Protective effects of bilobalide against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in vivo/vitro

Myristica fragrans water extract modulates multiple biological processes to pre-protect anhydrous ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via Akt/JNK/Nrf2 pathway activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine and edible spice. According to Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China, it has the effects of warming the middle and promoting qi, astringent intestines, and antidiarrheal. In the record of Compendium of Materia Medica, it is the myristica fragrans water extract (MFWE) that is utilized for therapeutic purposes of gastrointestinal disorders frequently.

RESEARCH PURPOSE

This study is to investigate the pharmacodynamic material foundation and molecular mechanism of myristica fragrans on gastric ulcers using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS with network pharmacology and experimental verification. This may provide theoretical guidance for the clinical use of myristica fragrans, and support a theoretical foundation for its future advancement into natural functional products that can relieve acute gastric ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using UHPLC/MS technology and network pharmacology, we identified possible active chemicals molecules, screened out core targets and core pathways, and simulated drug target binding through molecular docking situations. Acute gastric ulcer was caused by intragastric administration of absolute ethanol (0.075 ml/10g). Myristica fragrans water extract (182 mg/kg and 364 mg/kg) was administered orally 14 days in advance. The same method was used to distribute 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose solution into the Model and Control group. The mice were murdered on the 15th day. Following the sacrifice, the gastric tissue was removed for histological analysis. The tissue needs to detect levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 as well as the activity of SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, and MPO. In addition, H&E staining and the TUNEL method were used to observe the effect on the gastric mucosa of mice. Western blot was used to detect apoptosis, ferroptosis, and antioxidation-related proteins.

RESULTS

A total of 10 chemical constituents were identified from MFWE using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS and TCMSP database. Through the network pharmacological analysis of these identified components, it was discovered that the protective effect is mainly carried out by six compounds, they are: Myristicin, Myrisligna, Ferulaldehyde, Dehydrodiisoeugenol, 7-Methoxy-4-methylcoumarin, 1,5-Bis(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) pentane-1,5-dione. Furthermore, MFWE was found to significantly reduce TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, increase IL-10, and alleviate the inflammation caused by alcoholic gastric ulcers. It can lower MDA and MPO, raise SOD and GSH-Px to relieve oxidative stress. Results from network pharmacology indicated that the Akt, JNK, and apoptosis signaling pathways were essential for the therapeutic effects of MFWE on gastric ulcers. Further literature research revealed that Nrf2 and ferroptosis signaling pathways may be related to the role of MFWE. Molecular biology studies confirmed that MFWE decreased the expression levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-JNK/JNK, Bax, and Keap-1, and increased the expression levels of Bcl-2, Nrf2, HO-1, SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that MFWE can alleviate inflammatory responses and diminish both cellular apoptosis and ferroptosis. they confer a protective effect on gastric ulcers via the activation of the Akt/JNK-Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway and offer a promising therapeutic strategy.

Bilobalide ameliorates osteoporosis by influencing the SIRT3/NF-κB axis in osteoclasts and promoting M2 polarization in macrophages

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease with complex etiology and high prevalence, resulting in a huge economic burden. For a long time, the search for new therapeutic pharmaceuticals has never stopped. Bone loss is related to the imbalance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In recent years, the role of immunity and inflammation in the development of osteoporosis has studied well. For example, various cytokines, chemokines and endocrine factors regulate osteoclastogenesis via activating different macrophage subtypes, including pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2. Bilobalide (Bil), an active Ginkgo biloba ingredient, has garnered great interest because of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we found that Bil can attenuate osteoclast generation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor- kappa B ligand (RANKL) through upregulating the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and negatively regulating NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, Bil promotes M2 polarization of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo studies provided evidence that Bil improves bone density in osteoporosis mice models. Based on the above results, we have reason to believe that Bil has potential therapeutic value in osteoclast-mediated bone loss and offers an effective option for long-term osteoporosis management.

