Neohesperidin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Selpercatinib attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway

IPF is a chronic, progressive, interstitial lung disease with high mortality. Current drugs have limited efficacy in curbing disease progression and improving quality of life. Selpercatinib, a highly selective inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinase RET (rearranged during transfection), was approved in 2020 for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors with RET mutations. In this study, the action and mechanism of Selpercatinib in pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Selpercatinib significantly ameliorated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In vitro, Selpercatinib inhibited the proliferation, migration, activation and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad and TGF-β1/non-Smad pathway, and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) like process of lung epithelial cells via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway. The results of in vivo pharmacological tests corroborated the results obtained from the in vitro experiments. Further studies revealed that Selpercatinib inhibited abnormal phenotypes of lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells in part by regulating its target RET. In short, Selpercatinib inhibited the activation of fibroblasts and EMT-like process of lung epithelial cells by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad and TGF-β1/non-Smad pathways, thus alleviating BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Supramolecular Nanofibers Ameliorate Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Restoring Autophagy

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and ultimately fatal interstitial lung disease, with limited therapeutic options available. Impaired autophagy resulting from aberrant TRB3/p62 protein-protein interactions (PPIs) contributes to the progression of IPF. Restoration of autophagy by modulating the TRB3/p62 PPIs has rarely been reported for the treatment of IPF. Herein, peptide nanofibers are developed that specifically bind to TRB3 protein and explored their potential as a therapeutic approach for IPF. By conjugating with the self-assembling fragment (Ac-GFFY), a TRB3-binding peptide motif A2 allows for the formation of nanofibers with a stable α-helix secondary structure. The resulting peptide (Ac-GFFY-A2) nanofibers exhibit specific high-affinity binding to TRB3 protein in saline buffer and better capacity of cellular uptake to A2 peptide. Furthermore, the TRB3-targeting peptide nanofibers efficiently interfere with the aberrant TRB3/p62 PPIs in activated fibroblasts and fibrotic lung tissue of mice, thereby restoring autophagy dysfunction. The TRB3-targeting peptide nanofibers inhibit myofibroblast differentiation, collagen production, and fibroblast migration in vitro is demonstrated, as well as bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. This study provides a supramolecular method to modulate PPIs and highlights a promising strategy for treating IPF diseases by restoring autophagy.

Therapeutic effects of flavonoids on pulmonary fibrosis: A preclinical meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of flavonoid supplementation in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis has been demonstrated.

PURPOSE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of flavonoids in animal models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Relevant studies (n = 45) were identified from English- and Chinese-language databases from the inception of the database until October 2023.

METHODS

Methodological quality was evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0. Lung inflammation and fibrosis score were the primary outcome indicators.

RESULTS

Flavonoids can alleviate pathological changes in the lungs. The beneficial effects of flavonoids on pulmonary fibrosis likely relate to their inhibition of inflammatory responses, restoration of oxidative and antioxidant homeostasis, and regulation of fibroblast proliferation, migration, and activation by transforming growth factor β1/mothers against the decapentaplegic homologue/AMP-activated protein kinase (TGF-β1/Smad3/AMPK), inhibitor kappa B alpha/nuclear factor-kappa B (IκBα/NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, interleukin 6/signal transducer/activator of transcription 3 (IL6/STAT3), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) pathways.

CONCLUSION

Flavonoids are potential candidate compounds for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. However, extensive preclinical research is necessary to confirm the antifibrotic properties of natural flavonoids.

Protective Effects of Tunisian Orange Co-Product Extract and Oleuropein-Hesperidin Combination on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial pneumonia that leads to acute lung damage, deterioration of lung function, and increased mortality risk. In this study, we investigated the effects of the orange coproduct extract (OCE) and the combination of pure hesperidin and oleuropein (HO) on an experimental model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six groups: the control group (G1), the BLM group (G2), three groups (G3, G4, G5) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with OCE extract at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, and group 6 (G6) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with HO: both pure major phenolic compounds of OCE (hesperidin at 50 mg/kg) and olive leaves (oleuropein at 2.5 mg/kg). Oxidative stress in lung tissues was investigated using catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) assays and the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Treatment with OCE and HO normalized the disturbance in oxidative markers' levels and showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score with no renal or hepatic toxic effects. In conclusion, OCE and HO exhibit antifibrotic effects on a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis.

A systematic review of the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine against pulmonary fibrosis: from a pharmacological perspective

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease caused by a variety of etiologies. The disease can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the lung tissue structure, severely affecting respiratory function and posing a serious threat to human health. Currently, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the main drugs used in the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but their efficacy is limited and they can cause serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines have important research value and potential for clinical application in anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, more and more scientific researches have been conducted on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve or reduce pulmonary fibrosis, and some important breakthroughs have been made. This review paper systematically summarized the research progress of pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines and their active compounds in improving or reducing pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted a systematic search in several main scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, natural products, herbal medicine, and therapeutic methods. Ultimately, 252 articles were included and systematically evaluated in this analysis. The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of these traditional Chinese medicine studies can be roughly categorized into 5 main aspects, including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improvement of extracellular matrix deposition, mediation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The purpose of this article is to provide pharmaceutical researchers with information on the progress of scientific research on improving or reducing Pulmonary fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine, and to provide reference for further pharmacological research.

Natural plant resource flavonoids as potential therapeutic drugs for pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is an enduring and advancing pulmonary interstitial disease caused by multiple factors that ultimately lead to structural changes in normal lung tissue. Currently, pulmonary fibrosis is a global disease with a high degree of heterogeneity and mortality rate. Nitidine and pirfenidone have been approved for treating pulmonary fibrosis, and the quest for effective therapeutic drugs remains unabated. In recent years, the anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties of natural flavonoids have garnered heightened attention, although further research is needed. In this paper, the resources, structural characteristics, anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties and mechanisms of natural flavonoids were reviewed. We hope to provide potential opportunities for the application of flavonoids in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis.

Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.

