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Hu Y, Huang Y, Zong L, Lin J, Liu X, Ning S. Emerging roles of ferroptosis in pulmonary fibrosis: current perspectives, opportunities and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:301. [PMID: 38914560 PMCID: PMC11196712 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disorder characterized by abnormal myofibroblast activation, accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and thickening of fibrotic alveolar walls, resulting in deteriorated lung function. PF is initiated by dysregulated wound healing processes triggered by factors such as excessive inflammation, oxidative stress, and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Despite advancements in understanding the disease's pathogenesis, effective preventive and therapeutic interventions are currently lacking. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death (RCD) mechanism involving lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) depletion, exhibits unique features distinct from other RCD forms (e.g., apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis). Imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification leads to ferroptosis, causing cellular dysfunction through lipid peroxidation, protein modifications, and DNA damage. Emerging evidence points to the crucial role of ferroptosis in PF progression, driving macrophage polarization, fibroblast proliferation, and ECM deposition, ultimately contributing to alveolar cell death and lung tissue scarring. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest findings on the involvement and signaling mechanisms of ferroptosis in PF pathogenesis, emphasizing potential novel anti-fibrotic therapeutic approaches targeting ferroptosis for PF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Hu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Xiangtan Center Hospital of Hunan University, Xiangtan, 411100, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Afflilated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Lijuan Zong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jiaxin Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Xiangtan Center Hospital of Hunan University, Xiangtan, 411100, China.
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China.
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Lao Q, Wang X, Zhu G, Yuan H, Ma T, Wang N. A Chinese classical prescription Maimendong decoction in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: an overview. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1329743. [PMID: 38783956 PMCID: PMC11112100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1329743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fibrosis and interstitial pneumonia. It has similar clinical symptoms to "Fei Bi" and "Fei Wei" as described in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic Jingui Yaolue written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. This study explored the potential of Maimendong Decoction (MMDD). MMDD consists of Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) (ophiopogonis), Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (pinellia), Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ginseng), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (glycyrrhiza), Zizi phus jujuba Mill. (jujuba), and Oryza sativa L. (oryza sativa), with the function of nourishing the lung and stomach, and reducing the effect of reverse qi. It has been used clinically for over two thousand years to treat conditions like "Fei Bi" and "Fei Wei". Previous research suggests that MMDD and its individual herbal extracts have anti-fibrotic effects. The main focus of MMDD in treating PF is to reduce inflammatory cytokines, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors and oxidative stress, promote differentiation and homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and enhance cell autophagy activity. This review summarized the clinical applications, mechanisms, and pharmacological effects of MMDD in treating PF based on existing clinical applications and experimental research. It also discussed current issues and prospects, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the mechanism of PF, drug development, and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Lao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xianbin Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guangqing Zhu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Haochen Yuan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ting Ma
- College of Rehabilitation Medical, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Research Department of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Zhou J, Qi Z, Yi L, Zhang Y, Yan Z, Zhang J, Ge F, Li Y, Liu J. Enzymatic synthesis of Vaccinium blue using vaccinoside as a bifunctional precursor. Food Chem 2024; 439:138049. [PMID: 38134568 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Since Tang dynasty in China, the fresh leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum (VBL) have been applied as natural pigment to produce black rice. However, detailed information on its biosynthetic mechanism still remained unclear. Following rice dyeing capacity assay, vaccinoside, one of iridoid glycosides, was identified as the key active compound. Increased methodical research demonstrated vaccinoside as a distinct bifunctional precursor, which could be catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase or β-glucosidase independently, followed by reaction with 15 amino acids to give blue pigments (VBPs; λmax 581-590 nm) of different hues. Two synthetic pathways of VBPs were proposed, using multiple techniques such as HPLC, HPSEC, UV-Vis spectrum and colorimeter as analysis tools. Black rice was interpreted to be prepared by cooking, using vaccinoside, intrinsic enzymes from fresh VBL and rice protein in combination. These findings promote the understanding of VBP formation mechanisms and provide an efficient method of producing novel Vaccinium blue pigments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqin Zhou
- Suzhou Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ziyan Qi
- Suzhou Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Hai-an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hai-an 226000, China
| | - Ling Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Nantong 215123, China
| | - Zhaowei Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Suzhou Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hai-an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hai-an 226000, China.
| | - Yali Li
- Department of VIP Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, China.
| | - Jiangyun Liu
- Suzhou Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Nantong 215123, China.
