Schisandrin B suppresses TGFβ1-induced stress fiber formation by inhibiting myosin light chain phosphorylation

Crizotinib attenuates cancer metastasis by inhibiting TGFβ signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Crizotinib is a clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EML4-ALK fusion. Crizotinib was originally developed as an inhibitor of MET (HGF receptor), which is involved in the metastatic cascade. However, little is known about whether crizotinib inhibits tumor metastasis in NSCLC cells. In this study, we found that crizotinib suppressed TGFβ signaling by blocking Smad phosphorylation in an ALK/MET/RON/ROS1-independent manner in NSCLC cells. Molecular docking and in vitro enzyme activity assays showed that crizotinib directly inhibited the kinase activity of TGFβ receptor I through a competitive inhibition mode. Cell tracking, scratch wound, and transwell migration assays showed that crizotinib simultaneously inhibited TGFβ- and HGF-mediated NSCLC cell migration and invasion. In addition, in vivo bioluminescence imaging analysis showed that crizotinib suppressed the metastatic capacity of NSCLC cells. Our results demonstrate that crizotinib attenuates cancer metastasis by inhibiting TGFβ signaling in NSCLC cells. Therefore, our findings will help to advance our understanding of the anticancer action of crizotinib and provide insight into future clinical investigations.

Investigating the activity of an existing anticancer drug shows that it can limit metastasis (cancer spread) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aberrant signaling from the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) protein is known to trigger metastasis in NSCLC. The drug crizotinib is clinically approved for NSCLC, but whether it can affect metastasis is unclear. Ju-Hong Jeon (Seoul National University College of Medicine), Sang-Yeob Kim (ASAN Medical Center, Seoul) and co-workers used cell cultures and a mouse model to examine if crizotinib can inhibit TGFβ. Crizotinib suppressed TGFβ signaling by blocking the phosphorylation of a critical protein and inhibiting the enzymatic activity of a TGFβ receptor. These actions reduced the cell migration and invasion usually mediated by TGFβ. The results also indicate that cancer signaling pathways can act independently, meaning that a multitarget approach may improve treatment.

Schisandrol A, the main active ingredient of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, inhibits pulmonary fibrosis through suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway as revealed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, network pharmacology and experimental verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis decoction derived from the book of Waitai Miyao (Tao Wang, Tang dynasty) is often used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is included in the Grand Ceremony of Chinese formulae (Huairen Peng, 1994). Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (Sch) is one of the most important herbs in this formula. According to the "Shennong's Herbal Classicherbal" of the Han Dynasty, Sch has sour taste, warm nature, which has the effect of tonifying qi and curing cough. In addition, according to the "Compendium of Materia Medica" of the Ming Dynasty, Sch is used to treat cough and asthma, which has the effect of moistening the lung and tonifying the kidney. However, the active ingredients of Sch absorption into the plasma and its pharmacological mechanism of treatment for IPF still remained unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our research aimed at identifying the absorbed active ingredients and metabolized of Sch in rat plasma and the mechanism of anti-IPF based on serum pharmacochemistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the rats were divided into control group and Sch group. Sch sample was orally administrated to the rats for seven days. The blood samples were drawn into an Eppendorf tube after the last dosing. The ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was applied to identify the absorption components and metabolites of Sch in rat plasma. Second, the network pharmacology combined with molecular docking analysis was further investigated to illuminate its potential mechanism of treatment for IPF by the biological targets regulating related pathways. Finally, the mechanism of action was verified by experimental in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

A total of 78 compounds, consist of 13 prototype lignans and 65 metabolites (including isomers) were identified. Network pharmacology study and molecular docking analysis indicated that schisandrol A (L1) play an anti-fibrosis role by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway. Experimental in vitro and in vivo verified that the schisandrol A could inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis through TGF-β signaling pathway. The effect and mechanism of schisandrol A inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis were reported for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the absorption active ingredients of Sch in rat plasma were combined with the network pharmacology investigation and experimental in vitro and in vivo to elucidate its biological mechanism of treatment for IPF. The results provided a theoretical support for understanding the bioactive compounds and the pharmacological mechanism of Sch.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Anti-TGFβ Effect of Schisandra chinensis Fruit Extract and Schisandrin B in A7r5 Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Schisandra chinensis fruit extract (SCE) has been used as a traditional medicine for treating vascular diseases. However, little is known about how SCE and schisandrin B (SchB) affect transcriptional output-a crucial factor for shaping the fibrotic responses of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathways in in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In this study, to assess the pharmacological effect of SCE and SchB on TGFβ-induced transcriptional output, we performed DNA microarray experiments in A7r5 VSMCs. We found that TGFβ induced distinctive changes in the gene expression profile and that these changes were considerably reversed by SCE and SchB. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) with Hallmark signature suggested that SCE or SchB inhibits a range of fibrosis-associated biological processes, including inflammation, cell proliferation and migration. With our VSMC-specific transcriptional interactome network, master regulator analysis identified crucial transcription factors that regulate the expression of SCE- and SchB-effective genes (i.e., TGFβ-reactive genes whose expression are reversed by SCE and SchB). Our results provide novel perspective and insight into understanding the pharmacological action of SCE and SchB at the transcriptome level and will support further investigations to develop multitargeted strategies for the treatment of vascular fibrosis.

