Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation via the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway

The protective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 against sepsis-induced lung injury through PI3K-Akt pathway: insights from molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validation

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) poses a significant threat with high incidence and mortality rates. Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), derived from Ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine, has been found to reduce inflammation and protect lung epithelial cells against tissue damage. However, the specific roles and mechanisms by which GRg1 mitigates SALI have yet to be fully elucidated. In this context, we employed a relevant SALI mouse model, alongside network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to pinpoint GRg1's action targets, complemented by in vitro assays to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our research shows that GRg1 alleviates CLP-induced SALI, decreasing lung tissue damage and levels of serum proinflammatory factor IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, also enhancing the survival rate of CLP mice. A total of 116 common targets between GRg1 and ALI, with specific core targets including AKT1, VEGFA, SRC, IGF1, ESR1, STAT3, and ALB. Further in vitro experiments assessed GRg1's intervention effects on MLE-12 cells exposed to LPS, with qRT-PCR analysis and molecular dynamics simulations confirming AKT1 as the key target with the favorable binding activity for GRg1. Western blot results indicated that GRg1 increased the Bcl-2/Bax protein expression ratio to reduce apoptosis and decreased the high expression of cleaved caspase-3 in LPS-induced MLE-12 cells. More results showed significant increases in the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT1. Flow cytometric analysis using PI and Annexin-V assays further verified that GRg1 decreased the apoptosis rate in LPS-stimulated MLE-12 cells (from 14.85 to 6.54%, p < 0.05). The employment of the AKT1 inhibitor LY294002 confirmed these trends, indicating that AKT1's inhibition negates GRg1's protective effects on LPS-stimulated MLE-12 cells. In conclusion, our research highlights GRg1's potential as an effective adjunct therapy for SALI, primarily by inhibiting apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, thus significantly enhancing the survival rates of CLP mice. These beneficial effects are mediated through targeting AKT1 and activating the PI3K-AKT pathway.

Identification and mechanistic exploration of key anti-inflammatory molecules in American ginseng: Impacts on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 STAT3 phosphorylation and macrophage polarization

American ginseng (AG) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects in many diseases, but the key molecules and mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AG and identify the key molecules by in vivo and in vitro models. Zebrafish was employed to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of AG and the compounds. Metabolomics was utilized to identify potential anti-inflammatory molecules in AG, while molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to forecast the interaction capabilities of these compounds with inflammatory targets. Additionally, macrophage cell was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the key molecules in AG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Seven potential anti-inflammatory molecules were discovered in AG, with ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rs3 (G-Rs3), and oleanolic acid exhibiting the strongest affinity for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects on macrophage migration in zebrafish models and the ability to regulate ROS levels in both zebrafish and macrophages. The cell experiments found that ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rs3, and oleanolic acid could promote macrophage M2/M1 polarization ratio and inhibit phosphorylation overexpression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. This study revealed the key anti-inflammatory molecules and mechanisms of AG, and provided new evidence of anti-inflammatory for the scientific use of AG.

The processed Euphorbia lathyris L. alleviates the inflammatory injury via regulating LXRα/ABCA1 expression and TLR4 positioning to lipid rafts

Euphorbia lathyris L. (EL) is a traditional poisonous herbal medicine used to treat dropsy, ascites, amenorrhea, anuria and constipation. Processing to reduce toxicity of EL is essential for its safe and effective application. However, there is little known regarding the molecular mechanism of reducing toxicity after EL processing. This research aimed to screen the differential markers for EL and PEL, explore the differential mechanisms of inflammatory injury induced by EL and processed EL (PEL) to expound the mechanism of alleviating toxicity after EL processing. The results showed that 15 potential biomarkers, mainly belonging to diterpenoids, were screened to distinguish EL from PEL. EL promoted the expressions of TLR4, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, IL-1β and TNF-α, increased lipid rafts abundance and promoted TLR4 positioning to lipid rafts. Meanwhile, EL decreased LXRα and ABCA1 expression, and reduced cholesterol efflux. In contrast to EL, the effects of PEL on these indicators were markedly weakened. In addition, Euphorbia factors L1, L2, and L3 affected LXRα, ABCA1, TLR4, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-1β expression, influenced cholesterol efflux and lipid rafts abundance, and interfered with the colocalization of TLR4 and lipid rafts. The inflammatory injury caused by processed EL was significantly weaker than that caused by crude EL, and reduction of Euphorbia factors L1, L2, and L3 as well as attenuation of inflammatory injury participated in processing-based detoxification of EL. Our results provide valuable insights into the attenuated mechanism of EL processing and will guide future research on the processing mechanism of toxic traditional Chinese medicine.

Overview of Panax ginseng and its active ingredients protective mechanism on cardiovascular diseases

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and it is still widely used to improve the clinical symptoms of various CVDs. However, there is currently a lack of summary and analysis on the mechanism of Panax ginseng exerts its cardiovascular protective effects. This article provides a review of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies on Panax ginseng and its active ingredients in reducing CVDs damage.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review summarized the latest literature on Panax ginseng and its active ingredients in CVDs research, aiming to have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the cardiovascular protection mechanism of Panax ginseng, and to provide new ideas for the treatment of CVDs, as well as to optimize the clinical application of Panax ginseng.

METHODS

Enrichment of pathways and biological terms using the traditional Chinese medicine molecular mechanism bioinformatics analysis tool (BATMAN-TCM). The literature search is based on electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CNKI, with a search period of 2002-2023. The search terms include Panax ginseng, Panax ginseng ingredients, ginsenosides, ginseng polysaccharides, ginseng glycoproteins, ginseng volatile oil, CVDs, heart, and cardiac.

RESULTS

132 articles were ultimately included in the review. The ingredients in Panax ginseng that manifested cardiovascular protective effects are mainly ginsenosides (especially ginsenoside Rb1). Ginsenosides protected against CVDs such as ischemic reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and heart failure mainly through improving energy metabolism, inhibiting hyper-autophagy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and promoting secretion of exosomes.

CONCLUSION

Panax ginseng and its active ingredients have a particularly prominent effect on improving myocardial energy metabolism remodeling in protecting against CVDs. The AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways are the key targets through which Panax ginseng produces multiple mechanisms of cardiovascular protection. Extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles as carriers are potential delivery ways for optimizing the bioavailability of Panax ginseng and its active ingredients.

Engineered urolithin A-laden functional polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles prevent cisplatin-induced proximal tubular injury in vitro

Functional polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (H-NPs) are a promising class of nanocarriers that combine the benefits of polymer and lipid nanoparticles, offering biocompatibility, structural stability, high loading capacity, and, most importantly, superior surface functionalization. Here, we report the synthesis and design of highly functional H-NPs with specificity toward the transferrin receptor (TfR), using a small molecule ligand, gambogic acid (GA). A fluorescence study revealed the molecular orientation of H-NPs, where the lipid-dense core is surrounded by a polymer exterior, functionalized with GA. Urolithin A, an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent, served as a model drug-like compound to prepare H-NPs via traditional emulsion-based techniques, where H-NPs led to smaller particles (132 nm) and superior entrapment efficiencies (70 % at 10 % drug loading) compared to GA-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles (P-NPs) (157 nm and 52 % entrapment efficiency) and solid lipid nanoparticles (L-NPs) (186 nm and 29 % entrapment efficiency). H-NPs showed superior intracellular accumulation compared to individual NPs using human small intestinal epithelial (FHs 74) cells. The in vitro efficacy was demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis, in which UA-laden H-NPs showed excellent anti-inflammatory properties in cisplatin-induced injury in healthy human proximal tubular cell (HK2) model by decreasing the TLR4, NF-κβ, and IL-β expression. This preliminary work highlights the potential of H-NPs as a novel functional polymer-lipid drug delivery system, establishing the foundation for future research on its therapeutic potential in addressing chemotherapy-induced acute kidney injury in cancer patients.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Suppresses Pyroptosis via the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD Pathway to Alleviate Chronic Atrophic Gastritis In Vitro and In Vivo

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is characterized by the loss of gastric glandular cells, which are replaced by the intestinal-type epithelium and fibrous tissue. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is the prevalent ginsenoside in ginseng, with a variety of biological activities, and is usually added to functional foods. As a novel form of programmed cell death (PCD), pyroptosis has received substantial attention in recent years. Despite the numerous beneficial effects, the curative impact of Rg1 on CAG and whether its putative mechanism is partially via inhibiting pyroptosis still remain unknown. To address this gap, we conducted a study to explore the mechanisms underlying the potential anti-CAG effect of Rg1. We constructed a CAG rat model using a multifactor comprehensive method. A cellular model was developed by using 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) combined with Nigericin as a stimulus applied to GES-1 cells. After Rg1 intervention, the levels of inflammatory indicators in the gastric tissue/cell supernatant were reduced. Rg1 relieved oxidative stress via reducing the myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in the gastric tissue and increasing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, Rg1 improved MNNG+Nigericin-induced pyroptosis in the morphology and plasma membrane of the cells. Further research supported novel evidence for Rg1 in the regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway and the resulting pyroptosis underlying its therapeutic effect. Moreover, by overexpression and knockout of GSDMD in GES-1 cells, our findings suggested that GSDMD might serve as the key target in the effect of Rg1 on suppressing pyroptosis. All of these offer a potential theoretical foundation for applying Rg1 in ameliorating CAG.

