Notoginsenoside R1 alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in HUVECS through modulation of XIST/miR-221-3p/TRAF6 axis

The prognostic potential of long noncoding RNA XIST in cardiovascular diseases: a review

There is a significant mortality rate associated with cardiovascular disease despite advances in treatment. long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in many biological processes and their dysregulation is associated with a wide range of diseases in which their downstream pathways are disrupted. A lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is well known as a factor that regulates the physiological process of chromosome dosage compensation for females. According to recent studies, lncRNA XIST is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, oxidative stress and inflammation, through molecular networks with microRNAs and their downstream targets in neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Because these cellular processes play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, we aim to investigate the role that lncRNA XIST plays in this process. Additionally, we wish to determine whether it is a prognostic factor or a potential therapeutic target in these diseases.

Modulation of atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways by Chinese herbal extracts: Recent evidence and perspectives

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a preeminent cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The onset of atherosclerosis underpins the emergence of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Its pathogenesis entails multiple factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, vascular endothelial damage, foam cell formation, and platelet activation. Furthermore, it triggers the activation of diverse signaling pathways including Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), NF-E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), the Notch signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), nucleotide oligo-structural domain-like receptor thermoprotein structural domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3), silencing information regulator 2-associated enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Circular RNA (Circ RNA), MicroRNA (mi RNA), Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Over recent decades, therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis have been dominated by the utilization of high-intensity statins to reduce lipid levels, despite significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of safer and more efficacious drugs and therapeutic modalities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a vital strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have detailed the mechanisms through which TCM active ingredients modulate signaling molecules and influence the atherosclerotic process. This article reviews the signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the advancements in research on TCM extracts for prevention and treatment, drawing on original articles from various databases including Google Scholar, Medline, CNKI, Scopus, and Pubmed. The objective is to furnish a reference for the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental models to identify notoginsenoside R1 ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibiting macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease, accounting for the most common mortality cause worldwide. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a characteristic saponin of Radix notoginseng that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects while modulating lipid metabolism. Evidence suggests that NGR1 exerts cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-atherosclerosis effects. However, underlying NGR1 mechanisms alleviating atherosclerosis (AS) have not been examined. This study used a network pharmacology approach to construct the drug-target-disease correlation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of NGR1 and AS. Moreover, functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses deciphered the critical biological processes and signaling pathways potentially regulated by NGR1. The protective effect of NGR1 against AS and the underlying mechanism(s) was assessed in an atherogenic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice in vivo and an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage model in vitro. The network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that NGR1 protects against AS by targeting the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. NGR1 reduced foam cell formation in ox-LDL-induced macrophages and decreased atherosclerotic lesion formation, serum lipid metabolism, and inflammatory cytokines in AS mice in vivo. Therefore, NGR1 downregulates the NLRP3 inflammasome complex gene expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18, in vivo and in vitro.

Enhancing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function in porcine oocyte maturation and embryonic development through notoginsenoside R1 supplementation

This study examines the impact of Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a compound from Panax notoginseng, on the maturation of porcine oocytes and their embryonic development, focusing on its effects on antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function. This study demonstrates that supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with NGR1 significantly enhances several biochemical parameters. These include elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and mRNA expression of catalase (CAT) and GPX. Concurrently, we observed a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in JC-1 immunofluorescence, mitochondrial distribution, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and nuclear NRF2 mRNA levels. Additionally, there was an increase in ATP production and lipid droplets (LDs) immunofluorescence. These biochemical improvements correlate with enhanced embryonic outcomes, including a higher blastocyst rate, increased total cell count, enhanced proliferative capacity and elevated octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) gene expression. Furthermore, NGR1 supplementation resulted in decreased apoptosis, reduced caspase 3 (Cas3) and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) mRNA levels and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 kD (GRP78) immunofluorescence in porcine oocytes undergoing in vitro maturation. These findings suggest that NGR1 plays a crucial role in promoting porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by providing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial protection.

