Protection of mouse bone marrow by Si-WU-Tang against whole body irradiation

Network and experimental pharmacology on mechanism of Si-Wu-tang improving ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) has become a common basic prescription for supplementing blood and regulating menstruation, and enjoys the reputation of "the first prescription in gynecology". It is often reported in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF). However, knowledge of its specific mechanism is still limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to identify the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of SWT on POF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After confirming the therapeutic effect of SWT on POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, we further clarified the promoting effect of SWT on ovarian follicle development by detecting the expression of key factors related to follicle development in the ovary in different ways.Then, network pharmacology and gene expression profiling of POF from the GEO database were used to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Molecular biology and molecular docking analysis were applied for final mechanism verification.

RESULTS

Our results showed that SWT increased body weight, ovarian index, reversed disordered serum hormone levels, and menstrual cycle in POF mice. After SWT treatment, the number of follicles at all levels in mice with POF also recovered. Using molecular biology techniques, it was proven that SWT can improve follicle development and angiogenesis in the microenvironment. The network pharmacology and gene expression profiling from the GEO database indicated that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be the reason why SWT improves ovarian function in mice with POF. Subsequently, further Western blot and immunoprecipitation indicated that SWT indeed inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mice with POF. In addition, this conclusion was further confirmed by molecular docking experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

SWT can improve ovarian function in POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Network pharmacology-based approach to understand the effect and mechanism of Danshen against anemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danshen, the dried rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., is widely used to treat cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in China. However, its role in nourishing blood, which has been detailed in historical literature for thousands of years, is perpetually disputed in the academic field. Moreover, there is no systematic research on Danshen in treating anemia. This research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Danshen on anemia in a zebrafish model based on the results of a network pharmacology study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The network pharmacology study was based on the screening of chemical components and related targets from TCMSP and SwissADME database. The genes associated with anemia were obtained from DisgeNet database, and the genes with the intersection of Danshen target genes were screened out. The Cytoscape 3.7.2 software package was used to construct the "ingredient-target-pathway" network. The exploration of target interaction by String system and the enrichment analysis by Metascape system, was used to discover the possible anti-anemia action mechanism of Danshen. Then, a zebrafish anemia model was induced by vinorelbine followed by the administration of aqueous/ethanol extract of Danshen in contrast to SiWu Decoction (SWD), which is generally acknowledged as a positive drug for tonifying blood. Afterward, the red blood cell signal, cardiac output, and blood flow velocity were detected to evaluate their blood-enriching effects. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA levels of hematopoietic-related factors, which were predicted in network pharmacology.

RESULTS

Compounds and target screening hinted that 115 chemical targets from Danshen were related to anemia, KEGG pathway enrichment results suggested that the mechanism of Danshen in treating anemia was significantly related to the Jak-STAT signaling pathway. Pharmacodynamic results showed that aqueous extract of Danshen (DSAE) and ethanol extract of Danshen (DSEE) markedly enhanced the number of red blood cells, cardiac output, and blood flow velocity. Compared with DSAE, DSEE exerted anti-anemia effects at a lower dose; however, along with higher toxicity. PCR data demonstrated that DSAE and DSEE treatment both upregulated the mRNA expression of erythroid hematopoiesis-related factors in the Epo-JAK-STAT signaling pathway, such as Gata-1, Epo, EpoR, Jak2, STAT3, and STAT5. In general, DSAE exhibited higher activation of this signaling than DSEE.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that DSAE and DSEE both possess blood-enriching functions related with their ability to promote Jak-STAT signaling. DSAE exerted lower toxicity and attenuated anemia over a wider dose range than DSEE, which suggests that DSAE may be more suitable for the treatment for anemia. These results presented experimental evidence for the clinical use of Danshen as an intervention for anemia, especially in chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Siwu Paste protects bone marrow hematopoietic function in rats with blood deficiency syndrome by regulating TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Siwu Paste (SWP) was recorded in the first national Pharmacopoeia of China, "Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang", it showed excellent effects in regulating all syndromes relevant to blood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Siwu Paste (SWP) on bone marrow hematopoietic by using rats' model with blood deficiency syndrome induced by chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal model with blood deficiency syndrome was successfully established by evaluating their peripheral blood cell level and erythrocyte membrane energy metabolism enzyme activity. Serum hematopoietic cytokine levels were detected by using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological morphology of femur bone marrow, and the viability of BMSC was detected by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8). Furthermore, the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear transcription factor kB (NF-κB), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) protein in femur bone marrow were detected by using Western-blotting and High-content cell imaging analysis system (HCA).

