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Gao L, Zhang AP, Fu L, Li QW, Qin XM, Zhao J. Huangqin decoction attenuates spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain by modulating microglial M1/M2 polarization partially mediated by intestinal nicotinamide metabolism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155594. [PMID: 38614040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of neuropathic pain is progressively increasing over time. The activation of M1-type microglia plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of neuropathic pain. Huangqin Decoction (HQD) is traditionally used to alleviate dysentery and abdominal pain. However, it remains unclear whether HQD can effectively mitigate neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms. PURPOSE The present study aims to investigate the impact of HQD on neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) in mice, and to elucidate whether the analgesic effect of HQD is associated with microglia polarization. METHODS The analgesic effect of HQD on SNI mice was investigated through assessments of mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, cold pain threshold, and motor ability. We elucidated the molecular mechanisms of HQD in alleviating SNI-induced neuropathic pain by focusing on microglia polarization and intestinal metabolite abnormalities. The expression levels of markers associated with microglia polarization (Iba-1, CD68, CD206, iNOS) was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed by ELISA. UPLC-QTOF-MS metabolomics was utilized to identify differential metabolites in the intestines of SNI mice. We screened the differential metabolites related to microglial polarization by correlation analysis, subsequently nicotinamide was selected for validation in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that HQD (20 g/kg) significantly enhanced the mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, and cold pain threshold, and protected the injured DRG neurons of SNI mice. Moreover, HQD (20 g/kg) obviously suppressed the expression of microglia M1 polarization markers (Iba-1, CD68, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α), and promoted the expression of microglia M2 polarization markers (CD206, IL-10, IL-4) in the spinal cord of SNI mice. Additionally, HQD (20 g/kg) prominently ameliorated intestinal barrier damage by upregulating Claudin 1 and Occludin expression in the colon of SNI mice. Furthermore, HQD (20 g/kg) rectified 19 metabolite abnormalities in the intestine. Notably, nicotinamide (100 μM), an amide derivative with anti-inflammatory property, effectively suppresses microglia activation and polarization in LPS-induced BV-2 cells by downregulating IL-6 level and CD68 expression while upregulating IL-4 level and CD206 expression. CONCLUSION In summary, HQD alleviates neuropathic pain in SNI mice by regulating the activation and polarization of microglia, partially mediated through intestinal nicotinamide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China.
| | - Ai-Ping Zhang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Lei Fu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Qian-Wen Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK, London.
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Liu Z, Shan Z, Yang H, Xing Y, Guo W, Cheng J, Jiang Y, Cai S, Wu C, Liu JA, Cheung CW, Pan Y. Quercetin, Main Active Ingredient of Moutan Cortex, Alleviates Chronic Orofacial Pain via Block of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel. Anesth Analg 2024; 138:1324-1336. [PMID: 37968831 PMCID: PMC11081480 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic orofacial pain (COP) therapy is challenging, as current medical treatments are extremely lacking. Moutan Cortex (MC) is a traditional Chinese medicine herb widely used for chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanism behind MC in COP therapy has not been well-established. The purpose of this study was to identify the active ingredients of MC and their specific underlying mechanisms in COP treatment. METHODS In this study, the main active ingredients and compound-target network of MC in COP therapy were identified through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received oral mucosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to induce COP. Pain behaviors were evaluated by orofacial mechanical nociceptive assessment after intraganglionar injection. In vitro inflammatory cytokines in LPS-pretreated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and rat primary cultural trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons were quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Schrödinger software was used to verify the molecular docking of quercetin and critical targets. Whole-cell recording electrophysiology was used to evaluate the effect of quercetin on voltage-gated sodium (Na v ) channel in rat TG neurons. RESULTS The assembled compound-target network consisted of 4 compounds and 46 targets. As 1 of the active components of MC correlated with most related targets, quercetin alleviated mechanical allodynia in LPS-induced rat model of COP (mechanical allodynia threshold median [interquartile range (IQR) 0.5 hours after drug administration: vehicle 1.3 [0.6-2.0] g vs quercetin 7.0 [6.0-8.5] g, P = .002). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that immune response and membrane functions play essential roles in MC-COP therapy. Five of the related targets were identified as core targets by protein-protein interaction analysis. Quercetin exerted an analgesic effect, possibly through blocking Na v channel in TG sensory neurons (peak current density median [IQR]: LPS -850.2 [-983.6 to -660.7] mV vs LPS + quercetin -589.6 [-711.0 to -147.8] mV, P = .006) while downregulating the expression level of proinflammatory cytokines-FOS (normalized messenger RNA [mRNA] level mean ± standard error of mean [SEM]: LPS [2. 22 ± 0.33] vs LPS + quercetin [1. 33 ± 0.14], P = .034) and TNF-α (normalized mRNA level mean ± SEM: LPS [8. 93 ± 0.78] vs LPS + quercetin [3. 77 ± 0.49], P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Identifying Na v as the molecular target of quercetin clarifies the analgesic mechanism of MC, and provides ideas for the development of novel selective and efficient chronic pain relievers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanli Liu
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiming Shan
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haoyi Yang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanmei Xing
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanxu Jiang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Song Cai
- Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chaoran Wu
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yunping Pan
- Department of Periodontology & Oral Mucosa, Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Abomosallam M, Hendam BM, Abdallah AA, Refaat R, El-Hak HNG. Neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera leaves extract nanoemulsion against penconazole-induced neurotoxicity in albino rats via modulating TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:1903-1928. [PMID: 38630361 PMCID: PMC11136823 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Penconazole (PEN) is a systemic triazole fungicide used to control various fungal diseases on grapes, stone fruits, cucurbits, and strawberries. Still, it leaves residues on treated crops after collection with many hazardous effects on population including neurotoxicity. Withania somnifera leaves extract (WSLE) is known for its memory and brain function enhancing ability. To evoke such action efficiently, WSLE bioactive metabolites are needed to cross the blood-brain barrier, that could limit the availability of such compounds to be localized within the brain. Therefore, in the present study, the association between PEN exposure and neurotoxicity was evaluated, and formulated WSLE nanoemulsion was investigated for improving the permeability of the plant extract across the blood-brain barrier. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). The control group was administered distilled water, group II was treated with W. somnifera leaves extract nanoemulsion (WSLE NE), group III received PEN, group IV received PEN and WSLE, and group V received PEN and WSLE NE. All rats were gavaged daily for 6 weeks. Characterization of compounds in WSLE using LC-MS/MS analysis was estimated. Neurobehavioral disorders were evaluated in all groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and inflammatory cytokines were measured in brain tissue. Furthermore, the gene expression patterns of GFAP, APP, vimentin, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Bax were measured. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression in the peripheral sciatic nerve and cerebral cortex were evaluated. A total of 91 compounds of different chemo-types were detected and identified in WSLE in both ionization modes. Our data showed behavioral impairment in the PEN-treated group, with significant elevation of oxidative stress biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines, neuronal damage, and apoptosis. In contrast, the PEN-treated group with WSLE NE showed marked improvement in behavioral performance and histopathological alteration with a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the group administered WSLE alone. The PEN-treated group with WSLE NE in turn significantly downregulated the expression levels of GFAP, APP, vimentin, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Bax in brain tissue. In conclusion, WSLE NE markedly enhanced the permeability of plant extract constituents through the blood brain barrier to boost its neuroprotective effect against PEN-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abomosallam
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Basma M Hendam
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amr A Abdallah
- Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha Refaat
- Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Nageh Gad El-Hak
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 10, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Li X, Liu Y, Shao M, Wang J, Wang L, Wang Y, Xu W. Exploring the mechanism of Nav1.3 in the ION-CCI rat model based on the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. Neurosci Lett 2024; 832:137806. [PMID: 38714229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common and difficult-to-treat neuropathic pain disorder in clinical practice. Previous studies have shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) modulates the activation of the NF-κB pathway to affect neuropathic pain in rats. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are known to play an important role in neuropathic pain electrical activity. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether TLR4 can regulate Nav1.3 through the TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathway after infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (ION-CCI). STUDY DESIGN ION-CCI modeling was performed on SD (Sprague Dawley) rats. To verify the success of the modeling, we need to detect the mechanical pain threshold and ATF3. Then, detecting the expression of TLR4, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-p65, and Nav1.3 in rat TG. Subsequently, investigate the role of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway in ION-CCI model by intrathecal injections of LPS-rs (TLR4 antagonist), C25-140 (TRAF6 inhibitor), and PDTC (NF-κB p65 inhibitor). RESULTS ION-CCI surgery decreased the mechanical pain threshold of rats and increased the expression of ATF3, TLR4, TRAF6, NF-κB p-p65 and Nav1.3, but there was no difference in NF-κB p65 expression. After inject antagonist or inhibitor of the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway, the expression of Nav1.3 was decreased and mechanical pain threshold was increased. CONCLUSION In the rat model of ION-CCI, TLR4 in the rat trigeminal ganglion regulates Nav1.3 through the TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathway, and TLR4 antagonist alleviates neuropathic pain in ION-CCI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Mengci Shao
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Liecheng Wang
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Yuanyin Wang
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College,Anhui Medical University,Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China.
