Danshensu accelerates angiogenesis after myocardial infarction in rats and promotes the functions of endothelial progenitor cells through SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis

Stepwise targeted strategies for improving neurological function by inhibiting oxidative stress levels and inflammation following ischemic stroke

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation accompanied by ischemic injury symptoms and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. This causes neuronal damage, for which no effective treatments or drugs exist. Herein, we provided a stepwise targeted drug delivery strategy and successfully prepared multifunctional ORD@SHp@ANG nanoparticles (NPs) that consist of a stroke homing peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-SHp), BBB-targeting peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-ANG), and ROS-responsive Danshensu (salvianic acid A) chain self-assembly. ORD@SHp@ANG NPs effectively crossed the BBB by ANG peptide and selectively targeted the ischemic brain sites using stroke-homing peptide. The results showed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs can effective at scavenging ROS, and protect SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative damage in vitro. Furthermore, ORD@SHp@ANG NPs showed excellent biocompatibility. These NPs recognized brain endothelial cells and crossed the BBB, regulated the transformation of microglia into the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and inhibited the production of inflammatory factors in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model, thereby reducing cerebral infarction, neuronal apoptosis and preserving BBB integrity. Sequencing revealed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs promote cell proliferation, activate immune responses, suppress inflammatory responses, and ameliorate ischemic stroke. In conclusion, this study reports a simple and promising drug delivery strategy for managing ischemic stroke.

Jiawei Kongsheng Zhenzhong Pill: marker compounds, absorption into the serum (rat), and Q-markers identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Background: The Jiawei Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill (JKZP), a Chinese herbal prescription comprised of eight Chinese crude drugs, has been historically employed to treat neurological and psychological disorders. Nevertheless, the ambiguous material basis severely hindered its progress and application. Purpose: The current study aimed to establish a rapid analytical method for identifying the chemical components of the JKZP aqueous extract and the components absorbed into the rat serum to investigate the quality markers (Q-markers) responsible for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. Methods: The qualitative detection of the chemical components, prototype components, and metabolites of the aqueous extracts of JKZP, as well as the serum samples of rats that were administered the drug, was performed using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography- quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology. This analysis combined information from literature reports and database comparisons. Moreover, the study was conducted to anticipate the potential Q-markers for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP based on the "five principles" of Q-marker determination. Results: A total of 67 compounds and 111 serum components (comprising 33 prototypes and 78 metabolites) were detected and identified. Combining the principles of quality transmission and traceability, compound compatibility environment, component specificity, effectiveness, and measurability, the study predicted that five key compounds, namely, senkyunolide H, danshensu, echinacoside, loganin, and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, may serve as potential pharmacological bases for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. Conclusion: To summarize, the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique can be employed to rapidly and accurately identify compounds in JKZP. Five active compounds have been predicted to be the Q-markers for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. This discovery serves as a reference for improving quality, advancing further research and development, and utilizing Chinese herbal prescriptions.

Expanding the therapeutic potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza: a review of its pharmacological applications in musculoskeletal diseases

Salvia miltiorrhiz, commonly known as "Danshen" in Chinese medicine, has longstanding history of application in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, including promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, calming the mind, tonifying the blood, and benefiting the "Qi", recent studies have revealed its significant positive effects on bone metabolism. This potential has garnered attention for its promising role in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, there is a high anticipation for a comprehensive review of the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of various musculoskeletal diseases, effectively introducing an established traditional Chinese medicine into a burgeoning field.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the high efficacy and prospects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for treatment of MSDs. This review aims to illuminate the newfound applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients in the treatment of various MSDs, effectively bridging the gap between an established medicine and an emerging field.

METHODS

In this review, previous studies related to Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients on the treatment of MSD were collected, the specific active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza were summarized, the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for the treatment of MSDs, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms were reviewed and discussed.