Dehydrocostus lactone alleviates irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex formation

BACKGROUND

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is used as chemotherapeutic drug for treatment of colorectal cancer. However, without satisfactory treatments, its gastrointestinal toxicities such as diarrhea and intestinal inflammation severely restrained its clinical application. Roots of Aucklandia lappa Decne. are used as traditional Chinese medicine to relieve gastrointestinal dysfunction and dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) is one of its main active components. Nevertheless, the efficacy and mechanism of DHL against intestinal mucositis remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of DHL on CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The protective effect of DHL was investigated in CPT-11-induced mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+CPT-11 induced THP-1 macrophages. Body weight, diarrhea score, survival rate, colon length, and histopathological changes in mice colon and jejunum were analyzed to evaluate the protective effect of DHL in vivo. And DHL on reducing inflammatory response and regulating TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in vivo and in vitro were explored. Moreover, DHL on the interaction between TLR4 and MD2 was investigated. And silencing TLR4 targeted by siRNA was performed to validate the mechanisms of DHL on regulating the inflammation.

RESULTS

DHL prevented CPT-11-induced intestinal damage, represented by reducing weight loss, diarrhea score, mortality rate and the shortening of the colon. Histological analysis confirmed that DHL prevented intestinal epithelial injury and improved the intestinal barrier function in CPT-11 induced mice. Besides, DHL significantly downregulated the level of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in CPT-11-induced mice and LPS+CPT-11-induced THP-1 macrophages. In addition, DHL blocked TLR4/MD2 complex formation. Molecular docking combined with SIP and DARTS assay showed that DHL could bind to TLR4/MD2 and occludes the hydrophobic pocket of MD2. Furthermore, Silencing TLR4 abrogated the effect of DHL on LPS+CPT-11 induced inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophages. Additionally, DHL ameliorate the CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis without affecting the anti-tumor efficacy of CPT-11 in the tumor xenograft mice.

CONCLUSION

This study found that DHL exhibited the anti-inflammatory effects in CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis by inhibiting the formation of TLR4/MD2 complex and then regulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. DHL is potentially served as a novel strategy of combined medication with CPT-11.

Traditional Chinese medicine and mitophagy: A novel approach for cardiovascular disease management

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an enormous economic burden on individuals and human society. Laboratory studies have identified several drugs that target mitophagy for the prevention and treatment of CVD. Only a few of these drugs have been successful in clinical trials, and most studies have been limited to animal and cellular models. Furthermore, conventional drugs used to treat CVD, such as antiplatelet agents, statins, and diuretics, often result in adverse effects on patients' cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory systems. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained significant attention for its unique theoretical basis and clinical efficacy in treating CVD.

PURPOSE

This paper systematically summarizes all the herbal compounds, extracts, and active monomers used to target mitophagy for the treatment of CVD in the last five years. It provides valuable information for researchers in the field of basic cardiovascular research, pharmacologists, and clinicians developing herbal medicines with fewer side effects, as well as a useful reference for future mitophagy research.

METHODS

The search terms "cardiovascular disease," "mitophagy," "herbal preparations," "active monomers," and "cardiac disease pathogenesis" in combination with "natural products" and "diseases" were used to search for studies published in the past five years until January 2024.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that mitophagy plays a significant role in the progression and development of CVD, such as atherosclerosis (AS), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia. Herbal compound preparations, crude extracts, and active monomers have shown potential as effective treatments for these conditions. These substances protect cardiomyocytes by inducing mitophagy, scavenging damaged mitochondria, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. They display notable efficacy in combating CVD.

CONCLUSION

TCM (including herbal compound preparations, extracts, and active monomers) can treat CVD through various pharmacological mechanisms and signaling pathways by inducing mitophagy. They represent a hotspot for future cardiovascular basic research and a promising candidate for the development of future cardiovascular drugs with fewer side effects and better therapeutic efficacy.

Banxia Xiexin decoction combined with 5-ASA protects against CPT-11-induced intestinal dysfunction in rats via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) can control irinotecan (CPT-11)-caused delayed diarrhea, but the corresponding mechanism remains undefined.

AIMS

This paper aimed to uncover the mechanism of BXD in regulating CPT-11-caused delayed diarrhea.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned into the control, model, BXD low-dose (BXD-L, 5 g/kg), BXD medium-dose (BXD-M, 10 g/kg), BXD high-dose (BXD-H, 15 g/kg), 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, 10 mL/kg), and BXD-M + 5-ASA groups. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 150 mg/kg CPT-11 at Day 4 and Day 5 to induce delayed diarrhea, and later treated with various doses (low, medium, and high) of BXD and 5-ASA for 9 days, except for rats in control group. The body weight of rats was measured. The rat colon tissue injury, inflammatory cytokine levels, and the activation of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway were detected.

RESULTS

BXD (5, 10, or 15 g/kg) or 5-ASA (10 mL/kg) alleviated body weight loss and colon tissue injury, decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and inactivated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in CPT-11-induced model rats. BXD at 10 g/kg (the optimal concentration) could better treat CPT-11-induced intestinal dysfunction, as evidenced by the resulting approximately 50% reduction on injury score of model rats. Moreover, BXD-M (10 g/kg) synergistic with 5-ASA (10 mL/kg) further strengthened the inhibition on rat body weight loss, colon tissue injury, inflammatory cytokine levels, and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, BXD has a protective effect against CPT-11-induced intestinal dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation through inactivation TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In particular, the combined use of BXD and 5-ASA holds great promise for treating CPT-11-induced delayed diarrhea.

The role of pyroptosis in heart failure and related traditional chinese medicine treatments

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is mediated by both typical and atypical pathways and ultimately leads to the lysis and rupture of cell membranes and the release of proinflammatory factors, triggering an intense inflammatory response. Heart failure (HF) is a serious and terminal stage of various heart diseases. Myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, ventricular remodeling, oxidative stress, the inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte ionic disorders caused by various cardiac diseases are all risk factors for and aggravate HF. Numerous studies have shown that pyroptosis can induce and exacerbate these reactions, causing progression to HF. Therefore, targeting pyroptosis is a promising strategy to treat HF. This paper summarizes the role of pyroptosis in the development of HF and the underlying mechanism involved. Recent research progress on the ability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts and formulas to inhibit pyroptosis and treat HF was summarized, and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts and formulas can alleviate different types of HF, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF), by targeting pyroptosis. These findings may provide new ideas and evidence for the treatment or adjuvant treatment of HF by targeting pyroptosis.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND

Aplastic anemia (AA) presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells, with the current therapeutic options being notably limited.

AIM

To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA, specifically its protective effects, while elucidating the mechanism at play.

METHODS

We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in C57 mice, followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d. The investigation included examining the bone marrow, thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Moreover, orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations. Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice. Additionally, the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.

