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Li W, Yin Y, Li T, Wang Y, Shi W. Licochalcone A Protects Vaginal Epithelial Cells Against Candida albicans Infection Via the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s12275-024-00134-z. [PMID: 38819759 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00134-z] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of women worldwide. Licochalcone A (LA), a natural compound with diverse biological activities, holds promise as a protective agent against Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection. This study aims to investigate the potential of LA to safeguard vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) from C. albicans infection and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. To simulate VVC in vitro, VK2-E6E7 cells were infected with C. albicans. Candida albicans biofilm formation, C. albicans adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells, and C. albicans-induced cell damage and inflammatory responses were assessed by XTT reduction assay, fluorescence assay, LDH assay, and ELISA. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of LA on VK2-E6E7 cells. Western blotting assay was performed to detect protein expression. LA dose-dependently hindered C. albicans biofilm formation and adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, LA mitigated cell damage, inhibited the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in C. albicans-induced VK2-E6E7 cells. The investigation into LA's impact on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway revealed that LA downregulated TLR4 expression and inhibited NF-κB activation in C. albicans-infected VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, TLR4 overexpression partially abated LA-mediated protection, further highlighting the role of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. LA holds the potential to safeguard VECs against C. albicans infection, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for VVC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Yin
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Taoqiong Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyin Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Jiaxing Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing Women and Children's Hospital Wenzhou Medical University, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Li Y, Song C, Ke J, Zheng Y, Chen G, Li N. Licochalcone A promotes renewal of intestinal mucosa through modulating uc.173. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117044. [PMID: 37586439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117044] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice can nourish Pi (spleen) and thereby strengthening the digestive system according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Licorice has been generally used in the compound prescription to treat intestinal inflammatory disease. Licochalcone A (Lico A) is one of the characteristic molecules from licorice. T-UCRs, which are transcribed from ultraconserved regions, are a new class of long noncoding RNAs related to the renewal of intestinal epithelial renewal. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effect and the uc.173-related mechanism of Lico A on intestinal epithelial renewal. MATERIALS AND METHODS IE-6 and Caco-2 cells were used to evaluate the effect of Lico A on apoptosis, proliferation, and migration of IECs. The intestinal organoid was used to investigate ex vivo effect and mechanism of Lico A promoting intestinal organoid development. C57BL/6J mice (both normal and uc.173-deficient ones) were used to examine the in vivo effect of Lico A on the renewal of intestinal mucosa. RESULTS The expression of three T-UCRs related to the intestinal mucosa renewal was altered in Lico A-treated IECs. Lico A promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of IECs through uc.173/miR-195 pathway. The development of intestinal organoids and the renewal of intestinal mucosa of mice subjected to the 48-h FAST were all promoted by the treatment of Lico A. Moreover, the growth arrest of uc.173-deficient intestinal organoids and the atrophy of intestinal mucosa in uc.173-deficient mice could be rescued by the Lico A administration. CONCLUSION Results in this paper suggest that targeting T-UCRs may be the novel therapeutic approach for the promotion of epithelial regeneration, and through stimulating the regeneration of intestinal mucosa, Lico A may become a new therapeutic agent for the maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Yanwu Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Chunhui Song
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Junyu Ke
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yanqiu Zheng
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Ning Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Li Z, Li B, Chen Z, Xu J, El Sabbagh A, Zhao Y, Du R, Rong L, Tian J, Cui Q. Licochalcone A plays dual antiviral roles by inhibiting RSV and protecting against host damage. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29059. [PMID: 37635463 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29059] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes lower respiratory tract diseases and bronchiolitis in children and elderly individuals. There are no effective drugs currently available to treat RSV infection. In this study, we report that Licochalcone A (LCA) can inhibit RSV replication and mitigate RSV-induced cell damage in vitro, and that LCA exerts a protective effect by reducing the viral titer and inflammation in the lungs of infected mice in vivo. We suggest that the mechanism of action occurs through pathways of antioxidant stress and inflammation. Further mechanistic results demonstrate that LCA can induce nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation into the nucleus, activate heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and inhibit reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress. LCA also works to reverse the decrease in I-kappa-B-alpha (IкBα) levels caused by RSV, which in turn inhibits inflammation through the associated nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α signaling pathways. The combined action of the two cross-talking pathways protects hosts from RSV-induced damage. To conclude, our study is the first of its kind to establish evidence of LCA as a viable treatment for RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Baohong Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zinuo Chen
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinke Xu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Asma El Sabbagh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruikun Du
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jingzhen Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
