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Kong Q, Han X, Cheng H, Liu J, Zhang H, Dong T, Chen J, So KF, Mi X, Xu Y, Tang S. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (wolfberry extract) slows N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced degradation of photoreceptors. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2290-2298. [PMID: 38488563 PMCID: PMC11034605 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00030/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Photoreceptor cell degeneration leads to blindness, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Our previous studies have shown that Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) polysaccharide (LBP) protects degenerated photoreceptors in rd1, a transgenic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. L. barbarum glycopeptide (LbGP) is an immunoreactive glycoprotein extracted from LBP. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of LbGP on a chemically induced photoreceptor-degenerative mouse model. Wild-type mice received the following: oral administration of LbGP as a protective pre-treatment on days 1-7; intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea to induce photoreceptor injury on day 7; and continuation of orally administered LbGP on days 8-14. Treatment with LbGP increased photoreceptor survival and improved the structure of photoreceptors, retinal photoresponse, and visual behaviors of mice with photoreceptor degeneration. LbGP was also found to partially inhibit the activation of microglia in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured retinas and significantly decreased the expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, LbGP effectively slowed the rate of photoreceptor degeneration in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured mice, possibly through an anti-inflammatory mechanism, and has potential as a candidate drug for the clinical treatment of photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiu Han
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haiyang Cheng
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huijun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tangrong Dong
- School of Stomatology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xuesong Mi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Lv DM, Cao S, Yang G, Zhang Z, Yu Q. Fructus lycii oligosaccharide alleviates acute liver injury via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Immunol Res 2024; 72:271-283. [PMID: 38032450 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Regulating the immune-environment is essential for treating acute liver injury (ALI). However, the deficiency of an effective immune balancer restricted progress. Herein, we reported an oligosaccharide from Fructus lycii oligosaccharide (FLO). To investigate the effects of FLO, we adopted primary macrophages and LO2 for experiments in vitro. In vivo, we assessed the influence of FLO in ALI with histochemical staining and enzyme indicators detection. Following that, we clarified the underlying mechanisms using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Our results indicated that FLO (100 μg/mL) showed apparent inflammatory reversal effects by shifting the phenotype of macrophages from M1 to M2 without causing any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CCl4-induced mice were significantly improved by FLO intragastric administration. Meanwhile, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was confirmed for the up-regulation of IL-10 via M2 polarization of macrophages. Collectively, our findings highlight the beneficial effects of FLO on ALI therapy via M1 to M2 macrophage conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - De Ming Lv
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Sucheng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingtong Yu
- Laboratory of Drug Delivery and Tissue Regeneration, Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Liu X, Gao H, Radani Y, Yue S, Zhang Z, Tang J, Zhu J, Zheng R. Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the discrepancy in the accumulation of active ingredients between Lycium barbarum cultivars. PLANTA 2024; 259:74. [PMID: 38407665 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolome provided molecular insight into the dynamics of multiple active ingredients biosynthesis and accumulation across different cultivars of Lycium barbarum. Lycium barbarum L. has a high concentration of active ingredients and is well known in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, there are many Lycium barbarum cultivars, and the content of active components varies, resulting in inconsistent quality between Lycium barbarum cultivars. At present, few research has been conducted to reveal the difference in active ingredient content among different cultivars of Lycium barbarum at the molecular level. Therefore, the transcriptome of 'Ningqi No.1' and 'Qixin No.1' during the three development stages (G, T, and M) was constructed in this study. A total of 797,570,278 clean reads were obtained. Between the two types of wolfberries, a total of 469, 2394, and 1531 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the 'G1 vs. G10,' 'T1 vs. T10,' and 'M1 vs. M10,' respectively, and were annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology identifiers. Using these transcriptome data, most DEGs related to the metabolism of the active ingredients in 'Ningqi No.1' and 'Qixin No.1' were identified. Moreover, a widely targeted metabolome analysis of the metabolites of 'Ningqi 1' and 'Qixin 1' fruits at the maturity stage revealed 1,135 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in 'M1 vs. M10,' and many DEMs were associated with active ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and so on. We further quantified the flavonoid, lignin, and carotenoid contents of the two Lycium barbarum cultivars during the three developmental stages. The present outcome provided molecular insight into the dynamics of multiple active ingredients biosynthesis and accumulation across different cultivars of Lycium barbarum, which would provide the basic data for the formation of Lycium barbarum fruit quality and the breeding of outstanding strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Liu
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Han Gao
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yasmina Radani
