Andrographolide attenuates oxidative stress injury in cigarette smoke extract exposed macrophages through inhibiting SIRT1/ERK signaling

Andrographolide Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Airway Inflammation in Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

The aim of this study is to uncover the anti-inflammatory propertity of andrographolide (AGP) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and the underlying mechanisms related to the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway.

Methods

An in vivo experiment was conducted on murine model of AECOPD through endotracheal atomization of elastase and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Intraperitoneal AGP was administered four times. NLRP3 inflammasome pathway molecules were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested interleukin (IL)-1β levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. An in vitro study was conducted to determine how AGP impacts the NLRP3 inflammasome in THP-1 derived macrophages. The levels of molecules involved in the pathway were measured. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were carried out to investigate the interactions between AGP and pathway targets.

Results

In the in vivo study, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was observed in mice experiencing AECOPD. The administration of high-dose AGP demonstrated a mitigating effect on inflammatory cells infiltration in the lungs. Moreover, AGP administration effectively suppressed the expression of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein that contains a CARD (PYCARD), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, and IL-18 at both the genetic and protein levels. In the in vitro experiment, IL-1β levels were significantly elevated in THP-1 derived macrophages with activated inflammasome compared to the control group. Furthermore, the downregulation of NLRP3, CASP1, and IL1B genes was observed upon the inhibition of NLRP3 expression through small interfering RNA (siRNA). AGP demonstrated inhibitory effects on the gene expression and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β. Additionally, molecular docking analysis confirmed that AGP exhibited a favorable binding affinity with all five targets of the pathway.

Conclusion

AGP effectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and mitigated the inflammatory reaction of AECOPD both in animal models and in vitro experiments, highlighting the potential of AGP as a treatment for AECOPD with anti-inflammatory properties.

SIRT1: An Intermediator of Key Pathways Regulating Pulmonary Diseases

Silent information regulator type-1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+-dependent deacetylase, is a member of the sirtuins family and has unique protein deacetylase activity. SIRT1 participates in physiological as well as pathophysiological processes by targeting a wide range of protein substrates and signalings. In this review, we described the latest progress of SIRT1 in pulmonary diseases. We have introduced the basic information and summarized the prominent role of SIRT1 in several lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and aging-related diseases.

Sanpian decoction ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating SIRT1/ERK/HIF-1α pathway through in silico analysis and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a complex pathophysiological process involving multiple factors, and becomes the footstone of rehabilitation after ischemic stroke. Sanpian decoction (SPD) has exhibited protective effects against CIRI, migraine, and other cerebral vascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study sought to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the effect of SPD against CIRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) were carried out to determine the chemical constituents of SPD. A network pharmacology approach combined with experimental verification was conducted to elucidate SPD's multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms in CIRI occurrence. The pharmacodynamics of the decoction was evaluated by establishing the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). In vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out, and the therapeutic effects of SPD were performed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining. We used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry to evaluate cortex apoptosis. The quantification of mRNA and corresponding proteins were performed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot respectively.

RESULTS

Our research showed that pretreatment with SPD improved neurological function and inhibited CIRI. Network pharmacology revealed that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis may be associated with CIRI. In vivo and in vitro experiments, we confirmed that SPD increased cerebral blood flow, improved neural function, and reduced neural apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and down-regulating phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK)/ERK and HIF-1α levels in CIRI rats.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present study systematically revealed the potential targets and signaling pathways of SPD in the treatment of CIRI using in silico prediction and verified the therapeutic effects of SPD against CIRI via ameliorating apoptosis by regulating SIRT1/ERK/HIF-1α.