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Ji-hong Y, Yu M, Ling-hong Y, Jing-jing G, Ling-li X, Lv W, Yong-mei J. Baicalein attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibroblast senescence and lung fibrosis through restoration of Sirt3 expression. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:288-297. [PMID: 36815239 PMCID: PMC9970214 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2160767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fibroblast senescence was reported to contribute to the pathological development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and baicalein is reported to attenuate IPF. OBJECTIVE This study explores whether baicalein attenuates lung fibrosis by regulating lung fibroblast senescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned to control, bleomycin (BLM), baicalein and BLM + baicalein groups. Lung fibrosis was established by a single intratracheal dose of BLM (3 mg/kg). The baicalein group received baicalein orally (100 mg/kg/day). Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) siRNA (50 μg) was injected through the tail vein once a week for 2 weeks to explore its effect on the anti-pulmonary fibrosis of baicalein. RESULTS BLM-treated mice exhibited obvious lung fibrosis and fibroblast senescence by showing increased levels of collagen deposition (27.29% vs. 4.14%), hydroxyproline (208.05 vs. 40.16 ng/mg), collagen I (25.18 vs. 9.15 μg/mg), p53, p21, p16, MCP-1, PAI-1, TNF-α, MMP-10 and MMP-12 in lung tissues, which were attenuated by baicalein. Baicalein also mitigated BLM-mediated activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. Baicalein restored the BLM-induced downregulation of Sirt3 expression in lung tissues and silencing of Sirt3 abolished the inhibitory role of baicalein against BLM-induced lung fibrosis, fibroblast senescence and activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Baicalein preserved the BLM-induced downregulation of lung Sirt3 expression, and thus the suppression of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and lung fibrosis, which might provide an experimental basis for treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ji-hong
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ma Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Baoshan Traditional Chinese Medicine-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Ling-hong
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Changxing Branch of Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Jing-jing
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Ling-li
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Lv
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Yong-mei
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Sun X, Zhu M, Xia W, Xu X, Zhang J, Jiang X. Total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing myofibroblast transition. Fitoterapia 2023; 169:105567. [PMID: 37315715 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. has been used as a functional food in China for a long time. However, the antifibrotic activity of total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TS-EL) is still unknown. In this study, we discovered that TS-EL reduced the increase in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen and fibronectin content, the formation of cell filaments and collagen gel contraction in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated human lung fibroblasts. Intriguingly, TS-EL did not change the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2. TS-EL decreased the levels of serum response factor (SRF), a critical transcription factor of α-SMA, and SRF knockdown alleviated the transition of lung myofibroblasts. Furthermore, TS-EL significantly attenuated bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung pathology and collagen deposition and reduced the levels of two profibrotic markers, total lung hydroxyproline and α-SMA. TS-EL also decreased the levels of SRF protein expression in BLM-induced mice. These results suggested that TS-EL attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast transition via the downregulation of SRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xionghua Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Xihan Xu
- Suzhou Foreign Language School, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
| | - Xiaogang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
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Qin S, Tan P, Xie J, Zhou Y, Zhao J. A systematic review of the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine against pulmonary fibrosis: from a pharmacological perspective. Chin Med 2023; 18:96. [PMID: 37537605 PMCID: PMC10398979 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00797-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease caused by a variety of etiologies. The disease can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the lung tissue structure, severely affecting respiratory function and posing a serious threat to human health. Currently, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the main drugs used in the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but their efficacy is limited and they can cause serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines have important research value and potential for clinical application in anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, more and more scientific researches have been conducted on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve or reduce pulmonary fibrosis, and some important breakthroughs have been made. This review paper systematically summarized the research progress of pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines and their active compounds in improving or reducing pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted a systematic search in several main scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, natural products, herbal medicine, and therapeutic methods. Ultimately, 252 articles were included and systematically evaluated in this analysis. The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of these traditional Chinese medicine studies can be roughly categorized into 5 main aspects, including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improvement of extracellular matrix deposition, mediation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The purpose of this article is to provide pharmaceutical researchers with information on the progress of scientific research on improving or reducing Pulmonary fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine, and to provide reference for further pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanbo Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peng Tan
