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Li JJ, Li L, Li S, Tang XY, Sun HF, Liu JX. Sinomenine Hydrochloride Protects IgA Nephropathy Through Regulating Cell Growth and Apoptosis of T and B Lymphocytes. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1247-1262. [PMID: 38645988 PMCID: PMC11032719 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s449119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) is used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and may also be efficacious against Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, no trial has investigated the molecular mechanism of SH on IgAN. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of SH on IgAN. Methods The pathological changes and IgA and C3 depositions in the kidney of an IgAN rat model were detected by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and direct immunofluorescence staining. After extracting T and B cells using immunomagnetic beads, we assessed their purity, cell cycle phase, and apoptosis stage through flow cytometry. Furthermore, we quantified cell cycle-related and apoptosis-associated proteins by Western blotting. Results SH reduced IgA and C3 depositions in stage 4 IgAN, thereby decreasing inflammatory cellular infiltration and mesangial injury in an IgAN model induced using heteroproteins. Furthermore, SH arrested the cell cycle of lymphocytes T and B from the spleen of IgAN rats. Regarding the mechanism, our results demonstrated that SH regulated the Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 protein levels for arresting the cell cycle and it also regulated Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels, thus increasing Cleaved caspase-3 protein levels in Jurkat T and Ramos B cells. Conclusion SH exerts a dual regulation on the cell cycle and apoptosis of T and B cells by controlling cell cycle-related and apoptosis-associated proteins; it also reduces inflammatory cellular infiltration and mesangial proliferation. These are the major mechanisms of SH in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
- Harbin Voolga Technology Co., Ltd., Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yi Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-Feng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
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Liu B, Zhang J, Wang X, Ye W, Yao J. Exploration of the Mechanisms Underlying Yu's Enema Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis by Blocking the RhoA/ROCK Pathway based on Network Pharmacology, High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis, and Experimental Verification. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1085-1102. [PMID: 38523541 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128290586240315071044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The traditional Chinese medicine formula, Yu's Enema Formula (YEF), has demonstrated potential in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to unveil the anti-UC mechanisms of YEF. METHODS Utilizing public databases, we obtained YEF and UC-related targets. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted via clusterProfiler and Reactome. The STRING database facilitated the construction of the PPI network, and hub targets were selected using cytoHubba. We used R software for differential expression and correlation analyses, and molecular docking was performed with PyMOL and AutoDock. HPLC analysis identified the compounds in YEF. For in vivo validation, a UC rat model was employed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 495 YEF-UC overlapping targets were identified. GO and KEGG analyses indicated enrichment in exogenous stimuli response, peptide response, positive MAPK cascade regulation, interleukin- related signaling, and the TLR4 cascade. Hub targets included CTNNB1, JUN, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, TP53, and RELA, which were often interconnected. Molecular docking revealed quercetin's strong binding affinity with CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, consistent with HPLC analysis. In vivo experiments suggested that YEF has the potential to alleviate UC symptoms and protect the intestinal mucosal barrier by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway. CONCLUSION YEF may safeguard the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC by targeting CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, while blocking the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Liu
- Department of Digestion, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Digestion, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Department of Digestion, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Digestion, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaming Yao
- Department of Digestion, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Li C, Gong L, Jiang Y, Huo X, Huang L, Lei H, Gu Y, Wang D, Guo D, Deng Y. Sanguisorba officinalis ethyl acetate extract attenuates ulcerative colitis through inhibiting PI3K-AKT/NF-κB/ STAT3 pathway uncovered by single-cell RNA sequencing. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 120:155052. [PMID: 37717310 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis (UC) accounts for the untreatable illness nowadays. Bloody stools are the primary symptom of UC, and the first-line drugs used to treat UC are associated with several drawbacks and negative side effects. S. officinalis has long been used as a medicine to treat intestinal infections and bloody stools. However, what the precise molecular mechanism, the exact etiology, and the material basis of the disease remain unclear. PURPOSE This work aimed to comprehensively explore pharmacological effects as well as molecular mechanisms underlying the active fraction of S. officinalis, and to produce a comprehensive and brand-new guideline map of its chemical base and mechanism of action. METHODS First, different polarity S. officinalis extracts were orally administered to the DSS-induced UC model mice for the sake of investigating its active constituents. Using the UPLC-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) technique, the most active S. officinalis (S. officinalis ethyl acetate fraction, SOEA) extract was characterized. Subsequently, the effectiveness of its active fraction on UC was evaluated through phenotypic observation (such as weight loss, colon length, and stool characteristics), and histological examination of pathological injuries, mRNA and protein expression. Cell profile, cell-cell interactions and molecular mechanisms of SOEA in different cell types of the colon tissue from UC mice were described using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). As a final step, the molecular mechanisms were validated by appropriate molecular biological methods. RESULTS For the first time, this study revealed the significant efficacy of SOEA in the treatment of UC. SOEA reduced DAI and body weight loss, recovered the colon length, and mitigated colonic pathological injuries along with mucosal barrier by promoting goblet cell proliferation. Following treatment with SOEA, inflammatory factors showed decreased mRNA and protein expression. SOEA restored the dynamic equilibrium of cell profile and cell-cell interactions in colon tissue. All of these results were attributed to the ability of SOEA to inhibit the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB/STATAT pathway. CONCLUSIONS By integrating the chemical information of SOEA derived from UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS with single-cell transcriptomic data extracted from scRNA-seq, this study demonstrates that SOEA exerts the therapeutic effect through suppressing PI3K-AKT/NF-B/STAT3 pathway to improve clinical symptoms, inflammatory response, mucosal barrier, and intercellular interactions in UC, and effectively eliminates the interference of cellular heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Leiqiang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Nursing, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Deyang 618000, China
| | - Xueyan Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haoran Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yucheng Gu
- Syngenta Limited, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Berkshire RG42 6EY, UK
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Dale Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yun Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resource, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Bian X, Xue H, Jing D, Wang Y, Zhou G, Zhu F. Role of Serum/Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1) in Immune and Inflammatory Diseases. Inflammation 2023; 46:1612-1625. [PMID: 37353719 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase gene family, is primarily regulated by serum and glucocorticoids. SGK1 is involved in the development of tumors and fibrotic diseases. However, relatively little research has been conducted on their role in immune and inflammatory diseases. SGK1 may act as a pivotal immune regulatory gene by modulating immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils) and functions and is involved in the pathogenesis of some immune and inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, allergic diseases, sepsis, and major depressive disorder. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest research focusing on the immune and inflammatory regulatory roles of SGK1 and provide new insights into diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for immune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Bian
- Clinical Medical College of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Honglu Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dehuai Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Guangxi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
| | - Fengqin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
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Qu F, Li D, Zhang S, Zhang C, Shen A. The potential mechanism of qinghua quyu jianpi decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 310:116396. [PMID: 36933873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Following the idea of herbal property and compatibility, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consists of a number of TCM herbs. Qinghua Quyu Jianpi Decoction (QQJD) has been clinically proven to be effective in treating UC, however, its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. AIM OF STUDY Here, we used network pharmacology analysis and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to predict the mechanism of action of QQJD, and then validated our predictions through in vivo and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, based on a number of datasets, relationship network diagrams between QQJD and UC were created. The target network for the QQJD-UC intersection genes was then built, and KEGG analysis was carried out to identify a potential pharmacological mechanism. Finally, the results of the previous prediction were validated in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced UC mice and a cellular inflammatory model. RESULTS Network pharmacology results suggested that QQJD may play a