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Sun Q, Hu M, Yuan C, Ren B, Zhong M, Zhou S, Wang X, Gao Q, Zeng M, Cai X, Song H. Astragaloside IV ameliorates indomethacin-induced intestinal inflammation in rats through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112281. [PMID: 38762925 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112281] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause significant intestinal alteration and inflammation and lead to the occurrence of inflammatory diseases resembling duodenal ulcers. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a glycoside of cycloartane-type triterpene isolated from the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (family Fabaceae), and has been used for ameliorating the NSAID-induced inflammation in the small intestine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of AS-IV on indomethacin (IND)-induced inflammation in the small intestine of rats and its underlying mechanisms. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, transmission and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to observe the surface morphology and ultrastructure of the small intestinal mucosa. Immunofluorescence and ELISA tests were employed to detect the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB proteins, as well as inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, to uncover potential molecular mechanisms responsible for mitigating small intestinal inflammation. The results demonstrated that AS-IV significantly decreased the ulcer index, improved the surface morphology and microstructure of the small intestinal mucosa, and increased mucosal blood flow. Molecular docking revealed a strong and stable binding capacity of AS-IV to NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB proteins. Further experimental validation exhibited that AS-IV markedly decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and inhibited the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB. Our data demonstrate that AS-IV ameliorates IND-induced intestinal inflammation in rats by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of IL-1β and IL-18, thereby representing a promising therapy for IND-induced intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifang Sun
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China; Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Mingyue Hu
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Chengzhi Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Baoping Ren
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Meiqi Zhong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Shunhua Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Meiyan Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Xiong Cai
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China.
| | - Houpan Song
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics and School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China.
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Guo J, Le Y, Yuan A, Liu J, Chen H, Qiu J, Wang C, Dou X, Yuan X, Lu D. Astragaloside IV ameliorates cisplatin-induced liver injury by modulating ferroptosis-dependent pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118080. [PMID: 38521426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118080] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The use of antineoplastic drugs, such as cisplatin, in clinical practice can cause adverse effects in patients, such as liver injury, which limits their long-term use. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies or drugs to minimize cisplatin-induced liver injury. Huangqi, the root of Astragalus membranaceus, is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been employed in treating diverse liver injuries. Astragalus membranaceus contains several bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, one of which, astragaloside IV (ASIV), has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress properties. However, its potential in ameliorating cisplatin-induced liver injury has not been explored. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study was to examine the mechanism by which ASIV protects against cisplatin-induced liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study established a model of cisplatin-induced liver injury in mice, followed by treatment with various doses of astragaloside IV (40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg). In addition, a model of hepatocyte ferroptosis in AML-12 cells was established using RSL3. The mechanism of action of astragaloside IV was investigated using a range of methods, including Western blot assay, qPCR, immunofluorescence, histochemistry, molecular docking, and high-content imaging system. RESULTS The findings suggested a significant improvement in hepatic injury, inflammation and oxidative stress phenotypes with the administration of ASIV. Furthermore, network pharmacological analyses provided evidence that a major pathway for ASIV to attenuate cisplatin-induced hepatic injury entailed the cell death cascade pathway. It was observed that ASIV effectively inhibited ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Subsequent experimental outcomes provided further validation of ASIV's ability to hinder ferroptosis through the inhibition of PPARα/FSP1 signaling pathway. The current findings suggest that ASIV could function as a promising phytotherapy composition to alleviate cisplatin-induced liver injury. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that astragaloside IV could function as a promising phytotherapy composition to alleviate cisplatin-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Guo
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yifei Le
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Aini Yuan
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Medical Research Center, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiannan Qiu
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Cui Wang
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaobing Dou
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xingyu Yuan
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dezhao Lu