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Junjie Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Junning Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Evaluation of TCM Quality of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Wang MC. Natural plant resource flavonoids as potential therapeutic drugs for pulmonary fibrosis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19308. [PMID: 37664726 PMCID: PMC10470008 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is an enduring and advancing pulmonary interstitial disease caused by multiple factors that ultimately lead to structural changes in normal lung tissue. Currently, pulmonary fibrosis is a global disease with a high degree of heterogeneity and mortality rate. Nitidine and pirfenidone have been approved for treating pulmonary fibrosis, and the quest for effective therapeutic drugs remains unabated. In recent years, the anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties of natural flavonoids have garnered heightened attention, although further research is needed. In this paper, the resources, structural characteristics, anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties and mechanisms of natural flavonoids were reviewed. We hope to provide potential opportunities for the application of flavonoids in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
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Shi H, Deng L, Zhou Y, Yu H, Huang X, Chen M, Lei Y, Dong J. Network pharmacology and experiments in vivo and in vitro reveal that the Jia-Wei-Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula (JWBSYQF) and its active ingredient baicalein ameliorate BLM-induced lung fibrosis in mice via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116691. [PMID: 37247682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jia-Wei-Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula (JWBSYQF), a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula consisting of five herbs, is used clinically in China to treat inflammatory lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Its mechanism for treating asthma and COPD has been reported, however, how it works against IPF remains unclear. RESEARCH PURPOSE Our study aims to observe the therapeutic effect of JWBSYQF on pulmonary fibrosis and further identify the potential active ingredients and molecular pathways. RESEARCH METHODS In this study, we used a bleomycin-induced mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effect of JWBSYQF on pulmonary fibrosis. To further explore the potential effective ingredients and molecular pathways, we used the network pharmacology approach to construct a drug-ingredient-target network of JWBSYQF. Then, the common target set was established for JWBSYQF, fibroblast, and lung fibrosis. Analyses of the KEGG pathway, GO enrichment, and network topology were performed to identify key biological processes and molecular pathways for the common targets. Finally, a TGF-β-induced NIH/3T3 proliferation and activation model was used to validate the possible active ingredients and signaling pathways. RESEARCH RESULTS JWBSYQF reversed BLM-induced balf leukocyte levels, pulmonary inflammatory lesions and fibrotic collagen deposition in mice and reduced the levels of a-SMA, Col1a1 and TGF-β. A total of 86 active ingredients were identified, 12 of which were considered as potential effective ingredients, while only baicalein effectively improved TGF-β-induced proliferation and activation of NIH/3T3. KEGG results showed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be the potential action mechanism, and Western Blot demonstrated that both JWBSYQF and baicalein downregulated the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt. The molecular docking results suggested that baicalein may directly act on the catalytic and regulatory subunits of PI3K, and this a effect is stronger than direct binding to Akt1. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that baicalein may be the material basis for JWBSYQF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be a common pathway of action for JWBSYQF and baicalein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Shi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Lingling Deng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yaolong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yang Lei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Feng T, Duan R, Zheng P, Qiu J, Li Q, Li W. Oxymatrine inhibits TGF‑β1‑mediated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling in alveolar epithelial cells via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:198. [PMID: 37090069 PMCID: PMC10119625 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pulmonary fibrosis (PF) causes respiratory failure and death, effective therapies for PF have not been developed. Oxymatrine (OMT), an active ingredient in the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens, exerts antifibrotic effects; however, its effect on PF remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether OMT decreases transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced PF in human lung cancer A549 cells by inhibiting apoptosis and targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. To construct a PF cell model, A549 cells were stimulated with TGF-β1. The experimental groups were as follows: control (untreated cells grown in complete medium), TGF-β1 (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1), OMT (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 and 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mg/ml OMT), and OMT + LY294002 (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1, 1.0 mg/ml OMT. and 25 µmol/l LY294002). The effects of OMT on cell morphology (via electron