Construction of Magnolol Nanoparticles for Alleviation of Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Injury

Ethanol (EtOH) has been identified as a potential pathogenic factor in gastric ulcer development primarily due to its association with gastric injury and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Magnolol (Mag), the principal active compound in Magnolia officinalis extract, is well studied for its notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its limited solubility, propensity for agglomeration, and low absorption and utilization rates significantly restrict its therapeutic use. This study aims to overcome these challenges by developing a Mag nanoparticle system targeting the treatment and prevention of EtOH-induced gastric ulcers in mice. Utilizing a click chemistry approach, we successfully synthesized this system by reacting thiolated bovine serum albumin (BSA·SH) with Mag. The in vitro analysis revealed effective uptake of the BSA·SH-Mag nanoparticle system by human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1), showcasing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Additionally, BSA·SH-Mag exhibited gradual disintegration and release in simulated gastric fluid, resulting in a notable reduction of oxidative stress in gastric tissues and mucosal tissue repair and effectively reducing inflammatory expression. Furthermore, BSA·SH-Mag attenuated EtOH-induced gastric inflammation by decreasing the level of NOX4 protein expression and augmenting the level of Nrf2 protein expression. In conclusion, our findings indicate that BSA·SH-Mag represents a promising candidate as an oral therapeutic for gastric ulcer treatment.

Effects of fish oil on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats: inflammatory responses and oxidative stress

Background

The prevalence of peptic ulcers is increasing due to lifestyle changes and harmful diets.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fish oil (FO) on gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in rats.

Methods

The pharmacological efficacy of FO with doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg investigated using the gastric ulcer index, the acidity of gastric secretions, pro-inflammatory cytokine assessment, and oxidative stress examination.

Results

Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer improves with FO 5 or 10 mg/kg pretreatment (P<0.05). FO did have acid-neutralizing activity. FO also increased the levels of glutathione and catalase and decreased the malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05). Moreover, FO reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) interleukin-6 (IL-6), through downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (P<0.05). Pretreatment with FO attenuates ethanol-induced gastric ulceration.

Conclusion

The observed effects may be due to the role of FO in regulating gastric secretions, changes in the expression of NF-κB, and changes in the levels of oxidative stress factors.

Gastroprotective effect of eupatilin, a polymethoxyflavone from Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot, in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury via NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot (AA) has been extensively utilized as an important medicine and food homology in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern parts of Russia, owing to its pharmacological effects, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitussive, and antiallergic properties. Despite the extract of AA can significantly alleviate gastric mucosal injury, its precise material basis for effectiveness is not yet clear. As one of the polymethoxy flavonoids with high content in AA, the gastroprotective activity and molecular mechanism of eupatilin (EUP) require further investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the gastroprotective effects and possible mechanisms of EUP by using an ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury model in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EUP was isolated from 95% ethanol extract of AA using a systematic phytochemical method. The gastroprotective activity of EUP was evaluated using a male SD rat model with ethanol-induced gastric mucosa injury. Histopathology evaluation of gastric tissues was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of cytokines in the plasma and tissues were tested using the ELISA kits, while western blot analysis was employed to assess the expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB pathway proteins.

RESULTS

A sufficient amount of EUP was obtained from AA through chromatographic methods and identified by NMR experiment. In vivo, experimental results proved that EUP could significantly alleviate pathological features, increased SOD, GSH, and IL-10 levels, and decreased the contents of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Further in vitro and in vivo Western blot experimental results showed that EUP significantly down-regulates the expressions of the NF-κB signal pathway to relieve inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that EUP could exert gastroprotective effects by inhibiting inflammation, enhancing gastric mucosal defense, and ameliorating oxidative stress, which is beneficial for providing scientific data for the development of gastric protection.

