Inhibition effects of chlorogenic acid on benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice

The carrier function and inhibition effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia of a glucan from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim

Epimedium, a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used as a dietary supplement, contains polysaccharides and flavonoids as its main bioactive ingredients. In this study, a neutral homogeneous polysaccharide (EPSN-1) was isolated from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. EPSN-1 was identified as a glucan with a backbone of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, branched units comprised α-D-Glcp-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, β-D-Glcp-(1→6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→ connected to the C6 position of backbone. The conformation of EPSN-1 in aqueous solution indicated its potential to form nanoparticles. This paper aims to investigate the carrier and pharmacodynamic activity of EPSN-1. The findings demonstrated that, on the one hand, EPSN-1, as a functional ingredient, may load Icariin (ICA) through non-covalent interactions, improving its biopharmaceutical properties such as solubility and stability, thereby improving its intestinal absorption. Additionally, as an effective ingredient, EPSN-1 could help maintain the balance of the intestinal environment by increasing the abundance of Parabacteroides, Lachnospiraceae UGG-001, Anaeroplasma, and Eubacterium xylanophilum group, while decreasing the abundance of Allobaculum, Blautia, and Adlercreutzia. Overall, this dual action of EPSN-1 sheds light on the potential applications of natural polysaccharides, highlighting their dual role as carriers and contributors to biological activity.

In vitro inhibition of 5-α reductase and in vivo suppression of benign prostatic hyperplasia by Physalis angulata ethyl acetate extract

The inhibitory effect against 5-α reductase of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract from Physalis angulata was evaluated in vitro using mouse prostate homogenates, and the suppression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was assessed in a mouse model of testosterone-induced BPH. The EA extract exhibited a potentially inhibitory effect on 5-α reductase with an IC50 of 197 μg/ml. In BPH mice, the EA extract at a dose of 12 mg/kg was comparable to finasteride 5 mg/kg in suppressing BPH in terms of reducing absolute enlarged prostate weight (p < 0.05 vs. BPH group) and mitigating the hypertrophy of glandular elements and prostate connective tissue. Identification of chemical ingredients in the EA extract by UPLC-QTOF-MS revealed 37 substances belonging chiefly to flavonoids and physalins. Further quantification of the EA extract by HPLC-PDA methods revealed that chlorogenic acid, and rutin were the main components. Molecular docking studies of chlorogenic acid and rutin on 5-α reductase showed their high affinity to the enzyme with binding energies of -9.3 and - 9.2 kcal/mol, respectively compared with finasteride (- 10.3 kcal/mol). Additionally, chlorogenic acid inhibited 5-α reductase with an IC50 of 12.07 µM while rutin did not. The presence of chlorogenic acid in the EA extract may explain the inhibitory effects of the EA extract on 5-α reductase, and thus the suppression of BPH.

Neferine attenuates development of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice by regulating androgen and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urinary disease among the elderly, characterized by abnormal prostatic cell proliferation. Neferine is a dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Nelumbo nucifera and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-prostate cancer effects. The beneficial therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of neferine in BPH remain unclear. A mouse model of BPH was generated by subcutaneous injection of 7.5 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP) and 2 or 5 mg/kg neferine was given orally for 14 or 28 days. Pathological and morphological characteristics were evaluated. Prostate weight, prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio), expression of type Ⅱ 5α-reductase, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen were all decreased in prostate tissue of BPH mice after administration of neferine. Neferine also downregulated the expression of pro-caspase-3, uncleaved PARP, TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor Ⅱ (TGFBR2), p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin. Expression of E-cadherin, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 was increased by neferine treatment. 1-100 μM neferine with 1 μM testosterone or 10 nM TGF-β1 were added to the culture medium of the normal human prostate stroma cell line, WPMY-1, for 24 h or 48 h. Neferine inhibited cell growth and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in testosterone-treated WPMY-1 cells and regulated the expression of androgen signaling pathway proteins and those related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, TGF-β1, TGFBR2 and p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased but E-cadherin was decreased after 24 h TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine reversed the effects of TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine appeared to suppress prostate growth by regulating the EMT, AR and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in the prostate and is suggested as a potential agent for BPH treatment.

