History of uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, quality control and toxicity of the root of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore: A review

Identification of the cytochrome P450s responsible for the biosynthesis of two types of aporphine alkaloids and their de novo biosynthesis in yeast

Aporphine alkaloids have diverse pharmacological activities; however, our understanding of their biosynthesis is relatively limited. Previous studies have classified aporphine alkaloids into two categories based on the configuration and number of substituents of the D-ring and have proposed preliminary biosynthetic pathways for each category. In this study, we identified two specific cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP80G6 and CYP80Q5) with distinct activities toward (S)-configured and (R)-configured substrates from the herbaceous perennial vine Stephania tetrandra, shedding light on the biosynthetic mechanisms and stereochemical features of these two aporphine alkaloid categories. Additionally, we characterized two CYP719C enzymes (CYP719C3 and CYP719C4) that catalyzed the formation of the methylenedioxy bridge, an essential pharmacophoric group, on the A- and D-rings, respectively, of aporphine alkaloids. Leveraging the functional characterization of these crucial cytochrome P450 enzymes, we reconstructed the biosynthetic pathways for the two types of aporphine alkaloids in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for the de novo production of compounds such as (R)-glaziovine, (S)-glaziovine, and magnoflorine. This study provides key insight into the biosynthesis of aporphine alkaloids and lays a foundation for producing these valuable compounds through synthetic biology.

Fangchinoline Inhibits African Swine Fever Virus Replication by Suppressing the AKT/mTOR/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages

African swine fever (ASF), caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is one of the most important infectious diseases that cause high morbidity and mortality in pigs and substantial economic losses to the pork industry of affected countries due to the lack of effective vaccines. The need to develop alternative robust antiviral countermeasures, especially anti-ASFV agents, is of the utmost urgency. This study shows that fangchinoline (FAN), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in the roots of Stephania tetrandra of the family Menispermaceae, significantly inhibits ASFV replication in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) at micromolar concentrations (IC50 = 1.66 µM). Mechanistically, the infection of ASFV triggers the AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. FAN significantly inhibits ASFV-induced activation of such pathways, thereby suppressing viral replication. Such a mechanism was confirmed using an AKT inhibitor MK2206 as it inhibited AKT phosphorylation and ASFV replication in PAMs. Altogether, the results suggest that the AKT/mTOR pathway could potentially serve as a treatment strategy for combating ASFV infection and that FAN could potentially emerge as an effective novel antiviral agent against ASFV infections and deserves further in vivo antiviral evaluations.

Therapeutic effects of tetrandrine in inflammatory diseases: a comprehensive review

Inflammation can be triggered by any factor. The primary pathological manifestations can be summarized as the deterioration, exudation, and proliferation of local tissues, which can cause systemic damage in severe cases. Inflammatory lesions are primarily localized but may interact with body systems to cause provocative storms, parenchymal organ lesions, vascular and central nervous system necrosis, and other pathologic responses. Tetrandrine (TET) is a bisbenzylquinoline alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Stephania tetrandra, which has been shown to have significant efficacy in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, nephritis, etc., through NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, and STAT3 signaling pathways. TET can regulate the body's imbalanced metabolic pathways, reverse the inflammatory process, reduce other pathological damage caused by inflammation, and prevent the vicious cycle. More importantly, TET does not disrupt body's normal immune function while clearing the body's inflammatory state. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its dosage and duration during treatment to avoid unexpected side effects caused by a long half-life. In summary, TET has a promising future in treating inflammatory diseases. The author reviews current therapeutic studies of TET in inflammatory conditions to provide some ideas for subsequent anti-inflammatory studies of TET.

