Enhanced hepatic targeting, biodistribution and antifibrotic efficacy of tanshinone IIA loaded globin nanoparticles

Tanshinone IIA alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting Zbtb16

Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease that can occur in a variety of clinical settings. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 (Zbtb16) is a transcription factor and has not been studied in pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues from rats which were treated with bleomycin and Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) were collected for mRNA sequencing. Zbtb16, a differentially expressed gene, was screened. Using adeno-associated virus to knock down Zbtb16 in rats, it was found that the lung index and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were decreased. HE and Masson staining revealed that pathological symptoms of lung histopathology were relieved after Zbtb16 knockdown. Protein expressions of α-SMA, Collagen I and Fibronectin were significantly decreased after Zbtb16 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein content of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 were inhibited by Zbtb16 knockdown. Conversely, under the treatment of Tan IIA and TGF-β1, overexpression of Zbtb16 improved cell viability, increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3. All above demonstrates that Zbtb16 inhibition ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis and suppresses the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Furthermore, Zbtb16 mediates the inhibitory process of Tan IIA on pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides a novel candidate therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Tanshinone IIA regulates CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice via the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways

Chronic liver diseases caused by various factors may develop into liver fibrosis (LF). Early stage of LF could be reversible. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to be hepatoprotective. However, the potential targets and mechanism of Tan IIA in the treatment of LF are still unclear. Our study aims at the anti-LF mechanism of Tan IIA through network pharmacological analysis combined with LF-related experiments. Serum biochemical indicators and histopathological examination showed that Tan IIA could ameliorate the process of LF in the CCl4 -induced mouse model. Western blot and immunohistochemical assays showed that Tan IIA decreased the expression of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1). Compared with the model group, the Tan IIA groups increased the decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, while decreasing the increased malondialdehyde content. These results indicate that Tan IIA may play an antioxidant role by inhibiting the expression of KRAS, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO-1 to ameliorate the progression of LF, which to some extent explains the pharmacological mechanism of Tan IIA in LF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Tan IIA could regulate LF via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. It may be an effective therapeutic compound for the treatment of LF.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) in the Treating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on the Regulator of Metabolic Targets

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly prevalent due to its strong association with increased metabolic syndrome such as cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders and diabetes. Few drugs can meet the growing disease burden of NAFLD. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) have been used for over 2,000 years in clinical trials to treat NAFLD and metabolic syndrome disease without clarified defined mechanisms. Metabolic targets restored metabolic homeostasis in patients with NAFLD and improved steatosis by reducing the delivery of metabolic substrates to liver as a promising way. Here we systematic review evidence showing that Danshen against NAFLD through diverse and crossing mechanisms based on metabolic targets. A synopsis of the phytochemistry and pharmacokinetic of Danshen and the mechanisms of metabolic targets regulating the progression of NAFLD is initially provided, followed by the pharmacological activity of Danshen in the management NAFLD. And then, the possible mechanisms of Danshen in the management of NAFLD based on metabolic targets are elucidated. Specifically, the metabolic targets c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), nuclear translocation carbohydrate response element–binding protein (ChREBP) related with lipid metabolism pathway, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the others associated with pleiotropic metabolism will be discussed. Finally, providing a critical assessment of the preclinic and clinic model and the molecular mechanism in NAFLD.

Modified Lipid Nanocapsules for Targeted Tanshinone IIA Delivery in Liver Fibrosis

Introduction

Liver fibrosis represents a serious global disease with no approved treatment. Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a phytomedicine with documented activity in treating many hepatic disorders. TSIIA has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also induce apoptosis for activated hepatic stellate cells, and is thereby considered as a promising herbal remedy for treating fibrotic liver. However, its poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, exposure to the first-pass effect, and low concentration reaching targeted cells constitute the major barriers hindering its effective therapeutic potential. Therefore, this work aimed at enhancing TSIIA systemic bioavailability together with achieving active targeting potential to fibrotic liver via its incorporation into novel modified lipid nanocapsules (LNCs).

