In vitro inhibition of proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by serum of rats treated with Dahuang Zhechong pill

Pharmacological mechanism of Shenlingbaizhu formula against experimental colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by an overactive immune response and destruction of the colorectal epithelium with intricate pathological factors. Shenlingbaizhu (SLBZ) formula, included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, has been widely utilized to treat UC.

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms of SLBZ formula against UC.

METHODS

A murine model of experimental colitis was established by orally feeding 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to mice for 7 days, followed by SLBA treatment for the next 15 days. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the pharmacological mechanisms. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing integrated with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted on mouse stool in order to determine alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were performed to examine the anti-inflammatory role of SLBZ.

RESULTS

DSS treatment induced experimental colitis, and this induction was alleviated by SLBZ treatment, as evidenced by rescued pathological symptoms in the experimental colitis mouse groups. Network pharmacology analysis showed that SLBZ-target genes were enriched in pathogen-induced infectious and inflammatory pathways, as well as neoplastic processes. SLBZ administration also modulated the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles of experimental colitis mice and alleviated the progression of experimental colitis. We further showed via in-vitro experiments that SLBZ suppressed macrophage (Mφ) transition to pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1), rescued tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced pyroptosis of intestinal organoids (IOs), and decreased the recruitment of Mφs by epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

SLBZ formula is an effective treatment for murine colitis and showed a stronger therapeutic capacity than melasazine. The pharmacological mechanisms of SLBZ involve the re-establishment of an anti-inflammatory milieu and healthy microbiome, which favors mucosal healing.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F.A. Barkley - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F.A. Barkley (syn. Rhus verniciflua or vernicifera Stokes, Anacardiaceae) (RVS), the lacquer tree, also known as sumac, has been used in China, Japan and South Korea for thousands of years as a highly durable coating material and a traditional herbal medicine, which contains medicinal ingredients with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-rheumatic activities.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review intends to provide a comprehensive and critical appraisal of RVS, including its phytochemical data, botanical and pharmacological literature that support its therapeutic potential in treatment on human diseases, with emphasis on the isolation of natural occurring compounds and detailed pharmacological investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specific information of RVS was collected by using the key words "Toxicodendron vernicifluum", "Rhus verniciflua Stokes", "Rhus vernicifera Stokes" and "Lacquer tree" through published scientific materials (including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Scifinder, Springer, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar) and other literature sources.

RESULTS

The major phytoconstituents, 175 of which are presented in this review, including flavonoids, urushiols, terpenes, phenolic acids and other types of compounds, of which flavonoids and urushiols are main components. The extracts and isolates purified from RVS showed a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tyrosinase inhibition and so on.

CONCLUSION

The modern pharmacological research of RVS mainly focus on the pharmacological effects of crude extract or active constituents, of which the flavonoids are widely studied. However, there are few reports on the relationship between pharmacological effects and their structures. And at present, there is still a lack of researches that are of both effective and in-depth. Meanwhile, there is little research on quality control. Apart from the wood and lacquer, other botanical parts also need to be explored further. In addition to phenolic compounds, the study on other types of components in T. vernicifluum would start more sparks for the discovery of new bioactive principles.

An Integrative Serum Pharmacology-Based Approach to Study the Anti-Tumor Activity of B. paniculatum Aqueous Bulb Extract on the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line BEL-7404

The herb Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim) Franquet (Cucurbitaceae family), also known as Tu-Bei-Mu (TBM) in Chinese, has shown curative effects to treat several types of cancer as an adjunctive therapy. Thereby we intend to find its effect on the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to understand the pharmacological mechanism behind it. In this study, an integrative serum pharmacology-based approach linking serum pharmacology and bioinformatics prediction was employed. Firstly, we used the serum taken introgastrically from the rats dministered by TBM aqueous bulb extract to culture the HCC cell line BEL-7404 and detect its anti-tumor effects. Secondly, the TBM putative targets were predicted using the ETCM database and known therapeutic targets of NPC were collected from the OMIM database. Then, a TBM-HCC putative targets network was constructed using the DAVID and STRING databases. Thirdly, key gene targets were obtained based on topological analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. The expression of 4 representative key targets were validated by Western blotting. As a result, 36 TBM targets and 26 known therapeutic targets of HCC were identified. These key targets were found to be frequently involved in 13 KEGG pathways and 4 biological processes. The expression of four representative key targets: TP53, CASP3, BCL2 and BAX further supports the suppression of TBM on HCC. In general, our study shows the curative effects of TBM against HCC. By using this integrative approach, we may find novel potential therapeutic targets to suppress HCC using TBM as an adjunctive therapy. And it could also help us understand the mechanism of HCC treatments in response to TBM.