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Si W, Chen Z, Bei J, Chang S, Zheng Y, Gao L, Zhao G, Li X, Zhang D. Stigmasterol alleviates neuropathic pain by reducing Schwann cell-macrophage cascade in DRG by modulating IL-34/CSF1R. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14657. [PMID: 38572785 PMCID: PMC10993342 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic applications of stigmasterol for treating neuropathic pain. METHODS Related mechanisms were investigated by DRG single-cell sequencing analysis and the use of specific inhibitors in cellular experiments. In animal experiments, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, CCI group, ibuprofen group, and stigmasterol group. We performed behavioral tests, ELISA, H&E staining and immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. RESULTS Cell communication analysis by single-cell sequencing reveals that after peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells secrete IL-34 to act on CSF1R in macrophages. After peripheral nerve injury, the mRNA expression levels of CSF1R pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages were increased in DRG. In vitro studies demonstrated that stigmasterol can reduce the secretion of IL-34 in LPS-induced RSC96 Schwann cells; stigmasterol treatment of LPS-induced Schwann cell-conditioned medium (L-S-CM) does not induce the proliferation and migration of RAW264.7 macrophages; L-S-CM reduces CSF1R signaling pathway (CSF1R, P38MAPK, and NFκB) activation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and ROS production. In vivo experiments have verified that stigmasterol can reduce thermal and cold hyperalgesia in rat chronic compressive nerve injury (CCI) model; stigmasterol can reduce IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, SP, and PGE2 in serum of CCI rats; immunohistochemistry and western blot confirmed that stigmasterol can reduce the levels of IL-34/CSF1R signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome in DRG of CCI rats. CONCLUSION Stigmasterol alleviates neuropathic pain by reducing Schwann cell-macrophage cascade in DRG by modulating IL-34/CSF1R axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waimei Si
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhenni Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Bei
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shiquan Chang
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yachun Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Li Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guoping Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xin Li
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Kakarla R, Karuturi P, Siakabinga Q, Kasi Viswanath M, Dumala N, Guntupalli C, Nalluri BN, Venkateswarlu K, Prasanna VS, Gutti G, Yadagiri G, Gujjari L. Current understanding and future directions of cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals to combat neurological diseases. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1381-1399. [PMID: 38217095 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders incidences are increasing drastically due to complex pathophysiology, and the nonavailability of disease-modifying agents. Several attempts have been made to identify new potential chemicals to combat these neurological abnormalities. At present, complete abolishment of neurological diseases is not attainable except for symptomatic relief. However, dietary recommendations to help brain development or improvement have increased over the years. In recent times, cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals have been identified from preclinical and clinical investigations as potential neuroprotective agents. The present review highlights the beneficial effects and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals such as indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane, sulforaphane, kaempferol, selenium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins of cruciferous vegetables against neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, autism spectra disorders, anxiety, depression, and pain. Most of these cruciferous phytochemicals protect the brain by eliciting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Regular dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables may benefit the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The present review suggests that there is a lacuna in identifying the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals. Therefore, high-quality future studies should firmly establish the efficacy of the above-mentioned cruciferous phytochemicals in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishna Kakarla
- KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, India
| | - Praditha Karuturi
- KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, India
| | - Queen Siakabinga
- KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, India
| | | | - Naresh Dumala
- KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, India
| | | | - Buchi N Nalluri
- KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, India
| | - Kojja Venkateswarlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi, India
| | - Vani Sai Prasanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Kolkata, Kolkata, India
| | - Gopichand Gutti
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ganesh Yadagiri
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lohitha Gujjari
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Nezhad Salari AM, Rasoulizadeh Z, Shabgah AG, Vakili-Ghartavol R, Sargazi G, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J. Exploring the mechanisms of kaempferol in neuroprotection: Implications for neurological disorders. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3964. [PMID: 38439154 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Kaempferol, a flavonoid compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential neuroprotective effects in neurological diseases. This research examines the existing literature concerning the involvement of kaempferol in neurological diseases, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neuroblastoma/glioblastoma, spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain, and epilepsy. Numerous in vitro and in vivo investigations have illustrated that kaempferol possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Kaempferol has been shown to modulate key signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, kaempferol exhibits potential therapeutic benefits by enhancing neuronal survival, attenuating oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial calcium channel activity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neurogenesis, and improving cognitive function. The evidence suggests that kaempferol holds promise as a natural compound for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of this intervention in human clinical trials, thereby contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Rasoulizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | | | - Roghayyeh Vakili-Ghartavol
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Sargazi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
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Hu F, Lin J, Xiong L, Li Z, Liu WK, Zheng YJ. Exploring the molecular mechanism of Xuebifang in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on bioinformatics and network pharmacology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1275816. [PMID: 38390212 PMCID: PMC10881818 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1275816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Xuebifang (XBF), a potent Chinese herbal formula, has been employed in managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nevertheless, the precise mechanism of its action remains enigmatic. Purpose The primary objective of this investigation is to employ a bioinformatics-driven approach combined with network pharmacology to comprehensively explore the therapeutic mechanism of XBF in the context of DPN. Study design and Methods The active chemicals and their respective targets of XBF were sourced from the TCMSP and BATMAN databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to DPN were obtained from the GEO database. The targets associated with DPN were compiled from the OMIM, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases. The analysis of GO, KEGG pathway enrichment, as well as immuno-infiltration analysis, was conducted using the R language. The investigation focused on the distribution of therapeutic targets of XBF within human organs or cells. Subsequently, molecular docking was employed to evaluate the interactions between potential targets and active compounds of XBF concerning the treatment of DPN. Results The study successfully identified a total of 122 active compounds and 272 targets associated with XBF. 5 core targets of XBF for DPN were discovered by building PPI network. According to GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, the mechanisms of XBF for DPN could be related to inflammation, immune regulation, and pivotal signalling pathways such as the TNF, TLR, CLR, and NOD-like receptor signalling pathways. These findings were further supported by immune infiltration analysis and localization of immune organs and cells. Moreover, the molecular docking simulations demonstrated a strong binding affinity between the active chemicals and the carefully selected targets. Conclusion In summary, this study proposes a novel treatment model for XBF in DPN, and it also offers a new perspective for exploring the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the clinical management of DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faquan Hu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiaran Lin
- Affiliated Department of Endocrinology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Xiong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Zhengpin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-ke Liu
- Affiliated Department of Endocrinology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-jiao Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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López-Sánchez C, Lagoa R, Poejo J, García-López V, García-Martínez V, Gutierrez-Merino C. An Update of Kaempferol Protection against Brain Damage Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion and by 3-Nitropropionic Acid. Molecules 2024; 29:776. [PMID: 38398528 PMCID: PMC10893315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol, a flavonoid present in many food products, has chemical and cellular antioxidant properties that are beneficial for protection against the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Kaempferol administration to model experimental animals can provide extensive protection against brain damage of the striatum and proximal cortical areas induced by transient brain cerebral ischemic stroke and by 3-nitropropionic acid. This article is an updated review of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of protection by kaempferol administration against brain damage induced by these insults, integrated with an overview of the contributions of the work performed in our laboratories during the past years. Kaempferol administration at doses that prevent neurological dysfunctions inhibit the critical molecular events that underlie the initial and delayed brain damage induced by ischemic stroke and by 3-nitropropionic acid. It is highlighted that the protection afforded by kaempferol against the initial mitochondrial dysfunction can largely account for its protection against the reported delayed spreading of brain damage, which can develop from many hours to several days. This allows us to conclude that kaempferol administration can be beneficial not only in preventive treatments, but also in post-insult therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen López-Sánchez
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (J.P.); (V.G.-L.); (V.G.-M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Joana Poejo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (J.P.); (V.G.-L.); (V.G.-M.)
| | - Virginio García-López
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (J.P.); (V.G.-L.); (V.G.-M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Therapeutics, Pharmacology Area, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Virginio García-Martínez
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (J.P.); (V.G.-L.); (V.G.-M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (J.P.); (V.G.-L.); (V.G.-M.)
