In Vitro Anti-hepatoma Activities of Notoginsenoside R1 Through Downregulation of Tumor Promoter miR-21

The role of exosome-shuttled miRNAs in heavy metal-induced peripheral tissues and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Heavy metal-induced neuroinflammation is a significant pathophysiologic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. Multiple miRNAs are differentially expressed in peripheral tissues after heavy metal exposure, and increasing evidence suggests that they are involved in AD progression by regulating microglial homeostasis. Exosomes, which are capable of loading miRNAs and crossing the bloodbrain barrier, serve as mediators of communication between peripheral tissues and the brain. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the link between miRNAs in peripheral tissues and neuroinflammation in AD after heavy metal exposure and propose a role for miRNAs in the microglial neurodegenerative phenotype (MGnD) of AD. This study will help to elucidate the link between peripheral tissue damage and MGnD-mediated neuroinflammation in AD after heavy metal exposure. Additionally, we summarize the regulatory effects of natural compounds on peripheral tissue-derived miRNAs, which could be potential therapeutic targets for natural compounds to regulate peripheral tissue-derived exosomal miRNAs to ameliorate heavy metal-induced MGnD-mediated neuroinflammation in patients with AD after heavy metal exposure.

A comprehensive review of miR-21 in liver disease: Big impact of little things

microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA with 20-24 nucleotides, are defined as the powerful regulators for gene expression. miR-21 is a multifunctional miRNA enriched in the circulatory system and multiple organs, which not only serves as a non-invasive biomarker in disease diagnosis, but also participates in many cellular activities. In various chronic liver diseases, the increase of miR-21 affects glycolipid metabolism, viral infection, inflammatory and immune cell activation, hepatic stellate cells activation and tissue fibrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, miR-21 is also a liaison in the deterioration of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it impacts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by regulating target genes expression in different signaling pathways. In current research on miRNA therapy, some natural products can exert the hepatoprotective effects depending on the inhibition of miR-21 expression. In addition, miR-21-based therapeutic also play a role in regulating intracellular miR-21 levels and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Herein, we systemically summarized the recent progress of miR-21 on biosynthesis, biomarker function, molecular mechanism and miRNA therapy in chronic liver disease and HCC, and looked forward to outputting some information to enable it from bench to bedside.

Notoginsenoside R1 restrains the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells isolated from rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disorder that is characterized by systemic and lung inflammation. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) displays anti-inflammatory properties in numerous diseases. We aimed to explore the function and mechanism of NGR1 in COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

COPD rats were established through cigarette smoke exposure, lipopolysaccharide injection, and cold stimulation. Rat airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were separated and identified. Then, ASMCs were treated with NGR1 (25 or 50 μM) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Thereafter, the vitality, proliferation, and migration of ASMCs were measured. Additionally, cell cycle, inflammation-related factors, α-SMA, and PI3K/AKT pathway-related marker expressions of the ASMCs were also detected. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to explore the interaction of NGR1 to PI3K, TGF-β, p65, and AKT. Moreover, 740 Y-P (a PI3K/Akt pathway agonist) were used to validate the mechanism of NGR1 on COPD.

RESULTS

NGR1 inhibited the proliferation and migration, but caused cell cycle arrest for CSE-triggered ASMCs. Furthermore, NGR1 not only decreased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α contents, but also reduced α-SMA expression in CSE-stimulated ASMCs. Moreover, NGR1restrainedTGF-β1 expression, PI3K, p65, and AKT phosphorylation in CSE-stimulated ASMCs. Molecular docking experiments showed NGR1 exhibited a strong binding ability to PI3K, TGF-β1, p65, and AKT. Notably, the effects of NGR1 on the proliferation and migration of CSE-induced ASMCs were reversed by 740 Y-P.

CONCLUSIONS

NGR1 can restrain the proliferation and migration of CSE-induced ASMCs, indicating that NGR1 may be a therapeutic candidate for treating COPD.