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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Mo Y, Hu D, Yu W, Ji C, Li Y, Liu X, Lu Z. Astragaloside IV attenuates indoxyl sulfate-induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116244. [PMID: 36764562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge has long been used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. However, the mechanism of action requires further study. Indoxyl sulfate accumulation is the key cause of CKD progression. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an essential role in the renal tubular injury induced by indoxyl sulfate (IS). AIM We explored the effects of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a minor component of the flowering perennial Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge, on AhR activity during IS-induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS C57BL/6 mice fed a 0.2% adenine diet (adenine + IS) and intraperitoneally injected with IS were used to study the protective effects of AS-IV, and specifically the effect on the AhR. In addition, apoptosis (annexin/PI), oxidative stress and the AhR pathway were investigated in IS-stimulated HK-2 cells treated with AS-IV. The binding of AS-IV to the AhR was assessed in a molecular docking analysis. AhR knockdown using AhR siRNA allowed determination of the effects of AS-IV in IS-stimulated HK-2 cells. RESULTS AS-IV inhibited tubulointerstitial injury in adenine + IS mice. While AS-IV did not reduce serum IS levels, it did inhibit AhR expression in the kidney. In IS-stimulated HK-2 cells, AS-IV also dramatically reduced apoptosis, decreased oxidative stress responses and inhibited the expression of the AhR pathway. The molecular docking analysis showed surface binding of AS-IV to the AhR. Following AhR knockdown in HK-2 cells, IS-induced apoptosis was reduced and could not be further reduced by AS-IV. CONCLUSION By targeting the AhR, AS-IV may alleviate IS-induced renal tubular injury, thus offering a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of chronic renal failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Nephrology Department, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanlin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Nephrology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xusheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Nephrology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhaoyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Nephrology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Astragalus membranaceus treatment combined with caloric restriction may enhance genesis factors and decrease apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 99:104584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wang L, Du Z, Guan Y, Wang B, Pei Y, Zhang L, Fang M. Identifying absorbable bioactive constituents of yupingfeng powder acting on COVID-19 through integration of UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and network pharmacology analysis. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2022; 14:283-293. [PMID: 35165529 PMCID: PMC8828289 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Yupingfeng Powder (YPF), a kind of preventative patent medicine, is chosen for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to its high frequency application in respiratory tract diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia, with the advantage of reducing the relapse rate and the severity. However, the active components of YPF and the mechanisms of components affecting COVID-19 are unclear. This study aimed to determine active constituents and elucidate its potential mechanisms. Methods Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS) were used to determine the components and absorbable constituents of YPF. Secondly, TCMSP, Drugbank, Swiss and PharmMapper were used to search the targets of absorbable bioactive constituents of YPF, and the targets of COVID-19 were identified based on GeneCards and OMIM databases. STRING database was used to filter the possible inter-protein interactions. Thirdly, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis were performed to identify molecular function and systemic involvement of target genes. Results A total of 61 components of YPF and 36 absorbable constituents were identified through UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Wogonin, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, 5-O-methylvisamminol, astragaloside IV and 5-O-methylvisamminol (hydroxylation) were vital constituents for the treatment of COVID-19, and RELA, TNF, IL-6, MAPK14 and MAPK8ere recognized as key targets of YPF. The major metabolic reactions of the absorbed constituents of YPF were demethylation, hydroxylation, sulfation and glucuronidation. GO and KEGG pathway analysis further showed that the most important functions of YPF were T cell activation, response to molecule of bacterial origin, cytokine receptor binding, receptor ligand activity, cytokine activity, IL-17 signaling pathway, Chagas disease, lipid and atherosclerosis, etc. Conclusion The approach of combining UPLC-Q/TOF-MS with network pharmacology is an effective tool to identify potentially bioactive constituents of YPF and its key targets on treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhongyan Du
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yang Guan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yanling Pei
- Xinminhe Pharmaceutical Research & Development (HeBei) Co., Ltd., Baoding 071200, China
| | - Lizong Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Mingsun Fang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Sun L, Han R, Guo F, Chen H, Wang W, Chen Z, Liu W, Sun X, Gao C. Antagonistic effects of IL-17 and Astragaloside IV on cortical neurogenesis and cognitive behavior after stroke in adult mice through Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:74. [PMID: 32818074 PMCID: PMC7417740 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the exact effect of IL-17 on regulating neural stem cells (NSCs) stemness and adult neurogenesis in ischemic cortex after stroke, how Astragaloside IV(As-IV) regulated IL-17 expression and the underlying mechanism. Photochemical brain ischemia model was established and IL-17 protein expression was observed at different time after stroke in WT mice. At 3 days after stroke, when IL-17 expression peaked, IL-17 knock out (KO) mice were used to observe cell proliferation and neurogenesis in ischemic cortex. Then, As-IV was administered intravenously to assess cell apoptosis, proliferation, neurogenesis, and cognitive deficits by immunochemistry staining, western blots, and animal behavior tests in WT mice. Furthermore, IL-17 KO mice and As-IV were used simultaneously to evaluate the mechanism of cell apoptosis and proliferation after stroke in vivo. Besides, in vitro, As-IV and recombinant mouse IL-17A was administered, respectively, into NSCs culture, and then their diameters, viable cell proliferation and pathway relevant protein was assessed. The results showed knocking out IL-17 contributed to regulating PI3K/Akt pathway, promoting NSCs proliferation, and neurogenesis after ischemic stroke. Moreover, As-IV treatment helped inhibit neural apoptosis, promote the neurogenesis and eventually relieve mice anxiety after stroke. Unsurprisingly, IL-17 protein expression could be downregulated by As-IV in vivo and in vitro and they exerted antagonistic effect on neurogenesis by regulating Akt/GSK-3β pathway, with significant regulation for apoptosis. In conclusion, IL-17 exerts negative effect on promoting NSCs proliferation, neurogenesis and cognitive deficits after ischemic stroke, which could be reversed by As-IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Ruili Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, 710032 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xude Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
