Puerarin prevents vascular endothelial injury through suppression of NF-κB activation in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells

The beneficial health effects of puerarin in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: from mechanisms to therapeutics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death globally that seriously threaten human health. Although novel western medicines have continued to be discovered over the past few decades to inhibit the progression of CVDs, new drug research and development for treating CVDs with less side effects and adverse reactions are continuously being desired. Puerarin is a natural product found in a variety of medicinal plants belonging to the flavonoid family with potent biological and pharmacological activities. Abundant research findings in the literature have suggested that puerarin possesses a promising prospect in treating CVDs. In recent years, numerous new molecular mechanisms of puerarin have been explored in experimental and clinical studies, providing new evidence for this plant metabolite to protect against CVDs. This article systematically introduces the history of use, bioavailability, and various dosage forms of puerarin and further summarizes recently published data on the major research advances and their underlying therapeutic mechanisms in treating CVDs. It may provide references for researchers in the fields of pharmacology, natural products, and internal medicine.

Puerarin alleviates acrolein-induced atherosclerosis by activating the MYH9-mediated SIRT1/Nrf2 cascade to inhibit the activation of inflammasome

Puerarin (Pue) has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This work was designed to clarify and investigate the potential mechanisms of Pue in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. In vivo, acrolein (Acr) was inhaled through drinking water to construct AS model. In vitro, CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were used to detect cell viability. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by commercial kit, the level of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA, and proteins were determined by western blot. Pue administration could effectively reduce blood lipid level in Acr-fed mice. Pue suppressed oxidative stress, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and the process of aortic histological changes. Pue pretreatment decreased MDA in HUVECs and maintained the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Pue upregulated SIRT1/Nrf2 cascade in HUVECs. Pue increased MYH9 and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, and the inhibition of MYH9 significantly impaired Pue-induced Nrf2 activation. Moreover, HUVEC cytotoxicity and apoptosis are alleviated by Pue, in addition to NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in HUVECs induced by Acr. MYH9 inhibitors effectively suppressed the pyroptosis induced by Acr and prevented injury to HUVECs. In addition, Pue promoted SIRT1/Nrf2 cascade activation in HUVECs. Pue may alleviate Acr-induced AS by activating the MYH9-mediated SIRT1/Nrf2 cascade to inhibit inflammasome activation.

UNVEILING THE PROTECTIVE MECHANISMS OF PUERARIN AGAINST ACUTE LUNG INJURY: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE ROLES AND MECHANISMS OF MST1/ERS SIGNALING

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Puerarin, the principal active constituent extracted from Pueraria, is believed to confer protection against sepsis-induced lung injury. The study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of Mst1/ERS in puerarin-mediated protection against acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Monolayer vascular endothelial cell permeability was assessed by gauging the paracellular flow of FITC-dextran 40,000 (FD40). ELISA was employed for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines. Identification of target proteins was conducted through western blotting. Histological alterations and apoptosis were scrutinized using hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. The ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Results: Puerarin significantly protected mice from LPS-induced ALI, reducing lung interstitial width, neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema, and lung apoptosis. Puerarin treatment also markedly attenuated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in both alveolar lavage fluid and serum. Furthermore, puerarin significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 protein expression and blunted LPS-induced decrease in ZO-1 protein expression in lung tissues. Puerarin obviously reduced endoplasmic reticulum expansion and vesiculation. Similarly, puerarin significantly mitigated the LPS-induced reduction in HUVEC cell viability and ZO-1 expression. Puerarin also attenuated LPS-induced increase in apoptosis, TNF-α and IL-1β, FD40 flux, and Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 expression in HUVEC cells. Nevertheless, the inhibitory impact of puerarin on vascular endothelial cell injury, lung injury, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was diminished by Mst1 overexpression. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway played a pivotal role in the development of LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI. Puerarin exhibited the ability to attenuate LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI by inhibiting the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway.

In situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins from adherent cells: a simple, effective method with less cytoplasmic contamination

BACKGROUND

Isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins is a prerequisite for western blot, nuclear proteome profiling, and other evaluations of nuclear proteins. Here, we developed a simple method for in situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins by in situ removing the extranuclear part of adherent cells via a classical nonionic detergent triton X-100.

RESULTS

First, the feasibility of our method was confirmed by confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, immunofluorescence imaging, and time-lapse dynamic observation. Next, the optimal concentration range (approximately 0.1-1% for ~ 10 min) of triton X-100 and the optimal treatment time (< 30 min) of 0.1-1% Triton X-100 for our method were determined via western blotting of eight extra-/intra-nuclear proteins. Subsequently, the effectiveness, sensitivity, and cytoplasmic contamination of our method were tested by investigating the levels of phosphorylated p65 (a NF-κB subunit) in the nuclei of endothelial or tumor cells treated with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via western blotting and by comparing with a commercial nuclear protein extraction kit (a classical detergent-based method). The data show that compared with the commercial kit our method obtained a higher yield of total nuclear proteins, a higher pP65 level in both control and LPS groups, and much lower content of GAPDH (as a reference for cytoplasmic contamination) in nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS

The in situ isolation of nuclei or nuclear proteins from adherent cells in this study is a simple, effective method with less cytoplasmic contamination. This method/strategy has the potential of improving the quality of downstream evaluations including western blotting and proteomic profiling.

Pharmacological Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin

As a kind of medicine and food homologous plant, kudzu root (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is called an "official medicine" in Chinese folk medicine. Puerarin is the main active component extracted from kudzu root, and its structural formula is 8-β-D-grapes pyranose-4, 7-dihydroxy isoflavone, with a white needle crystal; it is slightly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is colorless or light yellow. Puerarin is a natural antioxidant with high health value and has a series of biological activities such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor effects, immunity improvement, and cardio-cerebrovascular and nerve cell protection. In particular, for the past few years, it has also been extensively used in clinical study. This review focuses on the antioxidant activity of puerarin, the therapy of diverse types of inflammatory diseases, various new drug delivery systems of puerarin, the "structure-activity relationship" of puerarin and its derivatives, and pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, which can provide a new perspective for the puerarin-related drug research and development, clinical application, and further development and utilization.

A dual-targeting peptide facilitates targeting anti-inflammation to attenuate atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

We report a peptidic dual-targeting drug delivery platform (integrins targeting and self-assembly instructed by matrix metalloproteinases) towards inflamed endothelial cells, which improved the anti-inflammatory ability of the loaded drug (i.e., puerarin) in vitro and thus improved the antiatherogenic effect of the loaded drug (i.e., puerarin) in vivo.

Curcumin, Polydatin and Quercetin Synergistic Activity Protects from High-Glucose-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic hyperglycemia, the diagnostic biomarker of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is a condition that fosters oxidative stress and proinflammatory signals, both involved in the promotion of cellular senescence. Senescent cells acquire a proinflammatory secretory phenotype, called SASP, exacerbating and perpetuating the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia. Bioactive compounds can exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the most extensively investigated natural compounds have not been confirmed yet in senescent cells and in hyperglycemic conditions. Here, we exposed young and replicative senescent HUVEC (yHUVEC and sHUVEC) to a high-glucose (HG) condition (45 mM) and treated them with Polydatin (POL), Curcumin (CUR) and Quercetin (QRC), alone or in combination (MIX), to mirror the anti-inflammatory component OxiDef^TM contained in the novel nutraceutical Glicefen^TM (Mivell, Italy). In both yHUVEC and sHUVEC, the MIX significantly decreased the expression levels of inflammatory markers, such as MCP-1, IL-1β and IL-8, and ROS production. Importantly, in sHUVEC, a synergistic effect of the MIX was observed, suggesting its senomorphic activity. Moreover, the MIX was able to reduce the expression level of RAGE, a receptor involved in the activation of proinflammatory signaling. Overall, our data suggest that the consumption of nutraceuticals containing different natural compounds could be an adjuvant supplement to counteract proinflammatory and pro-oxidative signals induced by both hyperglycemic and senescence conditions.

