Cycloastragenol ameliorates experimental heart damage in rats by promoting myocardial autophagy via inhibition of AKT1-RPS6KB1 signaling

Protective effects of E-CG-01 (3,4-lacto cycloastragenol) against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an aging-related, chronic lung disease, with unclear pathogenesis and no effective treatment. One of the triggering factors in cell aging is oxidative stress and it is known to have a role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In this paper, the protective effect of the E-CG-01 (3,4-lacto-cycloastragenol) molecule in terms of its antioxidant properties was evaluated in the bleomycin induced mice lung fibrosis model. Bleomycin sulfate was administered as a single dose (2.5 U/kg body weight) intratracheally to induce lung fibrosis. E-CG-01 was administered intraperitoneally in three different doses (2 mg/kg/day, 6 mg/kg/day, and 10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, starting three days before the bleomycin administration. Fibrosis was examined by Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson Trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining for TGF-beta1, Type I collagen Ki-67, and gama-H2AX markers. Activity analysis of catalase and Superoxide dismutase enzymes, measurement of total oxidant, total glutathione, and Malondialdehyde levels. In histological analysis, it was determined that all three different doses of the molecule provided a prophylactic effect against the progression of fibrosis compared to the bleomycin control group. However, it was observed that only the molecule applied in the high dose decreased the total oxidant stress level. Lung weight ratio increased in the BLM group but significantly reduced with high-dose E-CG-01. E-CG-01 at all doses reduced collagen deposition, TGF-β expression, and Ki-67 expression compared to the BLM group. Intermediate and high doses of E-CG-01 also significantly reduced alveolar wall thickness and edema formation. These findings suggest that E-CG-01 has potential therapeutic effects in mitigating lung fibrosis through its antioxidant properties.

Cycloastragenol induces apoptosis and protective autophagy through AMPK/ULK1/mTOR axis in human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated that cycloastragenol induces antitumor effects in prostate, colorectal and gastric cancers; however, its efficacy for inhibiting the proliferation of lung cancer cells is largely unexplored. This study explores the efficacy of cycloastragenol for inhibiting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The effects of cycloastragenol on lung cancer cell proliferation were assessed using an adenosine triphosphate monitoring system based on firefly luciferase and clonogenic formation assays. Cycloastragenol-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells was evaluated using dual staining flow cytometry with an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide kit. To elucidate the role of cycloastragenol in the induction of apoptosis, apoptosis-related proteins were examined using Western blots. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to determine whether cycloastragenol could induce autophagy in lung cancer cells. Genetic techniques, including small interfering RNA technology, were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The effects against lung cancer and biosafety of cycloastragenol were evaluated using a mouse subcutaneous tumor model.

RESULTS

Cycloastragenol triggered both autophagy and apoptosis. Specifically, cycloastragenol promoted apoptosis by facilitating the accumulation of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (NOXA), a critical apoptosis-related protein. Moreover, cycloastragenol induced a protective autophagy response through modulation of the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK1)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study sheds new light on the antitumor efficacy and mechanism of action of cycloastragenol in NSCLC. This insight provides a scientific basis for exploring combination therapies that use cycloastragenol and inhibiting the AMPK/ULK1/mTOR pathway as a promising approach to combating lung cancer. Please cite this article as follows: Zhu LH, Liang YP, Yang L, Zhu F, Jia LJ, Li HG. Cycloastragenolinduces apoptosis and protective autophagy through AMPK/ULK1/mTOR axis in human non-small celllung cancer cell lines. J Integr Med. 2024: Epub ahead of print.

Cycloastragenol restrains keratinocyte hyperproliferation by promoting autophagy via the miR-145/STC1/Notch1 axis in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is characterized by inflammation and hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Cycloastragenol (CAG) is an active molecule of Astragalus membranaceus that potentially plays a repressive role in psoriasis. Activated cell autophagy is an effective pathway for alleviating psoriasis progression. Thus, we investigated the role of CAG in the proliferation and autophagy of interleukin (IL)-22-stimulated keratinocytes.

METHODS

A psoriasis model was established by stimulating HaCaT cells with IL-22. Gene or protein expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR or western blot. Autophagy flux was observed with mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection assay under confocal microscopy. Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) secretion levels were determined using ELISA kits. The apoptosis rate was assessed using flow cytometry. Interactions between miR-145 and STC1 or STC1 and Notch1 were validated by luciferase reporter gene assays, RIP, and Co-IP assays.

RESULTS

CAG repressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis and autophagy in IL-22-stimulated HaCaT cells. Additionally, CAG promoted autophagy by enhancing miR-145. STC1 silencing ameliorated autophagy repression in IL-22-treated HaCaT cells. Moreover, miR-145 negatively regulated STC1, and STC1 was found to activate Notch1. Lastly, STC1 overexpression reversed CAG-promoted autophagy.