RESULTS

Obtained results showed that SWP could significantly improve the status of anemia, regulate the expressions of serum hematopoietic cytokines, and protect bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3 protein were inhibited in bone marrow hematopoietic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Siwu Paste (SWP) could recover the bone marrow hematopoietic functions in rats with blood deficiency syndrome. The therapeutic mechanism may be related to the regulation of serum hematopoietic cytokines, and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Si-Wu-Tang Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Blocking TLR4-JNK and Caspase-8-GSDMD Signaling Pathways

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has high global prevalence; however, the treatments of NAFLD are limited due to lack of approved drugs.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned into three groups: Control group, NAFLD group, NAFLD plus Si-Wu-Tang group. A NAFLD mice model was established by feeding with a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for four weeks. Si-Wu-Tang was given orally by gastric gavage at the beginning of 3rd week, and it lasted for two weeks. The treatment effects of Si-Wu-Tang were confirmed by examining the change of body weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, Oil Red O staining, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the liver samples and accompanied by steatosis grade scores. The expression and activation of the possible signaling proteins involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD were determined by western blotting.

Results

Mice fed with four weeks of MCD diet displayed elevated serum levels of ALT and AST, while there was decreased body weight. The hepatic Oil Red O staining and H&E staining showed severe liver steatosis with high steatosis grade scores. All these can be improved by treating with Si-Wu-Tang for two weeks. Mechanistically, the increased hepatic TLR4 expression and its downstream JNK phosphorylation induced by MCD diet were suppressed by Si-Wu-Tang. Moreover, the upregulations of Caspase-8, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and cleaved-GSDMD in liver mediated by MCD diet were all inhibited by Si-Wu-Tang.

Conclusions

Treatment with Si-Wu-Tang improves MCD diet-induced NAFLD in part via blocking TLR4-JNK and Caspase-8-GSDMD signaling pathways, suggesting that Si-Wu-Tang has potential for clinical application in treating NAFLD.

Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation of the System-Level Molecular Mechanisms of the Hematopoietic Activity of Samul-Tang, a Traditional Korean Herbal Formula

Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process of the continuous production of diverse blood cell types to meet the body's physiological demands and involves complex regulation of multiple cellular mechanisms in hematopoietic stem cells, including proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis. Disruption of the hematopoietic system is known to cause various hematological disorders such as myelosuppression. There is growing evidence on the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on hematopoiesis; however, their mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a network pharmacological-based investigation of the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoietic activity of Samul-tang, which is an herbal formula consisting of four herbal medicines, including Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Cnidii Rhizoma. In silico analysis of the absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion model identified 16 active phytochemical compounds contained in Samul-tang that may target 158 genes/proteins associated with myelosuppression to exert pharmacological effects. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of Samul-tang were significantly enriched in multiple pathways closely related to the hematopoiesis and myelosuppression development, including the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, IL-17, TNF, FoxO, HIF-1, NF-kappa B, and p53 signaling pathways. Our study provides novel evidence regarding the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoiesis-promoting effect of herbal medicines for hematological disorder treatment.

Comparative analysis of active ingredients and effects of the combination of Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus at different proportions on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression mouse

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the combination of Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus (PG–OJ) herbs at different ratios on myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy.