Altered expression of fucosylation pathway genes is associated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis in non‑small cell lung cancer

Fucosylation is a post‑translational modification that attaches fucose residues to protein‑ or lipid‑bound oligosaccharides. Certain fucosylation pathway genes are aberrantly expressed in several types of cancer, including non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and this aberrant expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the molecular mechanism by which these fucosylation pathway genes promote tumor progression has not been well‑characterized. The present study analyzed public microarray data obtained from NSCLC samples. Multivariate analysis revealed that altered expression of fucosylation pathway genes, including fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1), FUT2, FUT3, FUT6, FUT8 and GDP‑L‑fucose synthase (TSTA3), correlated with poor survival in patients with NSCLC. Inhibition of FUTs by 2F‑peracetyl‑fucose (2F‑PAF) suppressed transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)‑mediated Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in NSCLC cells. In addition, wound‑healing and Transwell migration assays demonstrated that 2F‑PAF inhibited TGFβ‑induced NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, in vivo bioluminescence imaging analysis revealed that 2F‑PAF attenuated the metastatic capacity of NSCLC cells. These results may help characterize the oncogenic role of fucosylation in NSCLC biology and highlight its potential for developing cancer therapeutics.

Schisandrin B attenuates epidural fibrosis in postlaminectomy rats by inhibiting proliferation and extracellular matrix production of fibroblasts

Laminectomy has been widely considered one of the most common treatments for lumbar disorders. Epidural fibrosis (EF) is a common complication after laminectomy, causing recurrent postoperative pain. Schisandrin B (Sch.B), the active ingredient extracted from Schisandra chinensis Fructus, has been found to have potent antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects on several cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Sch.B on the prevention of postlaminectomy EF formation. In vitro, we studied the effects of Sch.B on transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production of primary fibroblasts, as well as its underlying mechanism. We found that Sch.B not only inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts but also reduced ECM production, including that of connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, and type I collagen, in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that Sch.B suppressed TGF-β1-stimulated activation of the Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Moreover, the in vivo study demonstrated that Sch.B treatment attenuated the progression of EF in a postlaminectomy rat model via reducing the cell number and ECM production of scar tissue. Taken together, these data suggested that Sch.B possesses great potential value as a preventative agent for EF.

Schisandrin C enhances odontoblastic differentiation through autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in human dental pulp cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of Schisandrin C in odontoblastic differentiation, and its relations between autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in human dental pulp cells (HPDCs).

DESIGN

Fresh third molars were used, and cultured for HDPCs. Western blotting technique, Alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and confocal microscopy were used to detect autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and odontoblastic differentiation. To understand the mechanism of Schisandrin C, the HDPCs were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), autophagy and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitors: 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), respectively.

RESULTS

LPS decreased the expression of autophagy molecules [autophagy protein 5 (ATG-5), beclin-1, and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3-I/II)] and mitochondrial biogenesis molecules [heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)], and disrupted odontoblastic differentiation. The down-regulation of autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis with 3-MA and ZnPP inhibited odontoblastic differentiation. However, Schisandrin C restored the expression of all the above molecules, even with LPS and inhibitor treatment. This result demonstrates that autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis plays an essential role in odontoblastic differentiation, and Schisandrin C activates these systems to promote odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs.

CONCLUSION

Schisandrin C has potential characters to regulate odontoblastic differentiation, and may be recommended for use as a compound for pulp homeostasis.