role in repairing intestinal mucosa by activating Wnt pathway. In vivo experiments have shown that QQJD can significantly reduce weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, improve colon length, and effectively repair the tissue morphology of UC mice. In addition, we also found that QQJD can activate the Wnt pathway to promote epithelial cell renewal, reduce apoptosis, and repair the mucosal barrier. To further understand how QQJD promotes cell proliferation in DSS-induced Caco-2 cells, we performed a study in vitro experiment. We were surprised to find that QQJD activated the Wnt pathway by inducing nuclear translocation of β-catenin, accelerating the cell cycle and promoting cell proliferation in vitro. CONCLUSION Taken together, network pharmacology and experiments showed that QQJD achieves mucosal healing and restores the colonic epithelium barrier by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, regulating cell cycle progression, and promoting the proliferation of epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Qu
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Danyan Li
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shengsheng Zhang
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Aihua Shen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Wang Y, Song X, Wang Z, Li Z, Geng Y. Effects of Pine Pollen Polysaccharides and Sulfated Polysaccharides on Ulcerative Colitis and Gut Flora in Mice. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061414. [PMID: 36987195 PMCID: PMC10058757 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Polysaccharides are important biological macromolecules in all organisms, and have recently been studied as therapeutic agents for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the effects of Pinus yunnanensis pollen polysaccharides on ulcerative colitis remains unknown. In this study, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to induce the UC model to investigate the effects of Pinus yunnanensis pollen polysaccharides (PPM60) and sulfated polysaccharides (SPPM60) on UC. We evaluated the improvement of polysaccharides on UC by analyzing the levels of intestinal cytokines, serum metabolites and metabolic pathways, intestinal flora species diversity, and beneficial and harmful bacteria. The results show that purified PPM60 and its sulfated form SPPM60 effectively alleviated the disease progression of weight loss, colon shortening and intestinal injury in UC mice. On the intestinal immunity level, PPM60 and SPPM60 increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and IL-13) and decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). On the serum metabolism level, PPM60 and SPPM60 mainly regulated the abnormal serum metabolism of UC mice by regulating the energy-related and lipid-related metabolism pathways, respectively. On the intestinal flora level, PPM60 and SPPM60 reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (such as Akkermansia and Aerococcus) and induced the abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacillus). In summary, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of PPM60 and SPPM60 on UC from the joint perspectives of intestinal immunity, serum metabolomics, and intestinal flora, which may provide an experimental basis for plant polysaccharides as an adjuvant clinical treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yue Geng
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18853119492
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Moderating Gut Microbiome/Mitochondrial Axis in Oxazolone Induced Ulcerative Colitis: The Evolving Role of β-Glucan and/or, Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, Fidarestat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032711. [PMID: 36769034 PMCID: PMC9917140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of the dynamic interactions between the mitochondria and the gut microbiome is thought to offer innovative explanations for many diseases and thus provide innovative management approaches, especially in GIT-related autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). β-Glucans, important components of many nutritious diets, including oats and mushrooms, have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating actions. Our research study sought to provide insight into the function of β-glucan and/or fidarestat in modifying the microbiome/mitochondrial gut axis in the treatment of UC. A total of 50 Wistar albino male rats were grouped into five groups: control, UC, β-Glucan, Fidarestat, and combined treatment groups. All the groups were tested for the presence of free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR-2 and -3) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mRNA gene expressions. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP content were found. The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were also examined. Nuclear factor kappa β (NF-kβ), nuclear factor (erythroid-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) DNA binding activity, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 (PGC-1) were identified using the ELISA method. We observed a substantial increase FFAR-2, -3, and TFAM mRNA expression after the therapy. Similar increases were seen in the ATP levels, MMP, SCFA, PGC-1, and Nrf2 DNA binding activity. The levels of ROS, TMAO, and NF-kβ, on the other hand, significantly decreased. Using β-glucan and fidarestat together had unique therapeutic benefits in treating UC by focusing on the microbiota/mitochondrial axis, opening up a new avenue for a potential treatment for such a complex, multidimensional illness.