Fangchinoline inhibits growth and biofilm of Candida albicans by inducing ROS overproduction

Infections caused by Candida species, especially Candida albicans, threaten the public health and create economic burden. Shortage of antifungals and emergence of drug resistance call for new antifungal therapies while natural products were attractive sources for developing new drugs. In our study, fangchinoline, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Chinese herb Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, exerted antifungal effects on planktonic growth of several Candida species including C. albicans, with MIC no more than 50 μg/mL. In addition, results from microscopic, MTT and XTT reduction assays showed that fangchinoline had inhibitory activities against the multiple virulence factors of C. albicans, such as adhesion, hyphal growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, this compound could also suppress the metabolic activity of preformed C. albicans biofilms. PI staining, followed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis showed that fangchinoline can elevate permeability of cell membrane. DCFH-DA staining suggested its anti-Candida mechanism also involved overproduction of intracellular ROS, which was further confirmed by N-acetyl-cysteine rescue tests. Moreover, fangchinoline showed synergy with three antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, fluconazole and caspofungin), further indicating its potential use in treating C. albicans infections. Therefore, these results indicated that fangchinoline could be a potential candidate for developing anti-Candida therapies.

Tetrandrine promotes the survival of the random skin flap via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Flaps are mainly used for wound repair. However, postoperative ischemic necrosis of the distal flap is a major problem, which needs to be addressed urgently. We evaluated whether tetrandrine, a compound found in traditional Chinese medicine, can prolong the survival rate of random skin flaps. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into control, low-dose tetrandrine (25 mg/kg/day), and high-dose tetrandrine (60 mg/kg/day) groups. On postoperative Day 7, the flap survival and average survival area were determined. After the rats were sacrificed, the levels of angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation in the flap tissue were detected with immunology and molecular biology analyses. Tetrandrine increased vascular endothelial growth factor and Bcl-2 expression, in turn promoting angiogenesis and anti-apoptotic processes, respectively. Additionally, tetrandrine decreased the expression of Bax, which is associated with the induction of apoptosis, and also decreased inflammation in the flap tissue. Tetrandrine improved the survival rate of random flaps by promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation in the flap tissue through the modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Efficacy of Herbal Medicines on Lung Function in Asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

The present study was designed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of herbal medicines as add-on therapy on lung function in asthmatic patients.

Methods

A comprehensive search of online databases was performed up to December 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials that used orally herbal preparations for asthma as add-on therapy. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. The main outcome was percent predicted value of forced expiratory volume (% predicted FEV1). Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) estimate with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using inverse-variance weights method while random effects meta-analysis was used, taking into account clinical and conceptual heterogeneity.

Results

As a result, 1,525 studies were identified. 169 studies were reviewed in-depth and 23 studies met our systematic review inclusion criteria. Finally, nine randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Findings indicated that use of herbal medicines in patients with asthma significantly improved % predicted FEV1 (WMD 3.73, 95% CI 1.76-5.70), with no evidence for significant heterogeneity (p = 0.56 [Q statistic], I² = 0.0%). In subgroup analysis by age, improvement in % predicted FEV1 was higher and significant in adults (WMD 5.16; 95% CI 2.68-7.63) compared to children (WMD = 1.27; 95% CI -1.98-4.51). Sensitivity analysis showed the significant effect of herbal medicine consumption on improving FEV1 was consistently (range of summary WMDs 3.27-4.59), indicating that the meta-analysis model was robust. There was no evidence of publication bias both visually and statistically.

Conclusion

Findings support, the complementary use of herbal medicines resulted in significant improvement in the lung function compared to standard treatment in asthmatic patients with no considerable adverse events. This improvement is more likely to be observed amongst adults.

Research Progress on Neuroprotective Effects of Isoquinoline Alkaloids

Neuronal injury and apoptosis are important causes of the occurrence and development of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Although the detailed mechanism of some diseases is unknown, the loss of neurons in the brain is still the main pathological feature. By exerting the neuroprotective effects of drugs, it is of great significance to alleviate the symptoms and improve the prognosis of these diseases. Isoquinoline alkaloids are important active ingredients in many traditional Chinese medicines. These substances have a wide range of pharmacological effects and significant activity. Although some studies have suggested that isoquinoline alkaloids may have pharmacological activities for treating neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive summary regarding their mechanisms and characteristics in neuroprotection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the active components found in isoquinoline alkaloids that have neuroprotective effects. It thoroughly explains the various mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids and summarizes their common characteristics. This information can serve as a reference for further research on the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids.