CONCLUSION

CAG alleviated keratinocyte hyperproliferation through autophagy enhancement via regulating the miR-145/STC1/Notch1 axis in psoriasis.

Biochanin A inhibits endothelial dysfunction induced by IL‑6‑stimulated endothelial microparticles in Perthes disease via the NFκB pathway

Endothelial dysfunction caused by the stimulation of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) by the inflammatory factor IL-6 is one of the pathogenic pathways associated with Perthes disease. The natural active product biochanin A (BCA) has an anti-inflammatory effect; however, whether it can alleviate endothelial dysfunction in Perthes disease is not known. The present in vitro experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that 0-100 pg/ml IL-6-EMPs could induce endothelial dysfunction in a concentration-dependent manner, and the results of the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay revealed that, at concentrations of <20 µM, BCA had no cytotoxic effect. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated that BCA reduced the expression levels of the endothelial dysfunction indexes E-selectin and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a concentration-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence and western blotting illustrated that BCA increased the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 and decreased those of ICAM-1. Mechanistic studies showed that BCA inhibited activation of the NFκB pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that IL-6 was significantly increased in the rat model of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, whereas BCA inhibited IL-6 production. Therefore, in Perthes disease, BCA may inhibit the NFκB pathway to suppress IL-6-EMP-induced endothelial dysfunction, and could thus be regarded as a potential treatment for Perthes disease.

The recent advance and prospect of natural source compounds for the treatment of heart failure

Heart failure is a continuously developing syndrome of cardiac insufficiency caused by diseases, which becomes a major disease endangering human health as well as one of the main causes of death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The occurrence of heart failure is related to hemodynamic abnormalities, neuroendocrine hormones, myocardial damage, myocardial remodeling etc, lead to the clinical manifestations including dyspnea, fatigue and fluid retention with complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Currently available drugs such as cardiac glycoside, diuretic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, vasodilator and β receptor blocker etc are widely used for the treatment of heart failure. In particular, natural products and related active ingredients have the characteristics of mild efficacy, low toxicity, multi-target comprehensive efficacy, and have obvious advantages in restoring cardiac function, reducing energy disorder and improving quality of life. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent advance including mechanisms and active ingredients of natural products for the treatment of heart failure, which will provide the inspiration for the development of more potent clinical drugs against heart failure.

Aging and aging-related diseases: from molecular mechanisms to interventions and treatments

Aging is a gradual and irreversible pathophysiological process. It presents with declines in tissue and cell functions and significant increases in the risks of various aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and immune system diseases. Although the development of modern medicine has promoted human health and greatly extended life expectancy, with the aging of society, a variety of chronic diseases have gradually become the most important causes of disability and death in elderly individuals. Current research on aging focuses on elucidating how various endogenous and exogenous stresses (such as genomic instability, telomere dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, compromise of autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, deregulated nutrient sensing) participate in the regulation of aging. Furthermore, thorough research on the pathogenesis of aging to identify interventions that promote health and longevity (such as caloric restriction, microbiota transplantation, and nutritional intervention) and clinical treatment methods for aging-related diseases (depletion of senescent cells, stem cell therapy, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory treatments, and hormone replacement therapy) could decrease the incidence and development of aging-related diseases and in turn promote healthy aging and longevity.

Antitumor Effect of Cycloastragenol in Colon Cancer Cells via p53 Activation

Colorectal cancer cell (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world. There are several chemotherapy drugs available for its treatment, though they have side effects. Cycloastragenol (CY) is a compound from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge known to be effective in aging, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-heart failure treatments. Although many studies have demonstrated the functions of CY in cancer cells, no studies have shown the effects of p53 in colon cancer cells. In this study, we found that CY reduces the viability of colon cancer cells in p53 wild-type cells compared to p53 null cells and HT29. Furthermore, CY induces apoptosis by p53 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. And it was confirmed that it affects the L5 gene related to p53. Additionally, CY enhanced p53 expression compared to when either doxorubicin or 5-FU was used alone. Altogether, our findings suggest that CY induces apoptosis via p53 activation and inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells. In addition, apoptosis occurs in colon cancer cells due to other factors. Moreover, CY is expected to have a combined effect when used together with existing treatments for colon cancer in the future.

Targeting cathepsin B by cycloastragenol enhances antitumor immunity of CD8 T cells via inhibiting MHC-I degradation

BACKGROUND

The loss of tumor antigens and depletion of CD8 T cells caused by the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway are important factors for tumor immune escape. In recent years, there has been increasing research on traditional Chinese medicine in tumor treatment. Cycloastragenol (CAG), an effective active molecule in Astragalus membranaceus, has been found to have antiviral, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and other functions. However, its antitumor effect and mechanism are not clear.

METHODS

The antitumor effect of CAG was investigated in MC38 and CT26 mouse transplanted tumor models. The antitumor effect of CAG was further analyzed via single-cell multiomics sequencing. Target responsive accessibility profiling technology was used to find the target protein of CAG. Subsequently, the antitumor mechanism of CAG was explored using confocal microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation and transfection of mutant plasmids. Finally, the combined antitumor effect of CAG and PD-1 antibodies in mice or organoids were investigated.