RESULTS

Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow's structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells, establishing a model of AA. Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice. In comparison to the AA group, ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX. Furthermore, it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle. Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression, primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway, which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA, highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

Trigeminal nerve electrical stimulation attenuates early traumatic brain injury through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway mediated by orexin-A/OX1R system

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant contributor to global mortality and disability, and emerging evidence indicates that trigeminal nerve electrical stimulation (TNS) is a promising therapeutic intervention for neurological impairment following TBI. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of TNS in TBI are poorly understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of the orexin-A (OX-A)/orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) mediated TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the neuroprotective effects of TNS in rats with TBI.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham, TBI, TBI+TNS+SB334867, and TBI+TNS. TBI was induced using a modified Feeney's method, and subsequent behavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate neurological function. The trigeminal nerve trunk was isolated, and TNS was administered following the establishment of the TBI model. The levels of neuroinflammation, brain tissue damage, and proteins associated with the OX1R/TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, western blot analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence techniques.

RESULTS

The findings of our study indicate that TNS effectively mitigated tissue damage, reduced brain edema, and alleviated neurological deficits in rats with TBI. Furthermore, TNS demonstrated the ability to attenuate neuroinflammation levels and inhibit the expression of proteins associated with the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. However, it is important to note that the aforementioned effects of TNS were reversible upon intracerebroventricular injection of an OX1R antagonist.

CONCLUSION

TNS may prevent brain damage and relieve neurological deficits after a TBI by inhibiting inflammation, possibly via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway mediated by OX-A/OX1R.

The role and therapeutic potential of SIRTs in sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the host's dysfunctional response to infection. Abnormal activation of the immune system and disturbance of energy metabolism play a key role in the development of sepsis. In recent years, the Sirtuins (SIRTs) family has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. SIRTs, as a class of histone deacetylases (HDACs), are widely involved in cellular inflammation regulation, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. The effects of SIRTs on immune cells are mainly reflected in the regulation of inflammatory pathways. This regulation helps balance the inflammatory response and may lessen cell damage and organ dysfunction in sepsis. In terms of energy metabolism, SIRTs can play a role in immunophenotypic transformation by regulating cell metabolism, improve mitochondrial function, increase energy production, and maintain cell energy balance. SIRTs also regulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative stress damage by activating antioxidant defense pathways and maintaining a balance between oxidants and reducing agents. Current studies have shown that several potential drugs, such as Resveratrol and melatonin, can enhance the activity of SIRT. It can help to reduce inflammatory response, improve energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress, showing potential clinical application prospects for the treatment of sepsis. This review focuses on the regulation of SIRT on inflammatory response, energy metabolism and oxidative stress of immune cells, as well as its important influence on multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis, and discusses and summarizes the effects of related drugs and compounds on reducing multiple organ damage in sepsis through the pathway involving SIRTs. SIRTs may become a new target for the treatment of sepsis and its resulting organ dysfunction, providing new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of this life-threatening disease.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Reducing FBXO3 Stability in an m6A-Dependent Manner to Activate PGC-1α/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the serious life-threatening complications of sepsis and is pathologically associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Ginsenoside Rg1 has good therapeutic effects on ALI. Herein, the pharmacological effects of Rg1 in sepsis-induced ALI were investigated.

METHODS

Sepsis-induced ALI models were established by CLP operation and LPS treatment. HE staining was adopted to analyze lung pathological changes. The expression and secretion of cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. ROS level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed using DHE probe and JC-1 staining, respectively. FBXO3 m6A level was assessed using MeRIP assay. The interactions between FBXO3, YTHDF1, and PGC-1α were analyzed by Co-IP or RIP.

RESULTS

Rg1 administration ameliorated LPS-induced epithelial cell inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanically, Rg1 reduced PGC-1α ubiquitination modification level by inhibiting FBXO3 expression m6A-YTHDF1 dependently. As expected, Rg1's mitigative effect on LPS-induced inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in lung epithelial cells was abolished by FBXO3 overexpression. Moreover, FBXO3 upregulation eliminated the restoring effect of Rg1 on CLP-induced lung injury in rats.

CONCLUSION

Rg1 activated PGC-1α/Nrf2 signaling pathway by reducing FBXO3 stability in an m6A-YTHDF1-dependent manner to improve mitochondrial function in lung epithelial cells during sepsis-induced ALI progression.

Network pharmacology analysis and animal experiment validation of neuroinflammation inhibition by total ginsenoside in treating CSM

BACKGROUND

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative pathology that affects both upper and lower extremity mobility and sensory function, causing significant pressure on patients and society. Prior research has suggested that ginsenosides may have neuroprotective properties in central nervous system diseases. However, the efficacy and mechanism of ginsenosides for CSM have yet to be investigated.

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyze the composition of ginsenosides using UPLC-MS, identify the underlying mechanism of ginsenosides in treating CSM using network pharmacology, and subsequently confirm the efficacy and mechanism of ginsenosides in rats with chronic spinal cord compression.

METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was utilized to obtain mass spectrum data of ginsenoside samples. The chemical constituents of the samples were analyzed by consulting literature reports and relevant databases. Ginsenoside and CSM targets were obtained from the TCMSP, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted, and a visualization network of ginsenosides-compounds-key targets-pathways-CSM was constructed, along with molecular docking of key bioactive compounds and targets, to identify the signaling pathways and proteins associated with the therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on CSM. Chronic spinal cord compression rats were intraperitoneally injected with ginsenosides (50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) and methylprednisolone for 28 days, and motor function was assessed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ginsenosides for CSM. The expression of proteins associated with TNF, IL-17, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting.

RESULTS

Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, 37 compounds were identified from ginsenoside samples. Furthermore, ginsenosides-compounds-key targets-pathways-CSM visualization network indicated that ginsenosides may modulate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and Apoptosis by targeting AKT1, TNF, MAPK1, CASP3, IL6, and IL1B, exerting a therapeutic effect on CSM. By attenuating neuroinflammation through the TNF, IL-17, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways, ginsenosides restored the motor function of rats with CSM, and ginsenosides 150 mg/kg showed better effect. This was achieved by reducing the phosphorylation of NF-κB and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of network pharmacology indicate that ginsenosides can inhibit neuroinflammation resulting from spinal cord compression through multiple pathways and targets. This finding was validated through in vivo tests, which demonstrated that ginsenosides can reduce neuroinflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes via multiple signaling pathways, additionally, it should be noted that 150 mg/kg was a relatively superior dose. This study is the first to verify the intrinsic molecular mechanism of ginsenosides in treating CSM by combining pharmacokinetics, network pharmacology, and animal experiments. The findings can provide evidence for subsequent clinical research and drug development.

Aucubin protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating STAT3/NF-κB/HMGB-1 pathway

The main characteristics of the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) are oxidative stress, apoptosis, and an inflammatory response. Aucubin (AU) is an iridoid glycoside that possesses various biological properties and has been discovered to demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts in pathological processes, such as ischemia-reperfusion. The objective of this research was to investigate if AU treatment could mitigate myocardial inflammation and apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in both laboratory and animal models, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. By ligating the coronary artery on the left anterior descending side, a successful MI/RI rat model was created. Additionally, H9C2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in order to imitate the injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Furthermore, various concentrations of AU were administered to H9C2 cells or rats before H/R stimulation or myocardial I/R surgery, respectively. In vitro, the assessment was conducted on cardiac function, inflammatory markers, and myocardial pathology. In vivo, we examined the viability of cells, as well as factors related to apoptosis and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the presence of proteins belonging to the STAT3/NF-κB/HMGB1 signaling pathway was observed both in vivo and in vitro. AU effectively improved cardiomyocyte injury caused by H/R and myocardial injury caused by I/R. Furthermore, AU suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory molecules (TNF-alpha, IL-1β, and IL-6) and proteins associated with cell death (caspase-3 and Bax), while enhancing the levels of anti-inflammatory agents (IL-10) and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.AU mechanistically affected the phosphorylation of STAT3 at the Ser727 site and Tyr705 following H/R by modulating the signaling pathway involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), while also suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and HMGB1 exonucleation. In conclusion, the use of AU treatment might offer protection against myocardial infarction and injury by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing apoptosis, and mitigating inflammation. The regulation of the STAT3/NF-κB/HMGB-1 pathway may contribute to this phenomenon by affecting STAT3 phosphorylation and controlling NF-κB and HMGB-1 translocation. Contributes to identifying possible objectives for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion damage.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) has become one of the most lethal complications of sepsis, while the treatment was limited by a shortage of pertinent drugs. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the highest content of active substances in green tea, and its application in cardiovascular diseases has broad prospects. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that EGCG was able to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced myocardial dysfunction and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cardiac systolic function was assessed by echocardiography. The cardiomyocyte apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. The expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis-related protein, cardiac markers were examined by Western Blot and qRT-PCR. EGCG effectively improve LPS-induced cardiac function damage, enhance left ventricular systolic function, and restore myocardial cell vitality. It can effectively inhibit the upregulation of TLR4 expression induced by LPS and inhibit IκB α/NF- κB/p65 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improving myocarditis. In conclusion, EGCG protects against SIMD through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects; it was mediated by the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway. Our results demonstrated that EGCG might be a possible medicine for SIMD prevention and treatment.