microscopy), apoptosis (via Annexin V-PI staining), mitochondrial apoptosis signaling [using JC-1 method to analyze mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)], and Bcl-2, as well as Bax expression (via western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction), were analyzed. OMT significantly protected cells against TGF-β1-induced PF by inhibiting apoptosis. The specific manifestations were cell injury, as evidenced by morphological changes and decreased MMP. Following OMT treatment, the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax increased, whereas that of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased. The PI3K/AKT-specific inhibitor LY294002 significantly inhibited the ameliorative effects of OMT on TGF-β1-induced apoptosis. Collectively, OMT attenuated TGF-β1-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, OMT may be a promising drug for PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics Respiratory Disease Education Department of Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
| | - Ran Duan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
| | - Pengcheng Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
| | - Qingyuan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics Respiratory Disease Education Department of Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
| | - Wancheng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics Respiratory Disease Education Department of Sichuan, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Wancheng Li, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, 278 Baoguang Avenue, Xindu, Chengdu, Sichuan 610599, P.R. China
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Deng J, He Y, Sun G, Yang H, Wang L, Tao X, Chen W. Tanreqing injection protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting STING-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116071. [PMID: 36584920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116071] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by excessive collagen deposition, is a progressive and typically fatal lung disease without effective therapeutic methods. Tanreqing injection (TRQ), a Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine, has been widely used to treat inflammatory respiratory diseases clinically. AIM OF THE STUDY The present work aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of TRQ against pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS The pulmonary fibrosis murine model were constructed by the intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM). 7 days later, TRQ-L (2.6 ml/kg) and TRQ-H (5.2 ml/kg) were administered via intraperitoneal injection respectively for 21 days. The efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of TRQ were investigated. RESULTS Here, we showed that TRQ significantly inhibited BLM-induced lung edema and pulmonary function. TRQ markedly reduced BLM-promoted inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF and inflammatory cytokines release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in serum and lung tissues. Meanwhile, TRQ also alleviated BLM-induced collagen synthesis and deposition. Simultaneously, TRQ attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis through regulating the expression of fibrotic hallmarks, manifested by down-regulated α-SMA and up-regulated E-cadherin. Moreover, we found that TRQ significantly prevented STING, p-P65, BIP, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and ATF4 expression in lung fibrosis mice. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results indicated that TRQ positively affects inflammatory responses and lung fibrosis by regulating STING-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiuLing Deng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - YuQiong He
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - GuangChun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Suzhou Chien-Shiung Institute of Technology, Suzhou, 215411, China
| | - Xia Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
| | - WanSheng Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
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Yang F, Du W, Tang Z, Wei Y, Dong J. Protective effects of Qing-Re-Huo-Xue formula on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through the p53/IGFBP3 pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:33. [PMID: 36997948 PMCID: PMC10061820 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrosing lung disease with high mortality. Inflammation and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) may play an important role in the occurrence and development of IPF. Qing-Re-Huo-Xue formula (QRHXF) has been used clinically by our team for half a century and has obvious therapeutic effects on lung disease. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of QRHXF in the treatment of IPF have never been studied.
Methods
A mouse pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal injection of BLM. The effects of QRHXF on the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis were studied by pulmonary function testing, imaging examination, pathological staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation and mRNA expression. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was carried out to analyse the lung protein expression profiles between the control (CTL), bleomycin (BLM) and QRHXF (BLM + QRHXF) groups. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to verify the possible existence of drug target proteins and signalling pathways.
Results
The results of pulmonary function, lung pathology and imaging examinations showed that QRHXF could significantly alleviate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Additionally, inflammatory cell infiltration and EMT were markedly reduced in BLM-induced PF mice administered QRHXF. Proteomics detected a total of 35 proteins, of which 17 were upregulated and 18 were downregulated. A total of 19 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) overlapped between the BLM versus CTL groups and the BLM + QRHXF versus BLM groups. The expression of p53 and IGFBP3 was reversed in the QRHXF intervention group, which was verified by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR.