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10
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Nasir A, Afridi OK, Ullah S, Khan H, Bai Q. Mitigation of sciatica injury-induced neuropathic pain through active metabolites derived from medicinal plants. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107076. [PMID: 38237646 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Sciatica characterized by irritation, inflammation, and compression of the lower back nerve, is considered one of the most common back ailments globally. Currently, the therapeutic regimens for sciatica are experiencing a paradigm shift from the conventional pharmacological approach toward exploring potent phytochemicals from medicinal plants. There is a dire need to identify novel phytochemicals with anti-neuropathic potential. This review aimed to identify the potent phytochemicals from diverse medicinal plants capable of alleviating neuropathic pain associated with sciatica. This review describes the pathophysiology of sciatic nerve pain, its cellular mechanisms, and the pharmacological potential of various plants and phytochemicals using animal-based models of sciatic nerve injury-induced pain. Extensive searches across databases such as Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were conducted. The findings highlights 39 families including Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apocyanaceae and Cucurbitaceae, effectively treating sciatic nerve injury-induced pain. Flavonoids made up 53% constituents, phenols and terpenoids made up 15%, alkaloids made up 13%, and glycosides made up 6% to be used in neuorpathic pain. Phytochemicals derived from various medicinal plants can serve as potential therapeutic targets for both acute and chronic sciatic injury-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Nasir
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Medical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Sami Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Medical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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11
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Jabbari S, Zakaria ZA, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi S. The oral administration of Lotus corniculatus L. attenuates acute and chronic pain models in male rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117181. [PMID: 37734474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae) traditionally used in Persian folk medicine to heal peritoneal inflammation and back pain. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the antinociceptive (acute pain) and anti-neuropathic (chronic pain) activities of Lotus corniculatus leaves essential oil (LCEO) in addition to uncovering the possible mechanisms of antinociception. MATERIALS AND METHODS LCEO as well as the pure oleanolic acid (OA) compound, were assayed for their effects on acute (formalin induced paw licking test or FIPT) and chronic (cervical contusion injury models on the fifth cervical vertebra or CCS; 14-day intervals) pain. The possible involvements of NO-cGMP-K+ channel, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid, PPAR, adrenergic, and opioid mechanisms in the antinociceptive activity of LCEO have studied by formalin test. The levels of p53 and inflammatory markers were measured using a streptavidin biotin immune peroxidase complex and ELISA methods, respectively. RESULTS The LCEO and OA exerted antinociceptive activity in the first-phase of FIPT. Pretreatment with antagonists of TRPV1, dopamine D2, cannabinoid type1 and 2, and NO-cGMP-K+ channel blockers (glibenclamide, L-NAME and methylene blue) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of LCEO in FIPT. In addition, LCEO and OA meaningfully reduced hyperalgesia (days 6-14) and mechanical allodynia (days 2-14) in the CCS model. LCEO suppressed the apoptotic marker (p53) in CCS model and also ameliorated IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-1 in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION Finally, LCEO inhibited acute (possibly via the modulation of opioid, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid mechanisms as well as NO-cGMP-K+ channel) and chronic pain (via suppressing apoptotic and inflammatory markers) in male rats. The results also suggest that OA has analgesic activity against acute and chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Jabbari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
- Borneo Research on Algesia, Inflammation and Neurodegeneration (BRAIN) Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia.
| | - Davoud Ahmadimoghaddam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Wang D, Zheng Y, Xie J, Yu W, Lu Z, Zhang W, Hu Y, Fu J, Sheng Q, Lv Z. Andrographolide inhibits the activation of spinal microglia and ameliorates mechanical allodynia. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:115-127. [PMID: 37979090 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Andrographolide (Andro), a labdane diterpene, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat numerous inflammatory diseases. Novel findings revealed that Andro might be vital in regulating pain. However, the contribution of Andro to chronic inflammatory pain has yet to be determined, and its underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, we observed that Andro attenuated mechanical allodynia in inflammatory pain mice induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the right hind paws. This analgesic effect of Andro is mainly dependent on its inhibition of microglial overactivation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF and IL-1β) in lumbar spinal cords of inflammatory pain model mice. More importantly, our data in vivo and in vitro revealed a negative role for Andro in regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which might contribute to the inhibition of spinal microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokines production, and the improvement of paw withdrawal thresholds in a mouse model of chronic inflammatory pain evoked by CFA. We further found the potential interaction of Andro with TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 heterodimer using molecular modeling, implying that TLR4 might be a potential target for Andro to exert an analgesic effect. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that the modulation of spinal microglial activation by Andro might be substantially conducive to managing chronic pain triggered by neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yongjian Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Junjing Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital of Yuyao, Ningbo, 315402, China
| | - Zhongteng Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yanling Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Jianyuan Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Qing Sheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Zhengbing Lv
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
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13
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Gao H, Chen Z, Halihaman B, Huang L, Wang Z, Ding X. Network Pharmacology and In vitro Experimental Verification to Explore the Mechanism of Chaiqin Qingning Capsule in the Treatment of Pain. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:278-294. [PMID: 38310568 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128280351240112044430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chaiqin Qingning capsule (CQQNC) has been used to relieve pain in practice. However, the active components, pain targets, and molecular mechanisms for pain control are unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the active components and potential mechanisms of the analgesic effect of CQQNC through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. METHODS The main active components and the corresponding targets of CQQNC were screened from the TCMSP and the SwissTargetPrediction databases. Pain-related targets were selected in the OMIM, Gene- Cards, and DrugBank databases. These targets were intersected to obtain potential analgesic targets. The analgesic targets were imported into the STRING and DAVID databases for protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO) function enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Cytoscape software (V3.7.1) was used to construct an active component-intersection network. Finally, the key components were docked with the core targets. The analgesic mechanism of CQQNC was verified by RAW264.7 cell experiment. RESULTS 30 active CQQNC components, 617 corresponding targets, and 3,214 pain-related target genes were found. The main active components were quercetin, kaempferol, and chenodeoxycholic acid etc. The key targets were ALB, AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, IL1B, and SRC. CQQNC can exert an analgesic effect through PI3K-Akt, MAPK signaling pathways, etc. Molecular docking showed that these active components had good binding activities with key targets. The results of in vitro experiments showed that CQQNC could exert antiinflammatory and analgesic effects through MAPK/AKT/NF-kB signaling pathways. CONCLUSION CQQNC exerts pain control through inhibiting MAPK/AKT/NF-kB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhengwei Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Buliduhong Halihaman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lianzhan Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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14
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Ma X, Zhang X, Wang X, Wang C, Ma Y. The role of kaempferol in gynaecological malignancies: progress and perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1310416. [PMID: 38143502 PMCID: PMC10748757 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1310416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol, a flavonoid derived from various herbs such as cocoyam, propolis, and grapefruit, has garnered interest due to its numerous pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Kaempferol has been shown to possess notable anti-tumour bioactivity, indicating potential for treating gynaecological malignancies. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of kaempferol to induce tumour cell apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and prevent metastasis and invasion in several gynaecological malignancies, including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. However, there is currently insufficient research investigating the efficacy of kaempferol for the treatment of gynaecological malignancies, and a lack of systematic review of its mechanism of action. Therefore, this review is founded on a literature analysis of the anticancer effects of kaempferol on gynaecological malignancies. The goal is to provide valuable reference material for scientific researchers and medical practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Ma
- Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Congan Wang
- Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuning Ma
- Key Laboratory of New Material Research Institute, Institute of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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15
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Cui D, Chen Y, Ye B, Guo W, Wang D, He J. Natural products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155101. [PMID: 37778246 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most common diseases in older adults worldwide. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are two of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and are accompanied by cerebral cortical atrophy, neuronal loss, protein accumulation, and excessive accumulation of metal ions. Natural products exhibit outstanding performance in improving cerebral circulatory disorders, promoting cerebral haematoma absorption, repairing damaged nerve tissue, and improving damaged nerve function. In recent years, studies have shown that neuroinflammatory mechanisms and signalling pathways closely related to the occurrence and development of neurological diseases include microglial activation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway, reactive oxygen pathway, nucleotide binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) pathway, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, and intestinal flora. Therefore, this study considered the mechanism of neurological diseases as the starting point to review the mechanism of action of natural products in the prevention and treatment of AD and PD in recent years to provide a theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment. AIM Natural products are a promising source of novel lead structures that have long been used to treat various nervous system diseases. METHODOLOGY This review collected literature on neurological diseases and natural products from 2012 to 2022, which were mainly searched through databases such as ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed, SciFinder, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Google Scholar, and Baidu Academic. The following keywords were searched: neurological disorders, natural products, signalling pathway, mechanism of action. RESULTS This review summarises the pathogenesis of degenerative neurological diseases, recent findings on natural products used in neurodegenerative diseases, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghan Cui
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yajuan Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Bengui Ye
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Medical College of Tibet University, Lasa 850002, China
| | - Wenhao Guo
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, HSC 4N71, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada.
| | - Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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16
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Zhang Z, Zhu Z, Zuo X, Wang X, Ju C, Liang Z, Li K, Zhang J, Luo L, Ma Y, Song Z, Li X, Li P, Quan H, Huang P, Yao Z, Yang N, Zhou J, Kou Z, Chen B, Ding T, Wang Z, Hu X. Photobiomodulation reduces neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury by downregulating CXCL10 expression. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3995-4017. [PMID: 37475184 PMCID: PMC10651991 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have recently highlighted the role of photobiomodulation (PBM) in neuropathic pain (NP) relief after spinal cord injury (SCI), suggesting that it may be an effective way to relieve NP after SCI. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential mechanisms of PBM in NP relief after SCI. METHODS We performed systematic observations and investigated the mechanism of PBM intervention in NP in rats after SCI. Using transcriptome sequencing, we screened CXCL10 as a possible target molecule for PBM intervention and validated the results in rat tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Using immunofluorescence co-labeling, astrocytes and microglia were identified as the cells responsible for CXCL10 expression. The involvement of the NF-κB pathway in CXCL10 expression was verified using inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and agonist phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), which were further validated by an in vivo injection experiment. RESULTS Here, we demonstrated that PBM therapy led to an improvement in NP relative behaviors post-SCI, inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and decreased the expression level of CXCL10 in glial cells, which was accompanied by mediation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Photobiomodulation inhibit the activation of the NF-κB pathway and reduce downstream CXCL10 expression. The NF-κB pathway inhibitor PDTC had the same effect as PBM on improving pain in animals with SCI, and the NF-κB pathway promoter PMA could reverse the beneficial effect of PBM. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which PBM alleviates NP after SCI. We demonstrated that PBM significantly inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes and decreased the expression level of CXCL10. These effects appear to be related to the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, our study provides evidence that PBM could be a potentially effective therapy for NP after SCI, CXCL10 and NF-kB signaling pathways might be critical factors in pain relief mediated by PBM after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xiaoshuang Zuo
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xuankang Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Cheng Ju
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhuowen Liang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Kun Li
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yangguang Ma
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhiwen Song
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xin Li
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- 967 Hospital of People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support ForceDalianLiaoningChina
| | - Penghui Li
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Huilin Quan
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Peipei Huang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhou Yao
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhenzhen Kou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic MedicineAir Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Beiyu Chen
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tan Ding
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xueyu Hu
- Department of OrthopedicsXijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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Zheng Y, Zhao J, Chang S, Zhuang Z, Waimei S, Li X, Chen Z, Jing B, Zhang D, Zhao G. β-Sitosterol Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Affect Microglia Polarization through Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:690-703. [PMID: 38041701 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10091-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of neuropathic pain is mostly caused by mechanical deformation and neuroinflammation, of which neuroinflammation is the main cause of chronic neuropathic pain. Activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway mediates elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, and we clearly demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro Western blot experiments that β-sitosterol significantly inhibited the elevated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression levels and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation associated with inflammatory responses. In cellular experiments, we clearly saw that both β-sitosterol and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitors could inhibit M1 proinflammatory phenotype expression and promote M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype expression in GMI-R1 microglia by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays. Therefore, we suggest that β-sitosterol can affect microglial polarization by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway thereby reducing neuroinflammation and thus alleviating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, GuangDong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaji Zhao
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zifeng Zhuang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Si Waimei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Tianhe District, West of Huangpu Road No. 601, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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18
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Gao W, Bao J, Zhang Y, He D, Zhang L, Zhang J, Pan H, Wang D. Injectable kaempferol-loaded fibrin glue regulates the metabolic balance and inhibits inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20001. [PMID: 37968507 PMCID: PMC10651831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To construct an injectable fibrin glue system loaded with kaempferol (FG@F) to improve the bioavailability of kaempferol and observe its efficacy in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Kaempferol-loaded fibrin glue was first synthesized in advance. Subsequently, the materials were characterized by various experimental methods. Then, nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a degenerative cell model, and the corresponding intervention treatment was conducted to observe the effect in vitro. Finally, the tail disc of rats was punctured to establish a model of IVDD, and the therapeutic effect of the material in vivo was observed after intervertebral disc injection. The FG@F system has good injectability, sustained release and biocompatibility. This treatment reduced the inflammatory response associated with IVDD and regulated matrix synthesis and degradation. Animal experimental results showed that the FG@F system can effectively improve needle puncture-induced IVDD in rats. The FG@F system has better efficacy than kaempferol or FG alone due to its slow release and mechanical properties. The drug delivery and biotherapy platform based on this functional system might also serve as an alternative therapy for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuo Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhang Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yiwu Central Hospital, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Du He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangping Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hangzhou Dingqiao Hospital, Huanding Road NO 1630, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Dingqiao Hospital, Huanding Road NO 1630, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Tiyuchang Road NO 453, Hangzhou, 310007, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Dingqiao Hospital, Huanding Road NO 1630, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Tiyuchang Road NO 453, Hangzhou, 310007, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Zaa CA, Espitia C, Reyes-Barrera KL, An Z, Velasco-Velázquez MA. Neuroprotective Agents with Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1585. [PMID: 38002267 PMCID: PMC10669388 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 patients can exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations affecting various organs and systems. Neurological symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 patients, both during the acute phase of the illness and in cases of long-term COVID. Moderate symptoms include ageusia, anosmia, altered mental status, and cognitive impairment, and in more severe cases can manifest as ischemic cerebrovascular disease and encephalitis. In this narrative review, we delve into the reported neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, as well as the underlying mechanisms contributing to them. These mechanisms include direct damage to neurons, inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. We further investigate the potential of small molecules from natural products to offer neuroprotection in models of neurodegenerative diseases. Through our analysis, we discovered that flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other natural compounds exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating signaling pathways known to be impacted by COVID-19. Some of these compounds also directly target SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Therefore, molecules of natural origin show promise as potential agents to prevent or mitigate nervous system damage in COVID-19 patients. Further research and the evaluation of different stages of the disease are warranted to explore their potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- César A. Zaa
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Lima 15081, Peru;
| | - Clara Espitia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Karen L. Reyes-Barrera
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Marco A. Velasco-Velázquez
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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20
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Wu L, Tang H. The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in rodent models of neuropathic pain: from the mechanism to therapeutic potential. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115398. [PMID: 37647691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain condition resulted from lesions or diseases of somatosensory nervous system, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. A growing body of evidence supports the relationship between pathogenesis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications of RNA. However, studies on the role of m6A modifications in NP are still at an early stage. Elucidating different etiologies is important for understanding the specific pathogenesis of NP. This article provides a comprehensive review on the role of m6A methylation modifications including methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A binding proteins ("readers") in NP models. Further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism relationship between m6A and NP provided novel theoretical and practical significance for clinical treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wu
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Hongliang Tang
- Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University Affiliated Fangchenggang Hospital.