Combined Inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad Pathway by Prevotella copri and Lactobacillus murinus to Reduce Inflammation and Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. Cholestasis may lead to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and amelioration of cholestasis may allow recovery from inflammatory and fibrotic pathological damage. Prevotella copri (P. copri) interventions have been reported to significantly improve cholestasis and liver fibrosis in 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced PSC mouse models. Even though P. copri treatment alone cannot bring about recovery from DDC-induced inflammation, it increases the abundance of Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) compared with DDC treatment, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. The abundance of L. murinus still not recovering to a normal level may underlie hepatic inflammation in P. copri + DDC mice. Separate or combined interventions of P. copri and L. murinus were used to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the improvement in PSC inflammation and fibrosis. P. copri and L. murinus significantly reduced the hepatic inflammatory cell aggregation and inflammatory factor expression as well as the hepatic collagen content and fibrin factor expression in the PSC mice. Further analysis of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels revealed that treating the PSC mice with the P. copri and L. murinus combined intervention inhibited the activity of the DDC-activated TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thereby reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis. The combination of P. copri and L. murinus inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and reduces inflammation and fibrosis in PSC.

Regulatory Cues in Pulmonary Fibrosis-With Emphasis on the AIM2 Inflammasome

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disorder characterized by the presence of scarred and thickened lung tissues. Although the Food and Drug Administration approved two antifibrotic drugs, pirfenidone, and nintedanib, that are currently utilized for treating idiopathic PF (IPF), the clinical therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory. It is crucial to develop new drugs or treatment schemes that combine pirfenidone or nintedanib to achieve more effective outcomes for PF patients. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying PF could potentially facilitate drug discovery. Previous studies have found that the activation of inflammasomes, including nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein (NLRP)1, NLRP3, NOD-like receptor C4, and absent in melanoma (AIM)2, contributes to lung inflammation and fibrosis. This article aims to summarize the cellular and molecular regulatory cues that contribute to PF with a particular emphasis on the role of AIM2 inflammasome in mediating pathophysiologic events during PF development. The insights gained from this research may pave the way for the development of more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of PF.

MitoQ ameliorates PM2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis through regulating the mitochondria DNA homeostasis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe pulmonary disease, and may related to PM_2.5 exposure. Our study aims to explore the pathogenesis of PM_2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and MitoQ protective effect in this process. Our results find that inflammatory cells aggregation and pulmonary fibrosis in mice lung after PM_2.5 exposure. Moreover, Collagen I/III overproduction, EMT and TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway activation in mice lung and BEAS-2B after PM_2.5 exposure. Fortunately, these changes were partially ameliorated after MitoQ treatment. Meanwhile, severe oxidative stress, mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance, overproduction of 8-oxoG (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine), as well as the inhibition of SIRT3/OGG1 pathway have founded in mice lung or BEAS-2B after PM_2.5 exposure, which were alleviated by MitoQ treatment. Collectively, our study found that oxidative stress, especially mitochondrial oxidative stress participates in the PM_2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and MitoQ intervention had a protective effect on this progress. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA homeostasis might participate in the pulmonary fibrosis caused by PM_2.5 exposure. Our study provides a novel pathogenesis of PM_2.5-caused pulmonary fibrosis and a possible targeted therapy for the pulmonary diseases triggered by PM_2.5.

Current Update on Role of Hesperidin in Inflammatory Lung Diseases: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Drug Delivery Approaches

Inflammation is a common feature of many respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, acute lung injury, and COVID-19. Flavonoids have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by influencing inflammation at different stages and majorly impacting several respiratory diseases’ onset and development. According to current studies, hesperidin, one of the most abundant polyphenols, can inhibit transcription factors or regulatory enzymes essential for controlling inflammation-linked mediators, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It also improved cellular antioxidant defences by activating the ERK/Nrf2 signalling pathway. Therefore, this review provides the latest studies on the effect of hesperidin in different respiratory diseases, its pharmacokinetic profile, and innovative drug delivery methods.

Macrophage pyroptosis promotes synovial fibrosis through the HMGB1/TGF- β1 axis: an in vivo and in vitro study

Macrophages and fibroblasts are the main effector cells in synovial tissue in the knee joint. Our previous studies showed that there was synovial macrophage pyroptosis in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and that inhibiting this pyroptosis could alleviate synovial fibrosis. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which macrophage pyroptosis affects synovial fibrosis. We established an LPS/ATP-induced model in macrophages that mimicked the inflammatory environment of KOA and induced macrophage pyroptosis. The TGF-β1, SMAD3, and P-SMAD3, and the synovial fibrosis markers (Collagen I, TIMP1, Vimentin, and TGF-β1) were significantly decreased after fibroblasts were cultured with RAGE inhibitors and SMAD3 inhibitors. Moreover, ELISA and immunofluorescence analysis showed that macrophage pyroptosis induced the release of IL-1β, IL-18, and HMGB1 and caused the translocation of HMGB1 from the fibroblast nucleus to the cell membrane, where it could bind with RAGE. Subsequently, in the synovial tissue of KOA model rats, we observed that inhibiting HMGB1, RAGE, and SMAD3 could alleviate the expression of synovial fibrosis markers (Collagen I, TIMP1, Vimentin, and TGF-β1) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Besides, HE and Sirius Red staining were used to observe the transverse diameter of the right knee. In conclusion, macrophage pyroptosis induced IL-1β, IL-18, and HMGB1, which could be caused HMGB1 to translocate from the fibroblast nucleus and bind with RAGE, activating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway and affecting synovial fibrosis.

A novel quantification method of lung fibrosis based on Micro-CT images developed with the optimized pulmonary fibrosis mice model induced by bleomycin

Background and aims

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrosing lung disease with unknown etiology, leading to cough and dyspnoea, which is also one of the most common sequelae affecting the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors. There is no cure for IPF patients. We aim to develop a reliable IPF animal model with quantification of fibrosis based on Micro-Computer Tomography (micro-CT) images for the new drug discovery, because different bleomycin administration routes, doses, and intervals are reported in the literature, and there is no quantitative assessment of pulmonary fibrosis based on micro-CT images in animal studies.

Methods

We compared three dosages (1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg) of intratracheal bleomycin administration and experiment intervals (14 and 21 days) in C57BL/6 mice by investigating survival rates, pulmonary histopathology, micro-CT, peripheral CD4⁺ & CD8⁺ cells, and cytokines. Moreover, a simple and reliable new method was developed for scoring fibrosis in live mice based on Micro-CT images by using Image J software, which transfers the dark sections in pulmonary Micro-CT images to light colors on a black background.

