Paeoniflorin inhibits VSMCs proliferation and migration by arresting cell cycle and activating HO-1 through MAPKs and NF-κB pathway

Modulation of atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways by Chinese herbal extracts: Recent evidence and perspectives

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a preeminent cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The onset of atherosclerosis underpins the emergence of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Its pathogenesis entails multiple factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, vascular endothelial damage, foam cell formation, and platelet activation. Furthermore, it triggers the activation of diverse signaling pathways including Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), NF-E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), the Notch signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), nucleotide oligo-structural domain-like receptor thermoprotein structural domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3), silencing information regulator 2-associated enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Circular RNA (Circ RNA), MicroRNA (mi RNA), Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Over recent decades, therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis have been dominated by the utilization of high-intensity statins to reduce lipid levels, despite significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of safer and more efficacious drugs and therapeutic modalities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a vital strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have detailed the mechanisms through which TCM active ingredients modulate signaling molecules and influence the atherosclerotic process. This article reviews the signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the advancements in research on TCM extracts for prevention and treatment, drawing on original articles from various databases including Google Scholar, Medline, CNKI, Scopus, and Pubmed. The objective is to furnish a reference for the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.

Exploration and comparison of the relationship between PAHs and ROS in PM2.5 emitted from multiple anthropogenic sources in the Guanzhong Plain, China

Anthropogenic emissions have emerged as an important source of urban atmospheric PM2.5, exacerbating air pollution and the associated health implications. This study analyses PM2.5, originating from major anthropogenic sources (industries, motor vehicles, and solid-fuel combustion for domestic applications) in the Guanzhong Plain in China, along with the parent- (p-), alkylated- (a-), and oxygenated- (o-) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PM2.5. Industrial emissions are mainly characterised by high abundances of benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), and benz[a]fluoranthene (BaF). The 4-ring p-PAHs, such as fluoranthene (FLA), pyrene (PYR), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), and chrysene (CHR) proportions and the diagnostic ratios of indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IcdP)/[IcdP + benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP)] and 1-acenaphthenone (1ACO)/[1ACO + 9-fluorenone (9FO)] in motor vehicle emission PM2.5 were higher than the other sources. Household solid fuel combustion features high proportions of methylnaphthalene (M-NAP), i.e., 2 M-NAP and 1 M-NAP and 3-ring p-PAHs. Acenaphthylene (ACY), acenaphthene (ACE), anthracene (ANT), 1,4-chrysenequinone (1,4CHRQ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were positively correlated among the three anthropogenic sources. Moreover, the correlations between other PAHs and ROS varied significantly among the three sources. As mixed and compound organic pollutants, 2- and 3-ring p-PAHs were more positively correlated with the ROS activity of household solid fuel combustion sources compared with industrial and motor vehicle sources. Based on the relative contribution of these three sources to PAHs in PM2.5, we estimated the cancer risks of males and females in the Guanzhong area to be 2.95 × 10-6 and 2.87 × 10-6, respectively, exceeding the safety threshold of 1 × 10-6. This study provides a basic dataset for conducting a refined source apportionment of PM2.5 and a scientific basis for further understanding the relationship between PM2.5, PAHs, and ROS in northern China.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Coronary Heart Disease: Clinical Evidence, Pharmacological Mechanisms, and the Interaction with Gut Microbiota

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that has been on the rise in terms of both incidence and mortality worldwide, presenting a significant threat to human health. An increasing body of studies has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), can serve as an effective adjunctive therapy to enhance the efficacy of Western drugs in treating CHD due to their multiple targets and multiple pathways. In this article, we critically review data available on the potential therapeutic strategies of CHMs in the intervention of CHD from three perspectives: clinical evidence, pharmacological mechanisms, and the interaction with gut microbiota. We identified 20 CHMs used in clinical practice and it has been found that the total clinical effective rate of CHD patients improved on average by 17.78% with the intervention of these CHMs. Subsequently, six signaling pathways commonly used in treating CHD have been identified through an overview of potential pharmacological mechanisms of these 20 CHMs and the eight representative individual herbs selected from them. CHMs could also act on gut microbiota to intervene in CHD by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, reducing trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels, increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and maintaining appropriate bile acids (BAs). Thus, the therapeutic potential of CHMs for CHD is worthy of further study in view of the outcomes found in existing studies.

PI3K/AKT/SERBP-1 pathway regulates Alisma orientalis beverage treatment of atherosclerosis in APOE-/- high-fat diet mice

CONTEXT

Previously, we found Alisma orientalis beverage (AOB), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, had the potential effect of treating atherosclerosis (AS). The underlying mechanism was still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

As an extention of our previous work, to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of AOB in the treatment for AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was conducted using SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DrugBank, Metascape, etc., to construct component-target-pathway networks. In vivo, AS models were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 consecutive weeks in APOE^-/- mice. After the administration of AOB (3.8 g/kg, i.g.) for 8 weeks, we assessed the aortic plaque, four indicators of blood lipids, and expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP-1 pathway in liver.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology showed that PI3K/AKT/SREBP-1 played a role in AOB's treatment for AS (PI3K: degree = 18; AKT: degree = 17). Moreover, we found that the arterial plaque area and four indicators of blood lipids were all significantly reversed by AOB treatment in APOE^-/- mice fed with HFD (plaque area reduced by about 37.75%). In addition, phosphorylated expression of PI3K/AKT and expression of SREBP-1 were obviously increased in APOE^-/- mice fed with HFD, which were all improved by AOB (PI3K: 51.6%; AKT: 23.6%; SREBP-1: 40.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

AOB had therapeutic effects for AS by improving blood lipids and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/SERBP-1 pathway in the liver. This study provides new ideas for the treatment of AS, as well as new evidence for the clinical application of AOB.