Ginsenoside Rg1 relieves rat intervertebral disc degeneration and inhibits IL-1β-induced nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and inflammation via NF-κB signaling pathway

The study aimed to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in rats and IL-1β-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, and explore its underlying mechanism. Forty IVDD rat models were divided into the IVDD group, low-dose (L-Rg1) group (intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg/d ginsenoside Rg1), medium-dose (M-Rg1) group (intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg/d ginsenoside Rg1), and high-dose (H-Rg1) group (intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg/d ginsenoside Rg1). The pathological change was observed by HE and safranin O-fast green staining. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP3, aggrecan, and collagen II was detected. The expression of NF-κB p65 in IVD tissues was detected. Rat NP cells were induced by IL-1β to simulate IVDD environment and divided into the control group, IL-1β group, and 20, 50, and 100 µmol/L Rg1 groups. The cell proliferation activity, the apoptosis, and the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP3, aggrecan, collagen II, and NF-κB pathway-related protein were detected. In IVDD rats, ginsenoside Rg1 improved the pathology of IVD tissues; suppressed the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, aggrecan, and collagen II; and inhibited the expression of p-p65/p65 and nuclear translocation of p65, to alleviate the IVDD progression. In the IL-1β-induced NP cells, ginsenoside Rg1 also improved the cell proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis and the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, aggrecan, collagen II, p-p65/p65, and IκK in a dose-dependent manner. Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviated IVDD in rats and inhibited apoptosis, inflammatory response, and ECM degradation in IL-1β-induced NP cells. And Rg1 may exert its effect via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Fortunellin ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury, inflammation, and collagen deposition by restraining the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is the prevalent respiratory disease of acute inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Fortunellin has anti-inflammation property, but its role in ALI remains elusive. Thus, this study clarified the function of fortunellin on ALI pathogenesis.

METHODS

The ALI mouse model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, and lung tissue damage was evaluated utilizing hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The edema of lung tissue was measured by the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio. The lung capillary permeability was reflected by the protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Inflammatory cell infiltration was measured by the evaluation of the content of myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophils, and leukocytes in BALF. Cell apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. Lung tissue collagen deposition was evaluated by Masson staining.

RESULTS

Fortunellin attenuated LPS-induced lung tissue damage and reduced the W/D ratio, the content of MPO in lung tissue, the total protein contents in BALF, and the neutrophils and leukocytes number. Besides, fortunellin alleviated LPS-stimulated lung tissue apoptosis, inflammatory response, and collagen deposition. Furthermore, Fortunellin repressed the activity of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway in the LPS-stimulated ALI model and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, fortunellin attenuated LPS-stimulated tissue injury, apoptosis, inflammation, and collagen deposition of the lung via restraining the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Fortunellin attenuated LPS-stimulated ALI through repressing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Fortunellin may be a valuable drug for ALI therapy.

Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway with natural plants and phytochemical ingredients: A novel therapeutic method for combatting cardiovascular diseases

The aim of this article is to introduce the roles and mechanisms of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemiareperfusion. In addition, the effects of phytochemical ingredients and different natural plants, mainly traditional Chinese medicines, on the regulation of different cardiovascular diseases via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway are discussed. Surprisingly, the JAK2 pathway has dual roles in different cardiovascular diseases. Future research should focus on the dual regulatory effects of different phytochemical ingredients and natural plants on JAK2 to pave the way for their use in clinical trials.

Astilbin protects from sepsis-induced cardiac injury through the NRF2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmia are severe complications of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, the precise mechanism for sepsis-induced myocardial damage remains unclear. Astilbin, a flavonoid, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic properties. However, the effects of astilbin on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy have not been studied so far. This study aims to investigate the effect of astilbin in sepsis-induced myocardial injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. In vivo and in vitro sepsis models were created using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an inducer in H9C2 cardiomyocytes and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Our results demonstrated that astilbin reduced myocardial injury and improved cardiac function. Moreover, astilbin prolonged the QT and corrected QT intervals, attenuated myocardial electrical remodeling, and promoted gap junction protein (Cx43) and ion channels expression, thereby reducing the susceptibility of ventricular fibrillation. In addition, astilbin alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Astilbin suppressed the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in vivo and in vitro models. Astilbin remarkedly upregulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. The in vitro treatment with an NRF2 inhibitor reversed the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and antioxidant properties of astilbin. Astilbin attenuated LPS-induced myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction, susceptibility to VF, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by activating the NRF2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting TLR4/ NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that astilbin could be an effective and promising therapeutics target for the treatment of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Edaravone and obeticholic acid protect against cisplatin-induced heart toxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and modulating Nrf2, TLR4/p38MAPK, and JAK1/STAT3/NF-κB signals

Cardiotoxicity is a significant adverse effect of cisplatin (CIS) that necessitates extensive medical care. The current study examines the cardioprotective effects of edaravone (EDV), obeticholic acid (OCA), and their combinations on CIS-induced cardiac damage. Rats were allocated into five groups: the normal control group, the remaining four groups received CIS (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) as a single dose on the fifth day and were assigned to CIS, OCA (10 mg/kg/day) + CIS, EDV (20 mg/kg/day) + CIS, and the (EDV + OCA) + CIS group. Compared to the CIS-treated group, co-treating rats with EDV, OCA, or their combinations significantly decreased ALP, AST, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin-I serum levels and alleviated histopathological heart abnormalities. Biochemically, EDV, OCA, and EDV plus OCA administration mitigated cardiac oxidative stress as indicated by a marked decrease in heart MDA content with a rise in cardiac antioxidants SOD and GSH associated with upregulating Nrf2, PPARγ, and SIRT1 expression. Besides, it dampened inflammation by decreasing cardiac levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, mediated by suppressing NF-κB, JAK1/STAT3, and TLR4/p38MAPK signal activation. Notably, rats co-administered with EDV plus OCA showed noticeable protection that exceeded that of EDV and OCA alone. In conclusion, our study provided that EDV, OCA, and their combinations effectively attenuated CIS-induced cardiac intoxication by activating Nrf2, PPARγ, and SIRT1 signals and downregulating NF-κB, JAK1/STAT3, and TLR4/p38MAPK signals.

Astaxanthin suppresses LPS-induced myocardial apoptosis by regulating PTP1B/JNK pathway in vitro

PURPOSE

Myocardial injury induced by sepsis can increase the patient's mortality, which is an important complication of sepsis. Myocardial apoptosis plays a key role in septic myocardial injury. Here we explored the potential mechanism of astaxanthin (ATX) inhibiting myocardial apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro.

METHODS

The H9C2 cell experiment was conducted in three parts. In the first part, we set up three groups: control group, LPS group (10 µg/ml), a model of septic myocardial injury, and LPS + ATX (5, 10, 30 µM); In the second part, we set up four groups: control group, LPS group, LPS + PTP1B-IN-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitor, and LPS + PTP1B-IN-1 + ATX; In the third part, we set up four groups: control group, LPS group, LPS + Anisomycin, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activator, and LPS + Anisomycin + ATX. We assessed H9C2 cell viability using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. We observed cell apoptosis using flow cytometry analysis. We tested the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) using JC-1 staining. To identify the molecular targets of ATX, Astaxanthin targets were predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction database. We verified the binding affinity of ATX and its targets using microscale thermophoresis (MST). We investigated the p-JNK expression using immunofluorescence staining. Finally, Western blot was used to evaluate PTP1B, JNK, p-JNK and the mitochondrial apoptosis-associated protein expression.

