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Zhou M, Niu H, Chen R, Chen W, Cui D. Gui ShenWan prevent premature ovarian insufficiency by modulating autophagy and angiogenesis via facilitating VDR. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117955. [PMID: 38395181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gui Shen Wan (GSW) stands out as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). With deep roots in traditional medicine, GSW highlights the ethnopharmacological significance of herbal interventions in addressing nuanced aspects of women's health, with a specific emphasis on ovarian functionality. Recognizing the importance of GSW in gynecological contexts resonates with a rich tradition of using botanical formulations to navigate the intricacies of reproductive health. Delving into GSW's potential for treating POI emphasizes the crucial role of ethnopharmacological insights in guiding modern research endeavors. AIM OF THE STUDY GSW is extensively utilized in gynecological disorders and has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for POI. The present investigation aimed to assess the efficacy of GSW in treating POI in rats and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study employed GSW for POI treatment in rats. GSW, prepared as pills, underwent HPLC fingerprinting for quality control. Reagents and drugs, including VCD and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), were sourced from reputable providers. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into groups for POI induction and treatment. Ovarian tissue underwent HE staining, immunohistochemical staining, Western Blot, qRT-PCR, and vaginal secretion testing. ELISA was utilized for target molecule detection. This methodology ensures a robust and reliable experimental framework. RESULTS The results highlight a robust collaborative improvement in POI among rats subjected to combined GSW and DHEA treatment. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial enhancement in the expression of vascular regeneration-related molecules-VDR-Klotho-VEGFR-accompanied by a significant elevation in autophagy levels. Post-GSW administration, rat ovarian morphology demonstrated increased stability, hormone levels exhibited more consistent maintenance, and there was a marked reduction in inflammatory response compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, GSW intervention resulted in a more pronounced upregulation of ovarian autophagy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION By modulating VDR-Klotho signaling, GSW exerts regulatory control over ovarian autophagy and vascular regeneration, thereby mitigating the occurrence and progression of POI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minfeng Zhou
- Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Liberation Avenue, 430022, Wuhan City, China
| | - Huifang Niu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 1 Lion Rock Street. Wuhan City, 430070, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Liberation Avenue, 430022, Wuhan City, China.
| | - Wenmao Chen
- Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Liberation Avenue, 430022, Wuhan City, China.
| | - Dandan Cui
- Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Liberation Avenue, 430022, Wuhan City, China.
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Gyamfi ET, Ackah M, Gore DB. Bioaccessibility, exposure and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements and essential micronutrients in ayurvedic, traditional Chinese and Ghanaian medicines. Biometals 2023; 36:943-960. [PMID: 36749495 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic constituents in traditional medicines remain a concern due to health risks posed to consumers. Thirty-six traditional medicines (TM) consisting of 14 Indian Ayurvedic Medicines, 11 Chinese Traditional Medicines and eleven Ghanaian Traditional Medicines were evaluated using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (T-XRF) after microwave assisted acid digestion. Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) was used to obtain bioaccessible elemental concentrations. Merck XVI multi-element standard were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the elements were quantified in (mg kg-1): Cr (0.01-698), Mn (0.01-1140), Fe (15-73300), Ni (1-1340), Cu (3-8160), Zn (0.01-224). The greatest bioaccessible concentrations of arsenic was 0.80 mg kg-1 and 0.44 mg kg-1 in the gastric and intestinal phases respectively. In order to evaluate the human health risks from ingesting these TM, the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) was calculated for each medicine based on element-specific bioaccessibility-adjusted concentrations and results compared with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Reference Dose (RfD) limits. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values for risks were within the USEPA RfD. Hazard quotients (HQ) of TM were < 1, meaning elemental concentrations do not pose non-carcinogenic risks to adult consumers. In summary the methods applied in the study gives a new insight on human health risks of potentially toxic and essential micronutrients elements in TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva T Gyamfi
- Nuclear and Applied Chemistry Research Centre, National Nuclear Research Institute Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, P. O. BOX LG 80, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Michael Ackah
- Nuclear and Applied Chemistry Research Centre, National Nuclear Research Institute Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, P. O. BOX LG 80, Accra, Ghana
| | - Damian B Gore
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Luo L, Li C, Huang N, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Song C, Yang H, Yuan M, Xu Z, Sun J, Zhang Z. Traditional mineral medicine realgar and Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula potentially exerted therapeutic effects by altering the gut microbiota. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1143173. [PMID: 37143539 PMCID: PMC10151705 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1143173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Realgar has a long history ofuse in traditional medicines. However, the mechanism through which Realgar or Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula (RIF) exert therapeutic effects is only partially understood. Methods In this study, 60 feces and 60 ileum samples from rats administered with realgar or RIF were collected to examine the gut microbiota. Results The results showed that realgar and RIF influenced different microbiota in both feces and ileum. Compared with realgar, RIF at low dosage (0.1701 g/3 ml) significantly increased the microbiota diversity. LEfSe and random forest analyses showed that the bacterium Bacteroidales was significantly altered after RIF administration, and it was predicted that these microorganisms contribute to the inorganic arsenic metabolic process. Discussion Our results suggest that realgar and RIF may exert their therapeutic effects through influencing microbiota. The low dose of RIF had greater effects on increasing the diversity of microbiota, and Bacteroidales in feces might participate in the inorganic arsenic metabolic process to exert therapeutic effects for realgar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Luo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Chaofeng Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Nanxi Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Zihao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Chen Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maowen Yuan
- School of Earth Science and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jialei Sun
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijie Zhang,