Methods

Blank and TSIIA-loaded LNCs modified with either hyaluronate sodium or phosphatidyl serine were successfully prepared, optimized, and characterized both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The developed LNCs showed good colloidal properties (size ≤100 nm and PDI ≤0.2), high drug-entrapment efficiency (>97%) with sustained-release profile for 24 hours, high storage stability up to 6 months, and good in vitro serum stability. After a single intraperitoneal injection, the administered LNCs exhibited a 2.4-fold significant increase in AUC_0–∞ compared with the TSIIA suspension (p≤0.01). Biodistribution-study results proved the liver-targeting ability of the prepared modified LNCs, with a significant ~1.5-fold increase in hepatic accumulation compared with the unmodified formulation (p≤0.05). Moreover, the modified formulations had an improved antifibrotic effect compared with both unmodified LNCs and TSIIA suspension, as evidenced by the results of biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Conclusion

The modified TSIIA-LNCs could be regarded as promising novel targeted nanomedicines for effective management of liver fibrosis.

Tanshinones and their Derivatives: Heterocyclic Ring-Fused Diterpenes of Biological Interest

The available scientific literature regarding tanshinones is very abundant, and after its review, it is noticeable that most of the articles focus on the properties of tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone IIA, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate and the dried root extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Tan- Shen). However, although these products have demonstrated important biological properties in both in vitro and in vivo models, their poor solubility and bioavailability have limited their clinical applications. For these reasons, many studies have focused on the search for new pharmaceutical formulations for tanshinones, as well as the synthesis of new derivatives that improve their biological properties. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2015) on tanshinones in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we offer an update on the last five years of new research on these quinones, focusing on their synthesis, biological activity on noncommunicable diseases and drug delivery systems, to support future research on its clinical applications.

A comprehensive review of tanshinone IIA and its derivatives in fibrosis treatment

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is the most abundant lipid-soluble component in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Both Tan IIA and its derivatives including Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) have been widely used in clinic due to their proved anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-fibrosis functions. Recently, combinations containing Tan IIA and active components have attracted intensive interest in fibrosis. Multiple studies have been conducted to attempt to decipher the mechanisms of this traditional Chinese medicine and found that Tan IIA can attenuate fibrosis through different pathways such as Smad2/3, NF-κB, Nrf2, E2F and snail/twist axis. However, some of the studies were contradictory and confusing. Therefore, it was important to develop an easy-to-access reference for clinic use. In this study, we reviewed the pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of Tan IIA and its derivatives in the treatment of fibrosis and introduced the cutting-edge new formulation of Tan IIA compound.

Synthetic high-density lipoproteins loaded with an antiplatelet drug for efficient inhibition of thrombosis in mice

Antiplatelet agents offer a desirable approach to thrombosis prevention through the reduction of platelet reactivity. However, major bleeding events greatly attenuate the clinical outcomes of most antithrombotic agents. Therefore, the development of safer and more effective strategies to prevent vascular occlusion and avoid bleeding is urgently needed. A reconstituted nanoparticle, synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL), which mimics the native HDL, has been established as clinically safe and is easily manufactured on a large scale. In this study, we propose that the delivery of the antiplatelet drug ML355, a selective inhibitor of 12(S)-lipoxygenase (12-LOX), by sHDL will efficiently inhibit thrombosis by targeting ML355 to the intended site of action, improving the pharmaceutical profile and harnessing the innate antithrombotic efficacy of the sHDL carrier. Our data show that ML355-sHDL exhibits more potent inhibition of thrombus formation in both small arterioles and larger arteries in mice without impairing the normal hemostasis in vivo.

Solid Polymeric Nanoparticles of Albendazole: Synthesis, Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with documented antitumor activity and low toxicity to healthy cells. The major disadvantage in terms of clinical use is its low aqueous solubility which limits its bioavailability. Albendazole was incorporated into stable and homogeneous polyurethane structures with the aim of obtaining an improved drug delivery system model. Spectral and thermal analysis was used to investigate the encapsulation process and confirmed the presence of albendazole inside the nanoparticles. The in vitro anticancer properties of albendazole encapsulated in polyurethane structures versus the un-encapsulated compound were tested on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, in terms of cellular viability and apoptosis induction. The study showed that the encapsulation process enhanced the antitumor activity of albendazole on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 breast cancer lines. The cytotoxic activity manifested in a concentration-dependent manner and was accompanied by changes in cell morphology and nuclear fragmentation.