Promotion of a quality standard for Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis based on the efficacy-oriented effect-constituent index

Multi-component determination and bioassays used for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have certain shortcomings. The effect-constituent index (ECI) is a quality evaluation index weighted by chemical composition analysis and effect detection. This index can be established by the dose-effect relationship of the active ingredients in TCM. In this study, Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PY) was selected as the representative drug. Chemical evaluation and bioactivity evaluation were combined to establish the ECI, to compensate for the deficiency of a single evaluation method to some extent, and can be related to the efficacy of PY, in order to improve its quality standard. The ECI not only reflects the contribution of component content to the quality of PY, but also relates to clinical efficacy and reflects the influence of different components on the biological activity. Moreover, this study provided a reference method for the quality control of other TCMs.

Chinese Herbal Formula Ruangan Granule Enhances the Efficacy of Entecavir to Reverse Advanced Liver Fibrosis/Early Cirrhosis in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection: A Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Nucleotide analogs treatment can reverse liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it has limited effect on fibrosis resolution in patients with CHB, particularly in preventing progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ruangan granule (RG), a Chinese herbal formula, has proven to produce a therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis in animal experiment. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of our Chinese herbal formula (RG) combined with entecavir (ETV) to reverse advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis from CHB.

METHODS

A total of 240 CHB patients with histologically confirmed advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis from 12 centers were randomly and blindly allocated to consume either ETV (0.5mg/day) plus RG (2 times/day) or control (ETV) for 48 weeks (wk) treatment. Changes in histopathology, serology and imageology were observed. Liver fibrosis reversion, defined as a reduction in the Knodell HAI score by ≥2 points and Ishak score by ≥1 grade, was assessed.

RESULTS

The rate of fibrosis regression and inflammation remission after 48 wk of treatment in histopathology was significantly higher in the ETV + RG group (38.73% vs. 23.94%, P=0.031). The ultrasonic semiquantitative scores decreased by ≥2 points and were 41 (28.87%) and 15 (21.13%) in the ETV+RG and ETV groups, respectively (P=0.026). The ETV+RG group had a significantly lower Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) index (P=0.028). There was a significant difference between the ETV+RG and ETV groups in the liver function normalization rate (P <0.01). Moreover, ETV plus RG combination treatment further reduced the risk of HCC in median 55-month follow-up (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrates that the Chinese herbal formula RG with ETV can improve advanced liver fibrosis/early cirrhosis regression in patients with CHB, further reducing the risk of HCC.

Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into regulatory mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic potential

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. In addition, owing to the lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers, current multimodal treatment options fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and drug resistance are important factors influencing tumor development and therapy. The intercellular communication of these important processes is mediated by a variety of bioactive molecules to regulate pathophysiological processes in recipient cells. Among these bioactive molecules, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), account for a large part of the human transcriptome, and their dysregulation affects the progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in HCC, summarize novel biomarkers from somatic fluids (plasma/serum/urine), and explore the potential of some small-molecule modulators as drugs. Thus, through this review, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms, early diagnosis, prognosis, and precise treatment of HCC.

Notoginsenoside R1 Promotes Migration, Adhesin, Spreading, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Cellular activities, such as attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation are indispensable for the success of bone tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the key precursor cells to regenerate bone. Bioactive compounds from natural products had shown bone regenerative potential. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a primary bioactive natural compound that regulates various biological activities, including cardiovascular protection, neuro-protection, and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of NGR1 on migration, adhesion, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs required for bone tissue engineering application has not been tested properly. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of NGR1 on the cellular activities of MSCs. Since human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) are commonly used MSCs for bone tissue engineering, we used hASCs as a model of MSCs. The optimal concentration of 0.05 μg/mL NGR1 was biocompatible and promoted migration and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Pro-angiogenic factor VEGF expression was upregulated in NGR1-treated hASCs. NGR1 enhanced the adhesion and spreading of hASCs on the bio-inert glass surface. NGR1 robustly promoted hASCs adhesion and survival in 3D-printed TCP scaffold both in vitro and in vivo. NGR1 mitigated LPS-induced expression of inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in hASCs as well as inhibited the RANKL/OPG expression ratio. In conclusion, the biocompatible NGR1 promoted the migration, adhesion, spreading, osteogenic differentiation, and anti-inflammatory properties of hASCs.