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Cai M, Xu YC, Deng B, Chen JB, Chen TF, Zeng KF, Chen S, Deng SH, Tan ZB, Ding WJ, Zhang SW, Liu B, Zhang JZ. Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone a exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115869. [PMID: 36309116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115869] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix Glycyrrhizae (GL), a herbal medicine that is widely available, has shown advantages for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has been shown to play a key role in the progression of inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of TLR4 in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of GL extract and its active constituent on acute lung injury (ALI). MATERIALS AND METHODS A model of inflammation produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established in C57BL/6 mice and macrophages derived from THP-1. To screen the active components of GL, molecular docking was used. Molecular dynamics and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) were used to study the interaction of a specific drug with the TLR4-MD2 complex. TLR4 was overexpressed by adenovirus to confirm TLR4 involvement in the anti-inflammatory activities of GL and the chosen chemical. RESULTS We observed that GL extract significantly reduced both LPS-induced ALI and the production of pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, GL inhibited the binding of Alexa 488-labeled LPS (LPS-488) to the membrane of THP-1 derived macrophages. GL drastically reduce on the expression of TLR4 and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-B (NF-κB). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that Licochalcone A (LicoA) docked into the LPS binding site of TLR4-MD2 complex. MD2-LicoA binding conformation was found to be stable using molecular dynamic simulations. SPRi indicated that LicoA bound to TLR4-MD2 recombinant protein with a KD of 3.87 × 10-7 M. LicoA dose-dependently reduced LPS-488 binding to the cell membrane. LicoA was found to significantly inhibit LPS-induced lung damage and inflammation. Furthermore, LicoA inhibited TLR4 expression, MAPK and NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of GL and LicoA on LPS-induced inflammation and TLR4 signaling activation were partly eliminated by TLR4 overexpression. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that GL and LicoA exert inhibitory effects on inflammation by targeting the TLR4 directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China; Guangzhou Emergency Medical Command Center, Guangzhou, 510030, China.
| | - You-Cai Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Jun-Bang Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Ting-Fang Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Ke-Feng Zeng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Sui-Hui Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Zhang-Bin Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Ding
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Shuang-Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Jing-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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Cui H, Ren G, Hu X, Xu B, Li Y, Niu Z, Mu L. Suppression of lncRNA GAS6-AS2 alleviates sepsis-related acute kidney injury through regulating the miR-136-5p/OXSR1 axis in vitro and in vivo. Ren Fail 2022; 44:1070-1082. [PMID: 35793478 PMCID: PMC9272941 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2022.2092001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of sepsis and increase morbidity and mortality. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) GAS6-AS2 was related to inflammation and apoptosis in different diseases by regulating miRNAs and downstream genes, but its role in AKI remains unclear. Thus, we speculated that GAS6-AS2 might function in sepsis-related AKI via regulating target genes. Here, LPS or CLP was used to establish in vitro or in vivo sepsis-related AKI model. The interactions between GAS6-AS2 and miR-136-5p, and miR-136-5p and OXSR1, were validated by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, or RIP assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, Western blotting, or IHC. The kidney injury was evaluated by H&E staining. The expression of GAS6-AS2, miR-136-5p, and OXSR1 was determined by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. We found that GAS6-AS2 was up-regulated in LPS-treated HK2 cells and the CLP-induced rat model. In vitro, GAS6-AS2 knockdown decreased cleaved caspase-3 and bax expression and increased bcl-2 expression. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were reduced by GAS6-AS2 down-regulation. GAS6-AS2 knockdown ameliorated oxidative stress in the cells, as indicated by the reduced ROS and MDA levels and the elevated SOD level. In vivo, GAS6-AS2 down-regulation decreased urinary NGAL and Kim-1 levels and serum sCr and BUN levels, and H&E proved that the kidney injury was alleviated. GAS6-AS2 knockdown also reduced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidation induced by CLP in vivo. Mechanically, GAS6-AS2 sponged miR-136-5p which targeted OXSR1. Overall, lncRNA GAS6-AS2 knockdown has the potential to ameliorate sepsis-related AKI, and the mechanism is related to miR-136-5p/OXSR1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Guangwei Ren
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Xiuhong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Baozhen Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Zheli Niu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Liqin Mu
- Department of General Practice, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
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Prenylated Flavonoids in Topical Infections and Wound Healing. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144491. [PMID: 35889363 PMCID: PMC9323352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The review presents prenylated flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of topical skin infections and wounds, as they can restore the balance in the wound microenvironment. A thorough two-stage search of scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted, with independent assessment of results by two reviewers. The main criteria were an MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of up to 32 µg/mL, a microdilution/macrodilution broth method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) or EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), pathogens responsible for skin infections, and additional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and low cytotoxic effects. A total of 127 structurally diverse flavonoids showed promising antimicrobial activity against pathogens affecting wound healing, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus strains, but only artocarpin, diplacone, isobavachalcone, licochalcone A, sophoraflavanone G, and xanthohumol showed multiple activity, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory along with low cytotoxicity important for wound healing. Although prenylated flavonoids appear to be promising in wound therapy of humans, and also animals, their activity was measured only in vitro and in vivo. Future studies are, therefore, needed to establish rational dosing according to MIC and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values, test potential toxicity to human cells, measure healing kinetics, and consider formulation in smart drug release systems and/or delivery technologies to increase their bioavailability.