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Sijun Yue
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Jianning Tang
- Wolfberry Industry Development Center, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Jinzhong Zhu
- Qixin Wolfberry Seedling Professional Cooperatives of Zhongning County, Zhongning, 755100, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Rák T, Kovács-Valasek A, Pöstyéni E, Csutak A, Gábriel R. Complementary Approaches to Retinal Health Focusing on Diabetic Retinopathy. Cells 2023; 12:2699. [PMID: 38067127 PMCID: PMC10705724 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus affects carbohydrate homeostasis but also influences fat and protein metabolism. Due to ophthalmic complications, it is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The molecular pathology reveals that nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) has a central role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy, sharing this signaling pathway with another major retinal disorder, glaucoma. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches can be elaborated to decelerate the ever-emerging "epidemics" of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma targeting this critical node. In our review, we emphasize the role of an improvement of lifestyle in its prevention as well as the use of phytomedicals associated with evidence-based protocols. A balanced personalized therapy requires an integrative approach to be more successful for prevention and early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Rák
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Rákóczi út 2., 7623 Pécs, Hungary; (T.R.)
| | - Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Rákóczi út 2., 7623 Pécs, Hungary; (T.R.)
| | - Róbert Gábriel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Kovács-Valasek A, Rák T, Pöstyéni E, Csutak A, Gábriel R. Three Major Causes of Metabolic Retinal Degenerations and Three Ways to Avoid Them. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108728. [PMID: 37240082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance of homeostasis in the retina leads to neuron loss and this eventually results in a deterioration of vision. If the stress threshold is exceeded, different protective/survival mechanisms are activated. Numerous key molecular actors contribute to prevalent metabolically induced retinal diseases-the three major challenges are age-related alterations, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These diseases have complex dysregulation of glucose-, lipid-, amino acid or purine metabolism. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on possible ways of preventing or circumventing retinal degeneration by available methods. We intend to provide a unified background, common prevention and treatment rationale for these disorders and identify the mechanisms through which these actions protect the retina. We suggest a role for herbal medicines, internal neuroprotective substances and synthetic drugs targeting four processes: parainflammation and/or glial cell activation, ischemia and related reactive oxygen species and vascular endothelial growth factor accumulation, apoptosis and/or autophagy of nerve cells and an elevation of ocular perfusion pressure and/or intraocular pressure. We conclude that in order to achieve substantial preventive or therapeutic effects, at least two of the mentioned pathways should be targeted synergistically. A repositioning of some drugs is considered to use them for the cure of the other related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tibor Rák
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gábriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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He S, Gu C, Su T, Zhou C, Lhamo T, Draga D, Yin L, Qiu Q. Exploration of the Potential Mechanisms of Lingqihuangban Granule for Treating Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Network Pharmacology. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:14-29. [PMID: 35392781 DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220407112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Lingqihuangban Granule (LQHBG), a remarkable Chinese herbal compound, has been used for decades to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases) with obvious effects. Through the method of network pharmacology, the present study constructed bioactive component-relative targets and protein-protein interaction network of the LQHBG and implemented gene function analysis and pathway enrichment of targets, discussing the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine LQHBG in treating DR. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bioactive ingredients of LQHBG were screened and obtained using TCMSP and ETCM databases, while the potential targets of bioactive ingredients were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction and ETCM databases. Compared with the disease target databases of TTD, Drugbank, OMIM and DisGeNET, the therapeutic targets of LQHBG for DR were extracted. Based on the DAVID platform, GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses of key targets were explored, combined with the screening of core pathways on the Omicshare database and pathway annotation on the Reactome database. RESULTS A total of 357 bioactive components were screened from LQHBG, involving 86 possible targets of LQHBG treating DR. In the PPI network, INS and ALB were identified as key genes. The effective targets were enriched in multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. CONCLUSION This study revealed the possible targets and pathways of LQHBG treating DR, reflecting the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment of a Chinese herbal compound, and provided new ideas for further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chufeng Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Thashi Lhamo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Shigatse, Xizang, PR China
| | - Deji Draga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Shigatse, Xizang, PR China
| | - Lili Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Shigatse, Xizang, PR China
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7