Modulation of in Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Stephania tetrandra and Its Alkaloid Constituents

Botanical natural products have been widely consumed for their purported usefulness against COVID-19. Here, six botanical species from multiple sources and 173 isolated natural product compounds were screened for blockade of wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 infection in human 293T epithelial cells overexpressing ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 protease (293TAT). Antiviral activity was demonstrated by an extract from Stephania tetrandra. Extract fractionation, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), antiviral assays, and computational analyses revealed that the alkaloid fraction and purified alkaloids tetrandrine, fangchinoline, and cepharanthine inhibited WT SARS-CoV-2 infection. The alkaloids and alkaloid fraction also inhibited the delta variant of concern but not WT SARS-CoV-2 in VeroAT cells. Membrane permeability assays demonstrate that the alkaloids are biologically available, although fangchinoline showed lower permeability than tetrandrine. At high concentrations, the extract, alkaloid fractions, and pure alkaloids induced phospholipidosis in 293TAT cells and less so in VeroAT cells. Gene expression profiling during virus infection suggested that alkaloid fraction and tetrandrine displayed similar effects on cellular gene expression and pathways, while fangchinoline showed distinct effects on cells. Our study demonstrates a multifaceted approach to systematically investigate the diverse activities conferred by complex botanical mixtures, their cell-context specificity, and their pleiotropic effects on biological systems.

An integrated strategy for characterization of chemical constituents in Stephania tetrandra using LC-QTOF-MS/MS and the target isolation of two new biflavonoids

LC-MS has been a widely used analytical technique for identification of natural compounds. However, sophisticated and laborious data analysis is required to identify chemical components, especially new compounds, from a large LC-MS dataset. The aim of this study is to develop an integrated data-mining strategy that combines molecular networking (MN), in-house polygonal mass defect filtering (MDF), and diagnostic fragment ion filtering (DFIF) to identify phytochemicals in Stephania tetrandra based on LC-MS data. S. tetrandra samples were prepared by matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction methods and then raw MS spectra were acquired using LC-QTOF-MS/MS. MN and in-house polygonal MDF classified the compounds roughly. Modified DFIF were then used in succession to place each spectrum into a specific class. Finally, the exact structures were deduced by fragmentation pathways and related botanical biogenesis, with the help of the narrowed classification from MN and MDF. The total workflow was a combination of data filtering and identification methods for rapid characterization of known compounds (dereplication) and discovery of new compounds. Consequently, 144 compounds were identified or tentatively identified in the aerial parts and roots of S. tetrandra, including 11 potentially new compounds and 63 compounds first identified in this species. Among 144 compounds, 61 were from the aerial parts exclusively, 8 were from the roots exclusively, and 75 were found in both parts. Furthermore, two new biflavonoids were isolated with the guide of LC-MS analysis and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In conclusion, the proposed data-mining strategy based on LC-MS can be used to profile chemical constituents with high efficiency and guide the isolation of new compounds from medicinal plants. The comparison of the components of the aerial parts and roots of S. tetrandra would be helpful for the rational utilization of the medicinal plant.

Effective extraction of bioactive alkaloids from the roots of Stephania tetrandra by deep eutectic solvents-based ultrasound-assisted extraction

The efficient and green extraction of bioactive ingredients from natural plants play a vital role in their corresponding drug effects and subsequent studies. Recently, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been considered promising new green solvents for efficiently and selectively extracting substances from varied plants. In this work, an environment-friendly DESs-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction (DESs-UAE) procedure was developed for highly efficient and non-polluting extraction of alkaloids from the roots of Stephania tetrandra (ST). A total of fifteen different combinations of DESs, compared with traditional organic solvents (methanol and 95% ethanol) and water, were evaluated for extraction of bioactive alkaloids (FAN and TET) from ST, and the results revealed that DESs system made up of choline chloride and ethylene glycol with mole ratio of 1:2 exhibited the optimal extraction efficiency for alkaloids. Additionally, a four-factor and three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD), a particular pattern of response surface methodology (RSM), was used to optimize extraction conditions. RSM results indicated that the maximum extraction yields of FAN, TET, and TA were attained 7.23, 13.36, 20.59 mg/g, respectively, within extraction temperature of 52 °C, extraction time of 82 min, DES water content of 23% (v/v), and liquid-solid ratio of 23 mL/g. The measured results were consistent with the predicted values. Notably, the optimized DES extraction efficiency of TA, according to the experimental data analysis, is 2.2, 3.3 and 4.1 times higher than methanol, 95% ethanol and water, respectively. Meanwhile, based on 3D response surface plots, interactive effects plots and contour maps, the effects of the aforementioned four essential factors on the extraction yield and their interactions on the response were visualized. The results revealed that the mutual interactions between extraction temperature and liquid-solid ratio exhibited positive effects on all responses, while extraction time and water content in DES posed a negative effect. Therefore, these results suggest that DESs, as a class of novel green solvents, with the potential to substitute organic solvent and water, can be widely and effectively applied to extract bioactive compounds from natural plants.

Metabolomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry discovering the potential effective compounds of Fangji Huangqi Tang against nephrotic syndrome

Fangji Huangqi Tang (FHT) was first recorded in "Jin Gui Yao Lue," invented by the archaic Chinese medical doctor Zhongjing Zhang, and is a classic medicine that tonifies qi and expels wind, invigorates spleen for diuresis. A large number of literatures indicated that FHT showed a significant effect on Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). A comprehensive strategy was proposed to discover the potential effective compounds and therapeutic targets of FHT against NS as a case study. Serum metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis was employed to analysis and screen the differential endogenous metabolites in serum samples of the control and model rats induced by Adriamycin. The correlation analysis between the efficacy biomarkers and different compounds absorbed in serum of FHT was conducted to explore the potential effective compounds of FHT against NS. With the help of network pharmacology, the therapeutic targets and the possible molecular mechanisms of FHT against NS were further investigated. Fifteen metabolites, including l-phenylalanine, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid and linolenic acid, were associated with renal damage based on the serum metabolomic results. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were the key pathways associated with NS. Among them, 6 metabolites were defined as efficacy biomarkers such as uric acid, 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine and 10-HDA. The results of correlation analysis suggested that 14 constituents such as fanGhinoline, cycloastragenol, atractylenolide III, and glycyrrhetinic acid were recognized as potential effective compounds, whose potential protein targets participated in the MAPK signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway and aldoaterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. This study has clarified the potential effective compounds and therapeutic targets of FHT against NS. The results provided new evidence for the pharmacological mechanism of FHT on NS.

Exploration of Habitat-Related Chemical Markers for Stephania tetrandra Applying Multiple Chromatographic and Chemometric Analysis

Geo-authentic herbs refer to medicinal materials produced in a specific region with superior quality. Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (S. tetrandra) is cultivated in many provinces of China, including Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan, among which Jiangxi is the geo-authentic origin. To explore habitat-related chemical markers of herbal medicine, an integrated chromatographic technique including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) combined with chemometric analysis was established. The established methods manifested that they were clearly divided into two groups according to non-authentic origins and geo-authentic origins, suggesting that the metabolites were closely related to their producing areas. A total of 70 volatile compounds and 50 non-volatile compounds were identified in S. tetrandra. Meanwhile, tetrandrine, fangchinoline, isocorydine, magnocurarine, magnoflorine, boldine, and higenamine as chemical markers were accurately quantified and suggested importance in grouping non-authentic origins and geo-authentic origins samples. The discriminatory analysis also indicated well prediction performance with an accuracy of 80%. The results showed that the multiple chromatographic and chemometric analysis technique could be used as an effective approach for discovering the chemical markers of herbal medicine to fulfill the evaluation of overall chemical consistency among samples from different producing areas.