RESULTS

We found that CAG effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Our single-cell multiomics atlas demonstrated that CAG promoted the presentation of tumor cell-surface antigens and was characterized by the enhanced killing function of CD8⁺ T cells. Mechanistically, CAG bound to its target protein cathepsin B, which then inhibited the lysosomal degradation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) and promoted the aggregation of MHC-I to the cell membrane, boosting the presentation of the tumor antigen. Meanwhile, the combination of CAG with PD-1 antibody effectively enhanced the tumor killing ability of CD8⁺ T cells in xenograft mice and colorectal cancer organoids.

CONCLUSION

Our data reported for the first time that cathepsin B downregulation confers antitumor immunity and explicates the antitumor mechanism of natural product CAG.

Processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.: A review of cardiotonic effects and cardiotoxicity on molecular mechanisms

Fuzi, the lateral root of A. carmichaelii Debx., is a typical traditional herbal medicine with both poisonousness and effectiveness, and often used in the treatment of heart failure and other heart diseases. In this review, we searched domestic and foreign literature to sort out the molecular mechanisms of cardiotonic and cardiotoxicity of Fuzi, also including its components. The major bioactive components of Fuzi for cardiotonic are total alkaloids, polysaccharide and the water-soluble alkaloids, with specific mechanisms manifested in the inhibition of myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and autophagy, and improvement of mitochondrial energy metabolism, which involves RAAS system, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, etc. Diester-diterpenoid alkaloids in Fuzi can produce cardiotoxic effects by over-activating Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ion channels, over-activating NLRP3/ASC/caspase-3 inflammatory pathway and mitochondria mediated apoptosis pathway. And three clinically used preparations containing Fuzi are also used as representatives to summarize their cardiac-strengthening molecular mechanisms. To sum up, Fuzi has shown valuable cardiotonic effects due to extensive basic and clinical studies, but its cardiotonic mechanisms have not been systematically sorted out. Therefore, it is a need for deeper investigation in the mechanisms of water-soluble alkaloids with low content but obvious therapeutic effect, as well as polysaccharide.

The role of cycloastragenol at the intersection of NRF2/ARE, telomerase, and proteasome activity

Aging is well-characterized by the gradual decline of cellular functionality. As redox balance, proteostasis, and telomerase systems have been found to be associated with aging and age-related diseases, targeting these systems with small compounds has been considered a promising therapeutic approach. Cycloastragenol (CA), a small molecule telomerase activator obtained from Astragalus species, has been reported to positively affect several age-related pathophysiologies, but the mechanisms underlying CA activity have yet to be reported. Here, we presented that CA increased NRF2 nuclear localization and activity leading to upregulation of cytoprotective enzymes and attenuation of oxidative stress-induced ROS levels. Furthermore, CA-mediated induction of telomerase activity was found to be regulated by NRF2. CA not only increased the expression of hTERT but also its nuclear localization via upregulating the Hsp90-chaperon complex. In addition to modulating nuclear hTERT levels at unstressed conditions, CA alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial hTERT levels while increasing nuclear hTERT levels. Concomitantly, H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial ROS level was found to be significantly decreased by CA administration. Our data also revealed that CA strongly enhanced proteasome activity and assembly. More importantly, the proteasome activator effect of CA is dependent on the induction of telomerase activity, which is mediated by NRF2 system. In conclusion, our results not only revealed the cross-talk among NRF2, telomerase, and proteasome systems but also that CA functions at the intersection of these three major aging-related cellular pathways.

Biological active ingredients of Astragali Radix and its mechanisms in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

With the rising age of the global population, the incidence rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) is increasing, which causes serious public health burden. The efforts for new therapeutic approaches are still being sought since the treatment effects of existing therapies are not quite satisfactory. Chinese traditional medicine proved to be very efficient in the treatment of CCVDs. Well described and established in Chinese medicine, Astragali Radix, has been commonly administered in the prophylaxis and cure of CCVDs for thousands of years.

PURPOSE

This review summarized the action mode and mechanisms of Astragali Radix phytochemicals on CCVDs, hoping to provide valuable information for the future application, development and improvement of Astragali Radix as well as CCVDs treatment.

METHODS

A plenty of literature on biological active ingredients of Astragali Radix used for CCVDs treatment were retrieved from online electronic PubMed and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

This review highlighted the effects of five main active components in Astragali Radix including astragaloside Ⅳ, cycloastragenol, astragalus polysaccharide, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, and calycosin on CCVDs. The mechanisms mainly involved anti-oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic through signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/HO-1, and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In addition, the majority active constituents in AR have no obvious toxic side effects.