Bilobalide attenuates lipopolysaccharide‑induced HepG2 cell injury by inhibiting TLR4‑NF‑κB signaling via the PI3K/Akt pathway

Inflammation is involved in the pathological process underlying a number of liver diseases. Bilobalide (BB) is a natural compound from Ginkgo biloba leaves that was recently demonstrated to exert hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in the liver cancer cell line HepG2. The anti-inflammatory activity of BB has been reported in recent studies. The major objective of the present study was to investigate whether BB could attenuate inflammation-associated cell damage. HepG2 cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and BB, and cell damage was evaluated by measuring cell viability using MTT assay. The activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by measuring the levels of IκBα, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated (p)-IκBα, p-p65, p65 DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. A toll-like receptor (TLR)4 inhibitor (CLI-095) was used to detect the involvement of TLR4 in cell injury caused by LPS. In addition, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 was applied to explore the involvement of the PI3K/Akt axis in mediating the effects of BB. The results demonstrated that LPS induced HepG2 cell injury. LPS also elevated the levels of p-IκBα, p-p65, p65 DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines. However, CLI-095 significantly attenuated the LPS-induced cell damage and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling. BB also dose-dependently attenuated the LPS-induced cell damage, activation of NF-κB signaling and TLR4 overexpression. Furthermore, it was observed that LY294002 diminished the cytoprotective effects of BB on cell injury, TLR4 expression and NF-κB activation. These findings indicated that BB could attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory injury to HepG2 cells by regulating TLR4-NF-κB signaling.

Liuwei Anxiao San protects gastric mucosa from gastric ulcer in rats by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Mongolian medicine prescriptions are recognized as promising gastroprotective agents. This study is to explore the effects and mechanisms of Liuwei Anxiao San (LAS) in gastric ulcer (GU). GU rat models were established using acetic acid, followed by treatment with LAS at different doses and/or the JAK2 agonist Coumermycin A1 (CA1). The ulcerous area and inhibition rates were calculated. The mucosal damage and cell apoptosis in gastric tissues were assessed by H&E and TUNEL staining. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and MDA levels were measured. The levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors were determined by ELISA. The activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was determined by Western blot. As the results suggested, LAS dose-dependently ameliorated gastric mucosal damage and inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response, evidenced by increased activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, decreased MDA level, increment of anti-inflammatory factors and decrement of pro-inflammatory factors, and inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in GU rats. CA1 partly abolished the function of LAS on gastric mucosal injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation in GU rats. In conclusion, LAS protects against gastric mucosal injury in GU rats through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Gastroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rh4 against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Ginsenoside Rh4, a bioactive component extracted from Panax ginseng, exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, antitumor and immunity enhancement. However, the gastroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rh4 remains unknown. The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effect and potential mechanism of ginsenoside Rh4 in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Ginsenoside Rh4 (15, 30, and 60 mg kg^-1) and omeprazole (30 mg kg^-1) were administered orally for 7 days. The results showed that pretreatment with ginsenoside Rh4 reduced the gastric injury area and percentage of mucosal lesions in gastric tissue. Besides, treatment with ginsenoside Rh4 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, reduced the content of malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), mediated the prostaglandin E-2-cyclooxygenase-2 (PGE2-Cox-2) pathway, and mitigated inflammation and oxidative stress via blockade of proinflammatory mitogen-activated protein kinase-nuclear factor κB (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathways. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rh4 significantly enhanced the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2), decreased the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas), and inhibited the number of apoptotic cells in gastric tissues. The present work demonstrated that ginsenoside Rh4 exerted a considerable gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Protective Effect of Polyphenols Purified from Mallotus oblongfolius on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury by Regulating Nrf2 and MAPKs Pathways

Mallotus oblongifolius (MO), which is rich in polyphenols, is a characteristic tea resource with medicinal value. In this study, a total of 45 polyphenolic components of MO, including narirutin, isoquercitrin, rutin and digallic acid, were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. In addition, the gastroprotective effect of Mallotus oblongifolius polyphenols (MOP) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats was investigated. The rats received anhydrous ethanol after continuous gavage of MOP or lansoprazole for one week. In addition, the macro- and micro-damage induced by ethanol in the gastric tissue was significantly reduced after MOP pretreatment for one week. Further analysis showed that MOP prevented ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and decreasing the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid oxidation product (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Meanwhile, MOP inhibited the phosphorylation of p38/ERK/JNK and promoted the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. These results suggested that MOP may be a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury by improving oxidative stress, inhibiting the p38/ERK/JNK signaling pathways and activating Nrf2 expression.