Results

The levels of hydroxyproline, inflammation cytokine, fibrotic pathological changes, and collagen deposition in the lungs of mice were bleomycin dose-dependent and time-dependent as well as the body weight loss. Based on the above results, the mice model at 21 days after being given bleomycin at 1.25 mg/kg has optimal pulmonary fibrosis with a high survival rate and low toxicity. There is a significant decrease in the light area (gray value at 9.86 ± 0.72) in the BLM mice, indicating that a significant decrease in the alveolar air area was observed in BLM injured mice compared to normal groups (###p < 0.001), while the Pirfenidone administration increased the light area (gray value) to 21.71 ± 2.95 which is close to the value observed in the normal mice (gray value at 23.23 ± 1.66), which is consistent with the protein levels of Col1A1, and α-SMA. Notably, the standard deviations for the consecutive six images of each group indicate the precision of this developed quantitation method for the micro-CT image taken at the fifth rib of each mouse.

Conclusion

Provided a quantifying method for Micro-CT images in an optimal and repeatable pulmonary fibrosis mice model for exploring novel therapeutic interventions.

E2F1 regulates miR-215-5p to aggravate paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis via repressing BMPR2 expression

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis is considered to be an irreversible lung injury, which can be caused by paraquat (PQ) poisoning. MiRNAs have been demonstrated crucial roles in pulmonary fibrosis caused by numerous approaches including PQ induction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and the underlying mechanism of miR-215 in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

The cell and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis were established through PQ intervention. Cell viability was performed to test by MTT assay. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect COL1A1 expression and its location. The relationships among E2F1, miR-215-5p, and BMPR2 were validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation. Lung morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

MiR-215-5p was upregulated in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. MiR-215-5p silencing relieved PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis progression by enhancing cell viability and reducing the expression of fibrosis-related markers (COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA). Mechanistically, miR-215-5p directly targeted BMRP2. BMPR2 knockdown abolished the suppressive effects of miR-215-5p knockdown on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, E2F1 interacted with miR-215-5p promoter and positively regulated miR-215-5p expression. E2F1 downregulation reduced miR-215-5p level and promoted BMPR2 level via regulating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, and then suppressed PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis, whereas these effects were compromised by miR-215-5p sufficiency.

Conclusion

MiR-215-5p was activated by E2F1 to repress BMPR2 expression and activate TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, which aggravated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis progression. Targeting the E2F1/miR-215-5p/BMPR2 axis might be a new approach to alleviate PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Recent advances in the biosynthesis, bioavailability, toxicology, pharmacology, and controlled release of citrus neohesperidin

Neohesperidin (hesperetin 7-O-neohesperidoside), a well-known flavanone glycoside widely found in citrus fruits, exhibits a variety of biological activities, with potential applications ranging from food ingredients to therapeutics. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical, biosynthesis, and pharmacokinetics profiles of neohesperidin, as well as the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of neohesperidin against potential diseases. This literature review covers a wide range of pharmacological responses elicited by Neohesperidin, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, with a focus on the mechanisms of those pharmacological responses. Additionally, the mechanistic pathways underlying the compound's osteoporosis, antiulcer, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects have been outlined. This review includes detailed illustrations of the biosynthesis, biopharmacokinetics, toxicology, and controlled release of neohesperidine. Neohesperidin demonstrated a broad range of therapeutic and biological activities in the treatment of a variety of complex disorders, including neurodegenerative, hepato-cardiac, cancer, diabetes, obesity, infectious, allergic, and inflammatory diseases. Neohesperidin is a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of various etiologically complex diseases. However, further in vivo and in vitro studies on mechanistic potential are required before clinical trials to confirm the safety, bioavailability, and toxicity profiles of neohesperidin.

Development of a HPLC-UV Method for the Separation and Quantification of Hesperidin, Neohesperidin, Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone and Hesperetin

An analysis method was developed for the separation and quantification of hesperidin, neohesperidin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and hesperetin by using HPLC-UV. Single factor experiments and Box-Behnken Designs were used to optimize separation of four flavonoids, in which a gradient elution method was adopted with 99% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. A C₁₈ column was used with a column temperature of 35 °C. LODs and LOQs were below 0.84 µg/mL and 2.84 µg/mL, respectively. Linearity with good correlation coefficients (r > 0.99, n = 5) was attained, recovery rate of four flavonoids ranged from 88% to 130%, the RSD indicating results precision for analyzing hesperidin, neohesperidin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and hesperetin ranged from 1.2% to 4.6%. Finally, the present method could be successfully applied to identify and quantify hesperidin, neohesperidin and hesperetin in Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae.

Inhibition of AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and advanced interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 (AHNAK2) is a macromolecular protein that is important for cell migration and muscle membrane repair. The protein acts via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, very few studies have elucidated the effect of AHNAK2 in the development of IPF. Therefore, we aimed to determine the role of AHNAK2 in IPF development.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were induced with bleomycin (BLM), while A549 and Beas-2b pulmonary epithelial cell lines were treated with TGF-β1 to induce IPF model. The expression of AHNAK2 was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in vivo, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-sh NC or AAV-sh AHNAK2; the pulmonary function and EMT markers expression were measured in mice. The migratory abilities of the two transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced cell lines were examined using wound-healing and Transwell assays after transfection with si-NC, si-AHNAK2-1 and -2. EMT markers expression was detected using RT-qPCR and WB. Smad3 and phosphorylated-Smad3 of the two cells were examined using WB. Following Smad3 inhibition by Smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor (SIS3), TGF-β1-induced cell migration and EMT markers expression were evaluated again after different transfections.

RESULTS

AHNAK2 expression was higher in the IPF model than in the normal model in vivo and in vitro. Partial inhibition of AHNAK2 suppressed the EMT process and improved pulmonary ventilation and compliance in the mouse model of IPF. Similarly, knockdown of AHNAK2 suppressed the migration of pulmonary epithelial cells and reversed EMT. Furthermore, Smad3 of the two TGF-β1-induced cell lines was not activated when AHNAK2 was inhibited. When SIS3 inhibited the activation of Smad3, the suppression of AHNAK2 had no effect on A549 and Beas-2b, regardless of TGF-β1 induction.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of AHNAK2 alleviates pulmonary fibrosis and partially reverses EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Therefore, AHNAK2 is a potential therapeutic target for IPF.

