Cardioprotective effect of Vitex negundo on isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis in wistar rats: A dual approach study

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and isolation and characterization of a new bioactive compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid from Vitex negundo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal medicines derived from plant extraction are affordable, more therapeutically effective, and have fewer side effects than contemporary medications. Vitex negundo L. (V. negundo). is a medicinal shrub, which contains numerous phytoconstituents. In ancient medicinal practices, V. negundo was primarily prescribed as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of crude extracts from V. negundo leaves, including those derived from petroleum ether (P), methanol (M), and aqueous (A) solvents. Additionally, the research seeks to identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these observed properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nitric oxide scavenging study was performed to evaluate the V. negundo crude extract's ability to function as a nitric oxide scavenger. Protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition experiments were employed to study the ability of extracts to suppress proteolysis and inhibit the enzymes that cause tissue injury. The membrane-stabilizing potency of plant extracts were examined through the process of heat-induced hemolysis. The ability of the extracts to neutralize free radicals showed a dose-dependent response, and the aqueous extract exhibited substantially higher activity in both FRAP and DPPH. The GC-MS analysis of V. negundo extracts revealed a vast array of pharmacologically active metabolites. Based on this Bioassay-guided fractionation approach, the optimal extract was selected for the potent molecule isolation and characterization.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of V. negundo exhibited markedly superior radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory capabilities compared to the other two extracts. Furthermore, a new molecule, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid was isolated from this extract, and its chemical structure was successfully determined.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the aqueous extract of V. negundo demonstrated notably stronger in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in comparison to the methanol and petroleum ether extracts. The identified active compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid is likely responsible for the extract's free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, conducting both in vitro and in vivo studies is crucial to substantiate the potential of this active constituent for the development of an anti-inflammatory drug derived from V. negundo.

Cardioprotective Effects of Vitex negundo: A Review of Bioactive Extracts and Compounds

There has been accumulating interest in the application of medicinal plants as alternative medicine to treat various diseases and/or to develop modern medicines. Vitex negundo is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine. V. negundo is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China, The Philippines and East Africa. Therapeutic properties of V. negundo have previously been reviewed. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of V. negundo possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease and related conditions as demonstrated in previous studies. We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of V. negundo and some of its bioactive components in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Previous studies in animal and non-animal experimental models, although limited in number and vary in design, seem to support the cardioprotective effect of V. negundo and some of its active components. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of V. negundo and its active constituents in protection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, since only a few V. negundo compounds have been evaluated, specific cardioprotective effects or mechanisms and possible side effects of other V. negundo compounds need to be extensively evaluated.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of genus Vitex (Lamiaceae)

Vitex, the genus of the family Lamiaceae, comprises of about 230 species mostly distributed in the warm regions of Europe and temperate regions of Asia. Several Vitex species have been used as folk medicine in different countries for the treatment of various kinds of diseases and ailments. The main aim of this review is to collect and analyze the scientific information available about the Vitex species regarding their chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. The phytochemical investigation of various Vitex species has resulted in the isolation of about 556 chemical constituents belong to various chemical category viz. iridoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, ecdysteroids, and others. The crude extracts of different Vitex species as well as pure phytochemicals exhibited a wide spectrum of in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological activities. In the present review, the scientific literature data on the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigations on the genus Vitex are summarized. More attention should be given in future research to evaluate the pharmacological potential with detailed mechanism of actions for the pure compounds, extracts of plants from this genus. Moreover, their clinical study is needed to justify their use in modern medicine and to further exploring this genus for new drug discovery.

High-fat diet-induced aggravation of cardiovascular impairment in permethrin-treated Wistar rats

This study characterized the impact of post-weaning high-fat diet (HFD) and/or permethrin (PER) treatment on heart dysfunction and fibrosis, as well as atherogenic risk, in rats by investigating interactions between HFD and PER. Our results revealed that HFD and/or PER induced remarkable cardiotoxicity by promoting cardiac injury, biomarker leakage into the plasma and altering heart rate and electrocardiogram pattern, as well as plasma ion levels. HFD and/or PER increased plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels but significantly reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Cardiac content of peroxidation malonaldehyde, protein carbonyls, and reactive oxygen species were remarkably elevated, while glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were inhibited in animals receiving a HFD and/or PER. Furthermore, cardiac DNA fragmentation and upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 gene expression supported the ability of HFD and/or PER to induce apoptosis and inflammation in rat hearts. High cardiac TGF-β1 expression explained the profibrotic effects of PER either with the standard diet or HFD. Masson's Trichrome staining clearly demonstrated that HFD and PER could cause cardiac fibrosis. Additionally, increased oxidized LDL and the presence of several lipid droplets in arterial tissues highlighted the atherogenic effects of HFD and/or PER in rats. Such PER-induced cardiac and vascular dysfunctions were aggravated by and associated with a HFD, implying that obese individuals may be more vulnerable to PER exposure. Collectively, post-weaning exposure to HFD and/or PER may promote heart failure and fibrosis, demonstrating the pleiotropic effects of exposure to environmental factors early in life.