Therapeutic Effect of Tanshinone IIA on Liver Fibrosis and the Possible Mechanism: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis

Background

Liver fibrosis is a serious human health problem, and there is a need for specific antifibrosis drugs in the clinic. Tanshinone IIA has recently been reported to have a role in the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, the evidence supporting its antifibrotic effect is not sufficient, and the underlying mechanism is not clear. We thus performed this meta-analysis of animal research to assess the therapeutic effect of tanshinone IIA on liver fibrosis and analyzed the possible associated mechanism to provide a reference for further clinical drug preparation and clinical research.

Methods

We collect related articles from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal studies. Data were analyzed using RavMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software.

Results

A total of 404 articles were retrieved from the databases. After screening, 11 articles were included in the analysis. The included studies' methodological quality was generally low, and an obvious publication bias was found. The results showed that tanshinone IIA significantly improved liver function in experimental animals and reduced the level of liver fibrosis by reducing inflammation and inhibiting immunity, antiapoptotic processes, and HSC activation.

Conclusion

Tanshinone IIA can effectively improve liver fibrosis and liver function in animal models and is worthy of future higher quality animal studies and clinical drug trials.

Development of a Liposomal Formulation of Acetyltanshinone IIA for Breast Cancer Therapy

Acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA), synthesized in our group exhibiting good anti-breast cancer effects, is expected to replace the commonly used anti-ER+ breast cancer (breast cancer cells overexpressing the estrogen receptor) drug tamoxifen. To promote the clinical progress of ATA, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes were used to encapsulate ATA along with improving its bioavailability and in vivo anticancer efficiency. The resulting liposomal ATA exhibited a spherical shape with an average size of 188.5 nm. In vitro evaluations showed that liposomal ATA retained the anti-breast cancer efficacy of ATA while exerting much less cytotoxicity toward noncancerous cells. Significantly, pharmacokinetics analysis showed that the AUC0-24h of liposomal ATA was 59 times higher than that of free ATA, demonstrating increased bioavailability of ATA. Preclinical experiments demonstrated that liposomal ATA reduced the growth of ER-positive human breast tumor xenografts by 73% in nude mice, and the liposomal ATA exhibited a much lower level of toxicity than that of free ATA with respect to zebrafish larval mortality, body formation, and heart function during development. Moreover, 7-day and 21-day tissue toxicity levels were determined in mice by intravenous administration of a maximum dosage of liposomal ATA (120 mg/kg). The results showed no obvious tissue damage in major organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. In summary, we have developed a clinical formulation of liposomal ATA with the high bioavailability and potent efficacy for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer.

Traditional Chinese medicine combined with hepatic targeted drug delivery systems: A new strategy for the treatment of liver diseases

Liver diseases are clinically common and present a substantial public health issue. Many of the currently available drugs for the treatment of liver diseases suffer from limitations that include low hepatic distribution, lack of target effects, poor in vivo stability and adverse effects on other organs. Consequently, conventional treatment of hepatic diseases is ineffective. TCM is commonly used in the treatment of liver diseases worldwide, particularly in China, and has advantages over conventional therapy. HTDDS can be designed to enhance clinical efficacy in the treatment of liver diseases. We have conducted an extensive review of 335 studies reported since 1964. These included about 166 references involving the treatment of liver diseases with TCM (covering active components of TCM, single TCM and Chinese medicine formulas), 169 reports on HTDDS and background studies on liver-related diseases. Here we review the long history of TCM in the treatment of liver diseases.We have also reviewed the status of studies on active components of TCM using nanotechnology-based targeted delivery systems to provide support for further research and development of TCM-based targeted preparations for the treatment of liver disease.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate promotes endothelial integrity via regulating VE-cadherin dynamics and RhoA/ROCK-mediated cellular contractility and prevents atorvastatin-induced intracerebral hemorrhage in zebrafish