Notoginsenoside R1, An Active Compound from Panax notoginseng, Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis via MAPK Signaling Pathway

Activation of the hepatic stellate cell is implicated in pathological vascularization during development of liver fibrosis. MAPK signaling is involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cell. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Notoginsenoside R1 is an effective saponin isolated from the roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen and exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic roles in various diseases. However, the role of Notoginsenoside R1 in liver fibrosis has not been investigated yet. First, a rat model with liver fibrosis was established through oral gavage administration with carbon tetrachloride. Data from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome stainings showed that carbon tetrachloride induced severe hepatic damages, including inflammatory cell infiltration, lipid droplets deposition in hepatocytes and liver centrilobular necrosis. Meanwhile, the rats were also intraperitoneal injected with different concentrations of Notoginsenoside R1. Results demonstrated that Notoginsenoside R1 treatment suppressed the pathological changes in the livers with enhanced levels of ALB and TP, and reduced levels of ALP, AST and ALT. Second, Notoginsenoside R1 also significantly attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced decrease in PPAR-[Formula: see text] and increase in Coll-a1, [Formula: see text]-SMA and TIMP1 in liver tissues ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 0.001). Third, the decrease in GSH, SOD and GST and increase in MDA, IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6 and TNF-[Formula: see text] induced by carbon tetrachloride were markedly restored by Notoginsenoside R1 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 0.001). Lastly, Notoginsenoside R1 counteracted with the promotive effects of carbon tetrachloride on levels of proteins involved in MAPK signaling, including phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p-ERK, p-JNK and p-p38. In conclusion, Notoginsenoside R1 suppressed the activation of hepatic stellate cells and exerted anti- oxidant and anti-inflammatory to attenuate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis through inactivation of NF-[Formula: see text]B and MAPK signaling.

Current perspectives on naturally occurring saponins as anticancer agents

Saponins, a heterogeneous group of sterol and triterpene glycosides, are distributed widely in nature. Naturally occurring saponins could act on diverse targets in cancer cells and consequently exert potential antiproliferative effects in various cancers, including drug-resistant forms. Therefore, naturally occurring saponins are useful templates for the discovery of novel anticancer candidates. Covering articles published between January 2020 and October 2021, this review aims to outline the recent development of naturally occurring steroidal and triterpenoidal saponins with anticancer potential to provide novel anticancer lead hits/candidates.

Downregulation of ATP1A1 Expression by Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen Saponins: A Potential Mechanism of Antitumor Effects in HepG2 Cells and In Vivo

The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 subunit (ATP1A1) is a potential target for hepatic carcinoma (HCC) treatment, which plays a key role in Na⁺/K⁺ exchange, metabolism, signal transduction, etc. In vivo, we found that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) could inhibit tumor growth and significantly downregulate the expression and phosphorylation of ATP1A1/AKT/ERK in tumor-bearing mice. Our study aims to explore the potential effects of PNS on the regulation of ATP1A1 and the possible mechanisms of antitumor activity. The effects of PNS on HepG2 cell viability, migration, and apoptosis were examined in vitro. Fluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analyses were used to examine the protein and gene expression. Further analysis was assessed with a Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibitor (digitonin) and sorafenib in vitro. We found that the ATP1A1 expression was markedly higher in HepG2 cells than in L02 cells and PNS exhibited a dose-dependent effect on the expression of ATP1A and the regulation of AKT/ERK signaling pathways. Digitonin did not affect the expression of ATP1A1 but attenuated the effects of PNS on the regulation of ATP1A1/AKT/ERK signaling pathways and enhanced the antitumor effect of PNS by promoting nuclear fragmentation. Taken together, PNS inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells via downregulation of ATP1A1 and signal transduction. Our findings will aid a data basis for the clinical use of PNS.