Analysis of the Effect of Sichs on Gastric Ulcer Rats Based on RNA Sequencing Technique

Objective

To research the mechanism of action and transcriptomic characteristics for the intervention effect of self-made Chaihuang decoction (Sichs) on gastric ulcer (GU) rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency and to clarify the therapeutic pathway and effective target.

Methods

Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, and Sichs group (10 rats per group). The model of GU rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency was established through multifactor compound simulation of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) etiology and acetic acid method. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum tissue were observed with H&E staining. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to check differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gastric antrum tissues of rats, and gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The key DEGs were validated using qRT-PCR.

Results

Sichs could ameliorate gastric antrum tissue injury in GU rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. After RNA-seq, it was found that Sichs could reverse 225 upregulated genes and 26 downregulated genes in the model group. And the DEGs between the Sichs group and the model group were related to cell division, complement activation, and phospholipase A2 (Pla2g2a) activity. According to KEGG pathway analysis, DEGs between the two groups were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, and linolenic acid metabolism. The validation results of the four key DEGs were consistent with the analysis trend of sequencing results.

Conclusion

Sichs can effectively improve GU with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency in rats through the signaling pathways related to cell cycle and lipid metabolism.

Ginkgo biloba protects striatal neurodegeneration and gut phagoinflammatory damage in rotenone-induced mice model of Parkinson's disease: Role of executioner caspase-3/Nrf2/ARE signaling

Asymptomatic and early clinical stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been linked with comorbid non-motor symptoms including dysfunction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Notwithstanding, neuroprotective and gastroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba supplements (GBS) have been investigated independently. Hence, whether GBS-mediated GIT-protective capacity could be helpful in PD via gut-brain anti-inflammatory signaling still remains unknown. Treatment with GBS significantly repressed the motor behavioral and neuromuscular deficits and prevented loss of striatal dopaminergic loss by improving the level of tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme and suppressing synucleinopathy development. Striatal neurons and ileal epithelial injury following intraperitoneal rotenone administration were accompanied with oxidoinflammatory/nitroinflammatory stress and marked inhibition of cholinergic transmission. Moreover, there was increased striatal executioner caspase-3 and decreased nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) immunoexpression, loss of striatal pyramidal neuron with a marked decrease in length and width of the dendritic spines as well as significant hyperplasia of cryptal cells in the ileal epithelial tissues, all which were reversed by the pretreatment + concurrent (Pre-CONC) and concurrent (CONC) GBS treatment pattern. In sum, we proved the potential dual effects of GBS in preventing both dopaminergic neural-related impairments and gut wall abnormalities linked with PD.

Ginkgolide protects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats through NLRP3 related pathway

BACKGROUND

Ginkgolide has a protective effect on gastric ulcer gastric mucosa damage, but the exact mechanism involved is still not clear.

AIM

To investigate the molecular mechanism of ginkgolide for protecting against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer by detecting the expression of proteins related to the nod-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway.

METHODS

Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (group A, rats with no treatment), a model group (group B, rats treated with ethanol), control group (group C, rats treated with ethanol and 20 mg/ mL omeprazole), low-dose ginkgolide group (group D, rats treated with ethanol and 1 mg/mL ginkgolide), medium-dose ginkgolide group (group E, rats treated with ethanol and 2.5 mg/mL ginkgolide), and high-dose ginkgolide group (group F, rats treated with ethanol and 5 mg/mL ginkgolide), with ten rats in each group. Gastric pH, gastrin, pepsin, and ulcer index (UI) of rats in different groups were compared. The contents of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum were determined by ELISA. The expression levels of NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, caspase-1, and apoptosis associated blotch-like protein (ASC) in gastric tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

UI, gastrin, total acidity, and total pepsin activity in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P < 0.01), while UI, total acidity, and total pepsin activity in groups C, E, and F were significantly lower than those in group B (P < 0.01). Serum levels of SOD and GSH in groups C, D, E, and F were significantly higher than those in group B (P < 0.01). Serum MDA and the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, and ASC in gastric tissue in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P < 0.01). Serum MDA and the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, and ASC in gastric tissue of rats in groups C, D, E, and F were significantly lower than those in group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ginkgolide protects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer through the NLRP3 pathway.