Protective effects of paeoniflorin on cardiovascular diseases: A pharmacological and mechanistic overview

Background and ethnopharmacological relevance: The morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the highest of all diseases, necessitating the search for effective drugs and the improvement of prognosis for CVD patients. Paeoniflorin (5beta-[(Benzoyloxy)methyl] tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-2,5-methano-1H-3,4-dioxacyclobuta [cd] pentalen-1alpha (2H)-yl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, C₂₃H₂₈O₁₁) is mostly derived from the plants of the family Paeoniaceae (a single genus family) and is known to possess multiple pharmacological properties in the treatment of CVDs, making it a promising agent for the protection of the cardiovascular system. Aim of the study: This review evaluates the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of paeoniflorin in the treatment of CVDs, with the aim of advancing its further development and application. Methods: Various relevant literatures were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Web of Science. All eligible studies were analyzed and summarized in this review. Results: Paeoniflorin is a natural drug with great potential for development, which can protect the cardiovascular system by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-arteriosclerotic activities, improving cardiac function, and inhibiting cardiac remodeling. However, paeoniflorin was found to have low bioavailability, and its toxicology and safety must be further studied and analyzed, and clinical studies related to it must be carried out. Conclusion: Before paeoniflorin can be used as an effective therapeutic drug for CVDs, further in-depth experimental research, clinical trials, and structural modifications or development of new preparations are required.

Recent advances of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common systemic disease with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with characteristics of multiple pathways and targets, presents advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

With the modernization of TCM, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of TCM for AS treatment have been gradually revealed. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the existing studies on TCM therapies aimed at regulating AS over the past two decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using "atherosclerosis" and "Traditional Chinese medicine" as keywords, all relevant TCM literature published in the last 10 years was collected from electronic databases (such as Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science), books and papers until March 2022, and the critical information was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

In this review, we highlighted extracts of 8 single herbs, a total of 41 single active ingredients, 20 TCM formulae, and 25 patented drugs, which were described with chemical structure, source, model, efficacy and potential mechanism.

CONCLUSION

We summarized the cytopathological basis for the development of atherosclerosis involving vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and categorically elaborated the medicinal TCM used for AS, all of which provide the current evidence on the better management of atherosclerosis by TCM.

Natural Monoterpenes as Potential Therapeutic Agents against Atherosclerosis

Traditional herbal medicines based on natural products play a pivotal role in preventing and managing atherosclerotic diseases, which are among the leading causes of death globally. Monoterpenes are a large class of naturally occurring compounds commonly found in many aromatic and medicinal plants. Emerging evidence has shown that monoterpenes have many biological properties, including cardioprotective effects. Remarkably, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of natural monoterpenes to protect against the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These findings shed light on developing novel effective antiatherogenic drugs from these compounds. Herein, we provide an overview of natural monoterpenes' effects on atherogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. Monoterpenes have pleiotropic and multitargeted pharmacological properties by interacting with various cell types and intracellular molecular pathways involved in atherogenesis. These properties confer remarkable advantages in managing atherosclerosis, which has been recognized as a multifaceted vascular disease. We also discuss limitations in the potential clinical application of monoterpenes as therapeutic agents against atherosclerosis. We propose perspectives to give new insights into future preclinical research and clinical practice regarding natural monoterpenes.

Therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in atherosclerosis: A cellular action and mechanism-based perspective

Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence, prevalence and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are increasing globally. Atherosclerosis is characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease which involves inflammation and immune dysfunction. P. lactiflora Pall. is a plant origin traditional medicine that has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases for more than a millennium in China, Japan and Korean. Paeoniflorin is a bioactive monomer extracted from P. lactiflora Pall. with anti-atherosclerosis effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism whereby paeoniflorin protects against atherosclerosis from the unique angle of inflammation and immune-related pathway dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, macrophages, platelets and mast cells. Paeoniflorin, with multiple protective effects in atherosclerosis, has the potential to be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the challenges and future perspective of paeoniflorin in translational cardiovascular medicine.

3-Arylcoumarin inhibits vascular calcification by inhibiting the generation of AGEs and anti-oxidative stress

Objective

This work aims to screen drugs for preventing and treating vascular calcification. Method: We screened a series of 3-arylcoumarins for the detection of vascular calcification-associated factors using human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

Results

We found that compounds 14 and 32 significantly inhibited alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity similar to aminoguanidine hydrochloride (AGH) in a cellular model of AGEs-induced calcification. We also found that compounds 14 and 32 could significantly decrease the levels of factors such as AGEs, intracellular calcium ions, and total ROS in the calcified cell model. Further study indicates that compound 14 could significantly inhibit the expression of P-ERK1/2, PKC, NF-κB, RAGE and OPN proteins and increased the expression of SM22-α and PPAR-γ proteins in the calcified cells.

