Daidzein ameliorates LPS-induced hepatocyte injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Research progress on the role and inhibitors of Keap1 signaling pathway in inflammation

Inflammation is a protective mechanism against endogenous and exogenous pathogens. It is a typical feature of numerous chronic diseases and their complications. Keap1 is an essential target in oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases. Among them, the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway (including Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1) is the most significant pathway of Keap1 targets, which participates in the control of inflammation in multiple organs (including renal inflammation, lung inflammation, liver inflammation, neuroinflammation, etc.). Identifying new Keap1 inhibitors is crucial for new drug discovery. However, most drugs have specificity issues as they covalently bind to cysteine residues of Keap1, causing off-target effects. Therefore, direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 PPIs is a new research idea. Through non-electrophilic and non-covalent binding, its inhibitors have better specificity and ability to activate Nrf2, and targeting therapy against Keap1-Nrf2 PPIs has become a new method for drug development in chronic diseases. This review summarizes the members and downstream genes of the Keap1-related pathway and their roles in inflammatory disease models. In addition, we summarize all the research progress of anti-inflammatory drugs targeting Keap1 from 2010 to 2024, mainly describing their biological functions, molecular mechanisms of action, and therapeutic roles in inflammatory diseases.

Unlocking daidzein's healing power: Present applications and future possibilities in phytomedicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and a great threat to people around the world. Cancer treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The best approach is to use a combination of several types. Among the treatment methods mentioned above, chemotherapy is frequently used, but its activity is hampered by the development of drug resistance and many side effects. In this regard, the use of medicinal plants has been discussed, and in recent decades, the use of isolated phytochemicals came into the focus of interest. By critically evaluating the available evidence and emphasizing the unique perspective offered by this review, we provide insights into the potential of daidzein as a promising therapeutic agent, as well as outline future research directions to optimize its efficacy in clinical settings.

PURPOSE

To summarized the therapeutic potential of daidzein, an isoflavone phytoestrogen in the management of several human diseases with the focuses on the current status and future prospects as a therapeutic agent.

METHODS

Several search engines, including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ScienceDirect, were used, with the search terms "daidzein", "daidzein therapeutic potential", or individual effects. The study included all peer-reviewed articles. However, the most recent publications were given priority.

RESULTS

Daidzein showed protective effects against malignant diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer but also non-malignant diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Daidzein activates multiple signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as well as antioxidant and anti-metastatic effects in malignant cells. Moreover, the anticancer effects against different cancer cells were more prominent and discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, daidzein represents a promising compound for drug development. The comprehensive potential anticancer activities of daidzein through various molecular mechanisms and its therapeutic/clinical status required further detail studies.

Chidan Tuihuang granule modulates gut microbiota to influence NOD1/RIPK2 pathway in cholestatic liver injury recovery

BACKGROUND

Cholestatic liver injury (CLI), which occurs if bile acids are imbalanced and the liver becomes inflamed, is difficult to treat effectively OBJECTIVE: We investigated how the Chinese patent medicine Chidan Tuihuang granule (CDTH) ameliorates cholestatic liver injury with a focus on its effects on the NOD1/RIPK2 pathway and intestinal flora METHODS: We used an ANIT-induced SD rat model of CLI to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CDTH. The experimental design included control, model, UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) and CDTH treatment groups. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS was used to analyse the blood components of CDTH. The efficacy of CDTH was assessed by liver function tests, histopathological examination (HE and TUNEL staining), transmission electron microscopy, and ELISA to measure apoptosis and inflammatory markers. Mechanistic insights were obtained using transcriptomics and RT-qPCR, while alterations in the expression of key proteins were studied using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the impact of CDTH on the gut microbiota and its associated metabolite, meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAP), which is linked to NOD1 activation, was examined and confirmed through in vitro RESULTS: The experimental results demonstrated a notable elevation in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and DBIL in the rats belonging to the model group, accompanied by the infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatocyte degeneration, and necrosis in the liver tissue. CDTH administration significantly improved liver function and cholestasis indicators. Transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL staining revealed a marked reduction in liver cell apoptosis with CDTH treatment. ELISA results showed that CDTH effectively reduced inflammatory markers. Transcriptomic analysis showed that CDTH inhibited the NOD1/RIPK2 pathway, resulting in a significant decrease in the expression of NOD1, RIPK2 and associated genes in liver tissue. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that CDTH regulated intestinal flora structure, reducing the abundance of DAP-producing Gram-negative bacteria such as lactobacilli. In vitro experiments confirmed that CDTH enhanced cell viability by downregulating the DAP-mediated NOD1/RIPK2 signaling pathway secreted by intestinal bacteria CONCLUSION: CDTH ameliorated liver damage in cholestatic rats by inhibiting the NOD1/RIPK2 signaling pathway through regulation of gut flora and downregulation of DAP metabolites.

A novel bioinformatics strategy to uncover the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Bai Shao in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction: As a new discipline, network pharmacology has been widely used to disclose the material basis and mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in recent years. However, numerous researches indicated that the material basis of TCMs identified based on network pharmacology was the mixtures of beneficial and harmful substances rather than the real material basis. In this work, taking the anti-NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) effect of Bai Shao (BS) as a case, we attempted to propose a novel bioinformatics strategy to uncover the material basis and mechanism of TCMs in a precise manner. Methods: In our previous studies, we have done a lot work to explore TCM-induced hepatoprotection. Here, by integrating our previous studies, we developed a novel computational pharmacology method to identify hepatoprotective ingredients from TCMs. Then the developed method was used to discover the material basis and mechanism of Bai Shao against Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by combining with the techniques of molecular network, microarray data analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, literature verification method was utilized to validate the findings. Results: A total of 12 ingredients were found to be associated with the anti-NAFLD effect of BS, including monoterpene glucosides, flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic acids. Further analysis found that IL1-β, IL6, and JUN would be the key targets. Interestingly, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis showed that there indeed existed strong and stable binding affinity between the active ingredients and the key targets. In addition, a total of 23 NAFLD-related KEGG pathways were enriched. The major biological processes involved by these pathways including inflammation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism. Of note, there was a great deal of evidence available in the literature to support the findings mentioned above, indicating that our method was reliable. Discussion: In summary, the contributions of this work can be summarized as two aspects as follows. Firstly, we systematically elucidated the material basis and mechanism of BS against NAFLD from multiple perspectives. These findings further enhanced the theoretical foundation of BS on NAFLD. Secondly, a novel computational pharmacology research strategy was proposed, which would assist network pharmacology to uncover the scientific connotation TCMs in a more precise manner.

Molecular mechanisms of flavonoids in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury: Evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo studies

OBJECTIVES

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea plants, and other natural products. They have been mainly classified as flavanols, flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, and flavanonols. In this comprehensive review, we will discuss preclinical pieces of evidence on the potential of flavonoids for the prevention/treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

KEY FINDINGS

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that flavonoids play an important role in preventing ischemic heart disease (IHD). They possess strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-carcinogenic activities. In addition, at a molecular level, flavonoids also modulate various pathways like MAPK, NFκB etc. to confer beneficial effects.