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Cheng C, Hu J, Li Y, Ji Y, Lian Z, Au R, Xu F, Li W, Shen H, Zhu L. Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granule ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by activating NLRP6 signaling and regulating Th17/Treg balance. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154452. [PMID: 36150347 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese herbal medicine Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granule (QCHS) is widely used to treat ulcerative colitis in China. However, the molecular mechanisms of QCHS remains largely unknown. PURPOSE To assess the therapeutic effects of QCHS on colitis and to reveal its mechanisms of action. METHODS The main components of QCHS were identified using a UHPLC-QTOF-MS method and the efficacy of QCHS was evaluated using an DSS-induced mice model. The inflammatory responses and mucosal integrity in colon were comprehensively assessed. Flow cytometry was used to analysis the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells. Detect the signal transduction of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6 (NLRP6) both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, siNLRP6 transfection was used to validate the functional targets of QCHS. RESULTS QCHS treatment significantly alleviated colitis in mice by improving symptoms and pathological damage. Moreover, QCHS treatment suppressed the inflammatory response and preserved the integrity of colon tissue. Most importantly, QCHS balanced the Th17/Treg response of UC mice. Mechanistically, by activating NLRP6 inflammasome pathway, QCHS regulated the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 to affect inflammation and drive Th17 cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS The effect of QCHS on UC mice is dose-dependent, with high-dose QCHS being superior to 5-Aminosalicylic acid (200 mg/kg/day). QCHS acts through the NLRP6 signaling pathway to modulate Th17/Treg balance, resulting in the protective effects against colitis. This study investigated the relevant pharmacological mechanisms of QCHS, providing further evidence for the application of QCHS in UC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingyi Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuejin Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ziyu Lian
- Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Ryan Au
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Feng Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiyang Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Li C, Wang L, Zhao J, Wei Y, Zhai S, Tan M, Guan K, Huang Z, Chen C. Lonicera rupicola Hook.f.et Thoms flavonoids ameliorated dysregulated inflammatory responses, intestinal barrier, and gut microbiome in ulcerative colitis via PI3K/AKT pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154284. [PMID: 35777121 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lonicera rupicola Hook.f.et Thoms (LRH) is used as a customary medicinal herb in Tibetans. And LRH flavonoids have excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological activities. However, the specific effects of LRH and its mechanism remain unknown, and there is a deficiency of systematic research, leading to the waste of LRH as a medicinal resource. PURPOSE In this study, in an attempt to rationalize the development and utilization of Tibetan herbal resources, the therapeutic efficacy and the underlying molecular mechanisms of LRH flavonoids on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) were investigated, establishing the favorable basis for the pharmacodynamic material basis of LRH and providing a scientific basis for the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of UC. METHODS Firstly, ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for identification and detection of the flavonoid components of LRH. Meanwhile, their potential targets, biological functions and signaling pathways were predicted with the assistance of network pharmacology analysis. Subsequently, pharmacological efficacy of LRH were evaluated by body weight loss, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histology observation and the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, messenger RNA (mRNA) and tight junction proteins. Moreover, in the present investigation, we also profiled the gut microbiome via high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) for bacterial community composition and diversity by Illumina MiSeq platforms. Finally, the key regulatory proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathways were measured to investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 37 LRH flavonoid components were identified and detected by UPLC-MS/MS, and 12 potential active components were obtained after screening. 137 of their common targets with UC were further predicted. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and molecular docking experiments demonstrated that LRH flavonoids could interfere with UC through "multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway". In the animal experiments, LRH flavonoids could significantly attenuate UC as demonstrated by reducing the body weight loss and DAI, restoring colon length, decreasing oxidative stress, and improving the intestinal epithelial cell barrier. The mRNA and proteins expression levels of inflammatory mediators were returned to dynamic balance following LRH flavonoids treatment. 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that LRH flavonoids promoted the recovery of gut microbiome. And the PI3K/AKT pathway was significantly suppressed by LRH flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS LRH flavonoids exhibited multifaceted protective effects against DSS-induced UC in mice through mitigating colon inflammation and oxidative stress, restoring epithelial barrier function, and improving the gut microenvironment potentially through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. This finding demonstrated that LRH flavonoids possessed great potential for becoming an excellent drug for the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Juebo Zhao
