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Han SH, Lee S, Kim HY, Lee AY. Taraxacum coreanum (Korean Dandelion) Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Destruction via Regulation of Tight Junctions and Inflammatory Responses in bEnd.3 Cells. J Med Food 2024. [PMID: 39229677 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is closely related to neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, can cause inflammation by impairing the brain endothelial barrier function and increasing the BBB permeability. Although Taraxacum coreanum NAKAI extract (TC), a traditional medicine widely used in Korea, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the protective effects on neuroinflammation and BBB dysfunction are not fully understood. In the present study, bEnd.3 cerebral vascular endothelial cells were treated with TC followed by LPS exposure, and the effects on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and expression of proteins related to inflammatory responses and tight junction integrity were assessed. The TC-treated group exhibited elevated TEER values in bEnd.3 monolayer compared to LPS-only treated group. In addition, TC treatment increased the expression of proteins involved in the tight junctions, such as ZO-1, claudin-5, and occludin. Furthermore, the TC-treated group suppressed the proteins expression-related to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Taken together, TC attenuates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses by regulating NF-κB activation, which may contribute to protecting against BBB disruption. These findings suggest that TC may have the potential to be used as a material for functional foods to prevent neuroinflammation-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Han
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Lee
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
- Natural Product Institute of Science and Technology, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Young Lee
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Liu Y, Huang Y, Sun D, Ye N, Chen T, Yang M, Zhou L, Zou H. Research progress of astragaloside IV in treating acute kidney injury. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:2645-2650. [PMID: 38494585 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common clinical critical illnesses, with decreased glomerular filtration rate, retention of nitrogen products, water and electrolyte disorders, and acid-base imbalance as the main clinical manifestations. Presently, there is no effective treatment for acute kidney injury, but the main treatment is to cure the primary disease, remove risk factors, maintain acid-base and water-electrolyte balance, and undergo kidney replacement. However, the mortality rate is still high. Investigations and studies showed that the mortality rate of patients with acute kidney injury in the ICU is 5-80% [1]. In recent years, Chinese medicine has been widely used in acute kidney injury treatment due to its complete dialectical system and rich experience. Astragalus is a commonly used medicine in traditional Chinese medicine to treat acute kidney injury. Astragaloside IV is the main active component of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus. This article summarizes the relevant studies on treating acute kidney injury with astragaloside IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, No.1, Fuxin Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound, ImagingSchool of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Youqun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.39, Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongxuan Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, No.1, Fuxin Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Naijing Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.39, Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, No.1, Fuxin Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.39, Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Health Science Center, South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, No.1, Fuxin Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Hequn Zou
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, No. 2001, Longxiang Avenue, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Sun DL, Guo ZY, Liu WY, Zhang L, Zhang ZY, Hu YL, Li SF, Zhang MY, Zhang G, Wang JJ, Fang JA. Astragaloside IV Alleviates Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy through Regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2024:10.1007/s11655-024-3568-0. [PMID: 39039342 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3568-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on podocyte injury of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reveal its potential mechanism. METHODS In in vitro experiment, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, normal, high glucose (HG), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) α activator (HG+thapsigargin 1 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups. Additionally, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, including normal, HG, AS-IV (HG+AS-IV 20 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups, respectively. After 24 h treatment, the morphology of podocytes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by electron microscopy. The expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and IRE-1α were detected by cellular immunofluorescence. In in vivo experiment, DN rat model was established via a consecutive 3-day intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injections. A total of 40 rats were assigned into the normal, DN, AS-IV [AS-IV 40 mg/(kg·d)], and IRE-1α inhibitor [STF-083010, 10 mg/(kg·d)] groups (n=10), respectively. The general condition, 24-h urine volume, random blood glucose, urinary protein excretion rate (UAER), urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels of rats were measured after 8 weeks of intervention. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, nuclear factor kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), interleukin (IL)-1β, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), and nephrin at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro, respectively. RESULTS Cytoplasmic vacuolation and ER swelling were observed in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups. Podocyte morphology and ER expansion were improved in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups compared with HG group. Cellular immunofluorescence showed that compared with the normal group, the fluorescence intensity of GRP78 and IRE-1α in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups were significantly increased whereas decreased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in the HG group was increased (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, the expression of above indices was decreased in the AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups, and the expression in the IRE-1α activator group was increased (P<0.05). The expression of nephrin was decreased in the HG group, and increased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). The in vivo experiment results revealed that compared to the normal group, the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, BUN, blood creatinine and urinary protein in the DN group were higher (P<0.05). Compared with DN group, the above indices in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial widening and mesangial cell proliferation in the renal tissue of the DN group. Compared with the DN group, the above pathological changes in renal tissue of AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were alleviated. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot results of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were consistent with immunofluorescence analysis. CONCLUSION AS-IV could reduce ERS and inflammation, improve podocyte pyroptosis, thus exerting a podocyte-protective effect in DN, through regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Lin Sun
- The First College for Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zi-Yi Guo
- The First College for Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The First College for Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zi-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Ya-Ling Hu
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Su-Fen Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- The First College for Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Guang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jin-Jing Wang
- The First College for Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jing-Ai Fang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
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Li Q, Liu J, Su R, Zhen J, Liu X, Liu G. Small extracellular vesicles-shuttled miR-23a-3p from mesenchymal stem cells alleviate renal fibrosis and inflammation by inhibiting KLF3/STAT3 axis in diabetic kidney disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112667. [PMID: 39018690 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEV) provide a pragmatic solution as a cell-free therapy for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the underlying protective mechanisms of MSC-sEV remain largely unknown in DKD. Invivo and in vitro analyses demonstrated that MSC-sEV attenuated renal fibrosis and inflammation of DKD. The underlying mechanism of the MSC-sEV-induced therapeutic effect was explored by high-throughput sequencing, which identified the unique enrichment of a set of miRNAs in MSC-sEV compared with human skin fibroblasts-sEV (HSF-sEV). Vitro experiments demonstrated that the protective potential was primarily attributed to miR-23a-3p, one of the most abundant miRNAs in MSC-sEV. Further, overexpression or knockdown analyses revealed that miR-23a-3p, and its target Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) suppressed the STAT3 signaling pathway in high glucose (HG) induced HK-2 cells were essential for the renal-protective property of MSC-sEV. Moreover, we found that miR-23a-3p was packaged into MSC-sEV by RNA Binding Motif Protein X-Linked (RBMX) and transmitted to HG-induced HK-2 cells. Finally, inhibiting miR-23a-3p could mitigate the protective effects of MSC-sEV in db/db mice. These findings suggest that a systemic administration of sEV derived from MSC, have the capacity to incorporate into kidney where they can exert renal-protective potential against HG-induced injury through delivery of miR-23a-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhua Li
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Department of Nephrology, Multidisciplinary Innovation Center for Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University, USA
| | - Rongyun Su
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Department of Nephrology, Multidisciplinary Innovation Center for Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Junhui Zhen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiangchun Liu
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Department of Nephrology, Multidisciplinary Innovation Center for Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Department of Nephrology, Multidisciplinary Innovation Center for Nephrology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong,250012, China.
