Aloe-emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone, is a highly potent mast cell stabilizer through activating mitochondrial calcium uniporter

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex: Unveiling the interplay between its regulators and calcium homeostasis

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUc), serving as the specific channel for calcium influx into the mitochondrial matrix, is integral to calcium homeostasis and cellular integrity. Given its importance, ongoing research spans various disease models to understand the properties of the MCUc in pathophysiological contexts, but reported a different conclusion. Therefore, this review delves into the profound connection between MCUc-mediated calcium transients and cellular signaling pathways, mitochondrial dynamics, metabolism, and cell death. Additionally, we shed light on the recent advancements concerning the structural intricacies and auxiliary components of the MCUc in both resting and activated states. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on novel extrinsic and intrinsic regulators of the MCUc and their therapeutic implications across a spectrum of diseases. Meanwhile, we employed molecular docking simulations and identified candidate traditional Chinese medicine components with potential binding sites to the MCUc, potentially offering insights for further research on MCUc modulation.

Efficacy of an aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme cosmetic cream for the prophylaxis and treatment of mild dermatitis induced by radiation therapy in breast cancer patients (the Alantel study)

Objectives

Radiation-induced dermatitis (RD) is one of the most common toxicities in radiation therapy (RT) patients. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and natural products (NPs) have been used as treatment. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a NPs-based cream (Alantel®) to reduce the incidence of RD in women with breast cancer undergoing RT treatment.

Design

We conducted a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Setting

Radiation Oncology Unit of the Reina Sofía Hospital and 5 Primary Care centers of the Cordoba and Guadalquivir Health District (Spain).

Interventions

Patients assigned to the experimental group (GTA) were treated with Alantel, while those in the control group (GTE) were treated with a moisturizer and emollient cream.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome variable was the incidence of RD. RD-free time, duration of RD, quality of life, and product safety were also assessed.

Results

Seventy patients were included in the study, 35 in the GTA and 35 in the GTE. The incidence of RD was lower in the GTA (71.4%) than in the GTE (91.4%) after 4 weeks of follow-up (RR = 0.78; NNT = 5; p < 0.031). The Skindex-29 questionnaire showed differences in the statement: "My skin condition makes it hard to work or do hobbies" (17.1% in the GTE vs. 2.9% in GTA; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

The higher efficacy of Alantel® compared to the control cream in reducing the incidence of RD in women with breast cancer has been demonstrated.

Aloe-emodin from Sanhua Decoction inhibits neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization after subarachnoid hemorrhage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) triggers a cascade of events that lead to early brain injury (EBI), which contributes to poor outcomes and appears within 3 days after SAH initiation. EBI involves multiple process including neuronal death, blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury and inflammation response. Microglia are cluster of immune cells originating in the brain which respond to SAH by changing their states and releasing inflammatory molecules through various signaling pathways. M0, M1, M2 are three states of microglia represent resting state, promoting inflammation state, and anti-inflammation state respectively, which can be modulated by pharmacological strategies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

After identified potential active ingredients and targets of Sanhua Decoction (SHD) for SAH, we selected aloe-emodin (AE) as a potential ingredient modulating microglia activation states.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular mechanisms, targets and pathways of SHD were reveal by network pharmacology technique. The effects of AE on SAH were evaluated in vivo by assessing neurological deficits, neuronal apoptosis and BBB integrity in a mouse SAH model. Furthermore, BV-2 cells were used to examine the effects of AE on microglial polarization. The influence of AE on microglia transformation was measured by Iba-1, TNF-α, CD68, Arg-1 and CD206 staining. The signal pathways of neuronal apoptosis and microglia polarization was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified potential active ingredients and targets of SHD for SAH. And AE is one of the active ingredients. We also confirmed that AE via NF-κB and PKA/CREB pathway inhibited the microglia activation and promoted transformation from M1 phenotype to M2 at EBI stage after SAH.

CONCLUSIONS

AE, as one ingredient of SHD, can alleviate the inflammatory response and protecting neurons from SAH-induced injury. AE has potential value for treating SAH-induced nerve injury and is expected to be applied in clinical practice.

MCU complex: Exploring emerging targets and mechanisms of mitochondrial physiology and pathology

BACKGROUND

Globally, the onset and progression of multiple human diseases are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of Ca2+ uptake dynamics mediated by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex, which plays a key role in mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite relevant studies, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated.

AIM OF REVIEW

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current research status of the MCU complex, focusing on its molecular composition, regulatory mechanisms, and association with diseases. In addition, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the regulatory effects of agonists, inhibitors, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers on the MCU complex and their application prospects in disease treatment. From the perspective of medicinal chemistry, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the structure-activity relationship between these small molecules and MCU and deduced potential pharmacophores and binding pockets. Simultaneously, key structural domains of the MCU complex in Homo sapiens were identified. We also studied the functional expression of the MCU complex in Drosophila, Zebrafish, and Caenorhabditis elegans. These analyses provide a basis for exploring potential treatment strategies targeting the MCU complex and provide strong support for the development of future precision medicine and treatments.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

The MCU complex exhibits varying behavior across different tissues and plays various roles in metabolic functions. It consists of six MCU subunits, an essential MCU regulator (EMRE), and solute carrier 25A23 (SLC25A23). They regulate processes, such as mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) uptake, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, calcium dynamics, oxidative stress (OS), and cell death. Regulation makes it a potential target for treating diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, metabolic diseases, and tumors.