Conclusions
QRHXF attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and regulation of the p53/IGFBP3 pathway might be associated with its efficacy, which holds promise as a novel treatment strategy for pulmonary fibrosis patients.
Graphical Abstract
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12
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Zheng F, Luo Y, Liu Y, Gao Y, Chen W, Wei K. Nano-baicalein facilitates chemotherapy in breast cancer by targeting tumor microenvironment. Int J Pharm 2023; 635:122778. [PMID: 36842519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts constitute a significant component in the tumor microenvironment, playing a pivotal role in tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. Consequently, therapy combining chemotherapeutic agents with tumor microenvironment (TME) modulators appears to be a promising avenue for cancer treatment. In this paper, a tumor microenvironment-based mPEG-PLGA nanoparticle loaded with baicalein (PMs-Ba) was constructed for the purpose of improving the tumor microenvironment in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. The results demonstrate that, on the one hand, PMs-Ba was able to inhibit the transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) signaling pathway to avoid the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), thereby influencing the interstitial microenvironment of the tumor. On the other hand, the agent led to an increase in the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, activating the tumor immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, in the murine breast cancer model, an intravenous injection of PMs-Ba combined with doxorubicin nanoparticles (PMs-ADM) significantly improved the antitumor effectiveness. These results suggest that baicalein encapsulated in nanoparticles may be a promising strategy for modulating the TME and for adjuvant chemotherapy, signifying a potential TME-remodeling nanoformulation that could enhance the antitumor efficacy of nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yujia Luo
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yuanqi Liu
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Wenyu Chen
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Kun Wei
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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Promising Role of the Scutellaria baicalensis Root Hydroxyflavone-Baicalein in the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054732. [PMID: 36902160 PMCID: PMC10003701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant roots, due to a high content of natural antioxidants for many years, have been used in herbal medicine. It has been documented that the extract of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has hepatoprotective, calming, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being. Plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have for a long time been used as an alternative source of medicines to treat oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we summarized the latest reports on one of the most important aglycones with respect to the pharmacological activity and high content in Baikal skullcap, which is 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein).
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14
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Peng B, Hu Q, He R, Hou H, Lian D, Chen Y, Li H, Song L, Gao Y, Chen T, Zhang G, Li J. Baicalein alleviates fibrosis and inflammation in systemic sclerosis by regulating B-cell abnormalities. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:62. [PMID: 36810081 PMCID: PMC9942410 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc; also known as "scleroderma") is an autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive fibrosis, vascular changes, and immunologic dysregulation. Baicalein (phenolic flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) has been used to treat the pathological processes of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of baicalein on the major pathologic characteristics of SSc: fibrosis, B-cell abnormalities, and inflammation. METHODS The effect of baicalein on collagen accumulation and expression of fibrogenic markers in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. SSc mice were produced by injecting bleomycin and treated with baicalein (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg). The antifibrotic features of baicalein and its mechanisms were investigated by histologic examination, hydroxyproline assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and flow cytometry. RESULTS Baicalein (5-120 μM) significantly inhibited the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and fibroblast activation in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1- and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced human dermal fibroblasts, as evidenced by abrogated deposition of total collagen, decreased secretion of soluble collagen, reduced collagen contraction capability and downregulation of various fibrogenesis molecules. In a bleomycin-induced model of dermal fibrosis in mice, baicalein (25-100 mg/kg) restored dermal architecture, ameliorated inflammatory infiltrates, and attenuated dermal thickness and collagen accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. According to flow cytometry, baicalein reduced the