Conclusion

We speculate that compound 14 inhibits vascular calcification by inhibiting oxidative stress and inhibiting AGEs production, suggesting that 3-arylcoumarin derivatives are potential candidates for the treatment of vascular calcification.

Vascular calcification is a process similar to bone formation, which is highly adjustable and active. Currently, there are no specific drugs to delay or reverse vascular calcification. Through the screening of 44 coumarin compounds synthesised by our group, compound 14 was obtained to dose-dependently inhibit the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells without affecting the normal proliferation of cells, decreasing the intracellular calcium concentration, inhibiting the activity of ALP enzyme. In conclusion, the calcium lowering effect of compound 14 is a potential candidate for drugs for the treatment of vascular calcification.

Clarifying winter clean heating importance: Insight chemical compositions and cytotoxicity exposure to primary and aged pollution emissions in China rural areas

Residential solid fuel combustion (RSFC) is an important source of PM_2.5. Here we investigate the cytotoxicity of primarily emitted and photochemically aged PM_2.5 to A549 cells. Owing to the formation of water-soluble ions and organics (e.g., oPAHs and nPAHs), emission factors of PM_2.5 were increased by 44.4% on average after 7-day equivalent photochemical aging, which greatly altered chemical profiles of freshly emitted PM_2.5. Consequently, the cytotoxicity varied with aging duration that 2-day and 7-day aged PM_2.5 induced 22.5% and 35.1%, respectively, higher levels of reactive oxygen species than primary emissions. Similar increases were also observed for multi-cytotoxicity. Correlation analysis and western blot results collectively confirmed HO-1/Nrf-2 signaling pathway dominated the cytotoxicity of aged PM_2.5 from RSFC, which was regulated by the enhanced o-PAHs and n-PAHs during photochemical aging. Thus, aged and secondary aerosol exposure needs to be paid more attention due to the enhanced cytotoxicity and the vast crowd involved.

Natural products of traditional Chinese medicine treat atherosclerosis by regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent arteriosclerotic vascular disease that forms a pathological basis for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other diseases. Inflammatory and oxidative stress responses occur throughout the development of AS. Treatment for AS over the past few decades has focused on administering high-intensity statins to reduce blood lipid levels, but these inevitably damage liver and kidney function over the long term. Natural medicines are widely used to prevent and treat AS in China because of their wide range of beneficial effects, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. We searched for relevant literature over the past 5 years in databases such as PubMed using the keywords, “atherosclerosis,” “traditional Chinese medicine,” “natural medicines,” “inflammation,” and “oxidative stress.” We found that the PI3K/AKT, TLR4, JAK/STAT, Nrf2, MAPK, and NF-κB are the most relevant inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AS. This review summarizes studies of the natural alkaloid, flavonoid, polyphenol, saponin, and quinone pathways through which natural medicines used to treat AS. This study aimed to update and summarize progress in understanding how natural medicines treat AS via inflammatory and oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. We also planned to create an information base for the development of novel drugs for future AS treatment.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits RAW264.7 cell polarization towards the M1 phenotype by inhibiting NF-κB and Akt/mTOR pathway activation

M1 macrophages secrete a large number of proinflammatory factors and promote the expansion of atherosclerotic plaques and processes. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) exerts anti-inflammatory, antitumor and other effects, but no study has addressed whether Sal B can regulate the polarization of macrophages to exert these anti-atherosclerotic effects. Therefore, we investigated the inhibition of Sal B in M1 macrophage polarization and the underlying mechanism. The effects of different treatments on cell viability, gene expression and secretion of related proteins, phenotypic markers and cytokines were detected by MTT and western blot assays, RT‒qPCR and ELISAs. Cell viability was not significantly changed when the concentration of Sal B was less than 200 μM, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/mL) + interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (2.5 ng/mL) successfully induced M1 polarization. RT‒qPCR and ELISAs indicated that Sal B can downregulate M1 marker (Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and upregulate M2 marker (Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10)) expression. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), p-Akt, p-mTOR, LC3-II, Beclin-1, and p62, and the results suggested that Sal B inhibits the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages by promoting autophagy via the NF-κB signalling pathway. The study indicated that Sal B inhibits M1 macrophage polarization by inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathway activation and downregulating Akt/mTOR activation to promote autophagy.

Paeoniflorin inhibits proliferation and promotes autophagy and apoptosis of sweat gland cells

Axillary bromhidrosis is sweat excreted by apocrine glands in the armpits, mouth corners and other parts. The clinical manifestation includes excessive sweating and heavy odor, leading to the growth of bacteria and skin disease. The present study investigated the mechanism underlying the effect of paeoniflorin (PF) in the treatment of bromhidrosis. PF was injected into the feet of rats, and the foot skin was dissected for histological analysis. Primary human sweat gland cells (hSGCs) were isolated from patients with bromhidrosis. After 24 h treatment with PF or 3-methyladenine, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle distribution were determined. PF induced nuclear pyknosis in rat SGCs. In vitro PF treatment inhibited cell proliferation with a 25% inhibitory concentration of 9.530 µM. Treatment with 9.530 µM PF for 24 h significantly increased apoptosis, ROS production and autophagy in hSGCs. PF promoted LC3B and Beclin 1 expression, but inhibited p62, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K and p-Akt expression. 3-methyladenine treatment reversed PF-induced changes in hSGCs. PF-induced inhibition of hSGC proliferation was associated with ROS production, apoptosis, and autophagy. These findings provide a basis for treating bromhidrosis.