Impaired vascular integrity leads to serious cerebral vascular diseases such as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In addition, high-dose statin therapy is suggested to cause increased ICH risk due to unclear effects of general inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) on the vascular system. Here we evaluated the protective effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), which has high efficacy and safety in clinical studies of ischemic stroke, by using atorvastatin (Ator) induced ICH zebrafish embryos and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By using double transgenic Tg(fli1a:EGFP)y1 & Tg(gata1a:dsRed)sd2 zebrafish, we demonstrated that STS effectively reduced the occurrence and area of hemorrhage induced by Ator in zebrafish and restored impairment in motor function. We further demonstrated that Ator-induced disruption in VE-cadherin (VEC)-containing cell-cell adherens junctions (AJs) in HUVECs by enhancing Src-induced VEC internalization and RhoA/ROCK-mediated cellular contraction. STS inhibited Ator-induced Src activation and subsequent VEC internalization and actin depolymerization near cell borders, reducing lesions between neighboring cells and increasing barrier functions. STS also inhibited the Ator-induced RhoA/ROCK-mediated cellular contraction by regulating downstream LIMK/cofilin and MYPT1/MLC phosphatase signaling. These results showed that STS significantly promoted the stability of cell junctions and vascular integrity. Moreover, we observed that regulations of both Src and RhoA/ROCK are required for the maintenance of vascular integrity, and Src inhibitor (PP2) or ROCK inhibitors (fasudil and H1152) alone could not reduce the occurrence Ator-induced ICH. Taken together, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of Ator-induced endothelial instability, and provided scientific evidences of STS as potential ICH therapeutics by promoting vascular integrity.

Enhancement of the bioavailability of a novel anticancer compound (acetyltanshinone IIA) by encapsulation within mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles: a study of formulation optimization, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics

The Poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles carrying acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA), a novel anti-breast cancer agent, were prepared by ultrasonic emulsion method to enhance the bioavailability and reduce the toxicity. Systematic optimization of encapsulation process was achieved using an orthogonal design. Drug efficacy analysis showed that ATA nanoparticles were as effective as free ATA against estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells, but much less toxic towards human endothelial cells. Furthermore, in zebrafish, ATA nanoparticles displayed much lower toxicity than free ATA. More importantly, the blood concentration of ATA nanoparticles indicated by 24 hour-area under the curve (AUC_0-24h) was 10 times higher than free ATA. These results indicated the potential of ATA-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the delivery of ATA in a clinical formulation, and their potential for use in tumor therapy in the future.

Quantification of Active Apohemoglobin Heme-Binding Sites via Dicyanohemin Incorporation

Apohemoglobin (apoHb) is produced by removing heme from hemoglobin (Hb). However, preparations of apoHb may contain damaged globins, which render total protein assays inaccurate for active apoHb quantification. Fortunately, apoHb heme-binding sites react with heme via the proximal histidine-F8 (His-F8) residue, which can be monitored spectrophotometrically. The bond between the His-F8 residue of apoHb and heme is vital for maintenance of fully functional and cooperative Hb. Additionally, most apoHb drug delivery applications facilitate hydrophobic drug incorporation inside the apoHb hydrophobic heme-binding pocket in which the His-F8 residue resides. This makes the His-F8 residue a proper target for apoHb activity quantification. In this work, dicyanohemin (DCNh), a stable monomeric porphyrin species, was used as a probe molecule to quantify active apoHb through monocyanohemin-His-F8 bond formation. ApoHb activity was quantified via the analysis of the 420 nm equilibrium absorbance of DCNh and apoHb mixtures. His-F8 saturation was determined by the presence of an inflection point from a plot of the 420 nm absorbance of a fixed concentration of apoHb against an increasing DCNh concentration. Various concentrations of a stock apoHb solution were tested to demonstrate the precision of the assay. The accuracy of the assay was assessed via spectral deconvolution, confirming His-F8 saturation at the inflection point. The effect of the heme-binding protein bovine serum albumin and precipitated apoHb on assay sensitivity was not significant. An analysis of the biophysical properties of reconstituted Hb confirmed heme-binding pocket activity. Taken together, this assay provides a simple and reliable method for determination of apoHb activity.