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Ke HL, Li RJ, Yu CC, Wang XP, Wu CY, Zhang YW. Network pharmacology and experimental verification to decode the action of Qing Fei Hua Xian Decotion against pulmonary fibrosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305903. [PMID: 38913698 PMCID: PMC11195996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a common interstitial pneumonia disease, also occurred in post-COVID-19 survivors. The mechanism underlying the anti-PF effect of Qing Fei Hua Xian Decotion (QFHXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula applied for treating PF in COVID-19 survivors, is unclear. This study aimed to uncover the mechanisms related to the anti-PF effect of QFHXD through analysis of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS The candidate chemical compounds of QFHXD and its putative targets for treating PF were achieved from public databases, thereby we established the corresponding "herb-compound-target" network of QFHXD. The protein-protein interaction network of potential targets was also constructed to screen the core targets. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to predict targets, and pathways, then validated by in vivo experiments. RESULTS A total of 188 active compounds in QFHXD and 50 target genes were identified from databases. The key therapeutic targets of QFHXD, such as PI3K/Akt, IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, STAT3, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 were identified by KEGG and GO analysis. Anti-PF effects of QFHXD (in a dose-dependent manner) and prednisone were confirmed by HE, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining as well as in vivo Micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis in a rat model of bleomycin-induced PF. Besides, QFXHD remarkably inhibits the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS QFXHD significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced PF via inhibiting inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways might be the potential therapeutic effects of QFHXD for treating PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Liang Ke
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui-Jie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Chao Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Yan Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying-Wen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhang L, Liu W, Li S, Wang J, Sun D, Li H, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Fang J. Astragaloside IV alleviates renal fibrosis by inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell pyroptosis induced by urotensin II through regulating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304365. [PMID: 38820434 PMCID: PMC11142519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the molecular mechanism of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in alleviating renal fibrosis by inhibiting Urotensin II-induced pyroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control group without operation: gavage with 5ml/kg/d water for injection and UUO model group: gavage with 5ml/kg/d water for injection; UUO+ AS-IV group (gavage with AS-IV 20mg/kg/d; and UUO+ losartan potassium group (gavage with losartan potassium 10.3mg/kg/d, with 10 rats in each group. After 2 weeks, Kidney pathology, serum Urotensin II, and cAMP concentration were detected, and the expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, Caspase-1, and IL-1β were detected by immunohistochemistry. Rat renal tubular epithelial cells were cultured in vitro, and different concentrations of Urotensin II were used to intervene for 24h and 48h. Cell proliferation activity was detected using the CCK8 assay. Suitable concentrations of Urotensin II and intervention time were selected, and Urotensin II receptor antagonist (SB-611812), inhibitor of PKA(H-89), and AS-IV (15ug/ml) were simultaneously administered. After 24 hours, cells and cell supernatants from each group were collected. The cAMP concentration was detected using the ELISA kit, and the expression of PKA, α-SMA, FN, IL-1β, NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and Caspase-1 was detected using cell immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and RT-PCR. RESULTS Renal tissue of UUO rats showed renal interstitial infiltration, tubule dilation and atrophy, renal interstitial collagen fiber hyperplasia, and serum Urotensin II and cAMP concentrations were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group (p <0.05). AS-IV and losartan potassium intervention could alleviate renal pathological changes, and decrease serum Urotensin II, cAMP concentration levels, and the expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, Caspase-1, and IL-1β in renal tissues (p <0.05). Urotensin II at a concentration of 10-8 mol/L could lead to the decrease of cell proliferation, (p<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the cAMP level and the PKA expression were significantly increased (p<0.05). After intervention with AS-IV and Urotensin II receptor antagonist, the cAMP level and the expression of PKA were remarkably decreased (p<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the expression of IL-1β, NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and Caspase-1 in the Urotensin II group was increased (p<0.05), which decreased in the AS-IV and H-89 groups. CONCLUSION AS-IV can alleviate renal fibrosis by inhibiting Urotensin II-induced pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Prevention Care, Cardiovascular Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Sufen Li
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jinjing Wang
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Dalin Sun
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yaling Hu
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jingai Fang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Liu N, Ji Y, Liu R, Jin X. The state of astragaloside IV research: A bibliometric and visualized analysis. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:208-224. [PMID: 37700611 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragaloside IV has emerged as a pharmaceutical monomer with great medical applications and potential. Astragaloside IV has many effects such as improving myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, promoting lymphocyte proliferation, and antitumor effects. However, there are few bibliometric studies on astragaloside IV. OBJECTIVES We aim to visualize the hotspots and trends in astragaloside IV research through bibliometric analysis to further understand the future development of basic and clinical research. Methods The articles and reviews on astragaloside IV were screened from the Web of Science Core Collection, and knowledge maps were generated using CiteSpace software. Bibliometric analysis was performed on 971 articles published from 1998 to 2022. RESULTS The number of articles on astragaloside IV increased yearly. These publications came from 42 countries/regions, with China being the largest. The primary research institutions were Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology was the most studied journal and co-cited journal. A total of 473 authors were included, among which Hongxin Wang had the highest number of publications and Zhang Wd had the highest total citation frequency. After analysis, the most common keywords are astragaloside IV, expression, and oxidative stress. Cardiovascular disease, cerebral ischemia, cancer, and kidney disease are current and developing research fields. CONCLUSION This study used bibliometrics and visualization methods to analyze the research hotspots and trends of astragaloside IV. Astragaloside IV on ischemia-reperfusion injury, cancer, and tumor may become the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yansu Ji
- Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Military Medicine Section, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
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Zhou P, Wang X, Sun M, Yan S. Effects of natural products on functional constipation: analysis of active ingredient and mechanism. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2083-2103. [PMID: 37870581 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Constipation is a prevalent clinical ailment of the gastrointestinal system, yet its pathogenesis remains ambiguous. Despite the availability of numerous treatment modalities, they are insufficient in resolving the issue for patients. This work conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to the utilization of natural products for the treatment of constipation, with a focus on the efficacy of natural products in treating constipation, and to provide a comprehensive summary of their underlying mechanisms of action. Upon conducting a thorough review of the extant literature, we found that natural products can effectively treat constipation as modern synthetic drugs and compounded drugs with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects, rich in fiber and mucus, and the effects of increasing the tension of the ileum and gastrointestinal tract muscle, mediating signaling pathways, cytokine, excitability of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, and regulating the homeostasis of intestinal flora. However, there is a wide variety of natural products, and there are still relatively few studies; the composition of natural products is complex, and the mechanism of action of natural products cannot be clarified. In the future, we need to further improve the detailed mechanism of natural products for the treatment of constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wang
- Department of Anorectal surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingming Sun
- Department of Anorectal surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuai Yan
- Department of Anorectal surgery, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China.
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Li J, Qin X, Xu W, Zhang H, Huang S, Yang Y, Qin M, Mi Z, Zhong X. Herb pair of Rhubarb-Astragalus mitigates renal interstitial fibrosis through downregulation of autophagy via p38-MAPK/TGF-β1 and p38-MAPK/smad2/3 pathways. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 169:106549. [PMID: 38340950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high incidence and poor prognosis; however, no effective treatment is currently available. Our previous study found that the improvement effect of the herb pair of Rhubarb-Astragalus on CKD is likely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/p38-MAPK pathway. In the present study, a p38-MAPK inhibitor was used to further investigate the inhibitory effect of Rhubarb-Astragalus on the TGF-β1/p38-MAPK pathway and its relationship with autophagy. METHODS A rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was established, and a subgroup of rats was administered Rhubarb-Astragalus. Renal function and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) were assessed 21 d after UUO induction. In vitro, HK-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 and a subset of cells were treated with Rhubarb-Astragalus or p38-MAPK inhibitor. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR analyses were used to detect the relevant protein and mRNA levels. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes. RESULTS Rhubarb-Astragalus treatment markedly decreased the elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase; attenuated renal damage and RIF induced by UUO; and reduced the number of autophagosomes and lysosomes in UUO-induced renal tissues. Additionally, Rhubarb-Astragalus reduced the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, collagen I, LC3, Atg3, TGF-β1, p38-MAPK, smad2/3, and TAK1 in renal tissues of UUO rats. Rhubarb-Astragalus also reduced protein and mRNA levels of these indicators in vitro. Importantly, the effect of the p38-MAPK inhibitor was similar to that of Rhubarb-Astragalus. CONCLUSIONS Rhubarb-Astragalus improves CKD possibly by downregulating autophagy via the p38-MAPK/TGF-β1 and p38-MAPK/smad2/3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Li
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiping Qin
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Weimin Xu
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Songqing Huang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yufang Yang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Mengyuan Qin
- Student Affairs Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhengcheng Mi
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhong
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Li X, Dong X, Zhang L, Zhang S, Huang W, Wang C, Huo Z, Li X, Zhang X, Jia X, Chen G, Kuang B. Astragaloside IV attenuates renal tubule injury in DKD rats via suppression of CD36-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1285797. [PMID: 38572426 PMCID: PMC10987761 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1285797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has emerged as a prominent factor contributing to end-stage renal disease. Tubulointerstitial inflammation and lipid accumulation have been identified as key factors in the development of DKD. Earlier research indicated that Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, controls lipid accumulation, and provides protection to the kidneys. Nevertheless, the mechanisms responsible for its protective effects against DKD have not yet been completely elucidated. Purpose The primary objective of this research was to examine the protective properties of AS-IV against DKD and investigate the underlying mechanism, which involves CD36, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Methods The DKD rat model was created by administering streptozotocin along with a high-fat diet. Subsequently, the DKD rats and palmitic acid (PA)-induced HK-2 cells were treated with AS-IV. Atorvastatin was used as the positive control. To assess the therapeutic effects of AS-IV on DKD, various tests including blood sugar levels, the lipid profile, renal function, and histopathological examinations were conducted. The levels of CD36, ROS, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β were detected using western blot analysis, PCR, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated CD36 overexpression was applied to explore the underlying mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Results In vivo experiments demonstrated that AS-IV significantly reduced hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, urinary albumin excretion, and serum creatinine levels in DKD rats. Additionally, it improved renal structural abnormalities and suppressed the expression of CD36, NLRP3, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1. In vitro experiments showed that AS-IV decreased CD36 expression, lipid accumulation, and lipid ROS production while inhibiting NLRP3 activation and IL-1β secretion in PA-induced HK-2 cells. Conclusion AS-IV alleviated renal tubule interstitial inflammation and tubule epithelial cell apoptosis in DKD rats by inhibiting CD36-mediated lipid accumulation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangyou Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying Huang
- Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihao Huo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- Shenzhen Luohu District Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiwen Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Jia
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gangyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Kuang
- Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
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Wang Q, Xu J, Li M, Chen Y, Xu Y, Li L, Gong Y, Yang Y. Nrf2 knockout attenuates the astragaloside IV therapeutic effect on kidney fibrosis from liver cancer by regulating pSmad3C/3L pathways. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1687-1700. [PMID: 37712971 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic kidney injury from hepatocarcinogenesis seriously impacts treatment effect. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), an extract of Astragalus membranaceus, has several pharmacological activities, which are useful in the treatment of edema and fibrosis. Nrf2/HO-1 is a key antioxidant stress pathway and help treatment of kidney injury. Smad3 phosphorylation is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Our previous study clarified that Smad3 is differentially regulated by different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 on hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of AS-IV on the therapy of kidney fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis. And the focus was on whether the phosphorylation of Smad3 and the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were involved during AS-IV therapy and whether there is an effect of Nrf2 knockout on the phosphorylation of Smad3. We performed TGF-β1 stimulation on HK-2 cells and intervened with AS-IV. Furtherly, we investigated renal injury of AS-IV on Nrf2 knockout mice during hepatocarcinogenesis and its mechanism of action. On the one hand, in vitro results showed that AS-IV reduced the ROS and α-SMA expression of HK-2 by promoting the expression pSmad3C/p21 of and Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed the expression of pSmad3L/PAI-1. On the other hand, the in vivo results of histopathological features, serological biomarkers, and oxidative damage indicators showed that Nrf2 knockout aggravated renal injury. Besides, Nrf2 deletion decreased the nephroprotective effect of AS-IV by suppressing the pSmad3C/p21 pathway and promoting the pSmad3L/PAI-1 pathway. The experimental results were as we suspected. And we identify for the first time that Nrf2 deficiency increases renal fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis and attenuates the therapeutic effects of AS-IV via regulating pSmad3C/3L signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jiacheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Wang L, Xu A, Wang J, Fan G, Liu R, Wei L, Pei M. The effect and mechanism of Fushen Granule on gut microbiome in the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1334213. [PMID: 38274729 PMCID: PMC10808756 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1334213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fushen Granule is an improved granule based on the classic formula Fushen Formula, which is used for the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-related intestinal dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the effect and mechanism of this granule on the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure have not been fully elucidated. Methods A 5/6 nephrectomy model of CRF was induced and Fushen Granule was administered at low and high doses to observe its effects on renal function, D-lactate, serum endotoxin, and intestinal-derived metabolic toxins. The 16SrRNA sequencing method was used to analyze the abundance and structure of the intestinal flora of CRF rats. A FMT assay was also used to evaluate the effects of transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria on renal-related functional parameters and metabolic toxins in CRF rats. Results Gavage administration of Fushen Granule at low and high doses down-regulated creatinine, urea nitrogen, 24-h urine microalbumin, D-lactate, endotoxin, and the intestinal-derived toxins indophenol sulphateand p-cresol sulphate in CRF rats. Compared with the sham-operated group in the same period, CRF rats had a decreased abundance of the firmicutes phylum and an increased abundance of the bacteroidetes phylum at the phylum level, and a decreasing trend of the lactobacillus genus at the genus level. Fushen Granule intervention increased the abundance of the firmicutes phylum, decreased the abundance of the bacteroidetes phylum, and increased the abundance of the lactobacillus genus. The transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria significantly reduced creatinine(Cr), blood urea nitrogen(Bun), uric acid(UA), 24-h urinary microalbumin, D-lactate, serum endotoxin, and enterogenic metabolic toxins in CRF rats. Compared with the sham-operated group, the transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria modulated the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and the Lactobacillus genus. Conclusion Fushen Granule improved renal function and intestinal barrier function by regulating intestinal flora, inhibiting renal fibrosis, and delaying the progression of chronic renal failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Nephrology Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ao Xu
- Nephrology Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinxiang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Precision Medicine Center, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guorong Fan
- Nephrology Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Nephrology Department, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Wei
- Nephrology Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Pei
- Nephrology Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Ziyang T, Xirong H, Chongming A, Tingxin L. The potential molecular pathways of Astragaloside-IV in colorectal cancer: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115625. [PMID: 37793276 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a traditional Chinese medicine, is often used to treat cancer. Colorectal cancer imposes a heavy burden on patients and society. It is essential to update the clinical evidence supporting AS-IV in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The purpose of this review is to systematically evaluate the molecular pathway and safety of AS-IV in colorectal cancer. 7 databases were queried for Jan 2012-Dec 2022. A total of 37 related articles were retrieved. 8 papers were included to evaluate the role of AS-IV in colorectal cancer and make a review. AS-IV plays vital roles in colorectal cancer, especially in the suppression of proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, increasing immune function and reducing drug resistance. Furthermore, AS-IV has been proved to regulate many signaling pathways, which are usually affected by most cancers. However, a large-scale and well-designed multicenter randomized controlled study ensures that the safety and optimal dose of AS-IV will be determined in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Ziyang
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Hu Xirong
- Faculty of Nursing, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - An Chongming
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Li Tingxin
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, PR China.
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14
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Xie M, Xia B, Xiao L, Yang D, Li Z, Wang H, Wang X, Zhang X, Peng Q. Astragaloside IV ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis by promoting PGC-1α to reduce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:2945-2955. [PMID: 37494130 PMCID: PMC10538260 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged exposure of the peritoneum to high glucose dialysate leads to the development of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), and apoptosis of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is a major cause of PF. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Astragaloside IV could protect PMCs from apoptosis and alleviate PF. PMCs and rats PF models were induced by high glucose peritoneal fluid. We examined the pathology of rat peritoneal tissue by HE staining, the thickness of rat peritoneal tissue by Masson's staining, the number of mitochondria and oxidative stress levels in peritoneal tissue by JC-1 and DHE fluorescence staining, and mitochondria-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins such as PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 were measured. We used hoechst staining and flow cytometry to assess the apoptotic rate of PMCs in the PF model, and further validated the observed changes in the expressions of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 in PMCs. We further incubated PMCs with MG-132 (proteasome inhibitor) and Cyclohexylamine (protein synthesis inhibitor). The results demonstrated that Astragaloside IV increased the expression of PGC-1α by reducing the ubiquitination of PGC-1α. It was further found that the protective effects of Astragaloside IV on PMCs were blocked when PGC-1α was inhibited. In conclusion, Astragaloside IV effectively alleviated PF both in vitro and in vivo, possibly by promoting PGC-1α to enhance mitochondrial synthesis to reduce apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Xie
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Bohou Xia
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Xiao
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Dun Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Departments of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanqing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Peng
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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15
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Liang Y, Chen B, Liang D, Quan X, Gu R, Meng Z, Gan H, Wu Z, Sun Y, Liu S, Dou G. Pharmacological Effects of Astragaloside IV: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:6118. [PMID: 37630371 PMCID: PMC10458270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main active components extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Astragali and serves as a marker for assessing the herb's quality. AS-IV is a tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin in the form of lanolin ester alcohol and exhibits various biological activities. This review article summarizes the chemical structure of AS-IV, its pharmacological effects, mechanism of action, applications, future prospects, potential weaknesses, and other unexplored biological activities, aiming at an overall analysis. Papers were retrieved from online electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI, and data from studies conducted over the last 10 years on the pharmacological effects of AS-IV as well as its impact were collated. This review focuses on the pharmacological action of AS-IV, such as its anti-inflammatory effect, including suppressing inflammatory factors, increasing T and B lymphocyte proliferation, and inhibiting neutrophil adhesion-associated molecules; antioxidative stress, including scavenging reactive oxygen species, cellular scorching, and regulating mitochondrial gene mutations; neuroprotective effects, antifibrotic effects, and antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Biqiong Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Di Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Quan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
- Scientific Experimental Center of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Ruolan Gu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Hui Gan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Zhuona Wu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yunbo Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Guifang Dou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
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Shi L, Deng Y, Luo D, Li L, Kuang X, Qi A, Fu B. Exploration of the possible mechanisms of Ling Gui Zhu Gan decoction in nephrotic syndrome based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34446. [PMID: 37478256 PMCID: PMC10662869 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of Ling Gui Zhu Gan decoction (LGZGD) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The active ingredients of LGZGD and their targets were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Swiss Target Prediction database. The NS targets were retrieved from Genecards, OMIM and Drugbank databases. Next, the intersecting targets of drug and disease were imported into the String database for protein-protein interaction network analysis, and the core targets were identified through topological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed in the Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed for further validation. The network analysis showed that 109 active ingredients of LGZGD were associated with 105 targets in NS. The key active ingredients (quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, licochalcone A, formononetin, beta-sitosterol) and the core targets (IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, TP53, JUN, IL1B, CASP3, EGFR, and STAT3) were further identified. Enrichment analysis indicated that multiple biological processes and pathways, including AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and HIF-1 signaling pathways, might be regulated by LGZGD in the treatment of NS. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results further indicated that the key active ingredients of LGZGD could stably bind to the core targets through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. This study demonstrates that the active ingredients of LGZGD may regulate multiple targets, biological processes and signaling pathways in NS. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for further studies on LGZGD in the treatment of NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shi