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21
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Deng Y, Tang S, Cheng J, Zhang X, Jing D, Lin Z, Zhou J. Integrated analysis reveals Atf3 promotes neuropathic pain via orchestrating JunB mediated release of inflammatory cytokines in DRG macrophage. Life Sci 2023; 329:121939. [PMID: 37451398 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is actively involved in the development of neuropathic pain (NP), serving as an intermediate station for pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. The mechanism by which DRG is involved in NP regulation is not fully understood. The immune system plays a pivotal role in the physiological and pathological states of the human body. In recent years, the immune system has been thought to play an increasingly important role in the pathogenesis of NP. The immune system plays a key role in pain through specific immune cells and their immune-related genes (IRGs). However, the mechanism by which IRGs of DRG regulate NP action has not been fully elucidated. Here, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of IRGs in DRG bulk-RNA sequencing data from spared nerve injury (SNI) model mice and found that their IRGs were enriched in many pathways, especially in the immune response pathway. Subsequently, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from DRGs extracted from the SNI model and identified eight cell populations. Among them, the highest IRG activity was presented in macrophages. Next, we analyzed the scRNA and bulk-sequencing data and deduced five common transcription factors (TFs) from differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network suggested that Atf3 and JunB are closely related. In vitro experiments, we verified that the protein and mRNA expressions of Atf3 and JunB were up-regulated in macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Moreover, the down-regulation of Atf3 reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of JunB. The down-regulation of JunB also reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, overexpression of JunB attenuated the effect of Atf3 down-regulation in reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we speculated that Atf3 might promote NP through JunB-mediated release of inflammatory factors in DRG macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingdong Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Jiurong Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Xiangsheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Danqin Jing
- College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030001, China
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China.
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22
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Sun Y, Yu F, Cao W, Zhang W, Liu W, Dai F. Betulinic acid alleviates neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve in mice. Neurosci Lett 2023; 813:137429. [PMID: 37574162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain refers to a type of pain that arises from primary damage and dysfunction within the nervous system. Addressing this condition presents significant challenges and complexities. Betulinic acid (BA), known for its potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, has garnered extensive attention; nevertheless, the impact upon neuropathic pain induced by CCI is still uncertain. This paper explores the analgesic effects concerning BA on mice experiencing neuropathic pain due to sciatic nerve injury. Throughout the experiment, mice with CCI received oral gavage of BA at dosages of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg for consecutively 8 days from the 7th day post-surgery. To assess their responses, behavioral tests and sciatic functional index (SFI) evaluations were conducted on zeroth, seventh, eighth, tenth, twelveth and fourteenth day post-CCI. On day 14, histopathological examinations and measurements of biochemical markers were performed. Immunofluorescence techniques were employed to detect Nrf2 and glial cell activation, while the Western blot method was utilized to evaluate Nrf2/HO-1 protein levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The results elucidated that BA significantly alleviated hyperalgesia and allodynia, demonstrating a dose-dependent enhancement in sciatic nerve function and facilitating the recovery of sciatic nerve injury. Furthermore, BA prominently augmented the entire antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and T-SOD levels, concomitantly reducing MDA concentrations. Notably, BA activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, inhibited glial cell activation, and downregulation of the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were observed. As such, this study provides a basis to support BA as a candidate drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain, attributing its analgesic effects to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Weibiao Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Wu Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Fucheng Dai
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu 212000, China.
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23
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Dong G, Li H, Gao H, Chen Y, Yang H. Global Trends and Hotspots on Microglia Associated with Pain from 2002 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2817-2834. [PMID: 37600079 PMCID: PMC10439805 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s413028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers have made significant progress in microglia associated with pain in recent years. However, more relevant bibliometric analyses are still needed on trends and directions in this field. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive perspective and to predict future directions of pain-related microglia research via bibliometric tools. Methods English articles and reviews related with pain and microglia were extracted from the Web of Science core collection (WosCC) database between 2002 to 2022. Bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix R package were used to analyze publication characteristics, countries, authors, institutions, journals, research hotspots, and trend topics. Results A total of 2761 articles were included in this analysis. Research on microglia associated with pain has increased significantly over the last two decades. China (n = 1020, 36.94%) and the United States (n = 751, 27.20%) contributed the most in terms of publications and citations, respectively. Kyushu University published the most articles in this field compared to other institutions, and Professor Inoue Kazuhide (n = 54) at this university made outstanding contributions in this field. Molecular Pain (n = 113) was the journal with the most publication, while Journal of Neuroscience had the highest number of citations. According to the authors keywords analysis, the research in this area can be summarized into 7 clusters such as "microglia activation pathways", "pain treatment research", "mental symptoms of chronic pain", and so on. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive analysis of pain-related microglia research in the past two decades. We identified the countries, institutions, scholars, and journals with the highest number of publications and the most influence in the field, and the research trends identified in this paper may provide new insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqi Dong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Gao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingqi Chen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huayuan Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Zhang ZT, Deng SM, Chen C, He QH, Peng XW, Liang QF, Zhuang GD, Wang SM, Tang D. Pterostilbene could alleviate diabetic cognitive impairment by suppressing TLR4/NF-кB pathway through microbiota-gut-brain axis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3522-3542. [PMID: 37037513 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a serious neurodegenerative disorder caused by diabetes, with chronic inflammation being a crucial factor in its pathogenesis. Pterostilbene is a well-known natural stilbene derivative that has excellent anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its potential medicinal advantages for treating DCI. Therefore, this study is to explore the beneficial effects of pterostilbene for improving cognitive dysfunction in DCI mice. A diabetic model was induced by a high-fat diet plus streptozotocin (40 mg·kg-1 ) for consecutive 5 days. After the animals were confirmed to be in a diabetic state, they were treated with pterostilbene (20 or 60 mg·kg-1 , i.g.) for 10 weeks. Pharmacological evaluation showed pterostilbene could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, regulate glycolipid metabolism disorders, improve neuronal damage, and reduce the accumulation of β-amyloid in DCI mice. Pterostilbene alleviated neuroinflammation by suppressing oxidative stress and carbonyl stress damage, astrocyte and microglia activation, and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Further investigations showed that pterostilbene reduced the level of lipopolysaccharide, modulated colon and brain TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, and decreased the release of inflammatory factors, which in turn inhibited intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, pterostilbene could also improve the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota, increase the levels of short-chain fatty acids and their receptors, and suppress the loss of intestinal tight junction proteins. In addition, the results of plasma non-targeted metabolomics revealed that pterostilbene could modulate differential metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with inflammation, thereby suppressing systemic inflammation in DCI mice. Collectively, our study found for the first time that pterostilbene could alleviate diabetic cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which may be one of the potential mechanisms for its neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Tong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Development and Application of External Drugs in TCM, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Si-Min Deng
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hui He
- Amway (China) R&D Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Qing-Feng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Asveda T, Priti T, Ravanan P. Exploring microglia and their phenomenal concatenation of stress responses in neurodegenerative disorders. Life Sci 2023:121920. [PMID: 37429415 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal cells are highly functioning but also extremely stress-sensitive cells. By defending the neuronal cells against pathogenic insults, microglial cells, a unique cell type, act as the frontline cavalry in the central nervous system (CNS). Their remarkable and unique ability to self-renew independently after their creation is crucial for maintaining normal brain function and neuroprotection. They have a wide range of molecular sensors that help maintain CNS homeostasis during development and adulthood. Despite being the protector of the CNS, studies have revealed that persistent microglial activation may be the root cause of innumerable neurodegenerative illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Amyloid Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). From our vigorous review, we state that there is a possible interlinking between pathways of Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, inflammation, and oxidative stress resulting in dysregulation of the microglial population, directly influencing the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, complement factors, free radicals, and nitric oxides leading to cell death via apoptosis. Recent research uses the suppression of these three pathways as a therapeutic approach to prevent neuronal death. Hence, in this review, we have spotlighted the advancement in microglial studies, which focus on their molecular defenses against multiple stresses, and current therapeutic strategies indirectly targeting glial cells for neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thankavelu Asveda
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610005, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Talwar Priti
- Apoptosis and Cell Survival Research Laboratory, 412G Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Palaniyandi Ravanan
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610005, Tamil Nadu, India.