A review of anti-tumour effects of ginsenoside in gastrointestinal cancer

OBJECTIVES

Gastrointestinal cancer, one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in the world, refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and other organs. Although conventional therapy has been successful to some extent in cancer treatment, drug resistance and cancer recurrence still limit the therapeutic efficacy. There is increasing evidence indicating that ginsenoside, as a kind of high nutritional value and widely used traditional Chinese medicine, could contribute to the promotion of treatment in GI cancer, which deserves further investigation.

KEY FINDINGS

Based on previous studies, the possible mechanisms mainly include regulation of autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. However, no studies recently have conducted a more in-depth review of the anti-cancer effects of ginsenoside in GI cancer.

SUMMARY

Therefore, this review will summarise and analyse the latest developments in the anti-tumour effects of ginsenosides in GI cancer, thus may promote further research of the anti-tumour efficacy of ginsenoside.

Antitumor Effects of Triterpenes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Triterpenes are a large group of secondary metabolites mainly produced by plants with a variety of biological activities, including potential antitumor effects. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common primary liver disease spread worldwide. The treatment can consist of surgical intervention, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic drugs. These drugs mainly include tyrosine multikinase inhibitors, although their use is limited by the underlying liver disease and displays side effects. For that reason, the utility of natural compounds such as triterpenes to treat HCC is an interesting line of research. No clinical studies are reported in humans so far.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present work is to review the knowledge about the effects of triterpenes as a possible coadjuvant tool to treat HCC.

RESULTS

In vitro and xenograft models have pointed out the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects as well as improvements in tumor growth and development of many triterpenes. In addition, they have also shown to be chemosensitizing agents when co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents. The mechanisms of action are diverse and involve the participation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, including JNK, p38 MAPK and ERK, and the survival-associated PI3K / Akt signaling pathway. However, no clinical studies are still reported in humans.

CONCLUSION

Triterpenes could become a future strategy to address HCC or at least improve results when administered in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.

Notoginsenoside R1 induces DNA damage via PHF6 protein to inhibit cervical carcinoma cell proliferation

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a monomer of Traditional Chinese medicine, is from the Panax notoginsenoside complex, and has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of various types of cancer. However the mechanism underlying NGR1-mediated inhibition of cervical carcinoma cell proliferation remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of NGR1 on cervical carcinoma cell lines (CaSki and HeLa cells) in vitro. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and soft agar cell colony formation assay results revealed that NGR1 suppressed the viability and the number colonies of CaSki and HeLa cells, respectively. Furthermore, the DAPI staining, flow cytometry and western blotting results revealed that NGR1 induced cervical carcinoma cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the S phase, upregulation of cyclin A2 and CDK2 expression levels, and downregulation of cyclin D1 expression levels. To further investigate the mechanisms of NGR1, DNA-damage-related proteins, including H2A.X variant histone (H2AX), ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR) and p53, and the nucleolus protein, plant homeodomain finger protein 6 (PHF6) were analyzed. The results indicated that NGR1 triggered the phosphorylation of H2AX and ATR in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and downregulated the expression level of PHF6 and upregulated the expression level of p53 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the findings of the present indicated that NGR1 may inhibit the viability of cervical carcinoma cells and induce cell apoptosis via DNA damage, which may be activated by the downregulation of PHF6 expression levels, and the subsequent triggering of the phosphorylation of H2AX and ATR. In addition, NGR1 may exert an ability to arrest cervical carcinoma cells in the S phase and upregulate the expression levels of cyclin A2 and CDK2. Therefore, NGR1 may serve as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for cervical carcinoma.

