Kaempferol protects against gamma radiation-induced mortality and damage via inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating apoptotic molecules in vivo and vitro

Solid lipid nanoparticle: A potent vehicle of the kaempferol for brain delivery through the blood-brain barrier in the focal cerebral ischemic rat

Kaempferol is major flavonoid present in Convolvulus pluricaulis. This phytochemical protects the brain against oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration and cerebral ischemia induced neuronal destruction. Kaempferol is poorly water soluble. Our study proved that solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were efficient carrier of kaempferol through blood-brain barrier (BBB). Kaempferol was incorporated into SLNs prepared from stearic acid with polysorbate 80 by the process of ultrasonication. Mean particle size and zeta potential of kaempferol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (K-SLNs) were 451.2 nm and -15.0 mV. Atomic force microscopy showed that K-SLNs were spherical in shape. Fourier transformed infrared microscopy (FTIR) showed that both stearic acid and kaempferol were present in K-SLNs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the matrices of K-SLNs were in untidy crystalline state. Entraptment efficiency of K-SLNs was 84.92%. In-vitro drug release percentage was 93.24%. Kaempferol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (K-SLNs) showed controlled release profile. In-vitro uptake study showed significant efficiency of K-SLNs to cross blood-brain barrier (BBB). After oral administration into the focal cerebral ischemic rat, accumulation of fluorescent labeled K-SLNs was observed in the brain cortex which confirmed its penetrability into the brain. It significantly decreased the neurological deficit, infarct volume and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the level of pro-inflammatory mediators like NF-κB and p-STAT3. Damaged neurons and brain texture were improved. This study indicated increased bioavailability of kaempferol into the brain tissue through SLNs formulation.

Pharmacological Potential of Kaempferol, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis via Modulation of Inflammation and Other Biological Activities

Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been identified as a potential means of managing different pathogenesis due to its capability to manage various biological activities. Moreover, this compound has a wide range of health-promoting benefits, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic, and has a role in maintaining eye, skin, and respiratory system health. Furthermore, it can also inhibit tumor growth and modulate various cell-signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this compound has been shown to increase efficacy when combined with other natural products or drugs. In addition, kaempferol-based nano-formulations are more effective than kaempferol treatment alone. This review aims to provide detailed information about the sources of this compound, its bioavailability, and its role in various pathogenesis. Although there is promising evidence for its ability to manage diseases, it is crucial to conduct further investigations to know its toxicity, safety aspects, and mechanism of action in health management.

Development of radiation countermeasure agents for acute radiation syndromes

The risk of internal and external exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) has increased alongside the development and implementation of nuclear technology. Therefore, serious security issues have emerged globally, and there has been an increase in the number of studies focusing on radiological prevention and medical countermeasures. Radioprotective drugs are particularly important components of emergency medical preparedness strategies for the clinical management of IR-induced injuries. However, a few drugs have been approved to date to treat such injuries, and the related mechanisms are not entirely understood. Thus, the aim of the present review was to provide a brief overview of the World Health Organization's updated list of essential medicines for 2023 for the proper management of national stockpiles and the treatment of radiological emergencies. This review also discusses the types of radiation-induced health injuries and the related mechanisms, as well as the development of various radioprotective agents, including Chinese herbal medicines, for which significant survival benefits have been demonstrated in animal models of acute radiation syndrome.

Fruits and their phytochemicals in mitigating the ill effects of ionizing radiation: review on the existing scientific evidence and way forward

Although helpful in treating cancer, exposure to ionizing radiation can sometimes cause severe side effects, negating its benefit. In addition to its use in clinics, a nontoxic radioprotective agent can also be beneficial in occupational settings where humans are occupationally exposed for prolonged periods to low doses of radiation. Scientific studies using laboratory animals have shown that the fruits Aegle marmelos, Capsicum annuum, Citrus aurantium, Citrullus lanatus, Crataegus microphylla, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Garcinia kola, Grewia asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus baccata, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia emarginata, Mangifera indica, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus armeniaca, Psoralea corylifolia, Punica granatum, Solanum lycopersicum, Terminalia chebula, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vitis vinifera and Xylopia aethiopica, and the phytochemicals gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, geraniin, corilagin, ascorbic acid, hesperetin, ursolic acid, lycopene, naringin, hesperidin, rutin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, diosmin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol are effective in preventing radiation-induced ill effects. Clinical studies with Emblica officinalis and Punica granatum have also shown that fruits help mitigate radiation-induced mucositis, dermatitis, and cystitis. For the first time, the current review summarizes the beneficial effects of fruits and phytochemicals in mitigating radiation-induced damage, the underlying mechanisms and the existing lacunae for future studies to be undertaken for the benefit of humans and the nutraceutical and agri-based industries.