SUMMARY

The current review of flavonoids in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury furnishes updated information that could drive future research. The in-vitro and in-vivo experiments have demonstrated various favourable pharmacological properties of flavonoids. This review provides valuable information to conduct clinical studies, validating the safety aspects of flavonoids in the clinical domain.

Natural Amino Acid-Bearing Carbamate Prodrugs of Daidzein Increase Water Solubility and Improve Phase II Metabolic Stability for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability

Daidzein (DAN) is an isoflavone, and it is often found in its natural form in soybean and food supplements. DAN has poor bioavailability owing to its extremely low water solubility and first-pass metabolism. Herein, we hypothesized that a bioactivatable natural amino acid-bearing carbamate prodrug strategy could increase the water solubility and metabolic stability of DAN. To test our hypothesis, nine amino acid prodrugs of DAN were designed and synthesized. Compared with DAN, the optimal prodrug (daidzein-4'-O-CO-N-isoleucine, D-4'-I) demonstrated enhanced water solubility and improved phase II metabolic stability and activation to DAN in plasma. In addition, unlike the passive transport of DAN, D-4'-I maintained high permeability via organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1)-mediated transport. Importantly, D-4'-I increased the oral bioavailability by 15.5-fold, reduced the gender difference, and extended the linear absorption capacity in the pharmacokinetics of DAN in rats. Furthermore, D-4'-I exhibited dose-dependent protection against liver injury. Thus, the natural amino acid-bearing carbamate prodrug strategy shows potential in increasing water solubility and improving phase II metabolic stability to enhance the oral bioavailability of DAN.

Low-dose Lipopolysaccharide Alleviates Spinal Cord Injury-induced Neuronal Inflammation by Inhibiting microRNA-429-mediated Suppression of PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 Signaling

This study investigated the impact of low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on spinal cord injury (SCI) and the potential molecular mechanism. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, SCI, SCI + LPS, and SCI + LPS + agomir. Allen's weight-drop method was used to establish an in vivo SCI model. The Basso Bcattie Bresnahan rating scale was employed to monitor locomotor function. An in vitro SCI model was constructed by subjecting PC12 cells to oxygen and glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation (OGD/R). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied for the determination interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. The dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the targeting of microRNA (miR)-429 with PI3K. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expression of PI3K, phosphorylated AKT and Nrf2 proteins. The Nrf2-downstream anti-oxidative stress proteins, OH-1 and NQO1, were detected by western blot assay. MiR-429 expression was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. In vitro, low-dose LPS decreased miR-429 expression, activated PI3K/AKT/Nrf2, inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation, and attenuated SCI. MiR-429 was found to target and negatively regulate PI3K. Inhibition of miR-429 suppressed low-dose LPS-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation via activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway. In vivo, miR-429 was detectable in neurons. Inhibition of miR-429 blocked low-dose LPS-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation via activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway. Overall, low-dose LPS was found to alleviate SCI-induced neuronal oxidative stress and inflammatory response by down-regulating miR-429 to activate the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway.

Citral-Enriched Fraction of Lemon Essential Oil Mitigates LPS-Induced Hepatocyte Injuries

Lemon essential oil (LEO) is known for its aromatic and healthy properties; however, less consideration is given to the biological properties of the fractions obtained from LEO. This study aims to evaluate the ability of a citral-enriched fraction obtained from LEO (Cfr-LEO) to counteract lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in healthy human hepatocytes. Human immortalized hepatocytes (THLE-2 cell line) were pretreated with Cfr-LEO and subsequently exposed to LPS at various time points. We report that the pretreatment with Cfr-LEO counteracts LPS-mediated effects by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in THLE-2. In particular, we found that pretreatment with Cfr-LEO reduced NF-κB activation and the subsequent proinflammatory cytokines release, ROS production, and NRF2 and p53 expression. Furthermore, the pretreatment with Cfr-LEO showed its beneficial effect in counteracting LPS-induced EMT. Taken together, these results support Cfr-LEO application in the nutraceutical research field not only for its organoleptic properties, conferred by citral enrichment, but also for its biological activity. Our study could lay the basis for the development of foods/drinks enriched with Cfr-LEO, aimed at preventing or alleviating chronic conditions associated with liver dysfunction.

Modulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic stresses mediates the renoprotective effect of daidzein against glycerol-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening complication that accompanies rhabdomyolysis. Daidzein is a dietary isoflavone that has various biological activities. This study examined the therapeutic potential of daidzein and the underlying mechanisms against AKI induced by glycerol in male rats. Animals were injected once with glycerol (50%, 10 ml/kg, intramuscular) for induction of AKI and pre-treated orally with daidzein (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Biochemical, histopathological, immunohistopathological, and molecular parameters were assessed to evaluate the effect of daidzein. The results revealed that the model group displayed remarkable functional, molecular, and structural changes in the kidney. However, pre-administration of daidzein markedly decreased the kidney relative weight as well as the levels of urea, creatinine, K, P, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and cystatin C. Further, daidzein lessened the rhabdomyolysis-related markers [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK)]. Notably, the enhancement of the antioxidant biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced glutathione (GSH) is accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Moreover, upregulated gene expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe212) and hemeoxygenase-1 (Hmox1) were exerted by daidzein administration. Rats who received daidzein displayed markedly lower interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor nuclear factor-α (TNF-α), myleoperoxidase (MPO), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels together with higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) related to the model group. Remarkably, significant declines were noticed in the pro-apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and rises in antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) levels in the group that received daidzein. The renal histological screening validated the aforementioned biochemical and molecular alterations. Our findings support daidzein as a potential therapeutic approach against AKI-induced renal injury via suppression of muscle degradation, oxidative damage, cytokine release, and apoptosis.

Daidzein from Dietary Supplement to a Drug Candidate: An Evaluation of Potential

Daidzein (DDZ) is a well-known nutraceutical supplement belonging to the class of isoflavones. It is isolated from various sources such as alfalfa, soybean, and red clover. It demonstrates a broad array of pharmacological/beneficial properties such as cardiovascular exercise, cholesterol reduction, and anticancer, antifibrotic, and antidiabetic effects, which make it effective in treating a wide range of diseases. Its structure and operation are the same as those of human estrogens, which are important in preventing osteoporosis, cancer, and postmenopausal diseases. It is thus a promising candidate for development as a phytopharmaceutical. Addressing safety, efficacy, and physicochemical properties are the primary prerequisites. DDZ is already ingested every day in varying amounts, so there should not be a significant safety risk; however, each indication requires a different dose to be determined. Some clinical trials are already being conducted globally to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, as a result of its therapeutic influence on health, in order to establish intellectual property, patents are utilized. In light of the vast potential of eugenol, this review presents a detailed data collection on DDZ to substantiate the claim to develop it in the therapeutic category.

