Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi formula modulates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to attenuate acute-on-chronic liver failure by suppressing hypoxic injury and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a key complication of chronic hepatitis, with a relatively high mortality rate and limited treatment options, which dramatically threatens human lives. Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi formula (YQJPF) is a herbal compound commonly used to treat liver failure.

Aim of the study: The purpose of this research is to discuss the potential molecular biological effect and mechanism of YQJPF in ACLF.

Materials and methods: In this study, we created a rat model of ACLF by CCl₄-, LPS- and D-Galactosamine (D-Gal) and an in vitro model of LPS-induced hepatocyte damage. The specific components of YQJPF and potential mechanism were explored based on bioinformatics analyses. Furthermore, we verified the effect of YQJPF on ACLF using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry.

Results: Our research demonstrated that, after YQJPF treatment, hepatocyte injury in rats was relieved. Bioinformatics analysis showed that PI3K/Akt, HIF-1, mitochondrial Apoptosis pathways played prominent roles. YQJPF promoted HIF-1α protein expression and exerted protective effects against hypoxic injury, simultaneously reducing mitochondrial ROS production, suppressing hepatocyte Apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that YQJPF accelerates PI3K/Akt pathway activation, a known broad-spectrum inhibitor of PI3K. LY294002, which was used for reverse verification, suppressed the effect of YQJPF on hypoxic injury and ROS-mediated hepatocyte Apoptosis.

Conclusions: YQJPF ameliorates liver injury by suppressing hypoxic injury and ROS-mediated hepatocyte Apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.