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Zhang K, Yin Z, Chen F, Cao Z, Guan J, Chen C, Wang Y, Fan G. Omics-based pharmacological evaluation reveals Yuanhu Zhitong oral liquid ameliorates arthritis by regulating PKC/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118289. [PMID: 38718892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118289] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Successful use of herbal medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) creates opportunities for alternative therapies. Yuanhu Zhitong oral liquid (YZOL) is an herbal preparation known for its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional use. However, the pharmacological mechanism of YZOL for treating RA remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of YZOL in the treatment of RA and to explore its potential mechanisms through omics analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Type II collagen was used to induce an arthritis rat model. The effects of YZOL on paw swelling, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were systematically investigated. A pathway-driven transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify key signaling pathways associated with YZOL therapy. The key alterations were validated by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. RESULTS YZOL significantly attenuated arthritis progression, reduced paw swelling rate, and lowered arthritis score in CIA rats. YZOL also inhibited systemic inflammation and associated oxidative stress during RA. Transcriptomic analysis identified 341 genes with significantly altered expression following YZOL treatment. These genes were enriched in inflammation-related pathways, particularly in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, we discovered that YZOL can alleviate inflammation in the local synovial tissue. The effect of YZOL was confirmed by the suppression of PKC/ERK/NF-κB p65 signaling at systemic and local levels. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence that YZOL treatment ameliorates RA by suppressing the PKC/ERK/NF-κB pathway, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapy for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhaorui Yin
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhiming Cao
- Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Henan, China.
| | - Jianli Guan
- Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Henan, China.
| | - Chengyu Chen
- Jiaheng Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Guanwei Fan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
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Bashir U, Singh G, Bhatia A. Rheumatoid arthritis-recent advances in pathogenesis and the anti-inflammatory effect of plant-derived COX inhibitors. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-02982-3. [PMID: 38358467 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The majority of people with autoimmune disorders, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and tendonitis report pain, stiffness, and inflammation as major contributors to their worse quality of life in terms of overall health. Of all the available treatment options, COX inhibitors are the ones that are utilized most frequently to ease the symptoms. Various signaling cascades have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis which includes JAK/STAT, MAPK, and NF-kB signaling pathways, and several allopathic inhibitors (tofacitinib and baricitinib) have been reported to target the components of these cascades and have received approval for RA treatment. However, the prolonged use of these COX inhibitors and other allopathic drugs can pose serious health challenges due to their significant side effects. Therefore, searching for a more effective and side effect-free treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has unveiled phytochemicals as both productive and promising. Their therapeutic ability helps develop potent and safe drugs targeting immune-inflammatory diseases including RA. Various scientific databases were used for searching articles such as NCBI, SpringerLink, BioMed Central, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Scopus, Nature, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect. This review lists various phytochemicals and discusses their potential molecular targets in RA treatment, as demonstrated by various in vitro, in vivo (pre-clinical), and clinical studies. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that various phytochemicals can be an alternative promising intervention for attenuating and managing inflammation-associated pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaid Bashir
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Gurjant Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Astha Bhatia
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India.
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Guo Y, Zhou M, Mu Z, Guo J, Hou Y, Xu Y, Geng L. Recent advances in shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115138. [PMID: 37454591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115138] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, the primary active compound found in the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as "ZiCao", exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects. This drug has a wide range of uses, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. It is also effective in promoting wound healing and treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although shikonin has a wide range of applications, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the use of shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases. The article also delves into the anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms of shikonin and offers insights into the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of related diseases. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in this field. These findings not only provide significant new information on the effects and mechanisms of shikonin but also establish a foundation for the development of clinical applications in treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingming Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mu
- Department of Dermatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China
| | - Jinrong Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Jincheng People's Hospital, 456N Wenchang East Street, Jincheng, Shanxi 048000, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Long Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China.