Nano-Liposomes Double Loaded with Curcumin and Tetrandrine: Preparation, Characterization, Hepatotoxicity and Anti-Tumor Effects

(1) Background: Curcumin (CUR) and tetrandrine (TET) are natural compounds with various bioactivities, but have problems with low solubility, stability, and absorption rate, resulting in low bioavailability, and limited applications in food, medicine, and other fields. It is very important to improve the solubility while maintaining the high activity of drugs. Liposomes are micro–vesicles synthesized from cholesterol and lecithin. With high biocompatibility and biodegradability, liposomes can significantly improve drug solubility, efficacy, and bioavailability. (2) Methods: In this work, CUR and TET were encapsulated with nano–liposomes and g DSPE–MPEG 2000 (DP)was added as a stabilizer to achieve better physicochemical properties, biosafety, and anti–tumor effects. (3) Results: The nano–liposome (CT–DP–Lip) showed stable particle size (under 100 nm) under different conditions, high solubility, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), release rate in vitro, and stability. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrated CT–DP–Lip had no significant toxicity on zebrafish. Tumor cytotoxicity test showed that CT–DP–Lip had a strong inhibitory effect on a variety of cancer cells. (4) Conclusions: This work showed that nano–liposomes can significantly improve the physical and chemical properties of CUR and TET and make them safer and more efficient.

A Worldwide Bibliometric Analysis of Tetrandrine Research in Recent Two Decades

Background: Tetrandrine has been the focus of many studies in recent years. Currently, no bibliometric study in this field has been published. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the articles on tetrandrine research from the WOS core database during the recent two decades.

Methods: Documents were retrieved for further bibliometric analysis based on the search terms: [TI = (Tetrandrine OR Sinomeninea OR Hanfangchin A) AND PY = (2000–2021)]. We used Microsoft Excel to conduct the frequency analysis, VOSviewer for data visualization, and RStudio for citation metrics and analysis. The standard bibliometric indicators such as the temporal trends and geographical distribution of publications and citations, prolific authors and co-authorship, keywords citation burst, preferred journals, top-cited articles, and important institutions were applied in this study.

Results: 490 documents were retrieved from WOS core database, the retrieved document type consists of 8 categories: 425 articles, 42 meeting abstracts, 8 reviews, 7 corrections, 3 editorial material, 2 proceedings paper, 1 letter, 1 retraction. Corrections and Retractions was excluded from this investigation, the left 482 document were included for furter bibliometric analysis.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, there was a continuous growth of publications on tetrandrine research for 22 years since 2000. China was the largest contributor to tetrandrine research, followed by the United States. The most influential author was Cheng Y (Natl Taiwan Univ Hosp). Acta Pharmacol Sin remained the main publication related to tetrandrine research. Chinese Academy of Sciences, is expected to be a good collaborating center in tetrandrine research. The use of tetrandrine in cancer treatment, could be the promising research subject areas to follow.

Transcriptome Analysis of Stephania tetrandra and Characterization of Norcoclaurine-6-O-Methyltransferase Involved in Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Biosynthesis

Stephania tetrandra (S. Moore) is a source of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, edema, and hypertension. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are the main bioactive compounds. However, the current understanding of the biosynthesis of BIAs in S. tetrandra is poor. Metabolite and transcriptomic analyses of the stem, leaf, xylem, and epidermis of S. tetrandra were performed to identify candidate genes associated with BIAs biosynthesis. According to the metabolite analysis, the majority of the BIAs accumulated in the root, especially in the epidermis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a total of 113,338 unigenes that were generated by de novo assembly. Among them, 79,638 unigenes were successfully annotated, and 42 candidate structural genes associated with 15 steps of BIA biosynthesis identified. Additionally, a new (S)-norcoclaurine-6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT) gene was identified in S. tetrandra, named St6OMT2. Recombinant St6OMT2 catalyzed (S)-norcoclaurine methylation to form (S)-coclaurine in vitro. Maximum activity of St6OMT2 was determined at 30°C and pH 6.0 in NaAc-HAc buffer. Its half-life at 50°C was 22 min with the K_m and k_cat of 28.2 μM and 1.5 s^-1, respectively. Our results provide crucial transcriptome information for S. tetrandra, shedding light on the understanding of BIAs biosynthesis and further gene functional characterization.

