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Yu CY, Cong YJ, Wei JX, Guo BL, Liu CY, Liao YH. Pulmonary delivery of icariin-phospholipid complex prolongs lung retention and improves therapeutic efficacy in mice with acute lung injury/ARDS. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 241:113989. [PMID: 38838444 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Icariin has been shown the promising therapeutic potential to treat inflammatory airway diseases, yet its poor lung distribution and retention restrict the clinical applications. To this end, this work aimed to prepare an icariin-phospholipid complex (IPC) formulation for sustained nebulization delivery that enabled excellent inhalability, improved lung exposure and prolonged duration of action. Icariin was found to react with soybean phospholipid to form supramolecular IPC, which was able to self-assemble into nanoparticle suspension. The suspension was stable during steam sterilization and nebulization processes, and its aerosols generated by a commercial nebulizer exhibited excellent aerodynamic properties and delivery efficiency. In vitro studies showed that the formation of complex sustained drug release, enhanced lung affinity and slowed lung clearance. The drug distribution in lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) also demonstrated in vivo sustained release after intratracheal administration to mice. In addition, compared to free icariin, IPC improved the drug exposure to lung tissues and immune cells in the ELF by 4.61-fold and 39.5-fold, respectively. This resulted in improved and prolonged local anti-inflammatory effects up to 24 h in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. Moreover, IPC improved survival rate of mice with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Overall, the present phospholipid complex represented a promising formulation of icariin for the treatment of acute lung injury/ARDS by nebulization delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yi-Jun Cong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jia-Xing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Bao-Lin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Chun-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yong-Hong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151 Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Guo J, Zhang QY, Xu L, Li M, Sun QY. Icariin ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via complement C5a-C5aR1 and TLR4 signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111802. [PMID: 38467082 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute respiratory-related progressive disorder, which lacks specific pharmacotherapy. Icariin (ICA) has been shown to be effective in treating ALI. However, the targets and pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of ICA in the treatment of ALI are relatively lacking. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, the gene functions and potential target pathways of ICA in the treatment of ALI were determined. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of ICA were verified by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative Real-time PCR, and Western blot in LPS-induced ALI mice. The biological processes targeted by ICA in the treatment of ALI included the pathological changes, inflammatory response, and cell signal transduction. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experimental results revealed that ICA inhibited the complement C5a-C5aR1 axis, TLR4 mediated NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways related gene and protein expressions, and decreased inflammatory cytokine, chemokine, adhesion molecule expressions, and mitochondrial apoptosis in LPS-induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China; School of Chinese Ethnic Medicine, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qi-Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Lin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Min Li
- General Ward, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China.
| | - Qian-Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China.
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Shi Q, Li Z, Dong Y, Yang G, Li M. LncRNA THRIL, transcriptionally activated by AP-1 and stabilized by METTL14-mediated m6A modification, accelerates LPS-evoked acute injury in alveolar epithelial cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110740. [PMID: 37543013 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) and its extreme manifestation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are life-threatening diseases in intensive care units. LncRNA THRIL plays a crucial role in regulating the inflammatory response; however, the potential function of THRIL in ALI/ARDS and the associated mechanism remain unclear. In our study, we found that THRIL was upregulated in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients, and its increased expression was positively correlated with the inflammatory cytokines IL-17. In LPS-induced A549 cells, knockdown of THRIL inhibited the release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, and IL-6, decreased the number of monodansylcadaverine-positive cells and LC3-II with immunofluorescence staining, decreased the expression of autophagy marker ATG7 and Beclin1, and increased expression of p62. Mechanistically, the transcription factor AP-1 bound directly to the THRIL promoter region and activated its transcription by c-Jun upon LPS exposure. Moreover, m6A modification of THRIL was increased in LPS-treated A549 cells, and METTL14 knockdown significantly abolished m6A modification and reduced stabilization of THRIL mRNA. In conclusion, our findings reveal that THRIL, transcriptionally activated by AP-1 and modified by METTL14-mediated m6A modification, induces autophagy in LPS-treated A549 cells, suggesting the potential application of THRIL for ALI/ARDS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiliang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yixin Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guigui Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Peng F, Han Z, Chen H, Zhang Q, Liu C, Liang X. The Effects of Treatment with Icariin on Immune Tolerance in the Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Mice. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2794-2804. [PMID: 36890410 PMCID: PMC10480255 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is the most common pregnancy-related complication, affecting 1-5% of pregnancies. Currently, immune imbalance at the maternal-fetal interface is one of the main causes of recurrent abortion. Icariin (ICA) can exert immunomodulatory effects in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, it has not been reported for use in recurrent abortion. In this study, to clarify the effects and mechanisms of ICA for recurrent abortion, female mice CBA/J were randomly divided into Normal group, RSA group and RSA + ICA group. From 0.5 days of pregnancy to 12.5 days, the RSA + ICA group was subjected to orally ICA (50 mg/Kg) daily, and the Normal group and the RSA group were given with an equal volume of distilled water. The results showed the amount of reabsorbed embryo in the RSA group was significantly higher than that in the normal-pregnancy group. However, ICA treatment showed a rescue effect on spontaneous abortion in RSA mice. ICA was able to increase the ratio of the labyrinth to total placental area in abortion-prone model. Further investigation showed that ICA treatment can expand the regulatory T cell (Treg) population in mice prone to abortion, significantly decrease the populations of Th1 cells, and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, ICA treatment was able to decrease the expression of mechanical target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the placenta. ICA may increase Treg cell expansion and reducing pro-inflammatory factors expression via the mTOR pathway, then reducing placental inflammation and improving pregnancy outcomes in abortion-prone mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Peng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongyu Han
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinxiu Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Renal Disease Clinical Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Xin Liang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Jin H, Zhou Y, Ye J, Qiu C, Jin W, Wang L. Icariin Improves Glucocorticoid Resistance in a Murine Model of Asthma with Depression Associated with Enhancement of GR Expression and Function. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:262-272. [PMID: 35850481 PMCID: PMC9940992 DOI: 10.1055/a-1902-4244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Icariin, a flavonoid glycoside isolated from Epimedium brevicornum, exerts a variety of biological activities. However, its effects on depression-induced glucocorticoid resistance in asthma and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, a murine model of asthma with depression was established by exposure to ovalbumin combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress, and icariin was given orally during ovalbumin challenge and chronic unpredictable mild stress exposure. Depression-like behaviors were assessed by the open field test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. The characteristic features of allergic asthma, including airway hyperreactivity, histopathology, inflammatory cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and immunoglobulin E and corticosterone levels in serum, were examined. Following splenocyte isolation in vitro, the inhibitory effects of corticosterone on the proliferation and cytokine secretion of splenocytes, glucocorticoid receptor DNA-binding activity, and expression of p-glucocorticoid receptor s226, glucocorticoid receptor α, and p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in splenocytes were determined. We found that icariin had limited effects on depression-like behaviors, however, it markedly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammatory infiltration in lung tissues, levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and immunoglobulin E in serum. Furthermore, icariin improved the inhibitory effects of corticosterone on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated splenocytes, increased the glucocorticoid receptor expression and glucocorticoid receptor DNA-binding activity, and inhibited the phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptors S226 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Taken together, icariin improved glucocorticoid resistance in a murine model of asthma with depression associated with enhancement of glucocorticoid receptor function and glucocorticoid receptor expression, and its effects on the glucocorticoid receptor function were related to decreased phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptors S226 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualiang Jin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenhui Qiu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weizhong Jin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peopleʼs Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Cai J, Wang YL, Sheng XD, Zhang L, Lv X. Shufeng Jiedu capsule inhibits inflammation and apoptosis by activating A2AAR and inhibiting NF-κB to alleviate LPS-induced ALI. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115661. [PMID: 36002086 PMCID: PMC9392900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC) is a pure form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that contains eight medicinal plants. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, it is mostly used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and other infectious diseases, such as colds, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Both acute lung injury (ALI) and COVID-19 are closely related to lung damage, primarily manifesting as lung inflammation and epithelial cell damage. However, whether SFJDC can improve ALI and by what mechanism remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore whether SFJDC could be used as a prophylactic treatment for COVID-19 by improving acute lung injury. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to determine whether SFJDC could protect against ALI caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and we wanted to determine how SFJDC reduces inflammation and apoptosis pharmacologically and molecularly. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preadministering SFJDC at 0.1 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, or 0.5 g/kg for one week was followed by 5 mg/kg LPS to induce ALI in mice. Observations included the study of lung histomorphology, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion, as well as the ratio of lung wet/dry weights. In addition, RAW264.7 cells were treated for 24 h with 1 μg/mL LPS after being pretreated for 1 h with 0.5 mg/mL SFJDC. In the samples, we detected TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Cell apoptosis was detected by stimulating A549 cells for 24 h with RAW264.7 supernatant. Both in vitro and in vivo, the levels of A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR), PKA, IκB, p-IκB, NF-κB P65 (P65), p-NF-κB P65 (p-P65), cleaved caspases-3 (Cc3), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins were determined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS Lung tissue morphology was improved as SFJDC decreased cytokine secretion, the ratio of lung wet/dry weights, and lung tissue secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The expression of A2AAR was increased by SFJDC, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB was inhibited. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry showed that SFJDC inhibited apoptosis by reducing the expression of Cc3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, SFJDC can reduce inflammation and inhibit apoptosis. A2AAR activation and regulation of NF-κB expression are thought to make SFJDC anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic. A wide range of active ingredients may result in an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect with SFJDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Cai
- Institute of Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Yu-Lian Wang
- Institute of Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Sheng
- Institute of Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Institute of Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunological Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China.
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7
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Wang Y, Jin X, Fan Q, Li C, Zhang M, Wang Y, Wu Q, Li J, Liu X, Wang S, Wang Y, Li L, Ling J, Li C, Wang Q, Liu Y. Deciphering the Active Compounds and Mechanisms of HSBDF for Treating ALI via Integrating Chemical Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:879268. [PMID: 35721141 PMCID: PMC9201258 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.879268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Huashi Baidu Formula (HSBDF), a key Chinese medical drug, has a remarkable clinical efficacy in treating acute lung injury (ALI), and it has been officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China for drug clinical trials. Nevertheless, the regulated mechanisms of HSBDF and its active compounds in plasma against ALI were rarely studied. Based on these considerations, the key anti-inflammatory compounds of HSBDF were screened by molecular docking and binding free energy. The key compounds were further identified in plasma by LC/MS. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the potential regulatory mechanism of the key compounds in plasma. Next, the network pharmacological prediction was validated by a series of experimental assays, including CCK-8, EdU staining, test of TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, and T-SOD, and flow cytometry, to identify active compounds. Molecular dynamic simulation and binding interaction patterns were used to evaluate the stability and affinity between active compounds and target. Finally, the active compounds were subjected to predict pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular docking revealed that HSBDF had potential effects of inhibiting inflammation by acting on IL-6R and TNF-α. Piceatannol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, physcion, luteolin, and quercetin were key compounds that may ameliorate ALI, and among which, there were five compounds (emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, luteolin, and quercetin) in plasma. Network pharmacology results suggested that five key compounds in plasma likely inhibited ALI by regulating inflammation and oxidative damage. Test performed in vitro suggested that HSBDF (0.03125 mg/ml), quercetin (1.5625 μM), emodin (3.125 μM), and rhein (1.5625 μM) have anti-inflammatory function against oxidative damage and decrease apoptosis in an inflammatory environment by LPS-stimulation. In addition, active compounds (quercetin, emodin, and rhein) had good development prospects, fine affinity, and stable conformations with the target protein. In summary, this study suggested that HSBDF and its key active components in plasma (quercetin, emodin, and rhein) can decrease levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), decrease expression of MDA, increase expression of T-SOD, and decrease cell apoptosis in an inflammatory environment. These data suggest that HSBDF has significant effect on anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress and also can decrease cell apoptosis in treating ALI. These findings provided an important strategy for developing new agents and facilitated clinical use of HSBDF against ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Wang