Inhibitory effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban on enlarged prostate through androgen receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (C. asiatica) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for wound healing and anti-inflammation since ancient times. Various biological effects of C. asiatica ethanolic extract (CAE) were previously reported. However, in our previous study, C. asiatica aqueous extract (CAA) exhibited higher inhibitory activity on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) than CAE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CAA on BPH, and elucidate the inhibitory mechanism through in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as metabolite analysis of CAA. A BPH rat model was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP, 3 mg kg^-1) dissolved in corn oil for 4 weeks after castration. The experimental group, the CAA treatment group, was orally administered CAA (100 mg kg^-1) for 4 weeks while inducing prostatic hyperplasia. Saw palmetto extract (Saw, 100 mg kg^-1) and Finasteride (Fi, 1 mg kg^-1) were used as positive controls and were administered orally for 4 weeks. CAA significantly inhibited androgen receptor signaling related factors overexpressed by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment in prostate cell lines. Afterwards, the testosterone-induced BPH model was used to verify the alleviation efficacy of CAA in prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate size and the thickness of the prostate tissue epithelium were significantly decreased in the group treated with CAA compared to those in the BPH group. The results of protein expression in the prostate tissue confirmed that CAA inhibited androgen receptor signaling in BPH and decreased the expression of growth factors. Moreover, CAA suppressed the expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway and cell proliferation-related factors compared to the BPH group. Taken together, these results indicate that CAA improves the inhibitory efficacy of BPH by inhibiting the androgen receptor and PI3K/Akt pathways, suggesting that CAA may be a promising candidate for biopharmaceutical formulations of BPH.

Ameliorative effect of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai on benign prostatic hyperplasia in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disease and one of the most common chronic diseases caused by aging in men. On the other hand, there has been no research on BPH using Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (A. distichum). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of A. distichum on BPH.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A. distichum leaves were extracted with distilled water, 70% ethanol, and 95% hexane as solvents. Subsequently, the inhibitory effects of each A. distichum extract on androgen receptor (AR) signaling were evaluated in vitro. The testosterone-induced BPH model was then used to confirm the efficacy of A. distichum leaves in 70% ethanol extract (ADLE).

RESULTS

ADLE had the strongest inhibitory effect on AR signaling. A comparison of the activity of ADLE by harvest time showed that the leaves of A. distichum harvested in autumn had a superior inhibitory effect on AR signaling to those harvested at other times. In the BPH rat model, the administration of ADLE reduced the prostate size and prostate epithelial cell thickness significantly and inhibited AR signaling. Subsequently, the administration of ADLE also reduced the expression of growth factors, thereby inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

An analysis of the efficacy of ADLE to relieve BPH showed that the ethanol extract grown in autumn exhibited the highest inhibitory ability of the androgen-signaling related factors in vitro. ADLE also inhibited the expression of growth factors by inhibiting the expression of the androgen-signaling related factors in vivo. Overall, ADLE is proposed as a functional food that is effective in preventing BPH.

Qianliexin capsule exerts anti-inflammatory activity in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia via NF-κB and inflammasome

Qianliexin capsule (QLX) is a standardized traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has long been used to treat chronic non‐bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory activity of QLX in improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with CNP and BPH. Rat models of CNP and BPH were induced by oestradiol or testosterone (hormonal imbalance) or chemical inflammation (carrageenan). QLX significantly relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat model by reducing prostate enlargement, epithelial thickness, pain response time, urine volume and bleeding time, and by improving prostatic blood flow. The expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), and inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase‐1 and ASC) in CNP and BPH tissues was reduced by QLX addition. QLX treatment was followed by reduced cellular malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, consistent with antioxidant activity. Increases in Beclin‐1 expression and the LC3II/I ratio following QLX treatment indicated that autophagy had been induced. QLX relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat models by inhibiting inflammation. The underlying mechanisms included inhibition of inflammasome activation, NF‐κB activation, oxidant stress and autophagy.

Improvement of testosterone deficiency by fermented Momordica charantia extracts in aging male rats

This study evaluated the efficacy of Momordica charantia (MC; bitter melon) extracts against andropause symptoms. We fermented MC with Lactobacillus plantarum and verified the ability of the fermented MC extracts (FMEs) to control testosterone deficiency by using aging male rats as an animal model of andropause. FME administration considerably increased total and free testosterone levels, muscle mass, forced swimming time, and total and motile sperm counts in aging male rats. In contrast, sex hormone-binding globulin, retroperitoneal fat, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in the treated groups compared to the non-treated control aging male rats. Furthermore, we observed that FME enhanced the expression of testosterone biosynthesis-related genes but reduced the expression of testosterone degradation-related genes in a mouse Leydig cell line. These results suggest that FME has effective pharmacological activities that increase and restore free testosterone levels and that FME may be employed as a promising natural product for alleviating testosterone deficiency syndrome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-020-00872-x.

