Effects of alkaloids from Sophora flavescens on osteoblasts infected with Staphylococcus aureus and osteoclasts

NEAT1/microRNA 339-5p/SPI1 Axis Feedback Loop Contributes to Osteogenic Differentiation in Acute Suppurative Osteomyelitis in Children

Objective

Long non-coding RNA plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation. Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been revealed to promote osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), but the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unknown in acute suppurative osteomyelitis of children.

Methods

Osteogenic medium (OM) was used to induce osteogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate gene expression. The effects of NEAT1, microRNA 339-5p (miR-339-5p), and salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) on osteogenic differentiation were assessed in vitro using alizarin red S staining assays and alkaline phosphatase activity. Interactions between NEAT1, miR-339-5p, and SPI1 were identified using immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

During osteogenic differentiation, expression of NEAT1 was up-regulated in hBMSCs, and miR-339-5p level was down during osteogenic differentiation. Knockdown of NEAT1 reduced the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, and down-regulation of miR-339-5p may counteract the effect of NEAT1 silencing. SPI1 was a target of miR-339-5p by luciferase reporter assay and was also a transcription factor of NEAT1 by chromatin immunoprecipitation. A positive NEAT1-miR-339-5p-SPI1 feedback loop was found to be present during osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs.

Conclusion

It was the first study to reveal that the NEAT1-miR-339-5p-SPI1 feedback loop can promote osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs and shed a new light on the role of NEAT1 during osteogenic differentiation.

Chemical diversity, biological activities and Traditional uses of and important Chinese herb Sophora

BACKGROUND

Sophora flavescens Aiton (SF), also known as Kushen (Chinese:), has been an important species in Chinese medicine since the Qin and Han dynasties. It is also recognized as a plant resource suitable for the globalization of Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been used in various ethnic medical systems in East Asia, especially in China, to kill insects and dispel dampness. Sophora flavescens is commonly used for clearing heat-clearing, killing worms, and diuretic. Nowdays, accumulating studies demonstrated its anticancer and cardioprotection.

OBJECTIVE OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to systematically review information on the genus, pharmacological and toxicological significance, chemical composition and biological activity of Sophora flavescens. To promoting its development and application. To summarize recent findings regarding to the metabolism, pharmacological/toxicological effects of Sophora flavescens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online academic databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CNKI) were searched using search terms of "Sophora flavescens Aiton", "Ku shen", "Pharmacology", "Active ingredient", "Toxicology" and combinations to include published studies of Sophora flavescens Aiton primarily from 1970-2021. Several critical previous studies beyond this period were also included and other related terms.

CONCLUSION

Sophora flavescens has a broad spectrum of biological activities associated with Sophora flavescens has been considered a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine. However, there is a lack of in-depth studies on the medicinal uses of Sophora flavescens. Moreover, further studies on single chemical components should be conducted based on the diversity of chemical structures, significant biological activities and clinical applications. The discovery of its bioactive molecules and multi-component interactions would be of great importance for the clinical application of Sophora flavescens spp. Detailed pharmacological and toxicological studies on the classic prescriptions of Sophora flavescens are also needed. It is more beneficial to the wide application of SF plant and facilitates the worldwide promotion of modern Chinese medicine. However, an increasing number of reports indicate that the administration of Sophora flavescens has serious adverse effects. Its main toxic effects are neurotoxicity and acute toxicity, which have caused widespread concern worldwide. In addition, the alkaloids of Sophora flavescens are distributed in the heart, liver, stomach and large intestine. They are excreted from the body through gluconeogenesis, which is the mode of action of certain therapeutic mechanisms of action such as anticancer. The detailed metabolic study of alkaloids and other components of Sophora flavescens in vivo needs to be further investigated. It is important to improve the pharmacological effects and reduce the toxicity of Sophora flavescens. For this purpose, structural modification of active components of Sophora flavescens or combination with other drugs is very essential.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 overexpression promotes osteogenic differentiation of staphylococcus aureus-infected human bone mesenchymal stem cells by sponging microRNA miR-29b-3p

Osteomyelitis (OM) is an orthopedic disease caused by bone infections in the bone cortex, bone marrow, periosteum, and surrounding soft tissues. Recent studies have implicated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the development of OM. However, little is known about the role of ncRNAs in the osteogenic differentiation during bone infection. In the present study, we investigated the role of KCNQ1OT1/miR-29b-3p axis in osteogenic differentiation in staphylococcus aureus (SpA)-infected human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). We first examined the expression of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and miR-29b-3p in the serum samples of OM patients and healthy controls. We also infected hBMSCs with different concentrations of SpA and studied the osteogenic differentiation after infection. Our results revealed that KCNQ1OT1 was downregulated while miR-29b-3p was upregulated in the serum samples of OM patients, as well as in SpA-infected hBMSCs. Overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 ameliorated the damage in hBMSCs caused by SpA infection. KCNQ1OT1 could support hBMSCs osteogenic differentiation by enhancing ALP activity, alizarin red S accumulation, expressions of osteogenic markers, and attenuating inflammatory responses after SpA infection. We further showed that miR-29b-3p was a downstream target of KCNQ1OT1, mediating the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs during SpA infection. Our data suggest that KCNQ1OT1 could ameliorate the SpA-induced suppression of osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs by sponging miR-29b-3p. Modulating KCNQ1OT1 expression may serve as a strategy to ameliorate osteomyelitis.