CONCLUSION

The main active components of Astragali Radix, especially AS-IV, have been extensively summarized. It has been proved that Astragali Radix has obvious therapeutic effects on various CCVDs, including myocardial and cerebral ischemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, chronic heart failure. CAG possesses anti-ischemia activity without toxicity, indicating a worthy of further development. However, high-quality clinical and pharmacokinetic studies are required to validate the current studies.

Cycloastragenol Inhibits Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression

The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm involves vascular inflammation and elastin degradation. Astragalusradix contains cycloastragenol, which is known to be anti-inflammatory and to protect against elastin degradation. We hypothesized that cycloastragenol supplementation inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm progression. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was induced in male rats by intraluminal elastase infusion in the infrarenal aorta and treated daily with cycloastragenol (125 mg/kg/day). Aortic expansion was followed weekly by ultrasound for 28 days. Changes in aneurysmal wall composition were analyzed by mRNA levels, histology, zymography and explorative proteomic analyses. At day 28, mean aneurysm diameter was 37% lower in the cycloastragenol group (p < 0.0001). In aneurysm cross sections, elastin content was insignificantly higher in the cycloastragenol group (10.5% ± 5.9% vs. 19.9% ± 16.8%, p = 0.20), with more preserved elastin lamellae structures (p = 0.0003) and without microcalcifications. Aneurysmal matrix metalloprotease-2 activity was reduced by the treatment (p = 0.022). Messenger RNA levels of inflammatory- and anti-oxidative markers did not differ between groups. Explorative proteomic analysis showed no difference in protein levels when adjusting for multiple testing. Among proteins displaying nominal regulation were fibulin-5 (p = 0.02), aquaporin-1 (p = 0.02) and prostacyclin synthase (p = 0.007). Cycloastragenol inhibits experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm progression. The suggested underlying mechanisms involve decreased matrix metalloprotease-2 activity and preservation of elastin and reduced calcification, thus, cycloastragenol could be considered for trial in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients.

Cycloastragenol alleviates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting autophagy

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a secondary metabolite from the roots of Astragalus zahlbruckneri, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in heart, skin and liver diseases. However, its role in asthma remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CAG on airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. The current study evaluated the lung function and levels of inflammation and autophagy via measurement of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung histology examination, inflammatory cytokine measurement and western blotting, amongst other techniques. The results demonstrated that CAG attenuated OVA-induced AHR in vivo. In addition, the total number of leukocytes and eosinophils, as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E were diminished in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the OVA-induced murine asthma model. Histological analysis revealed that CAG suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell secretion. Notably, based on molecular docking simulation, CAG was demonstrated to bind to the active site of autophagy-related gene 4-microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 complex, which explains the reduced autophagic flux in asthma caused by CAG. The expression levels of proteins associated with autophagy pathways were inhibited following treatment with CAG. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CAG exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma, and its role may be associated with the inhibition of autophagy in lung cells.

[Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of quercetin for heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of heart failure (HF) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

Quercetin and HF-related targets were obtained using TCMSP, PharmMapper, CTD and GeneCards databases, and quercetin-HF intersection targets were obtained through the online website Venn; the protein interaction network was constructed and imported into Cytoscape 3.7.2 to identify the core targets of quercetin in the treatment of HF.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using R package, and molecular docking was performed using Auto Dock Vina.The protein levels of AKT1, phospho-AKT(Ser473), eNOS, MMP9, and caspase-3 in quercetin-treated HF cell models were detected using protein immunoblotting.

RESULTS

We identified 80 quercetin-HF intersectional targets (AKT1, CASP3, MAPK1, MMP9, and MAPK8) and 5 core targets of quercetin for treatment of HF.GO analysis suggested that the therapeutic effect of quercetin for HF was mediated mainly by such biological processes as responses to peptide hormones, phosphatidylinositol-mediated signalling, responses to lipopolysaccharides, responses to molecules of bacterial origin and regulation of inflammatory responses.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, diabetic cardiomyopathy and MAPK signaling pathway as the most significantly enriched signaling pathways.Molecular docking showed a good binding activity of quercetin to the 5 core targets.The results of protein immunoblotting showed that 100 μmol/L quercetin significantly reduced AKT1, phospho-AKT (Ser473), eNOS, MMP9 and caspase-3 levels in the cell models of HF (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Quercetin improves the pathological changes in HF possibly by regulating the AKT1-eNOS-MMP9 pathway to inhibit cell apoptosis.

Cycloastragenol inhibits Aβ1-42-induced blood-brain barrier disruption and enhances soluble Aβ efflux in vitro

This study aimed to evaluate the effect Cycloastragenol (CAG), a triterpenoid saponin isolated from the Radix astragali, on Aβ-induced BBB damage. An immortalized endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) was employed to mimic a BBB. The Western blot, TUNEL staining, Flow cytometric analysis and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed. The present results showed that CAG (10, 50, 75 μM) can alleviate oligomer Aβ_1-42 induced bEnd.3 cell apoptosis and increase tight junction scaffold proteins expression. The result also indicated that CAG increased soluble Aβ efflux across BBB via upregulation of the P-gp and downregulation of RAGE expression.[Formula: see text].