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Liu FY, Wang MQ, Liu MM, Li T, Wang XH, Jiang F, Wu XJ, Cheng J, Cai L, Li R. Therapeutic effects of shikonin on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes via blocking the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154857. [PMID: 37163904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin (SKN), the main bioactive component isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb et Zucc, has multiple activities including anti-rheumatic effect, but its specific roles and the precise mechanisms in regulating biological properties of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are unclear and need further clarification. PURPOSE This study explored the therapeutic roles of SKN on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-induced RA FLS (MH7A cells), and further demonstrated the involved mechanisms. METHODS SKN was intraperitoneally given to AIA rats and its therapeutic role was valued. The effects of SKN in vivo and in vitro on the production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by ELISA and western blot. Wound-healing, transwell and phalloidin staining assay were carried out to evaluate the effects of SKN on TNF-α-induced migration and invasion in RA FLS. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was checked by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence assay for β-catenin and western blot for pathway-related proteins. RESULTS SKN treatment in AIA rats reduced paw swelling, arthritis index and pathological damage of ankle joints, indicating its anti-arthritic effect in vivo. SKN had anti-inflammatory roles in vivo and in vitro, evidenced by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory factors (like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9) in sera and synovium of AIA rats, and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. Gelatin zymography result revealed the suppression of SKN on TNF-α-induced MMP-2 activity in vitro. Moreover, SKN inhibited TNF-α-induced migration, invasion and cytoskeletal reorganization in MH7A cells. Mechanistically, SKN suppressed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AIA rat synovium and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, indicated by the reduced protein levels of Wnt1, p-GSK-3β (Ser9) and β-catenin, the raised protein level of GSK-3β and the decreased nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Interestingly, the combination of LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) canceled the therapeutic functions of SKN on cellular inflammation, migration and invasion in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, whereas XAV939 (Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor) enhanced the therapeutic roles of SKN. CONCLUSION SKN showed therapeutic effects on rat AIA and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-stimulated RA FLS via interrupting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Ming-Ming Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Xin-Jie Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230036, PR China
| | - Li Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China.
| | - Rong Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, PR China.
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5
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Hu J, Feng K, Cong Y, Li X, Jiang Y, Jiao X, Li Y, Zhang Y, Dong X, Lu W, Ding Z, Hong H. Nanosized Shikonin-Fe(III) Coordination Material for Synergistic Wound Treatment: An Initial Explorative Study. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:56510-56524. [PMID: 36516041 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin (Shik), a natural pigment, has received growing interest in various biomedical fields due to its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant ability. However, some inherent characteristics of Shik, such as its virulence, low bioavailability, and poor solubility, have limited its biomedical applicability. Here, we reported a facile synthetic method to produce the Shik-iron (III) nanoparticles (Shik-Fe NPs), which could overcome these limitations of Shik. The synthesized Shik-Fe NPs possessed a uniform size range of 110 ± 10 nm, negative surface charges, good water dispersity, and high safety. Iron distributed uniformly inside Shik-Fe NPs, and iron constituted 20% of total mass in PEGylated Shik-Fe NPs. When interacting with activated macrophages, Shik-Fe NPs significantly reduced the level of cellular inflammatory factors, for example, iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Furthermore, the Shik-Fe NPs demonstrated synergistic anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties in vivo, since they could release Fe3+ and Shik to eradicate bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa were used as model microbes here) during wound infections and provide full recovery for scald wounds. Collectively, the study established a dual-functional Shik-derived nanoplatform, which could be useful for the treatment of various inflammation-involved diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210093 China
| | - Kangkang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yiyang Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanjun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaodan Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yurong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210093 China
| | - Yuqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agriculture University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Xinying Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agriculture University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Weifei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agriculture University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Zhi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210093 China