RESULTS

Based on previous publications, Salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA are the representative active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Their application has shown significant beneficial outcomes in osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis. Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients protect against MSDs by regulating different signaling pathways, including ROS, Wnt, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients demonstrate promising potential for bone diseases and have been explored across a wide variety of MSDs. Further exploration of Salvia miltiorrhiza's pharmacological applications in MSDs holds great promise for advancing therapeutic interventions and improving the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.

Panax quinquefolium L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Enhances Angiogenesis by Regulating the miR-155-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF Axis in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background

Combination of Panax quinquefolium L and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. (PS) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of ischemic heart disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of PS on angiogenesis in rats after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

A rat model of AMI was established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The grouping and administration scheme were as follows: sham group, model group, PS low-dose (PS-L) group, PS high-dose (PS-H) group, PX-478 group and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) group. After 28 days of treatment, echocardiography, myocardial infarct size, some angiogenesis markers and the miR-155-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis were measured.

Results

PS improved cardiac structure and function, reduced infarct size, and alleviated myocardial fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in AMI rats. Mechanistically, PS enhanced the expression of HGF and bFGF in serum, increased the levels of MVD and CD31 in myocardial tissues, and inhibited the activation of the miR-155-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, which ultimately promoted angiogenesis. In addition, the regulatory effect of PS on angiogenesis was partly abolished by PX-478.

Conclusion

PS increased the expression of MVD and CD31 in the myocardium and stimulated angiogenesis. The above effects of PS may be associated with the inhibition of the miR-155-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of danshensu on coronary heart disease using liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry metabolomics

Metabolomics can discover the biomarkers and metabolic pathways, provides the possibility for insights into the pharmacological action and mechanism of natural products. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of danshensu (DSS) on total metabolic pathways has not been well investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the disturbed endogenous biomarkers and metabolic pathways reflecting the pharmacological activity of DSS, and mechanism of action of DSS using comprehensive metabolome analysis based on high-throughput metabolomics technology combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS) and pattern recognition method. Through the changes of the overall metabolic profile and the related biomarkers, the intervention effect of natural product danshensu (DSS) treatment on CHD model rats was revealed. The results showed that after the model replication was established, the metabolic profile was clearly separated, and a total of 26 potential biomarkers were screened out, and involving 8 metabolic pathways. After different doses of DSS solution were given, a total of 20 biomarkers could be significantly regulated, mainly involving primary bile acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. It showed UPLC-MS-based metabolomics can be used for discovering potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways of CHD, and to further understand and dissecting pharmacological effects and mechanisms of natural products via metabolomics techniques.

Resveratrol Promotes Angiogenesis in a FoxO1-Dependent Manner in Hind Limb Ischemia in Mice

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe form of peripheral artery diseases (PAD) and seriously endangers the health of people. Therapeutic angiogenesis represents an important treatment strategy for CLI; various methods have been applied to enhance collateral circulation. However, the current development drug therapy to promote angiogenesis is limited. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol compound extracted from plants, has various properties such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Whether RSV exerts protective effects on CLI remains elusive. In the current study, we demonstrated that oral intake of RSV significantly improved hind limb ischemia in mice, and increased the expression of phosphorylated Forkhead box class-O1 (FoxO1). RSV treatment in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) could increase the phosphorylation of FoxO1 and its cytoplasmic re-localization to promote angiogenesis. Then we manipulated FoxO1 in HUVECs to further verify that the effect of RSV on angiogenesis is in a FoxO1-dependent manner. Furthermore, we performed metabolomics to screen the metabolic pathways altered upon RSV intervention. We found that the pathways of pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, as well as alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, were highly correlated with the beneficial effects of RSV on the ischemic muscle. This study provides a novel direction for the medical therapy to CLI.