Preventive effect of andrographolide against ultraviolet-B radiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling in human dermal fibroblasts

Ultraviolet radiation induces oxidative photoaging in the skin cells. In this study, we investigated the ability of andrographolide (ADP) to protect human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) from UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. The HDFa cells were exposed to UVB (19.8 mJ/cm2 ) radiation in the presence or absence of ADP (7 μM) and then oxidative stress and apoptotic protein expression were analyzed. UVB exposure resulted in a significant decline in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and altered mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore, UVB-irradiation causes increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptotic morphological changes, and lipid peroxidation levels in the HDFa. Moreover, the pretreatment with ADP reduced the UVB-induced cytotoxicity, ROS production, and increased antioxidant enzymes activity. Further, the ADP pretreatment prevents the UVB-induced loss of MMP and apoptotic signaling in HDFa cells. Therefore, the present results suggest that ADP protects HDFa cells from UVB-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic damage.

Assessing the double-edged of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta signaling pathway in arsenic-induced skin damage and its potential foodborne interventions

Arsenic exposure is a major environmental public health challenge worldwide. As typical manifestations for arsenic exposure, the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced skin lesions has not been fully elucidated, as well as the lack of effective control measures. In this study, we first determined the short-term and high-dose arsenic exposure can increase the apoptosis rates, while long-term low-dose arsenic exposure decrease the apoptosis rates. Then, the HaCaT cells with knockdown and overexpression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (CEBPB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were constructed. The results demonstrate that knockdown of CEBPB and ERK can reduce NaAsO2 -induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and vice versa. Further cells were treated with Kaji-Ichigoside F1 (KF1). The results clearly show that KF1 can decrease the arsenic-induced cell apoptosis rates and the expression of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway-related genes. These results provide evidence that ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway acts as a double-edged sword in arsenic-induced skin damage. Another interesting finding was that KF1 can alleviate arsenic-induced skin cell apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of arsenic-induced skin cell apoptosis, and our findings will help to identify a potential food-borne intervention in arsenic detoxification.

Integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the protective mechanism underlying Qibai Pingfei capsule on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In this study, we have employed metabolomics technology in combination with network pharmacology to ascertain the key metabolites and hub genes. The objective was to explore the pathway of Qibai Pingfei Capsule (QBPF) in treating COPD through metabolomics. We identified 96 differential metabolites in the lung tissues of rats belonging to control and model groups, out of which 47 were observed to be critical (VIP >2, p < 0.05). Furthermore, 16 important differential metabolites were reversed after QBPF treatment. Using network pharmacology, we identified 176 core targets of 81 drug-active ingredients. Our comprehensive analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics enabled us to identify a core target, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and a core metabolic pathway for glutathione metabolism. Finally, the result of molecular docking showed that PTGS2 had strong binding activity to 18 compounds including Fumarine and Kaempferol, etc.. PTGS2 is a marker of ferroptosis, so we wanted to explore whether QBPF could inhibit ferroptosis in COPD. The results showed that ferroptosis was involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, and QBPF could inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis. In conclusion, the mechanism of QBPF for treating COPD may be related to PTGS2 expression, glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis.

Andrographis modulates cisplatin resistance in lung cancer via miR-155-5p/SIRT1 axis

Andrographis (Andro) has been identified as an anti-cancer herbal. This study was to explore its underlying regulatory routes regarding cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung cancer. The impacts of Andro on cell viability in lung cancer cells and normal cells BEAS-2B were validated using CCK8 tests. Then, cell viability and apoptosis analysis was performed in the cells after DDP, Andro, or combined treatment. RT-qPCR was applied for evaluating miR-155-5p and SIRT1 mRNA expressions, while western blot was for evaluating SIRT1 protein expressions. Binding sites between SIRT1 and miR-155-5p were predicted on TargetScan and were confirmed using luciferase reporter assays. Xenograft animal models were established for in vivo validation of the regulatory function of Andro in lung cancer. Andro decreased the cell viability in lung cancer cells but not normal cells BEAS-2B. The combined treatment with DDP and Andro induced the lowest viability and highest apoptosis in both A549 and A549/DDP cells. MiR-155-5p expression was suppressed, and SIRT was promoted by the Andro treatment, while overexpression of miR-155-5p reversed effects of Andro in cells, which was further counteracted by SIRT1 activation. SIRT1 was verified to be a target of miR-155-5p in A549/DDP cells. Moreover, Andro synergized with DDP in mice with lung cancer via miR-155-5p/SIRT1. Andro modulates cisplatin resistance in lung cancer via miR-155-5p/SIRT1 axis.