Systems pharmacological study based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the potential mechanisms of Danggui-Shaoyao-San against atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) is not only a representative Chinese formula to treat gynecological disorder, but also found its use in AS-related diseases. However, the active ingredients and the anti-AS effects are vague yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

An integrated strategy combined ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS), network pharmacology and experiments was carried out to investigate the potential materials and pharmacological mechanisms of DSS for AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS was applied to identify the active compositions of DSS. Then, the putative targets of DSS relevant to AS were predicted from TCMSP and BATMAN, which were further determined through bioinformatic analyses, including protein-protein interactions (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, Western blot, qPCR and ELISA were carried out for target validation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

A total of 37 active ingredients of DSS, connecting 47 key targets were identified. The functional enrichment showed that DSS may treat AS through regulating a series of signaling pathways which involving inflammatory responses, immune systems and metabolism. The in vitro experiment revealed that DSS ameliorated AS mainly through anti-inflammatory effects, by reducing the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), IL-6, TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and IL-1β. DSS also inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α, NF-κB (p65), p38 and JNK in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HUVEC injury model. Moreover, as the main bioactive compounds of DSS, paeoniflorin (PF), ferulic acid (FA) and pachymic acid (PA) inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α secretion as well as IκB-α, NF-κB (p65), p38 and JNK activation. All these findings were consistent with the predicted targets and pathways.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the basic pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of DSS in the treatment of AS were revealed. The results suggest that DSS is a potential drug for AS treatment, and PF, FA, PA may be the core compositions contributing to the pharmacological function of this formula.

Oxidative stress-inducing effects of various urban PM2.5 road dust on human lung epithelial cells among 10 Chinese megacities

PM2.5 Road dust samples were collected from 10 representative cities in southern and northern China for examination of chemical components and oxidative stress levels in A549 cells. Downtown road dust was abundance of heavy metals, EC and PAHs compared to nondowntown road dust. Source apportionment also revealed the relative higher contribution of vehicle emission to downtown (35.8%) than nondowntown road dust (25.5%). Consequently, downtown road dust induced much higher intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) levels than that from nondowntown (p < 0.05). This study highlights that the ROS-inducing capacity of road dust in China is lower at lower latitudes, which resulted in a significantly higher ROS-inducing capacity of road dust from northern cities than southern ones. Hotspot analysis demonstrated that heavy metals (i.e., Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb) in road dust were the most closely associated with ROS production in A549 cells. Vehicle emission and combustion emission in road dust were identified to be correlated with cellular ROS production. The findings highlight the ROS-inducing effect of PM2.5 road dust and also serve as a reference to make the targeted solutions for urban road dust pollution control, especially from a public health perspective.

The Entry and Egress of Monocytes in Atherosclerosis: A Biochemical and Biomechanical Driven Process

In accordance with “the response to injury” theory, the entry of monocytes into the intima guided by inflammation signals, taking up cholesterol and transforming into foam cells, and egress from plaques determines the progression of atherosclerosis. Multiple cytokines and receptors have been reported to be involved in monocyte recruitment such as CCL2/CCR2, CCL5/CCR5, and CX3CL1/CX3CR1, and the egress of macrophages from the plaque like CCR7/CCL19/CCL21. Interestingly, some neural guidance molecules such as Netrin-1 and Semaphorin 3E have been demonstrated to show an inhibitory effect on monocyte migration. During the processes of monocytes recruitment and migration, factors affecting the biomechanical properties (e.g., the membrane fluidity, the deformability, and stiffness) of the monocytes, like cholesterol, amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), as well as the biomechanical environment that the monocytes are exposed, like the extracellular matrix stiffness, mechanical stretch, blood flow, and hypertension, were discussed in the latter section. Till now, several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), monoclonal antibodies, and antagonists for CCR2 have been designed and shown promising efficiency on atherosclerosis therapy. Seeking more possible biochemical factors that are chemotactic or can affect the biomechanical properties of monocytes, and uncovering the underlying mechanism, will be helpful in future studies.

Recent Insights Into the Protective Mechanisms of Paeoniflorin in Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Renal Diseases

ABSTRACT

The monoterpene glycoside paeoniflorin (PF) is the principal active constituent of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra, which have been used for millennia to treat cardiovascular diseases (eg, hypertension, bleeding, and atherosclerosis) and neurological ailments (eg, headaches, vertigo, dementia, and pain). Recent evidence has revealed that PF exerts inhibitory effects on inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis by targeting several intracellular signaling cascades. In this review, we address the current knowledge about the pharmacokinetic properties of PF and its molecular mechanisms of action. We also present results from recent preclinical studies supporting the utility of PF for the treatment of pain, cerebral ischemic injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, new evidence suggests a general protective role of PF in heart attack, diabetic kidney, and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, PF exerts multiple anti-inflammatory actions by targeting toll-like receptor-mediated signaling in both parenchymal and immune cells (in particular, macrophages and dendritic cells). A better understanding of the molecular actions of PF may lead to the expansion of its therapeutic uses.