Discovery of a "Cocktail" of Potential SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors through Virtual Screening of Known Chemical Components of Vitex negundo L. ("Lagundi")

AIM

The prevailing crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of effective therapeutic agents that can be implemented with minimal to zero adverse effects.

BACKGROUND

Vitex negundo L. (VNL) is a medicinal plant with reported efficacy against respiratory diseases and some of the COVID-19 symptoms. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) is currently conducting clinical trials of VNL and other medicinal plants as adjuvant therapeutic agents against mild cases of COVID-19. The basis for the clinical trials is primarily the pharmacological efficacy of the medicinal plants against respiratory disorders and associated COVID-19 symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the in silico potential of VNL components against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme that plays an important role in COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2.

METHOD

Phytochemical mining of VNL components from the literature was conducted. A database consisting of 250 known compounds from different parts of VNL was created and screened against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro using the PyRx virtual screening tool. The most promising components were further subjected to in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analyses using the SwissADME web server and Toxtree software.

RESULTS

Virtual screening revealed that 102 VNL components in the database had comparable to or better binding affinities toward SARS-COV-2 Mpro than known chemical inhibitors (e.g. N3 and carmofur). It was determined that the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro receptor consists of multiple H-donor and acceptor sites; hence, the most stable receptor-ligand complexes are generally formed by VNL ligands that establish effective H-bonding with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The promising components, representing a "cocktail" of potential inhibitors also revealed interesting ADMET properties.

CONCLUSION

This in silico study identified VNL as a potential single source of a cocktail of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors and a promising adjuvant therapeutic agent against COVID-19 or its symptoms. Furthermore, the study offers a rationale on phytochemical mining from medicinal plants as a means that can be implemented in the early stage of a drug discovery and development program.

Antifibrotic and anthelminthic effect of casticin on Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c mice

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease caused by Schistosoma. Although the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been intensively studied, the choice of effective treatment is still inadequate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of using Casticin to treat Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were divided into three groups - control, infection, and treatment group. The infection and treatment group were percutaneously infected with 100-120 cercariae. Mice from the treatment group were treated with 20 mg/kg/day Casticin for 14 consecutive days to investigate the potential protective effects of Casticin. Mice were sacrificed and were used for histological, RNA, protein, and parasite burden analysis.

RESULTS

Our results showed that hepatic fibrosis was significantly attenuated, as indicated by histology and reduction of fibrotic markers such as collagen AI, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Casticin treatment significantly reduced worm burden. Anthelmintic effect of Casticin was also observed by scanning electron microscopy.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our study suggested that Casticin may be a beneficial candidate in treating S. mansoni infection.

Cardioprotective Effect of Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Urtica simensis Leaves on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

Background

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are becoming the major cause of death. Urtica simensis is one of endogenous plant which treats a wide range of disease conditions including heart diseases. However, there is limited information on safety and efficacy of the plant.

Objective

To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, the in vivo cardioprotective activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of Urtica simensis leaves on cyclophosphamide-induced myocardial injury.

Methods

The cardioprotective activity of the crude extract, aqueous and hexane fraction of Urtica simensis leaves was evaluated based on anatomical, biochemical and histopathological methods. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the plant was also assayed in terms of free radical scavenging activity (RSA).

Results

Crude extract and solvent fractions of Urtica simensis significantly prevented the deleterious effect of cyclophosphamide on body weight (P<0.001), heart weight to body ratio (P<0.01), cardiac biomarkers including troponin I (P<0.01), alanine transaminase (ALT) (P<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.01) and lipid profiles including triglycerides (P<0.001) and total cholesterol (P<0.01). The histopathological study confirmed presence of necrosis, oedema and haemorrhage on cyclophosphamide alone-treated groups while the 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the crude extract and aqueous fraction showed normal cardiocytes. The antioxidant assay of Urtica simensis plant exhibited free radical scavenging activity of inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC₅₀) for the crude extract with the values of 63.27µg/mL, aqueous fraction with the values of 136.38µg/mL and hexane fraction with the values of 258.70µg/mL.

