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Natural polysaccharides as potential anti-fibrotic agents: A review of their progress
Ming Wang1, Simin Lu1, Hui Zhao2
1College of Food Science & Engineering, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
Abstract:
Fibrosis, as a common disease which could be found in nearly all organs, is normally initiated by organic injury and eventually ended in cellular dysfunction and organ failure. Currently, effective and safe therapeutic strategies targeting fibrogenesis still in highly demand. Natural polysaccharides derived from natural resources possess promising anti-fibrosis potential, with no deleterious side effects. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of fibrosis, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. Natural polysaccharides are able to regulate each phase of the fibrogenic response, including primary injury to organs, activation of effector cells, the elaboration of extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic deposition. In addition, polysaccharides significantly reduce fibrosis levels in multiple organs including heart, lung, liver and kidney. The investigation of the pathogenesis of fibrosis indicates that mechanisms including the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, HMGB1/TLR4, cAMP/PKA signaling pathways, MMPs/TIMPs system as well as microRNAs are promising therapeutic targets. Natural polysaccharides can target these mediators or pathways to alleviate fibrosis. The information reviewed here offer new insights into the understanding the protective role of natural polysaccharides against fibrosis, help design further experimental studies related to polysaccharides and fibrotic responses, and shed light on a potential treatment for fibrosis.
Insights
Natural polysaccharides show significant potential for treating organ fibrosis by regulating fibrotic responses and targeting key molecular pathways. These compounds offer a safe, effective therapeutic strategy for fibrogenesis across multiple organs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Background:
- Fibrosis, a common pathological process in nearly all organs, results from organic injury and leads to cellular dysfunction and organ failure.
- Current therapeutic strategies for fibrogenesis are limited, creating a demand for effective and safe treatments.
- Natural polysaccharides present a promising, side-effect-free alternative for anti-fibrosis therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intervention effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in preventing and treating fibrosis.
- To explore the role of natural polysaccharides in regulating the fibrogenic response at various stages.
- To highlight potential therapeutic targets and pathways modulated by polysaccharides.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of fibrosis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of natural polysaccharides on fibrotic responses.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathways and extracellular matrix regulation.
Main Results:
- Natural polysaccharides regulate organ injury, effector cell activation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in fibrosis.
- Significant reductions in fibrosis levels were observed in the heart, lung, liver, and kidney.
- Polysaccharides target key fibrotic pathways such as TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, and HMGB1/TLR4.
Conclusions:
- Natural polysaccharides demonstrate broad efficacy in mitigating fibrosis across multiple organs.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways offers a promising therapeutic avenue for fibrosis treatment.
- Further research into polysaccharides could lead to novel anti-fibrosis treatments.
