Lotusine, an alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn.), attenuates doxorubicin-induced toxicity in embryonically derived H9c2 cells

Qingda Granule Attenuates Hypertension-Induced Cardiac Damage via Regulating Renin-Angiotensin System Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of Qingda Granule (QDG) in ameliorating hypertension-induced cardiac damage and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to develope a hypertension-induced cardiac damage model. Another 10 Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as normotension group. Rats were administrated intragastrically QDG [0.9 g/(kg•d)] or an equivalent volume of pure water for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, histopathological changes, cardiac function, levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were measured. Furthermore, to gain insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QDG against hypertension-induced cardiac injury, a network pharmacology study was conducted. Predicted results were validated by Western blot, radioimmunoassay immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

The administration of QDG resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure levels in SHRs (P<0.01). Histological examinations, including hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining revealed that QDG effectively attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac damage. Furthermore, echocardiography demonstrated that QDG improved hypertension-associated cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method indicated that QDG significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels in both myocardial tissue and serum (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both network pharmacology and experimental investigations confirmed that QDG exerted its beneficial effects in decreasing hypertension-induced cardiac damage by regulating the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor type 1 axis and ACE/Ang II/Ang II receptor type 2 axis.

Lotusine ameliorates propionic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder-like behavior in mice by activating D1 dopamine receptor in medial prefrontal cortex

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric condition for which effective drug therapy for core clinical symptoms remains elusive. Lotusine, known for its neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neurological disorders, holds potential in addressing ASD. Nevertheless, its specific efficacy in ASD remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lotusine in ASD and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We induced an ASD mouse model through intracerebroventricular-propionic acid (ICV-PPA) injection for 7 days, followed by lotusine administration for 5 days. The efficacy of lotusine was evaluated through a battery of behavioral tests, including the three-chamber social test. The underlying mechanisms of lotusine action in ameliorating ASD-like behavior were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay. The efficacy and mechanisms of lotusine were further validated in vitro. Lotusine effectively alleviated social deficits induced by ICV-PPA injection in mice by counteracting the reduction in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency within the mPFC. Moreover, lotusine enhanced neuronal activity and ameliorated α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor dysfunction in ICV-PPA infusion mice by upregulating c-fos, p-GluA1 Ser 845, and p-GluA1 Ser 831 protein levels within the mPFC. Our findings also suggest that lotusine may exert its effects through modulation of the D1 dopamine receptor (DRD1). Furthermore, the rescuing effects of lotusine were nullified by a DRD1 antagonist in PC12 cells. In summary, our results revealed that lotusine ameliorates ASD-like behavior through targeted modulation of DRD1, ultimately enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission. These findings highlight the potential of lotusine as a nutritional supplement in the treatment of ASD.

The Essential Strategies to Mitigate Cardiotoxicity Caused by Doxorubicin

The study of mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin and the development of strategies to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity are the most relevant issues of modern cardio-oncology. This is due to the high prevalence of cancer in the population and the need for frequent use of highly effective chemotherapeutic agents, in particular anthracyclines, for optimal management of cancer patients. However, while being a potent agent to counteract cancer, doxorubicin also affects the cardiovascular systems of patients undergoing chemotherapy in a significant and unfavorable fashion. Consecutively reviewed in this article are risk factors and mechanisms of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, and the essential strategies to mitigate cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin treatment in cancer patients are discussed.

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids inhibit lung fibroblast activation mainly via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smads and ERK1/2 pathway proteins

Backgrounds

Liensinine (Lien), Neferine (Nef), Isoliensinine (Iso) and Tetrandrine (Tet), benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), have been shown inhibitory effects on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative activities, inhibition of cytokines and NF-κB. Effects of other similar BIAs, Dauricine (Dau), Papaverine (Pap) and lotusine (Lot), on PF remain unclear. Here, we explored the effects of five bisbenzylisoquinoline (Lien, Nef, Iso, Tet and Dau) and two monobenzylisoquinoline (Pap, Lot) alkaloids on normal and PF fibroblasts.

Methods

Primary normal and PF lung fibroblasts were cultured and treated with these alkaloids. Proliferation, activation, migration and apoptosis changes were detected by MTT, wound healing assay, flow cytometry. Protein level was analyzed by Western blot.

Results

All BIAs inhibited proliferation of normal and PF lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-β. α-SMA protein level in normal and PF lung fibroblasts decreased after Lien, Nef, Iso, Tet and Dau treatment. Pap and Lot had no influence on α-SMA expression. Dau showed the strongest inhibitory effects on proliferation and activation among alkaloids. The migration rates of normal and PF lung fibroblasts were inhibited by Lien, Nef, Iso, and Dau. Lien, Nef, Iso and Dau significantly promoted apoptosis, while Tet had no effect on apoptosis. Pap and Lot had no influence on activation, migration and apoptosis. Dau significantly inhibited Smad3/4 and p-ERK1/2 protein overexpression induced by TGF-β1.