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Li MT, Xie L, Jiang HM, Huang Q, Tong RS, Li X, Xie X, Liu HM. Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:878776. [PMID: 35677438 PMCID: PMC9168596 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.878776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Mei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong-Sheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Wu Y, Wang Z, Du Q, Zhu Z, Chen T, Xue Y, Wang Y, Zeng Q, Shen C, Jiang C, Liu L, Zhu H, Liu Q. Pharmacological Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Licorice-Derived Flavonoids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:9523071. [PMID: 35082907 PMCID: PMC8786487 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9523071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most frequently prescribed natural medicine in China and has been used for more than 2,000 years. The flavonoids of licorice have garnered considerable attention in recent decades due to their structural diversity and myriad pharmacological effects, especially as novel therapeutic agents against inflammation and cancer. Although many articles have been published to summarize different pharmacological activities of licorice in recent years, the systematic summary for flavonoid components is not comprehensive. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pharmacological and mechanistic data from recent researches on licorice flavonoids and their bioactive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhuxian Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qunqun Du
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhaoming Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yaqi Xue
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Quanfu Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chunyan Shen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cuiping Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongxia Zhu
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Liu J, Zhu Z, Yang Y, Adu-Frimpong M, Chen L, Ji H, Toreniyazov E, Wang Q, Yu J, Xu X. Preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics, and antirenal injury activity studies of Licochalcone A-loaded liposomes. J Food Biochem 2021; 46:e14007. [PMID: 34811762 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A liposome of Licochalcone A (LCA-Liposomes) was purposively prepared to ameliorate the low in vivo availability and efficacy of LCA. Physical characterization of LCA-Liposomes was carried out mainly by determining particle size, morphology, zeta potential (Z-potential), and efficiency of LCA encapsulation (EE) via appropriate techniques. Also, the rate of LCA release in vitro and distribution in vivo (plasma and tissues) was evaluated. Evaluation of the antirenal activity of LCA-liposomes was carried out by establishing chronic renal failure (CRF) model in mice through intragastric administration of adenine (200 mg/kg) and subsequent determination of biochemical parameters and examination of tissue sections. Respectively, the mean size of liposomal particles, Z-potential and EE of LCA-Liposomes were 71.78 ± 0.99 nm, -38.49 ± 0.06 mV, and 97.67 ± 1.72%. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies showed that LCA-Liposomes could improve the availability of LCA in the blood and tissues, whereas during pharmacodynamics studies, the liposome effectively improved the therapeutic effect of LCA on CRF mice by potentially protecting the renal tissues while exhibiting antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LCA-Liposomes could effectively improve the bioavailability of LCA and provide platform for the development of LCA-related functional products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As a traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. LCA is a small molecule flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice. In this study, LCA was loaded on liposome carriers, which significantly improved the water solubility and oral bioavailability, and proved that LCA-Liposomes have certain therapeutic effects on chronic renal failure, thereby providing a basis for the development of LCA into drugs or functional food in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongan Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhang Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Adu-Frimpong
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Ji
- Jiangsu Tian Sheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Elmurat Toreniyazov
- Ashkent State Agricultural University (Nukus branch), Nukus, The Republic of Uzbekistan
| | - Qilong Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Centre for Nano Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China
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Li P, Yu C, Zeng FS, Fu X, Yuan XJ, Wang Q, Fan C, Sun BL, Sun QS. Licochalcone A Attenuates Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Rats by Inhibiting Microglia Activation and Inflammation. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1112-1118. [PMID: 33555527 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03244-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immune response plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Immune response-targeted therapy becomes an effective strategy for treating neuropathic pain. Licochalcone A (Lic-A) possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, the potential of Lic-A to attenuate neuropathic pain has not been well explored. To investigate the protective effect and evaluate the underlying mechanism of Lic-A against neuropathic pain in a rat model. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery was employed in rats to establish neuropathic pain model. Rats were intraperitoneally administrated with Lic-A (1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 mg/kg) twice daily. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were used to evaluate neuropathic pain. After administration, the lumbar spinal cord enlargement of rats was collected for ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency results showed that Lic-A significantly attenuated CCI-evoked neuropathic pain in dose-dependent manner. Lic-A administration also effectively blocked microglia activation. Moreover, Lic-A suppressed p38 phosphorylation and the release of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6. Our findings provide evidence that Lic-A may have the potential to attenuate CCI-evoked neuropathic pain in rats by inhibiting microglia activation and inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247, Beiyuan Avenue, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China
- Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Fan-Shuo Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247, Beiyuan Avenue, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Fu
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2, Yingsheng East Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Yuan
- Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Cundong Fan
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2, Yingsheng East Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Bao-Liang Sun
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2, Yingsheng East Road, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China.
| | - Qiang-San Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247, Beiyuan Avenue, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China.
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11
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Thapa P, Upadhyay SP, Suo WZ, Singh V, Gurung P, Lee ES, Sharma R, Sharma M. Chalcone and its analogs: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications in Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2021; 108:104681. [PMID: 33571811 PMCID: PMC7928223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chalcone [(E)-1,3-diphenyl-2-propene-1-one], a small molecule with α, β unsaturated carbonyl group is a precursor or component of many natural flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It is one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. It possesses a wide range of biological activities encouraging many medicinal chemists to study this scaffold for its usefulness to oncology, infectious diseases, virology and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecular size, convenient and cost-effective synthesis, and flexibility for modifications to modulate lipophilicity suitable for blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability make chalcones a preferred candidate for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential in AD. This review summarizes and highlights the importance of chalcone and its analogs as single target small therapeutic agents, multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) as well as molecular imaging agents for AD. The information summarized here will guide many medicinal chemist and researchers involved in drug discovery to consider chalcone as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-AD agents including theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Thapa
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA.
| | - Sunil P Upadhyay
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - William Z Suo
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease & Aging Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Vikas Singh
- Division of Neurology, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Prajwal Gurung
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Eung Seok Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Ram Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
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12
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Synthetic methods and biological applications of retrochalcones isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza species: A review. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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13
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Li X, Zhang W, Li P, Lu G. The protective effect and mechanism of lentinan on acute kidney injury in septic rats. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:883. [PMID: 32793727 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of lentinan (LNT) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic rats. METHODS A total 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 12 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, all groups, including the burn sepsis group (BS group), the positive drug control group (dexamethasone, 5 mg/kg, PC group), the LNT low-concentration group (LNT-L group) (50 mg/kg), the LNT medium-concentration group (LNT-M group) (100 mg/kg), and the LNT high-concentration group (LNT-H group) (200 mg/kg), were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of normal saline 30 min before injury. The levels of serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); the indexes of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr); and the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in renal tissue were detected 24 hours after the model was established. RESULTS Compared with the sham group, the BUN and Cr of the other groups were significantly higher, while those of the LNT group with different concentrations were significantly lower than those of the BS group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham group, the protein expression levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and ICAM-1 along with the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased, while the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 were obviously lower in the BS group. Compared with the BS group, the protein expression levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and ICAM-1 along with the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly decreased, while the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 were obviously increased in the LNT group with different concentrations.. CONCLUSIONS LNT has a certain protective effect on AKI in septic rats, and its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which suppresses the expression of proinflammatory factors in turn, thus promoting the release of anti-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Wanfen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Guoyuan Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Maria Pia GD, Sara F, Mario F, Lorenza S. Biological Effects of Licochalcones. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:647-656. [PMID: 30049263 DOI: 10.2174/1389557518666180601095420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants and their natural bioactive molecules, are evaluated as the foundation for health preservation and care of humanity. The licorice root, known as "Radix Glycyrrhizae", is a perennial plant that comes from Mediterranean countries, central to southern Russia, Asia, Turkey, Iraq and Iran. The licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries and has been defined as "the progenitor of herbs". The name 'Licorice' is derived from the ancient Greek word Glukurrhiza, meaning 'sweet root'. It consists of approximately 30 species, however, the most common ones consist of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Glycyrrhiza Inflata. In addition, the licorice root contains chalcones, which are a part of an important class of natural products and are precursors of flavonoids. Chemically, chalcones are composed of two aromatic rings associated with α, β-unsaturated α-carbon ketone, representing the prima nucleus of the structure. They have been classified, according to chemical structures, in Licochalcone A, B, C, D, E, F and G. This review aims to highlight all the in vitro and in vivo studies that have been conducted on the licochalcones, extracted from Glycyrrhiza species. The main effects are as follows: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiallergic, antidiabetic, hepatotoxic and osteogenic. It is important to implement the introduction of biologically active natural molecules from the bench (research) to the bedside (clinical practice). However, in the future, it is required to conduct additional studies to validate these biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gatta Daniela Maria Pia
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Franceschelli Sara
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Felaco Mario
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Speranza Lorenza
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti 66100, Italy
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15
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Zhou Y, Xu W, Zhu H. CXCL8 (3-72) K11R/G31P protects against sepsis-induced acute kidney injury via NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Biol Res 2019; 52:29. [PMID: 31084615 PMCID: PMC6513525 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute kidney injury (AKI), which is mainly caused by sepsis, has high morbidity and mortality rates. CXCL8(3–72) K11R/G31P (G31P) can exert therapeutic effect on inflammatory diseases and malignancies. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of G31P on septic AKI. Methods An AKI mouse model was established, and kidney injury was assessed by histological analysis. The contents of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured by commercial kits, whereas neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The expressions of CXCL8 in serum and kidney tissues were determined using ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Apoptosis rate of renal tissue was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transfer-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The apoptosis-related proteins, JAK2, STAT3, NF-κB and IκB were determined by Western blot. Results G31P could reduce the levels of SCr, BUN, HGAL and KIM-1 and inhibit the renal tissue injury in AKI mice. G31P was also found to suppress the serum and nephric CXCL8 expressions and attenuated the apoptosis rate. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, pro-apoptotic proteins were decreased, while the anti-apoptotic proteins were increased by G31P in AKI mice. G31P also inhibited the activation of JAK2, STAT3 and NF-κB in AKI mice. Conclusion These results suggest that G31P could protect renal function and attenuate the septic AKI. Our findings provide a potential target for the treatment of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Zhou
- Department of Intensive Medicine, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenda Xu
- Department of Intensive Medicine, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Ruian People's Hospital, No. 108 Wansong Road, Yuhai Street, Ruian, Wenzhou, 325200, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Lu WJ, Wu GJ, Chen RJ, Chang CC, Lien LM, Chiu CC, Tseng MF, Huang LT, Lin KH. Licochalcone A attenuates glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo through cell cycle arrest. Food Funct 2018; 9:4500-4507. [PMID: 30083664 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo00728d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LA), an active ingredient of licorice, has multiple biological activities, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Although LA exerts antitumor effects in various cancer cells, its role in gliomas remains unclear. Therefore, this study determined whether LA inhibits glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The present data revealed that LA effectively inhibited the growth of U87 glioma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases; cell cycle arrest was attributed to the LA-mediated reduction of mRNA and protein levels of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. Moreover, subcutaneous (flank) and orthotopic (brain) tumor models were used to determine the role of LA in gliomas. LA significantly alleviated tumor growth in both models. These findings indicate that LA exerts antitumor effects in gliomas in vitro and in vivo and that it is a potential agent for treating glioblastoma multiforme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Jung Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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17
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Yang G, Lee HE, Yeon SH, Kang HC, Cho YY, Lee HS, Zouboulis CC, Han SH, Lee JH, Lee JY. Licochalcone A attenuates acne symptoms mediated by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Phytother Res 2018; 32:2551-2559. [PMID: 30281174 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is critical for inducing inflammation and aggravating the development of acne lesions. We searched for available small-molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome that could be topically administered for the treatment of acne. We found that licochalcone A, a chalconoid isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflate, was an effective inhibitor for P. acnes-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Licochalcone A blocked P. acnes-induced production of caspase-1(p10) and IL-1β in primary mouse macrophages and human SZ95 sebocytes, indicating the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Licochalcone A suppressed P. acnes-induced ASC speck formation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Topical application of licochalcone A to mouse ear skin attenuated P. acnes-induced skin inflammation as shown by histological assessment, ear thickness measurement, and inflammatory gene expression. Licochalcone A reduced caspase-1 activity and IL-1β production in mouse ear injected with P. acnes. This study demonstrated that licochalcone A is effective in the control of P. acnes-induced skin inflammation as an efficient inhibitor for NLRP3 inflammasome. Our study provides a new paradigm for the development of anti-acne therapy via targeting NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabsik Yang
