Effect of compound Sophorae Flavescentis Jiechangrong capsule on expression of NF-κB p65 and STAT6 in the intestinal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis

Investigation on the function tropism of Tiaoqin and Kuqin (different specification of Scutellaria baicalensis) by comparing their curative effect on different febrile disease model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) is the root of S. baicalensis Georgi. In traditional Chinese medicine it is divided into Tiaoqin (TQ, 1-3 years old) and Kuqin (KQ, more than 3 years old). However, the differences in TQ and KQ efficacy and their exact mechanisms are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to clarify the difference in the efficacy of TQ and KQ in relation to different fever types (damp heat and hyperpyrexia) by using rat models, as well as to determine the primary molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compared the compositional content of TQ and KQ by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, rat models of hyperpyrexia (HP, LPS) and damp heat (DH, high-fat and high-sugar diet feeding + fumigation in artificial climate chamber + E. coli injection) were established and their clinical symptoms, blood biochemistry, histopathological sections, cell cytokines and protein expression were compared following treatment with TQ or KQ. Finally, the mechanisms underpinning the differences observed for TQ and KQ were determined by measuring the components of these treatments in different target organs.

RESULTS

This study identified 31 compounds in the water extracts of both TQ and KQ, which differed significantly in their relative content. TQ and KQ showed different functional tropism in HP and DH model rats. Baicalin, wogonoside, oroxin A, baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A appeared to be the basic functional components responsible for the functional tropism hypothesis, while the remaining compounds appeared to be the efficacy-oriented components. In addition, the difference in pharmacodynamics between TQ and KQ may be related to their absorption in vivo, which was consistent with the hypothesis of functional tropism proposed in this work.

CONCLUSION

In this study we adopted TQ and KQ-different specifications of Scutellaria baicalensis with similar chemical components-as a case study to systematically reveal the functional tropism of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The results showed that TQ and KQ contain the basic functional components to enable the basic function of 'clearing heat', while the variation in compositional content may result in their different therapeutic effects. A greater understanding and utilisation of the functional tropism of CHM would enormously improve the accuracy and scientific basis for the application of CHM medication, as well as in promoting the multi-function mechanism of CHM and guiding new drug development of CHM.

The Comparative Study of the Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism of Baicalin, Baicalein, and Their Combination on Ulcerative Colitis Rat

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with a high incidence rate and a difficult treatment regimen. Recently, significant advances in the treatment of intestinal diseases, particularly UC, have been made with the use of the drugs baicalin and baicalein, separately or in combination. However, the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of baicalin, baicalein, and their combination therapy, in the treatment of UC has not been fully elucidated.

Materials and Methods: we constructed a UC rat model that encompassed a variety of complex factors, including a high-sugar and high-fat diet, a high temperature and humidity environment (HTHE), excess drinking, and infection of Escherichia coli. Model rats were then treated with baicalin, baicalein, or a combination of the two.

Results: The results showed significant differences in the therapeutic effects of baicalin, baicalein, and the combination therapy, in the treatment of UC, as well as differences in the inhibition of inflammation via the nuclear factor-κB and MAPK pathways. The rat model of UC was established as described above. Then, the rats were treated for 7 days with baicalin (100 mg kg^-1), baicalein (100 mg kg^-1), or both (100 mg kg^-1, baicalin: baicalein = 4:1/1:1). Clinical symptoms and signs, body temperature, organ indices, histopathology, blood biochemistry, and metabolites were examined to compare treatment effects and indicators of UC. Baicalin, YSR (Young Scutellaria baicalensis ratio of baicalin and baicalein), baicalein, and WSR (Withered Scutellaria baicalensis ratio of baicalin and baicalein) had significantly different effects in terms of clinical symptoms and signs, body temperature, organ indices, serum inflammatory cytokine levels, blood biochemistry, and histopathology changes in the main organs; YSR exhibited the best treatment effects. LC-MS/MS was used to detect the conversion of baicalin, baicalein, or both, into the six types of metabolites: baicalin, wogonoside, oroxin A, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A. The levels of the six metabolites under the different treatment conditions were significantly different in the large intestine, small intestine, and lungs, but not in the blood. The levels of the six metabolites were significantly different in the large intestine, small intestine, and lung, but not in the serum.

Conclusion: All these results indicate that baicalin and baicalein should be used more accurately in specific diseases, especially baicalin or high content of baicalin in Scutellaria baicalensis (Tiaoqin) should be preferred in treatment of UC.