Ganoderic acid A from Ganoderma lucidum protects against alcoholic liver injury through ameliorating the lipid metabolism and modulating the intestinal microbial composition

Alcoholic liver injury is mainly caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption and has become a global public threat to human health. It is well known that Ganoderma lucidum has excellent beneficial effects on liver function and lipid metabolism. The object of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of ganoderic acid A (GAA, one of the main triterpenoids in G. lucidum) against alcohol-induced liver injury and reveal the underlying mechanisms of its protective effects. The results showed that oral administration of GAA significantly inhibited the abnormal elevation of the liver index, serum total triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mice exposed to alcohol intake, and also significantly protected the liver against alcohol-induced excessive lipid accumulation and pathological changes. Besides, alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver was significantly ameliorated by the dietary intervention of GAA through decreasing the hepatic levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing hepatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH). In addition, GAA intervention evidently ameliorated intestinal microbial disorder by markedly increasing the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, Jeotgalicoccus, Bilophila, Family_XIII_UCG_001, Aerococcus, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005, Harryflintia, Christensenellaceae, Rumonpcpccaceae, Prevotelaceae_UCG_001, Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, Parasutterella and Bifidobacterium, but decreasing the proportion of Lactobacillus, Burkholderia_Caballeroria_Paraburkholderia, Escherichia_Shigella and Erysipelatoclostridium. Furthermore, liver metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF/MS demonstrated that oral administration of GAA had a significant regulatory effect on the composition of liver metabolites in mice exposed to alcohol intake, especially the levels of the biomarkers involved in the metabolic pathways of riboflavin metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, fructose and mannose metabolism. Moreover, dietary supplementation of GAA significantly regulated the hepatic mRNA levels of lipid metabolism and inflammatory response related genes. Conclusively, these findings demonstrate that GAA has beneficial effects on alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury and is expected to become a new functional food ingredient for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Study on Chinese patent medicine based on major component analysis and quality control evaluation: A case study of Jizhi Syrup

Jizhi Syrup (JZS) is a popular Chinese patent medicine (CPM) for the treatment of respiratory diseases in clinical practice, especially acute or chronic bronchitis. JZS is a complex formula composed of 8 kinds of herbs and lack of comprehensive researches on chemical components. To further define its components, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) were utilized to identify and classify the chemical components of JZS. A total of 178 chemical compounds encompassing the 8 herbs of JZS were identified and the chemical components were comprehensively explicit. It made up for the gap that volatile components were not studied in the previous study. Based on this, a new method for the quality control of JZS based on its characteristic components was established by fingerprints, multi-component quantitative analysis and quantity transfer of JZS. A dual-wavelength high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints were established at 210 nm and 260 nm. Four volatile components (linalool, bornyl acetate, 2-undecanone and α-terpineol) and eight nonvolatile components (ephedrine hydrochloride, protocatechuic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, naringin, neohesperidin, glycyrrhizic acid and praeruptorin A) were quantitated by HS-SPME-GC-MS and HPLC-diode array detection (DAD). Meanwhile, six exclusive nonvolatile components were studied for the quantity transfer of Herbs-Intermediate-CPM and all the transfer rates were between 55.23% and 89.20%. This study is the first comprehensive study of the major components in JZS, and its results can be useful to standardize the quality control and provide a valuable reference for other CPMs.

Revealing the role of miRNA-489 as a new onco-suppressor factor in different cancers based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown to be potential therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic targets in disease therapy. These endogenous non-coding RNAs contribute to regulation of different cellular events that are necessary for maintaining physiological condition. Dysregulation of miRNAs is correlated with development of various pathological events such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. miRNA-489 is a new emerging miRNA and studies are extensively investigating its role in pathological conditions. Herein, potential function of miRNA-489 as tumor-suppressor in various cancers is described. miRNA-489 is able to sensitize cancer cells into chemotherapy by disrupting molecular pathways involved in cancer growth such as PI3K/Akt, and induction of apoptosis. The PROX1 and SUZ12 as oncogenic pathways, are affected by miRNA-489 in suppressing metastasis of cancer cells. Wnt/β-catenin as an oncogenic factor ensuring growth and malignancy of tumors is inhibited via miRNA-489 function. For enhancing drug sensitivity of tumors, restoring miRNA-489 expression is a promising strategy. The lncRNAs can modulate miRNA-489 expression in tumors and studies about circRNA role in miRNA-489 modulation should be performed. The expression level of miRNA-489 is a diagnostic tool for tumor detection. Besides, down-regulation of miRNA-489 in tumors provides unfavorable prognosis.

Maiwei Yangfei decoction prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Maiwei Yangfei (MWYF) is a compound Chinese herb that is safe and effective in the clinical setting in patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The aim of the present study was to assess the role of a (MWYF) decoction in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF mouse model and to investigate the underlying functional mechanism. Chemical components within the MWYF decoction were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 50 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of the following five groups with 10 mice per group: Control, model, low dose MWYF (20 g/kg), medium dose MWYF (40 g/kg) and high dose MWYF (60 g/kg). A mouse PF model was established by the tracheal instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg) prior to MWYF treatment, except for mice in the control group. After 21 days of treatment with MWYF, the mice were sacrificed and the body weights were recorded. In addition, pulmonary tissues and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid were collected. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, hydroxyproline, pyridinoline and collagen I levels were determined using ELISA. Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, TGF-β1, Smad3, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, collagen I and collagen III were determined using western blotting. Vimentin and α-SMA levels were also determined using immunofluorescence analysis. Collagens I and III were detected using immunohistochemical analysis and TGF-β1 and Smad3 levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Following treatment with MWYF decoction, the body weight of the mice in the PF group increased, the degree of pulmonary alveolitis and PF was reduced, collagen levels were reduced and the expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin were decreased. Although both protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were reduced, they remained higher than those observed in the control group. To conclude, MWYF decoction delayed the development of BLM-induced PF in mice, where the functional mechanism was likely associated with the TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway.

A phycocyanin derived eicosapeptide attenuates lung fibrosis development

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive respiratory disease. Phycocyanin derived eicosapeptide (PP20) is a novel peptide derived from active protein C-phycocyanin in Cyanobacteria. The aim of our study was to explore the anti-fibrotic activity of the PP20 and its underlying mechanism. Characteristic features of pulmonary fibrosis in oleic acid (OA)-induced mice and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TGF-β1-exposed A549 and HFL-1 cells with or without PP20 and the change of TGF-β/Smad and MAPK signaling pathways were examined. Smad and MAPK agonists were used to explore the role of TGF-β/Smad and MAPK signaling in TGF-β1- induced collagen I expression in A549 cells and α-SMA expression in HFL-1 cells when treated with PP20. Our results showed that PP20 significantly alleviated the inflammatory response and tissue destruction, inhibited EMT, restored the imbalance of TIMP-1/MMP-9 and reduced collagen fiber deposition. Moreover, PP20 inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT and collagen I expression in A549 cells. PP20 could also inhibit the proliferation, and decrease TGF-β1-induced the expression of collagen I and transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in HFL-1 cells. Additionally, animal experiments and cell experiments combined with pathway agonists have shown that PP20 can negatively regulate TGF-β/Smad and MAPK pathways and show anti-fibrotic properties. PP20 may be a promising drug candidate for protection against pulmonary fibrosis.