RESULTS

LPS inhibited H9C2 cell viability in a time-dependent manner and ATX treatment enhances H9C2 cell viability in a concentration dependent manner after LPS administration. ATX inhibited the LPS-induced apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in H9C2 cells. As predicted by the SwissTargetPrediction database, PTP1B was a potential target of ATX, and the interaction between ATX and PTP1B was further verified by MST. ATX attenuated the LPS-induced protein expression of PTP1B and p-JNK, regardless of PTP1B inhibition. Both immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that ATX suppressed the LPS-induced p-JNK expression in H9C2 cells, regardless of Anisomycin administration. In addition, by adding Anisomycin to overexpress JNK, ATX inhibited the LPS-induced apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis-associated proteins in H9C2 cells via JNK signaling.

CONCLUSION

ATX inhibited LPS-induced mitochondrial apoptosis of H9C2 cells by PTP1B/JNK pathway and PTP1B was the target of ATX.

Effects of schisandra lignans on the absorption of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides mediated by P-glycoprotein and protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides mediated by CYP3A4

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (SCF) are frequently used as herb pairs in traditional herbal formulas especially for the synergetic beneficial effects on lung and heart. Shengmai-yin (SMY), a noted formula, was first published in the traditional Chinese medicine classic named Yixue Qiyuan written by Zhang Yuansu in the Jin Dynasty, and has been used for deficiency of both qi and yin, palpitation, shortness of breath and spontaneous sweating. In SMY, GRR, a sovereign herb, plays an essential role in tonifying lung and supplementing qi, and SCF as an adjuvant herb contributes to the effects of nourishing yin and promoting fluid production, both of which are traditionally used as invigorants in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. However, the underlying compatibility mechanism of GRR-SCF has remained unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to explore the impact and underlying mechanism of schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on the absorption of ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd belonging to protopanaxdiol (PPD)-type and ginsenosides Rg1 and Re belonging to protopanaxtriol (PPT)-type, pharmacokinetic studies, molecular docking technique and single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) experiment were conducted.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Preliminarily, pharmacokinetic characteristics of ginseng extract (GE) in the presence and absence of SCE were studied. Thereafter, molecular docking was used to predict whether ginsenosides were P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates. Finally, the effects and underlying mechanism of SCE on the absorption of GE were further investigated by in situ SPIP experiment.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that SCE could increase exposure in vivo and the intestinal absorption of distinct ginsenosides. Additionally, we found that the PPD-type ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd were substrates for P-gp, and the PPT-type ginsenosides Rg1 and Re were substrates for CYP3A4 rather than P-gp. SCE, which has been found with extensive inhibitory effects on P-gp and CYP3A4, could remarkably promote the intestinal absorption of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd, obtaining similar effects comparable with ketoconazole known as a classic dual inhibitor of P-gp and CYP3A4.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that SCE could improve the absorption of GE, and revealed the underlying compatibility mechanism of GRR and SCF from the perspective of P-gp and CYP3A4-mediated interactions to some extent, which provided a certain scientific reference for the compatibility and clinical practice of GRR-SCF as common herb pairs in traditional prescriptions such as SMY. Moreover, this study also furnished a strategy for improving the oral bioavailability of different types of ginsenosides by drug combinations.

Wei-fu-chun tablet halted gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia associated with inflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chi006Eese herbal medicine Weifuchun Tablets (WFC) approved by the State Food and Drug Administration in 1982 has been widely used in treating a variety of chronic stomach disorders including Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and Gastric precancerous lesions in China clinically. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and potential mechanism of WFC in treating Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) and Gastric dysplasia (GDys).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat GIM and GDys established by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) combined with hot paste, ethanol injury, and intermittent fasting were intervened by WFC. Body weight, histopathology, pH of gastric acid, pepsin activity, intestinal metaplasia index and inflammation were detected. Rat bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) pretreated with WFC were stimulated by LPS. Inflammatory factors and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were assessed. GES-1 cells pretreated by WFC were stimulated by MNNG and TNF-α, intestinal metaplasia index, the NF-κB pathway and interaction between P65 and CDX2 were detected.

RESULTS

WFC improved rat body weight, histopathology, pH value of gastric acid, activity of gastric pepsin, intestinal metaplasia (CDX2), inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), macrophage aggregation (CD68) in gastric mucosa in rat GIM and GDys. WFC inhibited inflammation (IL-1β and TNF-α) by inactivating the NF-κB pathway. WFC reduced the expression of CDX2 by inhibiting the binding of CDX2 promoter TSS upstream region with p65.

CONCLUSION

WFC blocked GIM and GDys associated with inflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway.

High mobility group box 1 knockdown inhibits EV71 replication and attenuates cell pyroptosis through TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. Nowadays, there are still no effective antiviral drugs for EV71 infection. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is reported to be highly expressed in HFMD patients. However, the role and underlying mechanism of HMGB1 in EV71-associated HFMD are still unclear. HMGB1 expression was detected using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. Loss- and gain-function experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of HMGB1 on EV71-infected cells. The virus titer was examined by TCID50. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were applied to detect the cell viability and cell cycle. Oxidative stress was determined by relative commercial kits. HMGB1 level was elevated in the serum of EV71-infected patients with HFMD and EV71-induced RD cells. EV71 infection induced the transfer of HMGB1 from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. HMGB1 knockdown inhibited virus replication, viral protein (VP1) expression and promoted antiviral factor expression. In addition, the inhibition of HMGB1 improved cell viability, protected against S phase arrest, and inhibited EV71-induced cell injury and oxidative stress, whereas HMGB1 overexpression showed the opposite effects. In terms of mechanism, HMGB1 overexpression activated the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and promoted cell pyroptosis. The inhibition of TLR4 and NF-κB reversed the effects of HMGB1 overexpression on virus replication, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis. In conclusion, HMGB1 knockdown inhibits EV71 replication and attenuates pyroptosis through TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis.

Molecular mechanism of empagliflozin cardioprotection in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of SGLT2 and TNFα/TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

One of the commoly used chemotherapeutic agents is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Unfortunately, the clinical administration of 5-FU is complicated with serious cardiotoxic effects and the safe use becomes an urgent task in cardio-oncology. Till now, there are no studies discussed the role of empagliflozin (EMP) against 5-FU cardiotoxicity. Thus, we investigated this effect and the involved mechanisms in 5-FU induced heart injury. Forty male rats of Wistar albino species were used and divided randomly into four groups. Group I is the control group, group II is EMP given group, group III is 5-FU cardiotoxic group and group IV is 5-FU plus EMP group. 5-FU (150 mg/kg) was administered as a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose on 1st day to induce cardiotoxicity with or without EMP (30 mg/kg/d) orally for 5 days. The dose of 5-FU is relevant to the human toxic dose. Our data showed that 5-FU given group caused cardiotoxicity with significant increase of serum cardiac enzymes, toll like receptors, enhancement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin1β (IL1β), IL6, myeloid-differentiation-factor 88 (MYD88), heart weight, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNFα), sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), P53 and caspase3 expression with clear histopathological features of cardiotoxicity. Moreover, there is a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Interestingly, co-administration of EMP could ameliorate 5-FU induced biochemical and histopathological changes. This effect may be due to modulation of SGLT2, decreasing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis with downregulation of an essential inflammatory cascade that mediates 5-FU cardiotoxicity; TNFα/TLR/NF-κB.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00204-1.

Role of autophagy in pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease involving the colorectal mucosa. It is characterized by recurrent attacks, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus, and purulent stool. At present, the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood. Most scholars generally believe that the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis is affected by genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, immune system disorders, microflora and intestinal microflora disorders, and other factors. In recent years, the concept of autophagy has gradually attracted the attention of the scientific community, and more and more scholars have begun to study the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis on the basis of autophagy theory. This review will give an overview of cellular autophagy and discuss its role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Traditional herbs: mechanisms to combat cellular senescence

Cellular senescence plays a very important role in the ageing of organisms and age-related diseases that increase with age, a process that involves physiological, structural, biochemical and molecular changes in cells. In recent years, it has been found that the active ingredients of herbs and their natural products can prevent and control cellular senescence by affecting telomerase activity, oxidative stress response, autophagy, mitochondrial disorders, DNA damage, inflammatory response, metabolism, intestinal flora, and other factors. In this paper, we review the research information on the prevention and control of cellular senescence in Chinese herbal medicine through computer searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and CNKI databases.