Uncovering the Anticancer Mechanism of Compound Sophorae Decoction against Ulcerative Colitis-Related Colorectal Cancer in Mice

Compound sophorae decoction (CSD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been voluminously used in China to deal with ulcerative colitis and gained significant therapeutic effect. Tremendous explorations have unraveled a contributory role of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) at the onset of colorectal cancer, scilicet, and colitis-related cancer (CRC). In light of the anti-inflammatory properties of CSD in UC, we appraised its chemoprevention capacity and underlying mechanism in ulcerative colitis-related colorectal cancer (UCRCC), employing a model of azoxymethane (AOM) plus dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in C57BL/6 mice. Rapturously, our results illuminated the ameliorative effect of CSD against UCRCC in mice portrayed by lesser polyps or adenomas, attenuated colonic xenograft tumor growth in company with the preferable well-being of mice in contrast to the Model Group. We examined significant downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, STAT3, and IL-17 after exposure to CSD, with the concomitant repression of inflammation-associated proteins, including COX-2 and iNOS. Independent of this, treatment with CSD declined the proportion of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and protein level of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) detected observably suppressed mitophagy in mice administered with CSD and that was paralleled by the pro-apoptotic effect as indicated by upregulating caspase-3 together with caspase-9 and deregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). In closing, these findings suggest CSD executes the UCRCC-inhibitory activity through counteracting inflammatory responses and rescuing detuning of apoptosis as well as neutralizing overactive mitophagy, concurring to build up an oncosuppressive microenvironment.

Baicalin modulates immuno-inflammatory response in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To evaluate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of baicalin on ulcerative colitis (UC) in terms of its effect on CD4⁺CD29⁺ T helper cells, surface markers and serum inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CD4⁺CD29⁺ cells in patients with UC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of GATA-3, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), and retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear hormone receptor C (RORC). Western blot was used to analyze the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, p-NF-κB p65, STAT4, p-STAT4, STAT6, and p-STAT6. The concentrations of interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) in serum were determined by ELISA assay.

RESULTS: The percentages of CD4⁺CD29⁺ T cells were significantly lower in cells treated with 40 and 20 μmol/L baicalin than in untreated cells. Treatment with 40 or 20 μmol/L baicalin significantly upregulated the expression of IL-4, TGF-β1 and IL-10, increased the p-STAT6/STAT6 ratio, but downregulated the expression of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-6, RORC, FOXP3, and T-bet, and decreased the ratios of T-bet/GATA-3, p-STAT4/STAT4, and p-NF-κB/NF-κB compared to those in untreated cells.

CONCLUSION: Baicalin regulates immune balance and relieves UC induced inflammation response possibly by promoting the proliferation of CD4⁺CD29⁺ cells and modulating immunosuppressive pathways.

Intervention effects of QRZSLXF, a Chinese medicinal herb recipe, on the DOR-β-arrestin1-Bcl2 signal transduction pathway in a rat model of ulcerative colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qingre Zaoshi Liangxue Fang (QRZSLXF) is a Chinese medicinal herb recipe that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It includes 5 quality assured herbs: Sophora flavescens Aiton., Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek., Bletilla striata Rchb.f., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and Coptis chinensis Franch. The main phytochemical ingredient of QRZSLXF includes ammothamnine, sophocarpidine, liquiritin, berberine and indirubin. QRZSLXF has been clinically proven for use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis for over twenty years. In the past ten years, research has confirmed the therapeutic effect of QRZSLXF in ulcerative colitis and partially revealed its mechanism of action. Here, we further reveal the therapeutic mechanism of QRZSLXF in ulcerative colitis. To investigate the role of the DOR-β-arrestin1-Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway in ulcerative colitis and to determine the effects of QRZSLXF on this signal transduction pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group, model group, mesalazine group, and QRZSLXF high-dose, medium-dose group and low-dose groups (n=14). Experimental colitis was induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in each group, except the normal control group. After modeling, bloody stool, mental state and diarrhea were observed and recorded. Two rats were randomly selected from the model groups adfnd sacrificed on day 3 to observe pathological changes in the colon tissue by microscopy. The rats in the QRZSLXF-treated groups received intramuscular injections of different concentrations of QRZSLXF for 15 days. The rats in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine solution (0.5 g/kg/day) by gastric lavage for 15 days. The rats in the normal control group and the model group were treated with 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. On the 16th day, after fasting for 24 h, the remaining rats were sacrificed and their colon tissues were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of DOR, β-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 by Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Histological changes in the colon tissues were also examined.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The expressions of DOR, β-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 were significantly different among the four groups. The expressions of DOR, β-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly increased in the model group compared with the other groups (P<0.05). In contrast to the model group, the expressions of DOR, β-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased in the mesalazine group and the groups that received different doses of QRZSLXF (P<0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences among the mesalazine and QRZSLXF-treated groups (P>0.05). This study indicates that the DOR-beta-arrestin1-Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway may participate in the pathologic course of ulcerative colitis. Moreover, QRZSLXF could attenuate ulcerative colitis by regulating the DOR-β-arrestin1-Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway.