Conclusion

Crude extract and solvent fractions of Urtica simensis leaves have cardioprotective activities. The cardioprotective effect could be attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts. However, this requires further in-depth understanding.

Sulforaphane Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury in Mice

The development of isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced oxidative stress in the myocardium results in myocardial necrosis. Sulforaphane (SFN-0.4% of sulforaphane from standardized broccoli sprout extract) possesses chemoprotective, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities and is also active against cardiovascular-related problems due to its antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of SFN against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in mice. Healthy male Swiss albino mice weighing 20-30 g were used in this study. These mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). All the mice in the experimental groups received isoproterenol (5 mg/kg bw, via i.p.) consecutively for 2 days. The mice were treated with SFN (4 mg/kg bw) and α-tocopherol (TCF) (10 mg/kg bw) by oral gavage for 1-7 days as pre- and posttreatment for the prophylactic and treatment groups, respectively. On day 10, the following parameters were studied: heart weight to body weight ratio, antioxidant parameters, and cardiac markers; and mitochondrial enzymes were estimated for cardioprotection. Administration of isoproterenol in mice showed an increased level of serum cardiac markers and heart mitochondrial ATPase enzymes. An increased level of myocardial thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and decreased levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes indicated that oxidative stress is induced by isoproterenol in the myocardium. The administration of SFN in mice restored the levels of all biochemical parameters to near-normal levels. Histopathological studies further confirmed the protective effect of sulforaphane. This study concluded that treatment with SFN boosts the endogenous antioxidant activity and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury.

In Silico Studies on Anti-Stress Compounds of Ethanolic Root Extract of Hemidesmus indicus L

BACKGROUND

Alternative medicine is available for those diseases which cannot be treated by conventional medicine. Ayurveda and herbal medicines are important alternative methods in which the treatment is done with extracts of different medicinal plants. This work is concerned with the evaluation of anti-stress bioactive compounds from the ethanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus.

METHODS

Gas chromatography and Mass Spectrum studies are used to identify the compounds present in the ethanolic extract based on the retention time, area. In order to perform docking studies, Vasopressin model is generated using modeling by Modeller 9v7. Vasopressin structure is developed based on the crystal structure of neurophysin-oxytocin from Bos taurus (PDB ID: 1NPO_A) collected from the PDB data bank. Using molecular dynamics simulation methods, the final predicted structure is obtained and further analyzed by verifying 3D and PROCHECK programs, confirmed that the final model is reliable. The identified compounds are docked to vasopressin for the prediction of anti-stress activity using GOLD 3.0.1 software.

RESULTS

The predicted model of Vasopressin structure is stabilized and confirmed that it is a reliable structure for docking studies. The results indicated ARG4, THR7, ASP9, ASP26, ALA32, ALA 80 in Vasopressin are important determinant residues in binding as they have strong hydrogen bonding with phytocompounds. Among the 21 phytocompounds identified and docked, molecule Deoxiinositol, pentakis- O-(trimethylsilyl) showed the best docking results with Vasopressin.

CONCLUSION

The identified compounds were used for anti-stress activity by insilico method with Vasopressin which plays an important role in causing stress and hence selected for inhibitory studies with phytocompounds. The phytocompounds are inhibiting vasopressin through hydrogen bodings and are important in protein-ligand interactions. Docking results showed that out of twenty-one compounds, Deoxiinositol, pentakis-O-(trimethylsilyl) showed best docking energy to the Vasopressin.

(E)-N'-(1-(7-Hydroxy-2-Oxo-2H-Chromen-3-Yl) Ethylidene) Benzohydrazide, a Novel Synthesized Coumarin, Ameliorates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats through Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

