Paeonol attenuates aging MRC-5 cells and inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition of premalignant HaCaT cells induced by aging MRC-5 cell-conditioned medium

A Comprehensive Review of Stem Cell Conditioned Media Role for Anti-Aging on Skin

Various studies have been widely conducted on conditioned medium for the development of anti-aging preparations, including the utilization of stem cells, which present a promising alternative solution. This narrative review aims to understand the latest developments in various conditioned medium stem cell applications for anti-aging on the skin. A search of the Scopus database yielded publications of interest. The research focused on articles published without restrictions on the year. After finding 68 articles in the search results, they moved on to the checking phase. Upon comprehensive literature review, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria, while 45 articles were deemed ineligible for participation in this research. The results of the review indicate that conditioned medium from various stem cells has demonstrated success in reducing risk factors for skin aging, as proven in various tests. The successful reduction of the risk of skin aging has been established in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. Given the numerous studies on the progress of exploring and utilizing conditioned medium, it is expected to provide a solution to the problem of skin aging.

Paeonol promotes longevity and fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans through activating the DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf2 transcription factors

Paeonol, as one of the most abundant plant-derived polyphenols, has multiple bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the anti-aging effects and related mechanisms of paeonol are rarely reported. In this study, we found that paeonol significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) by 28.49% at a dose of 200 μM. Moreover, paeonol promoted the health of C. elegans by increasing the body bending and pharyngeal pumping rates and reducing the lipofuscin accumulation level. Meanwhile, paeonol induced the expression of stress-related genes or proteins by activating the transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2, and HSF-1, which in turn enhanced oxidative and thermal stress tolerance. The mechanism behind the anti-aging effect of paeonol occurred by down-regulating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. Our findings shed new light on the application of paeonol for longevity promotion and human health.

TGF-β in correlation with tumor progression, immunosuppression and targeted therapy in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy responsible for the second-highest cancer deaths worldwide. TGF-β maintains normal cellular homeostasis by inhibiting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, but its elevated level is correlated with colorectal cancer progression, as TGF-β is a master regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a critical step of metastasis. Tumors, including CRC, use elevated TGF-β levels to avoid immune surveillance by modulating immune cell differentiation, proliferation, and effector function. Presently, the treatment of advanced CRC is mainly based on chemotherapy, with multiple adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to develop alternate tactics because CRC continue to be mostly resistant to the present therapeutic regimen. TGF-β blockade has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Blocking TGF-β with phytochemicals and other molecules, such as antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, and bifunctional traps, alone or in combination, may be a safer and more effective way to treat CRC. Furthermore, combination immunotherapy comprising TGF-β blockers and immune checkpoint inhibitors is gaining popularity because both molecules work synergistically to suppress the immune system. Here, we summarize the current understanding of TGF-β as a therapeutic target for managing CRC and its context-dependent tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing nature.

Paeonol repurposing for cancer therapy: From mechanism to clinical translation

Paeonol (PAE) is a natural phenolic monomer isolated from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa that has been widely used in the clinical treatment of some inflammatory-related diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Much preclinical evidence has demonstrated that PAE not only exhibits a broad spectrum of anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and migration and inducing cell apoptosis and cycle arrest through multiple molecular pathways, but also shows excellent performance in improving cancer drug sensitivity, reversing chemoresistance and reducing the toxic side effects of anticancer drugs. However, studies indicate that PAE has the characteristics of poor stability, low bioavailability and short half-life, which makes the effective dose of PAE in many cancers usually high and greatly limits its clinical translation. Fortunately, nanomaterials and derivatives are being developed to ameliorate PAE's shortcomings. This review aims to systematically cover the anticancer advances of PAE in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, nano delivery systems and derivatives, to provide researchers with the latest and comprehensive information, and to point out the limitations of current studies and areas that need to be strengthened in future studies. We believe this work will be beneficial for further exploration and repurposing of this natural compound as a new clinical anticancer drug.