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Huang Y, Zheng Y, Yang F, Feng Y, Xu K, Wu J, Qu S, Yu Z, Fan F, Huang L, Qin M, He Z, Nie K, So KF. Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide prevents the development and progression of acute colitis by regulating the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:921075. [PMID: 36017369 PMCID: PMC9395742 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.921075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In most cases, recurrent chronic colitis is caused by the recurrence of acute colitis after incomplete recovery and re-exposure to irritating factors, and the gut microbiome, which is the largest micro-ecosystem in the human body, plays a crucial role in the development of colitis. Plant polysaccharides have always been reported to have the ability for anti-inflammation, and they are closely related to the gut microbiome. Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide (LbGP), the most potent component obtained by further isolation and purification from Lycium barbarum fruit, has been shown to inhibit inflammation in animal models. However, its therapeutic efficacy in colitis and its mechanism in gut microbiota regulation have not been fully studied. In our study, the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model was used to dynamically evaluate the effect of LbGP in the treatment of acute colitis and the mechanism from the perspective of the gut microbiome through the 16S rDNA sequence. The results showed that LbGP treatment significantly alleviated acute colitis and improved the gut microbiome compared with that in the model group. Harmful bacteria, such as Lachnoclostridium spp. and Parabacteroides_distasonis, were inhibited and probiotics, such as Bacteroides_acidifaciens, Lactobacillus spp., Turicibacter spp., and Alistipes spp., were increased by LbGP treatment. Further, a Random Forest analysis with 10-fold cross-validation identified a family named Muribaculaceae representing colitis development and recovery upon LbGP treatment. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the capability of LbGP to prevent the development of acute colitis by regulating the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota and highlighted the dynamic process of gut microbiota with the colitis progression. Further, it provides evidence to develop LbGP as a functional food supplement and future drug acting on intestinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Huang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghui Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Yang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Yicheng Feng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Kunyao Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhexiong Yu
- Tianren Goji Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningxia, China
| | - Fu Fan
- Tianren Goji Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningxia, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Central Nervous System (CNS) Regeneration, Ministry of Education Central Nervous System (CNS) Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanlong He
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Kaili Nie, ; Zhanlong He,
| | - Kaili Nie
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kaili Nie, ; Zhanlong He,
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Central Nervous System (CNS) Regeneration, Ministry of Education Central Nervous System (CNS) Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Liu J, Baum L, Yu S, Lin Y, Xiong G, Chang RCC, So KF, Chiu K. Preservation of Retinal Function Through Synaptic Stabilization in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mouse Retina by Lycium Barbarum Extracts. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:788798. [PMID: 35095474 PMCID: PMC8792986 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.788798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid β deposition-induced hippocampal synaptic dysfunction generally begins prior to neuronal degeneration and memory impairment. Lycium barbarum extracts (LBE) have been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in various animal models of neurodegeneration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of LBE on the synapse loss in AD through the avenue of the retina in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD). We fed 3xTg-AD mice with low (200 mg/kg) or high (2 g/kg) dose hydrophilic LBE daily for 2 months from the starting age of 4- or 6-month-old. For those started at 6 month age, at 1 month (though not 2 months) after starting treatment, mice given high dose LBE showed a significant increase of a wave and b wave in scotopic ERG. After 2 months of treatment with high dose LBE, calpain-2, calpain-5, and the oxidative RNA marker 8-OHG were downregulated, and presynaptic densities in the inner plexiform layer but not the outer plexiform layer of the retina were significantly increased, suggesting the presynaptic structure of retina was preserved. Our results indicate that LBE feeding may preserve synapse stability in the retina of 3xTg-AD mice, probably by decreasing both oxidative stress and intracellular calcium influx. Thus, LBE might have potential as a neuroprotectant for AD through synapse preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Larry Baum
- Department of Psychiatry, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shasha Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Youhong Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guoying Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Kwok Fai So
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Kin Chiu