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26
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Liu T, Du D, Zhao R, Xie Q, Dong Z. Gut microbes influence the development of central nervous system disorders through epigenetic inheritance. Microbiol Res 2023; 274:127440. [PMID: 37343494 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), affect quality of life of patients and pose significant economic and social burdens worldwide. Due to their obscure and complex pathogeneses, current therapies for these diseases have limited efficacy. Over the past decade, the gut microbiome has been shown to exhibit direct and indirect influences on the structure and function of the CNS, affecting multiple pathological pathways. In addition to the direct interactions between the gut microbiota and CNS, the gut microbiota and their metabolites can regulate epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and regulation of non-coding RNAs. In this review, we discuss the tripartite relationship among gut microbiota, epigenetic inheritance, and CNS disorders. We suggest that gut microbes and their metabolites influence the pathogenesis of CNS disorders at the epigenetic level, which may inform the development of effective therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Liu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Dongru Du
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Rui Zhao
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Qinglian Xie
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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27
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Ali MY, Gadotti VM, Huang S, Garcia-Caballero A, Antunes FTT, Jung HA, Choi JS, Zamponi GW. Icariside II, a Prenyl-Flavonol, Alleviates Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting T-Type Calcium Channels and USP5-Cav3.2 Interactions. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1859-1869. [PMID: 37116219 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cav3.2 channels play an important role in the afferent nociceptive pathway, which is responsible for both physiological and pathological pain transmission. Cav3.2 channels are upregulated during neuropathic pain or peripheral inflammation in part due to an increased association with the deubiquitinase USP5. In this study, we investigated nine naturally occurring flavonoid derivatives which we tested for their abilities to inhibit transiently expressed Cav3.2 channels and their interactions with USP5. Icariside II (ICA-II), one of the flavonols studied, inhibited the biochemical interactions between USP5 and Cav3.2 and concomitantly and effectively blocked Cav3.2 channels. Molecular docking analysis predicts that ICA-II binds to the cUBP domain and the Cav3.2 interaction region. In addition, ICA-II was predicted to interact with residues in close proximity to the Cav3.2 channel's fenestrations, thus accounting for the observed blocking activity. In mice with inflammatory and neuropathic pain, ICA-II inhibited both phases of the formalin-induced nocifensive responses and abolished thermal hyperalgesia induced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw. Furthermore, ICA-II produced significant and long-lasting thermal anti-hyperalgesia in female mice, whereas Cav3.2 null mice were resistant to the action of ICA-II. Altogether, our data show that ICA-II has analgesic activity via an action on Cav3.2 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Yousof Ali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary, AB T2N4G4, Canada
| | - Vinicius M Gadotti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary, AB T2N4G4, Canada
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Agustin Garcia-Caballero
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary, AB T2N4G4, Canada
| | - Flavia T T Antunes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Hyun Ah Jung
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sue Choi
- Department of Food and Life Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
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Téglás T, Mihok E, Cziáky Z, Oláh NK, Nyakas C, Máthé E. The Flavonoid Rich Black Currant ( Ribes nigrum) Ethanolic Gemmotherapy Extract Elicits Neuroprotective Effect by Preventing Microglial Body Swelling in Hippocampus and Reduces Serum TNF-α Level: Pilot Study. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083571. [PMID: 37110805 PMCID: PMC10145433 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many plant-derived flavonoids are known for their anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative effects. The fruits and leaves of the black currant (BC, Ribes nigrum) contain these phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. The current study presents a report on a standardized BC gemmotherapy extract (BC-GTE) that is prepared from fresh buds. It provides details about the phytoconstituent profile specific to the extract as well as the associated antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. The reported BC-GTE was found to contain approximately 133 phytonutrients, making it unique in its composition. Furthermore, this is the first report to quantify the presence of significant flavonoids such as luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol. Drosophila melanogaster-based tests revealed no cytotoxic but nutritive effects. We also demonstrated that adult male Wistar rats, pretreated with the analyzed BC-GTE and assessed after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, did not show any apparent increase in body size in the microglial cells located in the hippocampal CA1 region, while in control experiments, the activation of microglia was evident. Moreover, no elevated levels of serum-specific TNF-α were observed under the LPS-induced neuroinflammatory condition. The analyzed BC-GTE's specific flavonoid content, along with the experimental data based on an LPS-induced inflammatory model, suggest that it possesses anti-neuroinflammatory/neuroprotective properties. This indicates that the studied BC-GTE has the potential to be used as a GTE-based complementary therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Téglás
- Research Center for Molecular Exercise Science, Hungarian University of Sports Science, H-1123 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emőke Mihok
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Cziáky
- Agricultural and Molecular Research Institute, University of Nyíregyháza, H-4400 Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Neli-Kinga Oláh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Plantextrakt Ltd., 407059 Rădaia, Romania
| | - Csaba Nyakas
- Research Center for Molecular Exercise Science, Hungarian University of Sports Science, H-1123 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Endre Máthé
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Atta AA, Ibrahim WW, Mohamed AF, Abdelkader NF. Microglia polarization in nociplastic pain: mechanisms and perspectives. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1053-1067. [PMID: 37069462 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is the third classification of pain as described by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), in addition to the neuropathic and nociceptive pain classes. The main pathophysiological mechanism for developing nociplastic pain is central sensitization (CS) in which pain amplification and hypersensitivity occur. Fibromyalgia is the prototypical nociplastic pain disorder, characterized by allodynia and hyperalgesia. Much scientific data suggest that classical activation of microglia in the spinal cord mediates neuroinflammation which plays an essential role in developing CS. In this review article, we discuss the impact of microglia activation and M1/M2 polarization on developing neuroinflammation and nociplastic pain, besides the molecular mechanisms engaged in this process. In addition, we mention the impact of microglial modulators on M1/M2 microglial polarization that offers a novel therapeutic alternative for the management of nociplastic pain disorders. Illustrating the mechanisms underlying microglia activation in central sensitization and nociplastic pain. LPS lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α, INF-γ Interferon gamma, ATP adenosine triphosphate, 49 P2Y12/13R purinergic P2Y 12/13 receptor, P2X4/7R purinergic P2X 4/7 receptor, SP Substance P, NK-1R Neurokinin 1 receptor, CCL2 CC motif ligand 2, CCR2 CC motif ligand 2 receptor, CSF-1 colony-stimulating factor 1, CSF-1R colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, CX3CL1 CX3C motif ligand 1, CX3XR1 CX3C motif ligand 1 receptor, TLR toll-like receptor, MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK jun N-terminal kinase, ERK extracellular signal-regulated kinase, iNOS Inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1β interleukin-1β, IL-6 interleukin-6, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid, GABAR γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor, NMDAR N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, AMPAR α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropi-onic acid receptor, IL-4 interleukin-4, IL-13 interleukin-13, IL-10 interleukin-10, Arg-1 Arginase 1, FGF fibroblast growth factor, GDNF glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor-1, NGF nerve growth factor, CD Cluster of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahd A Atta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Weam W Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Noha F Abdelkader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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30
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Zulkifli NA, Hassan Z, Mustafa MZ, Azman WNW, Hadie SNH, Ghani N, Mat Zin AA. The potential neuroprotective effects of stingless bee honey. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 14:1048028. [PMID: 36846103 PMCID: PMC9945235 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1048028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical Meliponini bees produce stingless bee honey (SBH). Studies have shown beneficial properties, including antibacterial, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, neurotherapeutic, neuroprotective, wound, and sunburn healing capabilities. High phenolic acid and flavonoid concentrations offer SBH its benefits. SBH can include flavonoids, phenolic acids, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, organic acids, amino acids, and protein, depending on its botanical and geographic origins. Ursolic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid may diminish apoptotic signals in neuronal cells, such as nuclear morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. Antioxidant activity minimizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and lowers oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation by decreasing enzymes generated during inflammation. Flavonoids in honey reduce neuroinflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokine and free radical production. Phytochemical components in honey, such as luteolin and phenylalanine, may aid neurological problems. A dietary amino acid, phenylalanine, may improve memory by functioning on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways. Neurotrophin BDNF binds to its major receptor, TrkB, and stimulates downstream signaling cascades, which are crucial for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Through BDNF, SBH can stimulate synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis, promoting learning and memory. Moreover, BDNF contributes to the adult brain's lasting structural and functional changes during limbic epileptogenesis by acting through the cognate receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB). Given the higher antioxidants activity of SBH than the Apis sp. honey, it may be more therapeutically helpful. There is minimal research on SBH's neuroprotective effects, and the related pathways contribute to it is unclear. More research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular process of SBH on BDNF/TrkB pathways in producing neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurdarina Ausi Zulkifli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wan Norlina Wan Azman
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nurhafizah Ghani