Manuka Honey/2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Gelatin Hybrid Hydrogel Scaffolds for Potential Tissue Regeneration

Scaffolding biomaterials are gaining great importance due to their beneficial properties for medical purposes. Targeted biomaterial engineering strategies through the synergy of different material types can be applied to design hybrid scaffolding biomaterials with advantageous properties for biomedical applications. In our research, a novel combination of the bioactive agent Manuka honey (MHo) with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/gelatin (HG) hydrogel scaffolds was created as an efficient bioactive platform for biomedical applications. The effects of Manuka honey content on structural characteristics, porosity, swelling performance, in vitro degradation, and in vitro biocompatibility (fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines) of hybrid hydrogel scaffolds were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the gravimetric method, and in vitro MTT biocompatibility assays. The engineered hybrid hydrogel scaffolds show advantageous properties, including porosity in the range of 71.25% to 90.09%, specific pH- and temperature-dependent swelling performance, and convenient absorption capacity. In vitro degradation studies showed scaffold degradability ranging from 6.27% to 27.18% for four weeks. In vitro biocompatibility assays on healthy human fibroblast (MRC5 cells) and keratinocyte (HaCaT cells) cell lines by MTT tests showed that cell viability depends on the Manuka honey content loaded in the HG hydrogel scaffolds. A sample containing the highest Manuka honey content (30%) exhibited the best biocompatible properties. The obtained results reveal that the synergy of the bioactive agent, Manuka honey, with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/gelatin as hybrid hydrogel scaffolds has potential for biomedical purposes. By tuning the Manuka honey content in HG hydrogel scaffolds advantageous properties of hybrid scaffolds can be achieved for biomedical applications.

Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy

Of the human organs, skin is the most visible one that displays the manifestations of ageing. It has a very intricate microanatomical structure and performs several key physiological functions. The pathophysiology of cutaneous ageing is characterized by deterioration of structural stability and functional integrity, implying a continuous reduction in maximal function and reserve capacity, as a result of the accumulating damage due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Elimination of unfavorable expressions associated with facial and cutaneous ageing is the key patient demand in aesthetic dermatology. Even though the progress has been made in nonsurgical therapies like fillers and lasers, non-invasive interventions by using skin care products designed for rejuvenation at an early stage are the most popular and accessible solution among people. In this review, we have scrutinized the ageing-associated cutaneous changes at molecular, cellular and tissue levels. To optimize the ageing process towards a healthy skin, we propose an integrated, multilayer-targeted intervention, which involves both topical application of anti-ageing formulations from outside and oral supplementation from inside. Additionally, several promising naturally derived ingredients are reviewed from an anti-aging perspective. Most of them possess various bioactivities and may contribute to the development of the mentioned anti-ageing remedy.

A cuproptosis and copper metabolism–related gene prognostic index for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic value of cuproptosis and copper metabolism–related genes, to clarify their molecular and immunological characteristics, and to elucidate their benefits in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

The details of human cuproptosis and copper metabolism–related genes were searched and filtered from the msigdb database and the latest literature. To identify prognostic genes associated with cuproptosis and copper metabolism, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and this coefficient was used to set up a prognostic risk score model. HNSCC samples were divided into two groups according to the median risk. Afterwards, the function and immune characteristics of these genes in HNSCC were analyzed.

Results

The 14-gene signature was constructed to classify HNSCC patients into low-risk and high-risk groups according to the risk level. In the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, the overall survival (OS) rate of the high-risk group was lower than that of the low-risk group (P < 0.0001). The area under the curve of the time-dependent Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve assessed the good performance of the genetic signature in predicting OS and showed similar performance in the external validation cohort. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment assays and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) protein networks have been used to explore signaling pathways and potential mechanisms that were markedly active in patients with HNSCC. Furthermore, the 14 cuproptosis and copper metabolism-related genes were significantly correlated with the immune microenvironment, suggesting that these genes may be linked with the immune regulation and development of HNSCC.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the significance of cuproptosis and copper metabolism as a predictive biomarker for HNSCC, and its expression levels seem to be correlated with immune- related features; thus, they may be a possible biomarker for HNSCC prognosis.

