwang SJ, Brooks JS, Kang HE, Lee MG, Kim SC, Kim SG (2009) Efficacy of sauchinone as a novel AMPK-activating lignan for preventing iron-induced oxidative stress and liver injury. Free Radic Biol Med 47:1082–1092CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Kim YW, Kim YM, Yang YM, Kim TH, Hwang SJ, Lee JR, Kim SC, Kim SG (2010) Inhibition of SREBP-1c-mediated hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress by sauchinone, an AMPK-activating lignan in Saururus chinensis. Free Radic Biol Med 48:567–578CrossRef Kim YW, Kim YM, Yang YM, Kim TH, Hwang SJ, Lee JR, Kim SC, Kim SG (2010) Inhibition of SREBP-1c-mediated hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress by sauchinone, an AMPK-activating lignan in Saururus chinensis. Free Radic Biol Med 48:567–578CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Zhang T, Yamamoto N, Ashida H (2014) Chalcones suppress fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation through a LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. Food Funct 5:1134–1141CrossRef Zhang T, Yamamoto N, Ashida H (2014) Chalcones suppress fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation through a LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. Food Funct 5:1134–1141CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Lin CL, Huang HC, Lin JK (2007) Theaflavins attenuate hepatic lipid accumulation through activating AMPK in human HepG2 Cells. J Lipid Res 48:2334–2343CrossRef Lin CL, Huang HC, Lin JK (2007) Theaflavins attenuate hepatic lipid accumulation through activating AMPK in human HepG2 Cells. J Lipid Res 48:2334–2343CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Shang J, Chen LL, Xiao FX, Sun H, Ding HC, Xiao H (2008) Resveratrol improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Acta Pharmacol Sin 29:698–706CrossRef Shang J, Chen LL, Xiao FX, Sun H, Ding HC, Xiao H (2008) Resveratrol improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Acta Pharmacol Sin 29:698–706CrossRef
38.
go back to reference Shen L, Xiong Y, Wang DQ, Howles P, Basford JE, Wang J, Xiong YQ, Hui DY, Woods SC, Liu M (2013) Ginsenoside Rb1 reduces Fatty Liver by activating AMP-activated protein kinase in obese rats. J Lipid Res 54:1430–1438CrossRef Shen L, Xiong Y, Wang DQ, Howles P, Basford JE, Wang J, Xiong YQ, Hui DY, Woods SC, Liu M (2013) Ginsenoside Rb1 reduces Fatty Liver by activating AMP-activated protein kinase in obese rats. J Lipid Res 54:1430–1438CrossRef
39.
go back to reference Jang SA, Lee S, Sohn EH, Yang J, Park DW, Jeong YJ, Kim I, Kwon JE, Song HS, Cho YM, Meng X, Koo HJ, Kang SC (2016) Cynanchum wilfordii Radix attenuates liver fat accumulation and damage by suppressing hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase in mice fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Nutr Res 36:914–924CrossRef Jang SA, Lee S, Sohn EH, Yang J, Park DW, Jeong YJ, Kim I, Kwon JE, Song HS, Cho YM, Meng X, Koo HJ, Kang SC (2016) Cynanchum wilfordii Radix attenuates liver fat accumulation and damage by suppressing hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase in mice fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Nutr Res 36:914–924CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Cynandione A from Cynanchum wilfordii inhibits hepatic de novo lipogenesis by activating the LKB1/AMPK pathway in HepG2 cells
Authors
Sunggun Kim
Yeo Yeong Yoon
Ye Won Park
Wan-Kyunn Whang
So-Young Park
Kwang Woo Hwang
Publication date
01-01-2020
Publisher
Springer Singapore
Keyword
Fatty Liver
Published in
Journal of Natural Medicines / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1340-3443
Electronic ISSN: 1861-0293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-019-01356-x

Other articles of this Issue 1/2020

Journal of Natural Medicines 1/2020 Go to the issue