Rapid characterization and determination of multiple components in Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Fang by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

An efficient approach addressing the chemical complexity of Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction by integrating ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and intelligent data processing workflows

A challenge in the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine is the systematic multicomponent characterization of the compound formulae. Jiawei Fangji Huangqi, a modified form of Fangji Huangqi, is a prescription comprising seven herbal medicines. To address the chemical complexity of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction, we integrated ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight high-definition MSE coupled to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and intelligent data processing workflows available in the UNIFI software package. Good chromatographic separation was achieved on CORTECS UPLC T3 column within 52 min, and high-accuracy MS2 data were acquired using high-definition MSE in the negative and positive modes. A chemical library of 1250 compounds was created and incorporated into the UNIFI software to enable automatic peak annotation of the high-definition MSE data. We identified or tentatively characterize 430 compounds in the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction. The potential superiority of high-definition MSE over conventional MS data acquisition approaches was revealed in its spectral quality (MS2 ), differentiation of isomers, separation of coeluting compounds, and target mass coverage. The multiple components of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction were elucidated, offering insight into its improved pharmacological action compared with that of the Fangji Huangqi formula.

A novel iridoid glycoside leonuride (ajugol) attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling through inhibiting type-2 high cytokine/chemokine activity in OVA-induced asthmatic mice

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic airway disorder with a hallmark feature of airflow obstruction that associated with the remodeling and inflammation in the airway wall. Effective therapy for controlling both remodeling and inflammation is still urgently needed. Leonuride is the main pharmacological component identified from Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi-Tang (BSYQT) which has been traditionally used in treatment of lung diseases. However, no pharmacological effects of leonuride in asthma were reported.

PURPOSE

Here we aimed to investigated whether leonuride provided a therapeutic efficacy in reversing asthma airway remodeling and inflammation and uncover the underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Mouse models of chronic asthma were developed with ovalbumin (OVA) exposure for 8 weeks. Respiratory mechanics, lung histopathology and asthma-related cytokines were examined. Lung tissues were analyzed using RNA sequencing to reveal the transcriptional profiling changes.

RESULTS

After oral administration with leonuride (15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg), mice exhibited a lower airway hyperresponsiveness in comparison to asthmatic mice. Leonuride suppressed airway inflammation evidenced by the significant reductions in accumulation of inflammatory cells around bronchi and vessels, leukocyte population counts and the abundance of type 2 inflammatory mediators (OVA specific IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). On the other hand, leonuride slowed down the process of active remodeling as demonstrated by weaker goblet cell metaplasia and subepithelial fibrosis in lung histopathology and lower transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 levels in serum and BALF in comparison to mice treated with OVA only. Furthermore, we uncovered transcriptional profiling alternations in lung tissue of mice after OVA exposure and leonuride treatment. Gene sets belonging to type-2 cytokine/chemokine activity stood out in leonuride target transcripts. Those upregulated (Bmp10, Ccl12, Ccl22, Ccl8, Ccl9, Cxcl15, Il13, Il33, Tnfrsf9, Il31ra, Il5ra, Il13ra2 and Ccl24) or downregulated (Acvr1c and Il18) genes in asthmatic mice, were all reversely regulated by leonuride treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed the therapeutic efficacy of leonuride in experimental chronic asthma for the first time, and implied that its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties might be mediated by regulation of type-2 high cytokine/chemokines responses.

Rapid characterization of chemical constituents in Naoling Pian by LC-MS combined with data processing techniques

Naoling Pian is a prescription composed of 15 herbs, which is mainly used for the treatment of insomnia in clinical practice. However, the chemical constituents in Naoling Pian are numerous and unclear, which hinders the interpretation of its bioactive constituents and the subsequent research on the material basis for pharmacodynamics. The purpose of this study is to develop a rapid method for identifying the chemical constituents of Naoling Pian using high-throughput ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight coupled with mass spectrometry combined with a software platform for data processing. The whole composition of Naoling Pian was characterized in positive and negative ion modes. In this experiment, an overall total of 201 constituents were identified by using reference standards, online and self-built databases matching, fragmentation rules analysis of mass spectrometry peaks with a software platform. Meanwhile, Naoling Pian was analyzed for the first time using LC-MS method, the constituents could be identified in a quick and accurate manner, and the results could provide a scientific basis for the follow-up research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of Naoling Pian. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Modified BuShenYiQi formula alleviates experimental allergic asthma in mice by negative regulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ type 9 helper T cells and the VIP-VPAC2 signalling pathway