Conclusions

Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids had stronger effects on inhibiting lung fibroblasts than monobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Dau expressed the strongest inhibitory effects, which may be related to its inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/4 and p-ERK1/2 pathway proteins.

Integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses of the mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of lotusine

Hypertension is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and cause of death worldwide. Lotusine, an alkaloid extracted from a plant used in traditional Chinese Medicine, has shown anti-hypertensive effects. However, its therapeutic efficacy requires further investigation. We adopted integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches with the aim of investigating lotusine's antihypertensive effects and mechanisms of action in rat models. After identifying the optimal intravenous dosage, we observed the effects of lotusine administration on two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, we measured renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) to evaluate lotusine's effect. Finally, an abdominal aortic coarctation (AAC) model was established to evaluate lotusine's long-term effects. The network pharmacology analysis identified 21 intersection targets; of these, 17 were also implicated by the neuroactive live receiver interaction. Further integrated analysis showed high lotusine affinity for the cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunit, adrenoceptor beta 2, and adrenoceptor alpha 1B. Blood pressure of the 2K1C rats and SHRs decreased after treatment with 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg of lotusine (P < 0.001 versus saline control). We also observed RSNA decreases consistent with the network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis results. Results from the AAC rat model indicated that myocardial hypertrophy was decreased with lotusine administration, demonstrated by echocardiography and hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. This study provides insights into the antihypertensive effects and underlying mechanisms of lotusine; lotusine may exert long-term protective effects against myocardial hypertrophy caused by elevated blood pressure.

Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by decreasing pyroptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is widely used in cancer treatment, can induce cardiomyopathy. One of the main mechanisms whereby DOX induces cardiotoxicity involves pyroptosis through the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Increased NAPDH oxidase (NOX) and oxidative stress trigger pyroptosis. Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by inactivating NOX. Here, we examined whether 8-OHdG treatment can attenuate DOX-induced pyroptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Exposure to DOX increased the peroxidative glutathione redox status and NOX1/2/4, toll-like receptor (TLR)2/4, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression, while an additional 8-OHdG treatment attenuated these effects. Furthermore, DOX induced higher expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components, including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a c-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase-1. Moreover, it increased caspase-1 activity, a marker of pyroptosis, and interleukin (IL)-1β expression. All these effects were attenuated by 8-OHdG treatment. In addition, the expression of the cardiotoxicity markers, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was increased by DOX, whereas the increase of ANP and BNP induced by DOX treatment was reversed by 8-OHdG. In conclusion, exogenous 8-OHdG attenuated DOX-induced pyroptosis by decreasing the expression of NOX1/2/3, TLR2/4, and NF-κB. Thus, 8-OHdG may attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the inhibition of pyroptosis.

Insight into Lotusine and Puerarin in Repairing Alcohol-Induced Metabolic Disorder Based on UPLC-MS/MS

Alcohol is an essential element in human culture. However, alcoholism has contributed to numerous health issues, including alcoholic fatty liver and sudden death. We found that the alkaloid lotusine possessed hepato- and neuroprotection against alcohol injuries. Lotusine showed comparable protective effects to puerarin, a widely recognized antagonist against alcohol damage. To better understand the metabolic response to alcohol injury and antagonist molecules, we applied sensitive zebrafish and LC-ESI-MS to collect metabolites related to alcohol, puerarin and lotusine exposure. LC-MS identified 119 metabolites with important physiological roles. Differential metabolomic analysis showed that alcohol caused abnormal expression of 82 metabolites (60 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated). These differential metabolites involved 18 metabolic pathways and modules, including apoptosis, necroptosis, nucleotide and fatty acid metabolism. Puerarin reversed seven metabolite variations induced by alcohol, which were related to necroptosis and sphingolipid metabolism. Lotusine was found to repair five metabolites disorders invoked by alcohol, mainly through nucleotide metabolism and glutathione metabolism. In phenotypic bioassay, lotusine showed similar activities to puerarin in alleviating behavioral abnormalities, neuroapoptosis and hepatic lipid accumulation induced by alcohol exposure. Our findings provided a new antagonist, lotusine, for alcohol-induced damage and explored the roles in repairing abnormal metabolism.

MYPT1 reduction is a pathogenic factor of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is closely associated with smooth muscle dysfunction, but its underlying mechanisms remains incompletely understood. We here reported that the reduced expression of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1), the main regulatory unit of myosin light chain phosphatase, was critical for the development of vasculogenic ED. Male MYPT1 knockout mice had reduced fertility and the penises displayed impaired erections as evidenced by reduced intracavernous pressure (ICP). The penile smooth muscles of the knockout mice displayed enhanced response to G-Protein Couple Receptor agonism and depolarization contractility and resistant relaxation. We further identified a natural compound lotusine that increased the MYPT1 expression by inhibiting SIAH1/2 E3 ligases-mediated protein degradation. This compound sufficiently restored the ICP and improved histological characters of the penile artery of Mypt1 haploinsufficiency mice. In diabetic ED mice (db/db), the decreased expression of MYPT1 was measured, and ICP was improved by lotusine treatment. We conclude that the reduction of MYPT1 is the major pathogenic factor of vasculogenic ED. The restoration of MYPT1 by lotusine improved the function of injured penile smooth muscles, and could be a novel strategy for ED therapy.