Inhibition of Neoplastic Transformation and Chemically-Induced Skin Hyperplasia in Mice by Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formula Si-Wu-Tang

Exploring traditional medicines may lead to the development of low-cost and non-toxic cancer preventive agents. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), comprising the combination of four herbs, Rehmanniae, Angelica, Chuanxiong, and Paeoniae, is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines for women’s diseases. In our previous studies, the antioxidant Nrf2 pathways were strongly induced by SWT in vitro and in vivo. Since Nrf2 activation has been associated with anticarcinogenic effects, the purpose of this study is to evaluate SWT’s activity of cancer prevention. In the Ames test, SWT demonstrated an antimutagenic activity against mutagenicity induced by the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). In JB6 P+ cells, a non-cancerous murine epidermal model for studying tumor promotion, SWT inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic transformation. The luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that SWT suppressed EGF-induced AP-1 and TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, which are essential factors involved in skin carcinogenesis. In a DMBA-induced skin hyperplasia assay in ‘Sensitivity to Carcinogenesis’ (SENCAR) mice, both topical and oral SWT inhibited DMBA-induced epidermal hyperplasia, expression of the proliferation marker Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and H-ras mutations. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that SWT prevents tumor promoter and chemical-induced carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo, partly by inhibiting DNA damage and blocking the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB.

Hematopoietic effects and mechanisms of Fufang e׳jiao jiang on radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang e׳jiao jiang (FEJ), which has been widely used in clinic to replenish qi (vital energy) and nourish blood, is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula made up of Colla corii asini (donkey-hide gelatin prepared by stewing and concentrating from the hide of Equus asinus Linnaeus.), Radix codonopsis pilosulae (the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.), Radix ginseng rubra (the steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.), Fructus crataegi (the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) and Radix rehmanniae preparata (the steamed and sun dried tuber of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.). The present study aimed to investigate the hematopoietic effects of FEJ on myelosuppressed mice induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy systematically and to explore the underlying hematopoietic regulation mechanisms.

METHODS

The myelosuppressed mouse model was induced by (60)Co radiation, cyclophosphamide and chloramphenicol. FEJ was then administered by i.g. at the dosages of 5, 10, or 20 mL/kg·d for 10d. The numbers of blood cells from peripheral blood and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were counted. Body weight and the thymus and spleen indices were also measured. The numbers of hemopoietic progenitor cells and colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) were measured in vitro. The ratio of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in BMNC, cell cycle and apoptosis of BMNC were determined by flow cytometry. The histology of femoral bone was examined by H&E staining. The levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum were measured by ELISA. IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6 mRNA levels in spleen were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In addition, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were cultured in vitro followed by treatment with different doses of FEJ (2.5, 5, 10 μL/mL) for 48 h. Then the levels of cytokines (IL-6, SCF, GM-CSF) in the conditioned media and their mRNA levels in BMSC were determined by ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively.

RESULTS

FEJ could significantly increase the numbers of peripheral blood cells and BMNC, and reverse the loss of body weight and the atrophy of thymus and spleen in a dose-dependent manner. The quantities of hemopoietic progenitor cells and CFU-F in bone marrow were also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner after FEJ administration. A high-dose FEJ of 20 mL/kg·d could significantly increase the ratio of HSC in BMNC, promote bone marrow cells entering the proliferative cycle phase (S+G2/M) and prevent cells from proceeding to the apoptotic phase. FEJ could also improve the femoral bone marrow morphology. Furthermore, FEJ could increase the levels of GM-CSF and IL-3 and reduce the level of TGF-β in serum, and enhance the expressions of IL-1β and IL-3 mRNA in spleen. Lastly, the levels of cytokines (IL-6, SCF, GM-CSF) in the conditioned media and their mRNA levels in BMSC were elevated after treatment with FEJ.

CONCLUSIONS

FEJ was clearly confirmed to promote the recovery of bone marrow hemopoietic function in a myelosuppressed mouse model, which may be attributed to (i) improving bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment; (ii) facilitating the cell proliferation and preventing BMNC from apoptosis; (iii) stimulating the expressions of IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, SCF and GM-CSF and inhibiting the expression of TGF-β.

Traditional Chinese medicinal formula Si-Wu-Tang prevents oxidative damage by activating Nrf2-mediated detoxifying/antioxidant genes

Background

Induction of Nrf2-mediated detoxifying/antioxidant genes has been recognized as an effective strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), comprising the combination of four herbs, Paeoniae, Angelicae, Chuanxiong and Rehmanniae, is one of the most popular traditional oriental medicines for women’s diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of SWT on Nrf2 pathway in vitro and in vivo and to identify the active component(s).