A Review on Polyphenols in Salicornia ramosissima with Special Emphasis on Their Beneficial Effects on Brain Ischemia

There has been an increasing interest in the consumption of halophytes as a healthy food in the last few years. Salicornia ramosissima is a seasonal Mediterranean halophyte with an interesting profile of bioactive compounds, including more than 60 identified polyphenols with a broad range of biological activities. Accumulating evidence supports the role of dietary polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. Stroke is the second cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that a substantial proportion of stroke incidence and recurrence may be prevented by healthier dietary patterns. Here, we have grouped the phenolic acids and flavonoids identified in S. ramosissima and reviewed their potential protective effect on brain ischemia, which are mostly related to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, the inhibition of cell death pathways and their role in the preservation of the vascular function. Despite the fact that most of these compounds have been reported to be neuroprotective through multiple mechanisms, human studies are still scarce. Given the safe profile of polyphenols identified in S. ramosissima, this halophyte plant could be considered as a source of bioactive compounds for the nutraceutical industry.

Analyzing network pharmacology and molecular docking to clarify Duhuo Jisheng decoction potential mechanism of osteoarthritis mitigation

As a classic remedy for treating Osteoarthritis (OA), Duhuo Jisheng decoction has successfully treated countless patients. Nevertheless, its specific mechanism is unknown. This study explored the active constituents of Duhuo Jisheng decoction and the potential molecular mechanisms for treating OA using a Network Pharmacology approaches. Screening active components and corresponding targets of Duhuo parasite decoction by traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database. Combining the following databases yielded OA disease targets: GeneCards, DrugBank, PharmGkb, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and therapeutic target database. The interaction analysis of the herb-active ingredient-core target network and protein-protein interaction protein network was constructed by STRING platform and Cytoscape software. Gene ontology functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were carried out. PyMOL and other software were used to verify the molecular docking between the essential active components and the core target. 262 active ingredients were screened, and their main components were quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, baicalein, and beta-carotene. 108 intersection targets of disease and drug were identified, and their main components were RELA, FOS, STAT3, MAPK14, MAPK1, JUN, and ESR1. Gene ontology analysis showed that the key targets were mainly involved in biological processes such as response to lipopolysaccharide, response to xenobiotic stimulus, and response to nutrient levels. The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis show that the signal pathways include the AGE - RAGE signaling pathway, IL - 17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and Toll - like receptor signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of Duhuo parasitic decoction had a good bonding activity with the key targets in treating OA. Duhuo Jisheng decoction can reduce the immune-inflammatory reaction, inhibit apoptosis of chondrocytes, strengthen proliferation and repair of chondrocytes and reduce the inflammatory response in a multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway way to play a role in the treatment of OA.

A comprehensive and mechanistic review on protective effects of kaempferol against natural and chemical toxins: Role of NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2 activation

Different toxins, including chemicals and natural, can be entered from various routes and influence human health. Herbal medicines and their active components can attenuate the toxicity of agents via multiple mechanisms. For example, kaempferol, as a flavonoid, can be found in fruits and vegetables, and has an essential role in improving disorders such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, cancer, pain, and inflammation situations. The beneficial effects of kaempferol may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, attenuation of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This flavonoid boasts a wide spectrum of toxin targeting effects in tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress thus shows promising protective effects against natural and chemical toxin induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, lung, and intestinal in the in vitro and in vivo setting. The most remarkable aspect of kaempferol is that it does not focus its efforts on just one organ or one molecular pathway. Although its significance as a treatment option remains questionable and requires more clinical studies, it seems to be a low-risk therapeutic option. It is crucial to emphasize that kaempferol's poor bioavailability is a significant barrier to its use as a therapeutic option. Nanotechnology can be a promising way to overcome this challenge, reviving optimism in using kaempferol as a viable treatment agent against toxin-induced disorders.