Protective Effect of Remdesivir Against Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

Pulmonary fibrosis is a known sequela of severe or persistent lung damage. Existing clinical, imaging and autopsy studies have shown that the lungs exhibit a pathological pulmonary fibrosis phenotype after infection with coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pulmonary fibrosis may be one of the most serious sequelae associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to examine the preventative effects of the antiviral drug remdesivir on pulmonary fibrosis. We used a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis to evaluate the effects of remdesivir on pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and further explored the potential pharmacological mechanisms of remdesivir in lung fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells in vitro. The preventive remdesivir treatment was started on the day of bleomycin installation, and the results showed that remdesivir significantly alleviated bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and improved pulmonary function. In vitro experiments showed that remdesivir dose-dependently suppressed TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast activation and improved TGF-β1-induced alveolar epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Our results indicate that remdesivir can preventatively alleviate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis and provide some reference for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with COVID-19.

Roles of Macrophage Polarization and Macrophage-Derived miRNAs in Pulmonary Fibrosis

This mini-review summarizes the current evidence for the role of macrophage activation and polarization in inflammation and immune response pertinent to interstitial lung disease, specifically pulmonary fibrosis. In the fibrosing lung, the production and function of inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators involved in the disease development have been reported to be regulated by the effects of polarized M1/M2 macrophage populations. The M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes were suggested to correspond with the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic signatures, respectively. These responses towards tissue injury followed by the development and progression of lung fibrosis are further regulated by macrophage-derived microRNAs (miRNAs). Besides cellular miRNAs, extracellular exosomal-miRNAs derived from M2 macrophages have also been proposed to promote the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. In a future perspective, harnessing the noncoding miRNAs with a key role in the macrophage polarization is, therefore, suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy for this debilitating disease.

Analysis of the Active Components and Mechanism of Three Prescriptions in the Treatment of COVID-19 Via Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Purpose: Prescriptions of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei (HSYF), Han-Shi-Zu-Fei (HSZF), and Yi-Du-Bi-Fei (YDBF) were effective in treating COVID-19. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, overlapping Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), their active components, and core targets were explored in this study. Methods: First, the overlapping TCMs and their active components were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) by evaluating Oral Bioactivity (OB) and Drug Likeness (DL). The overlapping targets of potential components and COVID-19 were collected by SwissTargetPrediction, Gene Cards, and Venn 2.1.0 databases. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were analyzed via DAVID6.8.1 database. Through comprehensive analysis of the “prescriptions-TCMs-components” (P-T-C), “components-targets-pathways” (C-T-P) and “protein–protein interaction” (PPI) networks constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, the active components and core targets were obtained. Finally, the binding energies of these components with ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 3CL were analyzed by AutDockTools-1.5.6 and PyMOL software. Results: In all, five overlapping TCMs, 40 potential active components, and 47 candidate targets were obtained and analyzed in these prescriptions. There were 288 GO entries ( P < 0.05), including 211 biological process (BP), 40 cell composition (CC), and 37 molecular function (MF) entries. Most of the 105 KEGG pathways ( P < 0.05) were involved with viral infection and inflammation. Through “PPI” and “C-T-P” networks, the core targets (EGFR, PTGS2, CDK2, GSK3B, PIK3R1, and MAPK3) and active components (Q27134551, acanthoside B, neohesperidin, and irisolidone) with high degrees were obtained. Molecular docking results showed that the above-mentioned four components could inhibit the binding of ACE2 and SARS-COV-2 3CL to protect against COVID-19. Conclusion: In this study, the active components and core targets of three prescriptions in the treatment of COVID-19 were elaborated by network pharmacology and molecular docking, providing a reference for their applications.

Pterostilbene alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by regulating ASIC2

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious chronic disease of the respiratory system, but its current treatment has certain shortcomings and adverse effects. In this study, we evaluate the antifibrotic activity of pterostilbene (PTE) using an in vitro IPF model induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.

METHODS

A549 and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were incubated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 to induce lung fibroblast activation. Then, 30 μmol/L of PTE was used to treat these cells. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and autophagy in cells were evaluated by western blot. Apoptosis was validated by flow cytometry analysis and western blot. Transcriptome high-throughput sequencing was performed on A549 cells incubated with TGF-β1 alone or TGF-β1 and PTE (TGF-β1 + PTE), and differentially expressed genes in PTE-treated cells were identified. The acid sensing ion channel subunit 2 (ASIC2) overexpression plasmid was used to rescue the protein levels of ASIC2 in A549 and AECs.

RESULTS

TGF-β1 caused EMT and ECM accumulation, and blocked the autophagy and apoptosis of A549 and AECs. Most importantly, 30 μmol/L of PTE inhibited pulmonary fibrosis induced by TGF-β1. Compared with TGF-β1, PTE inhibited EMT and ECM accumulation and rescued cell apoptosis and autophagy. The results of transcriptome high-throughput sequencing revealed that PTE greatly reduced the protein level of ASIC2. Compared with the TGF-β1 + PTE group, the transfection of ASIC2 overexpression plasmid stimulated the EMT and ECM accumulation and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting that PTE inhibited pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating ASIC2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that PTE and ASIC2 inhibitors may have potential as IPF treatments in the future.

Neohesperidin alleviated pathological damage and immunological imbalance in rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via inactivation of JNK and NF-κB p65

Neohesperidin (NEO) exerts antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antitumor effects in some diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of NEO on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Results indicated that NEO suppressed the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines, myocardial damage markers, and oxidative stress markers, and increased the levels of antioxidant in myocardial I/R rats. NEO also inhibited cell apoptosis. Besides, NEO also inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65. Furthermore, the protective effects of NEO on myocardial tissue damage, inflammatory cytokines, myocardial injury markers, oxidative stress markers, cell apoptosis, spleen, thymus and liver indices, and phagocytic indices were reversed by JNK activator and NF-κB activator, respectively. In conclusion, NEO alleviates myocardial damage, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and immunological imbalance in I/R injury via the inactivation of JNK and NF-κB, making NEO a potential agent for myocardial I/R therapy.