Daidzein attenuated paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain via the down-regulation of TRPV1/P2Y and up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an anti-microtubule agent, used for the treatment of various types of cancers; however, it produces painful neuropathy which limits its use. Many neuroprotective agents have been introduced to mitigate PTX-induced neuropathic pain (PINP), but they pose many adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological characteristics of soy isoflavone, and daidzein (DZ) in attenuating PINP. At the beginning of the investigation, the effect of DZ was confirmed through behavioral analysis, as it reduced pain hypersensitivity. Moreover, changes in the histological parameters were reversed by DZ administration along with vascular permeability. PTX administration upregulated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels and purinergic receptors (P2Y), contributing to hyperalgesia; but administration of DZ downregulated the TRPV1 and P2Y, thus reducing hyperalgesia. DZ increased nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), playing a pivotal role in the activation of the antioxidant pathway. DZ also decreased neuronal apoptosis by decreasing caspase-3 and Bcl2-associated X-protein (Bax), while simultaneously, increasing Bcl-2. PTX administration produced severe DNA damage, which was mitigated by DZ. Similarly, DZ administration resulted in inhibition of neuroinflammation by increasing antioxidant enzymes and reducing oxidative stress markers. PTX caused increased in production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as the cytokines production, while DZ inhibited the pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic study of DZ was also conducted. In summary, DZ demonstrated significant neuroprotective activity against PTX induced neuropathic pain.

Liberation of daidzein by gut microbial β-galactosidase suppresses acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The impact of the gut microbiota and associated metabolites on APAP and liver function remains unclear. We show that APAP disturbance is associated with a distinct gut microbial community, with notable decreases in Lactobacillus vaginalis. Mice receiving L. vaginalis showed resistance to APAP hepatotoxicity due to the liberation of the isoflavone daidzein from the diet by bacterial β-galactosidase. The hepatoprotective effects of L. vaginalis in APAP-exposed germ-free mice were abolished with a β-galactosidase inhibitor. Similarly, β-galactosidase-deficient L. vaginalis produced poorer outcomes in APAP-treated mice than the wild-type strain, but these differences were overcome with daidzein administration. Mechanistically, daidzein prevented ferroptotic death, which was linked to decreased expression of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (Fdps) that activated a key ferroptosis pathway involving AKT-GSK3β-Nrf2. Thus, liberation of daidzein by L. vaginalis β-galactosidase inhibits Fdps-mediated hepatocyte ferroptosis, providing promising therapeutic approaches for DILI.

The Potential of Flavonoids and Flavonoid Metabolites in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Pathology in Disorders of Cognitive Decline

Flavonoids are a biodiverse family of dietary compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial cell protective profiles. They have received considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in biomedicine and have been widely used in traditional complimentary medicine for generations. Such complimentary medical herbal formulations are extremely complex mixtures of many pharmacologically active compounds that provide a therapeutic outcome through a network pharmacological effects of considerable complexity. Methods are emerging to determine the active components used in complimentary medicine and their therapeutic targets and to decipher the complexities of how network pharmacology provides such therapeutic effects. The gut microbiome has important roles to play in the generation of bioactive flavonoid metabolites retaining or exceeding the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the intact flavonoid and, in some cases, new antitumor and antineurodegenerative bioactivities. Certain food items have been identified with high prebiotic profiles suggesting that neutraceutical supplementation may be beneficially employed to preserve a healthy population of bacterial symbiont species and minimize the establishment of harmful pathogenic organisms. Gut health is an important consideration effecting the overall health and wellbeing of linked organ systems. Bioconversion of dietary flavonoid components in the gut generates therapeutic metabolites that can also be transported by the vagus nerve and systemic circulation to brain cell populations to exert a beneficial effect. This is particularly important in a number of neurological disorders (autism, bipolar disorder, AD, PD) characterized by effects on moods, resulting in depression and anxiety, impaired motor function, and long-term cognitive decline. Native flavonoids have many beneficial properties in the alleviation of inflammation in tissues, however, concerns have been raised that therapeutic levels of flavonoids may not be achieved, thus allowing them to display optimal therapeutic effects. Dietary manipulation and vagal stimulation have both yielded beneficial responses in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety, establishing the vagal nerve as a route of communication in the gut-brain axis with established roles in disease intervention. While a number of native flavonoids are beneficial in the treatment of neurological disorders and are known to penetrate the blood–brain barrier, microbiome-generated flavonoid metabolites (e.g., protocatechuic acid, urolithins, γ-valerolactones), which retain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of the native flavonoid in addition to bioactive properties that promote mitochondrial health and cerebrovascular microcapillary function, should also be considered as potential biotherapeutic agents. Studies are warranted to experimentally examine the efficacy of flavonoid metabolites directly, as they emerge as novel therapeutic options.

Association between daidzein intake and metabolic associated fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017-2018

Background

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the most common liver disease globally, yet no new drugs have been approved for clinical treatment. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between dietary intake of soy-derived daidzein and MAFLD, to find potentially effective treatments.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 1,476 participants in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2018 and their associated daidzein intake from the flavonoid database in the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS). We investigated the relationship between MAFLD status, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), AST/Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), fatty liver index (FLI), and daidzein intake by adjusting for confounding variables using binary logistic regression models and linear regression models.

Results

In the multivariable-adjusted model II, there was a negative association between daidzein intake and the incidence of MAFLD (OR for Q4 versus Q1 was 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46-0.91, p = 0.0114, p for trend was 0.0190). CAP was also negatively associated with daidzein intake, β = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.12, p = 0.0046 in model II after adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education level, family income-to-poverty ratio (PIR), smoking, and alcohol consumption. Stratified by quartiles of daidzein intake, trend analysis of the relationship between daidzein intake and CAP remained significant (p for trend = 0.0054). In addition, we also found that HSI, FLI, and NFS were negatively correlated with daidzein intake. LSM was negatively related to daidzein intake but had no statistical significance. The correlation between APRI, FIB-4, and daidzein intake was not strong (although p < 0.05, β values were all 0).

Conclusion

We found that MAFLD prevalence, CAP, HSI, and FLI, all decreased with increased daidzein intake, suggesting that daidzein intake may improve hepatic steatosis. Therefore, dietary patterns of soy food or supplement consumption may be a valuable strategy to reduce the disease burden and the prevalence of MAFLD.

Unveiling the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Facets of Daidzein: Present State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Herbal drugs have been attracting much scientific interest in the last few decades and nowadays, phytoconstituents-based research is in progress to disclose their unidentified medicinal potential. Daidzein (DAI) is the natural phytoestrogen isoflavone derived primarily from leguminous plants, such as the soybean and mung bean, and its IUPAC name is 4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone. This compound has received great attention as a fascinating pharmacophore with remarkable potential for the therapeutic management of several diseases. Certain pharmacokinetic properties of DAI such as less aqueous solubility, low permeability, and poor bioavailability are major obstacles restricting the therapeutic applications. In this review, distinctive physicochemical characteristics and pharmacokinetics of DAI has been elucidated. The pharmacological applications in treatment of several disorders like oxidative stress, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, diabetes, ovariectomy, anxiety, and inflammation with their mechanism of action are explained. Furthermore, this review article comprehensively focuses to provide up-to-date information about nanotechnology-based formulations which have been investigated for DAI in preceding years which includes polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, polymer-lipid nanoparticles, nanocomplexes, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, liposomes, and self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems.