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Feng C, Li A, Yin C, Wang S, Jin W, Liu Y, Huo T, Jiang H. Realgar Alleviated Neuroinflammation Induced by High Protein and High Calorie Diet in Rats via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14193958. [PMID: 36235611 PMCID: PMC9572528 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Gastrointestinal heat retention syndrome (GHRS) often occurs in adolescents, resulting into nervous system injury. Realgar, an arsenic mineral with neuroprotective effect, has been widely used to treat GHRS. However, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Methods: A GHRS rat model was established using a high protein and high calorie diet. We performed macroscopic characterization by assessing bowel sounds, hot/cold preference, anal temperature, and fecal features. Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to evaluate brain arsenic level while hippocampal ultrastructural changes were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, inflammatory cytokines and BBB breakdown were analyzed by western blotting, immunofluorescence assays, and immunohistochemistry staining. We also evaluated hippocampal metabolites by LC-MS while fecal microorganisms were assessed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: Our data showed that the high protein and high calorie diet induced GHRS. The rat model depicted decreased bowel sounds, increased fecal characteristics score, preference for low temperature zone, and increased anal temperature. In addition, there was increase in inflammatory factors IL-6, Iba-1, and NF-κB p65 as well as reduced BBB structural protein Claudin-5 and Occludin. The data also showed appearance of hippocampus metabolites disorder and fecal microbial imbalance. Realgar treatment conferred a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting GHRS-specific characteristics, neuroinflammatory response, BBB impairment, metabolites disorder, and microbial imbalance in the GHRS rat model. Conclusion: Taken together, our analysis demonstrated that realgar confers a neuroprotective effect in GHRS rats through modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Feng
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Aihong Li
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Chenhui Yin
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Siying Wang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Weiyuan Jin
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Taoguang Huo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
- Correspondence:
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Realgar (As 4S 4), a traditional Chinese medicine, induces acute promyelocytic leukemia cell death via the Bcl-2/Bax/Cyt-C/AIF signaling pathway in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7109-7125. [PMID: 36098742 PMCID: PMC9512515 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a specific subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) characterized by the proliferation of abnormal promyelocytes. Realgar, a Chinese medicine containing arsenic, can be taken orally. Traditional Chinese medicine physicians have employed realgar to treat APL for over a thousand years. Therefore, realgar may be a promising candidate for the treatment of APL. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism behind realgar therapy is largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of realgar on cell death in the APL cell line (NB4) in vitro and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. In this study, after APL cells were treated with different concentrations of realgar, the cell survival rate, apoptotic assay, morphological changes, ATP levels and cell cycle arrest were assessed. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cytochrome C (Cyt-C) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) at the mRNA and protein levels were also measured by immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. We found that realgar could significantly inhibit APL cell proliferation and cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Realgar effectively decreased the ATP levels in APL cells. Realgar also induced APL cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Following realgar treatment, the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 were significantly downregulated, whereas the levels of Bax, Cyt-C, and AIF were significantly upregulated. In summary, realgar can induce APL cell death via the Bcl-2/Bax/Cyt-C/AIF signaling pathway, suggesting that realgar may be an effective therapeutic for APL.
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Zhang S, Li C, Feng T, Cao S, Zhou H, Li L, Hu Q, Mao X, Ji S. Proteomics analysis in the kidney of mice following oral feeding Realgar. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 275:114118. [PMID: 33878415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar, a famous traditional Chinese mineral medicine, has been toxic to the renal system. However, the underlying mechanism of Realgar nephrotoxicity is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of Realgar-induced nephrotoxicity by using a label-free quantitative proteomic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, 0.5-, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg Realgar group. After one week, serum biochemical parameters and renal histopathological examination were performed. Label-free quantitative proteomics was used to identify differentially expressed proteins which were subsequently analyzed with bioinformatics methods. Western blot was utilized to verify the six representative protein expressions. RESULTS The results showed that 2.0 g/kg Realgar significantly increased blood urea nitrogen and induced the formation of tube cast of renal tubules, while the lower-dose of 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg Realgar showed no changes. Label-free proteomic analysis identified 3138 proteins, and 272 of those proteins were screened for significant changes in a dose-dependent manner. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these proteins could affect the apoptotic process and oxidative stress. Representative proteins in the 2.0 g/kg Realgar group, including Cat, Bad, Cycs, Nqo1, Podxl, and Hmox1, were verified by western blot. CONCLUSIONS The results in this study suggest that apoptosis and oxidative stress might be related to the Realgar-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Moreover, the strategy of proteomics could contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity in mice exposed to Realgar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300139, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chao Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shuai Cao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Liming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qing Hu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiuhong Mao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shen Ji
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300139, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine "Pill", an Ancient Dosage Form with Surprising Modern Pharmaceutical Characteristics. Pharm Res 2021; 38:199-211. [PMID: 33604785 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for healthy living in daily practice is widely accepted across the world. However, not much attention has been paid to the particular characteristics of TCM "pills", one of the classic dosage forms in TCM. For a better understanding, this review was undertaken to provide a modern pharmaceutical overview of pills. Over many centuries, pills have been developed in different types (honeyed pill, water-honeyed pill, watered pill, pasted pill, waxed pill, concentrated pill, and dripping pill) to achieve varying intended TCM release patterns. It suggests that knowledge relating to the impact of binders and excipients on drug release from TCM pills can be traced back to before dissolution testing was invented. Therefore, although Pills may be considered as an ancient and outdated dosage form compared to current drug delivery systems, they have surprisingly modern pharmaceutical properties that is highlighted in this article. In addition, this review found that the quality control standards for TCM pill are globally substantially different. Hence, greater effort should be taken to establish an internationally harmonized and proper standard to safeguard the quality of this dosage form and to ensure the alignment with TCM use.