Role of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 in Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Mediated Vascular Repair and Regeneration

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are immature endothelial cells that participate in vascular repair and postnatal neovascularization and provide a novel and promising therapy for the treatment of vascular disease. Studies in different animal models have shown that EPC mobilization through pharmacological agents and autologous EPC transplantation contribute to restoring blood supply and tissue regeneration after ischemic injury. However, these effects of the progenitor cells in clinical studies exhibit mixed results. The therapeutic efficacy of EPCs is closely associated with the number of the progenitor cells recruited into ischemic regions and their functional abilities and survival in injury tissues. In this review, we discussed the regulating role of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (also known CXCL12, SDF-1) in EPC mobilization, recruitment, homing, vascular repair and neovascularization, and analyzed the underlying machemisms of these functions. Application of SDF-1 to improve the regenerative function of EPCs following vascular injury was also discussed. SDF-1 plays a crucial role in mobilizing EPC from bone marrow into peripheral circulation, recruiting the progenitor cells to target tissue and protecting against cell death under pathological conditions; thus improve EPC regenerative capacity. SDF-1 are crucial for regulating EPC regenerative function, and provide a potential target for improve therapeutic efficacy of the progenitor cells in treatment of vascular disease.

Oroxylin a Attenuates Limb Ischemia by Promoting Angiogenesis via Modulation of Endothelial Cell Migration

Oroxylin A (OA) has been shown to simultaneously increase coronary flow and provide a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we described the angiogenic properties of OA. OA treatment accelerated perfusion recovery, reduced tissue injury, and promoted angiogenesis after hindlimb ischemia (HLI). In addition, OA regulated the secretion of multiple cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF-2), and platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). Specifically, those multiple cytokines were involved in cell migration, cell population proliferation, and angiogenesis. These effects were observed at 3, 7, and 14 days after HLI. In skeletal muscle cells, OA promoted the release of VEGFA and ANG-2. After OA treatment, the conditioned medium derived from skeletal muscle cells was found to significantly induce endothelial cell (EC) proliferation. OA also induced EC migration by activating the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK-II) signaling pathway and the T-box20 (TBX20)/prokineticin 2 (PROK2) signaling pathway. In addition, OA was able to downregulate the number of macrophages and neutrophils, along with the secretion of interleukin-1β, at 3 days after HLI. These results expanded current knowledge about the beneficial effects of OA in angiogenesis and blood flow recovery. This research could open new directions for the development of novel therapeutic intervention for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetic complications

The alterations in vascular homeostasis is deeply involved in the development of numerous diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetic complications. Changes in blood flow and endothelial permeability caused by vascular dysfunction are the common mechanisms for these three types of diseases. The disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism can result in changes of the energy production patterns in endothelium and surrounding cells which may consequently cause local energy metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) follows the principle of the "treatment by the syndrome differentiation". TCM considers of that coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications all as the type of "Qi deficiency and Blood stasis" syndrome, which mainly happens to the vascular system. Therefore, the common pathogenesis of these three types of diseases suggests the treatment strategy by TCM should be in a close manner and named as "treating different diseases by the same treatment". Qishen Yiqi dripping pills is a modern Chinese herbal medicine which has been widely used for treatment of patients with coronary heart disease characterized as "Qi deficiency and blood stasis" in China. Recently, many clinical reports have demonstrated the potent therapeutic effects of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on ischemic stroke and diabetic nephropathy. Based on these reports, we will summarize the clinical applications of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke and diabetic nephropathy, including the involved mechanisms with basic researches.

Construction and a preliminary study of paracrine effect of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cell sheet