Synergistic effect of chlorogenic acid and levofloxacin against Klebsiella pneumonia infection in vitro and in vivo

The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect and potential mechanisms of chlorogenic acid (CA) in Klebsiella pneumonia (KPN) induced infection in vitro and in vivo. 62 KPN strains were collected from the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province. CA and CA combined Levofloxacin (LFX) were detected for KPN biofilm (BF) formation in vitro. The lung infection mice model were established by KPN. The effect of CA (500 mg/kg), LFX (50 mg/kg) and CA combined LFX (250 mg/kg + 25 mg/kg) were evaluated through the survival of mice, the changes of inflammation factors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum, the histopathological analysis of lung and the protein expression of NLRP3 signaling pathway in vivo. A total of 62 KPNs were isolated and identified, of which 13 (21%) strains were BF positive. 8 (13%) strains were extended spectrum β-lactamase strains (ESBLs), and 20 (32%) strains are ESBLs biofilm positive. In vitro study, CA and LFX showed a synergistic effect on KPN biofilm formation. In vivo mice experiment, CA, especially CA + LFX treated group significantly decreased the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, improved the survival ratio and lung pathology changes, and also reduced the protein expression of ASC, caspase 1 p20, IL-1β and phosphor NF-κB p65. CA could effectively alleviate lung infection of KPN infected mice, and the antibacterial effection is strengthened by combined with LFX. The study provide a theroy basis for making rational and scientific antibacterial therapy strategy in clinic.

HPLC phenolic profile and induction of apoptosis by Linum usitatissimum extract in LNCaP cells by caspase3 and Bax pathways

Linum usitatissimum is a candidate as a remedy to treat prostate problems in some folklore medicines. In this study, we have reported the phenolic and flavonoid constituents, antioxidant activity, and potential of the plant extract against prostate cancer cells. The phenolic and flavonoid compound profile of the extract were established using HPLC analysis. While the total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) were analyzed using classic methods. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated. MTT assay and flow cytometry technique was used to evaluate antiproliferation activity and induction apoptosis of the plant extract on prostate cancer cells of LNCaP. We also evaluated the gene expression of Bax and caspase-3 using the real-time qPCR assay. HPLC result revealed that L. usitatissimum extract (LUE) was rich in phenolic acids such as gallic, ferulic, and vanillic acid with the amount of 3.56, 2.12, 1.24 μg/g extract respectively. 383.4 mg GAE/g and 47.1 mgRuE/g were calculated for total phenolic and flavonoid content. LUE exhibited radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 19.3 ± 1.1 µg/mL. LUE chelated ferrous ions with IC50 = 121.1 ± 1.3 µg/mL. LUE showed anti-proliferative activity on LNCaP cells with the IC50 values of 8.3, 6.3, and 5.4 μg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h treatment. LUE also increased cell mortality by inducing apoptosis (15.3-29.8%). The real-time qPCR results exhibited an increase in gene expression of Bax and caspase-3. Our in vitro study demonstrates that L. usitatissimum can be considered as an effective agent to inhibit the growth and invasion the human prostate cancer cells.

The Crosstalk between Prostate Cancer and Microbiota Inflammation: Nutraceutical Products Are Useful to Balance This Interplay?

The human microbiota shows pivotal roles in urologic health and disease. Emerging studies indicate that gut and urinary microbiomes can impact several urological diseases, both benignant and malignant, acting particularly on prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Indeed, the microbiota exerts its influence on prostate cancer initiation and/or progression mechanisms through the regulation of chronic inflammation, apoptotic processes, cytokines, and hormonal production in response to different pathogenic noxae. Additionally, therapies' and drugs' responses are influenced in their efficacy and tolerability by microbiota composition. Due to this complex potential interconnection between prostate cancer and microbiota, exploration and understanding of the involved relationships is pivotal to evaluate a potential therapeutic application in clinical practice. Several natural compounds, moreover, seem to have relevant effects, directly or mediated by microbiota, on urologic health, posing the human microbiota at the crossroad between prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer development. Here, we aim to analyze the most recent evidence regarding the possible crosstalk between prostate, microbiome, and inflammation.

Inhibitory effect of α1D/1A antagonist 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-[3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl) propyl] acetamide on estrogen/androgen-induced rat benign prostatic hyperplasia model in vivo

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disorder of the urinary system in aging men. 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-[3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl) propyl] acetamide (HJZ-3), which is derived from naftopidil, exhibited 97.7- and 64.6-fold greater inhibitory effects for a_1D adrenoceptor than for a_1B- and a_1A-adrenoceptors in vitro, respectively. To investigate the therapeutic potential for treating BPH, we evaluated the pharmacological activity of HJZ-3. Specifically, we evaluated through estrogen/androgen-induced rat benign prostatic hyperplasia model in vivo. HJZ-3 effectively prevented the progression of rat prostatic hyperplasia by suppressing the increase in prostate index and reducing the quantitative analysis of the relative acinus volume, relative stroma, epithelial volume and epithelial thickness and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and α-smooth muscle actin. HJZ-3 decreased α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptor protein expressions in prostate tissue. HJZ-3 is a good alternative for α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptor blocker. It may relax smooth muscle tone and relieve symptoms of BPH.