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Huo TG, Fang Y, Zhang YH, Feng C, Jiang H. Liver metabonomics study on the protective effect of glycyrrhetinic acid against realgar-induced liver injury. Chin J Nat Med 2020; 18:138-147. [PMID: 32172949 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(20)30014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the bioactive ingredient in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Our previous study has reported that GA has protective effect on realgar-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the details of the hepatoprotective mechanisms of GA on realgar-induced liver injury remain to be elucidated. In the study, mice were divided into control, GA-control, realgar, and co-treated groups. Their liver tissues were used for metabonomics study by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method. The results illustrate that GA significantly ameliorate the liver injury and metabolic perturbations caused by realgar. Some metabolites, such as phenylalanine, pyroglutamic acid (PGA), proline, carnitine, nicotinamide, choline, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 16 : 0 and LPC 18 : 2 were found responsible for the hepatoprotective effect of GA. These metabolites are associated with the methylation metabolism of arsenic, cell membrane structure, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. From the results of this study, we infer that the potential hepatoprotective mechanism of GA on realgar-induced liver injury may be associated with reducing arsenic accumulation and its methylation metabolism in the liver, promoting the conjugation of arsenic and GSH to play detoxification effect, and ameliorating the liver metabolic perturbations caused by realgar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Guang Huo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Ying-Hua Zhang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Wu X, Guan R, Liu Y, Wu S, Song M, Hang T. Comparative health risk assessment of realgar and NiuHuangJieDu tablets based on tissue arsenic levels after multiple oral administration to rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112370. [PMID: 31683032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar (As2S2), a mineral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is proved to have great therapeutic effects in clinic and has been widely used in China for hundreds of years. As one of the most popular realgar-containing TCMs, NiuHuangJieDu Tablets (NHJDT) is used as OTC (over-the-counter) drug in daily life for fever relieving, detoxicating, as well as cure of sore throat and gingival swelling. However, the safety of realgar and its-containing TCMs still remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was to investigate the accumulation of arsenic in rat body and evaluate the safety of realgar-containing TCMs in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS The health risk of arsenic was evaluated in rats by tissue distribution and histopathology, as well as arsenic speciation in plasma after multiple oral gavage of low and high doses of realgar and NiuHuangJieDu Tablets (NHJDT), respectively. Total arsenic and arsenic speciation were determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) and high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS), respectively. RESULTS Arsenic accumulated in rat tissues especially in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, uterus and ovary. Dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) was detected as the predominant species in rat plasma after dosing. In comparison of realgar, NHJDT with co-existing components significantly alleviated tissues injury, and reduced arsenic concentration in rat tissues and plasma. CONCLUSIONS NHJDT with co-existing components combination was relatively safer than realgar, but the accumulation of arsenic was still significant after long-term medication. Therefore, great attentions should be paid to realgar-containing TCMs to avoid toxicity from arsenic accumulation. Moreover, the dose regimen of realgar-containing TCMs should be designed rationally for clinical application. These results may provide useful references for the application of realgar-containing TCMs and might be helpful for the understanding of TCM compound compatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rong Guan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuexin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shanhu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Taijun Hang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Xu W, Xu S, Zhang S, Wu X, Jin P. Arsenic Bioaccessibility of Realgar Influenced by the Other Traditional Chinese Medicines in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet and the Roles of Gut Microbiota. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:8496817. [PMID: 31929821 PMCID: PMC6942848 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8496817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Niuhuang Jiedu tablet (NJT), a realgar (As2S2) containing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a well-known formula. The safety of NJT is of growing concern since arsenic (As) is considered as one of the most toxic elements. NJT was demonstrated to be safer than realgar by our previous experiments and some other studies. The toxicity of realgar has been shown to be related to the amount of soluble or bioaccessible arsenic. In this study, the influences of the other TCMs in NJT on the bioaccessibility of arsenic from realgar, and the roles of gut microbiota during this process were investigated in vitro. Results showed that Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) could significantly reduce the bioaccessibility of arsenic from realgar in artificial gastrointestinal fluids. Gut microbiota played an important role in decreasing the bioaccessibility of realgar because it was demonstrated to be able to absorb the soluble arsenic from realgar in the incubation medium. Dahuang, Huangqin, and Jiegeng could modulate the gut microbiota to enhance its arsenic absorption activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shuo Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xuejun Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Pengfei Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
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Fatal acute arsenic poisoning by external use of realgar: Case report and 30 years literature retrospective study in China. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:e24-e30. [PMID: 31023496 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Realgar (arsenic sulfide) is widely used in combination with other herbs as Chinese patent medicine to treat a variety of diseases in China. As a mineral arsenic, its mild toxicity was also well known. Longtime over-dose usage or wrongly oral intake of realgar can cause chronic arsenic poisoning and/or death, but acute fatal arsenic poisoning resulted from short-term dermal use of realgar-containing medicine was very rare. Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old Chinese man, who was diagnosed with severe psoriasis and died of fatal acute arsenic poisoning after he applied a local folk prescription ointment containing mainly the realgar to the affected skin for about 4 days. The autopsy showed multiple punctate hemorrhages over the limbs, pleural effusion, edematous lungs with consolidation, mild myocardial hypertrophy and normal-looking kidneys. The histopathological examination of renal tissue showed severe degeneration, necrosis and desquamation of renal tubular epithelial cells, presence of protein cast and a widened edematous interstitium with interstitial fibrosis. The presence of arsenic in large amount in the ointment (about 6%), in blood (1.76 μg/mL), and in skin (4.71 μg/g), were confirmed analytically. We also provide the clinical records of the deceased and briefly reviewed 7 similar cases in literature (6 in Chinese and 1 in English) in the past 30 years in China.