Results

Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed in the non-cancerous breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A after H₂O₂ treatment in the presence or absence of SWT using the Sulphorhodamine B assay, Annexin-V/Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. SWT strongly reduced H₂O₂ -induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MCF-10A cells. Expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-regulated genes HMOX1 (heme oxygenase 1) and SLC7A11 (xCT) was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, Western Blot and immunocytochemistry. SWT strongly induced Nrf2-regulated genes at mRNA and protein levels and increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in MCF-10A cells. The in vivo pharmacodynamic effect of SWT was evaluated in healthy female Sprague–Dawley rats. Short-term oral administration of SWT (1,000 mg/kg per day for six consecutive days) to rats resulted in an increased expression of Nrf2-regulated genes Hmox1 and Slc7A11 in the liver detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Among nine compounds that have been identified previously in the SWT products, z-liguistilide was discovered as the main component responsible for the effect of Nrf2 activation using the antioxidant response element-luciferase reporter gene assay. Z-liguistilide was confirmed with a high potency to induce Nrf2-regulated genes and Nrf2 nuclear translocation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that SWT and its component z-liguistilide are able to activate the Nrf2 pathway in non-cancerous cells and organs in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that SWT might be an orally effective and nontoxic agent for cancer chemoprevention.

The clinical potential of influencing Nrf2 signaling in degenerative and immunological disorders

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2; encoded in humans by the NFE2L2 gene) is a transcription factor that regulates the gene expression of a wide variety of cytoprotective phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes through a promoter sequence known as the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE). The ARE is a promoter element found in many cytoprotective genes; therefore, Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in the ARE-driven cellular defense system against environmental stresses. Agents that target the ARE/Nrf2 pathway have been tested in a wide variety of disorders, with at least one new Nrf2-activating drug now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Examination of in vitro and in vivo experimental results, and taking into account recent human clinical trial results, has led to an opinion that Nrf2-activating strategies – which can include drugs, foods, dietary supplements, and exercise – are likely best targeted at disease prevention, disease recurrence prevention, or slowing of disease progression in early stage illnesses; they may also be useful as an interventional strategy. However, this rubric may be viewed even more conservatively in the pathophysiology of cancer. The activation of the Nrf2 pathway has been widely accepted as offering chemoprevention benefit, but it may be unhelpful or even harmful in the setting of established cancers. For example, Nrf2 activation might interfere with chemotherapies or radiotherapies or otherwise give tumor cells additional growth and survival advantages, unless they already possess mutations that fully activate their Nrf2 pathway constitutively. With all this in mind, the ARE/Nrf2 pathway remains of great interest as a possible target for the pharmacological control of degenerative and immunological diseases, both by activation and by inhibition, and its regulation remains a promising biological target for the development of new therapies.

Si-Wu-tang extract stimulates bone formation through PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways in osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, is widely used for the treatment of gynopathies diseases such as menstrual discomfort, climacteric syndrome, dysmenorrhea, and other estrogen-related diseases. Recent studies have shown that SWT can treat primary dysmenorrhea, have anti-pruritic anti-inflammatory effects, and protect against radiation-induced bone marrow damage in an animal model. It has been reported that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents have the potential to treat osteoporosis by increasing bone formation and/or suppressing bone resorption. However, the effect of SWT on bone cell function has not yet been reported.

METHODS

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2, and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA expression was analyzed by qPCR. The mechanism of action of SWT extract was investigated using western blotting. The in vivo anti-osteoporotic effect of SWT extract was assessed in ovariectomized mice.

RESULTS

Here, we report that SWT increases ALP, BMP-2, and OPN expression as well as bone mineralization. In addition, we show that the PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathways may be involved in the SWT-mediated increase in gene expression and bone mineralization. Notably, treatment of mice with SWT extract prevented bone loss induced by ovariectomy in vivo.