Methyl-β-cyclodextrin suppresses the monocyte-endothelial adhesion triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)

CONTEXT

Recent studies demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic efficacy of cyclodextrin. However, it remains unclear whether cyclodextrin exerts the anti-atherosclerotic effect via regulating monocyte-endothelial adhesion.

OBJECTIVE

To answer that question by recruiting methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) as a cyclodextrin representative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were not treated, or treated with 1 µg/mL liposaccharide (LPS) or 50 µg/mL oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) for 12 h, 5 mM MβCD for 1 h, and LPS/oxLDL (1 and 50 µg/mL, respectively for 12 h) plus MβCD (5 mM for 1 h), respectively. The effects of MβCD on LPS/oxLDL-triggered monocyte-endothelial adhesion and related molecules in signalling pathways were evaluated via confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and cell adhesion assay.

RESULTS

MβCD with an IC₅₀ of 27.66 mM (1 h treatment) exerted no significant cytotoxicity at ≤5 mM for ≤2 h. Compared with the control, both LPS and oxLDL induced an ∼2-3-fold increase in adhesion molecule expression (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 at protein and mRNA levels) and NF-κB phosphorylation (p-NF-κB/pP65), an increase in IκB kinase (IKK), and a decrease in phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), respectively. Moreover, more monocytes (2-fold higher for LPS and 15% higher for oxLDL) were attached on LPS/oxLDL-stimulated HUVECs. 5 mM MβCD reversed the LPS/oxLDL-induced changes back to the control levels.

CONCLUSIONS

MβCD significantly suppresses the LPS/oxLDL-triggered monocyte-endothelial adhesion by downregulating adhesion molecule expression probably via LPS-IKK-NF-κB or oxLDL-Akt-NF-κB pathway. This study demonstrates a potential mechanism of the anti-atherosclerotic efficacy of cyclodextrin from the angle of monocyte-endothelial adhesion.

Puerarin induces mouse mesenteric vasodilation and ameliorates hypertension involving endothelial TRPV4 channels

Puerarin (Pue) is an isoflavone derived from the root of Pueraria lobata, which has been widely used as food and a herb for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a Ca2+-permeable channel with multiple modes of activation, plays an important role in vascular endothelial function and vasodilation. However, no reports have shown the effects of Pue on TRPV4 channels and mouse small mesenteric arteries. In the present study, we performed a molecular docking assay by using Discovery Studio 3.5 software to predict the binding of Pue to TRPV4 protein. The activation of TRPV4 by Pue was determined by intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), live-cell fluorescent Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp assays. Molecular docking results indicated a high possibility of Pue-TPRV4 binding. [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ imaging assays showed that Pue activated TRPV4 channels and increased [Ca2+]i in TRPV4-overexpressing HEK293 (TRPV4-HEK293) cells and primary mouse mesenteric artery endothelial cells (MAECs). Patch clamp assay demonstrated that Pue stimulated the TRPV4-mediated cation currents. Additionally, Pue relaxed mouse mesenteric arteries involving the TRPV4-small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (SKCa)/intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (IKCa) pathway, and reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in high-salt-induced hypertensive mice. Our study found for the first time that Pue acts as a TRPV4 agonist, induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation in mouse mesenteric arteries, and attenuates blood pressure in high-salt-induced hypertensive mice, highlighting the beneficial effect of Pue in treating endothelial dysfunction-related cardiovascular diseases.