The Polyphenols as Potential Agents in Prevention and Therapy of Prostate Diseases

In recent years, the progress of science and medicine greatly has influenced human life span and health. However, lifestyle habits, like physical activity, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, diet, and maintaining a normal body weight represent measures that greatly reduce the risk of various diseases. The type of diet is very important for disease development. Numerous epidemiological clinical data confirm that longevity is linked to predominantly plant-based diets and it is related to a long life; whereas the western diet, rich in red meat and fats, increases the risk of oxidative stress and thus the risk of developing various diseases and pre-aging. This review is focused on the bioavailability of polyphenols and the use of polyphenols for the prevention of prostate diseases. Special focus in this paper is placed on the isoflavonoids and flavan-3-ols, subgroups of polyphenols, and their protective effects against the development of prostate diseases.

The Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid Against Foodborne Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Chlorogenic acid (CA), an ester of caffeic acid, is a major phenolic compound in herbs. The antimicrobial activity of CA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa P1, a foodborne pathogen, was investigated in this study. To understand how CA injured target cells, the influence of CA on cell morphology was assessed. A sunken cell surface and detachment of outer membrane components in P. aeruginosa P1 were observed after being treated by CA. Following this, the intracellular membrane permeability and the content of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a main component of outer membrane, were determined. The release of intracellular protein and ATP from P. aeruginosa P1 indicated that CA increased intracellular membrane permeability and resulted in the leakage of intracellular materials. The uptake of propidium iodide, a compromised cell membrane nucleic acid stain, further demonstrated that CA acted on the intracellular membrane. CA resulted in the decrease of LPS contents of P. aeruginosa P1, which supported the detachment of outer membrane. CA also downregulated the expression of major genes in LPS biosynthesis, suggesting that CA may inhibit intracellular metabolism of P. aeruginosa P1 cells. Thus, CA increased the intracellular membrane permeability, induced the exfoliation of outer membrane, and disturbed the intracellular metabolism. Damage of intracellular and outer membranes as well as disruption of cell metabolism resulted in cell death eventually. The finding suggested that CA has the potential to be developed as a preservative to control P. aeruginosa-associated foodborne diseases.

Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds of Western Siberia Astragalus danicus in different regions

The potential of phenolic compounds of medicinal plants including Astragalus danicus L is determined by but not limited to their antioxidant activity. Their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and other useful properties are known, which allows using these phytochemicals within preventive activities to reduce the risk of many serious diseases. Chromatographic analysis of the Astragalus danicus L. biomaterial from the plant samples collected in three regions of the Kemerovo region (Western Siberia, Russia) established the presence of compounds of flavonols (isorhamnetin glucoside, kaempferol glucoside), flavones (apigenin 7-glucoside), phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid) in the aerial part of plants. The total content of phenolic compounds in plant samples ranged from 100.75 ± 3.87 mg/g (Yashkinsky district) to 190.95 ± 7.34 mg/g (Belovsky district). The content of chlorogenic acid in the studied samples was from 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/g to 1.16 ± 0.04 mg/g. Isorhamnetin glucoside was found only in samples of plants from two districts - Prokopievsky (41.39 ± 1.58 mg/g) and Belovsky (95.0 ± 3.66 mg/g). The content of glucosides of kaempferol ranged from 0.38 ± 0.01 mg/g to 0.55 ± 0.02 mg/g. Its content is almost twice as high as the content in the well-known analogues of Astragalus. Apigenin-7-glucoside was isolated in Astragalus samples for the first time, in a small amount (3.34 ± 0.13 mg/g) in a sample of plants of one growing zone. Studies have confirmed that the content of flavonoids in plants significantly depends not only on the genetic characteristics of plants, but also on the hydrothermal regime, the climatic conditions of different botanical and geographical areas of the habitat. This work shows that Astragalus danicus L. growing in Kemerovo region is a promising raw material for pharmacological preparations.

Effect of sorghum ethyl-acetate extract on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in Sprague-Dawley rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is commonly observed in men > 50 years worldwide. Phytotherapy is one of the many treatment options. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) contains various health-improving phytochemicals with antioxidant and inhibitory activities on cell proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. To confirm the effects of Donganme sorghum ethyl-acetate extract (DSEE) on BPH, we induced BPH in Spragye-Dawley rats using exogenous testosterone. We measured prostate weight, examined prostrates histopathologically, and analyzed mRNAs associated with male hormones and proteins associated with cell proliferation in the prostate. DSEE inhibited weight gain of the prostate; decreased mRNA expressions of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase II; and improved histopathological symptoms, the protein-expressed ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and the oxidative status of BPH induced by testosterone in SD rats. Therefore, DSEE may have potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent against BPH.