PM2.5 and water-soluble components induce airway fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in asthmatic rats

Epidemiological studies have suggested that fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and asthma have been independently associated with pulmonary fibrosis but rarely studied together. Furthermore, it is unknown whether airway fibrosis in asthma is more attributable to water-soluble ions of PM_2.5. Our current study was to explore the potential mechanism of PM_2.5 and water-soluble components on airway fibrosis in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized asthmatic rats. Rats were intratracheally instilled with PM_2.5 and water-soluble components every 3 days for 4 times or 8 times. Histopathological examination demonstrated that lung inflammatory and airway fibrosis were induced after PM_2.5 and water-soluble components exposure. Meanwhile, PM_2.5, in particular water-soluble extracts, increased expression of collagen 1 (COL-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad family member 3 (Smad3), and p-Smad3, whereas decreased secretion of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). However, pretreating asthmatic rats with SB432542, the inhibitor of TGF-β1, and SIS3 HCl, the antagonist of Smad3, both reversed the activation of airway fibrosis induced by water-soluble extracts. Therefore, TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway may be responsible for the pathological process of airway fibrosis in asthmatic rats following PM_2.5 and water-soluble components exposure.

Neohesperidin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via the ROS/JNK Signaling Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Neohesperidin has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts extensive therapeutic effects on various cancers. In this study, the osteosarcoma cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of neohesperidin. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by CCK-8 and colony-formation assays. The role of neohesperidin in cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting. To identify autophagosomes and autolysosomes, we used a tandem GFP-mRFP-LC3B lentiviral construct. In addition, autophagy was evaluated by examining autophagosome formation using transmission electron microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Subsequently, the activation of the ROS/JNK signaling pathway was investigated. Neohesperidin could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in SJSA and HOS cells. The formation of autophagosomes indicated that autophagy occurred in neohesperidin-treated cells and the apoptotic effect of neohesperidin was significantly increased after the use of autophagy inhibitors. Subsequently, we found that neohesperidin-induced apoptosis and autophagy were related to the increase in ROS generation and were significantly inhibited by GSH. Moreover, neohesperidin induced activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and inhibition of JNK with SP600125 attenuated neohesperidin-induced apoptosis and autophagy simultaneously. Our data indicated that neohesperidin caused G2/M phase arrest and induced apoptosis and autophagy by activating the ROS/JNK pathway in human osteosarcoma cells, suggesting that neohesperidin is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of osteosarcomas.

Neohesperidin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Osteoporosis is a common disease in aging populations. However, osteoporosis treatment is still challenging. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of neohesperidin (NEO) in osteoporosis progression and the potential mechanism.

Methods

Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and treated with different concentrations of NEO (0, 10, 30, 100 M). Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. RNA-sequencing was performed on the isolated BMSCs with control and NEO treatment. Differentially expressed genes were obtained by R software. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red staining (ARS) were performed to assess the osteogenic capacity of the NEO. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of osteoblast markers.

Western blot was used to evaluate the protein levels in BMSCs.

Results

NEO treatment significantly improved hBMSC proliferation at different time points, particularly when cells were incubated with 30 M NEO (P < 0.05). NEO dose-dependently increased the ALP activity and calcium deposition than the control group (P < 0.05). A total of 855 differentially expressed genes were identified according to the significance criteria of log₂ (fold change) > 1 and adj P < 0.05. DKK1 partially reversed the promotion effects of NEO on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. NEO increased levels of the -catenin protein in BMSCs.

Conclusion

NEO plays a positive role in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which was related with activation of Wnt/-catenin pathway.

Deglycosylated Azithromycin Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via the TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease characterized by the proliferation of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix that results in irreversible distortion of the lung structure and the formation of focal fibrosis. The molecular mechanism of IPF is not fully understood, and there is no satisfactory treatment. However, most studies suggest that abnormal activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can promote fibroblast activation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to induce pulmonary fibrosis. Deglycosylated azithromycin (Deg-AZM) is a compound we previously obtained by removing glycosyls from azithromycin; it was demonstrated to exert little or no antibacterial effects. Here, we discovered a new function of Deg-AZM in pulmonary fibrosis. In vivo experiments showed that Deg-AZM could significantly reduce bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and restore respiratory function. Further study revealed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Deg-AZM in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that Deg-AZM inhibited TGF-β1 signaling, weakened the activation and differentiation of lung fibroblasts, and inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells. In conclusion, our findings show that Deg-AZM exerts antifibrotic effects by inhibiting TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast activation and EMT.

Suppression of palmitic acid-induced hepatic oxidative injury by neohesperidin-loaded pectin-chitosan decorated nanoliposomes

The biological activity of neohesperidin (NH, a flavanone glycoside) is limited due to instability in the physiological environment. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the protective effect of NH-loaded pectin-chitosan decorated liposomes (P-CH-NH-NL) against palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic oxidative injury in L02 cells. The particles were characterized using DLS, TEM, HPLC, DSC, and cellular uptake study. Then, the protective effect of NH-loaded liposomal systems (NH-NLs) against PA-induced oxidative injury was evaluated in terms of cell viability study, intracellular ROS, superoxide ions (O₂^-), MMP, and cellular GSH determination. Our results exhibited that NH-NLs significantly lessened the PA-induced hepatic oxidative injury in L02 cells via decreasing ROS and O₂^- generation, reducing MMP collapse, and attenuating GSH reduction, whereas the free NH samples were ineffective. Furthermore, the coated NH-NLs were more effective than that of uncoated nanoliposome. Overall, our study confirmed that P-CH-NH-NL was capable of reducing PA-induced hepatic oxidative injury. Therefore, the pectin-chitosan decorated nanoliposome can be considered as an efficient delivery system for enhancing cellular uptake of lipophilic compound with controlled release and greater biological activity.

Pulmonary fibrosis: Therapeutic and mechanistic insights into the role of phytochemicals

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the devastating consequence of various inflammatory diseases of the lung. PF leads to a reduction of lung function, respiratory failure, and death. Several molecular pathways are involved in PF, such as inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), tumor necrosis factor β1 (TNFβ1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 4 (IL-4), reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteases, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Targeting these processes involved in the progression of PF is essential for the treatment of this disease. Natural products, including plant extracts and active compound that directly target the processes involved in PF, could be suitable therapeutic options with less adverse effects. In the present study, we reviewed the protective effects and the therapeutic role of various bioactive compounds from plants in PF management.