Anti-Cancer Agent: The Labdane Diterpenoid-Andrographolide

In spite of the progress in treatment strategies, cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the main challenge should be the early diagnosis of cancer and the design of an optimal therapeutic strategy to increase the patient's life expectancy as well as the continuation of the search for increasingly active and selective molecules for the treatment of different forms of cancer. In the recent decades, research in the field of natural compounds has increasingly shifted towards advanced and molecular level understandings, thus leading to the development of potent anti-cancer agents. Among them is the diterpene lactone andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees that showed shows a plethora of biological activities, including not only anti-cancer activity, but also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory properties. Andrographolide has been shown to act as an anti-tumor drug by affecting specific molecular targets that play a part in the development and progression of several cancer types including breast, lung, colon, renal, and cervical cancer, as well as leukemia and hepatocarcinoma. This review comprehensively and systematically summarized the current research on the potential anti-cancer properties of andrographolide highlighting its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects and discussing the future perspectives, challenges, and limitations of use.

SIRT1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and lung function decline. It is well established that COPD represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Due to the substantial economic and social burdens associated with COPD, it is necessary to discover new targets and develop novel beneficial therapies. Although the pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains to be robustly elucidated, numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, autophagy, and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase belonging to the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) family. Multiple studies have indicated that SIRT1 plays an important role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, and cellular senescence, which contributes to the pathogenesis and development of COPD. This review aimed to discuss the functions and mechanisms of SIRT1 in the progression of COPD and concluded that SIRT1 activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

Andrographolide improves the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells from angiotensin II-induced hypertensive mice through SIRT1 signaling

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. The dysfunction of EPCs contributes to the endothelial damage in hypertension. Andrographolide (AGP) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine that has been reported to have protective effects on cardiovascular system. However, the effect of AGP on the function of EPCs in hypertension remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of AGP on EPCs and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo, the blood pressure and endothelial function (indicated by endothelial dependent vasodilation) of AGP-fed angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused hypertensive mice were examined. In vitro, the function of EPCs isolated from bone marrow were evaluated by tube formation, migration, and adhesion assay. Additionally, a silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor/agonist and a small interfering RNA (si-RNA) targeting SIRT1 were used to determine the pathway involved. The results showed that AGP not only reduced blood pressure, improved endothelial function in hypertensive mice but also restored the dysfunction of EPCs of hypertension in vitro. Mechanistically, AGP up-regulated SIRT1 expression, decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the expression level of Cleaved caspase-3, thus inhibiting the apoptosis of Ang II induced EPCs. However, the beneficial effects of AGP on EPCs disappeared after the inhibition or the knockdown of SIRT1. To summarize, this study demonstrates for the first time that AGP improves the dysfunction of EPCs through SIRT1-mediated anti-apoptotic effects. Our findings might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treating vascular damage in hypertension.

Determination of the Anti-Oxidative Stress Mechanism of Isodon suzhouensis Leaves by Employing Bioinformatic and Novel Research Technology