Gene set enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis to identify biomarkers in Sheng-ji Hua-yu formula treated diabetic ulcers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sheng-ji Hua-yu (SJHY) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription for diabetic ulcers (DUs) treatment, which can accelerate wound reconstruction and shorten the healing time. However, its mechanism role maintains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SJHY application on DUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To begin with, transcriptome sequencing was adopted to identified differentially expression mRNAs among normal ulcers, DUs, and DUs + SJHY treatment in vivo. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was applied for the quality control of SJHY formula. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to identify the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of SJHY formula, and then gene set enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis were conducted for functional analysis. Further, qPCR detection was performed in vivo for validation.

RESULTS

SJHY administration could regulate the glucose metabolic process, AMPK and HIF-1 pathway to accelerate healing processes of DUs. Besides, CRHR1, SHH, and GAL were identified as the critical targets, and SLC6A3, GRP, FGF23, and CYP27B1 were considered as the upstream genes of SJHY treatment. Combined with animal experiments, the prediction results were validated in DUs mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study used modular pharmacology analysis to identify the biomarkers of SJHY formula and provide the potential therapeutic targets for DUs treatment as well.

Senescent cells in cancer therapy: why and how to remove them

Cellular senescence is a stress response that imposes a growth arrest on cancer and nonmalignant cells during cancer therapy. By secreting a plethora of proinflammatory factors collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), therapy-induced senescent cells can promote tumorigenesis. Moreover, the SASP from senescent cells is also able to drive therapy resistance and mediate many adverse effects of cancer therapy. Because senescent cell production often occurs during cancer therapy, it is important to carefully consider these potential detrimental effects. Senotherapy, which refers to selective removal of senescent cells, has been proposed as a promising adjuvant approach to eliminate the adverse effects of senescent cells. Thus, in this review we summarize in detail the mechanisms by which senescent cells contribute to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. Also, we thoroughly discuss the potential strategies regarding how to effectively circumvent the undesirable effects of therapy-induced senescent cells.

Chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and recent novel drug delivery systems of paeonol

Paeonol is a bioactive phenol present in Dioscorea japonica, Paeonia suffruticosa and Paeonia lactiflora. It is reported for various pharmacological activities.

AIM

To review chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities as well as various formulations of paeonol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was done using different search terms for paeonol by using different scientific databases like PubMed, Scopus and ProQuest. Scientific papers published during the period 1969 to 2019 were comprehensively reviewed.

KEY FINDINGS

Researchers have synthesized methoxy, ethoxy, piperazine, chromonylthiazolidine, phenol-phenylsulfonyl, alkyl ether, aminothiazole, tryptamine hybrids and paeononlsilatie derivatives to enhance the stability of paeonol. These derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro series of biological activities like anti-inflammatory, tyrosinase inhibitory, neuroprotective, anticancer and antiviral activity. Regardless of valuable therapeutic potential, the clinical use of paeonol is restricted due to poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, low stability and high volatility at room temperature. To enhance the bioavailability of paeonol various formulations are prepared and evaluated for its activity. Paeonol formulations can be categorized as conventional-tablets, topical gel and hydrogel; polymeric delivery system-microparticles, microsponges, dendrimers, nanocapsules, polymeric nanoparticles, nanospheres; lipid-based delivery systems-microemulsion, self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery, liposome, transethosomes, ethosomes, niosomes, proniosomes, lipid-based nanoparticles and nanoemulsion of paeonol.

SIGNIFICANCE

Paeonol has a potential to be developed as a techno-commercial product with respect to its multi-faceted pharmacological properties. Even though in vitro and in vivo studies have been reported the important activities of paeonol, its commercial utilization requires extensive safety and efficacy data.

Investigation on the Preparation, Characteristics, and Controlled Release Model of Paeonol-Loaded Liposome in Carbomer Hydrogel

OBJECTIVE

Paeonol is a phenolic compounce that is volatile. In order to decrease its volatility and achieve controlled release, paeonol-loaded liposome in carbomer hydrogel was prepared by coating with soybean phospholipid via ethanol injection method and then added into the carbomer hydrogel.