Atorvastatin reverses high cholesterol-induced cardiac remodelling and regulates mitochondrial quality-control in a cholesterol-independent manner: An experimental study

Mitochondria are key regulators of cell fate, maintaining self-stability by a fine-tuned quality-control network including mitophagy, biogenesis, fission and fusion processes. Myocardial mitochondria can be impaired by hypercholesterolemia. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are considered the cornerstone in the management of hypercholesterolaemia primarily due to their marked cholesterol-lowering ability. The direct effect of atorvastatin on myocardial mitochondria remains unclear. We aimed to explore whether atorvastatin could attenuate myocardial mitochondrial defects induced by high cholesterol, and whether cycloastragenol, a potent telomerase activator, could be used as a potential complementary bioactive compound for obesity and hypercholesterolaemia treatment. We found that atorvastatin at a low dose (3 mg/kg) did not reduce elevated serum cholesterol, but reversed cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Atorvastatin reversed the upregulated mitophagy, mitochondrial fission and fusion, accompanied by mitochondrial biogenesis activation in HFD-fed mice hearts. Mitochondrial structural impairments were attenuated by atorvastatin in HFD-fed mice and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) exposed HL-1 cardiomyocytes. The depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in ox-LDL exposed HL-1 cells were recovered by atorvastatin. Furthermore, atorvastatin co-treated with cycloastragenol had better effects on reducing body weight, improving cardiac remodelling and dysfunction, and protecting mitochondria in high cholesterol. Conclusively, low-dose atorvastatin exhibited a cholesterol-independent cardioprotective effect through improving the mitochondrial quality-control network and repairing mitochondrial ultrastructure in high cholesterol. Atorvastatin plus cycloastragenol supplement therapy has a better effect on treating obesity and hypercholesterolaemia.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals responses to Cycloastragenol in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a molecule isolated from ‘Astragalus membranaceus’, stimulates the telomerase activity and cell proliferation significantly. It has been proven that CAG has the ability to prevent some diseases in humans. In this study, we aimed to figure out the CAG effects on the different signaling mechanisms in plants and to broadly analyze the genome-wide transcriptional responses in order to demonstrate CAG as a new key molecule that can potentially help plants to overcome different environmental stresses. RNA-seq strategy was employed to assess the transcriptional profiles in A. thaliana calli. Our work primarily focused on an overall study on the transcriptomic responses of A. thaliana to CAG. A total of 22593 unigenes have been detected, among which 1045 unigenes associated with 213 GO terms were differentially expressed and were assigned to 118 KEGG pathways. The up-regulated genes are principally involved in cellular and metabolic processes in addition to the response to a stimulus. The data analysis revealed genes associated with defense signaling pathways such as cytochrome P450s transporter, antioxidant system genes, and stress-responsive protein families were significantly upregulated. The obtained results can potentially help in better understanding biotic and/or abiotic tolerance mechanisms in response to CAG.

Autophagy and cardiac diseases: Therapeutic potential of natural products

The global incidence of cardiac diseases is expected to increase in the coming years, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. Autophagy is a tightly regulated lysosomal degradation mechanism important for cell survival, homeostasis, and function. Accumulating pieces of evidence have indicated a major role of autophagy in the regulation of cardiac homeostasis and function. It is well established that dysregulation of autophagy in cardiomyocytes is involved in cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. In this sense, autophagy seems to be an attractive therapeutic target for cardiac diseases. Recently, multiple natural products/phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, berberine, and curcumin have been shown to regulate cardiomyocyte autophagy via different pathways. The autophagy-modifying capacity of these compounds should be taken into consideration for designing novel therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the role of autophagy in various cardiac diseases and the pharmacological basis and therapeutic potential of reported natural products in cardiac diseases by modifying autophagic processes.

Trimetazidine Ameliorates Myocardial Metabolic Remodeling in Isoproterenol-Induced Rats Through Regulating Ketone Body Metabolism via Activating AMPK and PPAR α

Background

Metabolic remodeling plays a vital role in the development of heart failure. The trimetazidine can optimize fatty acid and glucose oxidation via inhibition of long-chain 3-ketoacyl CoA thiolase in the heart. So, trimetazidine commonly used in cardiovascular therapy as a myocardial metabolic drug. This study was conducted to assess the effects and mechanisms of trimetazidine on ketone body metabolism in heart failure rats.

Methods

A rat model of heart failure was established by continuous subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol in 10 mg/kg/d. We examined body weight, heart weight index, and tested B-type natriuretic peptide by kit. We detected the structure and function of the heart. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining was performed to assess myocardial tissue morphology. To evaluate apoptosis, we used Tunel staining. Metabolic substrate contents of glucose, free fatty acid, ketone bodies, lactic acid, and pyruvate and ATP levels in myocardial tissues were measured with the corresponding kit. We detected the levels of protein expressions related to myocardial substrate uptake and utilization by Western blot.