Isodon suzhouensis from Suzhou, China, is a traditional Chinese herb with wide applications in medicine and food. The antioxidant activity against oxidative stress of the leaves of Isodon suzhouensis is a myth since long and is not explored earlier thoroughly. The present study is focused to explore the active components in Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts responsible for antioxidant effects against oxidative stress and the potential mechanism of this activity. We obtained the chromatograms of Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts by the high-performance liquid phase (HPLC) for possible detection of antioxidant constituents. Some compounds in Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts were then further assessed through the luminol luminescence mechanism combined with HPLC analysis as well as with SwissTargetPrediction database that helped to screen out the other constituents. The targets for effects against oxidative stress were then further screened through the GeneCards database, and the PPI network was constructed. The targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG using the David database. The obtained results were then further studied by employing in vitro experimentation and protein expression analyses by Western blotting. It is found that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts contain rutin, isoquercetin, glaucocalyxin A, glaucocalyxin B, and other compounds with antioxidant activity. The activity map of the free radical scavenging signals from Isodon suzhouensis showed a strong ability to scavenge free radicals with the highest capacity of glaucocalyxin B followed by isoquercetin succeeding the glaucocalyxin A supervening the rutin. Further network pharmacological analyses and in vitro experimentation showed that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts interfere with TNF and the p38 MAPK signaling pathway for antioxidant effects against oxidative stress. Conclusively, it is found that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts possess strong antioxidant potential via targeting TNF and p38 MAPK signaling pathways against oxidative stress, providing scientific foundation for further studies on Isodon suzhouensis for the further therapeutic approach.

Andrographolide, a natural anti-inflammatory agent: An Update

Botanicals have attracted much attention in the field of anti-inflammatory due to their good pharmacological activity and efficacy. Andrographis paniculata is a natural plant ingredient that is widely used around the world. Andrographolide is the main active ingredient derived from Andrographis paniculata, which has a good effect on the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This article reviews the application, anti-inflammatory mechanism and molecular targets of andrographolide in different inflammatory diseases, including respiratory, digestive, immune, nervous, cardiovascular, skeletal, and tumor system diseases. And describe its toxicity and explain its safety. Studies have shown that andrographolide can be used to treat inflammatory lesions of various systemic diseases. In particular, it acts on many inflammation-related signalling pathways. The future direction of andrographolide research is also introduced, as is the recent research that indicates its potential clinical application as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Andrographolide protects bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells against glucose and serum deprivation under hypoxia via the NRF2 signaling pathway

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) therapy is an important cell transplantation strategy in the regenerative medicine field. However, a severely ischemic microenvironment, such as nutrient depletion and hypoxia, causes a lower survival rate of transplanted BMSCs, limiting the application of BMSCs. Therefore, improving BMSCs viability in adverse microenvironments is an important means to improve the effectiveness of BMSCs therapy.

Objective

To illustrate the protective effect of andrographolide (AG) against glucose and serum deprivation under hypoxia (1% O₂) (GSDH)-induced cell injury in BMSCs and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods

An in vitro primary rat BMSCs cell injury model was established by GSDH, and cellular viability, proliferation and apoptosis were observed after AG treatment under GSDH. Reactive oxygen species levels and oxidative stress-related genes and proteins were measured by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Mitochondrial morphology, function and number were further assessed by laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Results

AG protected BMSCs against GSDH-induced cell injury, as indicated by increases in cell viability and proliferation and mitochondrial number and decreases in apoptosis and oxidative stress. The metabolic status of BMSCs was changed from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation to increase the ATP supply. We further observed that the NRF2 pathway was activated by AG, and treatment of BMSCs with a specific NRF2 inhibitor (ML385) blocked the protective effect of AG.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that AG is a promising agent to improve the therapeutic effect of BMSCs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03016-6.

Potential Natural Small Molecular Compounds for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major diseases threatening human life and health. According to the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, COPD has become the third leading cause of death in the world, featuring a sustainable growth of incidence rate as well as population age. The purpose of this review focuses on the advancement of bioactive natural compounds, such as baicalin, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin, which demonstrate promising therapeutic/interventional effects on CODP in vitro and in vivo. Information emphasizing on COPD was systematically collected from several authoritative internet databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, and Europe PMC, with a combination of keywords containing “COPD” and “natural small molecular compounds”. The new evidence indicated that these valuable molecules featured unique functions in the treatment of COPD through various biological processes such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-airway fibrosis. Moreover, we found that the promising effects of these natural compounds on COPD were mainly achieved through JAK3/STAT3/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways, Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathway, and TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 fibrosis signaling pathway, which referenced to multiple targets like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, TIMP-1, MMP, AKT, JAK3, IKK, PI3K, HO-1, MAPK, P38, ERK, etc. Current challenges and future directions in this promising field are also discussed at the end of this review. For the convenience of the readers, this review is divided into ten parts according to the structures of potential natural small molecular compounds. We hope that this review brings a quick look and provides some inspiration for the research of COPD.