METHODS

The quality of paeonol-loaded liposome in carbomer hydrogel was evaluated by the degree of roundness, particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (filtration method and chitosan neutralization method), viscosity, infrared spectrum, etc. Furthermore, the diffusion from paeonolloaded liposome in hydrogel was studied in vitro.

RESULTS

The results showed that the average particle size of paeonol-loaded liposome was about 401 nm, the potential was -17.8 mV, and the entrapment efficiency was above 45%. The viscosity of paeonol- loaded liposome in hydrogel was 23.972×10-3 Pa*s, and the diffusion rate from paeonol-loaded liposome in hydrogel in vitro was obviously slower than that from the other paeonol preparations.

CONCLUSION

The conclusions could be drawn that paeonol-loaded liposome in hydrogel was a kind of novel preparation, and its diffusion in vitro had obvious controlled-release characteristics, which further proved that it might improve the bioavailability of paeonol.

Reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipids

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in the progression of malignant cancer. Therefore, blocking the EMT can be a critical fast track for the development of anticancer drugs. In this paper, we update recent research output of EMT and we explore suppression of EMT by natural anti-inflammatory compounds and pro-resolving lipids.

SNAI1 interacts with HDAC1 to control TGF‑β2‑induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cells

The opacity of the lens capsule after cataract surgery is caused by epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells. Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) is a transcriptional repressor that recruits multiple chromatin enzymes including lysine‑specific histone demethylase 1A, histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1/2, polycomb repressive complex 2, euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 and suppressor of variegation 3‑9 homolog 1 to the E‑cadherin promoter, thereby suppressing E‑cadherin expression. However, the functional relationship between SNAI1 and HDAC in the induction of EMT in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) is still unclear. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the possible functional relationship between SNAI1 and HDAC1 in the induction of EMT in HLECs. In the present study, SNAI1 was found to be increased in HLECs during transforming growth factor‑β2 (TGF‑β2)‑induced EMT. Knockdown of SNAI1 by siRNA reversed TGF‑β2‑induced downregulation of E‑cadherin and upregulation of α‑Smooth Muscle Actin. Furthermore, SNAI1 was found to be associated with HDAC1 in the E‑cadherin promoter in TGF‑β2‑treated HLECs. Inhibition of HDAC by trichostatin A and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid could prevent TGF‑β2‑induced EMT in HLECs. Collectively, SNAI1 interacted with HDAC1 to repress E‑cadherin in the TGF‑β2‑induced EMT in HLECs, suggesting that HDAC inhibitors may have potential therapeutic value for the prevention of EMT in HLECs.

Natural Plants Compounds as Modulators of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a self-regulated physiological process required for tissue repair that, in non-controled conditions may lead to fibrosis, angiogenesis, loss of normal organ function or cancer. Although several molecular pathways involved in EMT regulation have been described, this process does not have any specific treatment. This article introduces a systematic review of effective natural plant compounds and their extract that modulates the pathological EMT or its deleterious effects, through acting on different cellular signal transduction pathways both in vivo and in vitro. Thereby, cryptotanshinone, resveratrol, oxymatrine, ligustrazine, osthole, codonolactone, betanin, tannic acid, gentiopicroside, curcumin, genistein, paeoniflorin, gambogic acid and Cinnamomum cassia extracts inhibit EMT acting on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads signaling pathways. Gedunin, carnosol, celastrol, black rice anthocyanins, Duchesnea indica, cordycepin and Celastrus orbiculatus extract downregulate vimectin, fibronectin and N-cadherin. Sulforaphane, luteolin, celastrol, curcumin, arctigenin inhibit β-catenin signaling pathways. Salvianolic acid-A and plumbagin block oxidative stress, while honokiol, gallic acid, piperlongumine, brusatol and paeoniflorin inhibit EMT transcription factors such as SNAIL, TWIST and ZEB. Plectranthoic acid, resveratrol, genistein, baicalin, polyphyllin I, cairicoside E, luteolin, berberine, nimbolide, curcumin, withaferin-A, jatrophone, ginsenoside-Rb1, honokiol, parthenolide, phoyunnanin-E, epicatechin-3-gallate, gigantol, eupatolide, baicalin and baicalein and nitidine chloride inhibit EMT acting on other signaling pathways (SIRT1, p38 MAPK, NFAT1, SMAD, IL-6, STAT3, AQP5, notch 1, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, FAK/AKT, Hh). Despite the huge amount of preclinical data regarding EMT modulation by the natural compounds of plant, clinical translation is poor. Additionally, this review highlights some relevant examples of clinical trials using natural plant compounds to modulate EMT and its deleterious effects. Overall, this opens up new therapeutic alternatives in cancer, inflammatory and fibrosing diseases through the control of EMT process.

