Research Progress of Triptolide Against Fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Fibrosis is a terminal stage of chronic diseases, leading to organ failure.
• Triptolide (TPL), a compound from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F (TwHF), and its derivatives exhibit diverse pharmacological activities.
• Understanding the antifibrotic mechanisms of TPL is crucial for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the antifibrotic mechanisms of TPL and its derivatives.
• To discuss the application of nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery systems for TPL in treating fibrotic diseases.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential and toxicity profile of TPL.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TPL, its derivatives, and antifibrotic mechanisms.
• Analysis of TPL's effects on immune response, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and collagen deposition.
• Evaluation of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for TPL.

Main Results:

• TPL inhibits immune inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ERS.
• TPL regulates collagen deposition and myofibroblast production, reducing organ injury.
• Low-dose TPL shows minimal toxicity; high-dose TPL may offer organ protection under pathological conditions.
• TPL derivatives (e.g., Minnelide) and NP systems improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.

Conclusions:

• TPL and its derivatives possess significant antifibrotic properties through multiple mechanisms.
• Nanoparticle drug delivery systems enhance the therapeutic potential of TPL for fibrotic diseases.
• TPL derivatives and advanced drug delivery represent a promising future direction for antifibrosis research.