Puerarin attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced early brain injury possibly by PI3K/Akt signal activation-mediated suppression of NF-κB pathway

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can induce intensively oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain cell apoptosis. However, currently, there is no highly effective treatment available. Puerarin (PUE) possesses excellent neuroprotective effects by suppressing the NF‐κB pathway and activating the PI3K/Akt signal, but its role and related mechanisms in ICH‐induced early brain injury (EBI) remain unclear. In this study, we intended to observe the effects of PUE and molecular mechanisms on ICH‐induced EBI. ICH was induced in rats by collagenase IV injection. PUE was intraperitoneally administrated alone or with simultaneously intracerebroventricular injection of LY294002 (a specific inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt signal). Neurological deficiency, histological impairment, brain edema, hematoma volume, blood–brain barrier destruction, and brain cell apoptosis were evaluated. Western blot, immunohistochemistry staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed. PUE administration at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg could significantly reduce ICH‐induced neurological deficits and EBI. Moreover, PUE could notably restrain ICH‐induced upregulation of the NF‐κB pathway, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, ROS level, and apoptotic pathway and activate the PI3K/Akt signal. However, LY294002 delivery could efficaciously weaken these neuroprotective effects of PUE. Overall, PUE could attenuate ICH‐induced behavioral defects and EBI possibly by PI3K/Akt signal stimulation‐mediated inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway, and this made PUE a potential candidate as a promising therapeutic option for ICH‐induced EBI.

The significance of coagulation and fibrinolysis-related parameters in predicting postoperative venous thrombosis in patients with breast cancer

Background

To explore the expression level of coagulation and fibrinolysis-related indexes in the plasma of breast cancer patients after surgery, and explore their predictive value for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Methods

From May 2016 to May 2019, 63 patients with lower extremity DVT after radical mastectomy in our hospital were selected as the thrombus group, and 69 patients without venous thrombosis after radical mastectomy were selected as the control group. The levels of D-dimer (D-D) and fibrinolytic product (FDP) were measured by latex enhanced immunoturbidimetry, Fibrinogen (FIB) levels were measured using the von Clauss method, thrombin antithrombin complex (TAT) and thrombomodulin (TM) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the evaluation value of coagulation markers on tumor thrombosis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in blood pressure, platelet count (PLT) level, diabetes history, and tumor metastasis between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of PT, D-D, FDP, TAT, and TM in the thrombus group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of D-D, FDP, and TAT were 0.790, 0.881, and 0.672, respectively and there was a marked difference among the indexes (P<0.05). The AUC of FDP was the largest, and the sensitivity and diagnostic value of FDP were the highest.

Conclusions

The plasma levels of FDP, D-D, TAT, and TM in breast cancer patients with DVT after radical mastectomy were significantly increased, which is related to imbalanced coagulation and fibrinolysis functioning in patients. FDP had the highest predictive value for DVT after radical mastectomy.

Puerarin enhances intestinal function in piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Puerarin has been reported to be an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, but the potential effect of puerarin on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether puerarin could alleviate intestinal injury in piglets infected with PEDV. A PEDV (Yunnan province strain) infection model was applied to 7-day-old piglets at 104.5 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose). Piglets were orally administered with puerarin at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight from day 5 to day 9. On day 9 of the trial, piglets were inoculated orally with PEDV. Three days later, jugular vein blood and intestinal samples were collected. Results showed puerarin reduced morbidity of piglets infected with PEDV. In addition, puerarin reduced the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase, the number of white blood cells and neutrophils, and the plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as protein abundances of heat shock protein-70 in PEDV-infected piglets. Moreover, puerarin increased D-xylose concentration but decreased intestinal fatty acid-binding protein concentration and diamine oxidase activity in the plasma of piglets infected with PEDV. Puerarin increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, while decreasing the activities of myeloperoxidase and concentration of hydrogen peroxide in both the intestine and plasma of PEDV-infected piglets. Puerarin decreased mRNA levels of glutathione S-transferase omega 2 but increased the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Furthermore, puerarin increased the abundance of total eubacteria (16S rRNA), Enterococcus genus, Lactobacillus genus and Enterobacteriaceae family in the intestine, but reduced the abundance of Clostridium coccoides in the caecum. These data indicate puerarin improved intestinal function in piglets infected by PEDV and may be a promising supplement for the prevention of PEDV infection.