CONCLUSION

SWT may be used to stimulate bone formation for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Protective effects of HemoHIM on immune and hematopoietic systems against γ-irradiation

We examined the effect of HemoHIM on the protective efficacy of hematopoietic stem cells and on the recovery of immune cells against sublethal doses of ionizing radiation. Two-month-old mice were exposed to γ-rays at a dose of 8, 6.5, or 5 Gy for a30-day survival study, endogenous spleen colony formation, or other experiments, respectively. HemoHIM was injected intraperitoneally before and after irradiation. Our results showed that HemoHIM significantly decreased the mortality of sublethally irradiated mice. The HemoHIM administration decreased the apoptosis of bone marrow cells in irradiated mice. On the other hand, HemoHIM increased the formation of endogenous spleen colony in irradiated mice. In irradiated mice, the recovery of total leukocytes in the peripheral blood and lymphocytes in the spleen were enhanced significantly by HemoHIM. Moreover, the function of B cells, T cells, and NK cells regenerated in irradiated mice were significantly improved by the administration of HemoHIM. HemoHIM showed an ideal radioprotector for protecting hematopoietic stem cells and for accelerating the recovery of immune cells. We propose HemoHIM as a beneficial supplement drug during radiotherapy to alleviate adverse radiation-induced effects for cancer patients.

Transcriptional profiling of Chinese medicinal formula Si-Wu-Tang on breast cancer cells reveals phytoestrogenic activity

Background

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), comprising the combination of four herbs, Paeoniae, Angelicae, Chuanxiong and Rehmanniae, is one of the most popular traditional oriental medicines for women’s diseases. In our previous study, the microarray gene expression profiles of SWT on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were found similar to the effect of β-estradiol (E2) on MCF-7 cells in the Connectivity Map database.

Methods

Further data analysis was conducted to find the main similarities and differences between the effects of SWT and E2 on MCF-7 gene expression. The cell proliferation assay on MCF-7 (ER-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative) cells were used to examine such estrogenic activity. The estrogenic potency of SWT was further confirmed by estrogen-responsive element (ERE) luciferase reporter assay in MCF-7 cells.

Results

Many estrogen regulated genes strongly up-regulated by E2 were similarly up-regulated by SWT, e.g., GREB1, PGR and EGR3. Of interest with regard to safety of SWT, the oncogenes MYBL1 and RET were strongly induced by E2 but not by SWT. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed a highly concordant expression change in selected genes with data obtained by microarrays. Further supporting SWT’s estrogenic activity, in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells, SWT stimulated cell growth at lower concentrations (< 3.0 mg/ml), while at high concentrations, it inhibits the growth of both cell lines. The growth inhibitory potency of SWT was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF-7 cells. The SWT-induced cell growth of MCF-7 could be blocked by addition of the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen. In addition, SWT was able to activate the ERE activity at lower concentrations. The herbal components Angelicae, Chuanxiong and Rehmanniae at lower concentrations (< 3.0 mg/ml) also showed growth-inducing and ERE-activating activity in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions

These results revealed a new mechanism to support the clinical use of SWT for estrogen related diseases and possibly for cancer prevention. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of using microarray transcriptional profiling to discover phytoestrogenic components that are present in natural products.

Discovery of molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicinal formula Si-Wu-Tang using gene expression microarray and connectivity map