Noncoding RNAs in atherosclerosis: regulation and therapeutic potential

Atherosclerosis, a chronic disease of arteries, results in high mortality worldwide as the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The development of clinically relevant atherosclerosis involves the dysfunction of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. A large amount of evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Recently, noncoding RNAs were identified as key regulators in the development of atherosclerosis, including the dysfunction of endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells and it is pertinent to understand the potential function of noncoding RNAs in atherosclerosis development. In this review, the latest available research relates to the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs in the progression of atherosclerosis and the therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis is summarized. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory and interventional roles of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis and to inspire new insights for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Salidroside induces mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis to inhibit melanoma progression through reactive oxygen species production

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces necroptotic and ferroptosis in melanoma cells. Salidroside (SAL) regulates ROS in normal cells and inhibits melanoma cell proliferation. This study used human malignant melanoma cells treated with SAL either alone or in combination with ROS scavenger (NAC) or ferroptosis inducer (Erastin). Through cell viability, wound healing assays, and a Seahorse analyze found that SAL inhibited cell proliferation, migration, extracellular acidification rate, and oxygen consumption rate. Metabolic flux analysis, complexes I, II, III, and IV activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain assays, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, mitochondrial ROS, and transmission electron microscope revealed that SAL induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ultrastructural damage. Assessment of malondialdehyde, lipid ROS, iron content measurement, and Western blot analysis showed that SAL activated lipid peroxidation and promoted ferroptosis in A-375 cells. These effects were abolished after NAC treatment. Additionally, SAL and Erastin both inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell death; SAL increased the Erastin sensitivity of cells while NAC antagonized it. In xenograft mice, SAL inhibited melanoma growth and promoted ROS-dependent ferroptosis. SAL induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis to block melanoma progression through ROS production, which offers a scientific foundation for conducting SAL pharmacological research in the management of melanoma.

Saponins as therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis

Drug development for atherosclerosis, the underlying pathological state of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, has posed a longstanding challenge. Saponins, classified as steroid or triterpenoid glycosides, have shown promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Through an exhaustive examination of scientific literature spanning from May 2013 to May 2023, we identified 82 references evaluating 37 types of saponins in terms of their prospective impacts on atherosclerosis. These studies suggest that saponins have the potential to ameliorate atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammation, suppressing apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, as well as regulating gut microbiota, autophagy, endothelial senescence, and angiogenesis. Notably, ginsenosides exhibit significant potential and manifest essential pharmacological attributes, including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative stress effects. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pharmacological attributes of saponins in atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on their role in the regulation of lipid metabolism regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, saponins may warrant further investigation as a potential therapy for atherosclerosis. However, due to various reasons such as low oral bioavailability, the clinical application of saponins in the treatment of atherosclerosis still needs further exploration.

Unraveling the role of Xist RNA in cardiovascular pathogenesis

Understanding the molecular pathways behind cardiovascular illnesses is crucial due to the enormous worldwide health burden they impose. New insights into the role played by Xist (X-inactive specific transcript) RNA in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases have emerged from recent studies. Since its discovery, Xist RNA has been known for its role in X chromosome inactivation during embryogenesis; however, new data suggest that its function extends well beyond the control of sex chromosomes. The regulatory roles of Xist RNA are extensive, encompassing epigenetic changes, gene expression, cellular identity, and sex chromosomal inactivation. There is potential for the involvement of this complex regulatory web in a wide range of illnesses, including cardiovascular problems. Atherosclerosis, hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis are all conditions linked to dysregulation of Xist RNA expression. Alterations in DNA methylation and histones are two examples of epigenetic changes that Xist RNA orchestrates, leading to modifications in gene expression patterns in different cardiovascular cells. Additionally, Xist RNA has been shown to contribute to the development of cardiovascular illnesses by modulating endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress responses. New treatment approaches may become feasible with a thorough understanding of the complex function of Xist RNA in cardiovascular diseases. By focusing on Xist RNA and the regulatory network with which it interacts, we may be able to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis, thereby opening novel therapeutic options for cardiovascular diseases amenable to precision medicine. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning the impact of Xist RNA in cardiovascular disorders.