The release of paracrine factors from endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) sheet is a central mechanism of tissue repair. The purpose of this study was to constuct the rat bone marrow derived-endothelial progenitor cell (BM-EPCs) sheet and investigate invest the role of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)/CXCR4 axis in the biological function of BM-EPCs sheet. BM-EPC cells were identified by the cell-surface markers-CD34/CD133/VE-cadherin/KDR using flow cytometry and dual affinity for acLDL and UEA-1. After 7 days of incubation, the BM-EPC single-cell suspensions were seeded on thermo-sensitive plate to harvest the BM-EPC cell sheets. The expression levels of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-associated genes and proteins were examined using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to determine the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and SDF-1α in the cell culture medium. The BM-EPC cell sheets were successfully harvested. Moreover, BM-EPC cell sheets have superior migration and tube formation activity when compared with single cell suspension. When capillary-like tube were formed from EPCs sheets, the releasing of paracrine factors such as VEGF, EGF and SDF-1α were increased. To reveal the mechanism of tube formation of BM-EPCs sheets, our research showed that the activation of PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway was involved in the process, because the phosphorylation of CXCR, PI3K, AKT and eNOS were increased. BM-EPC cell sheets have superior paracrine and tube formation activity than the BM-EPC single-cell. The strong ability to secrete paracrine factors was be potentially related to the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis through PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway.

MFGE8 mitigates brain injury in a rat model of SAH by maintaining vascular endothelial integrity via TIGβ5/PI3K/CXCL12 signaling

Leaked blood components, injured endothelial cells, local inflammatory response and vasospasm may converge to promote microthrombosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previously, we showed that the milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFGE8) can mitigate SAH-induced microthrombosis. This present study was aimed to explore the molecular pathway participated in MFGE8-dependent protection on vascular endothelium. Immunofluorescence, immunoblot and behavioral tests were used to determine the molecular partner and signaling pathway mediating the effect of MFGE8 in vascular endothelium in rats with experimental SAH and controls, together with the applications of RNA silencing and pharmacological intervention methods. Relative to control, recombinant human MFGE8 (rhMFGE8) treatment increased 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeled new endothelial cells, reduced TUNUL-positive endothelial cells and elevated the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12), in the brains of SAH rats. These effects were reversed by MFGE8 RNA silencing, as well as following cilengitide and wortmannin intervention. These results suggest that MFGE8 promotes endothelial regeneration and mitigates endothelial DNA damage through the activation of the TIGβ5/PI3K/CXCL12 signaling pathway.

Hydrogel-based therapeutic angiogenesis: An alternative treatment strategy for critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe clinical manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), resulting in the total or partial loss of limb function. Although the conventional treatment strategy of CLI (e.g., medical treatment and surgery) can improve blood perfusion and restore limb function, many patients are unsuitable for these strategies and they still face the threats of amputation or death. Therapeutic angiogenesis, as a potential solution for these problems, attempts to manipulate blood vessel growth in vivo for augment perfusion without the help of extra pharmaceutics and surgery. With the rise of interdisciplinary research, regenerative medicine strategies provide new possibilities for treating many clinical diseases. Hydrogel, as an excellent biocompatibility material, is an ideal candidate for delivering bioactive molecules and cells for therapeutic angiogenesis. Besides, hydrogel could precisely deliver, control release, and keep the bioactivity of cargos, making hydrogel-based therapeutic angiogenesis a new strategy for CLI therapy. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the approaches of hydrogel-based strategy for CLI treatment as well as their challenges, and future directions.

Shexiang Baoxin Pill Attenuates Ischemic Injury by Promoting Angiogenesis by Activation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2

ABSTRACT

Promoting angiogenesis is a critical treatment strategy for ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to be capable of relieving angina and improve heart function by promoting angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in SBP-induced angiogenesis. Left femoral artery ligation was performed in wild-type mice (WT) and ALDH2 knockout mice, which were administrated with SBP (20 mg/kg/d) or equal volume saline per day by gastric gavage for 2 weeks. Perfusion recovery, angiogenesis in chronic hind limb ischemia, was significantly improved in the WT + SBP group than in the WT group. However, these beneficial effects were absent in ALDH2 knockout mice. In vitro, hypoxia impaired the ability of proliferation, migration and tube formation, sprouting angiogenesis, and promoted apoptosis in cardiovascular microvascular endothelial cells, whereas the hypoxia damage was restored by SBP. The protective effect of SBP was remarkably weakened by ALDH2 knockdown. Furthermore, SBP suppressed hypoxia-induced ALDH2/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that SBP protected lower limb from ischemia injury through the ALDH2-dependent pathway. The protective mechanism of SBP in cardiovascular microvascular endothelial cells was partly mediated through ALDH2/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.