Sequential loading of inclusion complex/nanoparticles improves the gastric retention of Vladimiriae Radix essential oil to promote the protection of acute gastric mucosal injury

The essential oil from Vladimiriae Radix (VEO) is a medicinal natural product with anti-ulcer activity. A novel gastroretentive drug delivery system was developed by preparing the hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (V-CD/NPs), to improve the bioavailability of VEO and its protective effect on gastric mucosa. The optimum preparation process of V-CD/NPs was obtained by Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The resulting V-CD/NPs gained a suitable positive potential and small particle size, and showed stability in simulated gastric fluid, whose morphology and in vitro drug release profiles had a pH-sensitivity. Besides, V-CD/NPs was proved to strongly bind with mucin, and in vivo imaging revealed that it could be retained in the stomach for more than 8 h. The results of drug concentration in gastric tissues showed that the sequential loading of inclusion complex/nanoparticles promoted the local absorption of VEO in gastric tissues, which was favorable to reach the effective therapeutic concentration in the lesioned mucosa area. In comparison to VEO and V-CD, the callback effect of V-CD/NPs on 1L-1β, 1L-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, MDA and SOD was comparable to cimetidine, and V-CD/NPs outperformed in gastric mucosal protection. Therefore, the gastroretentive drug delivery system developed in our study effectively enhanced the anti-ulcer activity of VEO, which could be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of the acute gastric mucosal injury.

Lycopene Aggravates Acute Gastric Injury Induced by Ethanol

Lycopene is an important natural red pigment with strong singlet oxygen and peroxide free radical quenching ability. Ethanol directly destroys the epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, causing oxidative damage and inflammation. To evaluate the effect of lycopene on the ethanol induced gastric injury, 112 adult male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control, lycopene control, gastric injury control, omeprazole (20 mg/kg) positive control, and lycopene experimental groups (at doses of 10, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight) in this study. The general and pathological evaluation, gastric secretion, as well as the levels of antioxidant and inflammatory factors were detected. In lycopene experimental groups, the amount of gastric juice were lower than that in the gastric injury control group; the levels of T-SOD, and the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors (MMP-9 and MCP-1) decreased. However, general and pathological evaluation of gastric tissues revealed that lycopene (especially at high doses) could aggravate acute gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol. Therefore, lycopene (especially at high doses) aggravates acute gastric mucosal injury caused by ethanol, but this was not due to oxidative stress or inflammatory factors. In lycopene control group, the levels of MTL, T-SOD, and NO increased, but the levels of ALT and AST decreased, indicating that lycopene has a protective effect on the stomach and liver when ethanol wasn't taken. It reminds us that, when alcohol is consumed in large quantities, consumption of lycopene products should be carefully considered.

Bilobalide: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety

Bilobalide is a natural sesquiterpene trilactone from Ginkgo biloba leaves. It has good water solubility and is widely used in food and pharmaceutical fields. In the last decade, a plethora of studies on the pharmacological activities of bilobalide has been conducted and demonstrated that bilobalide possessed an extensive range of pharmacological activities such as neuroprotective, antioxidative, antiinflammatory, anti-ischemic, and cardiovascular protective activities. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that bilobalide may have the characteristics of rapid absorption, good bioavailability, wide distribution, and slow elimination. This review aims to summarize the advances in pharmacological, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety studies of bilobalide in the last decade with an emphasis on its neuroprotective and antiinflammatory activities, to provide researchers with the latest information and point out the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be strengthened in future research.