Targeted intervention of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine on epigenetic modification: Possible strategies for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a deadly consequence of cardiovascular disease and has very high mortality rate worldwide. The epigenetic modifications can regulate the pervasiveness and progression of atherosclerosis through its involvement in regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and several other factors. Specific non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications are key regulatory factors of atherosclerosis. Natural products from traditional Chinese medicine have shown promising therapeutic potential against atherosclerosis by means of regulating the expression of specific genes, stabilizing arterial plaques and protecting vascular endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE

Our study is focusing to explore the pathophysiology and probability of traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with a core focus on natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine prying in epigenetic modification related to atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Accumulated evidence demonstrated that natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine have been widely studied as substances that can regulate epigenetic modification. They can participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis through inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and migration, macrophage polarization and autophagy respectively.

CONCLUSION

The function of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine in regulating epigenetic modification may provide a new potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However, more extensive research is essential to determine the potential of these natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis because of least clinical data.

Improving the developmental competences of porcine parthenogenetic embryos by Notoginsenoside R1-induced enhancement of mitochondrial activity and alleviation of proapoptotic events

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), derived from the Panax notoginseng root and rhizome, exhibits diverse pharmacological influences on the brain, neurons, and osteoblasts, such as antioxidant effects, mitochondrial function protection, energy metabolism regulation, and inhibition of oxygen radicals, apoptosis, and cellular autophagy. However, its effect on early porcine embryonic development remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated NGR1's effects on blastocyst quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial function, and embryonic development-related gene expression in porcine embryos by introducing NGR1 during the in vitro culture (IVC) of early porcine embryos. Our results indicate that an addition of 1 μM NGR1 significantly increased glutathione (GSH) levels, blastocyst formation rate, and total cell number and proliferation capacity; decreased ROS levels and apoptosis rates in orphan-activated porcine embryos; and improved intracellular mitochondrial distribution, enhanced membrane potential, and reduced autophagy. In addition, pluripotency-related factor levels were elevated (NANOG and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 [OCT4]), antioxidant-related genes were upregulated (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 [NRF2]), and apoptosis- (caspase 3 [CAS3]) and autophagy-related genes (light chain 3 [LC3B]) were downregulated. These results indicate that NGR1 can enhance early porcine embryonic development by protecting mitochondrial function.

MicroRNA-221-3p Targets THBS1 to Promote Wound Healing in Diabetes

Introduction

Diabetes foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized with chronic foot ulceration, poor wound healing (WH), and persistent inflammation. MiR-221-3p, as microRNA, has been shown to accelerate WH in previous study, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to determine how miR-221-3p influences WH by targeting THBS1. The effect of miRNA-221-3p on wound healing of diabetes by epidermal injection of miRNA-221-3p agomir. In vitro generated human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were transfected with miR-mimics and negative control with high glucose treatment. The effects of miRNA-221-3p on cell apoptosis and angiogenesis using cell apoptosis assay and the tube formation assay, respectively. Direct target interaction of miR-221-3p and predicted target sites in 3'UTR of THBS1 were examined by luciferase reporter gene assay. Breeding miRNA-221 knockout mice for experimental verification.

Results

We found that miRNA-221-3p overexpression at the wound edge of normal mice and diabetes mice can promote WH. As contrast, WH of miR-221 knockout mice delayed with increased epithelial apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis in the dermis. miR-221-3p was found to inhibit apoptosis in HaCaT cells, and enhanced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that were co-cultured. Bioinformatics analysis as well as the dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed miR-221-3p to target 3' untranslated region of THBS1.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested miR-221-3p might exert an essential impact on diabetes WH via inhibition of THBS1 and lack of miR-221-3p possibly results in impaired healing in chronic wounds of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, developing medicine such as chemically modified analogs of miR-221-3p in future could benefit patients with DFU.