Cardioprotection of Sheng Mai Yin a classic formula on adriamycin induced myocardial injury in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Sheng Mai Yin (SMY), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used to treat cardiac diseases characterized by the deficiency of Qi and Yin syndrome in China. SMY-based treatment has been derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), officially recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

PURPOSE

We aimed to clarify whether SMY attenuates myocardial injury induced by adriamycin in Wistar rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

To quantify ginsenoside Rg1, ophiopogonin D, ophiopogonin D', schisandrin by HPLC. To establish CHF animal model, adriamycin was intraperitoneally injected in Wistar rats for 7 weeks at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Overall, 180 rats were randomly assigned to six groups: control, CHF model, captopril (positive control), high dose (HSMY), medium dose (MSMY), and low dose (LSMY). Experimental rats were fed 0.625 mg/kg captopril and 90 mg/kg, 45 mg/kg, and 22.5 mg/kg SMY, respectively, over 7 weeks. The inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using ELISA. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were identified using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Both IHC and RT-PCR were used for quantification of COL-IV expression levels in the heart tissues. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the visualization of myocardium morphology.

RESULTS

The concentration of ginsenoside Rg1, ophiopogonin D, ophiopogonin D' and schisandrin in SMY was found to be 25.63 ± 3.42 mg, 11.00 ± 1.17 mg, 7.02 ± 0.51 mg, and 25.31 ± 4.28 mg per gram of SMY, respectively. Compared with CHF model group, TNF-α levels were significantly lower (p < .01) in the four drug-administered groups. Moreover, except in the SYM low dose group, IL-6 levels in the other 3 drug-administered groups were also significantly reduced (p < .01). COL-IV expression was also significantly reduced on treatment with high SYM dose (p < .05). IHC results confirmed that SMY and captopril significantly reduced MMPs expression in the heart.

CONCLUSION

SMY could control or slow CHF progression by suppressing pathological changes in the myocardium in CHF models. This could be attributed at least partly to the downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α and inhibition of overexpression of MMPs and COL-IV, which significantly relieved the cardiac-linked pathologies, decreased the risk of myocardial fibrosis, and inhibited cardiac remodeling. These findings suggested that SMY and captopril have similar efficacy for the treatment of adriamycin-induced myocardial injury. In addition, Chinese herbal preparation SMY may play a role in the treatment of cardiac diseases.

Schisandrol B and schisandrin B inhibit TGFβ1-mediated NF-κB activation via a Smad-independent mechanism

Aberrant transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) signaling plays a pathogenic role in the development of vascular fibrosis. We have reported that Schisandra chinensis fruit extract (SCE), which has been used as a traditional oriental medicine, suppresses TGFβ1-mediated phenotypes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, it is still largely unknown about the pharmacologic effects of SCE on various TGFβ1 signaling components. In this study, we found that SCE attenuated TGFβ1-induced NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation in VSMCs. Among the five active ingredients of SCE that were examined, schisandrol B (SolB) and schisandrin B (SchB) most potently suppressed TGFβ1-mediated NF-κB activation. In addition, SolB and SchB effectively inhibited IKKα/β activation and IκBα phosphorylation in TGFβ1-treated VSMCs. The pharmacologic effects of SolB and SchB on NF-κB activation were independent of the Smad-mediated canonical pathway. Therefore, our study demonstrates that SCE and its active constituents SolB and SchB suppress TGFβ1-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway in a Smad-independent mechanism. Our results may help further investigations to develop novel multi-targeted therapeutic strategies that treat or prevent vascular fibrotic diseases.

The herbal formula KH-204 is protective against erectile dysfunction by minimizing oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles in a rat model of erectile dysfunction induced by hypercholesterolaemia

Background

Hypercholesterolaemia (HC) is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease and is also known to be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). ED caused by HC is thought to be related to HC-induced oxidative stress damage in the vascular endothelium and erectile tissue. KH-204 is an herbal formula with a strong antioxidant effect. We evaluated the effects of KH-204 on erectile function in a rat model of HC-induced ED.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into normal control, high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFC), and HFC with KH-204 treatment (HFC + KH) groups (n = 12 each). Normal control group rats were fed normal chow diet. HFC and HFC + KH group rats were fed high-fat and cholesterol diets and treated with or without daily oral doses of KH-204 for 12 weeks. Subsequently, intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured, and lipid profiles, expression of endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) nitric oxide synthase, oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), and ratio of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibres were evaluated in the serum and corpora tissue.

Results

Compared to the HFC group, the HFC + KH group showed statistically significant increases in peak ICP and ICP/MAP ratio, expression of eNOS and nNOS, and ratio of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibres (p < 0.05). The HFC + KH group also showed statistically significant decreases in oxidative stress (p < 0.05). Further the lipid profiles of this group were ameliorated compared to those of the HFC group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current study shows that the antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of KH-204 are effective in ameliorating ED by restoring endothelial dysfunction and suggests that KH-204 may be a potential therapeutic agent for ED by correcting the fundamental cause of ED.