To pursue a systematic approach to discovery of mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we used microarrays, bioinformatics and the “Connectivity Map” (CMAP) to examine TCM-induced changes in gene expression. We demonstrated that this approach can be used to elucidate new molecular targets using a model TCM herbal formula Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) which is widely used for women's health. The human breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with 0.1 µM estradiol or 2.56 mg/ml of SWT showed dramatic gene expression changes, while no significant change was detected for ferulic acid, a known bioactive compound of SWT. Pathway analysis using differentially expressed genes related to the treatment effect identified that expression of genes in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) cytoprotective pathway was most significantly affected by SWT, but not by estradiol or ferulic acid. The Nrf2-regulated genes HMOX1, GCLC, GCLM, SLC7A11 and NQO1 were upreguated by SWT in a dose-dependent manner, which was validated by real-time RT-PCR. Consistently, treatment with SWT and its four herbal ingredients resulted in an increased antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase reporter activity in MCF-7 and HEK293 cells. Furthermore, the gene expression profile of differentially expressed genes related to SWT treatment was used to compare with those of 1,309 compounds in the CMAP database. The CMAP profiles of estradiol-treated MCF-7 cells showed an excellent match with SWT treatment, consistent with SWT's widely claimed use for women's diseases and indicating a phytoestrogenic effect. The CMAP profiles of chemopreventive agents withaferin A and resveratrol also showed high similarity to the profiles of SWT. This study identified SWT as an Nrf2 activator and phytoestrogen, suggesting its use as a nontoxic chemopreventive agent, and demonstrated the feasibility of combining microarray gene expression profiling with CMAP mining to discover mechanisms of actions and to identify new health benefits of TCMs.

Water extract of samultang reduces apoptotic cell death by h(2)o(2)-induced oxidative injury in sk-N-mc cells

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the water extract of Samultang (SMT), a Chinese herb, on apoptotic cell death by H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in SK-N-MC cells. A nuclear fragmentation was observed via fluorescence imaging 12 h after exposure to 30 microM H(2)O(2) and DNA laddering was detected via agarose electrophoresis gel. In addition, increases in sub-G1 phase and cleavage of the PARP protein were observed. However, treatment with SMT for 2 h prior to H(2)O(2) exposure significantly reduced apoptotic cell death induced by incubation with 30 microM H(2)O(2) in SK-N-MC cells. Pre-incubation with water extract of SMT for 2 h prevented the H(2)O(2)-induced decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. SMT also attenuated the increase in caspase-3 activity and the breakdown of PARP protein caused by H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress. These results suggest that the water extract of SMT provides inhibition of apoptotic cell death against oxidative injury in SK-N-MC cells.

Si-Wu-Tang and its constituents promote mammary duct cell proliferation by up-regulation of HER-2 signaling

OBJECTIVE

The consumption of over-the-counter natural products by perimenopausal women remains a challenging problem. It is our aim to investigate the proliferative effect of Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) and its constituents on MCF7 breast cancer cells as well as the SWT-modulated cell signaling and HER-2 gene expression.

DESIGN

By using the MCF7 (ER+, HER-2 low), BT474 (ER+, HER-2 high), MDAMB231 (ER-, HER-2 low), and SKBR3 (ER-, HER-2 high) mammary duct cell lines as our in vitro model, the mitogenic effects of SWT and its constituents were assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion assay and DNA flow cytometry. SWT-modulated cell signaling and HER-2 gene expression were evaluated in the MCF7 line by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed that SWT and some of its constituents dose-dependently stimulated cell proliferation of MCF7 cells. The activation of HER-2, its downstream signaling molecules AKT and ERK1/2, as well as HER-2 gene up-regulation were involved in SWT-stimulated cell proliferation. The addition of neutralizing antibody against HER-2 abrogated the SWT-up-regulated HER-2 expression, indicating a positive feedback control for the action of HER-2 in this setting. Ferulic acid, one of the major compounds in SWT, not only promoted cell proliferation of MCF7, BT474, MDAMB231, and SKBR3 cells, but also increased the phosphorylation of HER-2, AKT, and ERK1/2, as well as overexpression of HER-2, on MCF7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that SWT and its active constituents stimulate mammary duct cell proliferation by modulating HER-2, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK signaling and the positive feedback of HER-2 gene expression. This provides important information for perimenopausal women who are at risk of or have breast cancer or other growths in breast tissue.