Results

Trimetazidine remarkably reduced the heart weight index and B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Besides, trimetazidine increased the level of blood pressure and decreased heart rate. Moreover, trimetazidine inhibited decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening. Further, trimetazidine decreased the levels of collagen volume fraction and promoted ATP production in myocardial tissues. Trimetazidine also reduced the levels of free fatty acid, ketone bodies, lactic acid, and increased glucose and pyruvate levels in myocardial tissues. Furthermore, trimetazidine markedly inhibited apoptosis. More importantly, the protein expression levels related to myocardial substrate uptake and utilization increased dramatically in the trimetazidine group. In particular, the protein expressions related to ketone body utilization were prominent.

Conclusions

Trimetazidine could attenuate metabolic remodeling and improve cardiac function in heart failure rats. The potential mechanism for the cardioprotective effect of trimetazidine may be highly associated with its regulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α expressions. Along with the regulation, myocardial substrate utilization was improved, especially the utilization of ketone bodies.

Cycloastragenol prevents age-related bone loss: Evidence in d-galactose-treated and aged rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aging-induced bone loss is a multifactorial, age-related, and progressive phenomenon among the general population and may further progress to osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures. Cycloastragenol (CAG), currently the only compound reported that activates human telomerase, is thought to be able to alleviate or delay the symptoms of aging and chronic diseases. Previous research has suggested that CAG may have the potential to alleviate age-related bone loss. However, to date, no research has specifically focused on this aspect. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether CAG could prevent senile osteoporosis, and further reveal its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

CAG treatment was administrated into two bone loss rat models (D-galactose administration and aging) for 20 weeks and 33 weeks, respectively. Serum biomarkers analyses, bone biomechanical tests, micro-computed tomography assessment, and bone histomorphometry analyses were performed on the bone samples collected at the endpoint, to determine whether CAG could prevent or alleviate age-related bone loss. Proteomic analysis was performed to reveal the changes in protein profiles of the bones, and western blot was used to further verify the identity of the key proteins. The viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells were also evaluated after CAG treatment in vitro.

RESULTS

The results suggest that CAG treatment improves bone formation, reduces osteoclast number, alleviates the degradation of bone microstructure, and enhances bone biomechanical properties in both d-galactose- and aging-induced bone loss models. CAG treatment promotes viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells. Proteomic and western blot analyses revealed that CAG treatment increases osteoactivin (OA) expression to alleviate bone loss.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that CAG alleviates age-related bone loss and improves bone microstructure and biomechanical properties. This may due to CAG-induced increase in OA expression. In addition, the results support preclinical investigations of CAG as a potential therapeutic medicine for the treatment of senile osteoporosis.

Exploring Molecular Mechanism of Huangqi in Treating Heart Failure Using Network Pharmacology

Heart failure (HF), a clinical syndrome with a high incidence due to various reasons, is the advanced stage of most cardiovascular diseases. Huangqi is an effective treatment for cardiovascular disease, which has multitarget, multipathway functions. Therefore, we used network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanism of Huangqi in treating HF. In this study, 21 compounds of Huangqi, which involved 407 targets, were obtained and reconfirmed using TCMSP and PubChem databases. Moreover, we used Cytoscape 3.7.1 to construct compound-target network and screened the top 10 compounds. 378 targets related to HF were obtained from CTD and GeneCards databases and HF-target network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1. The 46 overlapping targets of HF and Huangqi were gotten by Draw Venn Diagram. STRING database was used to set up a protein-protein interaction network, and MCODE module and the top 5 targets with the highest degree for overlapping targets were obtained. GO analysis performed by Metascape indicated that the overlapping targets were mainly enriched in blood vessel development, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, response to wounding, blood circulation, and so on. KEGG analysis analyzed by ClueGO revealed that overlapping targets were mainly enriched in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, c-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, and so on. Finally, molecular docking showed that top 10 compounds of Huangqi also had good binding activities to important targets compared with digoxin, which was carried out in CB-Dock molecular docking server. In conclusion, Huangqi has potential effect on regulating overlapping targets and GE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and so on to be a latent multitarget, multipathway treatment for HF.