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanjun Deng
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Denggui Luo
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Li
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuyi Kuang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Airong Qi
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Fu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Li D, Liu Y, Zhan Q, Zeng Y, Peng Z, He Q, Tan Q, Cao W, Wang S, Wang J. Astragaloside IV Blunts Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and G2/M Arrest to Alleviate Renal Fibrosis via Regulating ALDH2-Mediated Autophagy. Cells 2023; 12:1777. [PMID: 37443810 PMCID: PMC10340704 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies show that astragaloside IV (ASIV) has anti-renal fibrosis effects. However, its mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the anti-fibrosis mechanisms of ASIV on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in vivo and in vitro. A CKD model was induced in rats with adenine (200 mg/kg/d, i.g.), and an in vitro renal fibrosis model was induced in human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells treated with TGF-β1. We revealed that ASIV significantly alleviated renal fibrosis by suppressing the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, including fibronectin, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and G2/M arrest-related proteins, including phosphorylated p53 (p-p53), p21, phosphorylated histone H3 (p-H3), and Ki67 in both of the in vivo and in vitro models. Transcriptomic analysis and subsequent validation showed that ASIV rescued ALDH2 expression and inhibited AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy. Furthermore, in ALDH2-knockdown HK-2 cells, ASIV failed to inhibit AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy and could not blunt EMT and G2/M arrest. In addition, we further demonstrated that rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, reversed the treatment of ASIV by promoting autophagy in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. A dual-luciferase report assay indicated that ASIV enhanced the transcriptional activity of the ALDH2 promoter. In addition, a further molecular docking analysis showed the potential interaction of ALDH2 and ASIV. Collectively, our data indicate that ALDH2-mediated autophagy may be a novel target in treating renal fibrosis in CKD models, and ASIV may be an effective targeted drug for ALDH2, which illuminate a new insight into the treatment of renal fibrosis and provide new evidence of pharmacology to elucidate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of ASIV in treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuzhe Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Quancao Zhan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ze Peng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qifeng He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qi Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenfu Cao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Xu X, Zhang B, Wang Y, Shi S, Lv J, Fu Z, Gao X, Li Y, Wu H, Song Q. Renal fibrosis in type 2 cardiorenal syndrome: An update on mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114901. [PMID: 37224755 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a state of coexisting heart failure and renal insufficiency in which acute or chronic dysfunction of the heart or kidney lead to acute or chronic dysfunction of the other organ.It was found that renal fibrosis is an important pathological process in the progression of type 2 CRS to end-stage renal disease, and progressive renal impairment accelerates the deterioration of cardiac function and significantly increases the hospitalization and mortality rates of patients. Previous studies have found that Hemodynamic Aiteration, RAAS Overactivation, SNS Dysfunction, Endothelial Dysfunction and Imbalance of natriuretic peptide system contribute to the development of renal disease in the decompensated phase of heart failure, but the exact mechanisms is not clear. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the molecular pathways involved in the development of renal fibrosis due to heart failure and identify the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways and hypoxia-sensing pathways, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines as important triggers and regulators of fibrosis development, and summarize the therapeutic approaches for the above signaling pathways, including SB-525334 Sfrp1, DKK1, IMC, rosarostat, 4-PBA, etc. In addition, some potential natural drugs for this disease are also summarized, including SQD4S2, Wogonin, Astragaloside, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xu
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingxuan Zhang
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajiao Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqing Shi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Lv
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyue Fu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiya Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Huaqin Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qingqiao Song
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Qiu D, Song S, Chen N, Bian Y, Yuan C, Zhang W, Duan H, Shi Y. NQO1 alleviates renal fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy. Cell Signal 2023; 108:110712. [PMID: 37196773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the main complications of diabetes, and inflammation and fibrosis play an important role in its progression. NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protects cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by toxic quinones. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of NQO1 against diabetes-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS In vivo, the kidneys of type 2 diabetes model db/db mice were infected with adeno-associated virus vectors to induce NQO1 overexpression. In vitro, human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells transfected with NQO1 pcDNA3.1(+) were cultured under high-glucose (HG) conditions. Gene and protein expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected with MitoSOX Red. RESULT Our study revealed that the expression of NQO1 was markedly downregulated and that Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and TGF-β1 expression was upregulated in vivo and in vitro under diabetic conditions. Overexpression of NQO1 suppressed proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1) secretion, extracellular matrix (ECM) (collagen IV, fibronectin) accumulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (α-SMA, E-cadherin) in the db/db mouse kidneys and HG-cultured HK-2 cells. Furthermore, NQO1 overexpression ameliorated HG-induced TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad pathways activation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that a TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242) suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, EMT and ECM-related protein expression in HG-exposed HK-2 cells. In addition, we found that the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and tempol increased the expression of NQO1 and decreased the expression of TLR4, TGF-β1, Nox1, and Nox4 and ROS production in HK-2 cells cultured under HG conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that NQO1 alleviates diabetes-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duojun Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shan Song
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yawei Bian
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chen Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huijun Duan
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Yonghong Shi
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Li R, Shi C, Wei C, Wang C, Du H, Hong Q, Chen X. Fufang shenhua tablet, astragali radix and its active component astragaloside IV: Research progress on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms in the kidney. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1131635. [PMID: 37089929 PMCID: PMC10113559 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1131635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Given the limited treatment options available for kidney disease, a significant number of patients turn to alternative therapies, including traditional Chinese medicine. Among these therapies, the Fufang Shenhua tablet (SHT) has garnered attention for its effectiveness in addressing the most common deficiency of Qi and Yin in chronic glomerulonephritis. Notably, the sovereign drug of SHT is Astragali Radix (AR), with the most abundant and effective component being Astragaloside IV (AS-IV). AS-IV has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and it is extensively used in treating kidney diseases. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action are numerous and intricate, and a comprehensive understanding is yet to be achieved. Aim of the review: Thus, we have thoroughly examined the existing research and outlined the advancements made in investigating the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms of SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV, in relation to kidney health. This serves as a dependable foundation for conducting more comprehensive investigations, evaluating efficacy, and making further improvements in the future. Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search utilizing multiple globally recognized databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, Springer, and CNKI. The search keywords used in this study were "Fufang Shenhua tablet," "Astragali Radix," "Astragaloside IV," and "Anti-inflammatory" or "Immunity." Results: The mechanism of inflammation inhibition by SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV is mainly related to the signaling pathways such as NF-κB, TLRs, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK-STAT. Immunomodulation exerts not only activating, stimulating, and regulating effects on macrophages and dendritic cells, but also on immune organs, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and a myriad of cytokines. Moreover, the SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV also demonstrate regulatory effects on renal cells, including glomerular mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells, and podocytes. Conclusion: To summarize, SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV, exhibit notable therapeutic effects in kidney-related ailments, and their molecular mechanisms for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have been extensively explored. However, further standard clinical trials are necessary to evaluate their safety and efficacy in the adjunctive treatment of kidney-related diseases. Moreover, in-depth studies of unverified chemical components and regulatory mechanisms in SHT are required. It is our belief that with continued research, SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV are poised to pave the way for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in kidney-related ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Li
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Chunru Shi
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiting Wei
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjian Du
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Hong
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
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Astragalus Saponins, Astragaloside VII and Newly Synthesized Derivatives, Induce Dendritic Cell Maturation and T Cell Activation. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030495. [PMID: 36992079 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside VII (AST VII), a triterpenic saponin isolated from Astragalus species, shows promise as a vaccine adjuvant, as it supported a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response in previous in vivo studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of its adjuvant activity have not been defined. Here, we investigated the impact of AST VII and its newly synthesized semi-synthetic analogs on human whole blood cells, as well as on mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Cells were stimulated with AST VII and its derivatives in the presence or absence of LPS or PMA/ionomycin and the secretion of cytokines and the expression of activation markers were analyzed using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. AST VII and its analogs increased the production of IL-1β in PMA/ionomycin-stimulated human whole blood cells. In LPS-treated mouse BMDCs, AST VII increased the production of IL-1β and IL-12, and the expression of MHC II, CD86, and CD80. In mixed leukocyte reaction, AST VII and derivatives increased the expression of the activation marker CD44 on mouse CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, AST VII and its derivatives strengthen pro-inflammatory responses and support dendritic cell maturation and T cell activation in vitro. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of the adjuvant activities of AST VII and its analogs, which will be instrumental to improve their utility as a vaccine adjuvant.
