Berberine administrated with different routes attenuates inhaled LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome through TLR4/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 inhibition

Deciphering the therapeutic potential of Myeloid-Specific JAK2 inhibition in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe inflammation and pulmonary dysfunction. Despite advancements in critical care, effective pharmacological interventions for ARDS remain elusive. While Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitors have emerged as an innovative treatment for numerous autoinflammatory diseases, their therapeutic potential in ARDS remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the contribution of JAK2 and its underlying mechanisms in ARDS utilizing myeloid-specific JAK2 knockout murine models alongside a pharmacological JAK2 inhibitor. Notably, myeloid-specific JAK2 knockout led to a notable attenuation of ARDS induced by intratracheal administration of LPS, accompanied by reduced levels of neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. Intriguingly, the ameliorative effects were abolished upon the depletion of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (Mo-AMs) rather than tissue-resident alveolar macrophages (TR-AMs). JAK2 deficiency markedly reversed LPS-induced activation of STAT5 in macrophages. Remarkably, pharmacological JAK2 inhibition using baricitinib failed to substantially alleviate neutrophils infiltration, implying that specific inhibition of JAK2 in Mo-AMs is imperative for ARDS amelioration. Collectively, our data suggest that JAK2 may mitigate ARDS progression through the JAK2 pathway in Mo-AMs, underscoring JAK2 in alveolar macrophages, particularly Mo-AMs, as a promising therapeutic target for ARDS treatment.

Signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common condition associated with critically ill patients, characterized by bilateral chest radiographical opacities with refractory hypoxemia due to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Despite significant advances, the mortality of ARDS remains unacceptably high, and there are still no effective targeted pharmacotherapeutic agents. With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 worldwide, the mortality of ARDS has increased correspondingly. Comprehending the pathophysiology and the underlying molecular mechanisms of ARDS may thus be essential to developing effective therapeutic strategies and reducing mortality. To facilitate further understanding of its pathogenesis and exploring novel therapeutics, this review provides comprehensive information of ARDS from pathophysiology to molecular mechanisms and presents targeted therapeutics. We first describe the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of ARDS that involve dysregulated inflammation, alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, impaired alveolar fluid clearance and oxidative stress. Next, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to the above four aspects of ARDS pathophysiology, along with the latest research progress. Finally, we discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies that show exciting promise in ARDS, including several pharmacologic therapies, microRNA-based therapies and mesenchymal stromal cell therapies, highlighting the pathophysiological basis and the influences on signal transduction pathways for their use.

Simiao San alleviates hyperuricemia and kidney inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and JAK2/STAT3 signaling in hyperuricemia mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Simiao San (SmS), a famous traditional Chinese formula, is clinically used to treat patients with hyperuricemia (HUA). However, its mechanism of action on lowering uric acid (UA) and inhibiting inflammation still deserves further investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the effect and its possible underlying mechanism of SmS on UA metabolism and kidney injury in HUA mouse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HUA mouse model was constructed with the combined administration of both potassium oxalate and hypoxanthine. The effects of SmS on UA, xanthine oxidase (XOD), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA or biochemical assays. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was used to observe pathological alterations in the kidneys of HUA mice. The expression levels of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), recombinant urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), nucleotide binding domain and leucine rich repeat pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), Cleaved-Caspase 1, apoptosis-associated speck like protein (ASC), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-6, janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphor (P)-JAK2, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), P-STAT3, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) were examined by Western blot and/or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The major ingredients in SmS were identified by a HPLC-MS assay.

RESULTS

HUA mouse exhibited an elevation in serum levels of UA, BUN, CRE, XOD, and the ratio of urinary albumin to creatinine (UACR), and a decline in urine levels of UA and CRE. In addition, HUA induces pro-inflammatory microenvironment in mouse, including an increase in serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and renal expressions of URAT1, GULT9, NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved-Caspase1, P-JAK2/JAK2, P-STAT3/STAT3, and SOCS3, and a decrease in serum IL-10 level and renal OAT1 expression as well as a disorganization of kidney pathological microstructure. In contrast, SmS intervention reversed these alterations in HUA mouse.

CONCLUSION

SmS could alleviate hyperuricemia and renal inflammation in HUA mouse. The action mechanisms behind these alterations may be associated with a limitation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.

Berberine attenuates epithelial mesenchymal transition in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via activating A2aR and mitigating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling

AIMS

Berberine is endowed with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This study explored the role of adenosine A_2a receptor (A_2aR) activation and SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling suppression in the protective effects of berberine in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

MAIN METHODS

Pulmonary fibrosis was generated in mice by injecting bleomycin (40 U/kg, i.p.) on days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14. Mice were treated with berberine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 15 to day 28.