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hye Eun Lee
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Sang Hyeon Yeon
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Han Chang Kang
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Christos C Zouboulis
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology, and Immunology, Dessau Medical Center, Brandenburg Medical School Theodore Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Sin-Hee Han
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumsung, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumsung, Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- BK21plus team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
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18
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Mohamed AF, Safar MM, Zaki HF, Sayed HM. Telluric Acid Ameliorates Endotoxemic Kidney Injury in Mice: Involvement of TLR4, Nrf2, and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways. Inflammation 2018; 40:1742-1752. [PMID: 28685413 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-017-0617-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Being one of the most abundant trace elements in the human body, the therapeutic potential of tellurium-based compounds has been a target of interest. Recent reports denoted their redox-modulating and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental endotoxemia. However, their potential nephroprotective effect against endotoxemic kidney injury is yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the possible renoprotective effect of telluric acid (TEL) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice, targeting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathways as possible mechanistic contributors to TEL's effect. AKI was induced by LPS (2 mg/kg). TEL (60 μg/kg; i.p.) was administered once daily for seven consecutive days before LPS injection. Pretreatment with TEL alleviated LPS-induced AKI as evidenced by the hampered serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C. TEL also opposed LPS-induced elevation in renal kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, nuclear factor-kappa B p65, interleukin-1β, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance contents. This was accompanied by a replenishment of renal glutathione, transcriptional upregulation of Nrf2, enhancement of heme oxygenase-1 activity, and a marked upregulation of phospho-PI3K and phospho-Akt protein expressions. Histopathological findings corroborated with the amendment of biochemical parameters. In view of these findings, we may conclude that TEL pretreatment purveyed novel nephroprotective effects against endotoxemic kidney injury, which might be partly attributed to the modulation of TLR4, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2 signaling pathways and may hence provide a valuable asset for the management of endotoxemic renal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Suez Desert Road, P.O. Box 43, El Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Helmy M Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Yang F, Su X, Pi J, Liao K, Zhou H, Sun Y, Liu J, Guo X, Jiang J, Jin H, Cai J, Li T, Liu L. Atomic force microscopy technique used for assessment of the anti-arthritic effect of licochalcone A via suppressing NF-κB activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:1592-1601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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20
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Hu L, Chen C, Zhang J, Wu K, Zhang X, Liu H, Hou J. IL-35 Pretreatment Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation. Inflammation 2018; 40:1393-1400. [PMID: 28497278 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-017-0582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a public health problem with high mortality. Suppression of over-active inflammation is considered as a promising strategy for septic AKI. In this study, we evaluated the prophylactic effect of interleukin (IL)-35, the unique immune-suppressive member of IL-12 cytokine family, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in mice, and found that compared with control mice given empty vector, mice pretreated with plasmid encoding IL-35 (pIL-35) significantly improved renal function indicated by reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr), and obviously alleviated renal pathological changes. To explore the underlying protective mechanisms, we found that pIL-35 treatment could robustly reduce the production of renal pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), with no significant impact on IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Furthermore, our results revealed that IL-35 pretreatment could potentially inhibit the activation of renal NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced AKI mice. Taken together, our study indicated that IL-35 pretreatment could efficiently prevent LPS-induced AKI via inhibiting NF-κB activation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and it might represent a novel therapeutic strategy against septic AKI and other inflammatory renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkun Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Rd, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Rd, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Rd, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Kerong Wu
- Center of Uro-nephrological Disease, Ningbo First Hospital, NO. 59 Liuting Avenue, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Rd, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Rd, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China.