| | - Hao Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Sun Q, Gong T, Liu M, Ren S, Yang H, Zeng S, Zhao H, Chen L, Ming T, Meng X, Xu H. Shikonin, a naphthalene ingredient: Therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, clinical trials and pharmaceutical researches. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:153805. [PMID: 34749177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin is one of the major phytochemical components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Purple Cromwell), which is a type of medicinal herb broadly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It is well established that shikonin possesses remarkable therapeutic actions on various diseases, with the underlying mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and toxicological effects elusive. Also, the clinical trial and pharmaceutical study of shikonin remain to be comprehensively delineated. PURPOSE The present review aimed to systematically summarize the updated knowledge regarding the therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, toxicological effects, clinical trial and pharmaceutical study of shikonin. METHODS The information contained in this review article were retrieved from some authoritative databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and so on, till August 2021. RESULTS Shikonin exerts multiple therapeutic efficacies, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protection, anti-microbiomes, analgesia, anti-obesity, brain protection, and so on, mainly by regulating the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/MAPKs, Akt/mTOR, TGF-β, GSK3β, TLR4/Akt signaling pathways, NLRP3 inflammasome, reactive oxygen stress, Bax/Bcl-2, etc. In terms of pharmacokinetics, shikonin has an unfavorable oral bioavailability, 64.6% of the binding rate of plasma protein, and enhances some metabolic enzymes, particularly including cytochrome P450. In regard to the toxicological effects, shikonin may potentially cause nephrotoxicity and skin allergy. The above pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of shikonin have been validated by few clinical trials. In addition, pharmaceutical innovation of shikonin with novel drug delivery system such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsions, nanogel, cyclodextrin complexes, micelles and polymers are beneficial to the development of shikonin-based drugs. CONCLUSIONS Shikonin is a promising phytochemical for drug candidates. Extensive and intensive explorations on shikonin are warranted to expedite the utilization of shikonin-based drugs in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sha Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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He L, Luan H, He J, Zhang M, Qin Q, Hu Y, Cai Y, Sun D, Shi Y, Wang Q. Shikonin attenuates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting SOCS1/JAK/STAT signaling pathway of fibroblast like synoviocytes. Chin Med 2021; 16:96. [PMID: 34600581 PMCID: PMC8487562 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive and systemic autoimmune disease seriously compromises human health. Fibroblast like synoviocytes are the major effectors of proliferation and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue. Shikonin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. But, its role on synovitis of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Methods The DBA/1 male mice were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 6): (1) the normal control group of mice, (2) the CIA (collagen-induced arthritis) group in which mice suffered from arthritis induced by collagen, (3) the SKN (shikonin) group of mice which got arthritis and given intragastrically with shikonin 4 mg/kg per day continuously for 20 days,(4) the MTX (methotrexate) group of mice which got arthritis and orally administration with shikonin 0.5 mg/kg once two days continuously for 20 days. The therapeutic effect of shikonin on collagen induced arthritis mice was tested by arthritis incidence rate, arthritis score and inflammatory joint histopathology. The invasion, adhesion and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes induced by tumor necrosis factor-α were applied to measure the anti-synovitis role of shikonin. The effect of shikonin on expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between shikonin and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 was verified by molecular docking. The signaling pathways activated by shikonin were measured by western blot. Results Shikonin decreased the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation of inflamed joints in collagen induced arthritis mice. And shikonin reduced the number of vimentin+cells in collagen induced arthritis mice inflamed joints. Meanwhile, shikonin suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced invasion, adhesion and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes and reduced the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. And we found that shikonin targeted suppressor of cytokine signaling 1. More interestingly, shikonin blocked the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 1/signal transducer andactivator of transcription 1/signal transducer andactivator of transcription 6 in synovial tissues and in fibroblast like synoviocytes. Conclusion Shikonin represents a promising new anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug candidate that has anti-synovitis effect in collagen induced arthritis mice and inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced fibroblast like synoviocytes by targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/ Janus kinase/signal transducer andactivator of transcription signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate that shikonin has anti-synovitis effect and has great potential to be a new drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00510-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhua He
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huijie Luan
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan He
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingxia Qin
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiping Hu
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yueming Cai
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Desheng Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Shikonin induces programmed death of fibroblast synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting energy pathways. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18263. [PMID: 34521930 PMCID: PMC8440543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine comfrey, which can inhibit the activity of PKM2 by regulating glycolysis and ATP production. Rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells (RA-FLSs) have been reported to increase glycolytic activity and have other similar hallmarks of metabolic activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of shikonin on glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and cell death in RA-FLSs. The results showed that shikonin induced apoptosis and autophagy in RA-FLSs by activating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting intracellular ATP levels, glycolysis-related proteins, and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Shikonin can significantly reduce the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, paw swelling in rat arthritic tissues, and the levels of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-1β while showing less toxicity to the liver and kidney.