The effects of carbon monoxide releasing molecules on paraquat-induced pulmonary interstitial inflammation and fibrosis

Paraquat, an herbicide used extensively worldwide, can cause severe toxicity in humans and animals, leading to irreversible, lethal lung fibrosis. The potential of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs), substances that release CO (Carbon monoxide) within animal tissues, for treating paraquat-induced ROS generation and inflammation is investigated here. Our results show that the fast CO releaser CORM-3 (4-20 μM) acts as a potential scavenger of free radicals and decreases fibrosis progression by inhibiting paraquat-induced overexpression of connective tissue growth factor and angiotensin II in MRC-5 cells. The slow CO releaser CORM-A1 (5 mg/kg) clearly decreased expression of the lung profibrogenic cytokines COX-2, TNF-α, and α-SMA and serum hydroxyproline, resulting in a lower mortality rate in paraquat-treated mice. Mice treated with higher-dose CORM-A1 (10 mg/kg) had relatively intact lung lobes and fewer fibrotic patches by gross observation, with less collagen deposition, mesangial matrix accumulation, and pulmonary fibrosis resulting from the mitigation of TGF-β overexpression. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time that CORM-A1 alleviated the development of the fibrotic process and improved survival rate in mice exposed to PQ, would be an attractive therapeutic approach to attenuate the progression of pulmonary fibrosis following PQ exposure.

Citrus Alkaline Extracts Inhibit Senescence of A549 Cells to Alleviate Pulmonary Fibrosis via the β-Catenin/P53 Pathway

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease related to aging, which has become increasingly prevalent as the population has aged. However, there remains no effective treatment for the disease. Alveolar epithelial type II cell (AEC II) senescence plays an important role in the occurrence and development of IPF. Therefore, enhancing our understanding of aging AEC IIs might facilitate the development of a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of IPF. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of citrus alkaline extracts (CAE) on senescence in A549 cells and elucidate the mechanism by which CAE function. MATERIAL AND METHODS Adriamycin RD (ARD) induces the senescence of A549 cells. Relevant indicators were identified following administration of 3 concentrations of CAE (50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL) to A549 cells. RESULTS CAE inhibited senescence in ARD-induced A549 cells. It inhibited p16, p21, p53, and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and reduced expression of the senescence-related positive cells of ß-galactosidase. Further study revealed that activation of the ß-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with p53. CAE inhibited senescence in A549 cells via the ß-catenin/p53 pathway. Further, inhibition of b-catenin was associated with reduced expression levels of p53 and p21, and the anti-aging effects of CAE were enhanced. When expression of p53 was inhibited, expression levels of ß-catenin also tended to decrease. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study showed that CAE can inhibit aging in A549 cells to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis, and thus limit the secretion of the extracellular matrix and collagen in lung fibroblasts.

Sex Effect on Cardiac Damage in Mice With Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Recent clinical study suggested that MS patient exhibited acute heart failure. Further, 12-lead electrocardiographic study showed a longer QTc interval in both MS patient and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) Lewis rat. However, there is limited study regarding the effect of sex on cardiac injury in EAE. To our knowledge, sex effect on cardiac damage in mice with EAE has not yet been published. Herein, we examined the role of the immune system in mediating cardiac dysfunction after EAE in female and male mice. Neurological function was subsequently evaluated and cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at multiple time points after EAE. EAE mice exhibited severe neurological deficit and significant cardiac dysfunction, including decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) at 1 and 2 months after EAE induction. Meanwhile male EAE presented increased expression of the oxidative stress (e.g., nicotinamaide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2; NOX-2) in heart, as well as cardiac hypertrophy, increased left ventricle (LV) mass and more severe cardiac fibrosis compared with male control mice. In addition, male EAE mice showed significantly increased cardiac canonical inflammatory mediator (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; MCP-1, transforming growth factor-β; TGF-β and toll-like receptor 2; TLR-2) compared with female EAE mice at 2 months after EAE induction. In conclusion, EAE increases inflammatory factor expression and aggravates cardiac dysfunction in male mice compared with female mice, which may contribute to different cardiac outcome in EAE mice.

Astragaloside IV alleviates silica‑induced pulmonary fibrosis via inactivation of the TGF‑β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of astragaloside IV (ASV) in silicosis rats, and to further explore the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. A silica-induced rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was successfully constructed. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess the expression levels of Collagen I, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). A hemocytometer and Giemsa staining were used to evaluate the cytological characteristics of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. ELISA was used to detect the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes associated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway. ASV alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and reduced the expression of collagen I, fibronectin and α-SMA. In addition, the results of the present study suggested that the ASV-mediated anti-pulmonary fibrosis response may involve reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. More importantly, ASV suppressed silica-induced lung fibroblast fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the progression of silicosis. In conclusion, the present study indicated that ASV may prevent silicosis-induced fibrosis by reducing the expression of Collagen I, fibronectin and α-SMA, and reducing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and these effects may be mediated by inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

β-Selective Glycosylation Using Axial-Rich and 2-O-Rhamnosylated Glucosyl Donors Controlled by the Protecting Pattern of the Second Sugar

Herein, we describe two counterexamples of the previously reported β/α-selectivity of 96/4 for glycosylation using ethyl 2-O-[2,3,4-tris-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-3,4,6-tris-O-TBS-thio-β-D-glucopyranoside as the glycosyl donor. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of protecting group on the rhamnose moieties in the glycosylation with cholestanol and revealed that β-selectivity originated from the two TBS groups at the 3-O and 4-O positions of rhamnose. In contrast, the TBS group at the 2-O position of rhamnose hampered the β-selectivity. Finally, the β/α-selectivity during the glycosylation was enhanced to ≥99/1. The results obtained herein suggest that the protecting groups on the sugar connected to the 2-O of a glycosyl donor with axial-rich conformation can control the stereoselectivity of glycosylation.

Inhibiting TGF-[Formula: see text] 1-Mediated Cellular Processes as an Effective Strategy for the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis with Chinese Herbal Medicines

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and irreversible interstitial lung disease that even threatens the lives of some patients infected with COVID-19. PF is a multicellular pathological process, including the initial injuries of epithelial cells, recruitment of inflammatory cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, activation and differentiation of fibroblasts, etc. TGF-[Formula: see text]1 acts as a key effect factor that participates in these cellular processes of PF. Recently, much attention was paid to inhibiting TGF-[Formula: see text]1 mediated cell processes in the treatment of PF with Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, this review first summarized the effects of TGF-[Formula: see text]1 in different cellular processes of PF. Then, this review summarized the recent research on CHM (compounds, multi-components, single medicines and prescriptions) to directly and/or indirectly inhibit TGF-[Formula: see text]1 signaling (TLRs, PPARs, micrRNA, etc.) in PF. Most of the research focused on CHM natural compounds, including but not limited to alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and terpenes. After review, the research perspectives of CHM on TGF-[Formula: see text]1 inhibition in PF were further discussed. This review hopes that revealing the inhibiting effects of CHM on TGF-[Formula: see text]1-mediated cellular processes of PF can promote CHM to be better understood and utilized, thus transforming the therapeutic activities of CHM into practice.