Recent advances in anti-inflammatory active components and action mechanisms of natural medicines

Inflammation is a series of reactions caused by the body's resistance to external biological stimuli. Inflammation affects the occurrence and development of many diseases. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been used widely to treat inflammatory diseases, but long-term use can cause toxic side-effects and affect human functions. As immunomodulators with long-term conditioning effects and no drug residues, natural products are being investigated increasingly for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focus on the inflammatory process and cellular mechanisms in the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and coronavirus disease-2019. Also, we focus on three signaling pathways (Nuclear factor-kappa B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) to explain the anti-inflammatory effect of natural products. In addition, we also classified common natural products based on secondary metabolites and explained the association between current bidirectional prediction progress of natural product targets and inflammatory diseases.

Review of research progress on the role of the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine in sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction

The concept of sepsis has recently evolved from one of a 'systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection' to a 'severe, potentially fatal organic dysfunction caused by an inadequate or imbalanced host response to infection'. Organ dysfunction is closely related to sepsis. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the most serious outcome of sepsis, often leading to a poor prognosis. However, specific drugs for sepsis and MODS caused by sepsis remain undetermined, and the fatality rate is relatively high. Under the guidance of modern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained a wealth of experience in the prevention and treatment of sepsis and plays a key role via the effects of its numerous components, pathways and targets. This study used 'Sepsis', 'Organ dysfunction' and 'Traditional Chinese medicine' as strategies for searching the databases of Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, PubMed and The Web of Science. This paper presents an overview of the current status of TCM component formulations for preventing and treating sepsis with MODS to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and drug development.

NLRP3 inflammasome involves in the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by multiple mechanisms

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is one of the serious health-affecting problems worldwide. At present, the mechanisms of SIMD are still not clearly elucidated. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been assumed to be involved in the pathophysiology of SIMD by regulating multiple biological processes. NLRP3 inflammasome and its related signaling pathways might affect the regulation of inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis in SIMD. A few molecular specific inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome (e.g., Melatonin, Ulinastatin, Irisin, Nifuroxazide, and Ginsenoside Rg1, etc.) have been developed, which showed a promising anti-inflammatory effect in a cellular or animal model of SIMD. These experimental findings indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome could be a promising therapeutic target for SIMD treatment. However, the clinical translation of NLRP3 inhibitors for treating SIMD still requires robust in vivo and preclinical trials.

Cordyceps militaris Solid Medium Extract Alleviates Lipoteichoic Acid-Induced MH-S Inflammation by Inhibiting TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathways

The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cordyceps militaris solid medium extract (CME) and cordycepin (COR) on LTA-induced inflammation in MH-S cells and their mechanisms of action. In this study, the establishment of an LTA-induced MH-S inflammation model was determined, the CCK-8 method was used to determine the safe concentration range for a drug for COR and CME, the optimal concentration of COR and CME to exert anti-inflammatory effects was further selected, and the expression of inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 was detected using ELISA. The relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IL-10, TLR2 and MyD88 mRNA was detected using RT-PCR, and the IL-1β, IL-18, TLR2, MyD88, NF-κB p-p65, NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, Caspase-1 and ASC protein expression in the cells were detected using Western blot; immunofluorescence assay detected the expression of Caspase-1 in MH-S cells. The results revealed that both CME and COR inhibited the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α in the supernatants of LTA-induced MH-S cells and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR2 and MyD88, down-regulated the LTA-induced IL-1β, IL-18, TLR2 in MH-S cells, MyD88, NF-κB p-p65/p65, NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and caspase-1 protein expression levels, and inhibited LTA-induced caspase-1 activation in MH-S cells. In conclusion, CME can play a therapeutic role in LTA-induced inflammation in MH-S cells via TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3, and may serve as a potential drug for bacterial pneumonia caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Cadmium exposure disturbs myocardial lipid signature and induces inflammation in C57BL/6J mice

Cadmium is a highly ubiquitous environmental pollutant that poses a serious threat to human health. In this study, we assessed the cardiotoxicity of Cd exposure and explored the possible mechanisms by which Cd exerts its toxic effects. The results demonstrated that exposure to Cd via drinking water containing CdCl2 10 mg/dL for eight consecutive weeks induced cardiac injury in C57BL/6J mice. The histopathological changes of myocardial hemolysis, widening of myocardial space, and fracture of myocardial fiber were observed. Meanwhile, elevated levels of cardiac enzyme markers and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes also indicated cardiac injury after Cd exposure. Non-targeted lipidomic analysis demonstrated that Cd exposure altered cardiac lipid metabolism, resulted in an increase in pro-inflammatory lipids, and changed lipid distribution abundance. In addition, Cd exposure affected the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to cardiac inflammation in mice. Taken together, results of our present study expand our understanding of Cd cardiotoxicity at the lipidomic level and provide new experimental evidence for uncovering the association of Cd exposure with cardiovascular diseases.

In silico discovery of potential sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors from natural products for treatment of heart failure via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach

Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of cardiovascular disease. Because of its complex condition and poor prognosis, HF has become an important public health problem in the world. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) is a member of the glucose transporter family. Recently, SGLT2 inhibitors have been applied to treat HF. In this study, the main aim was to discover natural SGLT2 inhibitor from Chinese herbs through docking-based virtual screening. Totally 113 natural compounds of potential SGLT2 inhibitor were identified, which displayed docking affinity higher than six approved inhibitors (dapagliflozin (IC50 = 4.9 nM), canagliflozin (IC50 = 4.4 nM 6.7), ipragliflozin (IC50 = 7.4 nM), empagliflozin (IC50 = 3.1 nM), tofogliflozin (IC50 = 4 nM) and luseogliflozin (IC50 = 2.3 nM)) through docking-based virtual screening. Then, the top three hits (ZINC70455591, ZINC85594065 and ZINC14588133) and six known inhibitors were selected for molecular dynamics simulation and the binding free energy calculation using molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area to demonstrate the stability and affinity of docked complexes. These results pointed out that the three docked complexes were stabilized and the chosen compounds were tightly adhering to the binding site of SGLT2. Besides, pharmacokinetic properties of the selected compounds showed those natural compounds may be potential drug candidates. This study may be contributed to further in vitro and in vivo validation and the development of novel SGLT2 inhibitor for treating HF.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In situ photo-crosslinked hydrogel promotes oral mucosal wound healing through sustained delivery of ginsenoside Rg1

Oral mucosal wounds exhibit an increased susceptibility to inflammation as a consequence of their direct exposure to a diverse range of microorganisms. This causes pain, slow healing, and other complications that interfere with patients' daily activities like eating and speaking. Consequently, patients experience a significant decline in their overall quality of life. Therefore, the pursuit of novel treatment approaches is of great importance. In this study, ginsenoside Rg1, a natural active substance extracted from ginseng root, was chosen as a therapeutic agent. It was encapsulated in a screened photo-crosslinked hydrogel scaffold for the treatment of mucosal defects in the rat palate. The results demonstrated that Rg1-hydrogel possessed excellent physical and chemical properties, and that oral mucosa wounds treated with Rg1-hydrogel exhibited the greatest healing performance, as evidenced by more pronounced wound re-epithelialization, increased collagen deposition, and decreased inflammatory infiltration. Subsequent investigations in molecular biology confirmed that Rg1-hydrogel stimulated the secretion of repair-related factors and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors. This study demonstrated that the hydrogel containing ginsenoside Rg1 significantly promotes oral mucosal tissue healing in vivo. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the Rg1-hydrogel has promising prospects for the therapeutic management of oral mucosal wounds.