CONTEXT

Modified BuShenYiQi formula (M-BYF) is derived from BuShenYiQi formula, used for the treatment of allergic asthma. The exact effect and mechanism of M-BYF on the improvement of asthma remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of M-BYF on allergic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The asthma model was established in female BALB/c mice that were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice in the treated groups were orally treated once a day with M-BYF (7, 14 and 28 g/kg/d) or dexamethasone before OVA challenge. Control and Model group received saline. Pathophysiological abnormalities and percentages of lung type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and Th9 cells were measured. Expression levels of type 2 cytokines and transcription factors required for these cells function and differentiation were analysed. Expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-VPAC2 signalling pathway-related proteins, and percentages of VIP expressing (VIP⁺) cells and VPAC2, CD90 co-expressing (VPAC2⁺CD90⁺) cells were detected.

RESULTS

M-BYF alleviated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and collagen deposition in asthmatic mice. M-BYF down-regulated percentages of ILC2s and Th9 cells with lower expression of GATA3, PU.1 and IRF4, reduced IL-5, IL-13, IL-9 and VIP production. The decrease in the expression of VIP-VPAC2 signalling pathway and percentages of VIP⁺ cells, VPAC2⁺CD90⁺ cells were observed after M-BYF treatment. The LD₅₀ value of M-BYF was higher than 90 g/kg.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

M-BYF alleviated experimental asthma by negatively regulating ILC2s and Th9 cells and the VIP-VPAC2 signalling pathway. These findings provide the theoretical basis for future research of M-BYF in asthma patient population.

An LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 11 components of Xian-Xiong-Gu-Kang in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats and pharmacokinetic analysis

Xian-Xiong-Gu-Kang is composed of Epimedium brevicornu, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Radix clematidis, Cinnamomum cassia, and Fructus xanthii. It is used to treat numbness and pain of limbs. In this study, we developed a method to simultaneously quantify 11 components of Xian-Xiong-Gu-Kang (icarrin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariside II, chlorogenic acid, ligustilide, senkyunolide A, senkyunolide I, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid) in rat plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column using gradient elution with a mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and 0.05% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution. Mass spectrometry detection was performed using positive and negative electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curves of the 11 constituents were linear, with correlation coefficients > 0.99. The intra- and interday accuracy and precision values were within ±15.0%. The extraction recoveries of the 11 constituents and two internal standards were between 66.05 and 105.40%, and the matrix effects were between 86.74 and 112.86%. Using this method, the pharmacokinetic features of the 11 constituents were elucidated in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats after oral administration of the Xian-Xiong-Gu-Kang extract.

Formononetin Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Murine Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma has been considered as a respiratory disorder with pathological features of airway inflammation and remodeling, which involves oxidative stress. Formononetin (FMT) is a bioactive isoflavone obtained from Chinese herb Radix Astragali, and has been reported to have notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in several diseases. The purpose of our study was to elaborate the effects of FMT on asthma and the underlying mechanisms. To establish allergic asthma model, BALB/c mice were given ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge, treated with FMT (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg). The effects of FMT on lung inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed. In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, FMT treatments significantly ameliorated lung function, alleviated lung inflammation including infiltration of inflammatory cells, the elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5, also known as RANTES), CCL11 (also called Eotaxin-1), and IL-17A. In addition, FMT treatments eminently blunted goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition, and remarkably reduced oxidative stress as displayed by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased superoxide diamutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, to clarify the potential mechanisms responsible for the effects, we determined the inflammation and oxidation-related signaling pathway including nuclear factor kappa β (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). FMT treatments appeared to dramatically inhibit the activation of NF-κB and JNK, significantly elevated the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) but failed to activate expression of Nrf2. In conclusion, our study suggested that FMT had the therapeutic effects in attenuating airway inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma.

Analysis of the chemical components of Qixianqingming granules and their metabolites in rats by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS

Qixianqingming granules (QXQM) comprise a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that was developed based on the combination of TCM theory and clinical practice. This formula has been proven to effectively treat asthma. In this study, an analytical procedure using ultraperformance liquid chromatography, coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was established for the rapid separation and sensitive identification of the chemical components in QXQM and its metabolites in serum of rats. Seventy-two compounds were systematically identified in QXQM, including flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenylethanoid glycosides, stilbenes, alkaloids, and organic acids. Thirteen prototype compounds and 29 metabolites were detected in the serum of rats. The results provided fundamental information for further studying the mechanisms and clinical application of QXQM.