Ginsenosides for therapeutically targeting inflammation through modulation of oxidative stress

Ginsenosides are steroid glycosides derived from ginseng plants such as Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, and Panax notoginseng. Advances in recent studies have identified numerous physiological functions of each type of ginsenoside, i.e., immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory functions, in the context of inflammatory diseases. Accumulating evidence has revealed the molecular mechanisms by which the single or combined ginsenoside(s) exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, although it remains largely unclear. It is well known that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with pathological inflammation and cell death in a variety of cells, and that inhibition of ROS generation ameliorates the local and systemic inflammatory responses. The mechanisms by which ginsenosides attenuate inflammation are largely unknown; however, targeting ROS is suggested as one of the crucial mechanisms for the ginsenosides to control the pathological inflammation in the immune and non-immune cells. This review will summarize the latest progress in ginsenoside studies, particularly in the context of antioxidant mechanisms for its anti-inflammatory effects. A better understanding of the distinct types and the combined action of ginsenosides will pave the way for developing potential preventive and therapeutic modalities in treating various inflammation-related diseases.

Phytochemicals targeting lncRNAs: A novel direction for neuroprotection in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders with various etiologies impacting the nervous system are prevalent in clinical practice. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules are functional RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode proteins, but participate in essential activities. Research indicates that lncRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and may be potential targets for their treatment. Phytochemicals in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been found to exert neuroprotective effects by targeting lncRNAs and regulating gene expression and various signaling pathways. We aim to establish the development status and neuroprotective mechanism of phytochemicals that target lncRNAs through a thorough literature review. A total of 369 articles were retrieved through manual and electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI databases from inception to September 2022. The search utilized combinations of natural products, lncRNAs, neurological disorders, and neuroprotective effects as keywords. The included studies, a total of 31 preclinical trials, were critically reviewed to present the current situation and the progress in phytochemical-targeted lncRNAs in neuroprotection. Phytochemicals have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies of various neurological disorders by regulating lncRNAs. These disorders include arteriosclerotic ischemia-reperfusion injury, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioma, peripheral nerve injury, post-stroke depression, and depression. Several phytochemicals exert neuroprotective roles through mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, autophagy regulation, and antagonism of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Some phytochemicals targeted lncRNAs and served a neuroprotective role by regulating microRNA and mRNA expression. The emergence of lncRNAs as pathological regulators provides a novel direction for the study of phytochemicals in CHM. Elucidating the mechanism of phytochemicals regulating lncRNAs will help to identify new therapeutic targets and promote their application in precision medicine.

Recent advances of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common systemic disease with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with characteristics of multiple pathways and targets, presents advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

With the modernization of TCM, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of TCM for AS treatment have been gradually revealed. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the existing studies on TCM therapies aimed at regulating AS over the past two decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using "atherosclerosis" and "Traditional Chinese medicine" as keywords, all relevant TCM literature published in the last 10 years was collected from electronic databases (such as Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science), books and papers until March 2022, and the critical information was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

In this review, we highlighted extracts of 8 single herbs, a total of 41 single active ingredients, 20 TCM formulae, and 25 patented drugs, which were described with chemical structure, source, model, efficacy and potential mechanism.

CONCLUSION

We summarized the cytopathological basis for the development of atherosclerosis involving vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and categorically elaborated the medicinal TCM used for AS, all of which provide the current evidence on the better management of atherosclerosis by TCM.

Circ_0003575 knockdown alleviates ox-LDL-induced human aortic endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis by miR-637/TRAF6 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). The present study aimed to determine the functions and mechanism of circ_0003575 in AS.