New perspective on the immunomodulatory activity of ginsenosides: Focus on effective therapies for post-COVID-19

More than 700 million confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been reported globally, and 10-60% of patients are expected to exhibit "post-COVID-19 symptoms," which will continue to affect human life and health. In the absence of safer, more specific drugs, current multiple immunotherapies have failed to achieve satisfactory efficacy. Ginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often used as an immunomodulator and has been used in COVID-19 treatment as a tonic to increase blood oxygen saturation. Ginsenosides are the main active components of ginseng. In this review, we summarize the multiple ways in which ginsenosides affect post-COVID-19 symptoms, including inhibition of lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor signaling, modulation of chemokine receptors and inflammasome activation, induction of macrophage polarization, effects on Toll-like receptors, nuclear factor kappa-B, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, lymphocytes, intestinal flora, and epigenetic regulation. Ginsenosides affect virus-mediated tissue damage, local or systemic inflammation, immune modulation, and other links, thus alleviating respiratory and pulmonary symptoms, reducing the cardiac burden, protecting the nervous system, and providing new ideas for the rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms. Furthermore, we analyzed its role in strengthening body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors from the perspective of ginseng-epidemic disease and highlighted the challenges in clinical applications. However, the benefit of ginsenosides in modulating organismal imbalance post-COVID-19 needs to be further evaluated to better validate the pharmacological mechanisms associated with their traditional efficacy and to determine their role in individualized therapy.

Natural products as the calcium channel blockers for the treatment of arrhythmia: Advance and prospect

Arrhythmia is one of the commonly heart diseases with observed abnormal heart-beat rhythm that caused by the obstacles of cardiac activity and conduction. The arrhythmic pathogenesis is complex and capricious and related with other cardiovascular diseases that may lead to heart failure and sudden death. In particular, calcium overload is recognized as the main reason causing arrhythmia through inducing apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, calcium channel blockers have been widely used as the routine drugs for the treatment of arrhythmia, but the different arrhythmic complications and adverse effects limit their further applications and demand new drug discovery. Natural products have always been the rich minerals for the development of new drugs that could be employed as the versatile player for the discovery of safe and effective anti-arrhythmia drugs with new mechanisms. In this review, we summarized natural products with the activity against calcium signaling and the relevant mechanism of actions. We are expected to provide an inspiration for the pharmaceutical chemists to develop more potent calcium channel blockers for the treatment of arrhythmia.

Research Progress on Natural Small-Molecule Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious disease with high mortality and has been a hot research topic in medical research in recent years. With the continuous reporting of in-depth research on the pathological mechanisms of sepsis, various compounds have been developed to prevent and treat sepsis. Natural small-molecule compounds play vital roles in the prevention and treatment of sepsis; for example, compounds such as resveratrol, emodin, salidroside, ginsenoside, and others can modulate signaling through the NF-κB, STAT3, STAT1, PI3K, and other pathways to relieve the inflammatory response, immunosuppression, and organ failure caused by sepsis. Here, we discuss the functions and mechanisms of natural small-molecule compounds in preventing and treating sepsis. This review will lay the theoretical foundation for discovering new natural small-molecule compounds that can potentially prevent and treat sepsis.

Protective effect of the total flavonoids from Clinopodium chinense against LPS-induced mice endometritis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clinopodium chinense (Benth.) O. Kuntze (C. chinense) is a Chinese herbal medicine used in treating gynecological hemorrhagic diseases for hundreds of years. Flavonoids are one kind of the major components in C. chinense. The flavonoids of C. chinense (TFC) have a vital role in treating endometritis but the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of TFC against endometritis have been rarely reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the therapeutic effect and possible mechanisms of TFC against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in vivo and LPS-induced primary mouse endometrial epithelial cells (MEECs) injury in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The holistic phytochemicals of the TFC and TFC-contained serum were screened and identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The model of endometritis was established by intrauterine injection of LPS (5 mg/mL) into female BALB/c mice, and the model mice were treated with TFC for 7 days. The value of MPO was measured by Myeloperoxidase assay kit, the pathological changes in the endometrium were evaluated using H&E staining and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the secretions of IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by ELISA kits, the mRNA expressions of IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by RT-PCR assay, and the protein levels of TLR4, IKBα, p-IKBα, p65, p-p65, caspase-1, ASC, NLRP3 and GSDMD were measured by Western blot. Subsequently, MEECs were isolated from the uterus of pregnant female mice, injured by LPS for 24 h and incubated with the TFC-contained serum. Finally, cell viability, LDH release, hoechst 33342/PI staining, immunofluorescence staining, scanning electron microscope observation, ELISA assay, RT-PCR detection and Western blot analysis were carried out to further validate the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of TFC.

RESULTS

A total of 6 compounds in the plasma of mice after being intragastric administrated of TFC were identified. The results in vivo showed that TFC significantly reduced MPO value and alleviated pathological injury of the endometrium. Furthermore, TFC significantly decreased the serum IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and the mRNA levels of IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α. TFC also inhibited the expressions of TLR4, p-IKBα, p-p65, caspase-1, ASC, NLRP3 and GSDMD. Besides, compared with the model group in MEECs cells, TFC-contained serum prevented pyroptosis, decreased the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β, and inhibited the mRNA expressions of IL-18, IL-1β and GSDMD. TFC-contained serum also reversed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome caused by nigericin, and restrainted the translocation of NF-κB into nuclear.

CONCLUSIONS

TFC protects mice endometritis from the injury of LPS via suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis, the underlying mechanisms of which were related to restraining the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation.

Effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine on IgA nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, that causes serious physical and psychological burden to patients worldwide. Some traditional treatment measures, such as blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, controlling blood pressure, and following a low-protein diet, may not achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, more effective and safe therapies for IgAN are urgently needed.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and their active ingredients in the treatment and management of IgAN based on the results of clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, to fully understand the advantages and perspectives of CHMs in the treatment of IgAN.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

For this review, the following electronic databases were consulted: PubMed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data, "IgA nephropathy," "traditional Chinese medicine," "Chinese herbal medicine," "herb," "mechanism," "Meta-analysis," "systematic review," "RCT" and their combinations were the keywords to search the relevant literature. Data were collected from 1990 to 2022.

RESULTS

This review found that the active ingredients of CHMs commonly act on multiple signaling pathways in the clinical treatment of IgAN, mainly with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects, and regulation of autophagy.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the single-target therapy of modern medicine, CHMs can regulate the corresponding pathways from the aspects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-fibrosis and autophagy to play a multi-target treatment of IgAN through syndrome differentiation and treatment, which has good clinical efficacy and can be used as the first choice or alternative therapy for IgAN treatment. This review provides evidence and research direction for a comprehensive clinical understanding of the protective effect of Chinese herbal medicine on IgAN.

Hesperidin Attenuates Hypothyroidism-Induced Lung Damage in Adult Albino Rats by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Pathway, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Inflammatory Cytokines

The occurrence of worsening pulmonary function has been connected to hypothyroidism (HPO). Hesperidin (HES) was suggested to have antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory potential. Our study's objective was to determine whether HES could reduce carbimazole (CBZ)-induced lung injury more effectively than Eltroxin (ELT) in adult male albino rats or not. At random, 32 rats were distributed into four groups: Group I: normal control, to induce HPO, the remaining three groups were given CBZ (20 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water for 1 week. They were then split up into three groups. Group II: orally administered CBZ (20 mg/kg b.w in water/day), Group III: HES (200 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 1% carboxymethyl-cellulose + CBZ treated, and Group IV: ELT (0.045 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water + CBZ treated. All treatments were delivered for 12 weeks. Blood was collected to assess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (THs). Lung injury was evaluated based on the pulmonary content of interleukin (IL)-35, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), along with the estimation of lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical study of nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), together with estimating the proliferation of cells using Antigen Ki-67 in lung tissue were performed. HES and ELT primarily suppressed variable lung damage mechanisms by suppressing TSH, the NF-κB/TNF-α pathway, iNOS, lipid peroxidation, Ki-67, and inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, they improved THs, antioxidant parameters, and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. HES and ELT exhibited an ameliorative effect that was reflected in the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural results. These results indicate that HES is a pneumoprotective agent that could be a promising treatment for oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation.

Roles and mechanisms of natural drugs on sinus node dysfunction

Sinus node dysfunction is a common arrhythmia disorder with a high incidence and significant social and economic burden. Currently, there are no effective drugs for treating chronic sinus node dysfunction. The disease is associated with ion channel disturbances caused by aging, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autonomic dysfunction. Natural active substances and Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used and extensively studied in the medical community for the treatment of arrhythmias. Multiple studies have demonstrated that various active ingredients and Chinese herbal medicines, such as astragaloside IV, quercetin, and ginsenosides, exhibit antioxidant effects, reduce fibrosis, and maintain ion channel stability, providing promising drugs for treating sinus node dysfunction. This article summarizes the research progress on natural active ingredients and Chinese herbal formulas that regulate sick sinoatrial node function, providing valuable references for the treatment of sinus node dysfunction.