Effects and potential mechanisms of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. On type I allergy and pseudoallergic reactions in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The incidence of allergic disease is constantly increasing, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Saposhnikovia divaricata (SD), called 'Fangfeng' in China, not only can be used for antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory as a traditional Chinese medicine, but also as an active ingredient in about 8% prescriptions. However, its effects on type I allergy and pseudoallergy have not been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the treatment and potential mechanisms of SD and its major bioactive component Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) on type I allergy and pseudoallergy in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The inhibitory effect of SD decoction and POG on type I allergy and its possible mechanism were evaluated by using RBL-2H3 cells model in vitro and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model in vivo. The cell degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells induced by DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and Compound 48/80 (C48/80) was investigated, and the molecules of degranulation related signaling pathway was further detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot analysis. Meanwhile, therapeutic effect of SD Decoction and POG were evaluated using PCA models in vivo. The molecular docking technology was conducted to explore the potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

In cells model induced by DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA, the release rate of β-Hex in high dose of SD and POG groups were 43.79% and 57.01%, and the release amount of HA in high dose of SD and POG groups were 26.19 ng/mL and 24.20 ng/mL. They were significantly lower than that in the model group. Besides, SD decoction and POG could significantly inhibit intracellular Ca2+ increasing and cell apoptosis. But there is no obvious effect on cells degranulation induced by C48/80. The molecular docking results showed that 5-O-Methylvisamioside and POG could bind with FcεRI α with stronger binding ability, but weak binding ability to Mrgprx2. Moreover, qPCR and Western blot analyses indicated that SD could down-regulate Lyn/Syk/PLCγ, MAPK and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signal pathway to inhibit IgE-dependent cell degranulation. In mice PCA model, both SD and POG could dose-dependently attenuate the Evans Blue extravasation, paw and ear swelling induced by DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA, but no significant inhibition under the PCA models induced by C48/80.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, SD is effective for the therapeutic of type I allergies, suggesting that SD is a potential candidate for the treatment of type I allergy, and the underlying mechanism of these effects needs to be further studied.

Excess body weight: Novel insights into its roles in obesity comorbidities

Excess body weight is a global health problem due to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet, affecting 2 billion population worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic diseases. Notably, the metabolic risk of obesity largely depends on body weight distribution, of which visceral adipose tissues but not subcutaneous fats are closely associated with obesity comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Latest multi-omics and mechanistical studies reported the crucial involvement of genetic and epigenetic alterations, adipokines dysregulation, immunity changes, imbalance of white and brown adipose tissues, and gut microbial dysbiosis in mediating the pathogenic association between visceral adipose tissues and comorbidities. In this review, we explore the epidemiology of excess body weight and the up-to-date mechanism of how excess body weight and obesity lead to chronic complications. We also examine the utilization of visceral fat measurement as an accurate clinical parameter for risk assessment in healthy individuals and clinical outcome prediction in obese subjects. In addition, current approaches for the prevention and treatment of excess body weight and its related metabolic comorbidities are further discussed. DATA AVAILABILITY: No data was used for the research described in the article.

Chemical composition and therapeutic mechanism of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in the treatment of COVID-19 by network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamic analysis

Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction (XBCQD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat COVID-19 in China with remarkable curative effect. However, the chemical composition and potential therapeutic mechanism is still unknown. Here, we used multiple open-source databases and literature mining to select compounds and potential targets for XBCQD. The COVID-19 related targets were collected from GeneCards and NCBI gene databases. After identifying putative targets of XBCQD for the treatment of COVID-19, PPI network was constructed by STRING database. The hub targets were extracted by Cytoscape 3.7.2 and MCODE analysis was carried out to extract modules in the PPI network. R 3.6.3 was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. The effective compounds were obtained via network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Drug-likeness analysis and ADMET assessments were performed to select core compounds. Moreover, interactions between core compounds and hub targets were investigated through molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and MM-PBSA calculations. As a result, we collected 638 targets from 61 compounds of XBCQD and 845 COVID-19 related targets, of which 79 were putative targets. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, 10 core compounds and 34 hub targets of XBCQD for the treatment of COVID-19 were successfully screened. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG indicated that XBCQD mainly exerted therapeutic effects on COVID-19 by regulating signal pathways related to viral infection and inflammatory response. Meanwhile, the results of molecular docking showed that there was a stable binding between the core compounds and hub targets. Moreover, MD simulations and MM-PBSA analyses revealed that these compounds exhibited stable conformations and interacted well with hub targets during the simulations. In conclusion, our research comprehensively explained the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway intervention mechanism of XBCQD in the treatment of COVID-19, which provided evidence and new insights for further research.