Investigation of the mechanism of action of Shengxuexiaoban Capsules against primary immune thrombocytopenia using network pharmacology and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Shengxuexiaoban Capsules (SC) is a classical prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been clinically adopted in the treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in China. However, the underlying mechanisms of the actions of SC on ITP remain clear.

METHODS

A network pharmacology approach was adopted to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of SC in treating ITP, and the effects of SC on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of megakaryocyte (MK) and on the ITP animal model were investigated.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis found 128 active compounds and 268 targets of these compounds in SC, as well as 221 ITP-related targets. The topological analysis found a central network containing 82 genes, which were significantly associated with the regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, apoptosis processes, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the ERK1 and ERK2 cascades. It showed that SC increased the proliferation and differentiation of MK, but had no significant impact on MK apoptosis in vivo. The addition of SC increased the gene expression of several potential targets, including STAT3, KDR, CASP3, and TGFB1. In addition, SC administration elevated the protein expression of p-AKT and inhibit the protein expression of p-ERK, but has no impact on the protein expression of p-P38. Moreover, SC could improve haemogram parameters, coagulation indicators, and the proliferation and differentiation of MK in the ITP animal model.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study systematically elucidated the underlying mechanisms of SC against ITP and provided an efficient strategy to discover the pharmacological mechanism of TCM. It may strengthen the understanding of SC and facilitate more application of this formula in the treatment of ITP.

Probing the Potential Mechanism of Quercetin and Kaempferol against Heat Stress-Induced Sertoli Cell Injury: Through Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Quercetin and kaempferol are flavonoids widely present in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. They have attracted much attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. As the guarantee cells in direct contact with germ cells, Sertoli cells exert the role of support, nutrition, and protection in spermatogenesis. In the current study, network pharmacology was used to explore the targets and signaling pathways of quercetin and kaempferol in treating spermatogenic disorders. In vitro experiments were integrated to verify the results of quercetin and kaempferol against heat stress-induced Sertoli cell injury. The online platform was used to analyze the GO biological pathway and KEGG pathway. The results of the network pharmacology showed that quercetin and kaempferol intervention in spermatogenesis disorders were mostly targeting the oxidative response to oxidative stress, the ROS metabolic process and the NFκB pathway. The results of the cell experiment showed that Quercetin and kaempferol can prevent the decline of cell viability induced by heat stress, reduce the expression levels of HSP70 and ROS in Sertoli cells, reduce p-NF-κB-p65 and p-IκB levels, up-regulate the expression of occludin, vimentin and F-actin in Sertoli cells, and protect cell structure. Our research is the first to demonstrate that quercetin and kaempferol may exert effects in resisting the injury of cell viability and structure under heat stress.

Kaempferol and atherosclerosis: From mechanism to medicine

Natural products possess pleiotropic cardiovascular protective effects owing to their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-thrombotic properties. Kaempferol, (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), is a kind of naturally occurring flavonoid existing in many common fruits and vegetables (e.g., onions, broccoli, strawberries and grapes) and particularly in traditional Chinese medicine as exemplified by Ginkgo biloba. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have revealed an inverse association between the consumption of kaempferol-containing foods and medicines and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Numerous translational studies in experimental animal models and cultured cells have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities of kaempferol. In this article, we reviewed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective activities of kaempferol and elucidated the potential molecular basis of the therapeutic capacity of kaempferol by focusing on its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Overall, the review presents the health benefits of kaempferol-containing plants and medicines and reflects on the potential of kaempferol as a possible drug candidate to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of most cardiovascular diseases.

Possible radioprotection of submandibular glands in gamma-irradiated rats using kaempferol: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Salivary gland damage remains a problem despite advances in radiotherapy schedules for head and neck cancer. Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, found in several fruits and vegetables, is a good antioxidant. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of kaempferol on submandibular glands (SMGs) of rats exposed to fractionated gamma irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four male adult Wistar albino rats were included in this study and assigned to three groups (n = 8). Rats in group K received kaempferol orally in five doses at a dose of 10 mg/kg/2 days for 10 days. Meanwhile, rats in group R were subjected to fractionated whole-body gamma irradiation at a dose of 2 Gy/5 days/week for 2 weeks (20 Gy), and the KR group received kaempferol as group K and then was subjected to a fractionated whole-body gamma irradiation as group R. SMG samples were collected on days 1 and 7 after the last radiation session; and processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations.