Puerarin Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses and Oxidative Stress Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through Mitochondrial Quality Control

Atherosclerosis is closely associated with the inflammatory reaction of vascular endothelial cells. Puerarin (Pue), the main active component isolated from the rhizome of Pueraria lobata, is an isoflavone compound with potent antioxidant properties. Although Pue exhibits promising antiatherosclerotic pharmacological effects, only a few studies have reported its protective effect on endothelial cells. This study found that Pue could partly regulate mitochondrial function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and reduce or inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress injury in HUVECs, likely via mitochondrial quality control. Furthermore, the protective effect of Pue on HUVECs was closely related to the SIRT-1 signaling pathway. Pue increased autophagy and mitochondrial antioxidant potential via increased SIRT-1 expression, reducing excessive production of ROS and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress injury. Therefore, Pue may improve mitochondrial respiratory function and energy metabolism, increasing the vulnerability of HUVECs to an inflammatory state.

Identification of thrombomodulin as a dynamic monitoring biomarker for deep venous thrombosis evolution

It has been demonstrated that thrombomodulin (TM) serves an important role in the formation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and is regarded to be a marker that can be used to measure vascular endothelial cell damage. However, how TM levels change during DVT evolution has not yet been well understood. The current study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of TM during the evolution of DVT and explore the possible mechanisms behind these. A total of 48 patients newly diagnosed with DVT and 23 matched healthy controls were enrolled in the present study, and their plasma TM levels were examined and compared. In addition, a DVT model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats via the 'stenosis' method. The thrombi size, histopathologic changes and expression of TM and NF-κB in plasma and venous endothelium were measured at 9 different time points (1, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h, and at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days). Finally, the effect of inhibiting the activation of NF-κB on TM was investigated using pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), which is a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway. The results of the current study indicated that the mean level of plasma TM in patients with DVT was significantly increased compared with healthy controls. In addition, thrombi size (clot length and weight), TM and NF-κB expression in the animal model plasma exhibited three distinct periods (1-12, 24 h-day 7 and 14-21) of markedly different results between periods. Immunofluorescence results confirmed the co-localization of TM and NF-κB in endothelial cells. In addition, it was indicated that the expression of TM in the endothelium of DVT models was upregulated compared with the control, while NF-κB was significantly downregulated. Following the administration of PDTC, the level of NF-κB and TM in the plasma were decreased significantly dose-dependently. The results of the current study suggested that TM was involved in the evolution of DVT and may be used as a dynamic biomarker to measure disease activity. Furthermore, the expression of TM during the evolution of DVT was indicated to be associated with the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Sinomenine inhibits hypoxia induced breast cancer side population cells metastasis by PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Sinomenine is an alkaloid derived from Chinese medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum. Our previous studies suggested that sinomenine can inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer. However, whether sinomenine can inhibit the metastasis characteristics of breast cancer side population (SP) cells is still unknown. In present study, we isolated the side population (SP) cells from MDA-MB-231 cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). MDA-MB-231 SP cells were treated with different concentrations of sinomenine at the absence or presence of hypoxia, and cell viability were measured by CCK-8 assay. The transwell invasive assay were conducted to assess of the effect of sinomenine on the invasion of hypoxic MDA-MB-231 SP cells. The protein expression was detected by Western blot assay. Sinomenine inhibited the cell viability and invasion of hypoxic MDA-MB-231 SP cells. Western blot assay results showed that the upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by hypoxia was inversed by sinomenine. Additionally, it was found that sinomenine suppressed the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway under hypoxia in MDA-MB-231 SP cells. Moreover, the inhibiton of sinomenine on metastasis of hypoxic MDA-MB-231SP cells and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be rescued by PI3K activator IGF-1. Our study suggested that sinomenine inhibits invasion of breast cancer SP cells under hypoxia through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Assessment of Amphiphilic Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles' Biocompatibility with Endothelial Cells in Vitro and Delivery of an Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Nanoparticles (NPs) produced from amphiphilic derivatives of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone (Amph-PVP), composed of various molecular weight polymeric hydrophilic fragments linked into hydrophobic n-alkyl chains of varying lengths, were previously shown to exert excellent biocompatibility. Although routes of administration can be different, finally, most nanosystems enter the blood circulation or lymphatic vessels, and by this, they establish direct contact with endothelial cells. In this study, Amph-PVP NPs and fluorescently labeled Amph-PVP-based NPs, namely "PVP" NPs (Amph-PVP-NPs (6000 Da) unloaded) and "F"-NPs (Amph-PVP-NPs (6000 Da) loaded with fluorescent FITC), were synthesized to study Amph-PVP NPs interactions with HMEC-1 endothelial cells. PVP NPs were readily uptaken by HMEC-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence imaging. Upon uptake, the FITC dye was localized to the perinuclear region and cytoplasm of treated cells. The generation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated endothelium model revealed an increased uptake of PVPNPs, as shown by confocal microscopy. Both unloaded PVP NPs and F-NPs did not affect EC viability in the 0.01 to 0.066 mg/mL range. Furthermore, we focused on the potential immunological activation of HMEC-1 endothelial cells upon PVPNPs treatment by assessing the expression of their E-Selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 adhesion receptors. None of the adhesion molecules were affected by NP treatments of both activated by LPS and nonactivated HMEC-1 cells, at the utilized concentrations (p = NS). In this study, PVP (6000 Da) NPs were used to encapsulate indomethacin, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug. The synthesized drug carrier complex did not affect HMEC-1 cell growth and expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 adhesion receptors. In summary, PVP-based NPs are safe for use on both basal and activated endothelium, which more accurately mimics pathological conditions. Amph-PVP NPs are a promising drug delivery system.