proportion of B cells (B220+ lymphocytes) and increased the proportion of memory B cells (B220+CD27+ lymphocytes) in the spleens of bleomycin-induced mice. Baicalein treatment potently attenuated serum levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta) and autoantibodies (anti-scleroderma 70 (Scl-70), anti-polymyositis-scleroderma (PM-Scl), anti-centromeres, anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA). In addition, baicalein treatment can significantly inhibit the activation of TGF-β1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts and bleomycin-induce mice of SSc, evidenced by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-11, as well as inhibiting both small mother against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that baicalein has therapeutic potential against SSc, exerting modulating B-cell abnormalities, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Hu
- grid.28703.3e0000 0000 9040 3743College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100024 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong He
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Hou
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyin Lian
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Song
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhang Gao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianrong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Collagen Remodeling along Cancer Progression Providing a Novel Opportunity for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810509. [PMID: 36142424 PMCID: PMC9502421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant factor in cancer progression. Collagens, as the main component of the ECM, are greatly remodeled alongside cancer development. More and more studies have confirmed that collagens changed from a barrier to providing assistance in cancer development. In this course, collagens cause remodeling alongside cancer progression, which in turn, promotes cancer development. The interaction between collagens and tumor cells is complex with biochemical and mechanical signals intervention through activating diverse signal pathways. As the mechanism gradually clears, it becomes a new target to find opportunities to diagnose and treat cancer. In this review, we investigated the process of collagen remodeling in cancer progression and discussed the interaction between collagens and cancer cells. Several typical effects associated with collagens were highlighted in the review, such as fibrillation in precancerous lesions, enhancing ECM stiffness, promoting angiogenesis, and guiding invasion. Then, the values of cancer diagnosis and prognosis were focused on. It is worth noting that several generated fragments in serum were reported to be able to be biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, which is beneficial for clinic detection. At a glance, a variety of reported biomarkers were summarized. Many collagen-associated targets and drugs have been reported for cancer treatment in recent years. The new targets and related drugs were discussed in the review. The mass data were collected and classified by mechanism. Overall, the interaction of collagens and tumor cells is complicated, in which the mechanisms are not completely clear. A lot of collagen-associated biomarkers are excavated for cancer diagnosis. However, new therapeutic targets and related drugs are almost in clinical trials, with merely a few in clinical applications. So, more efforts are needed in collagens-associated studies and drug development for cancer research and treatment.
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16
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Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of baicalin and baicalein on pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113191. [PMID: 35643068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH.
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17
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Fu M, Peng D, Lan T, Wei Y, Wei X. Multifunctional regulatory protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF): A potential therapeutic target for diverse diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1740-1760. [PMID: 35847511 PMCID: PMC9279711 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a multifunctional protein of the CCN family, regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and a variety of other biological processes. It is involved in the disease-related pathways such as the Hippo pathway, p53 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways and thus contributes to the developments of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer and other diseases as a downstream effector. Therefore, CTGF might be a potential therapeutic target for treating various diseases. In recent years, the research on the potential of CTGF in the treatment of diseases has also been paid more attention. Several drugs targeting CTGF (monoclonal antibodies FG3149 and FG3019) are being assessed by clinical or preclinical trials and have shown promising outcomes. In this review, the cellular events regulated by CTGF, and the relationships between CTGF and pathogenesis of diseases are systematically summarized. In addition, we highlight the current researches, focusing on the preclinical and clinical trials concerned with CTGF as the therapeutic target.