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Jin
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin Fan
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qingfeng Wu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiuzhu Liu
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Li
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia Ling
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaoxin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medical and Transformation, Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, Lanzhou, China
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Luo Z, Dong J, Wu J. Impact of Icariin and its derivatives on inflammatory diseases and relevant signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108861. [PMID: 35597118 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Herba Epimedii is a famous herb collected from China and Korea. It has been used for impotency, osteoporosis, and amnestic treatment for thousands of years. Icariin, a typical flavonoid compound isolated from Herba Epimedii, was reported as a potential anti-inflammatory drug. Icariside and icaritin are the two metabolites of icariin. Icariin and its metabolites have been used to treat a wide range of inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, depression, osteoarthritis, and asthma. They exert powerful suppression of proinflammatory signaling, such as NF-κB and MAPKs. More importantly, they can upregulate anti-inflammatory signaling, such as GR and Nrf2. In this study, we review the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of icariin and its metabolites in inflammatory diseases and provide novel insights into these potential anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuyu Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China.
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China.
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Du W, Tang Z, Yang F, Liu X, Dong J. Icariin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting Hippo/YAP pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112152. [PMID: 34536758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a manifestation of the progression of interstitial pulmonary disease. Icariin (ICA) has been found to exhibit protective effects on multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, liver, heart, and renal fibrosis. Here, a systemic pharmacological study was designed to investigate whether ICA treatment alleviates bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The rat pulmonary fibrosis model was constructed by non-invasive endotracheal intubation instillation of BLM to observe the intervention effects of ICA on pulmonary fibrosis in the whole process of inflammation and fibrosis. ICA reduced the collagen deposition and inflammation induced by BLM in rat. The comparative RNA-sequencing was conducted to analyze the lung gene expression profiles in rat. KEGG analysis indicated that most of the genes were enriched in Hippo pathway, NF-κB pathway, and B-cell receptor signaling pathway, etc. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of YAP was significantly elevated in the model group and decreased in the ICA treatment group. Taken together, the anti-fibrotic effect of ICA appears to be mediated by its inhibitory of YAP, which is the core transcriptional regulator of Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Tang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyong Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xijun Liu
- Agricultural Products Quality and Safety Supervision, Inspection and Testing Center of Shantou, Shantou, China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Li J, Zhao P, Tian Y, Li K, Zhang L, Guan Q, Mei X, Qin Y. The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Combination of Five Compounds From Five Chinese Herbal Medicines Used in the Treatment of COPD. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709702. [PMID: 34776947 PMCID: PMC8578279 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective compound combination (ECC; i.e, 20-S-ginsenoside Rh1, astragaloside, icariin, nobiletin, and paeonol), derived from Chinese herbal medicine, significantly ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rats; however, the underlying mechanisms of ECC remain largely unclear. In this study, network pharmacology analysis integrated with experimental validation was used to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of ECC against COPD. ECC targets and COPD genes and targets were identified from multiple databases, and then used for an analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and biological functioning. BisoGenet was used to comprehensively analyze the hub-network. We validated the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of ECC both in vivo and in vitro. We identified 45 ECC targets, which were mainly related to inflammatory processes, such as the NOD-like and NF-kappa B signaling pathways, hematopoietic cell lineage, Th17 cell differentiation, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, and interleukin-8 secretion. In addition, 1180 COPD genes and 70 COPD targets were identified as being involved in the biological functions associated with COPD development, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the TNF signaling pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, and positive regulation of leukocyte migration. Integrative analysis of COPD genes and targets and ECC target networks revealed that 54 genes were mainly involved in the inflammatory process, such as IL-17 signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, innate immune response-activating signal transduction, and macrophage cell differentiation. Six targets (AR, ESR1, HNRNPA1, PAPR1, TP53, and VCAM1) contained in the hub-network and their four related compounds were obtained and recognized as the key molecules associated with the effects of ECC. Molecular docking validation demonstrated that four compounds could bind to six targets that interact with COPD genes. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments verified that ECC treatment ameliorated the symptoms of COPD in rats by improving their lung function, reducing pathological changes, and suppressing oxidative responses and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, while inhibiting inflammation in LPS-induced macrophages, which may be associated with NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling regulation. This study demonstrates the therapeutic mechanisms and effects of ECC on COPD via regulation of the underlying inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansheng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yange Tian