Mechanism of action of non-coding RNAs and traditional Chinese medicine in myocardial fibrosis: Focus on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Cardiac fibrosis is a serious public health problem worldwide that is closely linked to progression of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and adversely affects both the disease process and clinical prognosis. Numerous studies have shown that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway may be a therapeutic measure for cardiac fibrosis. Currently, as the investigation on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) move forward, a variety of ncRNAs targeting TGF-β and its downstream Smad proteins have attracted high attention. Besides, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used in treating the cardiac fibrosis. As more and more molecular mechanisms of natural products, herbal formulas, and proprietary Chinese medicines are revealed, TCM has been proven to act on cardiac fibrosis by modulating multiple targets and signaling pathways, especially the TGF-β/Smad. Therefore, this work summarizes the roles of TGF-β/Smad classical and non-classical signaling pathways in the cardiac fibrosis, and discusses the recent research advances in ncRNAs targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and TCM against cardiac fibrosis. It is hoped, in this way, to give new insights into the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

Effect of Ethanol on Exosome Biogenesis: Possible Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Most eukaryotic cells, including hepatocytes, secrete exosomes into the extracellular space, which are vesicles facilitating horizontal cell-to-cell communication of molecular signals and physiological cues. The molecular cues for cellular functions are carried by exosomes via specific mRNAs, microRNAs, and proteins. Exosomes released by liver cells are a vital part of biomolecular communication in liver diseases. Importantly, exosomes play a critical role in mediating alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and are potential biomarkers for ALD. Moreover, alcohol exposure itself promotes exosome biogenesis and release from the livers of humans and rodent models. However, the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes exosome biogenesis in hepatocytes are still unclear. Of note, alcohol exposure leads to liver injury by modulating various cellular processes, including autophagy, ER stress, oxidative stress, and epigenetics. Evidence suggests that there is a link between each of these processes with exosome biogenesis. The aim of this review article is to discuss the interplay between ethanol exposure and these altered cellular processes in promoting hepatocyte exosome biogenesis and release. Based on the available literature, we summarize and discuss the potential mechanisms by which ethanol induces exosome release from hepatocytes, which in turn leads to the progression of ALD.

Daidzein ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis in rats

Backgrounds: Doxorubicin (Dox) is a classical antitumor antibiotic widely restricted for use due to its cardiotoxicity. Daidzein (Daid) is a soy isoflavone that enhances antioxidant enzyme systems and inhibits apoptosis to prevent cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we intended to assess whether Daid protects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and explored its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: control (Ctrl), 40 mg per kg per day Daidzein (Daid), 3 mg per kg per week doxorubicin (Dox), 20 mg per kg per day Daidzein + 3 mg per kg per week doxorubicin (Daid20 + Dox) and 40 mg per kg per day Daidzein + 3 mg per kg per week doxorubicin (Daid40 + Dox) groups. Cardiac function assessments, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were initially performed in each group of rats. Secondly, the cell proliferative capacity analysis, AO staining, and LC3 puncta analysis were employed to evaluate the cellular response to Dox in H9c2 cells. Ultimately, the protein expressions of cleaved caspase3, LC3 II, Bcl-2, Bax, Akt, p-Akt, and cyclin D1 were examined by western blotting. Results: Pretreatment with a low dose of Daid rather than a high dose significantly enhanced cardiac function and alleviated histopathological deterioration of cardiomyocytes induced by Dox. Daid downregulated the protein levels of Bax, LC3 II, cleaved caspase3 and p-Akt, while up-regulating Bcl-2 and cyclin D1. The Akt agonist SC79 could invalidate all the protective effects of Daid both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: Daid reduced autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby protecting the hearts from Dox-induced cardiac damage.

Disodium Fumarate Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Mitochondrial Damage, and Oxidative Stress Induced by the High-Concentrate Diet in the Mammary Gland Tissue of Hu Sheep

The long-term feeding of the high-concentrate diet (HC) reduced rumen pH and induced subacute rumen acidosis (SARA), leading to mammary gland tissue damage among ruminants. Disodium fumarate enhanced rumen bufferation and alleviated a decrease in rumen pH induced by the HC diet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether disodium fumarate could alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial damage, and oxidative stress induced by the high-concentrate diet in the mammary gland tissue of Hu sheep. In this study, 18 Hu sheep in mid-lactation were randomly divided into three groups: one fed with a low-concentrate diet (LC) diet, one fed with a HC diet, and one fed with a HC diet with disodium fumarate (AHC). Each sheep was given an additional 10 g of disodium fumarate/day. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. After the experiment, rumen fluid, blood, and mammary gland tissue were collected. The results show that, compared with the LC diet, the HC diet could reduce rumen pH, and the pH below 5.6 was more than 3 h, and the LPS content of blood and rumen fluid in HC the diet was significantly higher than in the LC diet. This indicates that the HC diet induced SARA in Hu sheep. However, the supplementation of disodium fumarate in the HC diet increased the rumen pH and decreased the content of LPS in blood and rumen fluid. Compared with the LC diet, the HC diet increased Ca²⁺ content in mammary gland tissue. However, the AHC diet decreased Ca²⁺ content. The HC diet induced ER stress in mammary gland tissue by increasing the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, PERK, ATF6, and IRE1α. The HC diet also activated the IP3R-VDAC1-MCU channel and lead to mitochondrial damage by inhibiting mitochondrial fusion and promoting mitochondrial division, while disodium fumarate could alleviate these changes. In addition, disodium fumarate alleviated oxidative stress induced by the HC diet by activating Nrf2 signaling and reducing ROS production in mammary gland tissue. In conclusion, the supplementation of disodium fumarate at a daily dose of 10 g/sheep enhanced rumen bufferation by maintaining the ruminal pH above 6 and reduced LPS concentration in ruminal fluid and blood. This reaction avoided the negative effect observed by non-supplemented sheep that were fed with a high-concentrate diet involving endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage in the mammary gland tissue of Hu sheep.

A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Importance of Dietary Flavonoids as Hepatoprotective Agents

The liver is a crucial organ that is involved in various kinds of metabolic activity and a very stable accessory gland for the digestive system. Long-term or persistent inflammation and oxidative stress due to any reasons have a substantial impact on the beginning and continuation of chronic diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and other hepatic conditions. There are many sources which can help the liver to be healthy and enhance its metabolic potential of the liver. Since the diet is rich origin of bioactive along with antioxidant chemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols, it can control different stages of inflammation and hepatic diseases. Numerous food sources, notably vegetables, nuts, fruits, cereals, beverages, and herbal medicinal plants, are rich in bioactive chemicals called flavonoids and their derivatives like Flavones, Anthocyanins, Iso-flavonoid, Flavanones, Flavanols, and Flavan-3-ols. Most recently occurred research on flavonoids has demonstrated that they can regulate hepatoprotective properties. This is because they are essential parts of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products due to their hepatoprotective, antioxidative, and immune-modulating characteristics. However, the characteristics of their hepatoprotective impact remain unclear. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to survey the flavonoid structure and enriched sources for their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects concerning liver toxicity or injury.