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Xu H, Li P, Ren G, Wang Y, Jiang D, Liu C. Authentication of Three Source Spices of Arnebiae Radix Using DNA Barcoding and HPLC. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:677014. [PMID: 34276367 PMCID: PMC8281675 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.677014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Arnebia decumbens (Vent.) Coss. et Kralik, A. euchroma (Royle) Johnst and A. guttata Bunge, three commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal plants have been widely used for the clinical treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, oxidation, and other related pathogens. However, precise identification at the similar species level is usually challenging due to the influence of the source of medicinal materials, traditional ethnic medicine and medicinal habits. Here we developed a comprehensive and efficient identification system for three source spices of Arnebiae Radix based on DNA barcoding and HPLC fingerprinting. A total of 599 samples from thirty-five wild populations were collected and identified by using DNA barcodes of ITS2 regions, and the chemotypes of seven naphthoquinoneswere revealed by HPLC quantitative analysis including principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Our results showed that the ITS2 sequences can distinguish three source spices of Arnebiae Radix from adulterants. However, it was difficult to identify them by HPLC-specific chromatograms combined with chemometric analysis. These results indicated that DNA barcoding was a more powerful method than HPLC fingerprinting for the identification of related species that were genetically similar. DNA barcoding analysis could be a promising and reliable tool to accurately confirm the identities of medicinal materials, especially for those whose sources are multiple and difficult to be identified by conventional chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxi Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Kumar A, Shashni S, Kumar P, Pant D, Singh A, Verma RK. Phytochemical constituents, distributions and traditional usages of Arnebia euchroma: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113896. [PMID: 33524510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The present study has indicated phytochemical composition, distribution and ethno-medicinal uses of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M. Johnst, which is commonly known as "Ratanjot" in the Indian subcontinent. It has widely been used in the traditional systems of the Unani, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines recipes due to its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Instead, the gap of earlier studies is well defined that will be helpful for researchers to carry out more analysis and increase medicinal importance of this plant. AIM OF STUDY The main aim of this review study is to demonstrate the phytochemical composition and traditional ethno-medicinal uses of A. euchroma all over the world. Earlier studies related to this plant have been discussed in the present study and on that basis, future perspective of A. euchroma is also proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information of A. euchroma has been gathered from various electronic database, reference books and available literature. RESULTS The study has indicated that Arnebia euchroma owing to anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties is used in the traditional medicines and pharmaceutical industries for the treatment of hair problems, remitting, chronic diseases, burnt limbs, cough and cold, etc., and besides as a vegetable colorant and dyeing of cloths. The important phytochemical constituents viz., shikonin, acetyl-shikonin, iso-butyryl-shikonin, β,β-di-methylacryl-shikonin, isovaleryl-shikonin, β-hydroxy-isovaleryl-shikonin, deoxy-shikonin, isobutyl-shikonin, arnebinone, arnebin-7, stigmasterol, etc., isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma are used for curing various harmful diseases. CONCLUSIONS The earlier studies have confirmed that Arnebia euchroma is having wound healing, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties and thus used for the treatment of several diseases. Although, a little works is done on the experimental study regarding anti-HIV, anti-cancer diseases, etc., so there is a requirement of more exploration via analytical studies on phytochemical compounds to treat such diseases. Moreover, the information of its clinical and pharmacokinetics uses is also limited. Therefore, further research is needed to understand bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of this species. In-situ and ex-situ conservations for the management of this endangered species are also lacking in the Himalayan perspective. Such studies will emphasize to explore the possibilities for its conservation and development of agro-technological protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaganti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India; G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Himachal Regional Centre Mohal, Kullu, 175126, India.