Intelligent Enhancement Algorithm-Based High Resolution CT Image in Evaluation of Expelling Wind and Relieving Cough and Asthma Prescription on Bronchial Asthma with High Immunoglobulin E Expression

The therapeutic effect of expelling wind and relieving cough and asthma prescription on bronchial asthma with high immunoglobulin E (IgE) expression was studied based on high resolution CT (HRCT) images of intelligent enhancement algorithm. 90 patients with bronchial asthma were randomly divided into control group ( $n=45$ ) and therapy group ( $n=45$ ). The control group was given budesonide inhalation. The therapy group was treated with expelling wind and relieving cough and asthma prescription on the basis of the treatment in the control group. Both groups were given 1 month of treatment time. The scanned images were processed by image enhancement algorithm, and the image quality and distribution separation measurement (DSM) were used as image evaluation indicators. The bronchial wall thickness (WT), inner diameter (L), wall area (WA), and percentage of wall area (WA%) were used as quantitative indicators of airway remodeling. The changes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) score before and after treatment were recorded and analyzed. The changes of serum IgE indicators before and after treatment were recorded. Results: the image quality of HRCT image enhancement algorithm was better, and the DSM was 36.7 larger than that of the control group. It was found that after 1 month of treatment, the TCM symptom score of the therapy group was lower than that of the control group ( $P<0.05$ ), and compared with the control group, the IgE level of the therapy group was also reduced. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the WT of segmental bronchial wall in the therapy group decreased, and the WT of left apical bronchus was smaller than that in the control group ( $P<0.05$ ), and the WT of subsegmental bronchus decreased significantly ( $P<0.05$ ). The $L$ of segmental bronchus and subsegmental bronchus in the therapy group was wider ( $P<0.05$ ). The WA of segmental bronchus and subsegmental bronchus decreased, but there was no statistical significance ( $P>0.05$ ). Compared with the control group, the WA percentage of segmental bronchus and the WA percentage of subsegmental bronchus in the therapy group were significantly lower ( $P<0.05$ ). In conclusion, image enhancement algorithm can improve the HRCT image quality of patients with bronchial asthma, which is helpful to improve the diagnostic efficiency in clinical treatment. Expelling wind and relieving cough and asthma prescription has a better therapeutic effect on bronchial asthma with high IgE expression.

Fangchinoline inhibited proliferation of neoplastic B-lymphoid cells and alleviated Sjögren's syndrome-like responses in NOD/Ltj mice via the Akt/mTOR pathway

Backgound: Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Stephania tetrandra S. Moore that is conventionally used as an analgesic, antirheumatic, and antihypertensive drug in China. However, the application of Fanchinoline in Sjögren syndrome (SS) remains unreported.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the potential role of Fangchinoline in the treatment of SS via altering Akt/mTOR signaling.

METHODS

First, we examined levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR in infiltrating lymphocytes of labial glands from SS patients by immunohistochemistry. Then, the effects of Fangchinoline on Raji cells and Daudi cells were investigated using the CCK-8 assay, and propidium iodide (PI)/RNase and Annexin V/PI staining. Western blotting was used to identify the levels of Akt, p-Akt(ser473), mTOR, and p-mTOR. For in vivo analyses, NOD/Ltj and wild-type ICR mice were treated with a Fangchinoline solution, a LY294002 solution (an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway) or their solvent for 28 days. Then, salivary flow assays and hematoxylin and eosin staining of submandibular glands were performed to determine the severity of SS-like responses in the mice.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical staining of labial glands from SS patients showed that activation of p-Akt and p-mTOR in infiltrating lymphocytes might be correlated with SS development. In vitro, Fangchinoline and LY294002 inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and promoted apoptosis in Raji and Daudi cells by altering Akt/mTOR signaling. In vivo, Fangchinoline and LY294002 significantly improved the salivary secretion by NOD/Ltj mice and reduced the number of lymphocytic foci in the submandibular glands.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that Fangchinoline could effectively inhibit the proliferation of neoplastic B-lymphoid cells and reduce SS-like responses in NOD/Ltj mice. Our study highlights the potential value of the clinical application of Fangchinoline for SS treatment.