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18
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Shi R, Zhang Z, Zhu A, Xiong X, Zhang J, Xu J, Sy MS, Li C. Targeting Type I Collagen for Cancer Treatment. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:665-683. [PMID: 35225360 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals. Interactions between tumor cells and collagen influence every step of tumor development. Type I collagen is the main fibrillar collagen in the extracellular matrix and is frequently up-regulated during tumorigenesis. The binding of type I collagen to its receptors on tumor cells promotes tumor cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Type I collagen also regulates the efficacy of tumor therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, type I collagen fragments are diagnostic markers of metastatic tumors and have prognostic value. Inhibition of type I collagen synthesis has been reported to have anti-tumor effects in animal models. However, collagen has also been shown to possess anti-tumor activity. Therefore, the roles that type I collagen plays in tumor biology are complex and tumor type-dependent. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of synthesis of type I collagen, as well as the role up-regulated type I collagen plays in various stages of cancer progression. We also discuss the role of collagen in tumor therapy. Finally, we highlight several recent approaches targeting type I collagen for cancer treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Shi
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ankai Zhu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingxing Xiong
- Department of Operating Room, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Chaoyang Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong High Education Institute, Guangzhou, China
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Ding L, Li Y, Yang Y, Song S, Qi H, Wang J, Wang Z, Zhao J, Zhang W, Zhao L, Zhao D, Li X, Wang Z. Wenfei Buqi Tongluo Formula Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:762998. [PMID: 35126110 PMCID: PMC8814462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.762998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the end stage of various chronic and progressive interstitial lung diseases. TGF-β, a profibrotic cytokine, can promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and fibroblast proliferation, which contribute to progressive lung remodeling in PF. The Wenfei Buqi Tongluo (WBT) formula has been certified to be effective in the prevention and treatment of PF in clinical practice and has inhibitory effects on EMT, inflammation, and profibrotic factors. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of WBT against PF need to be further explored. In this study, we first analyzed the chemical components of the WBT formula using the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis. The potential targets of the identified compounds from WBT were predicted by the network pharmacology, which was confirmed by in vivo and in vitro study. After screening by the PubChem database, we first identified the 36 compounds of WBT and predicted the TGF-β signaling pathway, with ECM degradation as potential mechanism of WBT against PF by the network pharmacology. Furthermore, WBT treatment inhibited the levels of TGF-β and Smad3 phosphorylation and subsequently alleviated EMT and ECM accumulation in the bleomycin-induced mouse model and TGF-β1–induced cell model. These findings indicate that WBT can block the progressive process of PF by inhibiting EMT and promoting ECM degradation via the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway. This study may provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of WBT for the prevention and treatment of PF in the clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ding
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Graduate College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Song
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jiachao Zhao
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Scientific Research, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Linhua Zhao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Scientific Research, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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20
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A Systematic Review of Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Western Medicine in Combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine versus Western Medicine Alone. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e5. [PMID: 34986905 PMCID: PMC8795778 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late 2019, it has evolved into a global pandemic that has become a substantial public health concern. COVID-19 is still causing a large number of deaths in several countries around the world because of the lack of effective treatment. Aim To systematically compare the outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated with integrated Chinese with western (ICW) medicine versus western medicine (WM) alone by pooling the data of published literature, and to determine if ICW treatment of COVID-19 patients has better clinical outcomes. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China Clinical Trial Registry, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases using keywords related to COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and treatment effect. The search deadline was until 10 February 2021. All randomised controlled (RC) and non-randomised controlled (NRC) clinical trials of the ICW or WM treatment of COVID-19 patients were included. We analysed the effective rate, cure rate, exacerbation rate, turning negative rate of viral nucleic acid, remission rate and remission time of symptoms such as fever, cough, feebleness and chest computed tomography (CT) and the number of white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes (LYM) of the COVID-19 patients. For qualitative and quantitative data, the ratio risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as the indexes of the statistical analysis, respectively. RevMan 5.4 was used to perform meta-analyses and forest plots with the fixed-effects and random-effects models. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included RC trials, whereas risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions was used to assess the risk of bias in NRC trials. Results This research includes 16 studies with 1645 valid confirmed COVID-19 patients, among which 895 patients of the experimental group received ICW treatment whereas 750 patients of the control group received WM treatment. The outcomes were assessed in three aspects, that is, overall indicator, symptoms indicator and blood indicator, respectively, and the results showed that the ICW group had better treatment outcomes compared with the WM. Among the overall indicators, the ICW group displayed a higher effective rate (RR = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.33), clinical cure rate (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.56) and lower exacerbation rate (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.52), but no statistical difference was observed in the turning negative rate of viral nucleic acid (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.78–1.85). Among the symptom indicators, the ICW group had a higher fever remission rate (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.42), less fever remission time (WMD = −1.49, 95% CI: −1.85 to −1.12), a higher cough remission rate (RR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10–1.73) and a feebleness remission rate (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.18–1.77), less cough remission time (WMD = −1.61, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.87) and feebleness remission time (WMD = −1.50, 95% CI: −2.38 to −0.61) and better improvement in chest CT (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11–1.28). For blood indicator, the number of WBCs in the blood of patients of ICW group rebounded significantly (WMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54), and the recovery of LYM in the blood was more obvious (WMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06–0.40). Conclusion The results of this study show that the outcomes in COVID-19 patients treated by the ICW is better than those treated by the WM treatment alone, suggesting that WM and TCM can be complementary in the treatment of COVID-19.
