Modulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) by the naphthoquinone shikonin

Ziqi Dihuang decoction ameliorates thrombosis in septic rats by inhitbiting plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Introduction

Sepsis is now a global medical burden with high morbility and mortality. The focus of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ziqi Dihuang (ZQDH) decoction on inflammatory and thrombosis-related parameters in septic rats.

Mothods

A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Sham group, CLP group, ZQDH-1ow group (0.735 g/kg) and ZQDH-high group (1.47 g/kg). Rats in ZQDH groups were given ZQDH decoction by gavage for 7 days before CLP. White blood cells (WBC), inflammatory cell infiltration of liver, kidney and lung, as well as serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were used to assess systemic inflammatory response. Coagulation and fibrinolytic indexes included platelet count, coagulation function, fibrin deposition, and levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in serum, liver, kidney and lung.

Results

LPS rats showed significant changes in inflammatory and thrombosis-related parameters such as increased WBC and inflammatory factors, decreased platelet counts, and increased tPA and PAI-1 concentrations in serum and organs. ZQDH decoction pretreatment can significantly inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung, and inhibit the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and ROS in a dose-dependent manner. ZQDH decoction also ameliorated thrombocytopenia, renal fibrin deposition, and tPA and PAI-1 levels in serum and organs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ZQDH decoction can dose-dependently relieve systemic inflammatory injury and regulate fibrinolysis system in septic rats, which may be mediated by PAI-1.

Therapeutic implications of targeting autophagy and TGF-β crosstalk for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix components, mainly collagens, and occurs in response to a broad spectrum of triggers with different etiologies. Under stress conditions, autophagy serves as a highly conserved homeostatic system for cell survival and is importantly involved in various biological processes. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has emerged as a central cytokine in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and is the main mediator of liver fibrosis. A growing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that TGF-β1 regulates autophagy, a process that affects various essential (patho)physiological aspects related to liver fibrosis. This review comprehensively highlights recent advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of autophagy, its regulation by TGF-β, and the implication of autophagy in the pathogenesis of progressive liver disorders. Moreover, we evaluated crosstalk between autophagy and TGF-β1 signalling and discussed whether simultaneous inhibition of these pathways could represent a novel approach to improve the efficacy of anti-fibrotic therapy in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanisms of action and therapeutic regimens of traditional Chinese medicine, Bufei Jianpi granules: Implication for COPD drug discovery

BACKGROUND

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious public health challenge in the world. According to the treatment instructions by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020, bronchiectasis combine with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting anti-muscarinic agents were recommended as the main prescription. However, this symptomatic treatment still has ineluctable limits because it ignored the most pathogenesis mechanism of COPD. As an alternative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for COPD, Bufei Jianpi granules (BJG) can reduce the frequency and duration of acute exacerbation in COPD patients and improve their quality of life. The evidence demonstrated BJG acts as therapeutics that retarding the airway remodeling process, eliminating phlegm, thrombolysis and improving mitochondrial function. However, the detailed molecular mechanism is still urgently revealed.

PURPUSE

In this study, we aim to find out the active pharmacodynamic ingredients and reveal the treatment mechanism of active pharmacodynamic ingredients.

METHODS

Based on the pharmacodynamic evaluation and chemomic profiling of BJG in COPD rats, an integrated multi-omics analysis was performed, including molecular networking, metabonomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Moreover, focus on the active compounds, we verified the molecular core mechanism by molecular biology methods.

RESULTS

Pachymic acid, shionone, peiminine and astragaloside A was verified as therapeutic agents for improving the condition of COPD by acting on the EGFR, ERK1, PAI-1 and p53 target, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, our findings indicated that some compounds in BJG alleviates the pathological process of COPD, which is related to regulating lung function, mucus production, pulmonary embolism and energy metabolism and this will be a benefit complementary to GOLD guidelines.