The anticardiac fibrosis of total alkaloids of Plumula nelumbinis by regulating circulating lipidomic profile: In vivo study

Plumula nelumbinis has great medicinal potential as a herbal tea and traditional drug in China. This study was aimed to evaluate the anticardiac fibrosis of the total alkaloids of P. nelumbinis (TAP). TAP at 50 mg/kg/day significantly ameliorated isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice (p < .05). The circulating lipidomics study revealed that TAP improved the lipid metabolism dysfunction in cardiac fibrosis. Meanwhile, TAP suppressed the lipid accumulation, decreased MDA level (p < .01) in heart, and increased FFA level (p < .01). Furthermore, integrating lipidomics, chemical profiles and pharmacology network analysis found that AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were the potential targeted pathway by TAP to regulate lipid metabolism dysfunction including glycerophospholipid metabolism. Above all, TAP provided a potential anticardiac fibrosis effect partly through regulation of lipid profiles. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The total alkaloids of Plumula nelumbinis (TAP) suppressed ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice. Network pharmacology analysis and experiments revealed that TAP-regulated AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism disorder in cardiac fibrosis. This study provides evidence to the therapeutic potential of TAP in the treatment of ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis and could be a drug candidate for prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

Inhibitory Effect of Lotusine on Solar UV-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression

Solar ultraviolet (sUV) radiation remains a major cause of skin aging. Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) is a well-known edible plant widely grown in Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. The lotus consists of flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds, and all parts reportedly possess nutritional and medical values. Traditionally, lotus flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds have been used as antidiarrheal agents, diuretics, antipyretics, and antimicrobial and antihyperlipidemic agents. In addition, the Nelumbo nucifera lotus embryo has been shown to possess sedative and antipyretic properties and can relieve hemostatic thirst and treat eye diseases. Recently, Nelumbo nucifera lotus flower extract has been widely used in cosmetics due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and its whitening effects. Numerous cosmetics using Nelumbo nucifera lotus embryo extracts are commercially available. However, the active components of Nelumbo nucifera remain elusive. Lotusine is a phytochemical and soluble alkaloid found in lotus embryos. Herein, we examined the anti-wrinkle effect of lotusine using sUV-exposed human keratinocytes. We observed that lotusine reduced sUV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression and modulated transcriptional activities of activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). sUV-induced AP-1 and NF-κB activity could be activated via multiple signal transduction cascades, including the p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2, and Akt pathways in the skin. Lotusine inhibited the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90^RSK, MKK3/6-p38, and Akt-p70^S6K pathways. Overall, our findings suggest that lotusine has potential benefits related to MMP-1 expression and skin aging following sUV exposure. Hence, the lotus can be developed as a valuable functional food and cosmetic material.

rno-miR-128-3p promotes apoptosis in rat granulosa cells (GCs) induced by norepinephrine through Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)

The mechanism related to ovarian follicular is complex, which has not been fully elucidated. Abundant reports have confirmed that the ovarian function development is closely related to sympathetic innervation. As one of the major neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE) is considered an effective regulator of ovarian functions like granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis. However, the mechanism between NE and GC apoptosis in rat is still unclear. In our study, GCs were isolated and cultured in vitro with NE treatment. The apoptosis of GCs was facilitated by NE. Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) was found to be significantly downregulated in GCs after NE treatment, and overexpression of WT1 repressed apoptosis in rat GCs induced by NE. rno-miR-128-3p was found to be significantly enhanced by NE in GCs, and inhibition of rno-miR-128-3p repressed apoptosis in rat GCs induced by NE. Mechanistically, rno-miR-128-3p interacted with WT1 and repressed its expression. In summary, inhibition of rno-miR-128-3p may enhance WT1 expression, and then repress NE-induced apoptosis in rat GCs. Our research may provide a new insight for the improvement of ovarian follicular development.

Nuciferine Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Chemotherapeutic drugs are a known factor that impairs the system of life due to their severe side effects. A more worrying fact is that the patients administered with doxorubicin fall under the risk of cardiotoxicity. The evolution of exploring plant-derived compounds is a possible way to combat health issues in therapeutic applications. Hence, this study focuses on the protective effect of plant-based compound nuciferine (NFN) against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this investigation, nuciferine significantly reduces DOX-mediated cardiotoxicity by mitigating reactive oxygen species, thereby preventing DNA fragmentation, regulating apoptosis genes and reducing the caspase 3/7 levels in vitro. Besides, nuciferine has shown significant protection against DOX-induced cardiac impairment and the upregulation of cardiogenic markers in vivo. The DOX-induced oxidative stress can be mitigated via enhancing the endogenous antioxidants, thereby controlling ROS-mediated apoptosis. In virtue of these potential features, nuciferine can be a budding candidate to address therapeutic needs.