Protective Effects of Anwulignan against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. Anwulignan (AN) is a major active component of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of AN against the acute gastric ulcer induced by HCl/ethanol in mice. The mice were given HCl/ethanol by gavage to establish an acute gastric ulcer model. Then, the serum and gastric tissue samples were taken for biochemical analyses. The results showed that the pretreatment with AN could significantly reduce the gastric ulcer index (GUI) and increase the ulcer inhibition rate, indicating that AN can protect against gastric ulcers. AN showed its antioxidant roles by decreasing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and anti-inflammatory roles by decreasing the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and increasing the content of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in both serum and gastric tissue. Furthermore, AN also activated the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. AN improves the acute gastric ulcer induced by HCl/ethanol in mice, which may be mainly through its antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effect.

The alleviating effect and mechanism of Bilobalide on ulcerative colitis

Dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis can drive the onset or aggravation of ulcerative colitis (UC). Bilobalide (BI) is an extract of Ginkgo biloba that has been shown to exhibit a range of anti-inflammatory properties. Herein, we explored functional and mechanistic effects of BI treatment in a rodent model of DSS-induced UC. These analyses revealed that BI treatment was sufficient to reduce disease severity, increase colon length, and normalize colon histological characteristics relative to those observed in DSS-treated model mice. BI also enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins associated with intestinal barrier integrity including ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3. Through 16S rDNA sequencing analyses, BI was also found to influence the overall richness of the intestinal microbiome, promoting the proliferation of probiotic species including Lactobacillus. Consistent with these in vivo findings, BI treatment protected RAW264.7 cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage, suppressing the activation of the AKT/NF-κB p65 and MAPK signaling pathways in this experimental context. In summary, these findings revealed that BI can suppress MAPK and AKT/NF-κB p65 signaling, thereby suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, while additionally alleviating UC severity by facilitating repair of the intestinal epithelial barrier and the remodeling of intestinal microbial communities.

Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 alleviates alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in mice via an anti-oxidative mechanism

The protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 (LP-HFY09) on alcohol-induced gastric ulcers was investigated. Gastric morphology observation and pathological tissue sections showed that LP-HFY09 effectively relieved gastric tissue injury. The biochemical indicator detection showed that LP-HFY09 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and somatostatin (SS) levels, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, LP-HFY09 inhibited the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and elevated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) examination revealed that LP-HFY09 enhanced the mRNA expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downstream genes, including copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and GSH-Px. This study indicated that LP-HFY09 alleviated alcohol-induced gastric ulcers by increasing gastric mucosa defense factor, and inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: LP-HFY09 has the potential to be investigated as a treatment for gastric injury induced by alcohol.

Mechanism of rutaecarpine on ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer using integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology

This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of rutaecarpine (RUT) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice by integrated approaches. At first, the efficacy was determined through the macroscopic and microscopic state of stomach tissue and the expression levels of GU-related factors. Then, the serum metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to explore the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways. Finally, the upstream key protein targets of these specific metabolites were analyzed by network pharmacology and verified by PCR to explore the potential mechanism. RUT alleviated the histological and pathological damage of gastric tissue caused by ethanol, and could remarkably ameliorate the level of GU-related factors. Subsequently, a total of 7 potential metabolites involved in 9 metabolic pathways were identified by metabolomics analysis. Then, a 'component-targets-metabolites' interaction network was constructed, and therefore 4 key target proteins (PLA2G1B, PDE5A, MIF and SRC) that may regulate the specific metabolites were obtained. This case was further verified by the results of PCR. ALL the above results strongly demonstrated that RUT exerted a gastroprotective effect against GU. And it is the first time to combine metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanism of RUT on GU, which may be related to the regulation of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and these pathways may be regulated through the upstream protein PLA2G1B, PDE5A, MIF and SRC.