Application quantitative proteomics approach to identify differentially expressed proteins associated with cardiac protection mediated by cycloastragenol in acute myocardial infarction rats

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an acute heart disease. Cycloastragenol, as a natural product, inhibits inflammation and protects cardiomyocytes. Cycloastragenol (Y006) modulates inflammation in AMI is not known. To explore the function of Cycloastragenol in AMI, this study investigated the effect of Y006 and its mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. Y006 influences the concentration of 11 proteins, as shown by a proteomics analysis, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Among these 11 proteins, Erk1/2, PLCG1, IKBKG, and ZEB1 are related to inflammatory regulation. BAX, COX2, and GSK3β are involved in modulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and RhoA and DSC2 are directly associated with myocardial function. However, the functions of ARHGAP17 and Rit2 in heart are less well established. Additionally, Y006 suppressed TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 production in PBMCs (peripheral blood monocytes) from patients with acute myocardial infarction and enhanced IL-10 and IL-4 expression. Similar results were obtained in a rat model of AMI by flow cytometry detection and ELISA. Our findings indicate that Y006 protects rats from AMI through direct or indirect inhibition of inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, the specific mechanism of Y006's protective function requires further study. Nonetheless, this research revealed a novel aspect for the treatment of myocardial infarction. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study, we undertook the first proteomic evaluation of Cycloastragenol (Y006) function in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Y006 significantly improved myocardial function in vivo by regulating multiple molecular expressions. Hypoxia is a direct reason for AMI. And our data support a role of Y006 in gene expression, cell apoptosis under hypoxia. The conclusions of this research assist to explain the potential molecular mechanism in Cycloastragenol treating AMI and supply a new method for ameliorating AMI.

Clinical Prescription-Protein-Small Molecule-Disease Strategy (CPSD), A New Strategy for Chinese Medicine Development: A Case Study in Cardiovascular Diseases

Chinese medicine is a national treasure that has been passed down for thousands of years in China. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, there are currently four billion people in the world who use Chinese medicine to treat diseases, accounting for 80% of the world's total population. However, the obscurity of its theory, its unmanageable quality, its complex compositions, and the unknown effective substances and mechanisms are great obstacles to the internationalization of Chinese medicine. Here, we propose a new strategy for the development of Chinese medicine: the clinical prescription (C)-protein (P)-small-molecule (S)-disease (D) strategy, namely the CPSD strategy. The strategy uses clinical prescriptions as the source of medicine and uses computer simulation technology to find small-molecule drugs targeting therapeutic proteins for treating specific diseases so as to deepen awareness of the value of Chinese medicine. At the same time, this article takes cardiovascular drug development as an example to introduce the application of CPSD, which will be instrumental in the further development, modernization, and internationalization of Chinese medicine.

The Potential Role of Cycloastragenol in Promoting Diabetic Wound Repair In Vitro

Background

Refractory wound healing is a severe complication of diabetes with a significant socioeconomic burden. Whereas current therapies are insufficient to accelerate repair, stem cell-based therapy is increasingly recognized as an alternative that improves healing outcomes. The aim of the present study is to explore the role of cycloastragenol (CAG), a naturally occurring compound in Astragali Radix, in ameliorating refractory cutaneous wound healing in vitro, which may provide a new insight into therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds.

Methods

Human epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) obtained from nine patients were exposed to CAG, with or without DKK1 (a Wnt signaling inhibitor). A lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) system was used to establish the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and β-catenin knockdown cell line. Cell counting kit-8, scratch wound healing, and transwell migration assay were used to determine the effects of CAG in cell growth and migration. The activation of TERT, β-catenin, and c-Myc was determined using real-time qPCR and western blot analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to evaluate the associations among CAG, TERT, and Wnt/β-catenin signals.

Results

CAG not only promoted the proliferation and migration ability of EpSCs but also increased the expression levels of TERT, β-catenin, c-Myc. These effects of CAG were most pronounced at a dose of 0.3 μM. Notably, the CAG-promoted proliferative and migratory abilities of EpSCs were abrogated in TERT and β-catenin-silenced cells. In addition, the ChIP results strongly suggested that CAG-modulated TERT was closely associated with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that CAG is a TERT activator of EpSCs and is associated with their proliferation and migration, a role it may play through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin Alleviates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy via Activating AKT/mTOR Pathway

Background: Apoptosis and autophagy are two important patterns of cell death in the process of heart failure. Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin (QLQX), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been frequently used in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) in China. However, the potential effect of QLQX on autophagy has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether QLQX alleviated isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury through regulating autophagy. Methods: The rapid identification of chemical ingredients of QLQX was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and the contents of major constituents in QLQX were also measured by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. ISO was used to induce myocardial injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and SD rats. In vivo, cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and cardiac structure was observed by HE and Masson staining. Expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, LC3, P62, AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, and p-mTOR were detected by western blotting. In vitro, H9c2 cells were pretreated with QLQX for 3 h before ISO (80 µM, 48h) addressed. Cell viability, LDH and CK-MB release, apoptosis ratio, and the level of autophagy were measured. Western blotting was also performed to detected related protein expressions. Result: In vivo, treatment by QLQX significantly improved cardiac function and alleviated ISO-induced myocardial structural damage. In addition, QLQX markedly decreased apoptosis and inhibited autophagic activity, accompanied by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway. In vitro, the increased cell apoptosis induced by ISO was paralleling with the gradually increasing level of autophagy. Furthermore, 3-MA, an autophagic inhibitor, could block ISO-induced autophagy in H9c2 cells. Our results suggested that both QLQX and 3-MA treatment could decrease cell death induced by ISO, implying that QLQX protected against ISO-induced myocardial injury possibly by inhibiting excessive autophagy-mediated cell death. In addition, blockage of AKT signaling by an AKT inhibitor, capivasertib, could reduce the effect of QLQX on inhibiting ISO-induced apoptosis and autophagy-mediated cell death. Conclusion: QLQX could alleviate ISO-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis and excessive autophagy-mediated cell death via activating the AKT/mTOR pathway.