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yucai Wei
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuo Zhai
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Min Tan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kuikui Guan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Chaoxi Chen
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Safwat El-Deeb O, El-Esawy RO, Al-Shenawy HA, Ghanem HB. Modulating gut dysbiosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in oxazolone-induced ulcerative colitis: the restorative effects of β-glucan and/or celastrol. Redox Rep 2022; 27:60-69. [PMID: 35246012 PMCID: PMC8903761 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2022.2046425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Microbiome–Mitochondria interaction is gaining a significant attention; thus, studying its mechanism emerges as a must to provide restorative lines in managing diseases. The aim is to study the mechanistic effects of β-Glucan and/or Celastrol in oxazolone-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods 75 Wistar rats were allocated into 5 equal groups. Group I: control group. Group II: UC group, Group III: β-Glucan-treated UC group, Group IV: Celastrol-treated UC group & Group V: mutual treatment group. All groups were subjected to the detection of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator1α (PGC-1α) mRNA gene expressions. Citrate synthase (CS) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) concentration was measured. Results After treatment we monitored significant upregulation of FFAR-2 and PGC-1α mRNA expression. Likewise, ATP level and CS activity were significantly increased. On the contrary, there was a significant lessening in ROS and TMAO levels with improvement of MMP. Conclusion Mutual use of β- Glucan and Celastrol had a greater effect than each alone against UC, which is considered a novel finding highlighting the ameliorative effects of this combined treatment in modulating Microbiome/Mitochondria axis, thus launching promising avenues for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omnia Safwat El-Deeb
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | | | - Heba Bassiony Ghanem
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Kim WJ, Hyun JH, Lee NK, Paik HD. Protective Effects of a Novel Lactobacillus brevis Strain with Probiotic Characteristics against Staphylococcus aureus Lipoteichoic Acid-Induced Intestinal Inflammatory Response. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:205-211. [PMID: 34750285 PMCID: PMC9628842 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2110.10034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics can effectively modulate host immune responses and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the probiotic characteristics of Lactobacillus brevis KU15152 isolated from kimchi and its protective potential against intestinal inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (aLTA). L. brevis KU15152 exhibited a high survival rate in artificial gastric and bile environments. Additionally, the adhesion capability of the strain to HT-29 cells was higher than that of L. rhamnosus GG. L. brevis KU15152 did not produce harmful enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase, indicating that it could be used as a potential probiotic. The anti-inflammatory potential of L. brevis KU15152 was determined in HT-29 cells. Treatment with L. brevis KU15152 suppressed the production of interleukin-8 without inducing significant cytotoxicity. The downregulatory effects of L. brevis KU15152 were involved in the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B activation mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signaling pathways. Collectively, these data suggest that L. brevis KU15152 can be used in developing therapeutic and prophylactic products to manage and treat aLTA-induced intestinal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ju Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hyun Hyun
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Kyoung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Dong Paik
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-2-2049-6011 E-mail:
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12
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Liu C, Zeng Y, Wen Y, Huang X, Liu Y. Natural Products Modulate Cell Apoptosis: A Promising Way for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:806148. [PMID: 35173617 PMCID: PMC8841338 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.806148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease impacting patients’ quality of life and imposing heavy societal and economic burdens. Apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) has been considered an early event during the onset of UC and plays a crucial role in disease development. Thus, effectively inhibiting apoptosis of IECs is of critical significance for the clinical management of UC, presenting a potential direction for the research and development of pharmacotherapeutic agents. In recent years, research on the ameliorative effects of natural products on UC through inhibiting IECs apoptosis has attracted increasing attention and made remarkable achievements in ameliorating UC. In this review, we summarized the currently available research about the anti-apoptotic effects of natural products on UC and its mechanisms involving the death-receptor mediated pathway, mitochondrial-dependent pathway, ERS-mediated pathway, MAPK-mediated pathway, NF-κB mediated pathway, P13k/Akt pathway, JAK/STAT3 pathway, and NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway. Hopefully, this review may yield useful information about the anti-apoptotic effects of natural products on UC and their potential molecular mechanisms and provide helpful insights for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwei Zeng