Protective effect of paeoniflorin on irradiation-induced cell damage involved in modulation of reactive oxygen species and the mitogen-activated protein kinases

Ionizing radiation can induce DNA damage and cell death by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The objective of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of paeoniflorin (PF, a main bioactive component in the traditional Chinese herb peony) on irradiated thymocytes and discover the possible mechanisms of protection. We found 60Co gamma-ray irradiation increased cell death and DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner while increasing intracellular ROS. Pretreatment of thymocytes with PF (50-200 microg/ml) reversed this tendency and attenuated irradiation-induced ROS generation. Hydroxyl-scavenging action of PF in vitro was detected through electron spin resonance assay. Several anti-apoptotic characteristics of PF, including the ability to diminish cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, inhibit caspase-3 activation, and upregulate Bcl-2 and downregulate Bax in 4Gy-irradiated thymocytes were determined. Extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase were activated by 4Gy irradiation, whereas its activations were partly blocked by pretreatment of cells with PF. The presence of ERK inhibitor PD98059, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 decreased cell death in 4Gy-irradiated thymocytes. These results suggest PF protects thymocytes against irradiation-induced cell damage by scavenging ROS and attenuating the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Effects of Four Si-Wu-Tang's Constituents and Their Combination on Irradiated Mice

Effects of four Si-Wu-Tang (SWT)'s constituents, fructose (Fru), paeoniflorin (Pae), ferulic acid (FA), tetramethyl pyrazine (TP), and their combination on irradiated mice as model of anaemia were investigated, with the purpose of further understanding the relationship between SWT's constituents and activities. Similarly to SWT, oral administration of Fru, Pae, FA, TP and their combination, to some extent, all showed effects of increasing the number of peripheral leukocyte and increasing four types of progenitor cells in bone marrow, including colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM), colony-forming unit-mature erythroid (CFU-E), colony-forming unit-immature erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-multipotential (CFU-mix). Pae and FA showed significant body weight reducing effect, which were largely abolished when they were combined with Fru and TP. The SWT, Fru and combination significantly increased the thymus index while Pae significantly decreased it. Both SWT and TP significantly increased the spleen index but the combination did not. The results suggested that multiple constituents contribute to the promoting effect of SWT on hematopoiesis. Although being a very common compound in plants, the Fru has a special contribution to SWT's effect, which cannot be neglected. It may be an important active constituent that is responsible for SWT's promoting effect on hematopoiesis and immunity. Another suggestion is that when being combined, some effect of one constituent, sometimes is unexpected side effect, may be abolished by other. This may reflect the advantage of multiple constituent characteristics possessed by most TCMs.

Radioprotection by plant products: present status and future prospects

The development of radioprotective agents has been the subject of intense research in view of their potential for use within a radiation environment, such as space exploration, radiotherapy and even nuclear war. However, no ideal, safe synthetic radioprotectors are available to date, so the search for alternative sources, including plants, has been on going for several decades. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, several plants have been used to treat free radical-mediated ailments and, therefore, it is logical to expect that such plants may also render some protection against radiation damage. A systematic screening approach can provide leads to identifying potential new candidate drugs from plant sources, for mitigation of radiation injury. This article reviews some of the most promising plants, and their bioactive principles, that are widely used in traditional systems of medicine, and which have rendered significant radioprotection in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Plants and their constituents with pharmacological activities that may be relevant to amelioration of radiation-mediated damage, including antiemetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferative, wound healing and haemopoietic stimulatories are also discussed.

The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine

We evaluated the effect of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang, a prescription of traditional Oriental medicine, and its major ingredients on protection of the intestine and hematopoietic organs against radiation damage in this study. The jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells were investigated in mice irradiated with high and low doses of gamma-rays. bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang administration before irradiation protected the jejunal crypts (p < 0.0001), increased the formation of the endogenous spleen colony (p < 0.05) and reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In experiments on the effects of the individual ingredient of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang, Rensan (Radix Ginseng), Danggui (Radix Angelicae gigantis), Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) might have major radioprotective effects, and each might have different degrees of effect on these three endpoints. These results indicated that bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang might be a better agent than any one of its ingredients to satisfy all three endpoints. Although the mechanisms of this inhibitory effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicated that bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively non-toxic natural product. Further studies are needed to better characterize the protective nature of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang extract and its ingredients.