Targeting inflammation-associated AMPK//Mfn-2/MAPKs signaling pathways by baicalein exerts anti-atherosclerotic action

Inflammatory responses in macrophages, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a flavonoid phytochemical, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, but the underlying mechanisms of its action are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore whether baicalein inhibited inflammatory activities in RAW264.7, HUVEC, and MOVAS cells and to analyze its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that baicalein treatment effectively reduced the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 released by these cells upon stimulation with Ang II or ox-LDL. We discovered that the molecular mechanisms underlying baicalein suppression of the generation of proinflammatory cytokines were associated with the inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB pathway activity. Moreover, Ang II and ox-LDL intervention decreased the content of Mfn-2 in the three types of cells, but incubation of baicalein alleviated the Ang II/ox-LDL-induced reduction of Mfn-2 levels. Adv-Mfn2 treatment not only increased the expression of Mfn-2 but also reduced the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and NF-κB, followed by a decrease in the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 in the supernatant. Furthermore, our findings indicated that baicalein treatment markedly suppressed the decrease in AMPK activity induced with Ang II and ox-LDL, and incubation with Compound C reversed the effects of baicalein on AMPK activation and Mfn-2 expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that baicalein shows anti-inflammatory properties, probably by activating the AMPK/Mfn-2 axis, accompanied by inhibition of downstream MAPKs/NF-κB signaling transduction.

Paeoniflorin modulates oxidative stress, inflammation and hepatic stellate cells activation to alleviate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 in mice

OBJECTIVES

The role of Paeoniflorin on hepatic fibrosis and the specific mechanisms has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we explored whether Paeoniflorin exerted protective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneally injecting with CCl4 (10% 5 μl/g) twice a week for 7 weeks. To explore the effects of Paeoniflorin, mice were treated with Paeoniflorin (100 mg/kg) by gavage once a day at 1 week after modeling until they were sacrificed.

KEY FINDINGS

Paeoniflorin remarkably improved liver function and histopathological changes of hepatic tissues in CCl4-induced liver injury. Besides, the serum MAO enzyme activity and hydroxyproline contents were notably decreased following the intervention of Paeoniflorin. The decreased expression of Vimentin, α-SMA, Col1a and Desmin manifested the inhibition of the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. Interestingly, Paeoniflorin intervention significantly upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1, and attenuated the inflammatory cytokines production as well as the CCl4-induced oxidative stress imbalance.

CONCLUSIONS

Paeoniflorin could effectively alleviate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by upregulation of heme oxygenase-1, and it might be a new effective option for the comprehensive treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Cytotoxicity and Potential Pathway to Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by PM2.5 Emitted from Raw Coal Chunks and Clean Coal Combustion

Coal combustion emits a large amount of PM_2.5 (particulate matters with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 μm) and causes adverse damages to the cardiovascular system. In this study, emissions from anthracite and bitumite were examined. Red mud (RM) acts as an additive and is mixed in coal briquettes with a content of 0-10% as a single variable to demonstrate the reduction in the PM_2.5 emissions. Burnt in a regulated combustion chamber, the 10% RM-containing bitumite and anthracite briquettes showed 52.3 and 18.6% reduction in PM_2.5, respectively, compared with their chunk coals. Lower cytotoxicity (in terms of oxidative stresses and inflammation factors) was observed for PM_2.5 emitted from the RM-containing briquettes than those from non-RM briquettes, especially for the bitumite groups. Besides, the results of western blotting illustrated that the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK was the potential pathway for the reduction of cytokine levels by the RM addition. The regression analyses further demonstrated that the reduction was attributed to the lower emissions of transition metals (i.e., Mn) and PAHs (i.e., acenaphthene). This pilot study provides solid evidence for the cytotoxicity to vascular smooth muscle cells induced by PM_2.5 from coal combustion and potential solutions for reducing the emission of toxic pollutants from human health perspectives.

Generation and Application of the Zebrafish heg1 Mutant as a Cardiovascular Disease Model

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality, which has caused a huge burden on the quality of human life. Therefore, experimental animal models of CVD have become essential tools for analyzing the pathogenesis, developing drug screening, and testing potential therapeutic strategies. In recent decades, zebrafish has entered the field of CVD as an important model organism. HEG1, a heart development protein with EGF like domains 1, plays important roles in the development of vertebrate cardiovascular system. Loss of HEG1 will affect the stabilization of vascular endothelial cell connection and eventually lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here, we generated a heg1-specific knockout zebrafish line using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Zebrafish heg1 mutant demonstrated severe cardiovascular malformations, including atrial ventricular enlargement, heart rate slowing, venous thrombosis and slow blood flow, which were similar to human heart failure and thrombosis phenotype. In addition, the expression of zebrafish cardiac and vascular markers was abnormal in heg1 mutants. In order to apply zebrafish heg1 mutant in cardiovascular drug screening, four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs and three Chinese herbal monomers were used to treat heg1 mutant. The pericardial area, the distance between sinus venosus and bulbus arteriosus (SV-BA), heart rate, red blood cells (RBCs) accumulation in posterior cardinal vein (PCV), and blood circulation in the tail vein were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effects of those drugs on DCM and thrombosis. Here, a new zebrafish model of DCM and thrombosis was established, which was verified to be suitable for drug screening of cardiovascular diseases. It provided an alternative method for traditional in vitro screening, and produced potential clinical related drugs in a rapid and cost-effective way.