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulong Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinggui Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Liu,
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13
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Su M, Zhan L, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Yes-activated protein promotes primary resistance of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer cells to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:953-963. [PMID: 34295548 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with the BRAF V600E mutation display resistance to chemotherapy and targeted medicinal treatments. Thus, exploring new drugs and drug resistance mechanisms for the BRAF V600E mutation has become an urgent clinical priority. Methods MTS experiment, cell cloning experiment, cell scratching experiment, Transwell experiment, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry are used. Detect the transcription and protein expression of YAP in colorectal cancer cell lines, establish a transient cell line with YAP gene overexpression and knockdown, and detect the effect of YAP gene expression on the biological functions of colorectal cancer cells RKO and HT-29. And further study the mechanism of YAP regulating the response of RAF and MEK targeted therapy. Results In this study, for the first time, we verified that the expression of transcription factor yes-associated protein (YAP) was upregulated in BRAF V600E mutant CRC cells. After knocking down YAP, we observed a reduction in the growth rate, proliferation, and invasion ability of colon cancer cells. We further verified that YAP knockdown increased sensitivity of BRAF V600E mutant CRC cells to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors. In addition, we clarified the mechanism underlying YAP regulation of RAF and MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-targeted therapy response: YAP cooperates with RAF→MEK pathway inhibitors to regulate the cell cycle, increase cell G1/S phase arrest, and increase apoptosis. Conclusions These results suggest that YAP expression may be related to the primary resistance of MAPK inhibitors in metastatic CRC with the BRAF V600E mutation. Therefore, the combination of YAP and MAPK pathway inhibitors in BRAF V600E mutant metastatic CRC may present a promising treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Su
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Zhan
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingdong Zhang
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
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14
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Shen H, Zhang S, Zhao W, Ren S, Ke X, Gu Q, Tang Z, Xie J, Chen S, Chen Y, Zou J, Zhang L, Shen Z, Zheng K, Liu Y, Gu P, Cheng J, Hu J, Zhu L. Randomised clinical trial: Efficacy and safety of Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granules in a multicenter, randomized, and double-blind clinical trial of patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111580. [PMID: 33857914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi (QCHS) is a Chinese herbal formula, which is composed of 11 herbs. Studies have also shown that QCHS granules can alleviate colitis in animal models by preventing inflammatory responses and suppressing apoptosis through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. To determine the efficacy and safety of QCHS granules in patients with moderately active UC. We performed a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of patients with moderately active UC who did not respond to 4 weeks of mesalazine therapy at the maximum dose. Patients were randomly assigned to groups and administered QCHS granules (125 g/day, n = 59) or an identical placebo, which was similar to the QCHS granules in color and taste (125 g/day, n = 60), with continued 5-ASA 4 g/d therapy for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical response and clinical remission at week 12. The secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life, endoscopic response rate, and mucosal healing rate. Any changes in mucus/bloody stool and diarrhea were recorded. Out of the 119 enrolled patients at 10 different centers in China, 102 patients completed the trial. Clinical remission and clinical response were seen in 31.48% and 92.59% of QCHS-treated patients, and 12.50% and 72.92% of placebo-treated patients, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two treatment groups. More patients receiving QCHS granules vs. placebo achieved remission of mucus/bloody stool (70.37% vs. 47.92%, P = 0.0361). Adverse event rates were similar (QCHS granules 38.33%; placebo 25.42%). In conclusion, QCHS granules were superior to the placebo in introducing clinical remission and mucosal healing, as well as in relieving mucus/blood stool in patients with moderately active and 5-ASA-refractory UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shengsheng Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxia Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shunping Ren
- The Hospital of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao Ke
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Gu
- Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Zhipeng Tang
- LongHua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingri Xie
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, China
| | - Suning Chen
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medicine University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Chen
- GuangDong Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiandong Zou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhaofeng Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yajun Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Peiqing Gu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiafei Cheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jingyi Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210029, China.