Sesquiterpenoid bilobalide inhibits gastric carcinoma cell growth and induces apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo models

Gastric carcinoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer that ranks fifth among all cancer incidences and third in cancer mortality. As it exhibits a prolonged asymptomatic condition and high recurrence rate, it is a great challenge to treat gastric cancer. Traditional medicine that utilizes herbal phytochemicals to treat various diseases is a potent alternative for current allopathic treatment. Hence, we evaluated the potency of a phytochemical bilobalide for treating gastric cancer in in vitro and in vivo models. Bilobalide, a sesquiterpenoid, is present in the Ginkgo biloba plant that belongs to the family of Ginkgoaceae. The cytotoxicity effect of bilobalide was evaluated in both gastric cancer (AGS) cells and normal gastric epithelial cells. Apoptosis-inducing property of bilobalide against the AGS cell line was analyzed with different fluorescent staining techniques and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. The in vivo studies were assessed with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced gastric cancer in rats. Serum-specific gastric markers were quantified and histopathological analysis of stomach tissue was performed. The expression of target-signaling molecules was analyzed by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The in vitro results proved that bilobalide effectively suppressed the AGS cell growth and induced cell death by nuclear damage and apoptosis induction. The bilobalide treatment effectively arrested the cell cycle of AGS cells via inhibiting the PI3K-signaling pathway. Our in vivo results also confirmed that the bilobalide persuasively inhibited the MNU-induced gastric carcinoma via inhibiting the thioredoxin-fold family proteins and inflammatory markers' expression. Overall, our results authentically prove that bilobalide possesses therapeutic potency to cure gastric carcinoma.

Protective effects of total flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum rhizoma against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in vivo and in vitro

CONTEXT

Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) is traditionally used to treat inflammation, pain, colds and digestive diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential protective mechanism of total flavonoids from the rhizomes of A. officinarum (F-AOH) in ethanol-induced acute gastric in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo: Gastric damage was induced in BALB/c mice by administering ethanol (10 mL/kg) after oral treatment with F-AOH at 126.8, 63.4 and 31.7 mg/kg or ranitidine (Ran) at 100 mg/kg (1 week of continuous gavage). In vitro: Gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) were incubated with F-AOH (8, 4 and 2 μg/mL) for 16 h and treated with 7% ethanol for 4 h. The extent of gastric damage was assessed histopathologically, and the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β was quantified by Western blot analysis. In addition, proinflammatory mediators and concentrations of motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were measured by ELISA test.

RESULTS

F-AOH effectively reduced the ulcer index (from 23.4 ± 4.28 to 8.32 ± 1.5) and reduced release of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2), increased the content of nitric oxide and improved GAS and MTL secretion. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of F-AOH on cell damage was 17 μg/mL. F-AOH increased ethanol-induced cell survival (from 47 to 85%) and inhibited the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

F-AOH inhibits ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, provides a theoretical basis for galangal in the treatment of other causes of GU, and promotes the application of galanga in the treatment of GU.

Royal jelly attenuates gastric mucosal injury in a rat ethanol-induced gastric injury model

The aim of the study was to investigate traditionally used Royal Jelly (RJ) for treating an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. A total of 32 Wistar albino male rats were divided into 4 groups of 8: group I = Control, group II = Ethanol, group III = RJ + Ethanol, and group IV = Lansoprazole + Ethanol. In groups II, III, and IV, animals were administered 1 ml of absolute ethanol orally after a 24-h fast to induce ulcer formation. The histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa were determined using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemically, inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa beta (Nf-κβ) markings were evaluated in gastric tissue. Cell death in the gastric mucosa was determined by the TUNEL method. Oxidative status markers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Expression of the interleukin - 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes in gastric tissues was determined by real-time PCR; and TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β levels were determined. RJ was found to inhibit iNOS and Nf-κβ activity in the gastric mucosa and prevent epithelial cell apoptosis. In particular, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased in the RJ + Ethanol group compared to the Ethanol group. In addition, a decrease in the MPO level indicated that RJ prevented tissue damage, especially by preventing inflammatory cell infiltration. The study demonstrated a possible gastroprotective effect of RJ in a rat ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model.