Paeonol: pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action

Paeonia suffruticosa possesses various medicinal benefits and has been used extensively in traditional oriental medicine for thousands of years. Paeonol is the main component isolated from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa. The pharmacological effects of Paeonia suffruticosa are mostly attributed to paeonol. Paeonol injection has been successfully applied in China for nearly 50 years for inflammation/pain-related indications. Currently, the dosage forms of paeonol approved by China Food and Drug Administration include tablet, injection, and external preparations such as ointment and adhesive plaster. So far, the clinical applications of paeonol are mainly focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity. Studies of other pharmacological activities of paeonol are developing rapidly, and which may play an important role in the future. Besides, substantial mechanisms of pharmacological action of paeonol have been clarified in recent years. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological effects anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-cardiovascular diseases and associated mechanisms of action of paeonol up to date.

Paeonol reverses promoting effect of the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis on renal interstitial fibrosis in a rat model

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common manifestation of inflammatory and noninflammatory renal diseases, which correlates to renal excretory dysfunction. Recently, the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in the development of various renal diseases. Here, we aim to determine whether paeonol (PAE) affects RIF with involvement of the lncRNA HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR)/microRNA-124 (miR-124)/Notch1 axis. RIF rat models were established by performing unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO), in which interactions between HOTAIR, Notch1, and miR-124 were determined. To identify the roles of PAE and HOTAIR in RIF, rats were injected with HOTAIR or PAE. Subsequently, to further investigate the underlying mechanism of PAE in RIF, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and migration-related genes in NRK-49F cells were measured. Next, rats were further treated with IMR-1 (inhibitor of the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway) to determine how PAE influences the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway. HOTAIR interacted with miR-124, and miR-124 directly targeted Notch1, and HOTAIR was observed to be upregulated in RIF rats. PAE was found to decrease HOTAIR and Notch1 expression but to increase the miR-124 expression in RIF rats. PAE inhibited EMT and migration of NRK-49F cells facilitated by HOTAIR. HOTAIR activated the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway by downregulating miR-124, while PAE reversed these effects of HOTAIR on the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway. Overall, our study demonstrates the contributory effect of lncRNA HOTAIR on RIF by activating the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway via inhibition of miR-124, whereas administration of PAE can alleviate the effects of HOTAIR on RIF.

Isoviolanthin Extracted from Dendrobium officinale Reverses TGF-β1-Mediated Epithelial⁻Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Deactivating the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways

Dendrobium officinale is a precious medicinal herb and health food, and its pharmacological actions have been studied and proved. However, the mechanisms by which its active flavonoid glycosides affect epithelial⁻mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, such as HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells, have not been previously investigated. Therefore, we investigated whether isoviolanthin extracted from the leaves of Dendrobium officinale inhibits transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT in HCC cells. In this study, the physicochemical properties and structure of isoviolanthin were identified by HPLC, UV, ESIMS, and NMR and were compared with literature data. HCC cells were pretreated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 to induce EMT and then treated with isoviolanthin. Herein, we found that isoviolanthin exhibited no cytotoxic effects on normal liver LO2 cells but notably reduced the migratory and invasive capacities of TGF-β1-treated HCC cells. Additionally, isoviolanthin treatment decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 levels, and remarkably altered the expression of EMT markers via regulating the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways; Western blot analysis confirmed that the effects of the inhibitors SB431542 and LY294002 were consistent with those of isoviolanthin. These findings demonstrate the potential of isoviolanthin as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of advanced-stage metastatic HCC.