Tirzepatide attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUNDS

Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units. Tirzepatide, a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, possess cardio-protective, their effects on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy remain unknown.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice received subcutaneous injections of tirzepatide once a day for 14 days before subjected to LPS challenge for 12 h. LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and its potential mechanisms were estimated by pathological analysis, echocardiographic measurement, electrocardiography, langendorff-perfused heart and molecular analysis.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with tirzepatide attenuates LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. tirzepatide remarkably reduces LPS-mediated inflammatory responses by inhibiting  the cardiac protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1B in mice. Interestingly, tirzepatide administration also improves cardiomyocytes apoptosis caused by LPS treatment. Furthermore, the protective roles of irzepatide against LPS-mediated increased inflammatory responses and decreased cardiomyocytes apoptosis are partially blunted by inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 inflammation signaling. In addition, tirzepatide reduce the susceptibility ventricular arrhythmia in LPS-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

In brief, tirzepatide attenuates LPS-induced left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.

Acetovanillone augmented the cardioprotective effect of carvedilol against cadmium-induced heart injury via suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation signaling pathways

Cardiac toxicity is a public health issue that can be caused by both environmental and occupational exposures. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carvedilol (CV), Acetovanillone (ACET), and their combination for ameliorating cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and necroptosis. Rats were assigned to; the normal group, Cd group (2 mg/kg; i.p., single dose), and the other three groups received orally CV (10 mg/kg), ACET (25 mg/kg), and CV plus ACET, respectively and a single dose of Cd. Oral administration of CV, ACET, and their combination significantly dampens cardiac oxidative injury by increasing antioxidants GSH and SOD levels, while it decreases MDA and NADPH oxidase levels mediated by decreasing cardiac abundance of Nrf2, HO-1, and SIRT1 and downregulating KEAP-1 and FOXO-3 levels. Also, they significantly attenuated inflammatory response as indicated by reducing MPO and NOx as well as proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 mediated by downregulating TLR4, iNOS, and NF-κB proteins expression as well as IκB upregulation. Moreover, they potently counteracted cardiac necroptosis by downregulating RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, and caspase-8 proteins expression. Of note, the combination of CV and ACET have marked protection that exceeded each drug alone. Conclusively, CV ad ACET potently mitigated Cd-induced cardiac intoxication by regulating NADPH oxidase, KEAP-1/Nrf2/HO-1, SIRT1/FOXO-3, TLR4/NF-κB/iNOS, and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signals.

Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng as Key Modulators of NF-κB Signaling Are Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Agents

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways progress inflammation and immune cell differentiation in the host immune response; however, the uncontrollable stimulation of NF-κB signaling is responsible for several inflammatory illnesses regardless of whether the conditions are acute or chronic. Innate immune cells, such as macrophages, microglia, and Kupffer cells, secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, via the activation of NF-κB subunits, which may lead to the damage of normal cells, including neurons, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and alveolar cells. This results in the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac infarction, or liver injury, which may eventually lead to systemic inflammation or cancer. Recently, ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, a historical herbal plant used in East Asia, have been used as possible options for curing inflammatory diseases. All of the ginsenosides tested target different steps of the NF-κB signaling pathway, ameliorating the symptoms of severe illnesses. Moreover, ginsenosides inhibit the NF-κB-mediated activation of cancer metastasis and immune resistance, significantly attenuating the expression of MMPs, Snail, Slug, TWIST1, and PD-L1. This review introduces current studies on the therapeutic efficacy of ginsenosides in alleviating NF-κB responses and emphasizes the critical role of ginsenosides in severe inflammatory diseases as well as cancers.

Metaflammation in glucolipid metabolic disorders: Pathogenesis and treatment

The public health issue of glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) has grown significantly, posing a grave threat to human wellness. Its prevalence is rising yearly and tends to affect younger people. Metaflammation is an important mechanism regulating body metabolism. Through a complicated multi-organ crosstalk network involving numerous signaling pathways such as NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1, NF-B, p38 MAPK, IL-6/STAT3, and PI3K/AKT, it influences systemic metabolic regulation. Numerous inflammatory mediators are essential for preserving metabolic balance, but more research is needed to determine how they contribute to the co-morbidities of numerous metabolic diseases. Whether controlling the inflammatory response can influence the progression of GLMD determines the therapeutic strategy for such diseases. This review thoroughly examines the role of metaflammation in GLMD and combs the research progress of related therapeutic approaches, including inflammatory factor-targeting drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and exercise therapy. Multiple metabolic diseases, including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, and others, respond therapeutically to anti-inflammatory therapy on the whole. Moreover, we emphasize the value and open question of anti-inflammatory-based means for treating GLMD.

Inhibition of TLR4 Alleviates Heat Stroke-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Down-Regulating Inflammation and Ferroptosis

Inflammatory response and cell death play key roles in the mechanism of myocardial cell injury induced by heat stroke (HS) in rats. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulatory type of cell death, which is involved in the occurrence and development of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of ferroptosis in the mechanism of cardiomyocyte injury caused by HS remains to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in cardiomyocyte inflammation and ferroptosis under HS conditions at the cellular level. The HS cell model was established by exposing H9C2 cells at 43 °C for 2 h and then recovering at 37 °C for 3 h. The association between HS and ferroptosis was investigated by adding the ferroptosis inhibitor, liproxstatin-1, and the ferroptosis inducer, erastin. The results show that the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were decreased, the contents of glutathione (GSH) were decreased, and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Fe₂₊ were increased in H9C2 cells in the HS group. Moreover, the mitochondria of the HS group became smaller and the membrane density increased. These changes were consistent with the effects of erastin on H9C2 cells and were reversed with liproxstatin-1. The addition of TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 or NF-κB inhibitor PDTC reduced the expressions of NF-κB and p53, increased the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4, reduced the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, increased the content of GSH and reduced MDA, ROS, and Fe₂₊ levels in H9C2 cells under the HS condition. TAK-242 may improve the mitochondrial shrinkage and membrane density of H9C2 cells induced by HS. In conclusion, this study illustrated that inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway can regulate the inflammatory response and ferroptosis induced by HS, which provides new information and a theoretical basis for the basic research and clinical treatment of cardiovascular injuries caused by HS.

Research Progress on Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Black Ginseng

In recent years, black ginseng, a new type of processed ginseng product, has attracted the attention of scholars globally. Ginsenoside and ginseng polysaccharide, the main active substances of black ginseng, have been shown to carry curative effects for many diseases. This article focuses on the mechanism of their action in anti-inflammatory response, which is mainly divided into three aspects: activation of immune cells to exert immune regulatory response; participation in inflammatory response-related pathways and regulation of the expression level of inflammatory factors; effect on the metabolic activity of intestinal flora. This study identifies active anti-inflammatory components and an action mechanism of black ginseng showing multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel characteristics, providing ideas and a basis for a follow-up in-depth study of its specific mechanism.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Protects against Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure via SIRT1/PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy

Adverse cardiac remodeling may lead to the development and progression of heart failure, which is lack of effective clinical treatment. Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), a primary ingredient of Panax ginseng, protects against diverse cardiovascular disease, but its effects on cardiac remodeling remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of GRg1 on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. GRg1 significantly ameliorated cardiac remodeling in mice with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, reflected by reduced left ventricular dilation and decreased cardiac fibrosis, accompanied by improved cardiac function. Mechanistically, GRg1 considerably increased mitophagosomes formation, ameliorated cardiac mitochondria damage, and enhanced SIRT1/PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy during cardiac remodeling. Consistently, GRg1 increased cell viability and attenuated apoptosis and fibrotic responses in H₂ O₂ -treated H9c2 cells by promoting the SIRT1/PINK1/Parkin axis. Furthermore, SIRT1-specific inhibitor (EX527) or the use of small interfering RNA against Parkin abolished the protective effect of GRg1 in vitro. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of GRg1 alleviating cardiac remodeling via enhancing SIRT1/PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.