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The Ethanol Supernatant Extracts of Liushenwan Could Alleviate Nanodiethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Cancer in Mice. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:6934809. [PMID: 30356380 PMCID: PMC6178154 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6934809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancerous deaths worldwide. At present, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be a problem globally. Liushenwan (LSW), an ancient Chinese medicine previously used to treat localized infections, was recently reported to possess anticancer activity. Here in this study, we aim to examine the effect of LSW-ET (LSW-ET is the supernatant fraction of LSW from ultrasound assisted ethanol extraction) in prevention and treatment on nanodiethylnitrosamine- (nanoDEN-) induced HCC in mice. In nanoDEN-induced HCC mice treated with LSW-ET by oral (po) or intragastric gavage (ig), we observed an alleviation of serum ALT and AST levels, amelioration in histopathological stainings, and an inhibition in liver tumor growth. In addition, compared with the nanoDEN group, downregulation of multiple pivotal factors (COX-2, β-catenin, PCNA, and HMGB-1) was observed in LSW-ET-po and LSW-ET-ig groups. Taken together, the delivery of LSW-ET by oral could be a potential prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
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Oyagbemi AA, Omobowale TO, Asenuga ER, Abiola JO, Adedapo AA, Yakubu MA. Kolaviron attenuated arsenic acid induced-cardiorenal dysfunction via regulation of ROS, C-reactive proteins (CRP), cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and BCL2. J Tradit Complement Med 2018; 8:396-409. [PMID: 29992111 PMCID: PMC6035312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic acid is one of the abundant environmental pollutants present in soil, water and the air. Undoubtedly, it has found its way to the food chain in which humans and animals are the final targets thereby causing arrays of disease conditions including cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. Hence, the use of phytochemicals present in medicinal plants has gained global acceptance as chemotherapeutic agents that can prevent, ameliorate, reverse or treat diseases. From our study, arsenic acid intoxication led to significant increase in heart rate (HR), QRS, together with prolonged QT and QTc interval. However, Kolaviron (KV) at the dosage of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight reversed the aforementioned electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. KV pre-treatment also ameliorated cardiorenal dysfunction via significant reduction in cardiac and renal markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide generation, myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide contents. Immunohistochemistry revealed expressions of renal C-reactive proteins (CRP) and expressions of anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 in KV treated rats. Furthermore, cardiac troponin I (CTnI) expressions were lower in KV treated rats. Taken together, KV mitigated arsenic-acid induced cardiovascular dysfunction via up-regulation of antioxidant defense system and down-regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - John Olusoji Abiola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adeolu Alex Adedapo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Momoh Audu Yakubu
- Department of Environmental & Interdisciplinary Sciences, College of Science, Engineering & Technology, NSB303, Vascular Biology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, COPHS, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA
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Zhao Y, Onda K, Yuan B, Tanaka S, Kiyomi A, Sugiyama K, Sugiura M, Takagi N, Hirano T. Arsenic disulfide‑induced apoptosis and its potential mechanism in two‑ and three‑dimensionally cultured human breast cancer MCF‑7 cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:1959-1971. [PMID: 29620191 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In China, arsenic disulfide (As2S2) has been used for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of As2S2 on the human breast cancer MCF‑7 cell line cultured in both two‑dimensional (2D) monolayers and three‑dimensional (3D) spheroids to explore its therapeutic potential in breast cancer treatment. Cellular viability and the induction of apoptosis were examined with a cell counting kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Alterations in the expression levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins, including Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax), B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), p53, and caspase‑7, as well as the cell survival‑associated proteins, phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), were assessed by western blotting. Although a dose‑dependent reduction in cell viability, which occurred in association with the induction of apoptosis triggered by the addition of 2‑24 µM As2S2, was observed in both 2D‑ and 3D‑culture systems, 3D spheroids were less sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of As2S2 compared with the 2D cultured cells. A significant increase in the expression levels of Bax, p53, and caspase‑7 was observed in treated 2D‑cultured cells, whereas a similar increase in the expression levels of Bax was only confirmed in treated 3D spheroids, although there was a trend towards the increased expression of p53 and caspase‑7 in the 3D spheroids. These results suggested that these molecules are closely associated with As2S2‑mediated cytotoxicity in the two culture systems, and further suggested that the difference in the sensitivity to As2S2 between 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids may be attributed to the differential alterations in the expression levels of proteins associated with cell mortality. Significant downregulation of the expression levels of Bcl‑2, PI3K, Akt and mTOR was observed in the two culture systems. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that As2S2 inhibits cell viability and induces apoptosis in both 2D‑ and 3D‑ cultured MCF‑7 cells, which may be associated with activation of the pro‑apoptotic pathway and the inhibition of pro‑survival signaling. These results have provided novel insights into clinical applications of As2S2 in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‑0392, Japan
| | - Kenji Onda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‑0392, Japan
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‑0392, Japan
| | - Anna Kiyomi
- Department of Drug Safety and Risk Management, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‑0392, Japan
| | - Munetoshi Sugiura
- Department of Drug Safety and Risk Management, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Norio Takagi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Hirano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‑0392, Japan
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Liu L, Zhang Y, Yun Z, He B, Zhang Q, Hu L, Jiang G. Speciation and bioaccessibility of arsenic in traditional Chinese medicines and assessment of its potential health risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:1088-1097. [PMID: 29734587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) has caused public concerns about its health risk in recent years due to the high toxicity of arsenic and widespread use of those medicines throughout the world. However, in previous studies the arsenic toxicity was usually overestimated by considering the total arsenic concentration only. This work investigated the total concentration, speciation and bioaccessibility of arsenic in 84 commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) to evaluate arsenic's potential health risks to human. Arsenic was found in all the CPMs and 88% of CHMs at concentrations ranging from 0.033 to 91,000mgkg-1 and 0.012 to 6.6mgkg-1, respectively. The bioaccessibility of arsenic varied significantly and was in the range of 0.21%-90% in the CPMs and 15%-96% in the CHMs, with inorganic arsenic as the predominant species. The average daily intake dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) of arsenic in most of medicines were within the safe limits, while in certain medicines, they exceeded the safe threshold level. These excesses remind us that the potential health risk by consumption of several medicines may not be negligible and more control and monitoring of arsenic in medicines should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Zhaojun Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Zhang MT, Ye XX, Lan W, Yang YL, Wu T, Li YS, Tang HB. Strategic Combination of Isocratic and Gradient Elution for Simultaneous Separation of Polar Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicines by HPLC. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2018; 2018:7569283. [PMID: 29744235 PMCID: PMC5884029 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7569283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A simple high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous separation of the highly polar and weakly polar components of traditional Chinese medicines was developed via a strategic combination of isocratic and gradient elution methods. Liu-Shen-Wan and Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan were used as representative examples of traditional Chinese medicines. This is the first time that 6 components of varying degrees of polarity in Liu-Shen-Wan had been successfully resolved in a single chromatographic run using an ultraviolet-visible detector with a fixed wavelength of 296 nm. In contrast to conventional gradient separation methods, this novel method offered a viable route for separation of the highly and weakly polar fractions simultaneously, thus greatly reducing the time and cost of analysis. This method therefore provides a more efficient way to determine the polar components present in traditional Chinese medicines. It would find potential application in drug screening, drug authentication, and product quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Tuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xiao-Xue Ye
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Wei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Tsunghsueh Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI 53818, USA
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- Research Institute of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
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17
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Liu J, Wei LX, Wang Q, Lu YF, Zhang F, Shi JZ, Li C, Cherian MG. A review of cinnabar (HgS) and/or realgar (As 4S 4)-containing traditional medicines. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 210:340-350. [PMID: 28864167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMOCOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review uses cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search on cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. RESULTS Both cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. CONCLUSION Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China.