METHODS

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to induce human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to establish an AS cell model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5'-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were conducted to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to quantify cell apoptosis. Tube formation assay was performed to analyze angiogenesis ability. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the concentrations of inflammatory factors. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were manipulated for the expression of circ_0003575, microRNA-637 (miR-637) and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were adopted to estimate the downstream targets of circ_0003575.

RESULTS

Ox-LDL treatment repressed the proliferation and angiogenesis and promoted the apoptosis and inflammation in HAECs. Circ_0003575 knockdown ameliorated ox-LDL-induced injury of HAECs. Circ_0003575 interacted with mi-R-637, which directly targeted TRAF6. Inhibition of miR-637 reversed the impacts of circ_0003575 knockdown on HAEC injury. Moreover, miR-637 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis and inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation by targeting TRAF6 in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Further, circ_0003575 silencing inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0003575 knockdown alleviated ox-LDL-induced HAEC damage by regulating miR-637/TRAF6 and NF-κB pathways.

Natural drugs targeting inflammation pathways can be used to treat atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the chronic gradual degradation of arteries in combination with inflammation. Currently, the main research focus has been on interactions between inflammatory cells, inflammatory mediators, and immune mechanisms, while some studies have reported natural drugs were exerting a critical role against AS, whereas the usage of natural drugs was always limited by various factors such as poor penetration across biological barriers, low bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms. Herein, we reviewed the potential targets for inflammation against AS, discussed the underlying mechanisms of natural drugs for AS, particularly highlighted the dilemma of current research, and finally, offered perspectives in this field.

Notoginsenoside R1-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles targeting the site of injury through inflammatory cells improves heart repair after myocardial infarction

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is the main monomeric component extracted from the dried roots and rhizomes of Panax notoginseng, and exerts pharmacological action against myocardial infarction (MI). Owing to the differences in compound distribution, absorption, and metabolism in vivo, exploring a more effective drug delivery system with a high therapeutic targeting effect is crucial. In the early stages of MI, CD11b-expressing monocytes and neutrophils accumulate at infarct sites. Thus, we designed a mesoporous silica nanoparticle-conjugated CD11b antibody with loaded NGR1 (MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody), which allowed NGR1 precise targeted delivery to the heart in a noninvasively manner. By increasing targeting to the injured myocardium, intravenous injection of MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticle in MI mice improved cardiac function and angiogenesis, reduced cell apoptosis, and regulate macrophage phenotype and inflammatory factors and chemokines. In order to further explore the mechanism of NGR1 protecting myocardium, cell oxidative stress model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model were established. NGR1 protected H9C2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes against oxidative injury induced by H₂O₂ and OGD treatment. Further network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses suggested that the AKT, MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways were involved in the regulation of NGR1 in myocardial protection. Indeed, NGR1 could elevate the levels of p-Akt and p-ERK, and promote the nuclear translocation of YAP. Furthermore, LY294002 (AKT inhibitor), U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) and Verteporfin (YAP inhibitor) administration in H9C2 cells indicated the involvement of AKT, MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways in NGR1 effects. Meanwhile, MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles enhanced the activation of AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and the nuclear translocation of YAP at the infarcted site. Our research demonstrated that MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticle injection after MI enhanced the targeting of NGR1 to the infarcted myocardium and improved cardiac function. More importantly, our pioneering research provides a new strategy for targeting drug delivery systems to the ischemic niche.

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CD11b antibody modification enhanced the target of Mesoporous silica nanoparticles to injured myocardium.

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NGR1 promoted the survival of H9C2 against oxidative stress injury through PIK3/AKT, MAPK/ERK and YAP signaling pathways.

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NGR1 protected neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂ and OGD induced oxidative stress damage.

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MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles improved heart function by activating PIK3/AKT, MAPK/ERK and YAP signaling pathways.

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MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles induced M2 polarization of macrophages and regulated the inflammatory factors.

Qishen Yiqi dropping pills improve isoproterenol-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) expression in rats

Background

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of Qishen Yiqi dropping pills (QYDPs) in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) by regulating the expression of lncRNAs during CHF.