Insight into the pharmacokinetic behavior of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of Crohn's disease: comparative data for tanshinone IIA and its two glucuronidated metabolites in normal and recurrent colitis models after oral administration

1. Previous reports implied that tanshinone IIA (TSA) may offer potential benefits for Crohn's disease (CD). However, the detailed pharmacokinetic behavior of TSA in the treatment of colitis remain unclear. Herein, a recurrent trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-colitis mouse model was used to investigate whether TSA possesses favorable pharmacokinetic and colonic distribution profiles to serve as a candidate drug. 2. Although the systemic TSA exposures were low (AUC_0-t approximately 330 ng*h/ml) in both the normal and colitis models after oral administration TSA 20 mg/kg, high levels of TSA were found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). Such a GI exposure of TSA in colitis mice is adequate to exert anti-inflammatory effects as observed in various in vitro studies. 3. Interestingly, colonic TSA exposure in the colitis mouse model was much lower than that in the normal mice, which may be explained by a significant upregulation of colonic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt)1a9 expression and a higher plasma concentration of TSA glucuronides in the model mice at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after TSA administration. 4. Together, these results reveal high accumulation at the site of inflammation and minimal systemic concentration of TSA, which are favorable pharmacokinetic behaviors to meet the requirements for CD treatment.

A network pharmacology approach to discover active compounds and action mechanisms of San-Cao Granule for treatment of liver fibrosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

San-Cao Granule (SCG) has been used in patients with liver fibrosis for many years and has shown good effect. However, its mechanism of therapeutic action is not clear because of its complex chemical system. The purpose of our study is to establish a comprehensive and systemic method that can predict the mechanism of action of SCG in antihepatic fibrosis.

Materials and methods

In this study, a “compound–target–disease” network was constructed by combining the SCG-specific and liver fibrosis–specific target proteins with protein–protein interactions, and network pharmacology was used to screen out the underlying targets and mechanisms of SCG for treatment of liver fibrosis. Then, some key molecules of the enriched pathway were chosen to verify the effects of SCG on liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA).

Results

This systematic approach had successfully revealed that 16 targets related to 11 SCG compounds were closely associated with liver fibrosis therapy. The pathway-enrichment analysis of them showed that the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway is relatively important. Animal experiments also proved that SCG could significantly ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Conclusion

SCG could alleviate liver fibrosis through the molecular mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology. Furthermore, network pharmacology could provide deep insight into the pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulas.

Effect of Olea oleaster and Juniperus procera leaves extracts on thioacetamide induced hepatic cirrhosis in male albino mice

The effect of Olea oleaster and Juniperus procera leaves extracts and their combination on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic cirrhosis were investigated in male albino mice. One hundred sixty mice were used in this study and were randomly distributed into eight groups of 20 each. Mice of group 1 served as controls. Mice of group 2 were treated with TAA. Mice of group 3 were exposed to TAA and supplemented with O. oleaster leaves extracts. Mice of group 4 were treated with TAA and supplemented with J. procera leaves extracts. Mice of group 5 were subjected to TAA and supplemented with O. oleaster and J. procera leaves extracts. Mice of groups 6, 7 and 8 were supplemented with O. oleaster, J. procera, and O. oleaster and J. procera leaves extracts respectively. Administration of TAA for six and twelve weeks resulted in a decline in body weight gain and increased the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Histopathological evaluations of hepatic sections from mice treated with TAA showed severe alterations including increase of fibrogenesis processes with structural damage. Treatment of mice with these extracts showed a pronounced attenuation in TAA induced hepatic cirrhosis associated with physiological and histopathological alterations. Finally, this study suggests that the supplementation of these extracts may act as antioxidant agents and could be an excellent adjuvant support in the therapy of hepatic cirrhosis.