Therapeutic antischizophrenic activity of prodigiosin and selenium co-supplementation against amphetamine hydrochloride-induced behavioural changes and oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic challenges in rats

Schizophrenia (SCZ), a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder, is treated with inefficient antipsychotics and linked to poor treatment outcomes. This study, therefore, investigated the combined administration of prodigiosin (PDG) and selenium (Na₂SeO₃) against SCZ induced by amphetamine (AMPH) in rats. Animals were allocated into four groups corresponding to their respective 7-day treatments: control, AMPH (2 mg/kg), PDG (300 mg/kg) + Na₂SeO₃ (2 mg/kg), and AMPH + PDG + Na₂SeO₃. The model group exhibited biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes similar to those of the SCZ group. Contrastingly, co-administration of PDG and Na₂SeO₃ significantly increased the time for social interaction and decreased AChE and dopamine. It also downregulated the gene expression of NMDAR1 and restored neurotrophin (BDNF and NGF) levels. Further, PDG combined with Na₂SeO₃ improved the antioxidant defence of the hippocampus by boosting the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR. These findings were accompanied by an increased GSH, alongside decreased MDA and NO levels. Furthermore, schizophrenic rats having received PDG and Na₂SeO₃ displayed markedly lower IL-1β and TNF-α levels compared to the model group. Interestingly, remarkable declines in the Bax (pro-apoptotic) and increases in Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) levels were observed in the SCZ group that received PDG and Na₂SeO₃. The hippocampal histological examination confirmed these changes. Collectively, these findings show that the co-administration of PDG and Na₂SeO₃ may have a promising therapeutic effect for SCZ. This is mediated by mechanisms related to the modulation of cholinergic, dopaminergic, and glutaric neurotransmission and neurotrophic factors, alongside the suppression of oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis machinery.

Effects of daidzein on antioxidant capacity in weaned pigs and IPEC-J2 cells

Our previous study found that soybean isoflavones in soybean meal play an important role in improving growth performance and antioxidant capacity in pigs. However, it is still unknown whether long-term supplementation with daidzein, an active molecule deglycosylated from daidzin, in a corn–soybean meal diet can enhance growth performance in pigs. Thus, in the present study, an animal trial was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with daidzein on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of pigs. A total of 80 weaned piglets (40 barrows and 40 females) were assigned to 4 treatments with 5 pens per treatment and 4 piglets per pen and fed a diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg daidzein for a 72-day trial. In addition, porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were used as an in vitro model to explore the underlying antioxidant mechanisms of daidzein. IPEC-J2 cells were treated with 0.6 mM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the presence or absence of 40 μM daidzein. The results showed that adding 50 mg/kg of daidzein to the diet significantly improved body weight on day 72, average daily gain (ADG) during days 0 to 72 and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity on day 42 (P < 0.05). Treatment with 0.6 mM H₂O₂ for 1 h significantly decreased cell viability and catalase (CAT) activity and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05), while pretreatment with 40 μM daidzein prevented the decrease in cell viability and CAT activity and the increase in intracellular ROS levels and MDA content caused by H₂O₂ (P < 0.05). In addition, H₂O₂ stimulation significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), while pretreatment with daidzein preserved the expression of Nrf2, CAT and occludin in H₂O₂-stimulated IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggested that long-term dietary supplementation with 50 mg/kg daidzein improved growth performance in pigs and was beneficial to the antioxidant capacity of pigs. Daidzein exerted protective effects against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells and the underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

An optimized herbal combination for the treatment of liver fibrosis: Hub genes, bioactive ingredients, and molecular mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is associated with long-term adverse outcomes and mortality. As a primary resource for complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated a large number of effective formulas for the treatment of liver fibrosis in clinical practice. However, studies on how to systematically optimize TCM formulas are still lacking.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To provide a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae against liver fibrosis and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms; To provide an efficient method for searching for lead compounds from natural sources and developing from herbal medicines; To enable clinicians and patients to make more reasonable choices and promote the effective treatment toward those patients with liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TCM formulas related to treating liver fibrosis were collected from the Web of Science, PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP). Furthermore, the TCM compatibility patterns were mined using association analysis. The core TCM combinations were found by designing an optimized formulas algorithm. Finally, the hub target proteins, potential molecular mechanisms, and active compounds were explored through integrative pharmacology and docking-based inverse virtual screening (IVS) approaches.

RESULTS

We found that the herbs for reinforcing deficiency, activating blood, removing blood stasis, and clearing heat were the basis of TCM formulae patterns. Furthermore, the combination of Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; Chinese salvia/Danshen), Astragali Radix (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge; Astragalus/Huangqi), and Radix Bupleuri (Bupleurum chinense DC.; Bupleurum/Chaihu) was identified as core groups. A total of six targets (TNF, STAT3, EGFR, IL2, ICAM1, PTGS2) play a pivotal role in TCM-mediated liver fibrosis inhibition. (-)-Cryptotanshinone, Tanshinaldehyde, Ononin, Thymol, Daidzein, and Formononetin were identified as active compounds in TCM. And mechanistically, TCM could affect the development of liver fibrosis by regulating inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, antioxidants, and involvement in TNF, MicroRNAs, Jak-STAT, NF-kappa B, and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that key components had good potential to bind to the target genes.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study provides a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae and exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms.

Tissue distribution and integrated pharmacokinetic properties of major effective constituents of oral Gegen-Qinlian decoction in mice

Gegen-Qinlian decoction (GQD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula. GQD is effective against colon or liver-related diseases including ulcerative colitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed, validated, and then applied to reveal the tissue distribution and integrated pharmacokinetic properties of major effective constituents of oral GQD in mice. The established method was quick, sensitive, and accurate enough to analyze GQD constituents in plasma and tissue homogenate samples quantitatively. According to their concentrations in the portal vein, systemic circulation, liver and colon samples of the mice after oral administration of GQD, the concentration-time curves of the constituents were respectively plotted. The results showed that daidzein, baicalin, and baicalein had relatively high exposure levels in the livers, while puerarin, berberine, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid were enriched in the colons. Given that these constituents have significant biological activity, they could be regarded as the major effective constituents of GQD in treating colon or liver-related diseases, respectively. In addition, the integrated pharmacokinetic properties of GQD were studied. The GQD “integrated constituent” reached peak concentration at 4.0 h in the portal vein, the systemic circulation, the livers, and the colons, with half-lives of 1.5–4.1 h and mean retention time of 4.5–6.3 h, respectively. Furthermore, the concentration of the GQD “integrated constituent” in the colons was approximately 10 times higher than that in the livers, both of which were much higher than that in the systemic circulation, indicating its accumulation in these tissues, especially in the colons. In conclusion, the tissue distribution and integrated pharmacokinetic properties of oral GQD were revealed in the study. The results of the tissue distribution study would contribute to identifying the major target tissues and effective constituents of GQD, while the results of the integrated pharmacokinetic study would help to explain the pharmacokinetic properties of oral GQD as a whole.