| | - Sarla Shashni
- G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Himachal Regional Centre Mohal, Kullu, 175126, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Ashok Singh
- CSIR - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
| | - Raj Kumar Verma
- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaganti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India
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Etanercept as a TNF-alpha inhibitor depresses experimental retinal neovascularization. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 259:661-671. [PMID: 33043386 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04956-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The formation of retinal neovascularization (RNV) is the primary pathological process underlying retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Previous studies have shown that inflammatory factors are related to the formation of RNV. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as an important factor in the inflammatory response, is involved in the regulation of RNV formation. However, the mechanism through which TNF-α inhibition reduces RNV formation is not fully clarified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of etanercept, an inhibitor of TNF-α, on RNV, and its possible mechanism. METHODS In vivo, an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model was used to determine the effect of etanercept on the formation of RNV by performing immunostaining. The effect of etanercept on tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), pro-angiogenic-related factors, and pro/anti-inflammatory factors in OIR mice was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. In vitro, the effect of etanercept on TNF-α-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cell tube formation was evaluated by tube formation assays, and the potential mechanism of etanercept was explored by Western blotting. RESULTS In vivo, etanercept reduced the area of RNV and decreased the expression of TRAF2 in the OIR mouse model. Etanercept also suppressed the expression of several pro-angiogenic factors and regulated the pro/anti-inflammatory factors. In vitro, etanercept reduced endothelial cell tube formation by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Etanercept can regulate pro/anti-inflammatory factors and reduce the expression of pro-angiogenic factors by inhibiting NF-κB phosphorylation, thereby reducing RNV formation.
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Liu C, He L, Wang J, Wang Q, Sun C, Li Y, Jia K, Wang J, Xu T, Ming R, Wang Q, Lin N. Anti-angiogenic effect of Shikonin in rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating PI3K/AKT and MAPKs signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 260:113039. [PMID: 32497675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zicao is the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb, et Zucc, Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst, or Arnebia guttata Bunge and commonly used to treat viral infection, inflammation, arthritis and cancer in China.Shikonin (SKN) is a major active chemical component isolated from zicao. Previous research showed that SKN has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic effects, and inhibits the development of arthritis and the condition of collagen arthritis (CIA) mice; nevertheless, its role in the angiogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiangiogenic activity of SKN in CIA rats and various angiogenesis models. MATERIAL AND METHODS The anti-arthritic effect of SKN on CIA rats was tested by arthritis score, arthritis incidence, radiological observation and histopathology evaluation of inflamed joints. Vessel density evaluated with CD31 immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence in joint synovial membrane tissues of CIA rats, chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, rat aortic ring assay, and the migration, invasion, adhesion and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were used to measured the antiangiogenenic activity of SKN. Moreover, the effect of SKN on the expression of angiogenic mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGFR2, TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in sera and joint synovia of rats, and in TNF-α-induced MH7A/HUVEC cells were measured by immunohistochemistry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Through the analysis of protein and mRNA levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and PTEN, and the autophosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 in joint synovia of rats and in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells, the molecular mechanism of its inhibition was elucidated by using Western blot and/or real-time PCR. RESULTS SKN significantly reduced the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage and bone destruction of inflamed joints in CIA rats. Partially, SKN remarkably decreased the immature blood vessels in synovial membrane tissues of inflamed joints from CIA rats. It also suppressed in vivo angiogenesis in chick embryo and VEGF165-induced microvessel sprout formation ex vivo. Meanwhile, SKN inhibited TNF-α-induced migration, invasion, adhesion and tube formation of HUVEC cells. Moreover, SKN significantly decreased the expression of angiogenic activators including VEGF, VEGFR2, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDGF and TGF-β in synovia of CIA rats and/or in MH7A/HUVEC cells. More interestingly, SKN downregulated PI3K and Akt, and simultaneously upregulated PTEN both at protein and mRNA levels in synovia tissues and/or in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells. It also suppressed the phosphorylation and gene level of TNF-α-induced signaling molecules, as ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 in synovium and/or in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicate for the first time that SKN has the anti-angiogenic effect in RA in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro by interrupting the PI3K/AKT and MAPKs signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfang Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Lianhua He
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jingxia Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Congcong Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yiqun Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Kexin Jia
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Tengteng Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ruirui Ming