Application of "spider-web" mode in discovery and identification of Q-markers from Xuefu Zhuyu capsule

BACKGROUND

The selection of quality control indicators in a complex system is a key scientific issue for the study of Chinese materia medica (CMM), which is directly related to its safety and efficacy. In order to scientifically understand and control the quality of CMM, quality marker (Q-marker) has been recently raised as a new concept, which provided a novel research idea for the quality control and evaluation of CMM.

PURPOSE

By a new and integrated "spider-web" mode, Q-markers of Xuefu Zhuyu capsule (XZC) were comprehensively uncovered, conducing to great improvement of quality control of XZC.

METHODS

Mainly established by three dimensions derived from six variables including content, stability and activity, "spider-web" mode was constructed to evaluate Q-marker property of candidate compounds by taking regression area of the tested compounds into account.

RESULTS

The candidate compounds with larger regression area were preferentially adopted as Q-markers, which should possess the satisfactorily integrated properties of content, stability and activity. Six compounds, naringin, isoliquiritin, paeoniflorin, protocatechuic acid, neohesperidin and ferulic acid, were identified and preferred as Q-markers of XZC.

CONCLUSION

Based on "spider-web" mode, Q-markers from Xuefu Zhuyu capsule were successfully screened, which would substantially perform quality control of XZC and prove the feasibility of "spider-web" mode in solving the selection of quality control indicators from compound formulae.

Total glucosides of paeony: A review of its phytochemistry, role in autoimmune diseases, and mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA, called baishao in China), the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has shown a rich medicinal value for more than 2000 years. PRA is used in local medicine and traditional medicine for autoimmune diseases associated with inflammation. At present, total glucosides of paeony (TGP), the main active ingredient of PRA, has been developed into a preparation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, as TGP exhibits the effect of regulating immunity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

TGP was developed and applied to inflammation-related autoimmune diseases in modern clinical practice. Based on its application in traditional prescriptions, this article reviews PRA's botany and phytochemistry (including its extraction process and quality control), and discusses the clinical application and pharmacological research of TGP as an anti-inflammatory drug from the perspective of ethnopharmacology. Additionally, we review modern pharmacological and molecular-target research on TGP and discuss the mechanisms of TGP in treating autoimmune diseases. Through a systematic literature review, we also highlight the clinical efficacy of TGP in the treatment of immune diseases, and provide a reference for the continued scientific development and quality control of TGP so that its wider application and clinical value can be fully realized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature search was conducted through the Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang DATA using the keywords "Total glucosides of paeony", "Paeonia lactiflora Pall. ", "Paeonia veitchii Lynch", "Paeoniae Radix Alba or white peony", "Paeoniae Radix Rubra or red peony", "Paeoniflorin", "Albiflorin", "Autoimmune diseases", and their combinations. In addition, information was collected from relevant textbooks, reviews, and documents.

RESULTS

Approximately 15 compounds have been identified in TGP, of which paeoniflorin and albiflorin are the most common constituents. In recent years, studies have found that TGP and its main chemical components are effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, oral lichen planus, and Sjogren's syndrome. TGP has a variety of pharmacological effects related to PRA traditional effects, including anti-organ-damage, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, cardiovascular, and nervous-system protection. Previously published reports on TGP treatment of autoimmune diseases have shown that TGP regulates intracellular pathways, such as the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. However, there is no standardized preparation method for TGP, and there is insufficient quality control of formulations. Many related pharmacological studies have not tested TGP components, and the validity of such pharmacological results requires further verification.

CONCLUSIONS

Modern pharmacological research on TGP is based on the traditional usage of PRA, and its folk medicinal value in the treatment of autoimmune diseases has now been verified. In particular, TGP has been developed into a formulation used clinically for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The combination of TGP capsules and chemicals to treat autoimmune diseases has the effect of increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Based on further research on its preparation, quality control, and mechanisms of action, TGP is expected to eventually play a greater role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

A review on the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects

Increasing pharmacological evidence supports that paeoniflorin, a water-soluble monoterpene glycoside isolated from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Shaoyao in Chinese), has a wide range of medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, anticonvulsive, analgesic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidepressant-like, antitumoral, and immune-regulatory activities; as well as enhancing cognition and attenuating learning impairment. In addition to pharmacodynamic studies, information on pharmacokinetics is also significant for the further development and utilization of paeoniflorin. The present review focuses on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of paeoniflorin, especially main pharmacological activities of paeoniflorin on inflammation and immune function. According to the findings obtained both in vitro and in vivo, a broad application prospect has been opened for paeoniflorin. However, further studies are needed to clarity the direct molecular mechanisms and key targets underlying the beneficial effects of paeoniflorin on inflammation and immunity.