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Sun ZQ, Liu JF, Luo W, Wong CH, So KF, Hu Y, Chiu K. Lycium barbarum extract promotes M2 polarization and reduces oligomeric amyloid-β-induced inflammatory reactions in microglial cells. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:203-209. [PMID: 34100457 PMCID: PMC8451572 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lycium barbarum (LB) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been demonstrated to exhibit a wide variety of biological functions, such as antioxidation, neuroprotection, and immune modulation. One of the main mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease is that microglia activated by amyloid beta (Aβ) transform from the resting state to an M1 state and release pro-inflammatory cytokines to the surrounding environment. In the present study, immortalized microglial cells were pretreated with L. barbarum extract for 1 hour and then treated with oligomeric Aβ for 23 hours. The results showed that LB extract significantly increased the survival of oligomeric Aβ-induced microglial cells, downregulated the expression of M1 pro-inflammatory markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β), and upregulated the expression of M2 anti-inflammatory markers (arginase-1, chitinase-like protein 3, and interleukin-4). LB extract also inhibited the oligomeric Aβ-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β in microglial cells. The results of in vitro cytological experiments suggest that, in microglial cells, LB extract can inhibit oligomeric Aβ-induced M1 polarization and concomitant inflammatory reactions, and promote M2 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Qing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ching-Hin Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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10
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Zhao N, Shi J, Xu H, Luo Q, Li Q, Liu M. Baicalin suppresses glaucoma pathogenesis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling in vitro and in vivo. Bioengineered 2021; 12:10187-10198. [PMID: 34860641 PMCID: PMC8810108 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, characterized with progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is the second frequently leading cause of sight loss in the word after cataract. Baicalin plays a protective role in age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, branch retinal vein occlusion, and ischemia-induced neurodegeneration in the retina. The present study aimed to investigate the role of baicalin in glaucoma. RGCs were stimulated with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) to mimic the in vitro model of glaucoma. A mouse model of glaucoma induced by chronic elevated intraocular pressure was also established. The apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy of RGCs were detected by flow cytometry analysis, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining, and Western blotting, respectively. Retinal pathological changes were exhibited by hemotoxylin and eosin staining. Baicalin restrained the NMDA-induced cell apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress of RGCs by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling in vitro. The elevated intraocular pressure-induced pathological changes in retinas of glaucoma mice were attenuated by baicalin. Moreover, the number of RGCs was significantly decreased in glaucoma mice, and then increased by baicalin treatment. Baicalin also inhibited autophagy and activated PI3K/AKT signaling in vivo. In conclusion, baicalin suppresses glaucoma pathogenesis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jieran Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haohang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingzhou Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Su SH, Ho TJ, Yang CC. Retrospective evaluation of the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine on dry eye disease. Tzu Chi Med J 2021; 33:365-369. [PMID: 34760632 PMCID: PMC8532587 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_281_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial illness with an increasingly high global prevalence and multiple risk factors that widely influences patients’ daily lives. It is essential to identify treatments with few or no side effects for patients with DED. We have reviewed studies published from 2001 to 2020 that investigated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrated Chinese and Western medicine for DED treatment. Current Chinese medicines used in DED therapy were categorized into four types, namely anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, hormone-like agents, and cell-repairing agents. Compound herbs, including Chi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan and Qiming granule, can effectively alleviate dry eye symptoms. Moreover, patients with DED who were treated with Western medicine combined with TCM experienced significantly magnified therapeutic effects and reasonable costs of treatment. In conclusion, TCM can be a promising approach for treating DED, and combined treatment with TCM and Western drugs may represent a new strategy for improving the curative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- San-Hua Su
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chan Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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12
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Carotenoid Contents of Lycium barbarum: A Novel QAMS Analyses, Geographical Origins Discriminant Evaluation, and Storage Stability Assessment. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175374. [PMID: 34500806 PMCID: PMC8433794 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the standard substances of zeaxanthin and its homologues obtained from Lycium barbarum L. (LB) are extremely scarce and unstable, a novel quantitative analysis of carotenoids by single marker method, named QAMS, was established. Four carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin dipalmitate were determined simultaneously by employing trans-β-apo-8′-carotenal, a carotenoid component which did not exist in LB, as standard reference. Meanwhile, β-carotene, another carotenoid constituent which existed in LB, was determined as contrast. The QAMS methods were fully verified and exhibited low standard method difference with the external standard method (ESM), evidenced by the contents of four carotenoids in 34 batches of LB samples determined using ESM and QAMS methods, respectively. HCA, PCA, and OPLS-DA analysis disclosed that LB samples could be clearly differentiated into two groups: one contained LB samples collected from Ningxia and Gansu; the other was from Qinghai, which was directly related to the different geographical location. Once exposed under high humidity (RH 75 ± 5%) at a high temperature (45 ± 5 °C) as compared with ambient temperature (25 ± 5 °C), from day 0 to day 28, zeaxanthin dipalmitate content was significantly decreased, and ultimately, all the decrease rates reached about 80%, regardless of the storage condition. Our results provide a good basis for improving the quality control of LB.