Dose and dose rate effects of whole-body proton-irradiation on lymphocyte blastogenesis and hematological variables: part II

The goal of part II of this study was to evaluate functional characteristics of leukocytes and circulating blood cell parameters after whole-body proton irradiation at varying doses and at low- and high-dose-rates (LDR and HDR, respectively). C57BL/6 mice (n=51) were irradiated and euthanized at 4 days post-exposure for assay. Significant radiation dose- (but not dose-rate-) dependent decreases were observed in splenocyte responses to T and B cell mitogens when compared to sham-irradiated controls (P<0.001). Spontaneous blastogenesis, also significantly dose-dependent, was increased in both blood and spleen (P<0.001). Red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), whereas thrombocyte numbers were only slightly affected. Comparison of proton- and gamma-irradiated groups (both receiving 3 Gy at HDR) showed a higher level of spontaneous blastogenesis in blood leukocytes and a lower splenocyte response to concanavalin A following proton irradiation (P<0.05). There were no dose rate effects. Collectively, the data demonstrate that the measurements in blood and spleen were largely dependent upon the total dose of proton radiation and that an 80-fold difference in the dose rate was not a significant factor. A difference, however, was found between protons and gamma-rays in the degree of change induced in some of the measurements.

Radioprotective effects of two traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: si-wu-tang and si-jun-zi-tang

We performed this study to determine the effect of Si-Wu-Tang, a basic prescription of traditional Oriental medicine as a blood-building decoction (Chinese medical concept: Bu-Xie), Si-Jun-Zi-Tang, a basic prescription as an energy tonic (Chinese medical concept: Bu-Qi) and its major ingredients on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells of mice irradiated with high and low dose of gamma-irradiation. Si-Wu-Tang administration before irradiation protected the jejunal crypts (p < 0.0005), increased the formation of endogenous spleen colonies (p < 0.05) and reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In an experiment on the effect of ingredients of Si-Wu-Tang, the result indicated that extract of Danggui and Baishaoyao might have a major radioprotective effect. The radioprotective effect of Si-Jun-Zi-Tang and its ingredients were not as significant as that of Si-Wu-Tang. Although the mechanisms of this inhibitory effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicate that Si-Wu-Tang might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product. Further studies are needed to characterize better the protective nature of Si-Wu-Tang extract and its ingredients.

Difference in the effects of radioprotection between aerial and root parts of Lycium chinense

Radiation protection from bone marrow death by consecutive injections of crude extracts from different parts of Lycium chinense (LC), root (LCR) and aerial part (LCA), before whole body X-irradiation was confirmed by tests with ICR strain mice. Both extracts were effective after intraperitoneal injection of a high dose, once a day, for seven consecutive days before irradiation. Based on the studies of endogenous hematopoietic spleen colony formation (CFUs), and the postirradiation behavior of hematograms and hematocrits, it was demonstrated that the LCR protects mice more effective when given in a dose of 500 mg/kg. Enhanced CFUs was found in the irradiation range of 4-8 Gy by various treatments. Recovery of leukocyte, erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts was significantly stimulated by the extract of LCR with 500 mg/kg administration. Stimulated recovery by the extract from the LCR was also observed in hematocrit. On the contrary, the extracts of both LCA and LCR did not markedly affect recovery of leukocyte, erythrocyte, thrombocyte counts and hematocrits by 250 mg/kg administration. It could be deduced that the uncertainly radioprotective action is induced by a possible process of enhanced regeneration of the hematopoietic stem cells due to either enhanced postirradiation repair or an increased proliferation of the hematopoietic stem cells under the suitable extract administration.

A preliminary study on the radioprotection of mouse hematopoiesis by dang-gui-shao-yao-san

The purpose of this study reported here was to investigate the ability of Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San (DGSYS), known to elevate hematopoietic functions, to protect mice undergoing treatment with whole body single X-irradiation. DGSYS given at doses of 10 and 20 mg/20 g body weight, once a day, for 7 consecutive days before irradiation protected ICR strain mice from the sublethal effects of radiation in a dose-dependent manner. Prior administration of 20 mg/20 g DGSYS increased the number of femoral spleen colony-forming units (CFU-S) that survived irradiation, and significantly ameliorated leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and the degression of hematocrits after irradiation. These results suggest that DGSYS may be effective in the prevention of hematopoietic injury caused by sublethal dose irradiation.