Lin Chen

Dr. Lin Chen


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
10 July 2023 in Fitoterapia
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MMMengge Ma
Mengge Ma
LCLin Chen
Lin Chen
ZTZhishu Tang
Zhishu Tang
ZSZhongxing Song
Zhongxing Song
XKXin Kong
Xin Kong

6 September 2022 in Phytomedicine
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
LCLin Chen
Lin Chen
YLYan-Ru Liu
Yan-Ru Liu
ZTZhishu Tang
Zhishu Tang
ZSZhongxing Song
Zhongxing Song
FCFan Cao
Fan Cao
MLMin Li
Min Li

28 September 2026 in Frontiers in Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RZRuina Zhou
Ruina Zhou
YWYang Wang
Yang Wang
XSXinbo Shi
Xinbo Shi
SPShujie Peng
Shujie Peng
XKXiaoni Kou
Xiaoni Kou
MCMin Cheng
Min Cheng
Objective: Astragali Complanati Semen (ACS) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb conventionally applied to tonify the liver and kidney. As the primary bioactive ingredients of ACS, Astragalus complanatus flavonoids (ACF) exert hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms of ACF through integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses combined with experimental validation. Methods: A CCl 4 -induced rat model of LF and TGF-β1-activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) model were established to evaluate the antifibrotic effects of ACF. Integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), differentially expressed metabolites (DMs), and associated signaling pathways. Key molecular targets were validated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, while pharmacological inhibitors were employed to investigate the involvement of the FAK/AKT signaling pathway in ACF-mediated inhibition of HSC activation. Results: Compared with the LF model group, ACF treatment significantly ameliorated liver function indicators, relieved histopathological injury and collagen deposition, decreased serum fibrosis markers, downregulated the protein levels of Col I, Col IV and α-SMA, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Proteomic screening uncovered 401 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which were primarily enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction, focal adhesion and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Protein–protein interaction analysis further pinpointed FN1, CD44, ITGAV, FAK and AKT1 as core target proteins. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ACF blocked TGF-β1-triggered HSC activation, lowered the expression of α-SMA and ITGAV, and inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK and AKT. Pharmacological blockade of either FAK with PF-562271 or AKT with MK2206 strengthened the anti fibrogenic activity of ACF, verifying that the FAK/ AKT axis mediates the anti-HSC activation effect of ACF. Metabolomic analysis identified 108 differentially expressed metabolites (DMs), mainly enriched in glutathione metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Integrated multi-omics analysis confirmed close correlations between DEPs and DMs within ECM–receptor interaction, PI3K/AKT signaling and primary bile acid biosynthesis pathways. Specifically, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, dulcitol and chenodeoxycholate showed strong correlations with coretarget proteins. Conclusion: ACF achieves comprehensive anti-LF effects via suppressing FAK/AKT1 signaling to restrain HSC activation, while coordinately modulating pivotal metabolic pathways.