Roles of sirtuin family members in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The globally increasing annual incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common chronic disease, poses a serious risk to public health. Although the exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of COPD remains unclear, a large number of studies have shown that its pathophysiology and disease course are closely related to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and aging. The key players involved in COPD include the sirtuin family of NAD-dependent deacetylases that comprise seven members (SIRT1-7) in mammals. Sirtuins play an important role in metabolic diseases, cell cycle control, proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Owing to differences in subcellular localization, sirtuins exhibit anisotropy. In this narrative review, we discuss the roles and molecular pathways of each member of the sirtuin family involved in COPD to provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of COPD and how sirtuins may serve as adjuvants for COPD treatment.

Assessing the Potential Value and Mechanism of Kaji-Ichigoside F1 on Arsenite-Induced Skin Cell Senescence

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic is a major environmental public health issue worldwide affecting more than 220 million of people. Previous studies have shown the correlation between arsenic poisoning and cellular senescence; however, knowledge regarding the mechanism and effective prevention measures has not been fully studied. First, the associations among the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and arsenic-induced skin cell senescence were confirmed using the HaCaT cell model. In the arsenic-exposed group, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway indicators (ERK1, ERK2, and CEBPB), cell cycle-related genes (p21, p16^INK4a), and the secretion of SASP (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, MMP-1, MMP-3, EGF, and VEGF) and the lipid peroxidation product (MDA) were significantly increased in cells (P < 0.05), while the activity of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and an increased number of cells accumulated in the G1 phase (P < 0.05). Further Kaji-ichigoside F1 intervention experiments showed that compared to that in the arsenic-exposed group, the expression level of the activity of antioxidant enzyme was significantly increased in the Kaji-ichigoside F1 intervention group (P < 0.05), but the indicators of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway, cell cycle-related genes, and SASP were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell cycle arrest relieved to a certain extent (P < 0.05). Our study provides some limited evidence that the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway is involved in low-dose arsenic-induced skin cell senescence, through regulating oxidative stress. The second major finding was that Kaji-ichigoside F1 can downregulate the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and regulate the balance between oxidation and antioxidation, alleviating arsenic-induced skin cell senescence. This study provides experimental evidence for further understanding of Kaji-ichigoside F1, a natural medicinal plant that may be more effective in preventing and controlling arsenic poisoning.

Advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers by andrographolide: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and perspective

Andrographolide, a well-known natural lactone having a range of pharmacological actions in traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. In this review, we cover the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of andrographolide which supports its further clinical application in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Growing evidence shows a good therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases, joint diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system diseases, heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory skin diseases. As a result, the effects of andrographolide on immune cells and the processes that underpin them are discussed. The preclinical use of andrographolide to different organs in response to malignancies such as colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and oral cancers has also been reviewed. In addition, several clinical trials of andrographolide in inflammatory diseases and cancers have been summarized. This review highlights recent advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases as well as cancers by andrographolide and its analogs, providing a new perspective for subsequent research of this traditional natural product.