| | - Changjun Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi Province China
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Li Y, Zheng B, Tian H, Xu X, Sun Y, Mei Q, Lin X, Liu L. Yupingfeng Powder relieves the immune suppression induced by dexamethasone in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 200:117-123. [PMID: 28161541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yupingfeng Powder (YPF), a Chinese medical formula, is used traditionally for allergic diseases and characterized by reducing allergy relapse. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the effect of YPF on the immunity of mice and the possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS An immunosuppressive mice model induced by Dexamethasone (Dex) was used. Blood samples, spleen and thymus were collected. Then, hematology parameters and organ weight were measured; Phenotypic analyses (CD4+/CD8+) of lymphocytes were performed using a flow cytometer; Phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages were evaluated by particle tracers; Spleen lymphocytes were isolated, whose proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. NK cells' cytotoxicity was determined using the LDH release assay. RESULTS YPF could ameliorate weight loss and improve low thymus and spleen coefficients caused by Dex. Treatment with YPF made decreased lymphocytic activity of Dex-treated mice back to normal and inhibited Dex-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes. YPF increased the Dex caused low proportion of CD4+/CD8+, and upregulated Dex-reduced NK cells' activity. CONCLUSION The series of experiments demonstrated that YPF could exert immune regulation and enhance immunity of immunosuppressive mice through adjusting nonspecific and cellular immunity. The results would provide a basis for clinical application of YPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Li
- No. 422 Hospital of PLA, Zhanjiang 524005, Guangdong, PR China; Laboratory of Oncological Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Huajie Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Xiaotao Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Qibing Mei
- Department of Pharmacology, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Xiaotian Lin
- No. 422 Hospital of PLA, Zhanjiang 524005, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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Ip FCF, Zhao YM, Chan KW, Cheng EYL, Tong EPS, Chandrashekar O, Fu GM, Zhao ZZ, Ip NYY. Neuroprotective effect of a novel Chinese herbal decoction on cultured neurons and cerebral ischemic rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:437. [PMID: 27814708 PMCID: PMC5097373 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1417-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Historically, traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used to treat stroke. Based on the theory of Chinese medicine and the modern pharmacological knowledge of herbal medicines, we have designed a neuroprotective formula called Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (PSR), comprising seven herbs – Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Cassia obtusifolia L., Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. We aim to examine the neuroprotective activity of PSR in vitro and in vivo, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, to better understand its therapeutic effect and to further optimize its efficacy. Methods PSR extract or vehicle was applied to primary rat neurons to examine their survival effects against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-elicited excitotoxicity. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was conducted to examine the NMDA-induced current in the presence of PSR. ERK- and CREB-activation were revealed by western blot analysis. Furthermore, PSR was tested for CRE promoter activation in neurons transfected with a luciferase reporter. The protective effect of PSR was then studied in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. MCAO rats were either treated with PSR extract or vehicle, and their neurobehavioral deficit and cerebral infarct were evaluated. Statistical differences were analyzed by ANOVA or t-test. Results PSR prominently reduced the death of cultured neurons caused by NMDA excitotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its neuroprotective property. Furthermore, PSR significantly reduced NMDA-evoked current reversibly and activated phosphorylation of ERK and CREB with distinct time courses, with the latter’s kinetics slower. PSR also triggered CRE-promoter activity as revealed by the increased expression of luciferase reporter in transfected neurons. PSR effectively reduced cerebral infarct and deficit in neurological behavior in MCAO rats when PSR decoction was administered starting either 6 days before or 6 h after onset of ischemia. Conclusions PSR is neuroprotective both in vitro and in vivo – it protects cultured neurons against NMDA excitotoxicity, and effectively reduces ischemic injury and neurobehavioral deficit in MCAO rats in both the pre- and post-treatment regimens. The underlying neuroprotective mechanisms may involve inhibition of NMDA receptor current and activation of ERK and CREB. This study provides important preclinical data necessary for the further development of PSR for stroke treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1417-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Li L, Hou X, Xu R, Liu C, Tu M. Research review on the pharmacological effects of astragaloside IV. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2016; 31:17-36. [PMID: 27567103 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus Bunge has been used to treat numerous diseases for thousands of years. As the main active substance of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, astragaloside IV (AS-IV) also demonstrates the potent protective effect on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy. Based on studies published during the past several decades, the current state of AS-IV research and the pharmacological effects are detailed, elucidated, and summarized. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological effects, metabolism mechanism, and the toxicity of AS-IV. AS-IV has multiple pharmacologic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antioxidative stress, anti-asthma, antidiabetes, immunoregulation, and cardioprotective effect via numerous signaling pathways. According to the existing studies and clinical practices, AS-IV possesses potential for broad application in many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojiao Hou
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rongfang Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, China
| | - Menbayaer Tu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing, China
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