Methods

Differences in the expression of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model treated with QYDPs was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). A cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, flow cytometry (FCM), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze the protective effects of QYDPs on the proliferation rate, apoptosis, myocardial enzyme, oxidative stress, and inflammation of cardiomyocytes, as well as the molecular mechanism of XIST.

Results

Our results showed that in the ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model, XIST expression and apoptosis were increased, the cell proliferation rate was decreased, and myocardial enzyme levels increased [i.e., increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) levels]. Furthermore, cellular oxidative stress [i.e., increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels] and inflammatory response [i.e., increased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α protein secretion] were also promoted. QYDP treatment effectively mitigated the effects of ISO induction. Subsequently, we found that suppressing XIST expression reversed the effect of ISO induction, whereas overexpression (ov) of XIST enhanced the effect of ISO induction. Finally, this study confirmed that QYDP treatment improved the ISO-induced decrease in proliferation, apoptosis, and promotion of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in cardiomyocytes, whereas ov of XIST partially negated the effect of QYDPs.

Conclusions

QYDPs protected H9c2 cells from ISO-induced damage by downregulating XIST expression.

LncRNA-XIST Promotes Proliferation and Migration in ox-LDL Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through miR-539-5p/SPP1 Axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length. Despite not being translated, they play a role in the regulation of transcription, translation, and other cellular processes and have been identified as key regulator in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study focused on the lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), which participates in the regulation of X chromosome inactivation. XIST is produced by the XIST gene and is located on human chromosome Xql3.2. We also focused on discovering the possible role and mechanism of lncRNA XIST in oxidized low-density lipoprotein- (ox-LDL-) stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which could further help evalute its possible a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. XIST was overexpressed in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs, while the expression of miR-539-5p was decreased. XIST knockdown hindered the proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. XIST inhibits the miR-539-5p expression through direct interaction. Besides, miR-539-5p inhibitors can partially reverse the effect of XIST depletion on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL stimulation. Further mechanistic analysis showed that secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is the target of miR-539-5p, and XIST acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-539-5p to enhance the expression of SPP1. In addition, miR-539-5p inhibitor exerts its proliferation and migration effects by activating the miR-539-5p/SPP1 axis in VSMCs stimulated by ox-LDL. In conclusion, our study findings show that XIST inhibition can inhibit the proliferation and migration of atherosclerosis vascular smooth muscle cells, which provides a new theoretical basis for atherosclerosis treatment.

Protective Effect of NGR1 against Glutamate-Induced Cytotoxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neuronal Cells by Upregulating the SIRT1/Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is an active compound isolated from Panax notoginseng. Despite the NGR1 having been used as a traditional medicine, little is known about the neuroprotective effects. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of NGR1 against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cells and its possible molecular mechanism. We assessed the toxicity of NGR1 and the protective activity by MTT assay. The levels of oxidative stress indices superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured by the kits. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ concentration were measured by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we determined the expression of mitochondrial dysfunction related protein PINK1, Parkin, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (sirtuin 1; SIRT1), and Wnt/β-catenin by Western blotting. Here, we discovered that glutamate treatment led to cell viability loss, apoptosis facilitation, Ca²⁺ upregulation, MMP fluorescence intensity downregulation, and ROS generation of HT22 cells. In parallel, expression of Parkin was declined by glutamate. While, NGR1 treatment alleviated all the above phenomena. We further clarified that NGR1 alleviated glutamate-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction by upregulating SIRT1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathways. These findings demonstrate that NGR1 alleviated glutamate-induced cell damage, and NGR1 may play a protective role in neurological complications.