Formononetin inhibits inflammation and promotes gastric mucosal angiogenesis in gastric ulcer rats through regulating NF-κB signaling pathway

To investigate the effects of formononetin on rats with gastric ulcer and further to explore its possible mechanism. Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham), model group (Model), omeprazole control group (Omeprazole) and formononetin in different dose groups (FOR-L, FOR-M, FOR-H). Rats model with gastric ulcer were established by 100% glacial acetic acid. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the level of inflammatory and angiogenesis related factors. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by western blot. Formononetin and omeprazole could ameliorate the pathological morphology of gastric mucosa in gastric ulcer rats. Compared with Model group, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, myeloperoxidase (MPO), human endothelin (ET)-1 and p-P65 protein in formononetin treatment and omeprazole groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, formononetin could increase the content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nitric oxide (NO) and the levels of CD34, tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and p-IκBα in a dose-dependent manner. Formononetin can ameliorate gastric ulcer in rats by inhibiting inflammation and promoting gastric mucosal angiogenesis, and its mechanism maybe related to NF-κB signaling pathway.

Role of Ginkgolides in the Inflammatory Immune Response of Neurological Diseases: A Review of Current Literatures

The inflammatory immune response (IIR) is a physiological or excessive systemic response, induced by inflammatory immune cells according to changes in the internal and external environments. An excessive IIR is the pathological basis for the generation and development of neurological diseases. Ginkgolides are one of the important medicinal ingredients in Ginkgo biloba. Many studies have verified that ginkgolides have anti-platelet-activating, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, neurotrophic, and neuroimmunomodulatory effects. Inflammatory immunomodulation is mediated by inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. They also inhibit the platelet-activating factor (PAF)-mediated signal transduction to attenuate the inflammatory response. Herein, we reviewed the studies on the roles of ginkgolides in inflammatory immunomodulation and suggested its potential role in novel treatments for neurological diseases.

Bilobalide alleviates IL-17-induced inflammatory injury in ATDC5 cells by downregulation of microRNA-125a

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a high disability and greatly destructive disease. In this study, we preliminarily studied the function and mechanism of bilobalide (BIL) on interleukin (IL)-17-induced inflammatory injury in ATDC5 cells. CCK-8 and migration assays were used to detect the functions of IL-7, BIL, and microRNA (miR)-125a on cell viability and migration. The miR-125a level was changed by transfection, and tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, Western blot tested the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and pathway-related proteins. Moreover, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay also was used to detect inflammatory factor levels. IL-7 was used to construct an inflammatory injury model in ATDC5 cells. Based on this, BIL inhibited IL-17-induced cell viability, migration, and expressions of inflammatory factors and MMPs. Furthermore, we found BIL negatively regulated miR-125a, and the miR-125a mimic could partly reverse the effects of BIL on IL-17-injury. Finally, we showed that BIL inhibited the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, and the miR-125a mimic had the opposite effect. BIL inhibited IL-17-induced inflammatory injury in ATDC5 cells by downregulation of miR-125a via JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Protective effect of polysaccharides from Radix Hedysari on gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats

The potential anti-gastric ulcer effects of Hedysarum polysaccharides (HPS-50 and HPS-80) were explored in rats.

The gastroprotective effect of nobiletin against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions in mice: impact on oxidative stress and inflammation

CONTEXT

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder with increasing incidence and prevalence attributed to loss of balance between aggressive and protective factors. Nobiletin (NOB), a major component of polymethoxyflavones in citrus fruits, has a broad spectrum of health beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Although NOB was originally shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity, its effects on gastric ulcer were rarely explored previously.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of NOB on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Seventy-two male Kunming mice administered with absolute ethanol (0.2 ml/animal) were pretreated with NOB (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), cimetidine (100 mg/kg), or vehicles by intragastric administration in different experimental groups for three days, and animals were euthanized 3 h after ethanol ingestion. Gross and microscopic lesions, immunological and biochemical parameters were taken into consideration.

RESULTS

The results showed that ethanol induced gastric injury, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreased glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as the expression MAPK signaling pathway. Pretreatment with NOB significantly attenuated the gastric lesions as compared to the ethanol group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the gastroprotective activity is attribute to the improvement of antioxidant activities, the stimulation of PGE₂, and the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the MAPK pathway.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect of KFP-H008 against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway

KFP-H008, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker developed for the treatment of acid-related diseases, has been reported to inhibit gastric acid secretion effectively, while its effects on gastric ulcer have not been previously explored.