Dahuang Zhechong Pill suppresses colorectal cancer liver metastasis via ameliorating exosomal CCL2 primed pre-metastatic niche

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP) is a classical formula from "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber". It has been used for treatment of abdominal masses (including tumorous diseases) for thousands of years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our previous work showed that DZP suppresses CCl-4 induced hepatic fibrosis by downregulating the expression of interleukin-13. We aimed to test if DZP suppresses the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) by ameliorating the fibrosis status of the future metastatic organ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liver metastasis was observed by injection of MC38-EGFP cells with stably expressing enhanced green fuorescence protein beneath the splenic capsule of C57BL/6J mice. MC38-EGFP-derived exosomes were analyzed by Label-free comparative proteomics. mRNA expression was determined by Quantitative PCR. Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofuorescence and Western blot. Collagen deposition was determined by Masson staining. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

DZP drastically reduced the metastatic tumor number and fluorescence intensity in a splenic liver metastasis model. It also lowered the expression of mature TGF-β1 and decreased the fibronectin contents & collagen deposition. Exosome proteomics showed that the upregualted CC chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) was repressed by DZP treatment. Importantly, DZP markedly lowered the expression of CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in the liver. Exosomal CCL2 activated macrophage recruitment and shifted the M1/M2 paradigm to a M2 phenotype. DZP reduced the macrophage infiltration and attenuated the M2 polarizaion in tumor-bearing mice liver. It decreased the F4/80 positive areas and specifically reduced the ratio of CCR2⁺ positive macrophage. Anti-fibrosis and inhibition of CCR2 suppress the growth and metastasis of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

DZP inhibits the liver metastasis of CRC by suppressing CCL2 mediated M2-skewing paradigm and ameliorating the pro-fibrotic microenvironment.

Dynamic Changes in MMP1 and TIMP1 in the Antifibrotic Process of Dahuang Zhechong Pill in Rats with Liver Fibrosis

On the basis of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)induced liver fibrosis in rats, this study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) in the antifibrotic process of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DHZCP). A total of 50 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group, the model group (the group treated with CCl4), and the treatment group (the group treated with CCl4 and DHZCP). Rats were sacrificed at Weeks 4 and 8. Liver tissues were separated for RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and histological staining were conducted to confirm the gene expression and pathological change in liver tissues. Compared with control group, rats in model group showed poor mental state and slow weight gain. The liver tissues of the rats in the model group exhibited a damaged hepatic lobule structure, fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration among the hyperplastic tissues. DHZCP could significantly improve the appearance of rats and alleviate CCl4-induced fibrosis. Compared to model group, 798 differentially expressed mRNAs were found in the treatment group, of which 120 were up-regulated and 678 were down-regulated. Differentially expressed mRNAs between the CCl4-induced group and the DHZCP-treated group were mainly focused on the following KEGG pathways: focal adhesion, phagosome, tight junction, and ECM–receptor interactions. Relative to those in the control group, MMP1 was downregulated, whereas, TIMP1 and Col1A1 were upregulated in the CCl4-induced group at Weeks 4 and 8. DHZCP could reverse MMP1, TIMP1, and Col1A1 expression.DHZCP protects against liver injury and exerts an antifibrotic effect on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. Its mechanism may be related to the upregulation of MMP1, downregulation of TIMP1, and promotion of collagen degradation.