Role of β2-adrenoceptor-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB signal transduction pathway and intervention effects of oxymatrine in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR)-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway and the intervention effects of oxymatrine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, which included the normal control group, the model group, the mesalazine group and the oxymatrine treatment group, with 10 rats per group. Experimental colitis induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was established in each group except the normal control group. The rats in the oxymatrine treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of oxymatrine 63 mg/(kg·d) for 15 days and the rats in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine solution 0.5 g/(kg·d) by gastric lavage for 15 days. The rats in the normal control group and model group were treated with 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. Diarrhea and bloody stool were carefully observed. Histological changes in colonic tissue were examined on day 7 in 2 rats per group that were randomly selected. The expression of β2AR, β-arrestin2 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissue and spleen lymphocytes were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting techniques on day 16 after fasting for 24 h. Six rats died of lavage with 2 each in the normal control, the model group and the mesalazine group; and were not included in the analysis.

RESULTS

The rats in the model group suffered from looser stool and bloody purulent stool after modeling. But in the oxymatrine and mesalazine groups, looser stool and bloody purulent stool reduced after treatment. And the colonic wall in the model group was thickened and the colon length shortened. The colon mucosa was congested in multiple areas with edema, erosion, superficial or linear ulcer and scar formation, while the intestinal mucosa injury reduced in the mesalazine and oxymatrine groups (P<0.01). In colonic mucosa and in spleen lymphocytes, compared with the normal control group, the expression of NF-κBp65 were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group while the expressions of β 2AR and β-arrestin2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of NF-κ Bp65 was significantly decreased in the mesalazine group (P<0.01) and oxymatrine treatment group (P<0.01) while the expressions of β2AR and β-arrestin2 were significantly increased (P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of β2AR, β-arrestin2 and NF-κBp65 between the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway participated in the pathologic course of ulcerative colitis. Oxymatrine attenuated ulcerative colitis through regulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

Oxymatrine attenuates ulcerative colitis by modulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

AIM: To investigate whether the β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR)-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signaling pathway mediates the therapeutic effects of oxymatrine on ulcerative colitis in rats.

METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: normal control group, model group, mesalazine group and oxymatrine group. Experiment colitis was induced with TNBS in rats in each group except the normal control group. The rats in the oxymatrine group were intramuscularly injected with oxymatrine injection for 15 d, while those in the mesalazine group were lavaged with 3 mL mesalazine solution for the same duration. The rats in the normal control group and model group were lavaged with 3 mL water for 15 d. Diarrhea and bloody stools were carefully observed in experimental rats. Two rats in each group were randomly selected and executed on day 7 for observing colonic histological changes. On day 16, the remaining rats were executed after fasting 24 h to detect the expression of β2AR, β-arrestin2 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissue and splenic lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the expression of NF-κB p65 was significantly increased (both P < 0.01) and the expression of β2AR and β-arrestin2 was significantly decreased (both P < 0.01) in colonic mucosa and splenic lymphocytes in the model group. Compared with the model group, the expression of NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (16.26 ± 5.51 and 18.34 ± 3.34 vs 61.90 ± 17.75, both P < 0.01) and the expression of β2AR and β-arrestin2 was significantly increased in colonic mucosa in the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group (47.27 ± 12.40 and 61.75 ± 10.40 vs 12.20 ± 2.70, both P < 0.01; 70.71 ± 12.84 and 76.14 ± 8.77 vs 16.80 ± 7.17, both P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (114.23 ± 11.56 and 145.62 ± 13.05 vs 249.70 ± 18.94, both P < 0.01) and the expression of β2AR and β-arrestin2 was significantly increased in splenic lymphocytes in the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group (1 006.50 ± 226.89 and 1 102.11 ± 297.72 vs 594.97 ± 209.59, both P < 0.01; 189.97 ± 21.12 and 162.04 ± 15.69 vs 111.77 ± 19.43, both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signaling pathway participates in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis in rats. Oxymatrine attenuates ulcerative colitis by regulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signaling pathway.