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21
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Xu X, Sun X, Wan X, Chen X, Jiang X. Mitomycin induces alveolar epithelial cell senescence by down-regulating GSK3β signaling. Toxicol Lett 2021; 352:61-69. [PMID: 34624459 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mitomycin treatment induces pulmonary toxicity, and alveolar epithelial cell senescence is crucial in the pathogenesis of the latter. However, the mechanism by which mitomycin induces alveolar epithelial cell senescence has yet to be elucidated. In this work, different doses (37.5-300 nM) of mitomycin induced the senescence of human alveolar type II-like epithelial cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9). The GSK3β (S9A) mutant reversed the senescence of mitomycin-treated alveolar epithelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition and gene deletion of Akt1, a kinase that regulates the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9), suppressed mitomycin-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence. The knockdown of p53, a downstream effector of GSK3β and an important regulator of cell senescence, repressed mitomycin-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence. Treatment with baicalein weakened the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9) and alleviated the senescence of alveolar epithelial cells brought about by mitomycin treatment. GSK3β (S9) phosphorylation appears to be the first signal involved in the mitomycin-induced senescence of alveolar epithelial cells and may present a potential target for attenuating mitomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafang Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China; Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Xionghua Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xuelei Wan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xihua Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xiaogang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
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22
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Effects of Silymarin and Baicalein on Glycogen Storage in the Hepatocytes of Rat Models of Hepatic Injury. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.113114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: An association has been reported between hepatitis and glycogen storage problems. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type I is induced by G6PD deficiency. Silymarin and baicalein, as herbal agents, have hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the effects of these herbs on liver glycogen storage problems and hepatitis. Methods: Twenty male rats kept under standard laboratory conditions were divided into four groups, including healthy (control) and hepatotoxicity treated with silymarin, baicalein, or none. The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDL, HDL, VLDL, TG, Cho, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured, and the expression levels of G6PD, CTGF, HMGB1, and P53 were determined. Also, liver histopathology was examined. Results: Treatment with silymarin and baicalein reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDL, VLDL, TG, Cho, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Silymarin increased G6PD gene expression, and both silymarin and baicalein reduced CTGF, P53, and HMGB1 gene expressions, but silymarin and baicalein had no effects on glycogen storage of hepatocytes. Conclusions: Baicalein and silymarin showed anti-inflammatory effects and could control inflammation and necrotic factors, but they did not affect hepatic glycogen storage.
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Jiao J, Li L, Yao W, Qin W, Hao C, Lu L. Influence of Silica Exposure for Lung Silicosis Rat. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:6268091. [PMID: 34938375 PMCID: PMC8687785 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6268091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of silica exposure on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in lung silicosis rat. METHODS Wistar rats were divided into an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, rats were exposed to silica by intratracheal instillation. In the control group, rats were exposed to physiological saline by intratracheal instillation. After 45 days, we compared the level of fibrosis and CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF in the lungs by immunohistochemistry or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction between the two groups. RESULTS The results showed that the expression levels of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF mRNA were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The positive staining of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF mRNA was found in the cytoplasm, especially in the silicotic nodules of the hyalinisation section and cell endochylema of the alveolar macrophages, type II pneumonocytes, and lung tracheal epithelium. There were significantly positive correlations between CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF expressions (P < 0.05). A protein-protein interaction analysis showed interactions between TGF-β1, CTGF, and PDGF. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β/CTGF signaling pathway plays an important role in silicosis. Silicon dioxide exposure can induce the expression of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiao
- 1Henan Provincial Institute for Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Li
- 2The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wu Yao
- 3School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weidong Qin
- 1Henan Provincial Institute for Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- 3School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- 4Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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