| | - Li-Xin Wei
- Key Lab of Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Tibetan Medicine, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuan-Fu Lu
- Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Lab for Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China
| | - Jing-Zhen Shi
- Central Lab of Guiyang Traditional Medical College, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Cen Li
- Key Lab of Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Tibetan Medicine, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
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18
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Bolan S, Kunhikrishnan A, Seshadri B, Choppala G, Naidu R, Bolan NS, Ok YS, Zhang M, Li CG, Li F, Noller B, Kirkham MB. Sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 108:103-118. [PMID: 28843139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen the rise of alternative medical approaches including the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines, which are collectively known as 'Complementary medicines'. However, there are increasing concerns on the safety and health benefits of these medicines. One of the main hazards with the use of complementary medicines is the presence of heavy metal(loid)s such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). This review deals with the characteristics of complementary medicines in terms of heavy metal(loid)s sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and human risk assessment. The heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines are derived from uptake by medicinal plants, cross-contamination during processing, and therapeutic input of metal(loid)s. This paper discusses the distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines, in terms of their nature, concentration, and speciation. The importance of determining bioavailability towards human health risk assessment was emphasized by the need to estimate daily intake of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. The review ends with selected case studies of heavy metal(loid) toxicity from complementary medicines with specific reference to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. The future research opportunities mentioned in the conclusion of review will help researchers to explore new avenues, methodologies, and approaches to the issue of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines, thereby generating new regulations and proposing fresh approach towards safe use of these medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Anitha Kunhikrishnan
- Department of Agro-Food Safety, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Balaji Seshadri
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Girish Choppala
- Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Guang Li
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Feng Li
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Barry Noller
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mary Beth Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Bolan S, Kunhikrishnan A, Chowdhury S, Seshadri B, Naidu R, Ok YS. Comparative analysis of speciation and bioaccessibility of arsenic in rice grains and complementary medicines. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 182:433-440. [PMID: 28528310 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In many countries, rice grains and complementary medicines are important sources of arsenic (As) consumption. The objective of this study was to compare the speciation and bioaccessibility of As in selected rice grains and complementary medicines. A number of rice grain samples, and a range of herbal and ayurvedic medicines were analyzed for total As, speciation of As using sequential fractionation and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques, and bioaccessibility of As using an in vitro extraction test. The daily intake of As through the uptake of these As sources was compared with the safety guidelines for As. The results demonstrated higher levels of As in ayurvedic medicines compared to herbal medicines and rice grains. The sequential fractionation showed the dominance of organic-bound As species in rice grains and herbal medicines, however, inorganic-bound As species dominated the ayurvedic medicines. This implies that As is derived from plant uptake in herbal medicines and rice grains, and from inorganic mineral input in ayurvedic medicines. Arsenic bioaccessibility was higher in ayurvedic than herbal medicines and rice grains, suggesting that inorganic As added as a mineral therapeutic input is more bioaccessible than organic As species derived from plant uptake. This study also showed a positive relationship between soluble As fractions and bioaccessibility indicating that solubility is an important factor controlling bioaccessibility. The daily intake values for As as estimated by total As content are likely to exceed the safe threshold level in rice grains that are enriched with As.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - A Kunhikrishnan
- Department of Agro-Food Safety, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - S Chowdhury
- Department of Soil Science, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - B Seshadri
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - R Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Y S Ok
- O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI), Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Effects of a traditional Chinese medicine formula supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of finishing pigs. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Luo J, Han X, Dou X, Zhang L, Yang S, Yang M. Accumulation of Arsenic Speciation and In Vivo Toxicity Following Oral Administration of a Chinese Patent Medicine Xiao-Er-Zhi-Bao-Wan in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:491. [PMID: 28790918 PMCID: PMC5524916 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Realgar-containing traditional Chinese medicines such as Xiao-Er-Zhi-Bao-Wan (XEZBW), have been widely used for thousands of years. However, events associated with arsenic-induced ailments have increasingly become a public concern. To address the toxicity of XEZBW, we studied the histopathology and blood biochemistry of rats exposed to XEZBW using technology like high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled mass spectrometry to determine arsenic speciation. Our results demonstrated that dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) increased from 18.57 ± 7.45 to 22.74 ± 7.45 ng/g in rat kidney after oral administration for 7 and 14 days, which was 10-fold higher than the levels observed in controls. Trivalent arsenite As(III) showed a large increase on day 7 (26.99 ± 1.98 ng/g), followed by a slight decrease on day 14 (13.67 ± 6.48 ng/g). Total arsenic levels on day 7 (185.52 ± 24.56 ng/g) and day 14 (198.57 ± 26.26 ng/g) were nearly twofold higher than that in the control group (92.77 ± 14.98 ng/g). Histopathological analysis showed mild injury in the liver and kidney of rats subjected to oral administration of realgar for 14 days. As in the XEZBW groups, a mild injury in these organs was observed after administration for 14 days. This study inferred that the toxicity of arsenic was concentration- and time-dependent. The accumulation of DMA, a byproduct of choline metabolism, was responsible for inducing higher toxicity. Therefore, we concluded that measuring the levels of DMA, instead of total arsenic, might be more suitable for evaluating the toxicity of realgar-containing traditional Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing, China
| | - Xu Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Xiaowen Dou
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing, China
| | - Shihai Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing, China
