1
|
Chen M, Wu Z, Zou Y, Peng C, Hao Y, Zhu Z, Shi X, Su B, Ou L, Lai Y, Jia J, Xun M, Li H, Zhu W, Feng Z, Yao M. Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid: An in vitro study on its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118396. [PMID: 38823658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118396] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid(P. chinense Schneid) is known in TCM as Huang Bo, is traditionally used to support gastrointestinal function and alleviate stomach-related ailments, including gastric ulcer bleeding and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen. However, the specific activity and mechanism of action of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection remain unclear. It has been noted that Huangjiu processing may alter the bitter and cold properties of P. chinense Schneid, but its effect on antimicrobial activity requires further investigation. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether berberine is the sole antimicrobial active component of P. chinense Schneid. AIM OF STUDY This study aims to elucidate the anti-H. pylori infection activity of P. chinense Schneid, along with its mechanism of action and key antimicrobial active components. MATERIALS AND METHODS Phytochemical analysis was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. HPLC was employed to quantify the berberine content of the extracts. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the micro broth dilution method. Morphology was observed using SEM. The impact on urease activity was analyzed through in vitro urease enzyme kinetics. RT-qPCR was employed to detect the expression of virulence genes, including adhesin, flagellum, urease, and cytotoxin-related genes. The adhesion effect was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and agar culture. RESULTS P. chinense Schneid exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and resistant H. pylori strains, with MIC ranging from 40 to 160 μg/mL. Combination with amoxicillin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin did not result in antagonistic effects. P. chinense Schneid induced alterations in bacterial morphology and structure, downregulated the expression of various virulence genes, and inhibited urease enzyme activity. In co-infection systems, P. chinense Schneid significantly attenuated H. pylori adhesion and urease relative content, thereby mitigating cellular damage caused by infection. Huangjiu processing enhanced the anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid. Besides berberine, P. chinense Schneid contained seven other components with anti-H. pylori activity, with palmatine exhibiting the strongest activity, followed by jatrorrhizine. CONCLUSIONS This study sheds light on the potential therapeutic mechanisms of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection, demonstrating its capacity to disrupt bacterial structure, inhibit urease activity, suppress virulence gene transcription, inhibit adhesion, and protect host cells. The anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid was potentiated by Huangjiu processing, and additional components beyond berberine were identified as possessing strong anti-H. pylori activity. Notably, jatrorrhizine, a core component of P. chinense Schneid, exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity, marking a groundbreaking discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Ziyao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yuanjing Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Yajie Hao
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhixiang Zhu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy (Qingdao), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Bingmei Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Ling Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Yuqian Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Junwei Jia
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Mingjin Xun
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Weixing Zhu
- Qingyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingyuan, 511500, China.
| | - Zhong Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, China; Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Meicun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang C, Roh YS, Du M, Kuo YC, Zhang Y, Hardy M, Gahler R, Solnier J. Differences in Metabolite Profiles of Dihydroberberine and Micellar Berberine in Caco-2 Cells and Humans-A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5625. [PMID: 38891813 PMCID: PMC11171481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the pharmacokinetic pathway of berberine and its metabolites in vitro, in Caco-2 cells, and in human participants following the administration of dihydroberberine (DHB) and micellar berberine (LipoMicel®, LMB) formulations. A pilot trial involving nine healthy volunteers was conducted over a 24 h period; blood samples were collected and subjected to Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) analyses to quantify the concentrations of berberine and its metabolites. Pharmacokinetic correlations indicated that berberrubine and thalifendine follow distinct metabolic pathways. Additionally, jatrorrhizine sulfate appeared to undergo metabolism differently compared to the other sulfated metabolites. Moreover, berberrubine glucuronide likely has a unique metabolic pathway distinct from other glucuronides. The human trial revealed significantly higher blood concentrations of berberine metabolites in participants of the DHB treatment group compared to the LMB treatment group-except for berberrubine glucuronide, which was only detected in the LMB treatment group. Similarly, results from in vitro investigations showed significant differences in berberine metabolite profiles between DHB and LMB. Dihydroberberine, dihydroxy-berberrubine/thalifendine and jatrorrhizine sulfate were detected in LMB-treated cells, but not in DHB-treated cells; thalifendine and jatrorrhizine-glucuronide were detected in DHB-treated cells only. While DHB treatment provided higher blood concentrations of berberine and most berberine metabolites, both in vitro (Caco-2 cells) and in vivo human studies showed that treatment with LMB resulted in a higher proportion of unmetabolized berberine compared to DHB. These findings suggest potential clinical implications that merit further investigation in future large-scale trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuck Chang