Antibacterial and Alkali-responsive Cationic Waterborne Polyurethane Based on Modification of Aloe Emodin

Cationic water-based polyurethane(CWPU) was synthesized to explore aloe-emodin modifies to obtain CWPU materials with better comprehensive performance. It provides a simple way to synthesize antibacterial waterborne polyurethane, which is to introduce the end-blocking group of herbal extracts into the structure. It contains synergistic antibacterial effect of herbal antibacterial and quaternary ammonium ion on Escherichia coli. It makes the material resist the erosion of bacterial, and increase the service life of materials. When the pH value of the environment changes, the UV absorbance of the aloe-emodin modified cationic water-based polyurethane(AE-CWPU) also changes. Therefore, within a certain detection range, AE-CWPU has great applications in the field of smart response materials. The modified thermodynamic properties have been improved, and the mechanical properties basically maintained the maximum stress, and the elongation at break was reduced.

Compound Kushen Injection Induces Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction Through Promoting the Production of Platelet-Activating Factor via de Novo Pathway

Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) is a bis-herbal formulation extracted from Kushen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) and Baituling (Rhizoma Heterosmilacis Yunnanensis). Clinically, it is used as the adjuvant treatment of cancer. However, with the increased application, the cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) also gradually rise. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism(s) and active constituent(s) for CKI-induced IHRs in experimental models. The obtained results showed that CKI did not elevate serum total IgE (tIgE) and mouse mast cell protease 1 (MMCP1) after consecutive immunization for 5 weeks, but could induce Evans blue extravasation (local) and cause obvious hypothermia (systemic) after a single injection. Further study showed that alkaloids in Kushen, especially matrine, were responsible for CKI-induced IHRs. Mechanism study showed that various platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists could significantly counter CKI-induced IHRs locally or systemically. In cell system, CKI was able to promote PAF production in a non-cell-selective manner. In cell lysate, the effect of CKI on PAF production became stronger and could be abolished by blocking de novo pathway. In conclusion, our study identifies, for the first time, that CKI is a PAF inducer. It causes non-immunologic IHRs, rather than IgE-dependent IHRs, by promoting PAF production through de novo pathway. Alkaloids in Kushen, especially matrine, are the prime culprits for IHRs. Our findings may provide a potential approach for preventing and treating CKI-induced IHRs.

Aloe-emodin prevents nerve injury and neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS) caused by cerebral arterial occlusion is the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Cellular oxidative stress and inflammation play a vital role in the pathological process of neural damage in IS. It is necessary to develop functional food or drugs, which target neuroinflammation and oxidation mechanisms against IS. The molecule compound aloe-emodin (AE) is derived from aloe and rhubarb. However, the exact mechanism of the pharmacological action of AE on IS remains unclear. Here, for aiming to demonstrate the mechanism of AE, our study explored the middle cerebral occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats in vivo, oxygen and glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells in vitro. We found that AE significantly improved the infarct size and behavioral score of MCAO/R rats, decreased the expression of TNF-α, MDA, LDH, Caspase 3, and increased the expression of SOD, Bcl-2/Bax. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) results showed that AE could penetrate the blood-brain barrier in the sham group and MCAO/R group. In vitro, AE significantly protected SH-SY5Y cells from the insult of OGD/R and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells stimulated by LPS. In vivo and in vitro, western blot analysis results showed that AE significantly increased the expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins. In addition, AE significantly decreased NF-κB protein expression in BV2 cells. The use of AKT-specific inhibitor MK-2206 2HCL to inhibit AKT expression can block the protective effect of AE on SH-SY5Y cells subjected to OGD/R insults. Overall, our study suggests that AE protected against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury probably via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Thus, these results indicated that AE could be a promising first-line therapy for preventing and treating ischemic stroke and can be used as functional food.

Forsythiasides-Rich Extract From Forsythiae Fructus Inhibits Mast Cell Degranulation by Enhancing Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uptake

Mast cells (MCs) activated via IgE/FcεRI or MAS-related G protein coupled receptor (Mrgpr)-mediated pathway can release granules that play prominent roles in hypersensitivity reactions. Forsythiae Fructus, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been clinically used for allergic diseases. Although previous studies indicated that Forsythiae Fructus extract inhibited compound 48/80-induced histamine release from MCs, its effect on IgE-dependent MC degranulation and possible underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Herein, we prepared the forsythiasides-rich extract (FRE) and investigated its action on MC degranulation and explored its underlying mechanism. Our data showed that FRE could dampen IgE/FcεRI- and Mrgpr-mediated MC degranulation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism study indicated that FRE decreased cytosolic Ca²⁺ (Ca²⁺_[c]) level rapidly and reversibly. Moreover, FRE decreased Ca²⁺_[c] of MCs independent of plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA), sarco/endoplasmic Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX). While, along with Ca²⁺_[c] decrease, the increase of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ (Ca²⁺_[m]) occurred simultaneously in FRE-treated RBL-2H3 cells. In the isolated mitochondria, FRE also promoted the subcellular organelle to uptake more extramitochondrial Ca²⁺. In conclusion, by increasing Ca²⁺_[m] uptake, FRE decreases Ca²⁺_[c] level to suppress MC degranulation. Our findings may provide theoretical support for the clinical application of Forsythiae Fructus on allergy and other MC-involved diseases.