Daidzein alleviates doxorubicin-induced heart failure via the SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by typical symptoms that usually occur at the end stage of various heart diseases and lead to death. Daidzein (DAI), an isoflavone found in soy foods, is widely used to treat menopausal syndrome, prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of DAI in HF remain unknown. In this study, doxorubicin (DOX) was used to establish HF models of C57BL/6J mice and H9c2 cells with DAI treatment. Our results showed that DAI markedly improved the DOX-induced decline in cardiac function, and decreased the left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, DAI affects cardiac energy metabolism by regulating SIRT3, and meets the ATP demand of the heart by improving glucose, lipid, and ketone body metabolism as well as restoring mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, DAI can exert an antioxidant function and alleviate HF through the SIRT3/FOXO3a pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrate that DAI alleviates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating cardiac energy metabolism as well as reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis, indicating its potential application for HF treatment.

Red Palm Oil Ameliorates Oxidative Challenge and Inflammatory Responses Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Injury by Modulating NF-κβ and Nrf2/GCL/HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Rats

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a well-conserved cell wall component of Gram positive bacteria, exerts its toxic effects via inducing oxidative and pro-inflammatory responses. Red palm oil (RPO) is a unique natural product with a balanced ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we assess the protective effect and mechanistic action of RPO using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic injury model. Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (10 animals/group): normal control (NC), RPO, LPS and RPO + LPS. Animals in the RPO and RPO + LPS groups were administered RPO (200 μL/day) for 28 days. On the 27th day of experiment, animals in LPS and RPO + LPS groups were injected with LPS (0.5 mg/kg body weight). Animals were sacrificed 24 h later, and blood and liver tissues harvested for biochemical and molecular analysis. RPO resolved hepatic histological dysfunction induced by LPS, and lowered alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase activities in the serum. Hepatic malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNFα were significantly diminished (p < 0.05) by RPO pre-treatment. Activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as glutathione redox status (GSH:GSSG), and markers of antioxidant capacity that decreased as a result of LPS injection were improved by RPO pre-treatment. Mechanistically, RPO up-regulated mRNA expression of redox sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 and its downstream targets GCL and HO-1, while also suppressing the expression of NFκβ and associated inflammatory protein, Iκβ kinase (IκKβ). In conclusion, this study highlights the ameliorating effects of RPO against LPS-induced hepatic injury and revealed the Nrf2/GCL/HO-1 and NFκβ signaling axis as potential contributing mechanisms.

Isoflavones daidzin and daidzein inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages

Background

Inflammation contributes to various diseases and soybeans and legumes are shown to reduce inflammation. However, the bioactive ingredients involved and mechanisms are not completely known. We hypothesized that soy isoflavones daidzin and daidzein exhibit anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell model and that activation mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways may mediate the effect.

Methods

Cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) level were determined by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Griess reagent respectively. ELISA kits and Western blotting respectively assessed the generations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and protein expressions of signaling molecules. p65 nuclear translocation was determined by immunofluorescence assay.

Results

The in vitro results showed that both isoflavones did not affect cell viability at the concentrations being tested and significantly reduced levels of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inflammatory indicators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in RAW264.7 cells. Daidzin and daidzein partially suppressed MAPK signaling pathways, reducing the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK; whilst phosphorylation of JNK was mildly but not significantly decreased. For the involvement of NF-κB signaling pathways, daidzin only reduced the phosphorylation of p65 whereas daidzein effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of IKKα/β, IκBα and p65. Daidzin and daidzein inhibited p65 nuclear translocation, comparable with dexamethasone (positive control).

Conclusion

This study supports the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones daidzin and daidzein, which were at least partially mediated through inactivation of MAPK and/or NF-κB signaling pathways in macrophages.

Integrating UPLC-HR-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation to Uncover the Mechanisms of Jin'gan Capsules against Breast Cancer

In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "liver-qi" stagnation and heat-induced toxicity represent the main etiologies of breast cancer. Recently, several TCMs with heat-clearing and detoxification efficacy have shown inhibitory effects on breast cancer. Jin'gan capsules (JGCs), initially approved to treat colds in China, are a heat-clearing and detoxification TCM formula. However, the anticancer activity of JGCs against breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. First, we assessed the antiproliferative activity of JGCs in breast cancer cell lines and evaluated their effects on cell apoptosis and the cell cycle by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we identified the potential bioactive components of JGCs and their corresponding target genes and constructed a bioactive compound-target interaction network by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR-MS/MS) and network pharmacology analysis. Finally, the underlying mechanism was investigated through gene function enrichment analysis and experimental validation. We found that JGCs significantly inhibited breast cancer cell growth with IC₅₀ values of 0.56 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.03, and 0.94 ± 0.09 mg/mL for MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MCF-7, respectively. In addition, JGC treatment dramatically induced apoptosis and S phase cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis confirmed that JGCs could regulate the protein levels of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related genes. Utilizing UPLC-HR-MS/MS analysis and network pharmacology, we identified 7 potential bioactive ingredients in JGCs and 116 antibreast cancer targets. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the antitumor effects of JGCs were strongly associated with apoptosis and the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Western blot analysis validated that JGC treatment markedly decreased the expression levels of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, and STAT3. Our findings suggest that JGCs suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis partly by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, highlighting JGCs as a potential therapeutic candidate against breast cancer.

In vitro and in silico evaluation of antimicrobial properties of Delphinium cashmerianum L., a medicinal herb growing in Kashmir, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Microorganisms are developing resistance to synthetic drugs. As a result, the search for novel antimicrobial compounds has become an urgent need. Medicinal plants are commonly used as traditional medicine and Delphinium is one of the prominent genus used in the treatment of several diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to determine the in vitro and in silico antimicrobial activities of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the leaf samples of plant (Delphinium cashmerianum L.) against various bacterial and fungal strains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three extracts of Delphinium cashmerianum prepared and 88 bioactive compounds were analyzed through LC-MS data with the vast majority of them having therapeutic applications. These extracts have been screened for the antimicrobial activity against various bacterial (Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria mucosa) and fungal (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida paropsilosis) species through in silico molecular docking approach using autodock vina software, molecular dynamic simulation (MDS), in vitro disc diffusion and broth microdilution method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) evaluation.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that all three extracts were active against the whole set of microorganisms. The ethyl acetate extract was the most active against S.pneumonia, K. pneumoniae and C. albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25, 25 and 50 μg/ml, respectively. The petroleum ether and methanol extracts were active against S.pneumonia and N.mucosa with MIC values of 25 and 50 μg/ml. Furthermore, we also performed the in silico virtual screening of all these compounds obtained from LC-MS data analysis against various known drug targets of bacterium and fungi. Upon analysis, we obtained 5 compounds that were efficiently binding to the drug targets. However, after performing exhaustive molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) analysis, it was observed that Daidzein compound is bound to drug targets more efficiently.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that these plant extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity and ethyl acetate extract proved to exhibit the most effective antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Daidzein Activates Akt Pathway to Promote the Proliferation of Female Germline Stem Cells through Upregulating Clec11a

Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) have been successfully isolated and characterized from postnatal mammalian and human ovarian tissues. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of natural small-molecule compounds on FGSCs are largely unknown. Here, we found that daidzein promoted the viability and proliferation of FGSCs. To elucidate the mechanism underlying this, we performed RNA-Sequence in daidzein-treated FGSCs and controls. The results showed that there were 153 upregulated and 156 downregulated genes in daidzein treatment. We confirmed the expression of some genes related to cell proliferation in the sequencing results by RT-PCR, such as Type C lectin domain family 11 member a (Clec11a), Mucin1 (Muc1), Glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3), and Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (Tet1). The high expression of Clec11a at the protein level after daidzein treatment was also confirmed by western blotting. Furthermore, recombinant mouse Clec11a (rmClec11a) protein was shown to promote the viability and proliferation of FGSCs. However, knockdown of Clec11a inhibited the viability and proliferation of FGSCs, which could not be rescued by the administration of daidzein. These results indicate that daidzein promoted the viability and proliferation of FGSCs through Clec11a. In addition, both daidzein and rmClec11a activated the Akt signaling pathway in FGSCs. However, Clec11a knockdown inhibited this pathway, which could not be rescued by daidzein administration. Taken together, our findings revealed that daidzein activates the Akt signaling pathway to promote cell viability and proliferation through upregulating Clec11a. This study should deepen our understanding of the developmental mechanism of FGSCs and female infertility.

Advances and Challenges in Enzymatic C-glycosylation of Flavonoids in Plants

Flavonoid glycosides play required determinant roles in plants and have considerable potential for applications in medicine and biotechnology. Glycosyltransferases transfer a sugar moiety from uridine diphosphate-activated sugar molecules to an acceptor flavonoid via C-O and C-C linkages. Compared with O-glycosylflavonoids, C-glycosylflavonoids are more stable, are resistant to glycosidase or acid hydrolysis, exhibit better pharmacological properties, and have received more attention. Herein, we discuss the mining of C-glycosylflavones and the corresponding C-glycosyltransferases and evaluate the differences in structure and catalytic mechanisms between C-glycosyltransferase and O-glycosyltransferase. We conclude that promiscuity and specificity are key determinants for general flavonoid C-glycosyltransferase engineering and summarize the C-glycosyltransferase engineering strategy. A thorough understanding of the properties, catalytic mechanisms, and engineering of C-glycosyltransferases will be critical for any future biotechnological applications in areas such as the production of desired C-glycosylflavonoids for nutritional or medicinal use.

Krill oil prevents lipopolysaccharide-evoked acute liver injury in mice through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation

Acute liver injury is a life-threatening syndrome that often results from the actions of viruses, drugs and toxins. Herein, the protective effect and potential mechanism of krill oil (KO), a novel natural product rich in long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids bound to phospholipids and astaxanthin, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-evoked acute liver injury in mice were investigated. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered intragastrically with 400 mg kg^-1 KO or fish oil (FO) once per day for 28 consecutive days prior to LPS exposure (10 mg kg^-1, intraperitoneally injected). The results revealed that KO pretreatment significantly ameliorated LPS-evoked hepatic dysfunction indicated by reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and attenuated hepatic histopathological damage. KO pretreatment also mitigated LPS-induced hepatic oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, and elevated catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Additionally, LPS-evoked overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators in serum and the liver was inhibited by KO pretreatment. Furthermore, KO pretreatment suppressed LPS-induced activation of the hepatic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Interestingly, the hepatoprotective effect of KO was superior to that of FO. Collectively, the current findings suggest that KO protects against LPS-evoked acute liver injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Daidzein suppresses TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation via the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway

Myocardial fibrosis is a concomitant bioprocess associated with many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Daidzein is an isoflavone that has been used for the treatment of CVDs. This study aimed to reveal its role in myocardial fibrosis. Our results indicate that daidzein had a nontoxic effect on cardiac fibroblasts and that TGF-β1 and TGFβRI levels were gradually decreased by daidzein in a dose-dependent manner. In the current study, we show that daidzein significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Accordingly, immunofluorescence staining of α-SMA was performed. Daidzein also inhibited TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, daidzein inhibited the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway induced by TGF-β1 in cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, daidzein ameliorated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis in vivo. Based on these findings, we conclude that daidzein reduces TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation by partially regulating the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

Soy isoflavones alleviate periodontal destruction in ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether soy isoflavone supplementation is effective in preventing periodontal destruction exacerbated by estrogen deficiency (ED) and its potential mechanism.

BACKGROUND

The progression of periodontitis is affected by host factors, such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, and steroid use. Bone loss in periodontitis can be aggravated by ED.

METHODS

A rat model of experimental periodontitis (EP) with ED was established by silk ligature and inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis, and some EP rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). The treatment groups received an intravenous injection of 17-β-estradiol (E₂ B) or soy isoflavones (SI) by gavage. The rats were euthanized, and the maxillary jaws, gingiva, and serum were harvested. Tight junction protein and interleukin (IL)-17 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and periodontal destruction were assessed. In addition, we determined whether grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) is required for enhancing the epithelial barrier by SI in an in vitro P. gingivalis infection model.

RESULTS

Estrogen deficiency impaired the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins in the gingiva, increased IL-17 level, and accelerated alveolar bone resorption. SI treatment alleviated tight junction protein expression, decreased IL-17 and ROS levels, and prevented the absorption of alveolar bone. Furthermore, GRHL2 expression was significantly induced by SI in human oral keratinocytes-1 (HOK-1) cells; GRHL2 knockdown impaired the expression of OCLN and ZO-1 induced by SI treatment.

CONCLUSION

Soy isoflavones alleviates periodontitis in OVX rats, as observed by the increased expression of tight junction proteins, and reduced IL-17 level and alveolar bone loss. The in vitro studies suggested that the enhancement of oral epithelial barrier by SI treatment was partially dependent on GRHL2.

Gegen Qinlian Decoction ameliorates type 2 diabetes osteoporosis via IGFBP3/MAPK/NFATc1 signaling pathway based on cytokine antibody array

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis affects more than half the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Up to data, there is no effective clinical practice in managing type 2 diabetes osteoporosis (T2DOP) because of its complex pathogenesis. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) has been used for the long-term management of T2DM. However, the underlying mechanism of GQD in the treatment of T2DOP remains unknown.

PURPOSE

To reveal the role of GQD in T2DOP and its potential therapeutic targets in the management of T2DOP.

STUDY DESIGN

The effect of GQD on T2DOP was observed in db/db mice in four groups: model group, GQD low-dose group (GQD-L), GQD high-dose group (GQD-H), and metformin (positive control) group. C57BL/6J mice were used as the negative control group.

METHODS

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of GQD was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were used to evaluate bone histomorphometry. To screen for candidate targets of GQD, a cytokine antibody array was used, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to determine expression levels.

RESULTS

The major active components of GQD were confirmed by HPLC. Micro-CT and H&E staining showed that bone mass was significantly increased in the GQD-H group compared with the model group. Antibody arrays revealed that the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) was elevated in the GQD-H group. The MAPK pathway was identified using bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, the levels of osteoclastogenesis-related genes, including cathepsin K (Ctsk), acid phosphatase 5 (Acp5), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9), and ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D2 (Atp6v0d2) were significantly decreased in the GQD-H group. Compared with the model group, high-dosage GQD inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1).