The present study was directed to investigate the effect of precotreatment with (E)-N'-(1-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) ethylidene) benzohydrazide (7-hyd.HC), a novel potent synthesized coumarin, on isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The hydrazone compound was characterized by IR, 1D, and 2D NMR analyses. Experimental induction of MI in rats was established by ISO (85 mg/kg/day, s.c) for two consecutive days (6th and 7th days). 7-hyd.HC or sintrom was given for 7 days prior and simultaneous to ISO injection. 7-hyd.HC offered a cardiopreventive effect by preventing heart injury marker leakage (LDH, ALT, AST, CK-MB, and cTn-I) from cardiomyocytes and normalizing cardiac function and ECG pattern, as well as improving lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C), which were altered by ISO administration. Moreover, 7-hyd.HC precotreatment significantly mitigated the oxidative stress biomarkers, as evidenced by the decrease of lipid peroxidation and the increased level of the myocardial GSH level together with the SOD, GSH-Px, and catalase activities. 7-hyd.HC inhibited the cardiac apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of Bax and caspase-3 genes. In addition, 7-hyd.HC reduced the elevated fibrinogen rate and better prevented the myocardial necrosis and improved the interstitial edema and neutrophil infiltration than sintrom. Overall, 7-hyd.HC ameliorated the severity of ISO-induced myocardial infarction through improving the oxidative status, attenuating apoptosis, and reducing fibrinogen production. The 7-hyd.HC actions could be mediated by its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory capacities.

Chemical composition and bioactivity of Vitex cofassus Reinw. extracts on the larval and pupal stages of Aedes aegypti

Aims and Objectives:

Materials and Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Comparative Study of the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue and Bone Marrow on Acute Myocardial Infarction Model

OBJECTIVES

Stem cell therapy is a promising approach in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and adipose tissue (AT-MSC) are attractive and feasible for preclinical and clinical trials. In this study, we compared the therapeutic potential of BM-MSC and AT-MSC in repairing the hearts of rats with isoproterenol (ISO)-induced AMI.

METHODS

Forty-two female rats were assigned into two groups; the optimization and the experimental group. The optimization groups were further subdivided into control group and the AMI induced group (using ISO). The experimental group was subdivided into AMI+cell-free media injected in the tail vein, AMI+BM-MSC, and AMI+AT-MSC groups treated with the intravenous injection of their respective cell types. Twenty-eight days after induction, electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed, and heart tissue samples were collected for histological assessment and cells tracing.

RESULTS

MSC therapy repaired cardiac functions shown by the restoration of ST segment, QT and QRS intervals in the ECG when compared to the AMI group. Infarct area was significantly decreased, and cardiac tissue regeneration signs were shown on histopathological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MSC sources proved to be equally efficient in the assessed parameters.

Elevated Uric Acid Levels Promote Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC) Proliferation via an Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3)-Inflammasome-Dependent Mechanism

Background

Hyperuricemia has a pathogenic role in the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Uric acid has been reported to activate Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-inflammasome and alter vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the potential mechanisms underlying this association are still not understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanisms of uric acid in proliferation of VSMC.

Material/Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) proliferation assay and colony formation assay were performed to determine the proliferative ability of VSMC under uric acid stimulation. Immunofluorescence microscopy was carried out to determine the expression of Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of NLRP3-inflammasome, and ELISA was performed to measure the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β.

Results

The results showed that uric acid increases the proliferation of VSMC and induces α-SMA accumulation. We also found that uric acid increases the level of NLRP3 and induces NLRP3-inflammasome activation. The expressions of uric acid-induced inflammatory markers IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased by the inhibitor MCC950.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that uric acid induces inflammation through NLRP3-inflammasome-mediated VSMC proliferation. NLRP3 may be a new therapeutic target for hypertension.

Protective effects of syringic acid, resveratrol and their combination against isoprenaline administered cardiotoxicity in wistar rats

Objective

To evaluate the cardio-protection of syringic acid (SA) in combination with resveratrol (RV) in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats.

Methods

Groups of all rats were subjected oral pre-treatment at the beginning of the study with SA (50 mg/kg), RV (50 mg/kg) and combination (COMB) of SA (25 mg/kg) and RV (25 mg/kg) along with gallic acid (GA) (50 mg/kg) for 30 days. After sacrification, homogenate of heart tissue along with serum were utilized for further biochemical investigations. The effects on creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were studied in serum and heart tissues. Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced glutathione (GSH), membrane bound enzymes and electrolytes were tested in heart tissues. Body weights and heart weights were also observed along with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid and total protein content (TPC) in serum.

Results

CK, AST, ALT and GGT levels in serum were augmented significantly while these enzymes are decreased in cardiac tissue samples of ISO-treated rats. GST, GPX, GSH, Na⁺/K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ ATPases, K⁺ ions were significantly decreased while Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions were increased in the heart tissues of ISO-injected rats. Loss and gain of body and heart weights were noticed significantly in rats having ISO administration. ISO group showed significant increase in hs-CRP and Uric acid while significant decrease in TPC. All of actions of ISO were ameliorated by COMB.

Conclusions

COMB suppressed ISO induced MI in rats and exhibited cardio-protection.