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Huo T, Fang Y, Zhao L, Xiong Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Feng C, Yuan M, Wang S, Chen M, Jiang H. 1HNMR-based metabonomic study of sub-chronic hepatotoxicity induced by realgar. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 192:1-9. [PMID: 27377338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Recently, a number of realgar or realgar-containing medicines poisoning cases have been reported. However, the toxicological mechanism of realgar has not been clearly clarified. In present study, the subchronic hepatotoxicity of realgar on mice was investigated using 1HNMR-based metabonomic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight male mice were divided into control group and low (0.15g/kg), middle (0.45g/kg), high (1.35g/kg) dosage realgar exposed groups. Their plasma and urine samples were used for NMR spectroscopic metabolic profiling. Principal component analysis (PCA) and pathway analysis were used to detect the hepatotoxic effects of realgar. Liver histopathological examination and plasma clinical chemistry analyses were also performed. RESULTS Plasma clinical chemistry analyses showed increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC) and choline esterase (CHE) in realgar-exposed mice indicating liver injury. The PCA score plots showed the metabolic profiles of realgar-exposed mice apparently separated from the controls. Obvious dose-dependent changes of metabolites in urine and plasma of realgar-exposed mice were observed. From the loading plots and boxplots results, the concentrations of VLDL/LDL, 3-HB, lactate, acetate, acetoacetate, creatine, glutamate, methionine, NAc, TMAO, alanine in plasma and pyruvate, succinate, 2-oxoglutarate, DMA, citrate, hippurate, glycine, taurine, phenylalanine, lactate in urine were significantly changed in realgar-exposed mice. The change trends of metabolites in urine and plasma from mice sub-chronic exposed to realgar are similar to those reported in rats acute exposed to realgar, which indicate the acute and sub-chronic toxic mechanism of realgar are same. The disturbed metabolic pathway include energy metabolism, amino acids metabolism and gut bacteria metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The present work illustrated the NMR-based metabonomic approach can capture and probe the metabolic alterations induced by traditional Chinese medicine in the toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoguang Huo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, PR China
| | - Longshan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Zhili Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yanlei Wang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Mingmei Yuan
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Shouyun Wang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
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Han X, Luo J, Zhou W, Yang S, Yang M. Determination and pharmacokinetic properties of arsenic speciation in Xiao-Er-Zhi-Bao-Wan by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2016; 39:3852-3859. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201600325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Jilin Agricultural University; Changchun P. R. China
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Jiaoyang Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Wenju Zhou
- College of Pharmacy; Jiangsu University; Zhenjiang P. R. China
| | - Shihai Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Jilin Agricultural University; Changchun P. R. China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing P. R. China
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Bolan S, Naidu R, Kunhikrishnan A, Seshadri B, Ok YS, Palanisami T, Dong M, Clark I. Speciation and bioavailability of lead in complementary medicines. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 539:304-312. [PMID: 26363725 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Complementary medicines have associated risks which include toxic heavy metal(loid) and pesticide contamination. The objective of this study was to examine the speciation and bioavailability of lead (Pb) in selected complementary medicines. Six herbal and six ayurvedic medicines were analysed for: (i) total heavy metal(loid) contents including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), Pb and mercury (Hg); (ii) speciation of Pb using sequential fractionation and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques; and (iii) bioavailability of Pb using a physiologically-based in vitro extraction test (PBET). The daily intake of Pb through the uptake of these medicines was compared with the safety guidelines for Pb. The results indicated that generally ayurvedic medicines contained higher levels of heavy metal(loid)s than herbal medicines with the amount of Pb much higher than the other metal(loid)s. Sequential fractionation indicated that while organic-bound Pb species dominated the herbal medicines, inorganic-bound Pb species dominated the ayurvedic medicines. EXAFS data indicated the presence of various Pb species in ayurvedic medicines. This implies that Pb is derived from plant uptake and inorganic mineral input in herbal and ayurvedic medicines, respectively. Bioavailability of Pb was higher in ayurvedic than herbal medicines, indicating that Pb added as a mineral therapeutic input is more bioavailable than that derived from plant uptake. There was a positive relationship between soluble Pb fraction and bioavailability indicating that solubility is an important factor controlling bioavailability. The daily intake values for Pb as estimated by total and bioavailable metal(loid) contents are likely to exceed the safe threshold level in certain ayurvedic medicines. This research demonstrated that Pb toxicity is likely to result from the regular intake of these medicines which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bolan
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, SA 5095, Australia; Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - R Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of South Australia, SA 5095, Australia
| | - A Kunhikrishnan
- Chemical Safety Division, Department of Agro-Food Safety, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea
| | - B Seshadri
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Y S Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center & Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - T Palanisami
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M Dong
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - I Clark
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, SA 5095, Australia
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Wang S, Zhou M, Ouyang J, Geng Z, Wang Z. Tetraarsenictetrasulfide and Arsenic Trioxide Exert Synergistic Effects on Induction of Apoptosis and Differentiation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130343. [PMID: 26110921 PMCID: PMC4481354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since arsenic trioxide (As3+) has been successfully used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), its adverse effects on patients have been problematic and required a solution. Considering the good therapeutic potency and low toxicity of tetraarsenictetrasulfide (As4S4) in the treatment of APL, we investigated the effects of combining As4S4 and As3+ on the apoptosis and differentiation of NB4 and primary APL cells. As4S4, acting similarly to As3+, arrested the G1/S transition, induced the accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species, and promoted apoptosis. Additionally, low concentrations of As4S4 (0.1–0.4 μM) induced differentiation of NB4 and primary APL cells. Compared with the As4S4- or As3+-treated groups, the combination of As4S4 and As3+ obviously promoted apoptosis and differentiation of NB4 and primary APL cells. Mechanistic studies suggested that As4S4 acted synergistically with As3+ to down-regulate Bcl-2 and nuclear factor-κB expression, up-regulate Bax and p53 expression, and induce activation of caspase-12 and caspase-3. Moreover, the combination of low concentrations of As4S4 and As3+ enhanced degradation of the promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α oncoprotein. In summary, As4S4 and As3+ synergistically induce the apoptosis and differentiation of NB4 and primary APL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Wang