The Functional Analysis of Selenium-Related Genes and Magnesium-Related Genes in the Gene Expression Profile Microarray in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Keshan Disease

Keshan disease (KD) is an endemic cardiomyopathy with high mortality. Selenium (Se) deficiency is closely related to KD, while magnesium (Mg) plays many critical roles in the cardiovascular function. The molecular mechanism of KD pathogenesis is still unclear. Until now, we have not found any studies investigating the association between Se- or Mg-related genes and KD. In this study, oligonucleotide microarray analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells between KD patients and normal controls. Next, human metabolome database (HMDB) was used to screen Se- and Mg-related genes. Function classification, gene pathway, and interaction network of Se- and Mg-related genes in KD peripheral blood mononuclear cells were defined by FunRich (functional enrichment analysis tool). Among 83 differentially expressed genes, five Se-related (DIO2, GPX1, GPX2, GPX4, and GPX7) and five Mg-related (ACSL6, EYA4, IDH2, PPM1A, and STK11) genes were recognized from HMDB. Two significant biological processes (energy pathways and metabolism), one molecular function (peroxidase activity), one biological pathway (glutathione redox reactions I), and one gene interaction network were constituted from Se-related and Mg-related genes. Se-related gene DIO2 and Mg-related genes STK11 and IDH2 may have key roles in the myocardial dysfunction of KD. However, we still have not obtained any interaction between Se-related gene and Mg-related gene. The interactions between RPS6KB1, PTEN, ATM, HSP90AA1, SNRK, PRKAA2, SMARCA4, HSPA1A, and STK11 may play important roles in the abnormal cardiac function of KD.

Long-Time Instead of Short-Time Exposure in Vitro and Administration in Vivo of Ochratoxin A Is Consistent in Immunosuppression

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium, contaminating in a wide variety of foods and feeds. Mycotoxins, including OTA, could cause immunosuppression in almost all previous studies in vivo. However, the vast majority of results in vitro showed that mycotoxins caused immunostimulation. Why the results of studies in vitro are contrary to studies in vivo is unknown. Our study aims to explore the underlying reason and mechanism of the paradoxical effect. In this study, porcine alveolar macrophage cell line 3D4/21 was chosen as an in vitro model and treated with 1.0 μg/mL OTA for different times. Some indexes, such as expression of inflammatory cytokines, migration, phagocytosis, macrophage polarization, autophagy-related proteins, and Akt1 phosphorylation, were detected. The results showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, migration, and phagocytosis were increased, with macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype at 24 h of OTA exposure. Surprisedly, anti-inflammatory cytokine expression was increased, cell phagocytosis and migration were decreased, and macrophage polarization was switched from M1 to M2 at 72 h of OTA exposure. Furthermore, we found that long-time exposure of OTA also suppressed autophagy, and the autophagy activator blocked the OTA-induced immunosuppression. Phosphorylation of Akt1 plays a positive role in autophagy inhibition. In conclusion, long-time instead of short-time exposure of OTA in vitro induced immunosuppression. The immunosuppression mechanism of OTA in vitro involved inhibition of autophagy through upregulating p-Akt1. Our results provide new insight into research on the mechanism of mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression in vitro.

Cycloastragenol can negate constitutive STAT3 activation and promote paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a triterpene aglycone is commonly prescribed for treating hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, viral hepatitis, and various inflammatory-linked diseases.

HYPOTHESIS

We investigated CAG for its action on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation cascades, and its potential to sensitize gastric cancer cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis.

METHODS

The effect of CAG on STAT3 phosphorylation and other hallmarks of cancer was deciphered using diverse assays in both SNU-1 and SNU-16 cells.

RESULTS

We observed that CAG exhibited cytotoxic activity against SNU-1 and SNU-16 cells to a greater extent as compared to normal GES-1 cells. CAG predominantly caused negative regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 through the abrogation of Src and Janus-activated kinases (JAK1/2) activation. We noted that CAG impaired translocation of STAT3 protein as well as its DNA binding activity. It further decreased cellular proliferation and mediated its anticancer effects predominantly by causing substantial apoptosis rather than autophagy. In addition, CAG potentiated paclitaxel-induced anti-oncogenic effects in gastric tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that CAG can function to impede STAT3 activation in human gastric tumor cells and therefore it may be a suitable candidate agent for therapy of gastric cancer.