- Basic and Medical Sciences Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Anani Aila Mat Zin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Anani Aila Mat Zin, ✉
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31
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Wei X, Gao M, Sheng N, Yao W, Bao B, Cheng F, Cao Y, Yan H, Zhang L, Shan M, Chen P. Mechanism investigation of Shi-Xiao-San in treating blood stasis syndrome based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro/vivo pharmacological validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115746. [PMID: 36179951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shixiao San (SXS) is a traditional Chinese formula that has been widely used in clinical practice to treat blood stasis syndromes, such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic, thrombosis and coronary heart disease. However, the effectiveness and mechanism of SXS have not been studied in detail yet. AIM OF THE STUDY Current study aimed to identify the compounds in SXS, evaluate the formula efficacies using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and verify the pharmacological effects by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The compounds in SXS were analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Potential target genes for identified compounds were obtained from three databases. DAVID database was used to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. PPI network was constructed to screen core targets. Molecular docking was used to examine interactions between active compounds and potential targets. The mechanism was also verified by model of acute blood stasis rats and human umbilical vein cells. RESULTS In total, 45 compounds were identified from SXS. Among the detected phytochemicals, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, D-catechin, naringenin and amentoflavone were identified as the active constituents. SXS is primarily involved in the modulation of hypoxic state, vascular regulation, and inflammation response, according to GO and KGG pathway enrichment analysis. A network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) was constructed and five core targets were identified as VEGFA, AKT1, EGFR, PTGS2, and MMP9. Molecular docking simulation revealed good binding affinity of the five putative targets with the corresponding compounds. SXS reduced HIF-1α and COX-2 levels and increased the eNOS expression levels in hypoxic HUVECs. SXS can reduce the whole blood viscosity in adrenaline induced acute blood stasis rats and relieve blood stasis. CONCLUSIONS SXS removes blood stasis might through VEGFA/AKT/eNOS/COX-2 pathway and flavonoids are the main active components in the formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wei
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mingliang Gao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Nian Sheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Beihua Bao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fangfang Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yudan Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mingqiu Shan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Peidong Chen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Azlan UK, Khairul Annuar NA, Mediani A, Aizat WM, Damanhuri HA, Tong X, Yanagisawa D, Tooyama I, Wan Ngah WZ, Jantan I, Hamezah HS. An insight into the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1035220. [PMID: 36686668 PMCID: PMC9849397 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1035220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are sporadic maladies that affect patients' lives with progressive neurological disabilities and reduced quality of life. Neuroinflammation and oxidative reaction are among the pivotal factors for neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progression of NDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). Management of NDs is still less than optimum due to its wide range of causative factors and influences, such as lifestyle, genetic variants, and environmental aspects. The neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of Moringa oleifera have been documented in numerous studies due to its richness of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights up-to-date research findings on the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera, including mechanisms against NDs. The information was gathered from databases, which include Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid-MEDLINE, Springer, and Elsevier. Neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera were mainly assessed by using the crude extracts in vitro and in vivo experiments. Isolated compounds from M. oleifera such as moringin, astragalin, and isoquercitrin, and identified compounds of M. oleifera such as phenolic acids and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, (-)-epicatechin, and isoquercitrin) have been reported to have neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, these compounds may potentially contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. More in-depth studies using in vivo animal models of neurological-related disorders and extensive preclinical investigations, such as pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability studies are necessary before clinical trials can be carried out to develop M. oleifera constituents into neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Kalthum Azlan
- 1Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Ahmed Mediani
- 1Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Aizat
- 1Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- 3School of Life Sciences, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daijiro Yanagisawa
- 4Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Ikuo Tooyama
- 5Medical Innovation Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
- 5Medical Innovation Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Ibrahim Jantan
- 1Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah
- 1Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah,
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Wen L, Miao X, Ding J, Tong X, Wu Y, He Y, Zheng F. Pesticides as a risk factor for cognitive impairment: Natural substances are expected to become alternative measures to prevent and improve cognitive impairment. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1113099. [PMID: 36937345 PMCID: PMC10016095 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are the most effective way to control diseases, insects, weeds, and fungi. The central nervous system (CNS) is damaged by pesticide residues in various ways. By consulting relevant databases, the systemic relationships between the possible mechanisms of pesticides damage to the CNS causing cognitive impairment and related learning and memory pathways networks, as well as the structure-activity relationships between some natural substances (such as polyphenols and vitamins) and the improvement were summarized in this article. The mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by pesticides are closely related. For example, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation can constitute three feedback loops that interact and restrict each other. The mechanisms of neurotransmitter abnormalities and intestinal dysfunction also play an important role. The connection between pathways is complex. NMDAR, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, and NF-κB pathways can be connected into a pathway network by targets such as Ras, Akt, and IKK. The reasons for the improvement of natural substances are related to their specific structure, such as polyphenols with different hydroxyl groups. This review's purpose is to lay a foundation for exploring and developing more natural substances that can effectively improve the cognitive impairment caused by pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liankui Wen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiwen Miao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Ding
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuewen Tong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuzhu Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yuzhu Wu, ✉
| | - Yang He
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Yang He, ✉
| | - Fei Zheng
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Fei Zheng, ✉
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Zhang D, Li X, Jing B, Chen Z, Shi H, Zheng Y, Chang S, Sun J, Zhao G. α-Asarone attenuates chronic sciatica by inhibiting peripheral sensitization and promoting neural repair. Phytother Res 2023; 37:151-162. [PMID: 36070878 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the therapeutic effect of α-asarone on chronic sciatica. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: the sham group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, pregabalin group, and α-asarone group. Hot hyperalgesia was induced after the CCI operation, and α-asarone was found to relieve chronic neuralgia. Furthermore, α-asarone reduced IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, CRP, and LPS levels and increased IL10 levels in serum. α-Asarone decreased the protein levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1-4 and the mRNA levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1-4, IL1β, and TNF-α in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In the sciatic nerve, α-asarone treatment reduced the number of inflammatory cells and promoted the proliferation of Schwann cells, favouring recovery of the nerve structure. In cellular experiments, LPS induced Schwann cell apoptosis via TLR4/p38MAPK signalling; α-asarone attenuated LPS-induced Schwann cell apoptosis by decreasing TLR4, p-p38MAPK, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-caspase7 levels and increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. Overall, these findings suggest that α-asarone relieves chronic sciatica by decreasing the levels of inflammatory factors, inhibiting peripheral sensitization, and favouring the repair of damaged nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxin Sun
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Koumine ameliorates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice: involvement of the Nrf2, NF-κB pathways, and gut microbiota. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109573. [PMID: 36527886 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gelsemiumelegans(Gardner. & Chapm.) Benth. has long been considered a traditional Chinese medicine effective against rheumatoid pain, cancer, cirrhosis, and skin diseases. Koumine (KM), the most abundant alkaloid in G.elegans Benth., demonstrates a variety of biological effects, including antitumor, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, the relatively low toxicity of KM makes it a promising drug candidate. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of KM and its possible mechanisms using a concanavalin A (Con A)-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) model in mice. Mice were orally administered different doses of KM for 14 d before Con A tail vein injections. The effects of KM on serum biochemical markers and liver histopathology were then evaluated 12 h after Con A exposure. The Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways and alterations in gut microbiota were determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the underlying mechanisms of KM exposure. KM pretreatment dose-dependently decreased serum liver injury markers (Alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and cytokine levels (Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), as well as the liver pathological damage triggered by Con A. Furthermore, the results of the multi-technique analysis indicated that KM activated the Nrf2 pathway, upregulated the expression of anti-oxidation factors HO-1 and Nrf2, and downregulated the expression of Keap1. Moreover, the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited. Interestingly, pre-treatment with KM also significantly improved the composition of the gut microbiota probably because it increases the richness of probiotics. Our findings suggest that KM pretreatment could attenuate Con A-induced AIH, the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, and that gut microbiota are involved in the process of the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of KM as an effective agent against AIH.