Source profiles of PM2.5 emitted from four typical open burning sources and its cytotoxicity to vascular smooth muscle cells

This study investigated the chemical profiles of PM_2.5 from open burning of electronic waste (E-waste), household garbage, wheat residue, and outdoor barbeque in a combustion chamber. Carbonaceous fractions, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and water-soluble ions and elements in PM_2.5 were quantified. A PM_2.5 exposure study was performed to detect PM_2.5-induced bioreactivities in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Among all fractions, organic carbon (OC) exhibited the highest mass contribution to PM_2.5-ranging from 39.9% ± 0.82% to 53.1% ± 8.76%. Proportions of total water-soluble ions and total elements both followed the sequence E-waste > wheat straw > outdoor barbeque > household garbage. Because of the high burning temperature, outdoor barbeque PM_2.5 exhibited the highest total quantified PAHs (29.7‰). E-waste PM_2.5 exhibited the highest heavy metal contents, derived mainly from the materials in printed circuit boards. The coefficients of divergence among the four source profiles ranged from 0.47 to 0.75, indicating that the collinear problems could be avoided in source apportionment in receptor models. The induced production of reactive oxygen species exhibited a significant dose-dependent increase and followed the sequence E-waste > household garbage > outdoor barbeque > wheat residue. Similar patterns and sequence among the four sources were observed in monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) production. The data indicated that PM_2.5 emitted from E-waste has the highest cytotoxicity and special protections should be aimed at mitigating it. The Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated that elemental carbon, heavy metals, and nitrated PAHs were strongly correlated with VSMC bioreactivity. Light elements exhibited moderate negative correlations with bioreactivities, implying that light elements (e.g., Ca) could mitigate heavy metal-induced cytotoxicity. This study summarized the chemical profiles of PM_2.5 from four typical open burning sources and demonstrated their high cytotoxicity to the cardiovascular system.

STRIP2 silencing inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration via P38-AKT-MMP-2 signaling pathway

STRIP2 (FAM40B) was reported to regulate tumor cell migration. Our study aims to discuss the effect of STRIP2 in mouse aortic smooth muscle cell (MOVAS) proliferation and migration processes, which contributes greatly to atherosclerosis formation. In MOVAS cells, STRIP2 depletion suppressed cell proliferation and migration, which were related to a remarkable decrease in matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2)/MMP-9 expression. Additionally, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and Protein kinase B (AKT) are inactivated while extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are activated upon STRIP2 silencing. SB203580 (P38 inhibitor) further reduced AKT phosphorylation (p-AKT) while dehydrocorydaline chloride (Dc; P38 activator) reversed this effect. Furthermore, Dc significantly recovered MMP-2 expression in STRIP2-knockdown cells. As expected, overexpressing STRIP2 exhibited a contrary effect. Dc and AKT activator SC79 reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration induced by STRIP2 silencing. Interestingly, STRIP2 depletion increased vascular endothelial growth factor level significantly. Taken together, STRIP2 contributed to cell proliferation and migration through P38-AKT-MMP-2 signaling in MOVAS cells, indicating the importance of STRIP2 in atherosclerosis.

HBD Inhibits the Development of Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice via the IL-6R/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a malignant disease of the colon that is caused by recurrent episodes of chronic intestinal inflammation. Huangqi Baizhu decoction (HBD) is a classic prescription comprised of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Atractylodis, which are usually used to treat digestive conditions, such as peptic ulcers, colitis, or colorectal carcinoma in clinics. HBD is well known for “tonifying qi and spleen” based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, and has the preponderant effect of alleviating chronic intestinal mucosa damage associated with disease. However, the underlying mechanism behind this is still unknown. In the current study, we employed the AOM/DSS mouse model to analyze the effects of HBD on the development of inflammation in colonic carcinoma. The in vivo study showed that HBD could significantly reduce the mortality of mice and control the incidence and size of colonic tumors by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vitro, Astragaloside and Atractylenolide (CAA), the main components of HBD, inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 cells as determined by an MTT assay. Furthermore, CAA notably suppressed the protein expression of IL-6R, STAT3, Survivin, and Cyclin D1 induced by IL-6 in HCT-116 and RAW264.7 cells. These results suggested that HBD exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, inhibiting the development of CAC in mice.

The immunomodulatory activity and mechanism of docosahexenoic acid (DHA) on immunosuppressive mice models

In this study, the immunomodulatory activity of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the immunosuppressive BALB/c mice model and its molecular mechanism are elucidated. It was found that the weight indexes of the spleen and thymus were significantly increased by DHA (44.0 mg kg-1 and 88.0 mg kg-1) treatment in the prevention or cure groups. The result of macrophages showed that DHA (44.0 mg kg-1 and 88.0 mg kg-1) could promote the proliferation and phagocytosis activity of macrophages in the prevention or cure groups. In addition, DHA could activate macrophages by the G-protein coupled cell membrane receptor GPR120- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs)-nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 pathway in vivo. The result of the spleen showed that DHA (44.0 mg kg-1 and 88.0 mg kg-1) could promote the proliferation of spleen cells and the natural killer (NK) cells activity in vivo. In the prevention or cure groups, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results revealed that DHA (44.0 mg kg-1 and 88.0 mg kg-1) could enhance the production of cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the spleen of immunosuppressive mice. The HE (hematoxylin and eosin) stained histopathological images showed that DHA could repair the damage induced by CTX in the spleen cells of the prevention or cure groups. These results suggested that DHA has a remarkable immunomodulatory activity on the immunosuppressive mice model in the prevention or cure groups.

Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) Is Regulated by miR-29b by Targeting Sirtuin 1

Background

Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) participates in the etiology of various vascular diseases. It has been proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as crucial regulators of functions of VSMCs. This study aimed to discover how miR-29b regulates the transformation of VSMCs phenotypes in mice.

Material/Methods

Primary VSMCs of aorta in mice were cultured in DMEM medium. A series of experiments involving transfection of oligonucleotides in cultured VSMCs, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), luciferase reporter assay, and Western blotting analysis were performed in this study.

Results

We found that in VSMCs cultured in presence of stimulator, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), miR-29b was upregulated significantly and expressions of VSMC-phenotype-related genes (α-SMA, calponin, and SM-MHC) were regulated by miR-29b. Moreover, through downregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), miR-29b affects phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. Luciferase report assay identified a significant increase of SIRT1 3′-UTR activity in treatment with miR-29b inhibitor, which, however, was reversed in the presence of miR-29b mimic. Suppression of miR-29b reversed the activation of NF-κB induced by PDGF-BB in VSMCs.

Conclusions

We concluded that miR-29b is an important regulator in the PDGF-BB-mediated VSMC phenotypic transition by targeting SIRT1. Interventions aimed at miR-29b may be promising in treating numerous proliferative vascular disorders.

Nuclear factor-kappa B activation inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells

Objectives

To investigate the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) performed in cell proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and to assess the mechanisms.

Methods

Human aorta VSMCs were divided into control, NF-κB inhibitor, NF-κB overexpression + NF-κB inhibitor, control vector + NF-κB inhibitor, NF-κB overexpression, and control vector groups. NF-κB overexpression vector was constructed and transfected into VSMCs. Proliferation of VSMCs in each group was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide. Apoptosis of VSMCs was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of NF-κB, FasL, and hypertension-related gene (HRG-1) was measured by Western blotting.

Results

NF-κB overexpression vector was constructed correctly by restriction endonuclease, and the results showed that the activation of NF-κB could inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs. The results of flow cytometry also confirmed that NF-κB overexpression promoted apoptosis of VSMCs. Mechanically, NF-κB overexpression could up-regulate the expression of FasL and HRG-1.

Conclusions

NF-κB overexpression promotes apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation of VSMCs. The mechanisms might be regulated by promoting FasL and HRG-1 expression.

The Signaling Pathways Involved in the Antiatherosclerotic Effects Produced by Chinese Herbal Medicines

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered to be the predominant cause of death in the world. Chinese herb medicines (CHMs) have been widely used for the treatment of CVDs in Asian countries for thousands of years. One reason of high efficacy of CHMs in treating CVDs is attributed to their inhibition in atherosclerosis (AS) development, a critical contributor to CVDs occurrence. Cumulative studies have demonstrated that CHMs alleviate atherogenesis via mediating pathophysiologic events involved in AS. However, there is deficiency in the summaries regarding antiatherogenic signal pathways regulated by CHMs. In this review, we focus on the signal cascades by which herb medicines and relevant extractives, derivatives, and patents improve proatherogenic processes including endothelium dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and inflammation. We mainly elaborate the CHMs-mediated signaling pathways in endothelial cells, macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells of each pathogenic event. Moreover, we briefly describe the other AS-related factors such as thrombosis, autophagy, immune response, and noncoding RNAs and effects of CHMs on them in the way of cascade regulation, which is helpful to further illustrate the molecular mechanisms of AS initiation and progression and discover newly effective agents for AS management.

TRIF Regulates BIC/miR-155 via the ERK Signaling Pathway to Control the ox-LDL-Induced Macrophage Inflammatory Response

Toll/IL-1R-domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) is an important adaptor for TLR3- and TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways. Recent studies have shown that TRIF plays a key role in vessel inflammation and atherosclerosis; however, the precise mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the mechanisms of the TRIF-regulated inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages under oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) stimulation. Our data show that ox-LDL induces TRIF, miR-155, and BIC expression, activates the ERK_1/2 and SOCS1-STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathways, and elevates the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Knockdown of TRIF using TRIF siRNA suppressed BIC, miR-155, IL-6, and TNF-α expression and inhibited the ERK_1/2 and SOCS1-STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of ERK_1/2 signaling also suppressed BIC and miR-155 expression. These findings suggest that TRIF plays an important role in regulating the ox-LDL-induced macrophage inflammatory response and that TRIF modulates the expression of BIC/miR-155 and the downstream SOCS1-STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathway via ERK_1/2. Therefore, TRIF might be a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.