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Jimi E, Takakura N, Hiura F, Nakamura I, Hirata-Tsuchiya S. The Role of NF-κB in Physiological Bone Development and Inflammatory Bone Diseases: Is NF-κB Inhibition "Killing Two Birds with One Stone"? Cells 2019; 8:cells8121636. [PMID: 31847314 PMCID: PMC6952937 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of various genes involved in inflammation and the immune response. The activation of NF-κB occurs via two pathways: inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, activate the "classical pathway", and cytokines involved in lymph node formation, such as CD40L, activate the "alternative pathway". NF-κB1 (p50) and NF-κB2 (p52) double-knockout mice exhibited severe osteopetrosis due to the total lack of osteoclasts, suggesting that NF-κB activation is required for osteoclast differentiation. These results indicate that NF-κB may be a therapeutic target for inflammatory bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. On the other hand, mice that express the dominant negative form of IκB kinase (IKK)-β specifically in osteoblasts exhibited increased bone mass, but there was no change in osteoclast numbers. Therefore, inhibition of NF-κB is thought to promote bone formation. Taken together, the inhibition of NF-κB leads to "killing two birds with one stone": it suppresses bone resorption and promotes bone formation. This review describes the role of NF-κB in physiological bone metabolism, pathologic bone destruction, and bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eijiro Jimi
- Oral Health/Brain Health/Total Health Research Center, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (N.T.); (F.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 81-92-642-6332
| | - Nana Takakura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (N.T.); (F.H.)
| | - Fumitaka Hiura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (N.T.); (F.H.)
| | - Ichiro Nakamura
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Teikyo Heisei University, 2-51-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 170-8445, Japan;
| | - Shizu Hirata-Tsuchiya
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan;
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Li XZ, Zhang SN. Herbal compounds for rheumatoid arthritis: Literatures review and cheminformatics prediction. Phytother Res 2019; 34:51-66. [PMID: 31515874 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease characterized by autoimmunity, joint inflammation, and cartilage destruction, which affects 0.5-1% of the population. Many compounds from herbal medicines show the potentials to treat RA. On this basis, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic behaviors and drug-likeness properties will be further studied and developed. Therefore, the herbal compounds with anti-RA activities were reviewed in this paper, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 90 herbal compounds were analyzed, which were reported to be effective on RA models through anti-inflammation, chondroprotection, immunoregulation, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidation. Most of the herbal compounds have good drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-RA drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Zhao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian New Area, PR China
| | - Shuai-Nan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian New Area, PR China
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Zhang S, Gao Q, Li W, Zhu L, Shang Q, Feng S, Jia J, Jia Q, Shen S, Su Z. Shikonin inhibits cancer cell cycling by targeting Cdc25s. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:20. [PMID: 30616572 PMCID: PMC6323793 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, is abundant in Chinese herb medicine Zicao (purple gromwell) and has a wide range of biological activities, especially for cancer. Shikonin and its analogues have been reported to induce cell-cycle arrest, but target information is still unclear. We hypothesized that shikonin, with a structure similar to that of quinone-type compounds, which are inhibitors of cell division cycle 25 (Cdc25) phosphatases, will have similar effects on Cdc25s. To test this hypothesis, the effects of shikonin on Cdc25s and cell-cycle progression were determined in this paper. METHODS The in vitro effects of shikonin and its analogues on Cdc25s were detected by fluorometric assay kit. The binding mode between shikonin and Cdc25B was modelled by molecular docking. The dephosphorylating level of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a natural substrate of Cdc25B, was tested by Western blotting. The effect of shikonin on cell cycle progression was investigated by flow cytometry analysis. We also tested the anti-proliferation activity of shikonin on cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Moreover, in vivo anti-proliferation activity was tested in a mouse xenograft tumour model. RESULTS Shikonin and its analogues inhibited recombinant human Cdc25 A, B, and C phosphatase with IC50 values ranging from 2.14 ± 0.21 to 13.45 ± 1.45 μM irreversibly. The molecular modelling results showed that shikonin bound to the inhibitor binding pocket of Cdc25B with a favourable binding mode through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. In addition, an accumulation of the tyrosine 15-phosphorylated form of CDK1 was induced by shikonin in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. We also confirmed that shikonin showed an anti-proliferation effect on three cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 6.15 ± 0.46 to 9.56 ± 1.03 μM. Furthermore, shikonin showed a promising anti-proliferation effect on a K562 mouse xenograph tumour model. CONCLUSION In this study, we provide evidence for how shikonin induces cell cycle arrest and functions as a Cdc25s inhibitor. It shows an anti-proliferation effect both in vitro and in vivo by mediating Cdc25s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoude Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. .,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.
| | - Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Luwei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Qianhan Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Shuo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Junmei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Shuo Shen
- Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Zhanhai Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. .,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.