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Deng S, Cai K, Pei C, Zhang X, Xiao X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Liang R, Chen Y, Li P, Xie Z, Liao Q. 16S rRNA and Metagenomics Combined with UPLC-Q/TOF-MS Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Radix Astragali Against Hyperuricemia in Mice. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1371-1386. [PMID: 37181826 PMCID: PMC10171225 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s407983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the underlying treatment mechanism of Radix Astragali (RA) in hyperuricemia from the perspective of microbiota and metabolomics. Methods We used potassium oxyazinate (PO) to induce hyperuricemia mice, and we determined serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST), xanthine oxidase (XOD), creatinine (CRE), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, liver XOD levels and assessed the kidney tissue histopathology. The therapeutic mechanism of RA in hyperuricemic mice was studied by 16S rRNA, metagenomic sequencing and metabolomics. Results Our research showed that RA has therapeutic effect in hyperuricemia mice, such as slow the weight loss, repair kidney damage, and downregulate serum UA, XOD, CRE, ALT/AST, BUN, and liver XOD levels. RA restored the disturbance structure of the microbiota in hyperuricemia mice by increasing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus murine) but decreasing the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria (Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae and Bacteroidaceae). Meanwhile, we found that RA directly regulated the metabolic pathway (such as linoleic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism) and indirectly regulated bile acid metabolism by mediating microbiota to ameliorate metabolic disorders. Subsequently, there was a robust correlation between specific microbiota, metabolites and the disease index. Conclusion The ability of RA to protect mice against hyperuricemia is strongly linked to the microbiome-metabolite axis, which would provide evidence for RA as a medicine to prevent or treat hyperuricemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiwei Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoying Pei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingyuan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongyao Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanlong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Zhiyong Xie, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 075523260207, Email
| | - Qiongfeng Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Qiongfeng Liao, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 02039358081, Email
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Study on the Mechanism of Radix Astragali against Renal Aging Based on Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6987677. [PMID: 36561604 PMCID: PMC9767736 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6987677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Radix Astragali is widely used in the traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of antiaging. The purpose of this study is to explore the main active ingredients and targets of Radix Astragali against renal aging by network pharmacology and further to verify the mechanism of the main active ingredients in vitro. TCMSP, ETCM, and TCMID databases were used to screen active ingredients of Radix Astragali. Targets of active ingredients were predicted using BATMAN-TCM and cross validated using kidney aging-related genes obtained from GeneCards and NCBI database. Pathways enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed on core targets. Additionally, a pharmacological network was constructed based on the active ingredients-targets-pathways. HK-2 cell was treated with D-galactose to generate a cell model of senescence. CCK-8 and β-galactosidase were used to detect the effect of Radix Astragali active components on cell proliferation and aging. ELISA was used to detect the expression of senescence-associated secreted protein (TGF-β and IL-6) in the cell culture supernatant. Western blot was used to detect the expression of key proteins in the SIRT1/p53 pathway. Five active ingredients (Astragaloside I, II, III, IV and choline) were identified from Radix Astragali, and all these active ingredients target a total of 128 genes. Enrichment analysis showed these genes were implicated in 153 KEGG pathways, including the p53, FoxO, and AMPK pathway. 117 proteins and 572 interactions were found in PPI network. TP53 and SIRT1 were two hub genes in PPI network, which interacted with each other. The pharmacological network showed that the five main active ingredients target on some coincident genes, including TP53 and SIRT1. These targeted genes were involved in the p53, FoxO, and AMPK pathway. Proliferation of HK-2 cells was increased by Astragaloside IV treatment compared with that of the D-Gal treatment group. However, the proliferation of the SA-β-gal positive cells were inhibited. The expression of TGF-β and IL-6 in the D-Gal group was higher than that in the normal group, and the treatment of Astragaloside IV could significantly reduce the expression of TGF-β and IL-6. The expression of SIRT1 in the Astragaloside IV group was higher than that in the D-Gal group. However, the expression of p53 and p21 was less in the Astragaloside IV group than that in the D-Gal group. This study suggested that Astragaloside IV is an important active ingredient of Radix Astragali in the treatment of kidney aging via the SITR1-p53 pathway.
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Zhu Y, Chai Y, Xiao G, Liu Y, Xie X, Xiao W, Zhou P, Ma W, Zhang C, Li L. Astragalus and its formulas as a therapeutic option for fibrotic diseases: Pharmacology and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040350. [PMID: 36408254 PMCID: PMC9669388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, characterized by accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which causes organ dysfunction and even death. Despite advances in understanding fibrosis pathology and clinical management, there is no treatment for fibrosis that can prevent or reverse it, existing treatment options may lead to diarrhea, nausea, bleeding, anorexia, and liver toxicity. Thus, effective drugs are needed for fibrotic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in fibrotic diseases, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) can attenuate multiple fibrotic diseases, which include liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and so on, mechanisms may be related to inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, apoptosis, inflammation pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize the pharmacology and mechanisms of Astragalus in treating fibrotic diseases, the data reviewed demonstrates that Astragalus is a promising anti-fibrotic drug, its main anti-fibrotic components are Calycosin, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharides and formononetin. We also review formulas that contain Astragalus with anti-fibrotic effects, in which Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels are the most commonly used combinations. We propose that combining active components into new formulations may be a promising way to develop new drugs for fibrosis. Besides, we expect Astragalus to be accepted as a clinically effective method of treating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Xiao
- Nursing Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Heart Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
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Yao L, Zhao R, He S, Feng Q, Qiao Y, Wang P, Li J. Effects of salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B in renal interstitial fibrosis via PDGF-C/PDGFR-α signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154414. [PMID: 36057144 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the main pathological feature of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by various chronic kidney diseases (CKD), and is closely related to renal dysfunction and patient prognosis. Salvianolic acid A (Sal A) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B), isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Salviae miltiorrhizae, have been confirmed to have anti-fibrotic effects on liver, cardiac and kidney. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying the nephroprotective effects of Sal A and Sal B, and whether there is a difference between the two in RIF are still unclear. PURPOSE This study investigated the pharmacological effects of Sal A and Sal B in RIF and explore the underlying mechanisms by in vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS The nephroprotective effects of Sal A, Sal B and Sal A+B were evaluated by assessing the parameters related to kidney function such as renal histology, renal function, urinary protein NAG, urinary β2 microglobulin. In addition, RIF-related markers such as CTCF and Par3 were also detected. Thereafter, the related protein or gene levels of PDGF-C/PDGFR-α signaling pathways, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were determined by western blot, real-time PCR, flow cytometry or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS In vivo, the results showed that Sal A, Sal B and Sal A+B partially improved kidney dysfunction, increased the expression of Par-3 and reduced the expression of CTGF, PDGF-C and PDGFR-α. In vitro, the results also showed that Sal A, Sal B and Sal A+B reversed apoptosis and ERS in HSA-induced HK-2 cells via regulating PDGF-C/PDGFR-α signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This article revealed a novel mechanism linking PDGF-C/PDGFR-α signaling pathway to RIF and suggested that Sal A, Sal B and Sal A+B were considered as potential therapeutic agents for the amelioration of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yao
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Renjie Zhao
- Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Shiyang He
- Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qi Feng
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yingjin Qiao
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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Gong F, Qu R, Li Y, Lv Y, Dai J. Astragalus Mongholicus: A review of its anti-fibrosis properties. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:976561. [PMID: 36160396 PMCID: PMC9490009 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibrosis-related diseases (FRD) include cerebral fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, etc. The effects of fibrosis can be severe, resulting in organ dysfunction, functional decline, and even organ failure, which can cause serious health problems.Aim: Currently, there is no effective modern medicine for anti-fibrosis in the clinics; however, Chinese medicine has a certain beneficial effect on treating such diseases. Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) has rich medicinal value, and its anti-fibrosis effect has been recently investigated. In recent years, more and more experimental studies have been conducted on the intervention of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), astragalus polysaccharide (APS), astragalus flavone, cycloastragalus alcohol, astragalus water extract and other pharmacological components in fibrosis-related diseases, attracting the interest of researchers. We aim to provide ideas for future research by summarizing recent research advances of AM in treating fibrosis-related diseases.Methods: A literature search was conducted from the core collections of electronic databases such as Baidu Literature, Sciencen.com, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct using the above keywords and the pharmacological and phytochemical details of the plant.Results: AM can be used to intervene in fibrosis-disease progression by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, the immune system, and metabolism.Conclusion: AS-IV, APS, and astragalus flavone were studied and discussed in detail. These components have high potential anti-fibrosis activity. Overall, this review aims to gain insight into the AM’s role in treating fibro-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Gong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
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Investigation into the effect and mechanism of dapagliflozin against renal interstitial fibrosis based on transcriptome and network pharmacology. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109195. [PMID: 36070627 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the final pathway for chronic kidney diseases (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dapagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2, reduced the risk of renal events in non-diabetic CKD patients in the DAPA-CKD trial. However, the effect and mechanism of dapagliflozin on RIF are not very clear. Currently, we evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on RIF and systematically explore its mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS Firstly, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was established to evaluate effects of dapagliflozin on RIF, and results demonstrated dapagliflozin improved renal function and RIF of UUO mice independent of blood glucose control. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanism of dapagliflozin against RIF, which exhibited the therapeutic effect of dapagliflozin on RIF may be achieved through multiple pathways regulation. Then we verified the potential mechanisms with molecular biology methods, and found that dapagliflozin treatment significantly alleviated inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury in kidneys of UUO mice. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis was used to investigate the potential targets of dapagliflozin against RIF. Moreover, we also applied molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to predict the specific binding sites and binding capacity of dapagliflozin and hub target. CONCLUSIONS Dapagliflozin had therapeutic effect on RIF independent of blood glucose control, and the protective effects probably mediated by multiple pathways and targets regulation.
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Zhou Z, Qiao Y, Zhao Y, Chen X, Li J, Zhang H, Lan Q, Yang B. Natural products: potential drugs for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Chin Med 2022; 17:98. [PMID: 35978370 PMCID: PMC9386947 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence and mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a world public health problem. As the primary pathological manifestation in CKD, renal fibrosis is often used as a critical target for the treatment of CKD and inhibits the progression of CKD to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). As a potential drug, natural products have been confirmed to have the potential as a routine or supplementary therapy for chronic kidney disease, which may target renal fibrosis and act through various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation of natural products. This article briefly introduces the pathological mechanism of renal fibrosis and systematically summarizes the latest research on the treatment of renal fibrosis with natural products of Chinese herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Department of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanheng Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanru Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Department of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiumei Lan
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Department of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Astragaloside IV attenuated TGF-β1- induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells via connexin 43 and Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101831. [PMID: 35643056 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of the study was to observe whether connexin 43 (Cx43) could regulate epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) by influencing Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and whether ASV could inhibit the development of renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating Cx43. METHODS Lentivirus infection was transfected into RTECs with the final concentration of 50 ×PFU/ cell to regulate the expression of Cx43. And RTECs were intervened by different doses of Astragaloside IV (ASV). After synchronous culture of RTECs in each group,the expression levels of EMT-related indicators and Cx43 were detected by fluorescence microscope and Western-Blotting (WB), even the protein expressions and phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR in different groups were detected by WB. RESULTS When the expression of Cx43 in RTECs was regulated by lentivirus infection, the degree of EMT induced by TGF‑β1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt and mTOR were changed accordingly, indicating that Akt/mTOR pathway might be a downstream molecular mechanism by which Cx43 could regulate EMT. After intervention with different doses of ASV, the expression level of Cx43 increased with obvious concentration dependence, and the expression levels of p-Akt and p- mTOR were significantly altered, suggesting that ASV could effectively increase the protein expressions of TGF‑β1-induced Cx43 in RTECs and inhibit the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR. CONCLUSION Cx43 were the main material basis of RTECs' injury, and ASV could inhibit TGF-β1- induced RTECs' transdifferentiation. In-depth study of the mechanism might provide a broad application prospect for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.