CONCLUSION

GQD plays a protective role in T2DOP by upregulating IGFBP3 expression and downregulating the IGFBP3/MAPK/NFATc1 signaling pathway. IGFBP3 in serum may also be a novel biomarker in the treatment of T2DOP. Our current findings not only expand the application of GQD, but also provide a theoretical basis and guidance for T2DOP.

Simultaneous determination of daidzein, its prodrug and major conjugative metabolites in rat plasma and application in a pharmacokinetic study

The developed method successfully validated that the synthesized prodrug improved the bioavailability of DAN by reducing its phase II metabolites.

Supplementing daidzein in diets improves the reproductive performance, endocrine hormones and antioxidant capacity of multiparous sows

Certain hormones play important roles in modulating mammalian reproductive behaviour. Daidzein is a well-known isoflavonic phytoestrogen that possesses oestrogenic activity. This study was conducted to probe the effects of daidzein supplementation in gestation diets on the reproductive performance in sows. A total of 120 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 60) and fed either a base diet (control) or one containing 200 mg/kg daidzein during gestation. We discovered that daidzein supplementation significantly increased the total number of piglets born per litter and number of piglets born alive per litter (P < 0.05), decreased the farrowing time (P < 0.05) and increased the serum oestrogen and progesterone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 35 d of gestation. Moreover, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were higher in the daidzein-treated group than in the control group at 35 d of gestation (P < 0.05). Daidzein increased the serum SOD activity and total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) at 85 d of gestation (P < 0.05). Interestingly, daidzein elevated the expression levels of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) genes in the placenta (P < 0.05). These results suggest that daidzein ingestion could improve sow reproductive performance by changing serum hormones, elevating anti-oxidative capacity and up-regulating critical functional genes in the placenta.

Screening for potential quality markers of Callerya nitida var. hirsutissima. Z.Wei based on components profile, pharmacokinetics, and anti-inflammatory study

Callerya nitida var. hirsutissima. Z.Wei is a classical, traditional Chinese herbal medicine mostly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Recent reports suggest that inconsistent and poor-quality control levels have primarily affected the therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the active chemical ingredients, stability of components in blood, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics to specify the potential markers for quality control and quality evaluation of Callerya nitida. The active components in vitro and in vivo were obtained by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Moreover, the changes of the bioactive components in the blood were monitored over time (0-24 h) in order to identify stable active components. On this basis, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these ingredients combined with the anti-inflammatory activity were determined to screen out the potential markers for ensuring the quality control of Callerya nitida. The identified four components, such as calycosin, daidzein, formononetin, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, have the characteristics of intrinsic components, clearly defined structures, high exposure values, and in vivo stability, which are important for the therapeutic activity of pharmacologically active materials. Therefore, they can be used as potential markers to control the quality levels of Callerya nitida.

Investigation of inhibition effect of daidzein on osteosarcoma cells based on experimental validation and systematic pharmacology analysis

Objective

This study aims to explore the effect of daidzein, which is a natural isoflavone compound mainly extracted from soybeans, on osteosarcoma and the potential molecular mechanism.

Material and Methods

143B and U2OS osteosarcoma cells were treated with gradient concentrations of daidzein, and MTT assay was used to determine the cell proliferation capacity and IC₅₀. Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI detection were used to determine apoptosis. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and migration ability were detected by transwell assays and scratch wound assay. An osteosarcoma xenograft mice model was applied to investigate the effect of daidzein on osteosarcoma in vivo. Systematic pharmacology and molecular modeling analysis were applied to predict the target of daidzein to osteosarcoma, and the target Src was verified by western blotting. We also observed the effect of daidzein on cell proliferation and apoptosis of Src-overexpressing osteosarcoma cells.

Results

In vitro, daidzein significantly inhibited 143B and U2OS osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, and induced cell cycle arrest. In vivo, daidzein exerts antitumor effects in osteosarcoma xenograft mice. After systematic screening and analysis, Src-MAPK signaling pathway was predicted as the highest-ranked pathway. Western blot demonstrated that daidzein inhibited phosphorylation of the Src-ERK pathway in osteosarcoma cells. Also, overexpression of Src could partially reverse the inhibitory effects of daidzein on osteosarcoma cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Daidzein exerts an antitumor effect on osteosarcoma, and the mechanism may be through the Src-ERK pathway.

Hepatoprotective effect of anemoside B4 against sepsis-induced acute liver injury through modulating the mTOR/p70S6K-mediated autophagy

Sepsis triggers liver dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we elucidated the effect of anemoside B4 on sepsis in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced mouse model and LPS-induced primary hepatocytes. Following CLP surgery, septic mice were intraperitoneally injected with anemoside B4 (50 or 100 mg/kg). Anemoside B4 improved septic mouse survival rate, decreased serum AST and ALT levels and attenuated liver histopathologic damages. Western blot analysis showed that anemoside B4 elevated the expression of Beclin-1, LC3II/LC3I, Atg3, Atg5, and Atg7, and reduced p62, suggesting the restoration of autophagy flux in liver. More autophagic vesicles were observed in liver after anemoside B4 treatment using transmission electron microscopy. Using ELISA and commercial enzyme kits, we found that anemoside B4 decreased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and increased CAT, SOD and GSH activities. TUNEL staining and western blot revealed that anemoside B4 suppressed cell apoptosis, along with decreased Bax, leaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, but increased Bcl-2. Consistent with in vivo findings, anemoside B4 inhibited apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress and enhanced autophagy in LPS-induced primary hepatocytes. Importantly, these cellular processes were possibly mediated by mTOR/p70S6K signaling, as reflected by the offset of 3-MA in the immunosuppression of anemoside B4.

A Rapid High Throughput Vibration and Vortex-Assisted Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion for Simultaneous Extraction of Four Isoflavones for Quality Evaluation of Semen Sojae Praeparatum

Isoflavones (daidzein, daidzin, genistein and genistin) were main chemical components and usually selected as markers for quality control of Traditional Chinese Medicine semen sojae praeparatum (SSP). High throughput vibration and vortex-assisted matrix solid phase dispersion and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection were developed to simultaneously extract and quantify four isoflavones in SSP. Some parameters influencing extraction efficiency of isoflavones by vortex-assisted matrix solid phase dispersion such as sorbent type, ratio of sample to sorbent, crushing time, vibration frequency, methanol concentration, eluting solvent volume and vortex time were optimized. It was found that the best extraction yields of four isoflavones were obtained when the sample (20 mg) and SBA-3 (40 mg) was crushed by ball mill machine for 2 min at vibration frequency of 800 times per minute. Methanol/water (1.5 ml, 8:2, v/v) solution was dropped into the treated sample and vortexed for 3 min. The recoveries of the four isoflavones ranged from 86.1 to 94.8% and all relative standard deviations were less than 5%. A good linearity (r > 0.9994) was achieved within the range 0.5-125 μg/ml. It was concluded that the high throughput vibration and vortex-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion coupled with high performance liquid chromatography was user-friendly extraction and quantification method of multiple isoflavones for quality evaluation of SSP.