- State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Hematology, DrumTower Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jian Ouyang
- Department of Hematology, DrumTower Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhirong Geng
- State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- * E-mail: (ZG); (ZW)
| | - Zhilin Wang
- State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- * E-mail: (ZG); (ZW)
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Xu W, Wang H, Chen G, Li W, Xiang R, Zhang X, Pei Y. A metabolic profiling analysis of the acute toxicological effects of the realgar (As₂S₂) combined with other herbs in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 153:771-781. [PMID: 24685585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet (NJT), composed of Realgar (As₂S₂), Bovis Calculus Artificialis, Borneolum Synthcticum, Gypsum Fibrosum, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RR), Scutellariae Radix (SR), Platycodonis Radix (PR) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR), is an effective formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in treating acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, periodontitis and mouth ulcer. In the formula, significant level of realgar (As₂S₂) as a potentially toxic element is contained. In our pervious experiments, NJT was significantly less toxic than realgar (As₂S₂), and the material bases of toxicity alleviation effect to realgar (As₂S₂) were RR, SR, PR and GR. However, the toxicity alleviation effect of each above mentioned four herbs to realgar (As₂S₂) and their synergistic detoxification effects to realgar (As₂S₂) were still obscure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into 11 groups: control, group R (treated with Realgar), group RRSPG (treated with Realgar, RR, SR, PR and GR), group RRSP (treated with Realgar, RR, SR and PR), group RRSG (treated with Realgar, RR, SR and GR), group RRPG (treated with Realgar, RR, PR and GR), group RSPG (treated with Realgar, SR, PR and GR), group RR (treated with Realgar and RR), group RS (treated with Realgar and SR), group RP (treated with Realgar and PR) and group RG (treated with Realgar and GR). Based on (1)H NMR spectra of urine and serum from rats, PCA and PLS-DA were performed to identify different metabolic profiles. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed. RESULTS The metabolic profiles of groups RR, RS, RP and RG were similar to those of group R, while the metabolic profiles of groups RRSPG, RRSP, RRSG, RRPG and RSPG were almost in line with those of control group. Statistics results were confirmed by the histopathological examination and biochemical assay. CONCLUSION The present work suggested that the toxicity alleviation effects of RR, SR, PR and GR to realgar (As₂S₂) were not obvious when combined with realgar (As₂S₂) respectively, but they had synergistic detoxification effects on realgar (As₂S₂) mutually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery (Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery (Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery (Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Wen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Rongwu Xiang
- Mathematics Teaching & Research Section, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery (Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yuehu Pei
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery (Shenyang Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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Cohen SM, Arnold LL, Beck BD, Lewis AS, Eldan M. Evaluation of the carcinogenicity of inorganic arsenic. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43:711-52. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.827152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Huang Y, Tian Y, Li G, Li Y, Yin X, Peng C, Xu F, Zhang Z. Discovery of safety biomarkers for realgar in rat urine using UFLC-IT-TOF/MS and 1H NMR based metabolomics. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:4811-22. [PMID: 23479124 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-6842-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As an arsenical, realgar (As4S4) is known as a poison and paradoxically as a therapeutic agent. However, a complete understanding of the precise biochemical alterations accompanying the toxicity and therapy effects of realgar is lacking. Using a combined ultrafast liquid chromatography (UFLC) coupled with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IT-TOF/MS) and (1)H NMR spectroscopy based metabolomics approach, we were able to delineate significantly altered metabolites in the urine samples of realgar-treated rats. The platform stability of the liquid chromatography LC/MS and NMR techniques was systematically investigated, and the data processing method was carefully optimized. Our results indicate significant perturbations in amino acid metabolism, citric acid cycle, choline metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism. Thirty-six metabolites were proposed as potential safety biomarkers related to disturbances caused by realgar, and glycine and serine are expected to serve as the central contacts in the metabolic pathways related to realgar-induced disturbance. The LC/MS and NMR based metabolomics approach established provided a systematic and holistic view of the biochemical effects of realgar on rats, and might be employed to investigate other drugs or xenobiotics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
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Huang Y, Tian Y, Zhang Z, Peng C. A HILIC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of seven organic acids in rat urine as biomarkers of exposure to realgar. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2012; 905:37-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Zhang F, Lu Y, Wu Q, Yan J, Shi J, Liu J. Role of cinnabar and realgar of WSHFD in protecting against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 139:822-828. [PMID: 22207210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wan-Sheng-Hua-Feng-Dan (WSHFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of neurological disorders. Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As(4)S(4)) are included in WSHFD. Are they remedies or poisons? AIM OF STUDY To investigate the role of cinnabar and realgar in the protective effects of WSHFD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat primary midbrain neuron-glia cultures were used to explore the effects of WSHFD on LPS-induced dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration. The experiment was randomly divided into control, LPS, LPS+removed (cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were removed), LPS+reduced (cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were reduced by 65%) and LPS+original (10% cinnabar and 10% realgar in WSHFD) groups. Dopaminergic neurotoxicity was assessed by [(3)H]DA uptake assay and the quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. Microglial activation was evaluated using an anti-OX-42 antibody. The release of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. The transcripts and production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by real-time RT-PCR analysis and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS WSHFD (original) significantly attenuated LPS-induced decrease of DA uptake capacity and TH-positive neuron number, inhibited microglial activation, decreased LPS-induced ROS production, ameliorated LPS-induced elevations of the mRNA expressions of TNFα, iNOS, IL-1β and COX-2 and the subsequent production of TNFα, NO, IL-1β and PGE(2) in neuron-glia cultures. However, WSHFD (removed) and (reduced) failed to protect against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSION Cinnabar and realgar were active ingredients of WSHFD in producing protective effects against LPS-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Key Lab of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, PR China.