The Effect of Ultrafine Process on the Dissolution, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Coptidis rhizoma

BACKGROUND

The dosage of herb ultrafine particle (UFP) depended on the increased level of its dissolution, toxicity, and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

The dissolution, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of Coptidis rhizoma (CR) UFP were compared with those of traditional decoction (TD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dissolution of berberine (BBR) of CR TD and UFP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial activity of CR extract was assayed by plate-hole diffusion and broth dilution method; the inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth was evaluated after orally given CR UFP or TD extract. The cytotoxicity of CR extract was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

RESULTS

The dissolution amount of BBR from CR UFP increased 6-8-folds in comparison to TD at 2 min, the accumulative amount of BBR in both UFP and TD group increased in a time-dependent manner. The minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of CR UFP extract decreased to 1/2~1/4 of those of TD extract. The inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth decreased time-dependently, and no statistical difference was observed between two groups at each time point. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations of UFP extract increased 1.66~1.97 fold than those of TD.

CONCLUSIONS

The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of CR UFP increased in a dissolution-effect manner in vitro, the increased level of cytotoxicity was lower than that of antibacterial activity, and the inhibitory effect of rat serums containing drugs of UFP group did not improve.

SUMMARY

Ultrafine grinding process caused a rapid increase of BBR dissolution from CR.The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of UFP extract in vitro increased in a dissolution-effect manner, but the cytotoxicity increased lower than the antibacterial activity.The antibacterial activity of rat serums of UFP group did not improve in comparison to that of TD group.

Hugan Qingzhi medication ameliorates hepatic steatosis by activating AMPK and PPARα pathways in L02 cells and HepG2 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hugan Qingzhi tablet (HQT), a lipid- lowering traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for the prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was realized to evaluate the effects of HQT-medicated serum on hepatic steatosis using in vitro experiments with cells and explore the relevant mechanisms with method of serum pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of hepatic steatosis in the L02 and HepG2 cells was induced by free fatty acid (FFA). The components in the HQT-medicated serum were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Intracellular lipid droplets were detected by Oil Red O staining, and their ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscope. The biochemical parameters, including triglyceride (TG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), were measured with commercial kits. Furthermore, the expression of adiponectin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), and acetyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) was analyzed by Western blot and/or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Moderate- and high-dose HQT-medicated serum reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01) the accumulation of lipid droplets and the cellular TG content in L02 and HepG2 cells. They caused significant reductions (P<0.01) in LDH, AST, ALT and MDA and significant increase (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in T-AOC in the culture medium. They also caused increase (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in GSH level and SOD activity in FFA-induced steatotic L02 and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, moderate- and high-dose HQT-medicated serum enhanced (P<0.01) adiponectin expression in a concentration-dependent manner and increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) the phosphorylation of AMPK and the expression of PPARα, CPT-1, and ACOX1, and reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01) the expression of SREBP-1.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that HQT-medicated serum exerts a preventive effect against hepatic steatosis, and the potential mechanism might be activation of AMPK and PPARα pathways.

Dahuang zhechong pill containing serum inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by inducing G1 arrest partly via suppressing protein kinase C α-extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of dahuang zhechong pill ( DHZCP) on the cell cycle and the related signal pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) with the method of serum pharmacology.

METHODS

DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method. The cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry. Expressions of cyclin D1, p27, protein kinase Cα (PKCα), and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were quantified by Western blot method.

RESULTS

DHZCP containing serum significantly inhibited DNA synthesis of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, arrested the cells in G G(1) phase, modulated the protein expressions of cyclin D D(1) and p27, and suppressed the activation of PKCα and ERK1/2.

CONCLUSION

DHZCP containing serum inhibits VSMCs proliferation via modulating the expressions of cell cycle proteins to arrest the cell in G G(1) phase, which is attributed to, at least in part, suppressing PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling in VSMCs.