Philosophical thinking of Chinese Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine is often an integration of ancient philosophy, clinical experiences, primitive knowledge of medicine, regional cultures and religious beliefs. Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM) is the general appellation of all the traditional medicines of different ethnicities in China, which share great similarities of basic concept and philosophical basis, and conform to the development of empirical medicine, among which the medicine of Han ethnicity (Han medicine) is the most mature. The development of CTM is totally different from that of modern medicine, always revolving around the center of disease diagnosis and treatment, establishing the core theoretical system of Yin and Yang, Five Elements, Zang and Fu and Humoralism with the theoretical foundation of ancient Chinese philosophy, which represents the highest achievement of worldwide empirical medicine and philosophy form at that time. In general, the basic structure of CTM mainly consists of three parts as follows: the part that has already reached consensus with modern medicine, the part that is unconsciously ahead of modern medicine, and the part that needs to be reconsidered or abandoned.

Effects of icariin on asthma mouse model are associated with regulation of prostaglandin D2 level

BACKGROUND

We aimed to observe the effect of icariin on an asthma mouse model and explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The asthma mouse model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitisation and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and then treated with icariin. Airway resistance was assessed by whole body plethysmograph. In addition, pathological slides were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, and the peribronchial inflammation was observed microscopically. The concentration of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The relative level of prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (CRTH2) mRNA was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with the icariin-untreated group, there was a significant reduction of Penh in the treated group. Total leucocyte amount and all sorts of leukocytes were lower in the treated group than in the untreated group. HE staining results revealed that a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated into the peribronchial tissues of untreated group, and the degree of airway inflammation decreased significantly in the treated group. PGD2 in serum and BALF, as well as CRTH2 mRNA level in lung tissues were lower in the treated group than in the untreated group.

CONCLUSION

Icariin is a promising therapeutic strategy for asthma, and PGD2 might be a new target for asthma therapy in OVA-induced and RSV-infected asthma model.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Invigorating Kidney and Supplementing Qi Chinese Herbal Formulae in Asthma Patients

BACKGROUND

The theories of Shen-reinforcement and Qi-supplementation are important in asthma treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine theories. Early studies suggested that Invigorating Kidney and Supplementing Qi herbal formulae, Bu Shen Fang Chuan (BSFC) and Bu Shen Yi Qi (BSYQ), conveyed promising results in asthma treatment. However, the efficacy and safety of the formulae need to be further investigated by a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

METHODS

328 eligible patients were randomly sent to BSFC, BSYQ, and placebo group. The two formulae were received as add-on therapy. The primary endpoints were rate of asthma exacerbation and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score. The secondary endpoints included HPA axis function and inflammatory cytokine production profile. All indexes were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The primary endpoints were not improved in both groups; however, the depression levels of subgroup patients with HAM-D score > 5 were improved in BSFC group. HPA axis functions and inflammatory cytokines level were also improved by two formulae. The incidences of adverse events were similar among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The two formulae had multiple advantage effects on neuroendocrine-immune system. They are worth used as a replacement therapy in asthma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with clinical trial number ChiCTR-PRC-09000529.

Formula Compatibility Identification of Dachengqi Decoction Based on the Effects of Absorbed Components in Cerulein-Injured Pancreatic AR42J Cells

Objective. To identify the herbal formula compatibility law based on the effects of the absorbed components from DCQD on the cerulein-injured AR42J cells. Methods. AR42J cells were pretreated for 30 min with or without the different concentrations of the absorbed components from DCQD individually or in combination or DCQD and coincubated with cerulein (10 nM) for a further 24 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the levels of apoptosis and necrosis were measured. Results. Compared to DCQD, the individual or combination components partially protected cerulein-injured AR42J cells by increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, and promoting apoptosis. Rhein, naringin, and honokiol were the main absorbed components from DCQD in cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Moreover, rhein in combination with naringin and honokiol had synergistic effects in protecting cerulein-injured AR42J cells and was better than the individual or the pairwise combination of the three components. Conclusions. The ten effective components from DCQD may elicit similar protective effects as DCQD on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. The principle of the formula compatibility of DCQD may be identified based on the effects of its absorbed components in cerulein-injured AR42J cells.