Targeting the Endothelium to Achieve Cardioprotection

Despite considerable improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction, it is still a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Novel therapeutic strategies to limit infarct size are required to protect myocardial function and thus, avoid heart failure progression. Cardioprotection is a research topic with significant achievements in the context of basic science. However, translation of the beneficial effects of protective approaches from bench to bedside has proven difficult. Therefore, there is still an unmet need to study new avenues leading to protecting the myocardium against infarction. In line with this, the endothelium is an essential component of the cardiovascular system with multiple therapeutic targets with cardioprotective potential. Endothelial cells are the most abundant non-myocyte cell type in the heart and are key players in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. These cells can regulate vascular tone, angiogenesis, hemostasis, and inflammation. Accordingly, endothelial dysfunction plays a fundamental role in cardiovascular diseases, which may ultimately lead to myocardial infarction. The endothelium is of paramount importance to protect the myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury via conditioning strategies or cardioprotective drugs. This review will provide updated information on the most promising therapeutic agents and protective approaches targeting endothelial cells in the context of myocardial infarction.

Restoration of early deficiency of axonal guidance signaling by guanxinning injection as a novel therapeutic option for acute ischemic stroke

Despite of its high morbidity and mortality, there is still a lack of effective treatment for ischemic stroke in part due to our incomplete understanding of molecular mechanisms of its pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that SHH-PTCH1-GLI1-mediated axonal guidance signaling and its related neurogenesis, a central pathway for neuronal development, also plays a critical role in early stage of an acute stroke model. Specifically, in vivo, we evaluated the effect of GXNI on ischemic stroke mice via using the middle cerebral artery embolization model, and found that GXNI significantly alleviated cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury by reducing the volume of cerebral infarction, neurological deficit score and cerebral edema, reversing the BBB permeability and histopathological changes. A combined approach of RNA-seq and network pharmacology analysis was used to reveal the underlying mechanisms of GXNI followed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting validation. It was pointed out that axon guidance signaling pathway played the most prominent role in GXNI action with Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 genes as the critical contributors in brain protection. In addition, GXNI markedly prevented primary cortical neuron cells from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation damage in vitro, and promoted axon growth and synaptogenesis of damaged neurons, which further confirmed the results of in vivo experiments. Moreover, due to the inhibition of the SHH-PTCH1-GLI1 signaling pathway by cyclopropylamine, the effect of GXNI was significantly weakened. Hence, our study provides a novel option for the clinical treatment of acute ischemic stroke by GXNI via SHH-PTCH1-GLI1-mediated axonal guidance signaling, a neuronal development pathway previously considered for after-stroke recovery.

Current state and future perspective of cardiovascular medicines derived from natural products

The contribution of natural products (NPs) to cardiovascular medicine has been extensively documented, and many have been used for centuries. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the past 40 years, approximately 50% of newly developed cardiovascular drugs were based on NPs, suggesting that NPs provide essential skeletal structures for the discovery of novel medicines. After a period of lower productivity since the 1990s, NPs have recently regained scientific and commercial attention, leveraging the wealth of knowledge provided by multi-omics, combinatorial biosynthesis, synthetic biology, integrative pharmacology, analytical and computational technologies. In addition, as a crucial part of complementary and alternative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine has increasingly drawn attention as an important source of NPs for cardiovascular drug discovery. Given their structural diversity and biological activity NPs are one of the most valuable sources of drugs and drug leads. In this review, we briefly described the characteristics and classification of NPs in CVDs. Then, we provide an up to date summary on the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms of action of NPs in CVDs, and the current view and future prospect of developing safer and more effective cardiovascular drugs based on NPs.

NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Inflammation in Acute Pancreatitis

The discovery of inflammasomes has enriched our knowledge in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases. The NLR pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) has emerged as the most versatile and well-characterized inflammasome, consisting of an intracellular multi-protein complex that acts as a central driver of inflammation. Its activation depends on a tightly regulated two-step process, which includes a wide variety of unrelated stimuli. It is therefore not surprising that the specific regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation remain unclear. Inflammasome-mediated inflammation has become increasingly important in acute pancreatitis, an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that is one of the fatal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This review presents an update on the progress of research into the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to acute pancreatic injury, examining the mechanisms of NLRP3 activation by multiple signaling events, the downstream interleukin 1 family of cytokines involved and the current state of the literature on NLRP3 inflammasome-specific inhibitors.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as new tools for cardioprotection

Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a two- to fourfold propensity to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) than nondiabetic population, making CVD a major cause of death and disability among people with T2DM. The present treatment options for management of diabetes propose the earlier and more frequent use of new antidiabetic drugs that could control hyperglycaemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Findings from basic and clinical studies pointed out DPP-4 inhibitors as potentially novel pharmacological tools for cardioprotection. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that these drugs have ability to protect the heart against acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury as well as reduce the size of infarction. Consequently, the prevention of degradation of the incretin hormones by the use of DPP-4 inhibitors represents a new strategy in the treatment of patients with T2DM and reduction of CV events in these patients. Here, we discuss the cardioprotective effects of DPP-4 inhibitors as well as proposed pathways that these hypoglycaemic agents target in the cardiovascular system.

Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B as a mechanism of Danshensu during Toll-like receptor 2-triggered inflammation in macrophages

Danshensu (DSS) is a water-soluble phenolic compound in Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma). Although various pharmacological activities have been recognized, little is known regarding its anti-inflammatory effect and related molecular mode of action. In the current study, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were activated by a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonist Pam3CSK4 with or without DSS intervention. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) was detected by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Activation of signaling pathways involving nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was assessed by Western blot. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with bioinformatics analyses was applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms of DSS. Emphasis was placed on the construction of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and transcription factor (TF) enrichment analysis of data including co-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Pam3CSK4 vs. control and DSS vs. Pam3CSK4 groups. The RT-qPCR and ELISA results showed that DSS effectively inhibited the expressions of IL-6 and IL-12, indicating a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Western blot verified that DSS suppressed the phosphorylation of p65, which was in accordance with the results of the TF enrichment analysis. Additionally, the PPI network analysis showed several key molecules, including lactoferrin (Ltf), CC-chemokine receptor 7 (Ccr7), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (Cxcl9), to be regulatory genes that responded to DSS treatment. Overall, our study revealed that DSS has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect involving TLR2 and macrophages through the NF-κB signaling pathway, which supports the novel application of DSS in the treatment of relevant diseases including atherosclerosis and ischemic or ischemic/perfusion injury of the heart and brain.

Mechanism of danshensu-induced inhibition of abnormal epidermal proliferation in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with high incidence and high rates of relapse, for which no satisfactory treatments are currently available. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is highly expressed in psoriasis and may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of keratinocytes. Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis. Danshensu is the most abundant water-soluble component of Danshen, but its therapeutic mechanism is still unclear. In this study, MTT was used to detect the effects of different danshensu concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mmol/l) on the proliferation of an M5-based psoriasis cell model. The effects of danshensu on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cyclins and apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot. Danshensu (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the imiquimod (IMQ) psoriasis mouse model. After 7 days, the expression of YAP in the lesions was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. We found that danshensu reduced the expression of YAP in the M5 psoriasis cell model, inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and promoted cell apoptosis. All these effects were partly reverted by YAP overexpression. The skin lesions of IMQ mice were thinned and the scales reduced after intragastric administration of danshensu, which also resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of YAP expression. We concluded that danshensu prevents abnormal epidermis proliferation in psoriasis possibly by modulating YAP expression. Our work can provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Danshen in the treatment of psoriasis.