Natural Products as Potential Lead Compounds for Drug Discovery Against SARS-CoV-2

For the past 2 years, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 infection has become a world pandemic, ruining the lives and economies of several nations in the world. This has scaled up research on the virus and the resulting infection with the goal of developing new vaccines and therapies. Natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, including against infectious diseases caused by microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungi). In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products with inhibitory concentrations against the coronaviruses or their target proteins, which lie below 10 µM. This led to the identification of 42 compounds belonging to the alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic, xanthone and saponin classes. The cut off concentration of 10 µM was to limit the study to the most potent chemical entities, which could be developed into therapies against the viral infection to make a contribution towards limiting the spread of the disease.

Neurobehavioral alternations of the female offspring born to polycystic ovary syndrome model rats administered by Chinese herbal medicine

Background

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has significant effects that improve the reproductive functions of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the intergenerational effects of CHM on offspring and the underlying mechanism of CHM remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and the underlying mechanism of CHM, specifically the Bu-Shen-Tian-Jing formula (BSTJF), on model rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the neurobehavioral alterations of female offspring born to PCOS rats administered BSTJF.

Methods

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) and network pharmacology analysis were performed to identify the active ingredients and potential targets of BSTJF. Moreover, PCOS model rats were used to validate the role of BSTJF in reproduction and progeny neural development and to confirm the network pharmacological targets.

Results

A total of 91 constituents were characterized from BSTJF. The 20 most significant KEGG pathways and the high-frequency genes of these pathways were predicted to be putative targets of these molecules. The rat experiment showed that the downregulation of FOS protein expression in the ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group was reversed by BSTJF. The target residence time of the 5-week-old female offspring of the BSTJF group was higher than that of the PCOS group in the water maze experiment. Compared to the PCOS group, the changes in dendritic spine density, ultrastructure of neurons and synapses, and Gabrb1 and Grin2b protein expression levels in the hippocampus of female offspring were partially reversed in the BSTJF group.

Conclusions

BSTJF can effectively improve ovarian follicle development in PCOS rats and has positive effects on pubertal neurobehavioral alterations in the female offspring of these rats by reversing dendritic spine density, the ultrastructure of neurons and synapses, and the Gabrb1 and Grin2b protein expression levels in the hippocampus.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00512-4.

An overview on the chemistry, pharmacology and anticancer properties of tetrandrine and fangchinoline (alkaloids) from Stephania tetrandra roots

Tetrandrine (TET) and fangchinoline (FAN) are dominant bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ) alkaloids from the roots of Stephania tetrandra of the family Menispermaceae. BBIQ alkaloids comprise two benzylisoquinoline units linked by oxygen bridges. The molecular structures of TET and FAN are exactly the same, except that TET has a methoxy (-OCH₃) group, while FAN has a hydroxyl (-OH) group at C7. In this overview, the current knowledge on the chemistry, pharmacology and anticancer properties of TET and FAN have been updated. The focus is on colon and breast cancer cells, because they are most susceptible to TET and FAN, respectively. Against colon cancer cells, TET inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest, and suppresses adhesion, migration and invasion of cells. Against breast cancer cells, FAN inhibits cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, G1-phase cell cycle arrest and inhibits cell migration. The processes involve various molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Some insights on the ability of TET and FAN to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancer cells and suggestions for future research are provided.

The Interrelationships between Intestinal Permeability and Phlegm Syndrome and Therapeutic Potential of Some Medicinal Herbs

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has an intriguing and critical role beyond digestion in both modern and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as demonstrated by its link with the immune system. In this review, we attempted to explore the interrelationships between increased GI permeability and phlegm, an important pathological factor in CAM, syndrome, and therapeutic herbs for two disorders. The leaky gut and phlegm syndromes look considerably similar with respect to related symptoms, diseases, and suitable herbal treatment agents, including phytochemicals even though limitations to compare exist. Phlegm may be spread throughout the body along with other pathogens via the disruption of the GI barrier to cause several diseases sharing some parts of symptoms, diseases, and mechanisms with leaky gut syndrome. Both syndromes are related to inflammation and gut microbiota compositions. Well-designed future research should be conducted to verify the interrelationships for evidence based integrative medicine to contribute to the promotion of public health. In addition, systems biology approaches should be adopted to explore the complex synergistic effects of herbal medicine and phytochemicals on conditions associated with phlegm and leaky gut syndromes.