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates oxidative stress-induced osteoblast dysfunction through JNK signalling pathway

Oxidative stress (OS)‐induced mitochondrial damage and the subsequent osteoblast dysfunction contributes to the initiation and progression of osteoporosis. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), isolated from Panax notoginseng, has potent antioxidant effects and has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to investigate the protective property and mechanism of NGR1 on oxidative‐damaged osteoblast. Osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells were pretreated with NGR1 24 h before hydrogen peroxide administration simulating OS attack. Cell viability, apoptosis rate, osteogenic activity and markers of mitochondrial function were examined. The role of C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway on oxidative injured osteoblast and mitochondrial function was also detected. Our data indicate that NGR1 (25 μM) could reduce apoptosis as well as restore osteoblast viability and osteogenic differentiation. NGR1 also reduced OS‐induced mitochondrial ROS and restored mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production and mitochondrial DNA copy number. NGR1 could block JNK pathway and antagonize the destructive effects of OS. JNK inhibitor (SP600125) mimicked the protective effects of NGR1while JNK agonist (Anisomycin) abolished it. These data indicated that NGR1 could significantly attenuate OS‐induced mitochondrial damage and restore osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast via suppressing JNK signalling pathway activation, thus becoming a promising agent in treating osteoporosis.

MicroRNA-221-3p alleviates cell apoptosis and inflammatory response by targeting cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1B in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

As a chronic bronchitis or emphysema featured by airflow obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can further develop into respiratory failure and pulmonary heart diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial mediators in COPD. Nevertheless, the specific role and molecular mechanism of microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) in COPD are unclear. This research aimed to probe into the role of miR-221-3p in COPD. Bioinformatics analysis and a series of assays including western blot, luciferase reporter, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, cell counting kit-8 and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were used to explore the functions and mechanism of miR-221-3p in COPD. First, miR-221-3p level was validated to be lowly expressed in the lung tissues of COPD patients and 16HBE cells stimulated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Functionally, miR-221-3p overexpression inhibited inflammatory response and apoptosis in CSE-treated 16HBE cells. Moreover, we predicted 5 potential targets of miR-221-3p and found that miR-221-3p shared binding site with cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B). CDKN1B was targeted by miR-221-3p in CSE-treated 16HBE cells. CDKN1B was negatively modulated by miR-221-3p. Finally, rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpressed CDKN1B counteracted the influences of miR-221-3p on apoptosis and inflammatory response in CSE-treated 16HBE cells. Our data showed that miR-221-3p alleviated cell apoptosis and inflammatory response via targeting CDKN1B in an in vitro model of COPD.

Geniposide Combined With Notoginsenoside R1 Attenuates Inflammation and Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis via the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Inflammation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells play a key role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS), and the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms of AS. Geniposide combined with notoginsenoside R1 (GN combination) is a patented supplement for the prevention and treatment of AS. It has been proven to improve blood lipid levels and inhibit the formation of AS plaques; however, it is still unclear whether GN combination can inhibit inflammation and apoptosis in AS by regulating the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway and its downstream signals. Our results confirmed that the GN combination could improve blood lipid levels and plaque formation in ApoE^−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), inhibit the secretion of serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors. It also decreased the expression of pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related protein and Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3 pathway-related proteins. At the same time, the GN combination could also inhibit the H₂O₂-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which is mainly related to the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway by GN combination, which in turn induces the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal. In addition, the above phenomenon could be significantly reversed by dorsomorphin. Therefore, our experiments proved for the first time that the GN combination can effectively inhibit AS inflammation and apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3 pathway.

Scutellarin ameliorates high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cells injury by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellarin (Scu) is one of the main active ingredients of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz which has been used to treat cardiovascular disease including vascular dysfunction caused by diabetes. Scu also has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells against hyperglycemia. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Scu on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury induced by high glucose (HG), especially the regulation of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HUVECs were exposed to HG to induce vascular endothelial cells injury in vitro. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The extent of cell apoptosis was measured by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry. Mitophagy was assayed by fluorescent immunostaining, transmission electron microscope and immunoblot. Besides, virtual docking was conducted to validate the interaction of PINK1 protein and Scu.