Shikonin Alleviates Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by ox-LDL via AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

The present study aimed to explore the effects of shikonin (SKN) on the damage of human venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by ox-LDL and the underlying molecular mechanism. The HUVECs were randomly divided into six groups: control, ox-LDL, SKN + ox-LDL, SKN + ox-LDL + compound C, SKN + ox-LDL + si-Nrf2, and SKN + ox-LDL + si-HO-1. The MTT method was used to detect cell viability, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Western blot was used to detect protein levels. Compared to the control group, the cell viability of the ox-LDL group decreased, the apoptosis rate increased, the level of cleaved caspase-3 was upregulated, and the level of Bcl-2 protein was downregulated. The level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), and E-selectin (E-sel) was increased, ROS levels increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level decreased. Moreover, the protein levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and HO-1 were decreased. Compared to the ox-LDL group, SKN treatment improves cell viability, alleviates cell apoptosis and oxidative stress injury, and upregulates the protein levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and HO-1. Compound C, si-Nrf2, and si-HO-1 administration inhibits the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, increases ROS generation, and inhibits the antagonistic effect of SKN on ox-LDL-induced HUVECs damage. In summary, SKN suppressed ox-LDL-induced ROS production and improved cell viability and cell apoptosis via the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Autophagy plays a double-edged sword role in liver diseases

As a highly evolutionarily conserved process, autophagy can be found in all types of eukaryotic cells. Such a constitutive process maintains cellular homeostasis in a wide variety of cell types through the encapsulation of damaged proteins or organelles into double-membrane vesicles. Autophagy not only simply eliminates materials but also serves as a dynamic recycling system that produces new building blocks and energy for cellular renovation and homeostasis. Previous studies have primarily recognized the role of autophagy in the degradation of dysfunctional proteins and unwanted organelles. However, there are findings of autophagy in physiological and pathological processes. In hepatocytes, autophagy is not only essential for homeostatic functions but also implicated in some diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatic failure. In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its role in several liver diseases and put forward several new strategies for the treatment of liver disease.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene promoter 4G/5G polymorphism and risks of peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis in patients with lung cancer: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

This study investigated the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms and other contributing clinical factors on peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis (PICC-RVT) in Chinese patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of 237 participants. Blood samples were collected to detect the PAI-1 4G/5G genotype. Venous thromboembolism risk was calculated by the Caprini risk assessment model. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed every 7 days for 3 weeks to confirm PICC-RVT.

RESULTS

The rate of PICC-RVT was 13.50% (32/237). The 5G/5G, 4G/5G, and 4G/4G genotypes were found in 12.50% vs 17.56%, 59.38% vs 49.27%, and 28.12% vs 34.17% in the thrombus group and the non-thrombus group of the participants. No difference was observed in the distribution frequency of the three genotypes between the thrombus and non-thrombus groups. A higher fibrinogen level (OR 1.194, 95% CI 1.004-1.420, P = 0.045) and a higher Caprini score (OR 1.698, 95% CI 1.103-2.614, P = 0.016) were statistically significant risk factors for PICC-RVT. Compared with patients who underwent a pemetrexed/cisplatin regimen, those who were administered paclitaxel/cisplatin (OR 18.332, 95% CI 2.890-116.278, P = 0.002) or gemcitabine/cisplatin (OR 6.617, 95% CI 1.210-36.180, P = 0.029) were at increased risk of PICC-RVT.

CONCLUSION

Our finding suggested that there is no statistically significant influence of the PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant on PICC-RVT in Chinese patients with lung cancer. However, patients with higher Caprini scores and higher fibrinogen levels are at increased risk for PICC-RVT, as are patients receiving chemotherapy. Clinical staff should carefully perform a risk assessment for patients with PICC. Those with the above risk factors should pay close attention and take timely and effective preventive measures.

Small-molecule modulators of serine protease inhibitor proteins (serpins)

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are a large family of proteins that regulate and control crucial physiological processes, such as inflammation, coagulation, thrombosis and thrombolysis, and immune responses. The extraordinary impact that these proteins have on numerous crucial pathways makes them an attractive target for drug discovery. In this review, we discuss recent advances in research on small-molecule modulators of serpins, examine their mode of action, analyse the structural data from crystallised protein-ligand complexes, and highlight the potential obstacles and possible therapeutic perspectives. The application of in silico methods for rational drug discovery is also summarised. In addition, we stress the need for continued research in this field.