Protective role of wild garlic on isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis in wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (TVL) is a folk medicine, native to South Africa which has previously shown antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic effects.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective role of wild garlic or TVL on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial necrosis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal (n = 6 each group) were pre and co-treated with TVL (60 mg/kg body weight) daily for 30 days. Myocardial necrosis was administrated by subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg body weight) into rats on 29th and 30th day. On the 31st day, rats were anaesthetized and blood, heart samples were obtained for the biochemical, histopathological and molecular study. The specific protein target analysis from TVL was done by reverse docking study (reverse pharmacophore mapping) using PharmMapper.

RESULTS

The levels of cardiac markers, lipid peroxidation products, and heart rate were considerably increased in ISO-induced myocardial necrosis in rats whilst plasma enzymatic antioxidants were significantly decreased. Myocardial necrotic mRNA genes were increased in ISO-induced myocardial necrosis in rats compared to controls. Pre and co-treatment with TVL and ramipril of myocardial necrosis in rats showed significant effects on all the biochemical and molecular studies evaluated. TVL reduced heart rate, prevented oxidative stress and downregulated the Fas-receptor and caspase-mediated apoptosis-signaling pathway, and heart muscle damage in myocardial necrosis in rats. The specific target protein [disulfide, bis (2-sulfhydrylethyl] from TVL mediates the protective effects.

CONCLUSION

Wild garlic or TVL extract has shown a protective effect on ISO-induced myocardial necrosis in rats by increasing antioxidant production confirmed with docking studies.

Vitexin compound 1, a novel extraction from a Chinese herb, suppresses melanoma cell growth through DNA damage by increasing ROS levels

BACKGROUND

Vitex negundo L (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic shrub that is abundant in Asian countries. A series of compounds from Vitex negundo have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies. A significant feature of melanoma is its resistance to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatments for melanoma.

METHODS

We first examined the effects of VB1 (vitexin compound 1) on cell viability by CCK-8 (cell counting kit) and Colony Formation Assay; And then, we analyzed the apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry, verified apoptosis by Immunoblotting. The in vivo effect of VB1 was evaluated in xenograft mouse model. Potential mechanisms of VB1's antitumor effects were explored by RNA sequencing and the key differential expression genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Finally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry, and the DNA damage was revealed by Immunofluorescence and Immunoblotting.

RESULTS

In this study, we show that VB1, which is a compound purified from the seed of the Chinese herb Vitex negundo, blocks melanoma cells growth in vitro and in vivo, arrests the cell cycle in G2/M phase and induces apoptosis in melanoma cell lines, whereas the effects are not significantly observed in normal cells. To study the details of VB1, we analyzed the alteration of gene expression profiles after treatment with VB1 in melanoma cells. The findings showed that VB1 can affect various pathways, including p53, apoptosis and the cell cycle pathway, in a variety of melanoma cell lines. Furthermore, we confirmed that VB1 restored the P53 pathway protein level, and then we demonstrated that VB1 significantly induced the accumulation of ROS, which resulted in DNA damage in melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, our results showed that VB1 also increased the ROS levels in BRAFi (BRAF inhibitor)-resistant melanoma cells, leading to DNA cytotoxicity, which caused G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings indicate that vitexin compound 1 might be a promising therapeutic Chinese medicine for melanoma treatment regardless of BRAFi resistance.

Isoproterenol-induced cardiac ischemia and fibrosis: Plant-based approaches for intervention

Heart is the most active and incumbent organ of the body, which maintains blood flow, but due to various pathological reasons, several acute and chronic cardiac complications arise out of which myocardial infarction is one of the teething problems. Isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial ischemia is a classical model to screen the cardioprotective effects of various pharmacological interventions. Phytochemicals present a novel option for treating various human maladies including those of the heart. A large number of plant products and their active ingredients have been screened for efficacy in ameliorating ISP-induced myocardial ischemia including coriander, curcumin, Momordica, quercetin, and Withania somnifera. These phytochemicals constituents may play key role in preventing disease and help in cardiac remodeling. Reactive oxygen species scavenging, antiinflammatory, and modulation of various molecular pathways such as Nrf2, NFкB, p-21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1), and p-smad2/3 signaling modulation have been implicated behind the claimed protection. In this review, we have provided a focused overview on the utility of ISP-induced cardiotoxicity, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac fibrosis for preclinical research. In addition, we have also surveyed molecular mechanism of various plant-based interventions screened for cardioprotective effect in ISP-induced cardiotoxicity, and their probable mechanistic profile is summarized.