Effects of dahuangzhechong pills on cytokines and mitogen activated protein kinase activation in rats with hepatic fibrosis

RELEVANCE TO ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY: Dahuangzhechong pill (DHZCP), a well-known and canonical Chinese medicine formula from "The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber", is officially approved and recommended by Chinese association of integrative medicine for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To test the hypothesis that therapeutic effects of DHZCP on hepatic fibrosis are conferred by regulating cytokine profile through a mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatic fibrosis is inducted by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rats which then were randomly divided into six groups: hepatic fibrosis model group, high dose DHZCP group, low dose DHZCP group, Fufang Biejia Ruangan Pian (FBRP) group, Colchicine group and control group. Pathological, immunohistochemical, multiplex immunoassay and protein expression studies (Western blotting) are performed.

RESULTS

DHZCP significantly decreases the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hyaluronic acid, laminin, type IV collagen and procollagen III, and reverses hepatic fibrosis in rat model. DHZCP also could reduce the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, and lower the serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 13 (IL-13). The expressions of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) are down-regulated, while no significant changes are found in phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK).

CONCLUSIONS

DHZCP can alleviate hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl(4). The anti-fibrotic effects of DHZCP are conferred by decreasing the secretion of TNF-α and IL-13 through down-regulating p38 and ERK phosphorylation.

Mechanisms of inhibiting proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by serum of rats treated with Dahuang Zhechong pill

Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP), a famous and classical Chinese herbal prescription, consists of twelve traditional Chinese drugs: Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker., Rheum officinale Baill., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Prunus persica Batsch., Prunus armeniaca L., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., Toxicodendron vernicifluum F.A. Barkl., Tabanus bivittatus Mats., Hirudo nipponica Whitman. and Holotrichia diomphalia Bates., and is clinically used to treat hepatic diseases, gynecopathy and atherosclerosis in China. Our previous studies confirm that DHZCP is able to significantly inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vivo and in vitro.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the mechanisms of inhibition of VSMCs proliferation by DHZCP with the method of Serum Pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VSMCs proliferation of rat was assayed by measuring the cell viability with the MTT method, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) expression in VSMCs was examined by the immunocytochemical method. Cycle and apoptosis of VSMCs were evaluated with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The serum of DHZCP-treated rats not only inhibited endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated cell proliferation and PDGF expression in VSMCs, but also promoted apoptosis of the proliferated VSMCs. Meanwhile, the serum of rats containing DHZCP interfered with the cycle of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, increasing proportion of the cells in G(0)/G(1) phases and decreasing proportion of the cells in S and G(2)/M phases.

CONCLUSION

These suggest that the inhibitory effect of DHZCP on VSMCs proliferation is partially attributed to depressing PDGF expression in VSMCs, retarding the cell cycle and to promoting apoptosis of VSMCs.

Scutellaria barbate extract induces apoptosis of hepatoma H22 cells via the mitochondrial pathway involving caspase-3

AIM: To study the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of Scutellaria barbata D.Don (S. barbata) and to determine the underlying mechanism of its antitumor activity in mouse liver cancer cell line H22.

METHODS: Proliferation of H22 cells was examined by MTT assay. Cellular morphology of PC-2 cells was observed under fluorescence microscope and transmission electron microscope (EM). Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was determined under laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) with rhodamine 123 staining. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle of H22 cells with propidium iodide staining. Protein level of cytochrome C and caspase-3 was measured by semi-quantitive RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Activity of caspase-3 enzyme was measured by spectrofluorometry.

RESULTS: MTT assay showed that extracts from S. barbata (ESB) could inhibit the proliferation of H22 cells in a time-dependent manner. Among the various phases of cell cycle, the percentage of cells in S phase was significantly decreased, while the percentage of cells in G₁ phase was increased. Flow cytometry assay also showed that ESB had a positive effect on apoptosis. Typical apoptotic morphologies such as condensation and fragmentation of nuclei and blebbing membrane of apoptotic cells could be observed under transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscope. To further investige the molecular mechanism behind ESB-induced apoptosis, ESB-treated cells rapidly lost their mitochondrial transmembrane potential, released mitochondrial cytochrome C into cytosol, and induced caspase-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION: ESB can effectively inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of H22 cells involving loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, release of cytochrome C, and activation of caspase-3.