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Chen X, Cai X, Le R, Zhang M, Gu X, Shen F, Hong G, Chen Z. Isoliquiritigenin protects against sepsis-induced lung and liver injury by reducing inflammatory responses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 496:245-252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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Liu B, Ding F, Hu D, Zhou Y, Long C, Shen L, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Wei G. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates renal fibrosis by reducing inflammation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:7. [PMID: 29329595 PMCID: PMC5767037 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0760-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Renal fibrosis is characterized by infiltration of interstitial inflammatory cells and release of inflammatory mediators, activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, and deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC) conditioned medium (CM) on renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Methods Renal interstitial fibrosis was prepared in vivo using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Rats were divided randomly into Sham group, Sham group with CM, UUO group, and UUO group with CM. The effect of hucMSC-CM on kidney injury induced by UUO was assessed by detecting kidney histopathology, serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum and kidney tissues were detected by ELISA. The expression of proteins associated with fibrosis and renal inflammation was investigated using immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The effects of hucMSC-CM on the TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and on inflammation in NRK-52E cells were investigated by immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, and western blotting. Results hucMSC-CM reduced extracellular matrix deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as release of inflammatory factors in UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Furthermore, hucMSC-CM markedly attenuated the EMT process and proinflammatory cytokines in rats with UUO and TGF-β1-induced NRK-52E cells. hucMSC-CM also inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions Our results suggest that hucMSC-CM has protective effects against UUO-induced renal fibrosis and that hucMSC-CM exhibits its anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0760-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Fengxia Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2 RD, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Dong Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Deying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
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Liu X, Ma Y, Wei X, Fan T. Neuroprotective effect of licochalcone A against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in rat primary cortical neurons by attenuating oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:3210-3219. [PMID: 29105819 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of neonatal death and neurological disability. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are typical pathogenic factors of HIE. Licochalcone A (LCA) exerts various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, no data have been reported to elucidate the role of LCA in the development of HIE. In the present study, primary cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro to simulate the in vivo situation of neonatal HIE. Interestingly, LCA significantly antagonized cell injury under OGD/R by increasing cell survival, inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with LCA suppressed oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in primary rat cortical neurons after OGD/R. LCA stimulation also restrained OGD/R-triggered increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Importantly, LCA treatment effectively counteracts OGD/R-mediated downregulation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). Moreover, administration with SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 partly abolished LCA-induced neuroprotective effects on rat cortical neurons exposed to OGD/R. In conclusion, our study indicates that LCA exerts a neuroprotective effect against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury in rat primary cortical neurons, suggesting that LCA might act as a candidate therapeutic target drug used for HIE and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Neonatology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Neonatology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaodi Wei
- Department of Neonatology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Fan
- Department of Neonatology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Licochalcone A Prevents the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons by Inhibiting Microglial Activation in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Parkinson's Disease Models. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102043. [PMID: 28937602 PMCID: PMC5666725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroprotective effects of Licochalcone A (Lico.A), a flavonoid isolated from the herb licorice, in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not been elucidated. The prominent pathological feature of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons. The crucial role of neuroinflammation induced by activated microglia in dopaminergic neurodegeneration has been validated. In this study, we explore the therapeutic effects of Lico.A in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD models in vivo and in vitro. We find that Lico.A significantly inhibits LPS-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory mediators and microglial activation by blocking the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 in BV-2 cells. In addition, through cultured primary mesencephalic neuron-glia cell experiments, we illustrate that Lico.A attenuates the decrease in [³H] dopamine (DA) uptake and the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons in LPS-induced PD models in vitro. Furthermore, LPS intoxication in rats results in microglial activation, dopaminergic neurodegeneration and significant behavioral deficits in vivo. Lico.A treatment prevents microglial activation and reduction of dopaminergic neuron and ameliorates PD-like behavioral impairments. Thus, these results demonstrate for the first time that the neuroprotective effects of Lico.A are associated with microglia and anti-inflammatory effects in PD models.