RESULTS

We found that Scu significantly increased cell viability in HG-treated HUVECs. Scu reduces the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome C (Cyt.c) to inhibit apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway. Meanwhile, Scu improved the overload of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and SOD2 protein expression, and reversed the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Besides, Scu increased autophagic flux, improved the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ (LC3 II), Beclin 1 and autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg 5) and decreased the expression of Sequestosome1/P62 in HG-treated HUVECs. Furthermore, Scu improved the expressions of PINK1, Parkin, and Mitofusin2, which revealed the enhancement of mitophagy. Moreover, the beneficial effects of Scu on HG-induced low expression of Parkin, overproduction of ROS, and over expressions of P62, Cyt.c and Cleaved caspase-3 were weakened by PINK1 gene knockdown. Molecular docking suggested good interaction of Scu and PINK1 protein.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Scu may protect vascular endothelial cells against hyperglycemia-induced injury by up-regulating mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin signal pathway.

LncRNA AK087124/miR-224-5p/PTEN axis modulates endothelial cell injury in atherosclerosis through apoptosis and AKT signaling pathway

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in atherosclerosis-related endothelial cells dysfunction during atherosclerosis processes. In the study, our purpose was to discover new long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) via competitively interacting each other to regulate the pathogenesis process of atherosclerosis. We investigated the roles of lncRNA AK087124 and miR-224-5p in atherosclerotic pathogenesis and found that AK087124 was up-regulated while miR-224-5p was down-regulated in in the plasma and plaque from atherosclerotic mice compared with normal mice. Ox-LDL was used to establish the mouse aorta endothelial cell (MAEC) injury model. The function study indicated that knockdown of AK087124 inhibited ox-LDL induced endothelial apoptosis and inflammatory response. Bioinformatic prediction combining with luciferase assays indicated that AK087124 could sponge miR-224-5p and enhance the PTEN expression which is a target of miR-224-5p. RNA pull down assays also showed that biotin-miR-224-5p probe could interacted directly with AK087124 and PTEN. Pearson correlation analysis further demonstrated that AK087124 and PTEN expression are negatively correlated with miR-224-5p. Rescue study revealed that miR-224-5p silencing and PTEN overexpression both can reverse the effect of AK087124 on the ox-LDL induced endothelial injury. These data indicated that AK087124 and miR-224-5p could be potential biomarkers and target molecules to treatment and diagnosis for atherosclerosis.

Notoginsenoside R1 induces DNA damage via PHF6 protein to inhibit cervical carcinoma cell proliferation

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a monomer of Traditional Chinese medicine, is from the Panax notoginsenoside complex, and has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of various types of cancer. However the mechanism underlying NGR1-mediated inhibition of cervical carcinoma cell proliferation remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of NGR1 on cervical carcinoma cell lines (CaSki and HeLa cells) in vitro. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and soft agar cell colony formation assay results revealed that NGR1 suppressed the viability and the number colonies of CaSki and HeLa cells, respectively. Furthermore, the DAPI staining, flow cytometry and western blotting results revealed that NGR1 induced cervical carcinoma cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the S phase, upregulation of cyclin A2 and CDK2 expression levels, and downregulation of cyclin D1 expression levels. To further investigate the mechanisms of NGR1, DNA-damage-related proteins, including H2A.X variant histone (H2AX), ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR) and p53, and the nucleolus protein, plant homeodomain finger protein 6 (PHF6) were analyzed. The results indicated that NGR1 triggered the phosphorylation of H2AX and ATR in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and downregulated the expression level of PHF6 and upregulated the expression level of p53 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the findings of the present indicated that NGR1 may inhibit the viability of cervical carcinoma cells and induce cell apoptosis via DNA damage, which may be activated by the downregulation of PHF6 expression levels, and the subsequent triggering of the phosphorylation of H2AX and ATR. In addition, NGR1 may exert an ability to arrest cervical carcinoma cells in the S phase and upregulate the expression levels of cyclin A2 and CDK2. Therefore, NGR1 may serve as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for cervical carcinoma.