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Liu XY, Zhang XB, Zhao YF, Qu K, Yu XY. Research Progress of Chinese Herbal Medicine Intervention in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:900491. [PMID: 35770077 PMCID: PMC9235922 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.900491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases usually cause renal interstitial fibrosis, the prevention, delay, and treatment of which is a global research hotspot. However, no definite treatment options are available in modern medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history, rich varieties, and accurate treatment effects. Hitherto, many Chinese herbal medicine studies have emerged to improve renal interstitial fibrosis. This paper reviews the mechanisms of renal interstitial fibrosis and recent studies on the disease intervention with Chinese herbal medicine through literature search, intend to reveal the importance of Chinese herbal medicine in renal interstitial fibrosis. The results show that Chinese herbal medicine can improve renal interstitial fibrosis, and the effects of Chinese herbal medicine on specific pathological mechanisms underlying renal interstitial fibrosis have been explored. Additionally, the limitations and advantages of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis, possible research directions, and new targets of Chinese herbal medicine are discussed to provide a basis for studies of renal interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yuan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Xu-Bin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Xi’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Ya-Feng Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Kai Qu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Yong Yu,
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Astragaloside IV Improves the Barrier Damage in Diabetic Glomerular Endothelial Cells Stimulated by High Glucose and High Insulin. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7647380. [PMID: 35341134 PMCID: PMC8947930 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7647380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on damage in human glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) stimulated by high glucose and high insulin. Methods. The transwell method was used to detect the integrity of the cell barrier after AS-IV intervention in a high glucose and high insulin environment for 24 h; immunofluorescence and Western blot methods were used to detect the tight junction protein ZO-1 and claudin-5 expression; intracellular and extracellular 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were determined by ELISA; expression and activation of AKT, p-AKT, GSK3α/β, and p-GSK3α/β were evaluated by Western blot. Results. The results showed that AS-IV had a significant protective effect on the cell barrier of GEnCs. High glucose or insulin inhibited cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. High glucose or insulin significantly inhibited glucose uptake and promoted release of reactive oxygen species in GEnCs. Administration with AS-IV dramatically preserved viability of the cells; moreover, the expression of intracellular tight junction proteins was upregulated, inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNFα were decreased, and the AKT-GSK3 pathway participated in modulation of AS-IV in GEnCs cells. Conclusion. We found in the present study that AS-IV can preserve filtration barrier integrity in glomerular endothelial cells under diabetic settings, its effects on increasing the cell energy metabolism and cell viability, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress damage, and enhancing tight junction between cells play a role in it; and the intracellular signaling pathway AKT-GSK modulated the above function. Our present finding supplied a new understanding towards development of DN and provided an alternative method on ameliorating DN.
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Li ZH, Xu R, Shi J, Yu MS, Zhong Y, He WM, Cao LP, Sheng MX. Astragalus Total Saponins Ameliorate Peritoneal Fibrosis by Promoting Mitochondrial Synthesis and Inhibiting Apoptosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:261-274. [PMID: 34983328 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a disease caused by prolonged exposure of the peritoneum to high levels of dialysis fluid. Astragalus total saponins (ATS) is a phytochemical naturally occurring in Radix Astragali that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this study, we constructed an in vivo model of PF using 4.25% glucose-containing administered intraperitoneally to rats and incubated peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) with 4.25% glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis fluid to construct an in vitro model of PF. Furthermore, siRNA of PGC-1[Formula: see text] was used to inhibit the expression of PGC-1[Formula: see text] to further investigate the mechanism of the protective effect of ATS on PF. In both in vivo and in vitro models, ATS treatment showed a protective effect against PF, with ATS reducing the thickness of peritoneal tissues in PF rats, increasing the viability of PMCs, increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing apoptosis ratio. ATS treatment also reduced the expressions of peritoneal fibrosis markers (Smad2, p-Smad2 and [Formula: see text]-SMA) and apoptosis markers (Caspase3, cleaved-Caspase3 and Bax) and restored the expressions of mitochondrial synthesis proteins (PGC-1[Formula: see text], NRF1 and TFAM) in ATS-treated peritoneal tissues or PMCs. Furthermore, in the presence of PGC-1[Formula: see text] inhibition, the protective effect of ATS on PF was blocked. In conclusion, ATS treatment may be an effective therapeutic agent to inhibit high glucose-induced in peritoneal fibrosis through PGC-1[Formula: see text]-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Man-Shu Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Ming He
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ping Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P. R. China
| | - Mei-Xiao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
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Hu L, Ding M, He W. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Attenuating Tubular EMT and Kidney Fibrosis by Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:830340. [PMID: 35082683 PMCID: PMC8784548 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.830340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as a process in which differentiated epithelial cells undergo phenotypic transformation into myofibroblasts capable of producing extracellular matrix, and is generally regarded as an integral part of fibrogenesis after tissue injury. Although there is evidence that the complete EMT of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) is not a major contributor to interstitial myofibroblasts in kidney fibrosis, the partial EMT, a status that damaged TECs remain inside tubules, and co-express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, has been demonstrated to be a crucial stage for intensifying fibrogenesis in the interstitium. The process of tubular EMT is governed by multiple intracellular pathways, among which Wnt/β-catenin signaling is considered to be essential mainly because it controls the transcriptome associated with EMT, making it a potential therapeutic target against kidney fibrosis. A growing body of data suggest that reducing the hyperactivity of Wnt/β-catenin by natural compounds, specific inhibitors, or manipulation of genes expression attenuates tubular EMT, and interstitial fibrogenesis in the TECs cultured under profibrotic environments and in animal models of kidney fibrosis. These emerging therapeutic strategies in basic researches may provide beneficial ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Hu
- Center for Kidney Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengyuan Ding
- Center for Kidney Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weichun He
- Center for Kidney Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kasetti RB, Maddineni P, Kodati B, Nagarajan B, Yacoub S. Astragaloside IV Attenuates Ocular Hypertension in a Mouse Model of TGFβ2 Induced Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212508. [PMID: 34830390 PMCID: PMC8619727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor in developing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common form of glaucoma. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) is a pro-fibrotic cytokine that plays an important role in POAG pathogenesis. TGFβ2 induced extracellular matrix (ECM) production, deposition and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the trabecular meshwork (TM) contribute to increased aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance and IOP elevation. Drugs which alter the glaucomatous fibrotic changes and ER stress in the TM may be effective in reducing ocular hypertension. Astragaloside IV (AS.IV), a novel saponin isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, has demonstrated antifibrotic and ER stress lowering effects in various tissues during disease conditions. However, the effect of AS.IV on glaucomatous TM fibrosis, ER stress and ocular hypertension has not been studied. Primary human TM cells treated with AS.IV decreased TGFβ2 induced ECM (FN, Col-I) deposition and ER stress (KDEL, ATF4 and CHOP). Moreover, AS.IV treatment reduced TGFβ2 induced NF-κB activation and αSMA expression in TM cells. We found that AS.IV treatment significantly increased levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMP9 and MMP2) and MMP2 enzymatic activity, indicating that the antifibrotic effects of AS.IV are mediated via inhibition of NF-κB and activation of MMPs. AS.IV treatment also reduced ER stress in TM3 cells stably expressing mutant myocilin. Interestingly, the topical ocular AS.IV eye drops (1 mM) significantly decreased TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension in mice, and this was associated with a decrease in FN, Col-1 (ECM), KDEL (ER stress) and αSMA in mouse TM tissues. Taken together, the results suggest that AS.IV prevents TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension by modulating ECM deposition and ER stress in the TM.