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Jia T, Qiao J, Guan D, Chen T. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Licochalcone A on IL-1β-Stimulated Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes. Inflammation 2017; 40:1894-1902. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-017-0630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lien LM, Lin KH, Huang LT, Tseng MF, Chiu HC, Chen RJ, Lu WJ. Licochalcone A Prevents Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation through the Inhibition of PLCγ2-PKC, Akt, and MAPK Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071500. [PMID: 28704925 PMCID: PMC5535990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet activation is involved in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. Licochalcone A (LA), an active ingredient of licorice, exhibits multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. However, its role in platelet activation remains unclear. Therefore, the study investigated the antiplatelet mechanism of LA. Our data revealed that LA (2-10 μM) concentration dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not thrombin and U46619. LA markedly attenuated collagen-stimulated ATP release, P-selectin secretion, calcium mobilization, and GPIIbIIIa activation, but did not interfere with the collagen binding to platelets. Moreover, LA significantly reduced the activation of PLCγ2, PKC, Akt and MAPKs. Thus, LA attenuates platelet activation, possibly by inhibiting collagen receptor downstream signaling but not by blocking the collagen receptors. In addition, LA prevented adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced acute pulmonary thrombosis, fluorescein sodium-induced platelet thrombus formation, and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced brain injury in mice, but did not affect normal hemostasis. This study demonstrated that LA effectively reduced platelet activation and thrombus formation, in part, through the inhibition of PLCγ2-PKC, Akt, and MAPK pathways, without the side effect of bleeding. These findings also indicate that LA may provide a safe and alternative therapeutic approach for preventing thromboembolic disorders such as stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Lien
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hung Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
- Central Laboratory, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Ting Huang
- Department of Medical Research and Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Fang Tseng
- Department of Medical Research and Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Hou-Chang Chiu
- Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei 242, Taiwan.
| | - Ray-Jade Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research and Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Jung Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research and Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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Ye HY, Jin J, Jin LW, Chen Y, Zhou ZH, Li ZY. Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signal Pathway. Inflammation 2017; 40:523-529. [PMID: 28028753 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-016-0498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound, exists widely in medicinal herbs, which has been shown a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanism of CGA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Treatment of CGA successfully ameliorates LPS-induced renal function and pathological damage. Moreover, CGA dose-dependently suppressed LPS-induced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine levels, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum and tissue. The relative proteins' expression of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway was assessed by western blot analysis. Our results showed that CGA dose-dependently attenuated LPS-induced kidney histopathologic changes, serum BUN, and creatinine levels. CGA also suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production both in serum and kidney tissues. Furthermore, our results showed that CGA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and IκB as well as the expression of TLR4 signal. In conclusion, our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of CGA in LPS-induced AKI mice through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yang Ye
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ling-Wei Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhan-Yuan Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Roberts LS, Yan P, Bateman LA, Nomura DK. Mapping Novel Metabolic Nodes Targeted by Anti-Cancer Drugs that Impair Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Pathogenicity. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1133-1140. [PMID: 28248089 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 receptor-negative subtypes of breast cancers that show the worst prognoses and lack targeted therapies. Here, we have coupled the screening of ∼400 anticancer agents that are under development or in the clinic with chemoproteomic and metabolomic profiling to identify novel metabolic mechanisms for agents that impair TNBC pathogenicity. We identify 20 anticancer compounds that significantly impaired cell survival across multiple types of TNBC cells. Among these 20 leads, the phytoestrogenic natural product licochalcone A was of interest, since TNBCs are unresponsive to estrogenic therapies, indicating that licochalcone A was likely acting through another target. Using chemoproteomic profiling approaches, we reveal that licochalcone A impairs TNBC pathogenicity, not through modulating estrogen receptor activity but rather through inhibiting prostaglandin reductase 1, a metabolic enzyme involved in leukotriene B4 inactivation. We also more broadly performed metabolomic profiling to map additional metabolic mechanisms of compounds that impair TNBC pathogenicity. Overlaying lipidomic profiling with drug responses, we find that deubiquitinase inhibitors cause dramatic elevations in acyl carnitine levels, which impair mitochondrial respiration and contribute to TNBC pathogenic impairments. We thus put forth two unique metabolic nodes that are targeted by drugs or drug candidates that impair TNBC pathogenicity. Our results also showcase the utility of coupling drug screens with chemoproteomic and metabolomic profiling to uncover unique metabolic drivers of TNBC pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S. Roberts
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular and
Cell Biology, and Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, 127 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Peter Yan
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular and
Cell Biology, and Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, 127 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Leslie A. Bateman
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular and
Cell Biology, and Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, 127 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Daniel K. Nomura
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular and
Cell Biology, and Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, 127 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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