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Huo T, Chang B, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Li W, Jiang H. Alteration of amino acid neurotransmitters in brain tissues of immature rats treated with realgar. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2012; 57:120-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2011.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Chen S, Fang Y, Ma L, Liu S, Li X. Realgar-induced apoptosis and differentiation in all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-sensitive NB4 and ATRA-resistant MR2 cells. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:1089-96. [PMID: 22134377 PMCID: PMC3584620 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar has been used in Western medicine and Chinese traditional medicine since ancient times, and its promising anticancer activity has attracted much attention in recent years, especially for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the therapeutic action of realgar treatment for APL remains to be fully elucidated. Cellular cytotoxicity, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were comprehensively investigated in realgar-treated cell lines derived from PML-RARα+ APL patient, including the all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-sensitive NB4 and ATRA-resistant MR2 cell lines. For analysis of key regulators of apoptosis and differentiation, gene expression profiles were performed in NB4 cells. Realgar was found to induce apoptosis and differentiation in both cell lines, and these effects were exerted simultaneously. Gene expression profiles indicated that genes influenced by realgar treatment were involved in the modulation of signal transduction, translation, transcription, metabolism and the immune response. Given its low toxicity, realgar is a promising alternative reagent for the therapy of APL. Our data contribute to an understanding of the underlying mechanism responsible for the therapeutic effects of realgar in the clinical treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Miao JW, Liang SX, Wu Q, Liu J, Sun AS. Toxicology evaluation of realgar-containing niu-huang-jie-du pian as compared to arsenicals in cell cultures and in mice. ISRN TOXICOLOGY 2011; 2011:250387. [PMID: 23724280 PMCID: PMC3658795 DOI: 10.5402/2011/250387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Niu-Huang-Jie-Du Pian (NHJD) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine containing realgar (As4S4). Realgar has been included in many traditional medicines, but is often taken as arsenite for risk assessment. To evaluate true risk of realgar and realgar-containing NHJD, their toxicity was compared with common arsenicals. In cultured cells, the LC50 for NHJD (1200 μM) and realgar (2000 μM) was much higher than arsenite(35 μM), arsenic trioxide (280 μM), and arsenate (400 μM). Acute toxicity in mice showed more severe liver and kidney injury after arsenite or arsenate, but was mild after realgar and NHJD, corresponding to cellular and tissue arsenic accumulation. The expressions of arsenic-sensitive stress gene metallothionein-1 were increased 3–7-folds after arsenite or arsenate, but were unaltered after NHJD and realgar. Thus, realgar and NHJD are much less toxic than arsenite and arsenate. The use of total arsenic to evaluate the safety of realgar and realgar-containing NHJD is inappropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Miao
- Key Lab of Basic Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi 563000, China ; Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China
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Wu J, Shao Y, Liu J, Chen G, Ho PC. The medicinal use of realgar (As₄S₄) and its recent development as an anticancer agent. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 135:595-602. [PMID: 21497649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Arsenicals have been known as poisons and paradoxically as therapeutic agents. In the early 1970s, Chinese physicians from Harbin revived the medicinal use of arsenicals as anticancer agents. Notable success was observed in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with arsenic trioxide (ATO). The FDA approved ATO injection in the year 2000 for the treatment of APL. In contrast, the clinical use of the other arsenical, realgar (As₄S₄), is currently much less established, though it has also long been used in medical history. According to ancient medical records and recent findings in clinical trials, realgar was found as effective as ATO, but with relatively good oral safety profiles even on chronic administration. These give realgar an advantage over ATO in maintenance treatment. Though there is increasing understanding on the mechanisms of action and metabolic profiles of ATO, similar aspects of realgar are unclear to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS We outline the use of realgar in traditional medicines, especially in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) from ancient times to present. The clinical and experimental observations on realgar as a therapeutic agent are described with an emphasis on those findings that may imply the rationale and future directions of realgar as a potential anticancer drug candidate. RESULTS There is an increasing understanding in the mechanisms of action of realgar as an antileukemic agent. However, there is still sparse information on its metabolism and toxicity profiles. CONCLUSIONS Realgar is poorly soluble in water. Recently, several types of realgar nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed. Some of these realgar NPs also possess the unique optical properties of quantum dots. The activities and bioavailability of realgar NPs are much influenced by their sizes, making realgar an interesting biomedical and pharmaceutical research candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 West DaZhi Street, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China.
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