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15
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Hu J, Huang H, Che Y, Ding C, Zhang L, Wang Y, Hao H, Shen H, Cao L. Qingchang Huashi Formula attenuates DSS-induced colitis in mice by restoring gut microbiota-metabolism homeostasis and goblet cell function. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 266:113394. [PMID: 32941971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Gut microbiota and their metabolites may play a role in the pathogen of IBD, especially of the UC. Qingchang Huashi Formula (QHF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has shown therapeutic effect on treating UC based on the clinical practice without clear pharmacological mechanism. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to clearly define the effect of QHF and its components, Baitouweng (PBR) and Baizhi (ADR) on treating UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pharmacodynamic effects of QHF and single herb were evaluated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced acute or chronic colitis mice. Body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) and colon length were estimated. Histological changes were observed by H&E staining. The number and abundance of gut microbiota were measured with 16S rRNA sequencing. LC-MS and GC-MS were used to detect the concentration of metabolites (e.g., bile acids (BAs) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)). The goblet cell was observed by Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff (AB/PAS) straining and the crypt stem cell was estimated by immunohistochemical analyses. The colorectal tissues were used to detect levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA or qRT-PCR. The expression of NLRP3, Caspase 1 and IL-1β were examined by western blotting. RESULTS QHF significantly inhibited colitis, protected mice from the loss of body weight and colon shorten. Comparatively, ADR and PBR showed strong efficacy in inhibiting DSS-induced colitis. We verified that while ADR was responsible for QHF's effect on maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis and metabolism, PBR was more prominent in keeping crypt stem cells proliferation and colonic goblet cells function. Moreover, we demonstrated that the alleviation of colitis by QHF was associated with the restoration of gut microbiota-metabolism homeostasis, protection of intestinal epithelial barrier and regulation of NLRP3/IL-1β pathway. CONCLUSIONS The finding of the present study suggested that QHF is curative in DSS-induced colitis by restoring gut microbiota-metabolism homeostasis and goblet cells function. An optimized QHF was constituted by ADR and PBR, which showed comparable efficacy on colitis to that of QHF. Our work probed out the active constitutes as well as the relevant pharmacological mechanisms of QHF, shedding light on potential new drug combination for the treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiang Su Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuan Che
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chujie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lu Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiang Su Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiang Su Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, China.
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hong Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiang Su Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, China.
| | - Lijuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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Shen Z, Zheng K, Zou J, Gu P, Xing J, Zhang L, Zhu L, Shen H. Chinese herbal extract granules combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:55. [PMID: 33441157 PMCID: PMC7805063 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-05012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intestinal inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. With unknown pathogenesis, it has become a chronic lifetime disorder worldwide. In patients with moderately active UC, several therapies (e.g., aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics) are recommended for induction (or maintenance) of remission. Given the side effects and disease burden, it is difficult for most patients to achieve ideal treatment goals in clinical practice. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as a complementary therapy, has been widely used in the management of UC in China. Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granule (QCHS) is a classical Chinese herbal formula. Our preliminary study suggested that the QCHS decoction has a significant effect on patients with moderately active UC. However, its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly. Therefore, we designed this protocol to investigate the efficacy of QCHS granule for moderately active UC. Methods This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial. A total of 120 patients with moderately active UC will be recruited from 10 hospitals in China. Each eligible participant will be randomly assigned to receive QCHS granule or placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups will be given basic treatment with mesalazine (4 g/day). The primary outcomes are the clinical response (remission) rate. The secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, endoscopic response rate, mucosal healing rate, and inflammatory markers (e.g., fecal calprotectin and CRP). The whole study period will last 36 weeks, including 24 weeks follow-up time. According to the intention-to-treat principle, variables will be assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after study commencement. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled clinical study protocol regarding Chinese herbal extract granules in the management of moderately active UC. We aim to investigate the superiority of QCHS granules over placebo in terms of induction of remission. If the trial shows significant benefits of QCHS granules, it will help clinical practitioners, UC patients, and policymakers make more informed choices in the decision-making. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-14005554. Registered on 27 November 2014. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-020-05012-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Shen