A Defined Combination of Four Active Principles From the Danhong Injection Is Necessary and Sufficient to Accelerate EPC-Mediated Vascular Repair and Local Angiogenesis

Many compounds in Chinese medicine formulae, including Danhong injection (DHI) formulae, are capable of stimulating angiogenesis and promoting vascular repair, but their chemical basis and action mechanisms remain poorly defined. The aim of this study is to determine the minimal native chemical composition of DHI for the pro-angiogenesis activity and to evaluate its contribution from local endothelial cells (ECs) and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Our study demonstrated that the action of DHI in accelerating the recovery of hindlimb blood flow in a ischemic rat model was attributable to its local CXCR4-mediated pro-angiogenesis activity in mature endothelial cells, as well as to its ability to promote the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of EPCs via integrated activation of SDF-1α/CXCR4, VEGF/KDR, and eNOS/MMP-9 signal pathways. Combination experiments narrowed down the angiogenic activity into a few components in DHI. Reconstitution experiment defined that a combination of tanshinol, protocatechuic aldehyde, salvianolic acid B, and salvianolic acid C in their native proportion was necessary and sufficient for DHI's angiogenic activity. Compared with the full DHI, the minimal reconstituted four active principles had the same effects in promoting tube formation in vitro, improving perfusion and recovery of ischemic limb, and enhancing angiogenesis in ischemic mice post-hindlimb ischemia in vivo.

The Effects of the CXCR4 Antagonist, AMD3465, on Human Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cells (hRVECs) in a High Glucose Model of Diabetic Retinopathy

BACKGROUND High blood glucose levels in diabetes result in retinal angiogenesis, which is the key feature of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3465, on human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs) [i]in vitro[/i]. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell viability and the protein expression levels of CXCR4 and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) were evaluated in high glucose (HG)-treated human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs). The cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, the colony formation assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to investigate the effects of AMD3465 on hRVEC cell viability, colony formation, cell proliferation, and expression of CXCR4 and SDF-1. Cell apoptosis and angiogenesis were assessed by flow cytometry and Western blot. RESULTS Treatment with high glucose reduced the viability of hRVECs and increased the protein expression levels of CXCR4 and SDF-1. Following treatment with AMD3465, the colony formation capacity and cell proliferation in hRVECs increased, and there was a significant reduction in apoptosis rate compared with the untreated cells. AMD3465 significantly reduced the expression of angiogenesis-associated proteins, including ICAM1, VCAM1, VEGF, and AngII. AMD3465 significantly reduced the protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, and p-p65. CONCLUSIONS The CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3465, reduced apoptosis of HG-treated hRVECs in an [i]in vitro[/i] model of diabetic retinopathy.

Mozobil® (Plerixafor, AMD3100), 10 years after its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration

AMD3100 (plerixafor, Mozobil®) was first identified as an anti-HIV agent specifically active against the T4-lymphotropic HIV strains, as it selectively blocked the CXCR4 receptor. Through interference with the interaction of CXCR4 with its natural ligand, SDF-1 (also named CXCL12), it also mobilized the CD34⁺stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood stream. In December 2008, AMD3100 was formally approved by the US FDA for autologous transplantation in patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or multiple myeloma. It may be beneficially used in various other malignant diseases as well as hereditary immunological disorders such as WHIM syndrome, and physiopathological processes such as hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Effects and mechanisms of Danshen-Shanzha herb-pair for atherosclerosis treatment using network pharmacology and experimental pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The danshen (the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.)-shanzha (the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) (DS) herb combination is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine with cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects and mechanisms of DS by the integration of network pharmacology and polypharmacology. Eight main components were selected for target fishing by PharmMapper.

