Research Progress on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Astragalus and Coptis Combined Therapy for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease from the Perspective of Immune-inflammation Mechanisms

Abstract

The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to immune-mediated inflammation; therefore, the joint treatment of Astragalus and Coptis shows promising therapeutic value in affecting this pathological process. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the significant role of immune inflammation in the occurrence and development of the disease, analyse the features of the Astragalus-Coptis drug combination in modulating the immune-inflammatory network, and concentrate on reviewing the possible mechanisms by which this herbal formula can control immune inflammation to prevent or treat the disease. It has been found that the Astragalus-Coptis combination can alleviate hepatic inflammatory responses via several pathways: blocking the function of the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway, regulating the formation and secretion of NLRP3 inflammasome and decreasing the amount of endotoxin translocation in the enterohepatic circulation. This drug combination, using a method which combines both cold- and warm-working pharmacological effects together with comprehensive regulation of qi and blood, possesses special advantages in dealing with the complicated pathophysiology of this disorder. These results offer important theoretical guidance for deeper understanding of the molecular pharmacological mechanisms behind this therapeutic method and for its reasonable clinical application.