Notoginsenoside R1 activates the Ang2/Tie2 pathway to promote angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic angiogenesis is a novel strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases that involves promotion of angiogenesis in ischemic tissues via the use of proangiogenic agents. However, effective proangiogenic drugs that activate the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway remain scarce.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the proangiogenic activity of notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) isolated from total saponins of Panax notoginseng with regard to activation of the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway.

METHODS

We examined the proangiogenic effects of NR1 by assessing the effects of NR1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The aortic ring assay and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor (VRI)-induced vascular regression in the zebrafish model were used to confirm the proangiogenic effects of NR1 ex vivo and in vivo. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism was investigated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that NR1 promoted the proliferation, mobility and tube formation of HUVECs in vitro. NR1 also increased the number of sprouting vessels in rat aortic rings and rescued VRI-induced vascular regression in zebrafish. NR1-induced angiogenesis was dependent on Tie2 receptor activation mediated by increased autocrine Ang2 in HUVECs, and inhibition of the Ang2/Tie2 pathway abrogated the proangiogenic effects of NR1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that NR1 promotes angiogenesis by activating the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway. Thus, NR1-induced activation of the Ang2/Tie2 pathway is an effective proangiogenic approach. NR1 may be useful agent for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

Notoginsenoside R1 counteracts mesenchymal stem cell-evoked oncogenesis and doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma cells by blocking IL-6 secretion-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling

Tumor microenvironment is a critical participant in the initiation, progression and drug resistance of carcinomas, including osteosarcoma. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a proverbial active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng (PN) and possess undeniable roles in several cancers. Nevertheless, its function in osteosarcoma and tumor microenvironment remains elusive. In the current study, exposure to NGR1 dose-dependently inhibited osteosarcoma cell viability and migration, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, osteosarcoma cells that were incubated with conditioned medium (CM) from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibited greater proliferation, migration capacity and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression relative to control cells, which was reversed when BMSCs were treated with NGR1. Notably, administration with NGR1 antagonized CM-evoked doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma cells by decreasing cell viability and increasing cell apoptosis and caspase-3/9 activity. Mechanically, NGR1 suppressed IL-6 secretion from BMSCs, as well as the subsequent activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, blocking the JAK2 pathway by its antagonist AG490 reversed CM-induced osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and doxorubicin resistance. Moreover, exogenous supplementation with IL-6 engendered not only the reactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling but also muted NGR1-mediated efficacy against osteosarcoma cell malignancy and doxorubicin resistance. Collectively, NGR1 may directly restrain osteosarcoma cell growth and migration, or indirectly antagonize MSC-evoked malignancy and drug resistance by interdicting IL-6 secretion-evoked activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Consequently, the current study may highlight a promising therapeutic strategy against osteosarcoma by regulating tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Focus on Notoginsenoside R1 in Metabolism and Prevention Against Human Diseases

Notoginsenoside (NG)-R1 is one of the main bioactive compounds from Panax notoginseng (PN) root, which is well known in the prescription for mediating the micro-circulatory hemostasis in human. In this article, we mainly discuss NG-R1 in metabolism and the biological activities, including cardiovascular protection, neuro-protection, anti-diabetes, liver protection, gastrointestinal protection, lung protection, bone metabolism regulation, renal protection, and anti-cancer. The metabolites produced by deglycosylation of NG-R1 exhibit higher permeability and bioavailability. It has been extensively verified that NG-R1 may ameliorate ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury in cardiovascular and neuronal systems mainly by upregulating the activity of estrogen receptor α-dependent phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways and downregulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, no specific targets for NG-R1 have been identified. Expectedly, NG-R1 has been used as a main bioactive compound in many Traditional Chinese Medicines clinically, such as Xuesaitong, Naodesheng, XueShuanTong, ShenMai, and QSYQ. These suggest that NG-R1 exhibits a significant potency in drug development.