RESULTS

The SMGs of group R showed focal atrophy and degeneration. Acini showed vacuolization and had pyknotic hyperchromatic nuclei. Striated ducts degenerated, shrunken, and were surrounded by empty spaces. The percentage of areas covered by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) significantly increased, whereas the percentage of areas covered by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) significantly decreased compared with those in group K. Cotreatment with kaempferol (group KR) partially preserved normal gland architecture where acinar vacuolation and degeneration were almost absent; however, some ducts degenerated. A significant decrease in the percentage of areas covered by COX-2 and a significant increase in the percentage of areas covered by PCNA were observed compared with those in group R.

CONCLUSIONS

Kaempferol has a possible radioprotective effect on the SMGs of rats exposed to fractionated gamma irradiation.

Kaempferol: A flavonoid with wider biological activities and its applications

Kaempferol and its derivatives are naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising bioactivities. This flavonol can reduce the lipid oxidation in the human body, prevent the organs and cell structure from deterioration and protect their functional integrity. This review has extensively highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activity of kaempferol. However, poor water solubility and low bioavailability of kaempferol greatly limit its applications. The utilization of advanced delivery systems can improve its stability, efficacy, and bioavailability. This is the first review that aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on biosynthesis, mechanism of action, bioactivities, bioavailability, and toxicological potential of kaempferol. Besides, it provides insights into the future direction on the improvement of bioavailability of kaempferol for wide applications.

Potential nephroprotective phytochemicals: Mechanism and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kidney disease (KD) is one of the serious health issues, which causes worrisome morbidity and economic burden. Therapeutic strategies are available however majority of them are associated with severe adverse effects and poor patient compliance and adherence. This explorative article was undertaken to provide a holistic review of known nephroprotective (NP) phytoconstituents along with their research-based evidences on mechanism, sources, and clinical trials that may play essential role in prevention and cure of KD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present systematic review aimed to provide in-depth and better evidences of the global burden of KD, phytoconstituents as NP with emphasis on mechanism of action both in vitro and in vivo, their wide biological sources as well as their clinical efficacy in management of kidney disease and its related disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Comprehensive information was searched systematically from electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Wiley, Scopus, Google scholar and Springer until February 2021 to find relevant data for publication on phytoconstituents with nephroprotective potential.

RESULTS

In total, 24,327 articles were screened in first search for "phytoconstituents and medicinal plants for nephroprotection and kidney disorder". On the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 24,091 were excluded. Only 236 papers were spotted to have superlative quality data, which is appropriate under titles and sub-titles of the present review. The phytoconstituents having multiple research evidence along with wide number of medicinal plants sources and mechanism reported for nephroprotection have been selected and reviewed.

CONCLUSION

This review, based on pre-clinical and clinical data of NP phytoconstituents, provides scientific-basis for the rational discovery, development and utilization of these upcoming treatment practices. Further,-more clinical studies are warranted to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic understanding of phytoconstituents. Also, more specific evaluation for natural sources is needed.

Protective rules of natural antioxidants against gamma-induced damage-A review

Phytochemicals accessible in food have demonstrated efficiency against impairment by gamma radiation. The review presented here is an attempt to show the pharmacological outline of the activity of the natural antioxidants and its primary action of molecular mechanism against the damage induced by gamma rays. This research focused on the results of the in vitro dosage of natural antioxidants relationship, and on the correlation of this information with the statistical variables. Moreover, it deliberated the natural compounds which could decrease the unwelcome impacts of gamma radiation and safeguard biological systems from radiation-stimulated genotoxicity. The outcomes indicated that natural compounds can be utilized as an adjunct to orthodox radiotherapy and cultivate it as an effectual drug for the clinical administration of ailments.