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Qin MY, Huang SQ, Zou XQ, Zhong XB, Yang YF, Zhang YT, Mi ZC, Zhang YS, Huang ZG. Drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsule inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of HK-2 by downregulating TGF-β1/p38MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114414. [PMID: 34314804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheum palmatum L; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), is referred to as 'Dahuang, Huangqi' in China. As an important medicinal plant, the rhizome of rhubarb and astragalus is traditionally used in the treatment of kidney diseases associated with renal failure, inflammation and tumors. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsules (composed of rhubarb and astragalus) and to elucidate its mechanism in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HK-2 cells was induced by TGF-β1, and rhubarb-astragalus and losartan drug-containing serum from rats, as well as SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK), were used. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to determine the main components of the drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus from rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine the levels of protein expression, and real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to detect the levels of gene expression. RESULTS The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus contained emodin (0.36 μg/ml) and danthraquinone (0.96 μg/ml). Rhubarb-astragalus significantly decreased the protein expression levels of α-SMA, FN, vimentin and N-cadherin in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1, while it significantly increased the E-cadherin protein expression level that was decreased by TGF-β1. Rhubarb-astragalus also significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and p38 MAPK and the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, p38 MAPK, Smad2 and Smad3 in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1. It is worth noting that SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) had similar effects as rhubarb-astragalus in this study. CONCLUSION The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus can inhibit EMT in HK-2 cells by downregulating the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Qin
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Song-Qing Huang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhong
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Fang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zheng-Cheng Mi
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Song Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Xu H, Wu T, Huang L. Therapeutic and delivery strategies of phytoconstituents for renal fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113911. [PMID: 34358538 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases endangering human health and life. By 2030, 14 per 100,000 people may die from CKD. Renal fibrosis (RF) is an important intermediate link and the final pathological change during CKD progression to the terminal stage. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment methods for RF has become an important goal. In 2018, the World Health Organization introduced traditional Chinese medicine into its effective global medical program. Various phytoconstituents that affect the RF process have been extracted from different plants. Here, we review the potential therapeutic capabilities of active phytoconstituents in RF treatment and discuss how phytoconstituents can be structurally modified or combined with other ingredients to enhance efficiency and reduce toxicity. We also summarize phytoconstituent delivery strategies to overcome renal barriers and improve bioavailability and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianyi Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, People's Republic of China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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Durazzo A, Nazhand A, Lucarini M, Silva AM, Souto SB, Guerra F, Severino P, Zaccardelli M, Souto EB, Santini A. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus Bunge): botanical, geographical, and historical aspects to pharmaceutical components and beneficial role. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-021-01003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMedicinal plants always are part of folk medicine and are nowadays receiving worldwide attention for prophylaxis, management, and treatment of several diseases, as an alternative to chemical drugs. The current work provided a comprehensive overview and analysis of the Astragalus and health relationship in literature. The analysis of their therapeutic potential is thus instrumental to understand their bioactivity. Among these, the flowering medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus has raised interest due to several beneficial health effects. This perspective review discussed the botanical, geographical, historical, and the therapeutic properties of A. membranaceus, with a special focus on its health improving effects and medicinal applications both in vitro and in vivo.
Graphic abstract
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A Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6667791. [PMID: 34055995 PMCID: PMC8147530 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6667791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the main pathological manifestation of end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis and development of RIF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as an effective treatment for kidney diseases, can improve kidney damage by affecting the apoptotic signaling pathway mediated by ER stress. This article reviews the apoptotic pathways mediated by ER stress, including the three major signaling pathways of unfolded protein response, the main functions of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein. We also present current research on TCM treatment of RIF, focusing on medicines that regulate ER stress. A new understanding of using TCM to treat kidney disease by regulating ER stress will promote clinical application of Chinese medicine and discovery of new drugs for the treatment of RIF.
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Jiang ZB, Gao J, Chai YH, Li W, Luo YF, Chen YZ. Astragaloside alleviates alcoholic fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2021; 37:718-729. [PMID: 33973356 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is the most common liver disease and can progress to fatal liver cirrhosis and carcinoma, affecting millions of patients worldwide. The functions of astragaloside on the cardiovascular system have been elucidated. However, its role in AFLD is unclear. Ethanol-treated AML-12 cells were used as a cell model of alcoholic fatty liver. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting detected genes and proteins expressions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, albumin, ferritin, bilirubin, superoxide dismutase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined using commercial kits. Lipid accumulation was assessed by Oil red O staining. MTT and flow cytometry measured cell viability and apoptosis. JC-1 was used to analyze mitochondrial membrane potential. A rat model of AFLD was established by treating rats with ethanol. Astragaloside suppressed ethanol-induced lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and the production of AST and ALT in AML-12 cells. Ethanol induced TNF-α and reduced IL-10 expression, which were reversed by astragaloside. Ethanol promoted Bax expression and cytochrome C release and inhibited Bcl-2 and ATP expression. Astragaloside hampered these apoptosis effects in AML-12 cells. Impaired mitochondrial membrane potential was recovered by astragaloside. However, all these astragaloside-mediated beneficial effects were abolished by the ROS inducer pyocyanin. Ethanol-induced activation of NF-κB signaling was suppressed by astragaloside in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that astragaloside inhibited oxidative stress by suppressing the activation of NF-κB signaling, thus improving liver function and alleviating AFLD in rats. Our study elucidates the pharmacological mechanism of astragaloside and provides potential therapeutic strategies for AFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yi-Hui Chai
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Feng Luo
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Chen
- Department of Preclinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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Wang J, Ke J, Wu X, Yan Y. Astragaloside prevents UV-induced keratinocyte injury by regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway. J Cosmet Dermatol 2021; 21:1163-1170. [PMID: 33894036 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a key risk factor of environment to contribute photoaging and skin cancer through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active component from Astragalus membranaceus, and shows various pharmacological effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, whether AS-IV shows protective effect on UVB-induced injury in epidermal keratinocytes remain unknown. AIMS To explored the effects of AS-IV on UVB-induced oxidative injury and inflammatory response in human epidermal keratinocytes. METHODS HaCaT keratinocytes were exposed to UVB irradiation, followed by AS-IV incubation. The cell viability, intracellular ROS level, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were determined. The regulatory effects of AS-IV on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were also investigated. RESULTS Astragaloside IV pretreatment (10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 μM) increased cell viability in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. AS-IV (50 μM) significantly reduced intracellular ROS level and lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA) content, and increased a ROS-scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in HaCaT cells with UVB irradiation. In addition, AS-IV pretreatment suppressed apoptosis, increased Bax protein, caspase-3 and 9, and decreased BCL-2 protein in contrast to HaCaT cells with UVB-irradiation. AS-IV suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production, inhibited TLR4 and its downstream signaling molecules NF-κB, iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. We also found that the effects of AS-IV on cell viability and TLR4 expression was reversed by NAC. The protective of AS-IV on UVB-induced damage and TLR4 expression was dependent on ROS, as the increase in viability and decrease in TLR4 protein by AS-IV was significantly attenuated by ROS scavenger NAC (1 mM). CONCLUSION Astragaloside IV prevent UVB-induced oxidative damage and inflammation by inhibiting TLR4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Ke
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehua Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Chu L, Ma S, Chen Z, Cao W. Astragalus Ⅳ ameliorates the dry eye injury in rabbit model <em>via</em> MUC1-ErbB1 pathway. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 33792228 PMCID: PMC8054568 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of astragaloside IV on a rabbits dry eye model induced by benzalkonium chloride (BAC) was examined. In our study, a BAC-induced dry eye rabbit model was treated with eye drops containing astragaloside IV (5, 10 μM) or solvent four times a day. The clinical evaluations, such as tear break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer tear test (STT), were performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. On day 28, the cornea and bulbar conjunctiva tissues (left eye and right eye) were collected with histology, and immunofluorescent staining conducted. The levels of MUC1 and ErbB1in the corneas were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and the proteins levels of MUC1 and ErbB1 were detected by Western blot. It was demonstrated that both astragaloside IV (5, 10 μM) treatments resulted in an increased STT and BUT on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Additionally, the astragaloside IV (5, 10 μM)-treated group showed increasing PAS-positive goblet cells than model group (0 μM). Moreover, the MUC1 in model group (0 μM) was decreased, while the expression of MUC1 in astragaloside IV (5, 10 μM) group was increased. Furthermore, astragaloside IV had a protective effect on BAC-induced rabbits' dry eye and demonstrated clinical improvements, which indicated that astragaloside IV served as a potential protective agent in the clinical treatment of dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chu
- Chongqing Medical University, Jiulongpo District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing.
| | - Suhong Ma
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan.
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing.
| | - Wenfu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing.