Genus Sophora: a comprehensive review on secondary chemical metabolites and their biological aspects from past achievements to future perspectives

Sophora is deemed as one of the most remarkable genera of Fabaceae, and the third largest family of flowering plants. The genus Sophora comprises approximately 52 species, 19 varieties, and 7 forms that are widely distributed in Asia and mildly in Africa. Sophora species are recognized to be substantial sources of broad spectrum biopertinent secondary metabolites namely flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, chromones, pterocarpans, coumarins, benzofuran derivatives, sterols, saponins (mainly triterpene glycosides), oligostilbenes, and mainly alkaloids. Meanwhile, extracts and isolated compounds from Sophora have been identified to possess several health-promising effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiplatelets, antipyretic, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, anti-ulcerative colitis, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal activities. Herein, the present review aims to provide comprehensive details about the phytochemicals and biological effects of Sophora species. The review spotlighted on the promising phytonutrients extracted from Sophora and their plethora of bioactivities. The review also clarifies the remaining gaps and thus qualifies and supplies a platform for further investigations of these compounds.

Determination of Alkaloids and Flavonoids in Sophora flavescens by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS

This study is based on UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS and fragment ions to achieve classification and identification of alkaloids and flavonoids in Sophora flavescens. By reviewing the available and relevant literature, the mass fragmentation rules of alkaloids and flavonoids were summarized. 0.1% formic acid water (A) and acetonitrile (B) were used as mobile phases. 37 chemical constituents were identified, including 13 alkaloids and 24 flavonoids. This research method offers a complete strategy based on the fragmentation information of characteristic fragment ions and neutral loss obtained by MS/MS to characterize the chemical composition of Sophora flavescens.

Maackiain dampens osteoclastogenesis via attenuating RANKL-stimulated NF-κB signalling pathway and NFATc1 activity

Osteolytic diseases are typified by over‐enhanced formation and resorbing function of osteoclasts and have a major impact on human health. Inhibition of osteoclastic differentiation and function is a key strategy for clinical therapy of osteolytic conditions. Maackiain is a natural compound extracted from Sophora flavescens, which has been applied to anti‐allergic and anti‐tumour treatments. The present results showed that Maackiain could restrain receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐stimulated osteoclast formation and hydroxyapatite resorption dose‐dependently, and interrupt the structures of F‐actin belts in the mature osteoclasts. It also repressed the expressions of osteoclast‐specific genes and proteins. Furthermore, Maackiain could inhibit RANKL‐stimulated NF‐κB and calcium signalling pathways, and dampen Nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 activity, protein expression and translocation into the nucleus. These results revealed that Maackiain may have a potential therapeutic effect on osteoclast‐related disorders.

Chemical constituents of Sophora flavescens Ait. and cytotoxic activities of two new compounds

A chemical investigation of Sophora flavescens Ait. identified 6 compounds. On the basis of spectroscopic data, they were determined to be flavonoids and their analogues, among which were two previously undescribed compounds, sophoflavanone G (1) and sophoflavanone H (2). The inhibitory effects of new compounds against five human tumour cell lines were evaluated in vitro by MTT assays, which revealed potential inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values < 20 mM, in particular, compound 1 has shown significant cytotoxicity for several tumour cells with IC₅₀ values around 20 mM, which was similar to cisplatin and potential to be used as tumour drugs.

Liver metabolomic characterization of Sophora flavescens alcohol extract-induced hepatotoxicity in rats through UPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

This study aimed to observe the influence of Sophora flavescens alcohol extract (SFAE) on hepatic metabolic profiling in rats to explore the possible mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by S. flavescens.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 in each group) and administered with SFAE at different doses of 0, 1.25 and 2.5 g/kg for two weeks. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was utilized to detect the change in the metabolites in rat liver. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were adapted to perform multivariate statistical analysis between groups and to screen the potential biomarkers. Related metabolic pathway analysis was also conducted.Results indicated that hepatic metabolites in the three groups were separated on day 14, and 25 major differential metabolites were identified. Six bile acids, four carnitines, four lysophosphatidylcholines and glutathione were closely related to hepatotoxicity. Liver metabolomic results showed that rats orally exposed to SFAE exhibited a disturbance of the metabolism of bile acids, fatty acids, glycerophospholipids and amino acids.This study provided new insights into the possible mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by SFAE in rats.

The pharmacology of the genus Sophora (Fabaceae): An updated review

BACKGROUND

The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) represents one of the important medicinal plant genera regarding its chemical constituents and outstanding pharmacological activities.

PURPOSE

In this review, we surveyed the latest findings on the bioactivities of different Sophora extracts and isolated phytochemicals during the past 8 years (2011-2019) updating the latest review article in 2011. The aim of this review is to focus on the molecular pharmacology of Sophora species to provide the rationale basis for the development of novel drugs.

RESULTS

Sophora and its bioactive compounds possess outstanding pharmacological properties, especially as anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

CONCLUSION

Based on their use in traditional medicine, Sophora species exert a plethora of cellular and molecular activities, which render them as attractive candidates for rationale drug development. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required for further integration of Sophora-based phototherapies into conventional medicine.

Boldine Ameliorates Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss via Inhibiting Bone Resorption

Osteoporosis is an enormous health problem caused by the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. The current therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis still have some limitations. Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from Peumus boldus, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. For the first time, we discover that boldine has a protective effect for the estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in mice. According to the Micro-CT and histomorphometry assays, boldine conducts this protective effect through inhibiting bone resorption without affecting bone formation in vivo. Moreover, we showed that boldine can inhibit receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation via impairing the AKT signaling pathways, while SC79 (an AKT agonist) partially rescue this effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that boldine can prevent estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Thus, boldine may be served as a novel therapeutic agent for anti-osteoporotic therapy.