RESULTS

The network pharmacological study indicated that DS may target 41 proteins and 16 pathways associated with inflammation, lipid metabolism and endothelial protection, which indicates that DS probably adjusts these processes as part of its anti-atherosclerotic activities. Furthermore, this hypothesis was verified by polypharmacology using an atherosclerotic model. Histopathological examination showed that DS inhibited pathological changes in the arteries of atherosclerotic rats and reduced the intima-media thickness (IMT). DS significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level in the blood. DS also decreased the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, indicating anti-inflammation activity. In addition, DS increased the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α (6-keto-PGF_1α) and decreased the serum levels of endothelin (ET) and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), indicating an endothelial protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, DS has an anti-atherosclerotic ability to lower lipid concentrations and to protect endothelial function, and it also has anti-inflammatory activity.

Danshensu for Myocardial Ischemic Injury: Preclinical Evidence and Novel Methodology of Quality Assessment Tool

Background: Danshensu (DSS) possesses unique bioactivity on the cardiovascular system. However, there is a lack of systematical summary of DSS for acute myocardial ischemia injury and no quality assessment tool for the systematical review of cell experiments. Here, we aimed to assess the preclinical evidences and possible mechanisms of DSS for myocardial ischemia injury, and to develop a quality assessment tool for the systematical review of cell experiments.

Methods: Thirty-two studies with 473 animals and 134 cells were identified by searching seven databases. All data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. CAMARADES 10-item checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of animal experiments. A new 10-item checklist was first developed to assess the methodological quality of cell studies.

Results: The score of study quality ranged from 3 to 7 points in animal studies, while the cell studies scored 3–6 points. Meta-analysis showed that DSS had significant effects on reducing myocardial infarct (MI) size in vivo, and increasing cell viability and reducing apoptosis rate in vitro compared with controls (P < 0.01). The possible mechanisms of DSS for MI are improving circulation, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, promoting angiogenesis, anti-excessive autophagy, anti-calcium overload, and improving energy metabolism.

Conclusions: DSS could exert cardioprotective effect on myocardial ischemia injury, and thus is a probable candidate for further clinical trials andtreatment of AMI. In addition, the newly devloped 10-item checklist for assessing methodological quality of cell study that recommened to use the sysmatic review of cell studies.

The effect of DPP-4 inhibition to improve functional outcome after stroke is mediated by the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway

BACKGROUND

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (gliptins) are approved drugs for the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. These effects are mainly mediated by inhibiting endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) cleavage. Interestingly, gliptins can also improve stroke outcome in rodents independently from GLP1. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a DPP-4 substrate and CXCR4 agonist promoting beneficial effects in injured brains. However, SDF-1α involvement in gliptin-mediated neuroprotection after ischemic injury is unproven. We aimed to determine whether the gliptin linagliptin improves stroke outcome via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway, and identify additional effectors behind the efficacy.

METHODS

Mice were subjected to stroke by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). linagliptin was administered for 3 days or 3 weeks from stroke onset. The CXCR4-antagonist AMD3100 was administered 1 day before MCAO until 3 days thereafter. Stroke outcome was assessed by measuring upper-limb function, infarct volume and neuronal survival. The plasma and brain levels of active GLP-1, GIP and SDF-1α were quantified by ELISA. To identify additional gliptin-mediated molecular effectors, brain samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Linagliptin specifically increased active SDF-1α but not glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) or GLP-1 brain levels. Blocking of SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway abolished the positive effects of linagliptin on upper-limb function and histological outcome after stroke. Moreover, linagliptin treatment after stroke decreased the presence of peptides derived from neurogranin and from an isoform of the myelin basic protein.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that linagliptin improves functional stroke outcome in a SDF-1α/CXCR4-dependent manner. Considering that Calpain activity and intracellular Ca²⁺ regulate neurogranin and myelin basic protein detection, our data suggest a gliptin-mediated neuroprotective mechanism via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway that could involve the regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis and the reduction of Calpain activity. These results provide new insights into restorative gliptin-mediated effects against stroke.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.