Andrographolide: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical trials and pharmaceutical researches

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees, a renowned herb medicine in China, is broadly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cold and fever, sore throat, sore tongue, snake bite with its excellent functions of clearing heat and toxin, cooling blood and detumescence from times immemorial. Modern pharmacological research corroborates that andrographolide, the major ingredient in this traditional herb, is the fundamental material basis for its efficacy. As the main component of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees, andrographolide reveals numerous therapeutic actions, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic and so on. However, there are scarcely systematic summaries on the specific mechanism of disease treatment and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, it is also found that it possesses easily ignored security issues in clinical application, such as nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Thereby it should be kept a lookout over in clinical. Besides, the relationship between the efficacy and security issues of andrographolide should be investigated and evaluated scientifically. In this review, special emphasis is given to andrographolide, a multifunctional natural terpenoids, including its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and pharmaceutical researches. A brief overview of its clinical trials is also presented. This review intends to systematically and comprehensively summarize the current researches of andrographolide, which is of great significance for the development of andrographolide clinical products. Noteworthy, those un-cracked issues such as specific pharmacological mechanisms, security issues, as well as the bottleneck in clinical transformation, which detailed exploration and excavation are still not to be ignored before achieving integration into clinical practice. In addition, given that current extensive clinical data do not have sufficient rigor and documented details, more high-quality investigations in this field are needed to validate the efficacy and/or safety of many herbal products.

14-Deoxy-11,12-Didehydroandrographolide Ameliorates Glucose Intolerance Enhancing the LKB1/AMPK[Formula: see text]/TBC1D1/GLUT4 Signaling Pathway and Inducing GLUT4 Expression in Myotubes and Skeletal Muscle of Obese Mice

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (deAND), a bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, has antidiabetic activity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates glucose transport and ameliorates insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of AMPK is involved in the mechanism by which deAND ameliorates insulin resistance in muscles. deAND amounts up to 40 [Formula: see text]M dose-dependently activated phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 in C2C12 myotubes. In addition, deAND significantly activated phosphorylation of LKB1 at 6 h after treatment, and this activation was maintained up to 48 h. deAND increased glucose uptake at 18 h after treatment, and this increase was time dependent up to 72 h. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, suppressed deAND-induced phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 and reversed the effect on glucose uptake. In addition, the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein in C2C12 myotubes was up-regulated by deAND in a time-dependent manner. Promotion of GLUT4 gene transcription was verified by a pGL3-GLUT4 (837 bp) reporter assay. deAND also increased the nuclear translocation of MEF-2A and PPAR[Formula: see text]. After 16 weeks of feeding, the high-fat diet (HFD) inhibited phosphorylation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 in skeletal muscle of obese C57BL/6JNarl mice, and deactivation of AMPK[Formula: see text] and TBC1D1 by the HFD was abolished by deAND supplementation. Supplementation with deAND significantly promoted membrane translocation of GLUT4 compared with the HFD group. Supplementation also significantly increased GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscle compared with the HFD group. The hypoglycemic effects of deAND are likely associated with activation of the LKB1/AMPK[Formula: see text]/TBC1D1/GLUT4 signaling pathway and stimulation of MEF-2A- and PPAR[Formula: see text]-dependent GLUT4 gene expression, which account for the glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and lower blood glucose levels.

ZEB1 directly inhibits GPX4 transcription contributing to ROS accumulation in breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

Prior studies have noted that zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a master transcription regulator, affecting the expression of nearly 2000 genes in breast cancer cells, especially in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. We now tested the role of ZEB1 on the oxidative stress of cancer cells and explored its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Two human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 were selected for the ROS test, PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, luciferase assay, and enzyme assay. Mouse models experiments and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to test the indicated molecules.

RESULTS

We observed ZEB1 could inhibit GPX4 transcription by binding to the E-box motifs and promote breast cancer progression by accumulating intracellular ROS. From the perspective of ROS clearance, Vitamin E enhanced GPX4 function to consume L-glutathione and eliminated excess intracellular ROS.

CONCLUSIONS

ZEB1 could not only regulate EMT, but also inhibit GPX4 transcription by binding to the E-box motif. It was important to note that the ZEB1/GPX4 axis had a therapeutic effect on breast cancer metabolism.