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yoon Seok Roh
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Min Du
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yun Chai Kuo
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yiming Zhang
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Mary Hardy
- Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92037, USA;
| | | | - Julia Solnier
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Lu C, Tong Y. Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution and Excretion of Demethyleneberberine, a Metabolite of Berberine, in Rats and Mice. Molecules 2023; 28:7725. [PMID: 38067456 PMCID: PMC10708275 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Demethyleneberberine is an active component extracted from the Chinese herbal drug Cortex Phellodendri. It is also a metabolite of berberine in animals and humans. However, the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of demethyleneberberine have not been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of demethyleneberberine by applying high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After intragastric administration of demethyleneberberine in rats and mice, the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of demethyleneberberine were comparatively studied for the first time. The plasma concentration of demethyleneberberine reached its peak within 5 min after intragastric administration in both rats and mice. Furthermore, its bioavailability was comparable, ranging from 4.47% to 5.94%, higher than that of berberine. The total excretion of demethyleneberberine in the urine, feces and bile was 7.28~9.77%. These findings provide valuable insights into the pharmacological and clinical research on demethyleneberberine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chengyu Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yongbin Tong
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marques C, Fernandes MH, Lima SAC. Elucidating Berberine's Therapeutic and Photosensitizer Potential through Nanomedicine Tools. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2282. [PMID: 37765251 PMCID: PMC10535601 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092282] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants of the Berberidaceae family, has been gaining interest due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as neuro and cardiovascular protective effects in animal models. Recently, photodynamic therapy demonstrated successful application in many fields of medicine. This innovative, non-invasive treatment modality requires a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen. In particular, the photosensitizer can selectively accumulate in diseased tissues without damaging healthy cells. Berberine's physicochemical properties allow its use as a photosensitising agent for photodynamic therapy, enabling reactive oxygen species production and thus potentiating treatment efficacy. However, berberine exhibits poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, and poor gastrointestinal absorption that hamper its therapeutic and photodynamic efficacy. Nanotechnology has been used to minimize berberine's limitations with the design of drug delivery systems. Different nanoparticulate delivery systems for berberine have been used, as lipid-, inorganic- and polymeric-based nanoparticles. These berberine nanocarriers improve its therapeutic properties and photodynamic potential. More specifically, they extend its half-life, increase solubility, and allow a high permeation and targeted delivery. This review describes different nano strategies designed for berberine delivery as well as berberine's potential as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. To benefit from berberine's overall potential, nanotechnology has been applied for berberine-mediated photodynamic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Célia Marques
- IUCS-CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Fernandes
- BoneLab-Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto, LAQV, REQUIMTE, U. Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia A. Costa Lima
- IUCS-CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Targeting ferroptosis in ischemia/reperfusion renal injury. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1331-1341. [PMID: 35920897 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Renal I/R injury is a severe medical condition contributing to acute kidney injury (AKI), leading to rapid kidney dysfunction and high mortality rates. It is generally observed during renal transplantation, shock, trauma, and urologic and cardiovascular surgery, for which there is no effective treatment. Cell death and damage are commonly linked to I/R. Cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, such as ferroptosis, has been demonstrated to have a significant detrimental effect in renal IRI models, making it a new type of cell death currently being researched. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic type of cell death that occurs when free iron enters the cell and is a critical component of many biological processes. In ferroptosis-induced renal I/R injury, iron chelators such as Deferasirox, Deferiprone, and lipophilic antioxidants are currently suppressed lipid peroxidation Liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1), Ferrostatin-1 along with antioxidants like vitamin and quercetin. Ferroptosis has been considered a potential target for pharmaceutical intervention to alleviate renal IRI-associated cell damage. Thus, this review emphasized the role of ferroptosis and its inhibition in renal IRI. Also, Pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis mechanism in renal I/R injury has been conferred. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
|