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Xiao Z, Deng Q, Zhou W, Zhang Y. Immune activities of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum L. What do we know so far? Pharmacol Ther 2021; 229:107921. [PMID: 34174277 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lycium barbarum is widely used as a functional food and medicinal herb to promote health and longevity in China and in some other Asian countries. In modern pharmacological and chemical studies, the most valuable and well-researched component of L. barbarum is a group of unique water-soluble glycoconjugates that are collectively termed Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs). Numerous modern pharmacological studies have revealed that LBPs possess antiaging, antidiabetic, antifibrotic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulation properties, while the immunomodulatory effect is primary and is involved in other activities. However, due to their structural heterogeneity and lack of chromophores, it has long been unclear how LBPs work on the immune system. A few studies have recently provided some insights into the proposed mode of action of LBPs, such as structure-activity relationships, receptor recognition, and gut microbiota modulation of LBPs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the immunoregulating properties of LBPs and their related mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Xiao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing 100850, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qi Deng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing 100850, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenxia Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing 100850, China.
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Natural Products: Evidence for Neuroprotection to Be Exploited in Glaucoma. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12103158. [PMID: 33081127 PMCID: PMC7602834 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is an optic neuropathy characterized by the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is recognized as the main risk factor. Despite effective IOP-lowering therapies, the disease progresses in a significant number of patients. Therefore, alternative IOP-independent strategies aiming at halting or delaying RGC degeneration is the current therapeutic challenge for glaucoma management. Here, we review the literature on the neuroprotective activities, and the underlying mechanisms, of natural compounds and dietary supplements in experimental and clinical glaucoma.
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15
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A Novel Botanical Combination Attenuates Light-Induced Retinal Damage through Antioxidant and Prosurvival Mechanisms. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7676818. [PMID: 32256961 PMCID: PMC7097764 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7676818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of light-induced eye fatigue is increasing globally. Efficient regimen for mitigating light-induced retinal damage is becoming a compelling need for modern society. We investigated the effects of a novel combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, chrysanthemum, goji berry, and black currant extracts against retinal damage. In the current work, both in vitro and in vivo light-induced retinal damage models were employed. Animal study showed that under strong light exposure (15000 lx for 2 hours), the a-wave and b-wave from electroretinogram were significantly decreased. Treatment with the combination significantly restored the decrease for b-wave under high- and low-stimulus intensity. Histological analysis reported a substantial decrease in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the model group, while the supplementation with the combination significantly improved the ONL thickness. To further explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects, we utilized ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cell line and found that strong light stimulation (2900 lx for 30 minutes) significantly increased phosphorylation of p38 and JNK and decreased HIF expression. Intriguingly, chrysanthemum, black currant extracts, lutein ester, and zeaxanthin significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, while chrysanthemum, goji berry, black currant extracts, and lutein ester restored HIF expression. The botanical combination can alleviate light-induced retina damage, potentially through antioxidant and prosurvival mechanisms.