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Yang H, Zhang Y, Duan Q, Ni K, Jiao Y, Zhu J, Sun J, Zhang W, Ma Z. Dehydrocorydaline alleviates sleep deprivation-induced persistent postoperative pain in adolescent mice through inhibiting microglial P2Y 12 receptor expression in the spinal cord. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231216234. [PMID: 37940138 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231216234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During adolescence, a second period of central nervous system (CNS) plasticity that follows the fetal period, which involves sleep deprivation (SD), becomes apparent. SD during adolescence may result in abnormal development of neural circuits, causing imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition, which not only results in pain, but increases the chances of developing emotion disorders in adulthood, such as anxiety and depression. The quantity of surgeries during adolescence is also consistently on the rise, yet the impact and underlying mechanism of preoperative SD on postoperative pain remain unexplored. This study demonstrates that preoperative SD induces upregulation of the P2Y12 receptor, which is exclusively expressed on spinal microglia, and phosphorylation of its downstream signaling pathway p38Mitogen-activated protein/Nuclear transcription factor-κB (p38MAPK/NF-κB)in spinal microglia, thereby promoting microglia activation and microglial transformation into the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, resulting in increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines that exacerbate persisting postoperative incisional pain in adolescent mice. Both intrathecal minocycline (a microglia activation inhibitor) and MRS2395 (a P2Y12 receptor blocker) effectively suppressed microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, supplementation with dehydrocorydaline (DHC), an extract of Rhizoma Corydalis, inhibited the P2Y12/p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, microglia activation, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the model mice. Taken together, the results indicate that the P2Y12 receptor and microglial activation are important factors in persistent postoperative pain caused by preoperative SD in adolescent mice and that DHC has analgesic effects by acting on these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikou Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yang Zhou University Medical College, Huai'an Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yang Zhou University Medical College, Huai'an Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Qingling Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jixiang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Yang Zhou University Medical College, Huai'an Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengliang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Hosseini A, Alipour A, Baradaran Rahimi V, Askari VR. A comprehensive and mechanistic review on protective effects of kaempferol against natural and chemical toxins: Role of NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2 activation. Biofactors 2022; 49:322-350. [PMID: 36471898 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Different toxins, including chemicals and natural, can be entered from various routes and influence human health. Herbal medicines and their active components can attenuate the toxicity of agents via multiple mechanisms. For example, kaempferol, as a flavonoid, can be found in fruits and vegetables, and has an essential role in improving disorders such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, cancer, pain, and inflammation situations. The beneficial effects of kaempferol may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, attenuation of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This flavonoid boasts a wide spectrum of toxin targeting effects in tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress thus shows promising protective effects against natural and chemical toxin induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, lung, and intestinal in the in vitro and in vivo setting. The most remarkable aspect of kaempferol is that it does not focus its efforts on just one organ or one molecular pathway. Although its significance as a treatment option remains questionable and requires more clinical studies, it seems to be a low-risk therapeutic option. It is crucial to emphasize that kaempferol's poor bioavailability is a significant barrier to its use as a therapeutic option. Nanotechnology can be a promising way to overcome this challenge, reviving optimism in using kaempferol as a viable treatment agent against toxin-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Hosseini
- Pharmacological Research Centre of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alieh Alipour
- Pharmacological Research Centre of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vafa Baradaran Rahimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Reza Askari
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhang D, Jing B, Chen Z, Li X, Shi H, Zheng Y, Chang S, Zhao G. Ferulic acid alleviates sciatica by inhibiting peripheral sensitization through the RhoA/p38MAPK signalling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154420. [PMID: 36115115 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve sciatica, but their effects are not satisfactory. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of ferulic acid on sciatica. METHODS Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., sham operation group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, mecobalamin group, and ferulic acid group. We conducted behavioural tests, ELISA, PCR, Western blots, and immunofluorescence analysis. Specific inhibitors were used in cell experiments to explore the related mechanisms. RESULTS Thermal hyperalgesia was induced after CCI operation, and ferulic acid relieved thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, ferulic acid decreased the IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, and CRP mRNA levels; the IBA-1, iNOS, IL1β, RhoA, RhoA-GTP, COX2, Rock1, TRPV1, TRPA1, and p-p38MAPK levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons; and the LPS, CRP, substance P (SP), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in serum, and these levels were higher in the CCI group. In the cell experiments, LPS induced M1 polarization of GMI-R1 cells via the RhoA/Rock pathway. Ferulic acid attenuated LPS-induced M1 polarization by decreasing the levels of M1 polarization markers, including IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, iNOS, and CD32, and increased M2 polarization by increasing the levels of M2 polarization markers, including CD206 and Arg-1. LPS treatment clearly increased the iNOS, IL1β, RhoA, Rock1, Rock2 and p-p38 MAPK levels and reduced Arg-1 expression, and ferulic acid reversed these changes. CONCLUSION Ferulic acid can inhibit peripheral sensitization by reducing the levels of inflammatory factors, TRPA1 and TRPV1 through the RhoA/p38 MAPK pathway to alleviate sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Chen Y, Peng F, Xing Z, Chen J, Peng C, Li D. Beneficial effects of natural flavonoids on neuroinflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1006434. [PMID: 36353622 PMCID: PMC9638012 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the fundamental immune response against multiple factors in the central nervous system and is characterized by the production of inflammatory mediators, activated microglia and astrocytes, and the recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells to inflammatory sites, that contributes to the pathological process of related brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and stroke. Flavonoids, as a species of important natural compounds, have been widely revealed to alleviate neuroinflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, elevating the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, and modulating the polarization of microglia and astrocyte, mainly via suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways, promoting Nrf2, AMPK, BDNF/CREB, Wnt/β-Catenin, PI3k/Akt signals and SIRT1-mediated HMGB1 deacetylation. This review will provide the latest and comprehensive knowledge on the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of natural flavonoids in neuroinflammation, and the natural flavonoids might be developed into food supplements or lead compounds for neuroinflammation-associated brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziwei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Peng, ; Dan Li,
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Peng, ; Dan Li,
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Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Ephedra Herb in the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9214589. [PMID: 35837376 PMCID: PMC9276517 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9214589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the possible mechanisms of Ephedra herb (EH) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking in this study. Methods Active ingredients and related targets of EH were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and the gene names corresponding to the proteins were found through the UniProt database. Then, target genes related to NS were screened out from GeneCards, PharmGKB, and OMIM databases. Next, the intersection targets were obtained successfully through Venn diagram, which were also seen as key target genes of EH and NS. Cytoscape 3.9.0 software was used to construct the effective “active ingredient-target” network diagram, and “drug-ingredient-target-disease (D-I-T-D)” network diagram. After that, the STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment involved in the targets were performed by the DAVID database and ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape. Finally, AutoDockTools software was used for molecular docking to verify the binding strength between main active ingredients and key target proteins. Results A total of 22 main active ingredients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and naringenin were obtained, which could act on 105 targets related to NS. Through PPI network, 53 core targets such as AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, and IL1B were found, which might play a crucial role in the treatment of NS. Meanwhile, these targets were significantly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, hepatitis B, and pathways in cancer through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The docking results indicated that active ingredients such as kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, and naringenin all had good binding to the target protein AKT1 or TNF. Among them, luteolin and naringenin binding with AKT1 showed the best binding energy (-6.2 kcal/mol). Conclusion This study indicated that the potential mechanism of EH in treating NS may be related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, which provided better approaches for exploring the mechanism in treating NS and new ideas for further in vivo and in vitro experimental verifications.
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Preventive Intrathecal Injection of Bupivacaine Alleviated Microglia Activation and Neuropathic Pain in a Rat Model of Chronic Constriction Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137197. [PMID: 35806200 PMCID: PMC9266705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal microglia are crucial to neuronal hyper-excitability and pain hypersensitivity. The local anesthetic bupivacaine is commonly used for both peripheral and spinal anesthesia. The pain-relief effects resulting from the peripheral and systemic administration of bupivacaine have been previously reported. In this study, the preventive effects of intrathecal bupivacaine administration against neuropathic pain were revealed in a rat model of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). Using a CCI rat model, pain hypersensitivity, characterized by mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, correlated well with microglia M1 polarization, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in both spinal cord dorsal horns and sciatic nerves. Bupivacaine attenuated pain behaviors and inflammatory alternations. We further identified that the Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5)/P2X Purinoceptor 4 (P2X4R) and High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1)/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB inflammatory axes may each play pivotal roles in the acquisition of microglia M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression under CCI insult. The relief of pain paralleled with the suppression of microglia M1 polarization, elevation of microglia M2 polarization, and inhibition of IRF5/P2X4R and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB in both the spinal cord dorsal horns and sciatic nerve. Our findings provide molecular and biochemical evidence for the anti-neuropathic effect of preventive bupivacaine.
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