Up-regulation of MiR-145-5p promotes the growth and migration in LPS-treated HUVECs through inducing macrophage polarization to M2

MiR-145-5p is high-expressed in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). However, whether miR-145-5p can reduce HUVEC damage by regulating macrophage immunophenotype is less reported. THP-1 was stimulated by Phorbolate-12-myristate-13-acetate, LPS and IFN-γ, and IL-4 to differentiate into macrophages (M0, M1 and M2). The expressions of macrophage markers were detected by Western blotting, and the expressions of miR-145-5p and kruppel-like factor-14 (KLF14) were detected by qRT-PCR. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the targeted relationship of miR-145-5p and KLF14. HUVEC injury was induced by LPS and then co-cultured with M1 transfected by miR-145-5p mimic. The effect of miR-145-3p on proliferation and metastasis of LPS-induced HUVECs was detected by MTT, clone formation, scratch assay and Transwell. We found that the expression of miR-145-5p was higher in M2 than that in M1. MiR-145-5p expression was down-regulated during M2-to-M1, but up-regulated during M1-to-M2. The expressions of IL-1β and iNOS were down-regulated, while the protein expressions of CCL17 and Arg-1 were up-regulated by miR-145-5p mimic in M0. The viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of HUVECs were promoted, however, LDH activity of the HUVECs was inhibited by mimics. In addition, KLF14 was predicted as the target gene for miR-145-5p in HUVECs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR-145-5p inhibited cell proliferation of LPS-treated HUVECs possibly through regulating macrophage polarization to M2.

Puerarin inhibits Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG-HS)-induced inflammation and apoptosis via suppressing the TLR6/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway in chicken

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the primary etiological agent of chicken chronic respiratory disease (CRD), which mainly causes inflammatory damage of the host respiratory system. Previous studies suggest that puerarin (PUE) plays a pivotal regulatory role in inflammatory diseases, whereas the impacts of PUE on MG-induced inflammation remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of PUE on MG-HS infection in vitro and in vivo and indicated its potential therapeutic and preventive value. Experimental results showed that PUE significantly suppressed pMGA1.2 expression, promoted MG-infected cell proliferation and cell cycle process by reducing apoptosis. Histopathological examination of lung tissue showed severe histopathological lesions including thickened alveolar walls, narrowed alveolar cavity, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the MG-infected chicken group. However, PUE treatment significantly ameliorated MG-induced pathological damage in lung. Compared to the MG-infected group, PUE effectively inhibited the expression of MG-induced inflammatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor 6 (TLR6), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Moreover, PUE dose-dependently inhibited MG-induced NF-κB p65 to enter the cell nucleus. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PUE treatment can efficiently inhibit MG-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis, and protect the lung from MG infection-induced damage by inhibiting the TLR6/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. The study suggests that PUE may be a potential anti-inflammatory agent defense againstMGinfection in chicken.