Identification of Chemotypic Markers in Three Chemotype Categories of Cannabis Using Secondary Metabolites Profiled in Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Bark, and Roots

Previous chemotaxonomic studies of cannabis only focused on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dominant strains while excluded the cannabidiol (CBD) dominant strains and intermediate strains (THC ≈ CBD). This study investigated the utility of the full spectrum of secondary metabolites in different plant parts in three cannabis chemotypes (THC dominant, intermediate, and CBD dominant) for chemotaxonomic discrimination. Hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and canonical correlation analysis assigned 21 cannabis varieties into three chemotypes using the content and ratio of cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenoids across inflorescences, leaves, stem bark, and roots. The same clustering results were obtained using secondary metabolites, omitting THC and CBD. Significant chemical differences were identified in these three chemotypes. Cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids had differentiation power while sterols and triterpenoids had none. CBD dominant strains had higher amounts of total CBD, cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromene (CBC), α-pinene, β-myrcene, (-)-guaiol, β-eudesmol, α-eudesmol, α-bisabolol, orientin, vitexin, and isovitexin, while THC dominant strains had higher total THC, total tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), total cannabigerol (CBG), camphene, limonene, ocimene, sabinene hydrate, terpinolene, linalool, fenchol, α-terpineol, β-caryophyllene, trans-β-farnesene, α-humulene, trans-nerolidol, quercetin, and kaempferol. Compound levels in intermediate strains were generally equal to or in between those in CBD dominant and THC dominant strains. Overall, with higher amounts of β-myrcene, (-)-guaiol, β-eudesmol, α-eudesmol, and α-bisabolol, intermediate strains more resemble CBD dominant strains than THC dominant strains. The results of this study provide a comprehensive profile of bioactive compounds in three chemotypes for medical purposes. The simultaneous presence of a predominant number of identified chemotype markers (with or without THC and CBD) could be used as chemical fingerprints for quality standardization or strain identification for research, clinical studies, and cannabis product manufacturing.

Kaempferol Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Through Intervening Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress Induced Apoptosis

The aim of this research is to investigate the potential neuro-protective effect of kaempferol which with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory properties, and understand the effect of kaempferol on reducing cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo. Male adult Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were pretreated with kaempferol for one week via gavage before cerebral I/R injury operation. We found that kaempferol treatment can reduce the cerebral infarct volume and neurological score after cerebral I/R. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h reperfusion. We observed that kaempferol improved the arrangement, distribution, and morphological structure of neurons, as well as attenuated cell apoptosis in brain tissue via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining and TUNEL staining. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) kit analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay, real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical examination indicated that kaempferol mitigated oxidative and inflammatory stress via regulating the expression of proteins, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and p-NF-κB during cerebral I/R, thus increasing the activity of SOD and GSH, meanwhile decreasing the content of MDA in serum and brain tissue, as well as restoring the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in vivo. Taken together, this study suggested that kaempferol protects against cerebral I/R induced brain damage. The possible mechanism is related with inhibiting oxidative and inflammatory stress induced apoptosis.

Elucidation of the Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of Yiqi Shexue Formula for Treatment of Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Based on Network Pharmacology

Yiqi Shexue formula (YQSX) is traditionally used to treat primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. However, its mechanisms of action and molecular targets for treatment of ITP are not clear. The active compounds of YQSX were collected and their targets were identified. ITP-related targets were obtained by analyzing the differential expressed genes between ITP patients and healthy individuals. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) data were then obtained and PPI networks of YQSX putative targets and ITP-related targets were visualized and merged to identify the candidate targets for YQSX against ITP. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were carried out. The gene-pathway network was constructed to screen the key target genes. In total, 177 active compounds and 251 targets of YQSX were identified. Two hundred and thirty differential expressed genes with an P value < 0.005 and |log2(fold change)| > 1 were identified between ITP patient and control groups. One hundred and eighty-three target genes associated with ITP were finally identified. The functional annotations of target genes were found to be related to transcription, cytosol, protein binding, and so on. Twenty-four pathways including cell cycle, estrogen signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway were significantly enriched. MDM2 was the core gene and other several genes including TP53, MAPK1, CDKN1A, MYC, and DDX5 were the key gens in the gene-pathway network of YQSX for treatment of ITP. The results indicated that YQSX’s effects against ITP may relate to regulation of immunological function through the specific biological processes and the related pathways. This study demonstrates the application of network pharmacology in evaluating mechanisms of action and molecular targets of complex herbal formulations.