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Zhao M, Yu Y, Wang R, Chang M, Ma S, Qu H, Zhang Y. Mechanisms and Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Chronic Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:619201. [PMID: 33854427 PMCID: PMC8039908 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.619201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the current treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited, it is necessary to seek more effective and safer treatment methods, such as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). In order to clarify the modern theoretical basis and molecular mechanisms of CHMs, we reviewed the knowledge based on publications in peer-reviewed English-language journals, focusing on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated and antifibrotic effects of CHMs commonly used in kidney disease. We also discussed recently published clinical trials and meta-analyses in this field. Based on recent studies regarding the mechanisms of kidney disease in vivo and in vitro, CHMs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated, and antifibrotic effects. Several well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of CHMs as an adjuvant to conventional medicines may benefit patients with CKD. Unknown active ingredients, low quality and small sample sizes of some clinical trials, and the safety of CHMs have restricted the development of CHMs. CHMs is a potential method in the treatment of CKD. Further study on the mechanism and well-conducted RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rumeng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meiying Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Qu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wu SJ, Shi ZW, Wang X, Ren FF, Xie ZY, Lei L, Chen P. Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway Attenuated Angiotension II-Dependent Hypertension and Renal Injury. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:593682. [PMID: 33815099 PMCID: PMC8010129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.593682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Angiotensin II (AngII) induces renal fibrosis, characterized by fibroblast proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, all of which was relevant closely to hypertension. The vagus nerve-related cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) modulates local and systemic inflammatory responses. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of CAP on renal inflammation and fibrosis. Methods and Results: AngII-induced hypertension was induced in vivo by 14-days low-dose AngII infusion from osmotic minipumps. We used GTS-21 dihydrochloride, a selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. Daily intraperitoneal GTS-21 injection and/or vagotomy started after hypertension was confirmed and continued for 4 weeks. The elevated blood pressure caused by AngII was significantly attenuated by GTS-21. Improved baroreflex sensitivity was observed after GTS-21 administration. Masson stain and immunoblotting revealed that deposition of excessive fibrosis and overexpression of inflammatory cytokines induced by AngII was reduced by GTS-21. To determine the role of autonomic control in CAP, unilateral vagotomy was performed. Vagotomy weakened the effect of CAP on AngII-induced hypertension. In vitro, GTS-21 suppressed NF-κB activation, attenuated AngII-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reduced inflammation and fibrosis in NRK-52E cells; α-bungarotoxin (α-Bgt, an α7-nAChR selective antagonist) partly inhibited these effects. Conclusion: CAP protected against AngII-induced hypertension via improvement in autonomic control, suppression of NF-κB activation, and reduction of renal fibrosis and inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Wei Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Zhuji, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Ren
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuo-Yi Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Guo JCL, Pan HC, Yeh BY, Lu YC, Chen JL, Yang CW, Chen YC, Lin YH, Chen HY. Associations Between Using Chinese Herbal Medicine and Long-Term Outcome Among Pre-dialysis Diabetic Nephropathy Patients: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:616522. [PMID: 33679399 PMCID: PMC7930622 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.616522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a worldwide burden due to the high co-morbidity and mortality. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of CKD, and pre-dialysis is one of the most critical stages before the end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) use is not uncommon, the feasibility of using CHM among pre-dialysis DN patients remains unclear. Materials and methods: We analyzed a population-based cohort, retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, to study the long-term outcome of using CHM among incident pre-dialysis DN patients from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2007. All patients were followed up to 5 years or the occurrence of mortality. The risks of all-cause mortality and ESRD were carried out using Kaplan-Meier and competing risk estimation, respectively. Further, we demonstrated the CHM prescriptions and core CHMs using the Chinese herbal medicine network (CMN) analysis. Results: A total of 6,648 incident pre-dialysis DN patients were analyzed, including 877 CHM users and 5,771 CHM nonusers. With overlap weighing for balancing all accessible covariates between CHM users and nonusers, we found the use of CHM was associated with lower all-cause mortality (0.22 versus 0.56; log-rank test: p-value <0.001), and the risk of mortality was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.36–0.49; p-value <0.001) by adjusting all accessible covariates. Further, the use of CHM was associated with a lower risk of ESRD (cause-specific hazard ratio: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.55–0.63; p-value <0.001). Also, from the 5,901 CHM prescriptions, we found Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge or (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.), Plantago asiatica L. (or Plantago depressa Willd.), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, and Rheum palmatum L. (or Rheum tanguticum (Maxim. ex Regel) Balf., Rheum officinale Baill.) were used as core CHMs for different CHM indications. Use of core CHMs was associated with a lower risk of mortality than CHM users without using core CHMs. Conclusions: The use of CHM seemed feasible among pre-dialysis DN patients; however, the beneficial effects still need to be validated by well-designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Chun-Ling Guo
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Chih Pan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Yan Yeh
- Division of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen Chu Lu
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Liang Chen
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Yang
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Chen
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yu Chen
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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45
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Ny V, Houška M, Pavela R, Tříska J. Potential benefits of incorporating Astragalus membranaceus into the diet of people undergoing disease treatment: An overview. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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46
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Liu YL, Zhang QZ, Wang YR, Fu LN, Han JS, Zhang J, Wang BM. Astragaloside IV Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats by Regulating Inflammatory Factors Level via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:605064. [PMID: 33708118 PMCID: PMC7941269 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.605064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the primary bioactive component purified from Astragalus membranaceus which is one of the traditional Chinese medicines. Research studies found that AS-IV has significant pharmacological effects on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis, and diabetic nephropathy, but little is known about the effects of AS-IV on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated whether AS-IV has beneficial effects on NAFLD in rats and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Male SD rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to establish NAFLD rat model, and then, the rats were divided into five groups. The control group rats were fed with normal diet for 12 weeks and then were given normal saline (1.0 ml kg−1 day−1) by intragastric administration for 4 weeks. The model group rats were fed with HFD for 12 weeks and then were given normal saline (1.0 ml kg−1 day−1) by intragastric administration for 4 weeks. The AS-IV-L, AS-IV-M, and AS-IV-H groups were treated with 20, 40, and 80 mg kg−1 day−1 of AS-IV by intragastric administration for 4 weeks and given HFD diet. Then, we detected serum transaminase (ALT, AST), blood lipid (TG, TC), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), liver histology(NAFLD activity score), TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in liver tissue. Results: We found AS-IV significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, TG, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in NAFLD rats and downregulate the expression of TLR4 mRNA, MyD88 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and proteins in liver tissue. Moreover, AS-IV could significantly reduce the NAFLD activity score of NAFLD rat liver. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that AS-IV have a protective effect on NAFLD by inhibiting TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels and down-regulating TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB expression in rat liver tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Li Liu
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiu-Zan Zhang
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan-Rong Wang
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Na Fu
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Shu Han
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Gastroenterology, the Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Gastroenterology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bang-Mao Wang
- Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Gao P, Du X, Liu L, Xu H, Liu M, Guan X, Zhang C. Astragaloside IV Alleviates Tacrolimus-Induced Chronic Nephrotoxicity via p62-Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:610102. [PMID: 33536919 PMCID: PMC7848072 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.610102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tacrolimus-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TIN) hinders its long-term use in patients. However, there are no drugs available in the clinic to relieve it at present. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a saponin extract of the Astragalus which is widely used in the treatment of kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AS-IV on TIN and its underlying mechanism. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were treated with tacrolimus and/or AS-IV for 4 weeks, and then the renal function, fibrosis, oxidative stress and p62-Keap1-Nrf2 pathway were evaluated to ascertain the contribution of AS-IV and p62-Keap1-Nrf2 pathway to TIN. Our results demonstrated that AS-IV significantly improved renal function and alleviated tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared with the model group. The expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including TGF-β1, Collagen I and α-SMA, were also decreased by AS-IV. Furthermore, AS-IV relieved the inhibition of tacrolimus on antioxidant enzymes. The data in HK-2 cells also proved that AS-IV reduced tacrolimus-induced cell death and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, AS-IV markedly promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the renal protective effects of AS-IV were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor. Further researches showed that phosphorylated p62 was significantly increased after AS-IV pretreatment. Moreover, AS-IV failed to increase nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and subsequent anti-oxidative stress in HK-2 cells transfected with p62 siRNA. Collectively, these findings indicate that AS-IV relieve TIN by enhancing p62 phosphorylation, thereby increasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and then alleviating ROS accumulation and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Pathology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Maochang Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlei Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Yarmohammadi F, Hayes AW, Karimi G. Natural compounds against cytotoxic drug-induced cardiotoxicity: A review on the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 35:e22683. [PMID: 33325091 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxicity is a critical concern in the use of several cytotoxic drugs. Induction of apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy following dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway contributes to the cardiac damage induced by these drugs. Several natural compounds (NCs), including ferulic acid, gingerol, salvianolic acid B, paeonol, apigenin, calycosin, rutin, neferine, higenamine, vincristine, micheliolide, astragaloside IV, and astragalus polysaccharide, have been reported to suppress cytotoxic drug-induced cardiac injury. This article reviews these NCs that have been reported to have a protective effect against cytotoxic drug-induced cardiotoxicity through regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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49
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Chen R, Huang L, Hu K. Natural products remodel cancer-associated fibroblasts in desmoplastic tumors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2140-2155. [PMID: 33304782 PMCID: PMC7714988 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic tumors have an abundance of stromal cells and the extracellular matrix which usually result in therapeutic resistance. Current treatment prescriptions for desmoplastic tumors are usually not sufficient to eliminate the malignancy. Recently, through modulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which are the most abundant cell type among all stromal cells, natural products have improved chemotherapies and the delivery of nanomedicines to the tumor cells, showing promising ability to improve treatment effects on desmoplastic tumors. In this review, we discussed the latest advances in inhibiting desmoplastic tumors by modeling CAFs using natural products, highlighting the potential therapeutic abilities of natural products in targeting CAFs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujing Chen
- Murad Research Center for Modernized Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kaili Hu
- Murad Research Center for Modernized Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Zou JJ, Zhou XT, Chen YK, Liu JL, Wang C, Ma YR, Wang L. A review on the efficacy and mechanism of action of Shenkang injection against chronic kidney disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110833. [PMID: 33035831 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions which significantly increases the risk for serious health outcomes. Epidemiological investigations have shown that CKD has become a serious global health problem. At present, there are no treatments for CKD, thus the need for an effective and safe treatment for this condition. Shenkang Injection (SKI), which is an herbal medication in Chinese Medicine, has been used in the management and treatment of CKD and has achieved favorable therapeutic effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety profile of SKI when used in CKD, and to provide comprehensive potential evidence for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ju Zou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yan-Kun Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410200, China
| | - Jia-Lu Liu
- School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yue-Rong Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410200, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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