Schisandrin B displays a protective role against primary pulmonary hypertension by targeting transforming growth factor β1

Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in the medial layer of the vessel wall are involved in vessel homeostasis, but also for pathologic vascular remodeling in diverse diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH results in vascular disorders, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are still not to be fully disclosed. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in human PASMC cultured under the condition of hypoxia and elucidated the effect of schisandra chinensis and its active ingredients on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in human PASMCs. We demonstrated that schisandrin B (Sch.B) alleviated the severity of PAH in PASMCs cultured under the condition of hypoxia. Significant upregulation of TGF-β1 was observed in hypoxia-induced human PASMCs. Interestingly, administration of Sch.B substantially attenuated TGF-β1 level in these PASMCs. In order to elucidate Sch.B function, the hypoxia-induced human PASMC was stimulated with Sch.B or cotreatment with TGF-β1 in vitro. In agreement with its TGF-β1-reducing effect, Sch B relieved human PASMCs migration and promoted the apoptosis of human PASMCs, by activation of TGF-β1 downstream signal pathways in PASMCs. In contrast, co-treatment with TGF-β1 promoted human PASMC proliferation and migration and inhibited the apoptosis of human PASMC, which can attenuate the protective role of Sch.B in human PASMC. Taken collectively, these findings suggest that the vascular relaxation evoked by Sch.B was mediated by direct effect on vascular smooth muscle cell via TGF-β1 downstream signal pathways.

Pharmacokinetic and nephroprotective benefits of using Schisandra chinensis extracts in a cyclosporine A-based immune-suppressive regime

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a powerful immunosuppressive drug. However, nephrotoxicity resulting from its long-term usage has hampered its prolonged therapeutic usage. Schisandra chinensis extracts (SCE) have previously been used in traditional Chinese medicine and more recently coadministered with Western medicine for the treatment of CsA-induced side effects in the People’s Republic of China. This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of SCE on the pharmacokinetics of CsA in rats and elucidate the potential mechanisms by which it hinders the development of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for determining the effect of SCE on the pharmacokinetics of CsA. Male Sprague Dawley rats, which were administered with CsA (25 mg/kg/d) alone or in combination with SCE (54 mg/kg/d and 108 mg/kg/d) for 28 days, were used to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of SCE. Our study showed that SCE increased the mean blood concentration of CsA. Furthermore, we found that the concomitant administration of SCE alongside CsA prevented the disruption of catalase activity and reduction in creatinine, urea, renal malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase levels that would have otherwise occurred in the absence of SCE administration. SCE treatment markedly suppressed the expression of 4-hydroxynonenal, Bcl-2-associated X protein, cleaved caspase 3, and autophagy-related protein LC3 A/B. On the other hand, the expression of heme oxygenase-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and P-glycoprotein was enhanced by the very same addition of SCE. SCE was also able to increase the systemic exposure of CsA in rats. The renoprotective effects of SCE were thought to be mediated by its antiapoptotic and antioxidant abilities, which caused the attenuation of CsA-induced autophagic cell death. All in all, these findings suggest the prospective use of SCE as an effective adjunct in a CsA-based immunosuppressive regimen.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on gastrointestinal motility in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (SC) continues to be used as a traditional folk medicine in Asia, especially for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders related to gastritis, diarrhea, enterocolitis and abnormal GI motility.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Because GI disorders, especially abnormal GI motility, are major lifelong problems, we investigated the effects of SC on the pacemaker activity of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in murine small intestine and GI motility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from small intestines, and the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record potentials generated by cultured ICCs. In vivo effects of SC on GI motility were investigated by measuring the intestinal transit rate (ITR) of Evans blue in normal and GI motility dysfunction mice.

RESULTS

SC extracts depolarized the membrane potentials of ICCs in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment with Ca(2+) free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor in the endoplasmic reticulum) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials by ICCs, and under these conditions, SC extract did not depolarize the membrane potentials of ICCs. In addition, membrane depolarizations were inhibited by intracellular GDPβS and by U-73122 (an active phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor). In normal mice, ITRs were significantly increased by SC extract (0.1-1g/kg, intragastrically (i.g.)) in a dose dependent manner. Also, SC extract significantly recovered the GI motility dysfunctions in acetic acid (AA)-injected and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, which are the GI motility animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SC extract modulates pacemaker potentials in ICCs in a dose dependent manner via external and internal Ca(2+) regulations, and via G protein and the PLC pathway. In addition, SC extract increased ITRs in normal and abnormal GI motility mice models. This study shows that SC extract offers a basis for the development of a prokinetic agent that prevents or alleviates GI motility dysfunctions.