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Yang GH, Zhang C, Wang N, Meng Y, Wang YS. Anacardic acid suppresses fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation and invasion and ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in a mouse model. Cytokine 2018; 111:350-356. [PMID: 30273785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anacardic acid, which is abundant in nutshell of Anacardium occidentale, has multiple pharmacological activities. In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of anacardic acid in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We explored the effects of anacardic acid on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and on the proliferation and invasion of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. Anacardic acid treatment markedly suppressed paw swelling, joint destruction, and arthritis scores in CIA mice. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) and interleutkin-1beta (IL- 1β) were significantly lowered by anacardic acid. In vitro assays demonstrated that anacardic acid impaired the proliferation and invasion abilities of RA-FLSs in the presence of TNF- α or IL- 1β. Western blot analysis revealed the reduction of Akt protein expression and phoshporylation in RA-FLSs by anacardic acid. However, the mRNA level of Akt remained unchanged. Anacardic acid treatment significantly increased the expression of miR-633 in RA-FLSs. Akt was identified as a novel target of miR-633. Overexpression of miR-633 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of RA-FLSs, which was rescued by enforced expression of Akt. Depletion of miR-633 prevented anacardic acid-mediated suppression of proliferation and invasion of RA-FLSs, which was accompanied by increased expression of Akt protein. In conclusion, anacardic acid may serve as a promising agent in the treatment of RA.
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MESH Headings
- Anacardic Acids/pharmacology
- Animals
- Arthritis, Experimental/chemically induced
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/chemically induced
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/pathology
- Interleukin-1beta/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Synoviocytes/drug effects
- Synoviocytes/metabolism
- Synoviocytes/pathology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hui Yang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Emergency Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi-Sheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Pang Z, Wang G, Ran N, Lin H, Wang Z, Guan X, Yuan Y, Fang K, Liu J, Wang F. Inhibitory Effect of Methotrexate on Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation and Comprehensive Metabolomics Analysis Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102894. [PMID: 30249062 PMCID: PMC6212996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease. The inflammation in joint tissue and system endanger the human health seriously. Methotrexate have exhibited a satisfactory therapeutic effect in clinical practice. The aim of this research was to establish the pharmacological mechanism of methotrexate on RA therapy. Collagen induced arthritic rats were used to identify how methotrexate alleviates inflammation in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory proliferation in macrophages was also be detected in vitro. The activation level of Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and Nucleotide binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin 3 domain (NLRP3)/Caspase-1 and related cytokines were examined by real-time PCR and western blotting or quantified with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comprehensive metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the alteration of metabolites. Results showed that treating with methotrexate could alleviate the inflammatory condition, downregulate the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammatory pathways and reduce the level of related cytokines. Docking interaction between methotrexate and caspase-1 was visualized as six H-bonds indicating a potential inhibitory effect. Metabolomics analysis reported three perturbed metabolic inflammation related pathways including arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and sphingolipid metabolism. These findings indicated that methotrexate could inhibit the onset of inflammation in joint tissue by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathways and regulating the inflammation related metabolic networks.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antirheumatic Agents/pharmacology
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Chromatography, Liquid/methods
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Male
- Metabolomics
- Methotrexate/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Pang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Nan Ran
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Hongqiang Lin
- Research Center of Natural Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Xuewa Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yuze Yuan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Keyong Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Jinping Liu
- Research Center of Natural Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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18
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Ahn J, Chae HS, Chin YW, Kim J. Furylhydroquinones and miscellaneous compounds from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and their anti-inflammatory effect in HaCaT cells. Nat Prod Res 2018; 33:1691-1698. [PMID: 29382220 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1431632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