Puerarin Inhibits Endothelium-Dependent Contractions in Mouse Carotid Arteries

Background

Many bioactive ingredients of medicinal plants are known to produce vaso-protective benefits. Puerarin is one of the major isoflavone glucosides found in the root of kudzu vine and it exerts an anti-inflammatory effect and many other pharmacological actions. However, the mechanism underlying the vascular effect of puerarin is incompletely understood. Therefore, the present study aims to examine how puerarin reduces endothelium-dependent contractions (EDCs) in mouse arteries.

Material/Methods

EDCs were evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) in isolated mouse carotid arteries with intact endothelium pretreated with Nω-NO2-L-Arg-OMe (L-NAME). The arteries were pretreated with puerarin and other pharmacological inhibitors before the addition of cumulative concentrations of ACh. The concentration of several prostaglandins (PGs) was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-coupled spectrometry (HPLC-MS).

Results

EDCs induced by ACh only presented in endothelium-intact arteries pretreated by L-NAME and EDCs were prevented by the treatment with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (3 μmol/L) or thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP receptor) antagonist S18886 (30 nmol/L). Acute 40-minute treatment with puerarin reduced EDCs in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting U46619-induced contraction. However, treatment with puerarin did not inhibit ACh-induced production of prostaglandins (PGs) in endothelium-intact arteries.

Conclusions

The present results show that puerarin is able to suppress EDCs in mouse carotid arteries, independent of inhibition of TP receptor or COX2-derived PGs.

Identification of circRNA and mRNA expression profiles and functional networks of vascular tissue in lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis

Sepsis is the most common cause of death in intensive care units. This study investigated the circular RNA (circRNA) and mRNA expression profiles and functional networks of the aortic tissue in sepsis. We established a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced rat sepsis model. High‐throughput sequencing was performed on the aorta tissue to identify differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and mRNAs, which were validated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Bioinformatic analysis was carried out and coding and non‐coding co‐expression (CNC) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were constructed to investigate the mechanisms. In total, 373 up‐regulated and 428 down‐regulated circRNAs and 2063 up‐regulated and 2903 down‐regulated mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of mRNAs showed that the down‐regulated genes were mainly enriched in the process of energy generation. CNC and ceRNA regulatory networks were constructed with seven DE circRNAs. The results of functional enrichment analysis of CNC target genes revealed the important role of circRNAs in inflammatory response. The ceRNA network also highlighted the significant enrichment in calcium signalling pathway. Significant alterations in circRNAs and mRNAs were observed in the aortic tissue of septic rats. In addition, CNC and ceRNA networks were established.

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Puerarin in Piglets Infected With Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has caused enormous economic losses to the swine industry worldwide in recent years. Puerarin (PR), a major isoflavonoid isolated from the Chinese herb Gegen, possesses many pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. This study was conducted with both PEDV-infected African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and neonatal pigs to determine the effect of PR on PEDV infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by using proteomic analyses. Twenty-four piglets fed a milk replacer were randomly allocated into one of three groups (Control, PEDV, and PEDV + PR). After a 5-day period of adaption, piglets (n = 8/group) in the PEDV + PR were orally administered with PR (0.5 mg/kg body weight) between days 5 and 9, whereas piglets in the other two groups received the same volume of liquid milk replacer. On day 9, piglets were orally administered with either sterile saline or PEDV (Yunnan province strain) at 10^4.5 TCID₅₀ (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per pig. On day 12 of the trial, jugular vein blood and intestinal samples were collected. In addition, Vero cells were assigned randomly into three groups (Control, PEDV, PEDV + PR). Cells in the PEDV and PEDV + PR groups were infected with PEDV at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, while cells in the control group were treated with the same volume of sterile saline. One hour later, cells in the Control and PEDV groups were cultured in serum-free DMEM, while cells in the PEDV + PR group were supplemented with PR. After 36 h of culture, cells were harvested. PR attenuated the reductions in cell proliferation in vitro and growth performance in PEDV-infected piglets, and inhibited PEDV replication and the expression of several cytokines (including IL-8) both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic analyses identified that the abundances of 29 proteins in the ileum were altered by PEDV infection and restored to the control level by PR. Pathway analyses revealed that PR restored the expression of several interferon-stimulated genes and selectively upregulated the expression of guanylate-binding proteins. Western blot analyses showed that PR supplementation inhibited the PEDV-induced NF-κB activation. Collectively, these results indicate that PR could exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in piglets infected with PEDV and have the potential to be an effective antiviral feed additive.

