School of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Research Topics

This laboratory focuses on the following research areas:

1. Mechanistic Studies of Natural Products in Cardiovascular Diseases
This research investigates the mechanisms and progression of coronary artery disease, with particular emphasis on how drugs inhibit the activation of platelets and inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, in order to develop effective therapies for cardiovascular diseases. The studies examine intracellular signaling pathways in platelets and neutrophils, including drug binding to cell-surface receptors, enzyme activity, free radical scavenging, intracellular calcium changes, and the analysis of intracellular second messenger signaling.

2. Studies on the Free Radical-Scavenging Effects of Natural Products
Free radicals are involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including immune responses, aging, and even cancer development. Although free radicals are used by leukocytes for antimicrobial defense, excessive and abnormal production of free radicals can cause unnecessary damage to many cells. Therefore, research on the free radical-scavenging effects of Chinese herbal medicines may further contribute to their development as pharmaceuticals or health supplements.

3. Studies on Cell–Cell Interactions in Blood
This research explores the physiological and pathological roles of cell adhesion molecules and investigates how natural products influence interactions among blood cells. By analyzing the signaling pathways regulating adhesion molecule expression, the study aims to clarify the physiological and pathological roles of adhesion molecules in thrombus formation and to identify more effective drugs for preventing thrombosis. These studies are conducted in whole blood in order to more closely reflect physiological conditions.

4. Mechanistic Studies of Natural Products in Regulating Human Neutrophil–Platelet Interactions
This research investigates the mechanisms by which natural products regulate interactions between human neutrophils and platelets, as well as the mechanisms and pharmacological effects of platelet-induced neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Animal models of thrombosis and hepatic reperfusion are also used to evaluate the potential applications of natural products.