KEY FINDINGS

Severe lung fibrosis and increased collagen content were observed in the bleomycin-challenged mice. Pulmonary A_2aR downregulation was documented in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis animals and was accompanied by enhanced expression of SDF-1/CXCR4. Moreover, TGF-β1elevation and pSmad2/3 overexpression were reported in parallel with enhanced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers expression, vimentin and α-SMA. Besides, bleomycin significantly elevated the inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic mediator NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, bleomycin administration induced oxidative stress as depicted by decreased Nrf2, SOD, GSH and catalase levels. Interestingly, berberine administration markedly ameliorated the fibrotic changes in lungs by modulating the purinergic system through the inhibition of A_2aR downregulation, mitigating EMT and effectively suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. Strikingly, A_2aR blockade by SCH 58261, impeded the pulmonary protective effect of berberine.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings indicated that berberine could attenuate the pathological processes of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis at least partially via upregulating A_2aR and mitigating the SDF-1/CXCR4 related pathway, suggesting A_2aR as a potential therapeutic target for the management of pulmonary fibrosis.

Traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of sepsis and related multi-organ injury

Sepsis is a common but critical illness in patients admitted to the intensive care unit and is associated with high mortality. Although there are many treatments for sepsis, specific and effective therapies are still lacking. For over 2,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a vital role in the treatment of infectious diseases in Eastern countries. Both anecdotal and scientific evidence show that diverse TCM preparations alleviate organ dysfunction caused by sepsis by inhibiting the inflammatory response, reducing oxidative stress, boosting immunity, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. This review reports on the efficacy and mechanism of action of various TCM compounds, herbal monomer extracts, and acupuncture, on the treatment of sepsis and related multi-organ injury. We hope that this information would be helpful to better understand the theoretical basis and empirical support for TCM in the treatment of sepsis.

Ginseng Sprouts Attenuate Mortality and Systemic Inflammation by Modulating TLR4/NF-κB Signaling in an LPS-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis

Sepsis leads to multi-organ failure due to aggressive systemic inflammation, which is one of the main causes of death clinically. This study aimed to evaluate whether ginseng sprout extracts (GSE) can rescue sepsis and explore its underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6J male mice (n = 15/group) were pre-administered with GSE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o) for 5 days, and a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to construct a sepsis model. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS with/without GSE/its main components (Rd and Re) to explain the mechanisms corresponding to the animal-derived effects. LPS injection led to the death of all mice within 38 h, while GSE pretreatment delayed the time to death. GSE pretreatment also notably ameliorated LPS-induced systemic inflammation such as histological destruction in both the lung and liver, along with reductions in inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, in both tissues and serum. Additionally, GSE markedly diminished the drastic secretion of nitric oxide (NO) by suppressing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in both tissues. Similar changes in TNF-α, IL-1β, NO, iNOS, and COX2 were observed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and protein expression data and nuclear translocation assays suggested GSE could modulate LPS-binding protein (LBP), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and NF-κB. Ginsenoside Rd could be a major active component in GSE that produces the anti-sepsis effects. Our data support that ginseng sprouts could be used as an herbal resource to reduce the risk of sepsis. The corresponding mechanisms may involve TLR4/NF-κB signaling and a potentially active component.

Study of Hypoglycemic Activity of Novel 9-N-alkyltetrahydroberberine Derivatives

Novel 9-N-alkyltetrahydroberberine derivatives were synthesized, among which, based on the results of OGTT, one compound containing the longest aliphatic substituent was selected for study in mice C57BL/6^Ay, which demonstrate obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and concomitant liver non-alcoholic fatty disease. Administration of this substance at a dose of 15 mg/kg for four weeks improved the insulin sensitivity of mice, which resulted in a decrease in fasting glucose levels and improved the tolerance of mice to OGTT glucose loading. A decrease in the level of lactate in the blood and a decrease in the amount of glucokinase in the liver were also found. The introduction of compound 3c did not have a toxic effect on animals based on biochemical data, histological analysis, and measurements of general parameters such as body weight and feed intake. Thus, the 9-N-heptyltetrahydroberberine derivative showed prominent hypoglycemic effects, which makes it promising to obtain and study other derivatives with longer substituents.

Protective effect of berberine against LPS-induced injury in the intestine: a review

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory condition caused by an unbalanced immunological response to infection, which affects numerous organs, including the intestines. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; also known as endotoxin), a substance found in Gram-negative bacteria, plays a major role in sepsis and is mostly responsible for the disease's morbidity and mortality. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in a variety of plant species that has anti-inflammatory properties. For many years, berberine has been used to treat intestinal inflammation and infection. Berberine has been reported to reduce LPS-induced intestinal damage. The potential pathways through which berberine protects against LPS-induced intestinal damage by inhibiting NF-κB, suppressing MAPK, modulating ApoM/S1P pathway, inhibiting COX-2, modulating Wnt/Beta-Catenin signaling pathway, and/or increasing ZIP14 expression are reviewed.Abbreviations: LPS, lipopolysaccharide; TLR, Toll-like receptor; MD-2, myeloid differentiation factor 2; CD14, cluster of differentiation 14; LBP, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein; MYD88, myeloid differentiation primary response 88; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; IL, interleukin; TNFα, tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Caco-2, cyanocobalamin uptake by human colon adenocarcinoma cell line; MLCK, myosin light-chain kinase; TJ, tight junction; IκBα, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha; IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; GVB, gut-vascular barrier; ApoM, apolipoprotein M; S1P, sphingosine-1-phosphate; VE-cadherin, vascular endothelial cadherin; AJ, adherens junction; PV1, plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein-1; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; Wnt, wingless-related integration site; Fzd, 7-span transmembrane protein Frizzled; LRP, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein; TEER, transendothelial/transepithelial electrical resistance; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; IGF, insulin-like growth factor; IGFBP, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein; ZIP, Zrt-Irt-like protein; PPAR, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; p-PPAR, phosphorylated-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; ATF, activating transcription factors; SOD, superoxide dismutase; GSH-Px, glutathione peroxidase; SARA, subacute ruminal acidosis; IPEC-J2, porcine intestinal epithelial cells; ALI, acute lung injury; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The Protective Effect of Artesunate on LPS-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling

Background

Artesunate (AS) is a derivative of artemisinin that can exert anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to explore the effect of AS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

The newborn mice were used for experimental ARDS model establishment by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) into mice with or without AS (20 mg/kg) pretreatment. After that, the pathological morphology of mouse lung tissue was observed by H&E staining. The content of inflammatory factors in serum was measured by ELISA and mRNA expression and lung tissue was determined by qRT-PCR. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and related proteins in lung tissue was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

AS treatment effectively alleviated the LPS-induced lung injury and pulmonary edema, and reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissues of experimental ARDS mice. In addition, AS treatment reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in lung tissues of experimental ARDS mice.

Conclusion

AS alleviated LPS-induced lung injury in ARDS mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals for lung diseases: Traditional significance, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections like influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and pneumonia lung cancer (LC) are common causes of sickness and death worldwide due to their remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions, and inaccessible health care facilities.

PURPOSE

Many drugs have already been proposed for the treatment of lung diseases. Few of them are in clinical trials and have the potential to cure infectious diseases. Plant extracts or herbal products have been extensively used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurveda. Moreover, it has been involved in the inhibition of certain genes/protiens effects to promote regulation of signaling pathways. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven with remarkable bioactivities and are considered a cheap and safe source for lung disease.

METHODS

This comprehensive review highlighted the literature about traditional plants and their metabolites with their applications for the treatment of lung diseases through experimental models in humans. Natural drugs information and mode of mechanism have been studied through the literature retrieved by Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus and Medline PubMed resources against lung diseases.

RESULTS

In vitro, in vivo and computational studies have been explained for natural metabolites derived from plants (like flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids) against different types of lung diseases. Probiotics have also been biologically active therapeutics against cancer, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, antiviral, and antioxidants associated with lung diseases.

CONCLUSION

The results of the mentioned natural metabolites repurposed for different lung diseases especially for SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated more by advance computational applications, experimental models in the biological system, also need to be validated by clinical trials so that we may be able to retrieve potential drugs for most challenging lung diseases especially SARS-CoV-2.

Investigation on the mechanism of 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene 2-o-D-glucoside in the treatment of inflammation based on network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases plaguing clinic for years.Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a long history of application in detoxification and anti-inflammation. 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene 2-o-D-glucoside (TSG) is a main active compound of F. multiflora. However, the mechanism of TSG in the treatment of inflammation remains unknown.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to explore the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of TSG. Potential targets of TSG and inflammation were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction, Pharm Mapper, and GeneCards database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to elucidate the interaction of targets. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of TSG was validated by in vitro experiments using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry assays.

RESULTS

PPI network and gene enrichment analysis showed that TSG may exert a protein kinase binding activity, and IKBKB, MAPK1, NFKBIA, and RELA were predicted as the targets of anti-inflammation. Verified by molecular docking and Western blot, TSG may target NF-κB and ERK2 related signals to alleviate inflammatory damage. Furthermore, TSG effectively downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokine, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

CONCLUSION

TSG possesses significant anti-inflammatory effect. TSG may display a protein kinase binding activity and target NF-κB and ERK2 related signals to treat the inflammation. This work may enlighten the potential application of TSG in anti-inflammation and indicate network pharmacology was an effective tool for the further study of TCM.

Topical Application of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-Tang Recovers Skin-Lipid Barrier and Ameliorates Inflammation via Filaggrin-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Interleukin 4 Pathway

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang (GGRT) on the skin barrier integrity and inflammation in an atopic dermatitis-like animal model. Materials and Methods: The model was established using lipid barrier elimination (LBE) in BALB/c mice. Ceramide 3B, a control drug, and GGRT were applied to the skin of LBE mice. Gross observation and histological examination were combined with measurement of skin score, trans-epidermal water loss, and pH. The expression of filaggrin, kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) was examined. Results: The effect of GGRT on atopic dermatitis was estimated in silico using two individual gene sets of human atopic dermatitis. In animal experiments, GGRT treatment reduced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms, as confirmed via gross and histological observations, skin score, pH change, and trans-epidermal water loss. The expression level of filaggrin increased in the skin of GGRT-treated mice compared to that in the LBE group. The expression levels of KLK7, PAR2, TSLP, and IL-4 were decreased in GGRT-treated mice skin compared to those in LBE mice. Conclusions: We demonstrated that GGRT restored the skin barrier and reduced inflammatory reactions in a murine model of atopic dermatitis.