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kangchen Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lanxi Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingzhou Guan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Mei
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanqin Qin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Xu G, Wan H, Yi L, Chen W, Luo Y, Huang Y, Liu X. Berberine administrated with different routes attenuates inhaled LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome through TLR4/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 inhibition. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174349. [PMID: 34284014 PMCID: PMC8285933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence showed that berberine possessed the anti-inflammatory action in various diseases caused by inflammation. However, it was still unclear whether both inhalation and injection with berberine produced pulmonary protective role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of both administration routes including inhalation and injection with berberine in ARDS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation. Histopathological examination and weight of lung were evaluated. Phosphorylation of NF-κB, JAK2 and STAT3 were measured to assess the activity of inflammation related signaling pathways. Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were also detected. The results showed that LPS caused the lung injury, while both administration routes with berberine attenuated the injury and improved the pulmonary morphology. In addition, the primary TLR4/NF-κB and secondary JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways which were activated by LPS in lung were totally inhibited by berberine administration. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines in both BALF and serum were decreased by berberine. Considering that molecular docking simulation indicated that berberine could bind with TLR4, the present suggested that the inhibition of the inflammation related TLR4/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways might be involved in the pulmonary protective effect of berberine in LPS-induced ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Xu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China.
| | - Huiqi Wan
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China
| | - Litao Yi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian province, PR China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China
| | - Youhua Luo
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China
| | - Yiqi Huang
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Xiamen Medicine Research Institute, Xiamen, 361008, Fujian province, PR China
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Li Z, Paulin D, Lacolley P, Coletti D, Agbulut O. Vimentin as a target for the treatment of COVID-19. BMJ Open Respir Res 2020; 7:7/1/e000623. [PMID: 32913008 PMCID: PMC7482103 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others propose vimentin as a possible cellular target for the treatment of COVID-19. This innovative idea is so recent that it requires further attention and debate. The significant role played by vimentin in virus-induced infection however is well established: (1) vimentin has been reported as a co-receptor and/or attachment site for SARS-CoV; (2) vimentin is involved in viral replication in cells; (3) vimentin plays a fundamental role in both the viral infection and the consequent explosive immune-inflammatory response and (4) a lower vimentin expression is associated with the inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and fibrosis. Moreover, the absence of vimentin in mice makes them resistant to lung injury. Since vimentin has a twofold role in the disease, not only being involved in the viral infection but also in the associated life-threatening lung inflammation, the use of vimentin-targeted drugs may offer a synergistic advantage as compared with other treatments not targeting vimentin. Consequently, we speculate here that drugs which decrease the expression of vimentin can be used for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 and advise that several Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs be immediately tested in clinical trials against SARS-CoV-2, thus broadening therapeutic options for this type of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Li
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm U1164, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France
| | - Denise Paulin
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm U1164, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Lacolley
- Inserm, UMR_S 1116, DCAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, Lorraine, France
| | - Dario Coletti
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm U1164, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France.,Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Histology & Medical Embryology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Onnik Agbulut
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm U1164, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France
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