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Lei X, Huo P, Wang Y, Xie Y, Shi Q, Tu H, Yao J, Mo Z, Zhang S. Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Improve Testicular Spermatogenic Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:164. [PMID: 32362869 PMCID: PMC7181356 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on testicular spermatogenic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Compared to the control group, blood glucose levels were significantly increased and the insulin resistance was markedly aggravated in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Further, the weight of testis and epididymis and the sperm number and motility were decreased in diabetic rats. Pathological changes were also observed in the spermatogenic tubules, along with a decreased number of spermatogenic cells, downregulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, and increased cell apoptosis in the testes. Compared to the saline-treated diabetic rat group, metformin and LBP treatment significantly decreased the level of blood glucose and improved insulin resistance and testicular function. After treatment with metformin and LBP, the pathological changes in the spermatogenic tubules improved significantly, with an increase in the number of spermatogenic cells, upregulation of PCNA, and suppression of apoptosis in the testes. The expressions of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in diabetic testes were also upregulated by metformin or LBP treatment. In summary, LBP exerted protective effects by increasing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and regulating SIRT1/HIF-1α expression in the testes of diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocan Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Peng Huo
- School of Public and Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuanjie Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qingxiang Shi
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Haoyan Tu
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongcheng Mo
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Shun Zhang
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Chao WWJ, Tan SQ, Liu JH, Chen MM, Shiu HW, Chao HM. Dry Eye: The Effect of Chi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan Plus Si Wu Tang and the Underlying Mechanism. J Altern Complement Med 2019; 26:138-146. [PMID: 31651183 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In this pilot study, the effect of 970 mg Chi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan (CJDHW) plus 30 mg four-substance decoction (Si Wu Tang; CJDHWSWT) was evaluated, in terms of its ability to alleviate dry eye symptoms and its therapeutic mechanism. Methods: This double-masked prospective investigation has recruited dry eye patients who have been randomly selected into two groups, namely treatment (n = 15) versus nontreatment (n = 15). In the treatment group, a daily oral intake of CJDHWSWT plus eye drops systane ultra was given for 90 consecutive days. In the nontreatment group, only defined eye drops were prescribed. The examinations included Schirmer's test, fluorescein-stained superficial punctate keratitis (SPK), artificial tear consumption, tear vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) level, and ocular surface disease index. The drug safety tests included liver and kidney functions, and complete blood counts. The candidates were observed during the screening visit and the following three monthly follow-ups. The data were analyzed by unpaired Student's t-test. Results: Compared to no significance in the nontreatment group, CJDHWSWT significantly (p = 0.03) increased the tear secretion after 3 months of intake. Furthermore, in contrast to no significance in the treatment group, there were significant alterations, including (i) increased fluorescein-stained SPK areas (p = 0.03); (ii) increased artificial tear instillation amount (p = 0.03); (iii) elevated tear VEGF protein levels (p = 0.03) in the nontreatment group; and (iv) significant improvement in clinically relevant phenomenon (e.g., reading limit and uncomfortable feeling in windy conditions), after treatment of artificial tear plus oral intake of CJDHWSWT. As shown by the post-treatment normal defined laboratory data, there were no adverse drug effects. Conclusions: This study has supported that CJDHWSWT is safe and effective in relieving dry eye's clinically relevant symptoms/phenomena. CJDHWSWT avoided the tear VEGF upregulation probably induced by dry eye-associated hypoxia/ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shu-Qiu Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China
| | - Jorn-Hon Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mi-Mi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Wen Shiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ming Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Lycium barbarum polysaccharides improve hepatic injury through NFkappa-B and NLRP3/6 pathways in a methionine choline deficient diet steatohepatitis mouse model. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1480-1489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Manthey AL, Chiu K, So KF. Demystifying traditional Chinese medicines: Lycium barbarum as a model therapeutic. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND MODERN MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1142/s2575900018300011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on holistic treatment of the body. This often includes preparation and application of medicinal herbs, either alone or in combination with other supplements. Lycium barbarum (LB), for example, is a commonly used herbal supplement in many Asian countries, being most well-known for improving kidney, liver, and eye health. It is also one of the most widely scientifically researched TCMs and a large body of literature is available describing its effects on various tissues and organ systems. In this perspective, we briefly expand upon how LB can be used as a model TCM in the systematic study of other herbal medicines, highlighting two of the primary barriers to their use in modern medicine worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Leigh Manthey
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research, Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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