One new furylhydroquinone derivative (1) and seven known compounds (2-8) were isolated from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc (Boraginaceae). The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods using NMR and MS. The absolute configuration of shikonofuran J (1) was unambiguously determined by aid of comparison experimental ECD with predicted ECD spectra. All the isolates were tested for their inhibitory activities against IL-6 production in HaCaT cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. It was found that gracicleistanthoside (5) and uridine (7) remarkably down-regulated the TNF-α-induced synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with cutaneous inflammation, in HaCaT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Ahn
- a College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sung Chae
- b College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development , Dongguk University-Seoul , Gyeonggi-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Won Chin
- b College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development , Dongguk University-Seoul , Gyeonggi-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoong Kim
- a College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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19
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Zhang Y, Xu T, Pan Z, Ge X, Sun C, Lu C, Chen H, Xiao Z, Zhang B, Dai Y, Liang G. Shikonin inhibits myeloid differentiation protein 2 to prevent LPS-induced acute lung injury. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:840-854. [PMID: 29243243 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute lung injury (ALI) is a challenging clinical syndrome, which manifests as an acute inflammatory response. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) has an important role in mediating LPS-induced inflammation. Currently, there are no effective molecular-based therapies for ALI or viable biomarkers for predicting the severity of disease. Recent preclinical studies have shown that shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, prevents LPS-induced inflammation. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The binding affinity of shikonin to MD2 was analysed using computer docking, surface plasmon resonance analysis and elisa. In vitro, the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of shikonin were investigated through elisa, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation assay. In vivo, lung injury was induced by intratracheal administration of LPS and assessed by changes in the histopathological and inflammatory markers. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by immunoprecipitation in lung tissue. KEY RESULTS Shikonin directly bound to MD2 and interfered with the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induced by LPS. In cultured macrophages, shikonin inhibited TLR4 signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These effects were produced through suppression of key signalling proteins including the NF-κB and the MAPK pathway. We also showed that shikonin inhibits MD2-TLR4 complex formation and reduces LPS-induced inflammatory responses in a mouse model of ALI. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our studies have uncovered the mechanism underlying the biological activity of shikonin in ALI and suggest that the targeting of MD2 may prove to be beneficial as a treatment option for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zhang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheer Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangting Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuchu Sun
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chun Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongjin Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongxiang Xiao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanrong Dai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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20
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Shikonin suppresses pulmonary fibroblasts proliferation and activation by regulating Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1119-1128. [PMID: 28922731 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast is believed to be the primary effector in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disorder characterized by aberrant tissue remodeling and the formation of fibroblastic foci. Due to the complicated etiology and mechanism, there are few effective drugs for this fatal disease. Shikonin (SHI), which is the major ingredient isolated from the plant Lithospermum Erythrorhizon, has long been used as traditional medicine for many diseases including inflammation and cancer. The roles of SHI in attenuating skin scar and renal fibrosis by reducing TGFβ1-stimulated fibroblast activation are also reported. But whether SHI works on IPF which exhibits both inflammatory and carcinoma-like features remains unknown. In this study, using isolated pulmonary fibroblasts, we demonstrated that SHI inhibited the proliferation, migration of fibroblasts, enhanced cell apoptosis and led to cell cycle arrest at G1 and G2/M phase. Moreover, SHI reduced the production of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I and III in response to TGF-β induction in pulmonary fibroblasts, and all of these gene production is the key component of extracellular matrix for tissue remodeling for IPF. The phosphorylation of Akt was down-regulated, p53 increased, the mRNA levels of p21 and p27 enhanced after SHI treatments. The phosphorylation of both p38 MAPK and Akt stimulated by TGF-β was reduced after SHI treatments. Collectively, these data indicate that SHI has a strong cytotoxicity in pulmonary fibroblast via inhibiting Akt activation signaling pathway, and attenuates TGF-β induced extracellular matrix genes production in pulmonary fibroblasts via modulating the activities of p38 MAPK and Akt. SHI might serve as a therapeutically candidate for IPF patients.
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