Citrus Flavonoids as Promising Phytochemicals Targeting Diabetes and Related Complications: A Systematic Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The consumption of plant-based food is important for health promotion, especially concerning the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Flavonoids are the main bioactive compounds in citrus fruits, with multiple beneficial effects, especially antidiabetic effects. We systematically review the potential antidiabetic action and molecular mechanisms of citrus flavonoids based on in vitro and in vivo studies. A search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases for articles published since 2010 was carried out using the keywords citrus, flavonoid, and diabetes. All articles identified were analyzed, and data were extracted using a standardized form. The search identified 38 articles, which reported that 19 citrus flavonoids, including 8-prenylnaringenin, cosmosiin, didymin, diosmin, hesperetin, hesperidin, isosiennsetin, naringenin, naringin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, poncirin, quercetin, rhoifolin, rutin, sineesytin, sudachitin, tangeretin, and xanthohumol, have antidiabetic potential. These flavonoids regulated biomarkers of glycemic control, lipid profiles, renal function, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes, and modulated signaling pathways related to glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its related complications. Citrus flavonoids, therefore, are promising antidiabetic candidates, while their antidiabetic effects remain to be verified in forthcoming human studies.

Surface decoration of neohesperidin-loaded nanoliposome using chitosan and pectin for improving stability and controlled release

The aim of this study was to improve the physicochemical stability of neohesperidin (NH) using nanoliposomal encapsulation in association with surface decoration strategy employing chitosan (CH) and pectin (P). Different nanoliposomal systems, i.e. NH-loaded nanoliposome (NH-NL), CH-coated NH-NL (CH-NH-NL), and P-coated CH-NH-NL (P-CH-NH-NL) were characterized through DLS, HPLC, TEM, and FTIR. The results confirmed good encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and successful layer formation with nano-sized and spherical carrier. Both CH-NL and P-CH-NL exhibited better physicochemical stability than NL under storage, thermal, pH, ionic, UV, oxidative, and serum conditions. In vitro mucin adsorption study revealed that CH-NL (60%) was more effective in mucoadhesion followed by P-CH-NL (46%) and NL (41%). Furthermore, P-CH-NL showed better performance in NH retention under different food simulants compared to CH-NH-NL and NH-NL, in which the release was mainly governed by the diffusion process. Thus, the P-CH conjugated nanoliposome could be a promising nano-carrier for neohesperidin.

Neohesperidin attenuates obesity by altering the composition of the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice

Obesity and related metabolic disorders are associated with intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, disrupted intestinal barrier, and chronic inflammation. Neohesperidin (Neo), a natural polyphenol abundant in citrus fruits, is known for its preventative and therapeutic effects on numerous diseases. Here, we report that Neo administration attenuates weight gain, low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance in mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). Also, Neo administration substantially restores gut barrier damage, metabolic endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in fecal samples revealed that Neo administration reverses HFD-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis: an increase in the diversity of gut microbiota and alteration in the composition of intestinal microbiota (particularly in the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes). Furthermore, systemic antibiotic treatment abolishes the beneficial effects of Neo in body weight control, suggesting that the effect of Neo on obesity attenuation largely depends on the gut microbiota. More importantly, we demonstrate that the impact of Neo on the regulation of obesity could be transferred from Neo-treated mice to HFD-fed mice via fecal microbiota transplantation. Collectively, our data highlight the efficacy of Neo as a prebiotic agent for attenuating obesity, implying a potential mechanism for gut microbiota mediated the beneficial effect of Neo.

Myricetin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting TGF-β signaling via targeting HSP90β

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive-fibrosing lung disease with high mortality and limited therapy, which characterized by myofibroblasts proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Myricetin, a natural flavonoid, has been shown to possess a variety of biological characteristics including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. In this study we explored the potential effect and mechanisms of myricetin on pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and vitro. The in vivo studies showed that myricetin effectively alleviated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. KEGG analysis of RNA-seq data indicated that myricetin could regulate the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway. In vitro studies indicated that myricetin could dose-dependently suppress TGF-β1/Smad signaling and attenuate TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Molecular docking indicated that heat shock protein (HSP) 90β may be a potential target of myricetin, and MST assay demonstrated that the dissociation constant (Kd) of myricetin and HSP90β was 331.59 nM. We demonstrated that myricetin interfered with the binding of HSP90β and TGF-β receptor II and impeded fibroblast activation and EMT. In conclusion, myricetin impedes TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast activation and EMT via targeting HSP90β and attenuates BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Rhubarb and Astragalus Capsule Attenuates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Rats with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction by Alleviating Apoptosis through Regulating Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (TGF-β1)/p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (p38 MAPK) Pathway

BACKGROUND Rhubarb and astragalus capsule (RAC) has been used in the clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease for decades. However, the mechanism of RAC has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of RAC on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal interstitial fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The main components of RAC are detected by high-performance liquid phase (HPLC). A rat model of UUO was established, and a subset of rats underwent treatment with RAC. Renal function and renal pathology were examined at 14 days and 21 days after the UUO operation. Renal cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. The levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in the kidney were examined by western blotting, and the levels of collagen I, alpha-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, and p38 MAPK in the kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS High-performance liquid phase chromatography showed that RAC contained 1.12 mg/g aloe-emodin, 2.25 mg/g rhein, 1.75 mg/g emodin, and 4.50 mg/g chrysophanol. Administration of RAC significantly decreased the levels of urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Scr) and also reduced renal tissue damages and interstitial fibrosis induced by UUO in rats. Moreover, the increased levels of collagen I, alpha-SMA, TGF-ß1, p38 MAPK, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as cell apoptosis in the kidney, were induced by UUO, and were all found deceased by RAC treatment. CONCLUSIONS RAC can improve the renal interstitial fibrosis induced by UUO, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of renal tubular cell apoptosis via TGF-ß1/p38 MAPK pathway.