Two Kaempferol Glycosides Separated from Camellia Oleifera Meal by High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography and Their Possible Application for Antioxidation

Recently, kaempferol and its glycosides have attracted considerable attention owing to their potentially health-benefitting properties including protection against chronic diseases. Here, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed for the extraction of total flavonoid glycosides (FG) from Camellia oleifera meal, a major agrifood waste largely generated as a byproduct from the Camellia oil processing industry. Compared with traditional extraction methods, MAE enables more efficient extraction of FG. High-speed countercurrent chromatography was then applied to separate FG from MAE extract, and two major compounds were successfully separated with purities above 90.0% as determined by HPLC. These two compounds were further identified by UV, FT-IR, ESI-MS, ¹ H-NMR, and ¹³ C-NMR as kaempferol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and kaempferol 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, which were for the first time separated from C. oleifera meal. The results of antioxidant activity assay demonstrated that both compounds had excellent scavenging activity for DPPH radical, and exhibited protective effects against H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative damage of vascular endothelial cells. The findings of this work suggest the possibility of employing C. oleifera meal as an attractive source of health-promoting compounds, and at the same time facilitate its high-value reuse and reduction of environmental burden.

Kaempferol can be used as the single antioxidant in the in vitro culture medium, stimulating sheep secondary follicle development through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway

This study evaluated the effect of addition of kaempferol alone or combined with other antioxidants (transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid) on in vitro culture of sheep isolated secondary follicles and if PI3K pathway is involved in kaempferol action. Secondary follicles were isolated and cultured for 12 days in α-Minimal Essential Medium (α-MEM) supplemented with BSA, insulin, glutamine and hypoxanthine (α-MEM: antioxidant free-medium) or in this medium also added by transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid (AO: base medium with antioxidants). Moreover, different concentrations of kaempferol (0.1; 1 or 10 μM) were added to the different base media (α-MEM or AO). After culture, glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial activity and meiotic resumption were evaluated. In addition, inhibition of PI3K activity was performed through pretreatment in medium supplemented with LY294002. After 12 days, the percentage of normal follicles was higher (P < 0.05) in AO base medium than the other treatments and similar (P > 0.05) to α-MEM supplemented with 1 or 10 μM kaempferol Moreover, α-MEM plus 1 or 10 μM kaempferol and AO medium showed similar (P > 0.05) follicular diameter, fully-grown oocytes, and GSH levels. However, at the end of the culture, antrum formation was higher (P < 0.05) in α-MEM + 1 μM kaempferol than in AO, and similar (P > 0.05) to α-MEM + 10 μM kaempferol. In addition, oocytes cultured in α-MEM supplemented with 1 μM kaempferol showed greater (P < 0.05) levels of active mitochondria than α-MEM + 10 μM kaempferol and AO medium. The rates of meiotic resumption were similar (P > 0.05) among α-MEM + 1 μM kaempferol and AO medium. LY294002 significantly inhibited antrum formation, follicular diameter and the percentage of fully grown oocytes stimulated by 1 μM kaempferol. In conclusion, 1 μM kaempferol can be used as the single antioxidant present in the base medium, replacing the addition of transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid during in vitro culture of ovine secondary follicles, maintaining follicular survival, increasing active mitochondria levels, and promoting the oocyte meiotic resumption. Moreover, the development of the ovine secondary follicle stimulated by kaempferol is mediated by PI3K pathway.

Kaempferol protects chondrogenic ATDC5 cells against inflammatory injury triggered by lipopolysaccharide through down-regulating miR-146a

Kaempferol is a kind of bioflavonoid exerts diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Kaempferol has been recognized as an effective agent for alleviating the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to provide evidence that Kaempferol has potential in the management of OA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation induced a significant cell death and inflammatory injury in ATDC5 cells, as evidenced by the decreased cell viability, the induced apoptosis, the activated caspase-3, and the excessive production of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Precondition of cells with Kaempferol prevented apoptosis and the release of proinflammatory cytokines triggered by LPS. miR-146a was down-regulated by Kaempferol treatment, and Decorin was up-regulated by miR-146a overexpression. Consistently, both silence of miR-146a and Decorin exhibited Kaempferol-like effects towards ATDC5 cells stimulated by LPS. Moreover, Decorin silence activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In rat model of OA, the expression of miR-146a and Decorin in cartilage tissues was repressed by Kaempferol. Also, the activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in OA animal model was enhanced by Kaempferol administration. These data suggested that Kaempferol exerted potential anti-OA effects through down-regulation of miR-146a, and thus repressing the expression of Decorin.