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiandong Zou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiqing Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Xing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Jia J, Zheng K, Shen H, Yu J, Zhu P, Yan S, Xu Y, Zhu L, Lu Y, Gu P, Feng W. Qingchang Huashi granule ameliorates experimental colitis via restoring the dendritic cell-mediated Th17/Treg balance. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:291. [PMID: 32967687 PMCID: PMC7510084 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03088-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) is involved in immunological tolerance. Destruction of immunological tolerance by dendritic cell (DC)-mediated T cells is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Qingchang Huashi granule (QCHS) has been confirmed in the treatment of UC involved by inhibiting the activation of DCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism through which QCHS restores the Th17/Treg balance by modulating DCs in the treatment of UC. METHODS The effects of QCHS on Th17 cells, Tregs and DCs were detected in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis model. Furthermore, we injected QCHS-treated DCs into colitis model to test whether QCHS modulates the Th17/Treg balance via DCs. Tregs and Th17 cells were analyzed by FACS. IL-10, IL-17, and Foxp3 were measured by ELISA, Western blot and qRT-PCR. RESULTS Both QCHS and QCHS-treated DCs improved colonic histopathology, diminished Th17 cell differentiation and inhibited IL-17 production while promoting CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg differentiation and augmenting IL-10 and Foxp3 expression in colitis mice. Additionally, QCHS reduced CD86 and MHC-II expression on DCs, decreased IL-12 production ex vivo and restored the Th17/Treg ratio in the colitis model. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that QCHS ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis by restoring the DC-mediated Th17/Treg balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jia
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiangyi Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shihai Yan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuelin Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Peiqing Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wan Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
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Che YH, Yang ZB, Zhang HC, Wu XM, Sun MZ, Tang M, Wang PC, Geng FN, Wan P, Liu H, He M, Zhao Y, Zhang CG. Study on the effect of Periplaneta americana on ulcerative colitis in rats induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220942629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of intestinal tract, and Periplaneta americana has been found to be effective in the treatment for UC. The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Periplaneta americana extract Ento-A on UC in rats induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and to explore its mechanism. The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal control group; TNBS-treated group; sulfasalazine (SASP) treated group; Ento-A low- (50 mg/kg), medium- (100 mg/kg), and high-dose (200 mg/kg) groups, respectively. The UC model of rats was induced via TNBS. Disease activity index (DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of UC in rats. The macroscopic and microscopic damages of colon were accessed by colon mucosa damage index (CMDI) and histopathological score (HS), respectively. The levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and the contents of myeloperoxidase (MPO), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in colonic mucosa were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with the normal control group, the TNBS-treated group showed increase in DAI, CMDI, HS, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ as well as MPO and decrease in the levels of IL-4, EGF, and TGF-β1. However, Ento-A-administrated groups reversed the changes in the DAI, CMDI, HS, and the cytokines caused by TNBS. The study indicates that Periplaneta americana extract Ento-A can effectively alleviate the inflammation in TNBS-induced UC of rats, and the mechanism of that may be related to restoring the balance of T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2/Th17/T regulatory (Treg) cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hao Che
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Han-Chao Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Min-Zhe Sun
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Miao Tang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng-Chuan Wang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Fu-Neng Geng
- Good Doctor Pharmaceutical Group, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Miao He
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Cheng-Gui Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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Lu PD, Zhao YH. Targeting NF-κB pathway for treating ulcerative colitis: comprehensive regulatory characteristics of Chinese medicines. Chin Med 2020; 15:15. [PMID: 32063999 PMCID: PMC7011253 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-0296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a kind of multi-functional nuclear transcription factor involved in regulating gene transcription to influence pathological evolution of inflammatory and immune diseases. Numerous literature evidence that NF-κB pathway plays an essential role in pathogenic development of ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease, and until now, therapeutic agents for UC including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immune inhibitors still cannot exert satisfied effects on patients. In recent years, Chinese medicines suggest the advantages of alleviating symptoms and signs, decreasing side-effects and recurrence, whose one of mechanisms is related to regulation of NF-κB pathway. In this review, we categorize Chinese medicines according to their traditional therapeutic functions, and summarize the characteristics of Chinese medicines targeting NF-κB pathway in UC treatment. It indicates that 85 kinds of Chinese medicines’ compounds and formulae can directly act on NF-κBp65; while 58 Chinese medicines’ ingredients and formulae indirectly suppress NF-κBp65 by regulation of its upstream or other related pathways. Moreover, by the analysis of Chinese medicines’ category based on their traditional functions, we conclude the category of dampness-drying and detoxificating medicine targeting NF-κB pathway accounts for primary status for amelioration of UC. Simultaneously, this review also contributes to the choices of Chinese medicine category and provides curative potential of Chinese medicines for clinical UC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-De Lu
- 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Hua Zhao
- 2State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, 999078 Macao, Special Administrative Region of China
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