Laboratory Members and Activity Photos

Publications

*, corresponding author

1. Liao HR*, Kao YY, Leu YL, Liu FC, Tseng CP. Larixol inhibits fMLP-induced superoxide anion production and chemotaxis by targeting the βγ subunit of Gi-protein of fMLP receptor in human neutrophils. Biochem Pharmacol. 2022, 201:115091. (SCI) (IF: 6.100; R/C=46/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
2. Liao HR*, Lin CH, Chen JJ, Liu FC, Tseng CP. The anti-inflammatory effect of ε-viniferin by specifically targeting formyl peptide receptor 1 on human neutrophils. Chem Biol Interact. 2021, 345:109490. (SCI) (IF: 5.168; R/C=73/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
3. Chu YC, Chang CH, Liao HR, Fu SL, Chen JJ. Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Three New Chromone Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Penicillium citrinum. Mar Drugs. 2021, 19(8):408. (SCI) (IF: 6.085; R/C=10/63 in CHEMISTRY, MEDICINAL)
4. Tsai HJ, Cheng JC, Kao ML, Chiu HP, Chiang YH, Chen DP, Rau KM, Liao HR, Tseng CP. Integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling activates human platelets through serine 24 phosphorylation of Disabled-2. Cell Biosci. 2021, 11(1):32. (SCI) (IF: 9.606; R/C=31/296 in BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)
5. Chu YC, Chang CH, Liao HR, Cheng MJ, Wu MD, Fu SL, Chen JJ. Rare Chromone Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Penicillium citrinum with Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Mar Drugs. 2021, 19(1):25. (SCI) (IF: 6.085; R/C=10/63 in CHEMISTRY, MEDICINAL)
6. Tseng CP, Huang YL, Chang YW, Liao HR, Chen YL, Hsieh PW. Polysaccharide-containing fraction from Artemisia argyi inhibits tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation by blocking interaction of podoplanin with C-type lectin-like receptor 2. J Food Drug Anal. 2020, 28(1):115-123. (SCI) (IF: 6.157; R/C=45/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY).
7. Wang SL, Liao HR, Cheng MJ, Shu CW, Chen CL, Chung MI, Chen JJ. Four New 2-(2-Phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one Derivatives from the Resinous Wood of Aquilaria sinensis and Their Inhibitory Activities on Neutrophil Pro-Inflammatory Responses. Planta Med. 2018, 84(18):1340-1347. (SCI) (IF: 3.007; R/C=41/63 in CHEMISTRY, MEDICINAL)
8. Liao HR, Chen IS, Liu FC, Lin SZ, Tseng CP. 2',3-dihydroxy-5-methoxybiphenyl suppresses fMLP-induced superoxide anion production and cathepsin G release by targeting the β-subunit of G-protein in human neutrophils. Eur J Pharmacol. 2018, 829:26-37. (SCI) (IF: 5.195; R/C=71/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
9. Chang YW, Tseng CP, Lee CH, Hwang TL, Chen YL, Su MT, Chong KY, Lan YW, Wu CC, Chen KJ, Lu FH, Liao HR, Hsueh C, Hsieh PW. β-Nitrostyrene derivatives attenuate LPS-mediated acute lung injury via the inhibition of neutrophil-platelet interactions and NET release. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2018, 314(4):L654-L669. (SCI) (IF: 6.011; R/C=12/81 in PHYSIOLOGY)
10. Tsai HJ, Chien KY, Liao HR, Shih MS, Lin YC, Chang YW, Cheng JC, Tseng CP. Functional links between Disabled-2 Ser723 phosphorylation and thrombin signaling in human platelets. J Thromb Haemost. 2017, 15(10):2029-2044. (SCI) (IF: 16.036; R/C=3/67 in PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE)
11. Cheng LY, Liao HR, Chen LC, Wang SW, Kuo YH, Chung MI, Chen JJ. Naphthofuranone derivatives and other constituents from Pachira aquatica with inhibitory activity on superoxide anion generation by neutrophils. Fitoterapia. 2017, 117:16-21. (SCI) (IF: 3.204; R/C=166/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
12. Chen JJ, Tsai TH, Liao HR, Chen LC, Kuo YH, Sung PJ, Chen CL, Wei CS. New Sesquiterpenoids and Anti-Platelet Aggregation Constituents from the Rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria. Molecules. 2016, 21(10):1385. (SCI) (IF: 4.927; R/C=114/296 in BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)
13. Liao HR, Chien CR, Chen JJ, Lee TY, Lin SZ, Tseng CP. The anti-inflammatory effect of 2-(4-hydroxy-3-prop-2-enyl-phenyl)-4-prop-2-enyl-phenol by targeting Lyn kinase in human neutrophils. Chem Biol Interact. 2015, 236:90-101. (SCI) (IF: 5.168; R/C=73/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
14. Chang YW, Hsieh PW, Chang YT, Lu MH, Huang TF, Chong KY, Liao HR, Cheng JC, Tseng CP. Identification of a novel platelet antagonist that binds to CLEC-2 and suppresses podoplanin-induced platelet aggregation and cancer metastasis. Oncotarget. 2015, 6(40):42733-48. (SCI) (IF: 5.168; R/C=44/217 in ONCOLOGY)
15. Tseng WL, Chen TH, Huang CC, Huang YH, Yeh CF, Tsai HJ, Lee HY, Kao CY, Lin SW, Liao HR, Cheng JC, Tseng CP. Impaired thrombin generation in Reelin-deficient mice: a potential role of plasma Reelin in hemostasis. J Thromb Haemost. 2014, 12(12):2054-64. (SCI) (IF: 16.036; R/C=3/67 in PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE)
16. Kuo WL, Liao HR, Chen JJ. Biflavans, Flavonoids, and a Dihydrochalcone from the Stem Wood of Muntingia calabura and Their Inhibitory Activities on Neutrophil Pro-Inflammatory Responses. Molecules. 2014, 19(12):20521-20535. (SCI) (IF: 4.927; R/C=114/296 in BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)
17. Chuang LP, Chen NH, Lin SW, Chang YL, Liao HR, Lin YS, Chao IJ, Lin Y, Pang JH. Increased C-C chemokine receptor 2 gene expression in monocytes of severe obstructive sleep apnea patients and under intermittent hypoxia. PLoS One. 2014, 9(11):e113304. (SCI) (IF: 3.752; R/C=29/73 in MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES)
18. Liu FC, Liou JT, Liao HR, Mao CC, Yang P, Day YJ. The anti-aggregation effects of ondansetron on platelets involve IP3 signaling and MAP kinase pathway, but not 5-HT3-dependent pathway. Thromb Res. 2012, 130(3):e84-94. (SCI) (IF: 10.407; R/C=6/67 in PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE)
19. Liu FC, Day YJ, Liou JT, Yu HP, Liao HR*. Splitomicin inhibits fMLP-induced superoxide anion production in human neutrophils by activate cAMP/PKA signaling inhibition of ERK pathway. Eur J Pharmacol, 2012, 688(1-3):68-75. (SCI) (IF: 5.195; R/C=71/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
20. Liao HR*, Chen JJ, Chien YH, Lin SZ, Lin S, Tseng CP. 5-Hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone inhibits N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl- Lphenylalanine-induced superoxide anion production by specific modulate membrane localization of Tec with a PI3K independent mechanism in human neutrophils. Biochem Pharmacol. 2012, 84(2):182-91. (SCI) (IF: 6.100; R/C=46/279 in PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY)
21. Chang MC, Wang TM, Yeung SY, Jeng PY, Liao CH, Lin TY, Lin CC, Lin BR, Jeng JH. Antiplatelet effect by p-cresol, a uremic and environmental toxicant, is related to inhibition of reactive oxygen species, ERK/p38 signaling and thromboxane A2 production. Atherosclerosis. 2011, 219(2):559-65. (SCI) (IF: 6.847; R/C=11/67 in PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE)
22. Chang-Hui Liao*, Jih-Jung Chen, Jieru Egeria Lin, Chia-Hsin Liu, Ching-Ping Tseng, Yuan-Ji Day. 5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (MSF-2) suppresses fMLPmediated respiratory burst in human neutrophils by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. Journal of cellular physiology, 2011, 226(6):1519-30. (SCI) (IF: 6.513; R/C=10/81 in PHYSIOLOGY)
23. Liou BJ, Chang HS, Wang GJ, Chiang MY, Liao CH, Lin CH, Chen IS. Secondary metabolites from the leaves of Neolitsea hiiranensis and the anti-inflammatory activity of some of them. Phytochemistry. 2011, 72(4-5):415-22. (SCI) (IF: 4.004; R/C=161/296 in BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)