Puerarin as potential treatment in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes, and the most leading cause of visual loss around the world. The lack of effective and approved treatment in DR is a major challenge for diabetic patients. Nowadays, natural compounds have got attention of the researchers for management of DR. Many evidences suggest that puerarin as a natural polyphenol exerts advantageous effects against DR. In the present review, we summarized the protective effects of puerarin against DR, and discussed the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Puerarin attenuates retinal neovascularization and neurodegeneration in diabetes mellitus, and the underlying mechanisms are related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of the compound. In conclusion, puerarin might be a potential adjuvant agent for the prevention and treatment of DR. However, comprehensive studies are necessary to show its effectiveness and safety, particularly in human.

Suppression of puerarin on polymethylmethacrylate-induced lesion of peri-implant by inhibiting NF-κB activation in vitro and in vivo

Puerarin (PR), a natural isoflavone isolated from Chinese traditional plant pueraria lobata, has attracted considerable attention due to its important biological and pharmacological activities. However, its effects on lesion of peri-implant and related mechanism of action are still not clear, which require further investigation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PR on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-induced lesion of peri-implant in vitro and in vivo, and explored its possible mechanism of action. Our results indicated that PR could inhibit PMMA-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells with a dose-dependent manner in vitro and effectively down-regulate mRNA and protein expressions of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (RANK), primarily via the suppression of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, we found that PMMA induction could directly cause the phosphorylation of IκB and significantly promote the nuclear translocation of p65 in RAW264.7 cells. In other words, PR was able to dose-dependently attenuate the PMMA-induced nuclear translocation of p65 in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, PR was observed to attenuate PMMA-induced osteoclastogenesis, osteolysis, mRNA expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) and RANK, as well as protein levels of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-6, and p65 in a murine calvarial osteolysis model. These findings suggested that PR might be a potential therapeutic drug to lesion of peri-implant, and provided new insights for understanding its possible mechanism.

Puerarin alters the function of monocytes/macrophages and exhibits chondroprotection in mice

Recent studies have suggested that puerarin may impede osteoclastogenesis and facilitate bone regeneration, in addition to attenuating tissue inflammation. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of puerarin on inflammatory responses and monocyte recruitment in in vitro and in vivo osteoarthritis (OA) models. Puerarin treatment increased the proliferation of OA chondrocytes, as determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. In addition, the present results suggested that puerarin suppressed the interleukin‑1β‑induced production of inflammatory cytokines in OA chondrocytes and monocytes/macrophages, as assessed by ELISA. In a mouse model of mono‑iodoacetate‑induced OA, the present histological analyses suggested that administration with puerarin attenuated the inflammatory profile of OA joints and reduced cartilage destruction. Using flow cytometry, a decreased number of myeloid‑derived C‑C chemokine receptor 2+/lymphocyte Ag 6C+ monocytes was identified in the blood of OA mice treated with puerarin compared with control OA mice. Furthermore, quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that puerarin treatment decreased C‑C chemokine ligand 2 expression in arthritic tissues. Collectively, the results suggested that puerarin treatment limited the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes. In summary, the present study provided pre‑clinical evidence that puerarin may serve as a potential target in the treatment of OA.