PAI-1, the Plasminogen System, and Skeletal Muscle

The plasminogen system is a critical proteolytic system responsible for the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The master regulator of the plasminogen system, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), has been implicated for its role in exacerbating various disease states not only through the accumulation of ECM (i.e., fibrosis) but also its role in altering cell fate/behaviour. Examination of PAI-1 has extended through various tissues and cell-types with recent investigations showing its presence in skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, the role of this protein has been implicated throughout the regeneration process, and in skeletal muscle pathologies (muscular dystrophy, diabetes, and aging-driven pathology). Needless to say, the complete function of this protein in skeletal muscle has yet to be fully elucidated. Given the importance of skeletal muscle in maintaining overall health and quality of life, it is critical to understand the alterations—particularly in PAI-1—that occur to negatively impact this organ. Thus, we provide a comprehensive review of the importance of PAI-1 in skeletal muscle health and function. We aim to shed light on the relevance of this protein in skeletal muscle and propose potential therapeutic approaches to aid in the maintenance of skeletal muscle health.

Shikonin attenuates hyperhomocysteinemia-induced CD4+ T cell inflammatory activation and atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice by metabolic suppression

T cell metabolic activation plays a crucial role in inflammation of atherosclerosis. Shikonin (SKN), a natural naphthoquinone with anti-inflammatory activity, has shown to exert cardioprotective effects, but the effect of SKN on atherosclerosis is unclear. In addition, SKN was found to inhibit glycolysis via targeting pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2 (PKM2). In the present study, we investigated the effects of SKN on hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-accelerated atherosclerosis and T cell inflammatory activation in ApoE^-/- mice and the metabolic mechanisms in this process. Drinking water supplemented with Hcy (1.8 g/L) was administered to ApoE^-/- mice for 2 weeks and the mice were injected with SKN (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle every 3 days. We showed that SKN treatment markedly attenuated HHcy-accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE^-/- mice and significantly decreased inflammatory activated CD4⁺ T cells and proinflammatory macrophages in plaques. In splenic CD4⁺ T cells isolated from HHcy-ApoE^-/- mice, SKN treatment significantly inhibited HHcy-stimulated PKM2 activity, interferon-γ secretion and the capacity of these T cells to promote macrophage proinflammatory polarization. SKN treatment significantly inhibited HHcy-stimulated CD4⁺ T cell glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Metabolic profiling analysis of CD4⁺ T cells revealed that Hcy administration significantly increased various glucose metabolites as well as lipids and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, which were reversed by SKN treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that SKN is effective to ameliorate atherosclerosis in HHcy-ApoE^-/- mice and this is at least partly associated with the inhibition of SKN on CD4⁺ T cell inflammatory activation via PKM2-dependent metabolic suppression.

Alleviation of hepatic fibrosis and autophagy via inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway through shikonin

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical challenge during the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis. Shikonin is extracted from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. The study aims to investigate the protective effect of shikonin on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Two liver fibrosis models were established in male C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ or bile duct ligation. Shikonin was administered orally three times weekly at a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg/kg. Protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Shikonin significantly inhibited activation of hepatic stellate cells and extracellular matrix formation by downregulating the transforming growth factor-β1 expression and maintaining the normal balance between metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. Shikonin also decreased hepatic stellate cell energy production by inhibiting autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed that shikonin attenuated liver fibrosis by downregulating the transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway and inhibiting autophagy.

Shikonin ameliorates isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage through suppressing fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and ER stress

Shikonin, isolated from the roots of herbal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is a naphthoquinone. It has been reported to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and anti-oxidant properties in various diseases. Isoproterenol (ISO) has been widely used to establish cardiac injury in vivo and in vitro. However, shikonin function in ISO-induced cardiac injury remains uncertain. In our study, we attempted to investigate the efficiency and possible molecular mechanism of shikonin in cardiac injury treatment induced by ISO. In vivo, C57BL6 mice were subcutaneously injected with 5mg/kg ISO to induce heart failure. And mice were given a gavage of shikonin (2 or 4mg/kg/d, for four weeks). Cardiac function, fibrosis indices, inflammation response, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were calculated. Pathological alterations, fibrosis-, inflammation-, apoptosis- and ER stress-related molecules were examined. In ISO-induced cardiac injury, shikonin significantly ameliorated heart function, decreased myocardial fibrosis, suppressed inflammation, attenuated apoptosis and ER stress through impeding collagen accumulation, Toll like receptor 4/nuclear transcription factor κB (TLR4/NF-κB), Caspase-3 and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) signaling pathways activity, relieving heart failure in vivo. Also, in vitro, shikonin attenuated ISO-induced cardiac muscle cells by reducing fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and ER stress. Our findings indicated that shikonin treatment attenuated ISO-induced heart injury, providing an effective therapeutic strategy for heart failure treatment for future.