Integration of organ metabolomics and proteomics in exploring the blood enriching mechanism of Danggui Buxue Decoction in hemorrhagic anemia rats

Elucidating the mechanism of action of Radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Radix Astragalus mongholicus Bunge ultrafiltration extract on radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis based on network pharmacology and experimental research

Myocardial fibrosis can induce cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. Great attention has been paid to traditional chinese medicine (TCM) 's effectiveness in treating MF. Radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Radix Astragalus mongholicus Bunge ultrafiltration extract (RAS-RA), which is a key TCM compound preparation, have high efficacy in regulating inflammation. However, studies on its therapeutic effect on radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) are rare. In this study, RAS-RA had therapeutic efficacy in RIMF and elucidated its mechanism of action. First, we formulated the prediction network that described the relation of RAS-RA with RIMF according to data obtained in different databases. Then, we conducted functional enrichment to investigate the functions and pathways associated with potential RIMF targets for RAS-RA. In vivo experiments were also performed to verify these functions and pathways. Second, small animal ultrasound examinations, H&E staining, Masson staining, transmission electron microscopy, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western-blotting, Immunohistochemical method and biochemical assays were conducted to investigate the possible key anti-RIMF pathway in RAS-RA. In total, 440 targets were detected in those 21 effective components of RAS-RA; meanwhile, 1,646 RIMF-related disease targets were also discovered. After that, PPI network analysis was conducted to identify 20 key targets based on 215 overlap gene targets. As indicated by the gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis results, inflammation and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways might have important effects on the therapeutic effects on RIMF. Molecular docking analysis revealed high binding of effective components to targets (affinity < -6 kcal/mol). Based on experimental verification results, RAS-RA greatly mitigated myocardial fibrosis while recovering the cardiac activity of rats caused by X-rays. According to relevant protein expression profiles, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was important for anti-fibrosis effect of RAS-RA. Experimental studies showed that RAS-RA improved cardiac function, decreased pathological damage and collagen fiber deposition in cardiac tissues, and improved the mitochondrial structure of the heart of rats. RAS-RA also downregulated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels. Additionally, RAS-RA improved the liver and kidney functions and pathological injury of rat kidney and liver tissues, enhanced liver and kidney functions, and protected the liver and kidneys. RAS-RA also increased PI3K, AKT and mTOR protein levels within cardiac tissues and downregulated α-SMA, Collagen I, and Collagen III. The findings of this study suggested that RAS-RA decreased RIMF by suppressing collagen deposition and inflammatory response by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Thus, RAS-RA was the potential therapeutic agent used to alleviate RIMF.

The therapeutic effect of wine-processed Corni Fructus on chronic renal failure in rats through the interference with the LPS/IL-1-mediated inhibition of RXR function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Corni Fructus, derived from the fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc, is a widely utilized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with established efficacy in the treatment of diverse chronic kidney diseases. Crude Corni Fructus (CCF) and wine-processed Corni Fructus (WCF) are the main processed forms of Corni Fructus. Generally, TCM is often used after processing (paozhi). Despite the extensive use of processed TCM, the underlying mechanisms of processing for most TCMs have been unclear so far.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, an integrated strategy combined renal metabolomics with proteomics was established and investigated the potential processing mechanisms of CCF or WCF on chronic renal failure (CRF) models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the differences in biochemical parameters and pathological histology were compared to evaluate the effects of CCF and WCF on CRF model rats. Then, the tissue differential metabolites and proteins between CCF and WCF on CRF model rats were screened based on metabolomics and proteomics technology. Concurrently, a combined approach of metabolomics and proteomics was employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms associated with these marker metabolic products and proteins.

RESULTS

Compared to the MG group, there were 27 distinct metabolites and 143 different proteins observed in the CCF-treatment group, while the WCF-treatment group exhibited 24 distinct metabolites and 379 different proteins. Further, the integration interactions analysis of the protein and lipid metabolite revealed that both WCF and CCF improved tryptophan degradation and LPS/IL-1-mediated inhibition of RXR function. WCF inhibited RXR function more than CCF via the modulation of LPS/IL-1 in the CRF model. Experimental results were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Notably, the gene expression amount and protein levels of FMO3 and CYP2E1 among 8 genes influenced by WCF were higher compared to CCF.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further study of Corni Fructus with different processing techniques in CRF. The findings also offer guidance for investigating the mechanism of action of herbal medicines in diseases employing diverse processing techniques.

Research state of the herbal medicine Huangqi (Radix Astragali): A global and bibliometric study

BACKGROUND

Huangqi (Radix Astragali) is a natural medicine with a wide range of uses. The research related to Huangqi is getting hotter and the number of publications is gradually increasing. This study aims to explore the current status and emerging trends of Huangqi-related research.

METHOD

Huangqi-related literature was systemically obtained from the Web of Science database. The CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and, R package "Bibliometrix" tools were used to analyze the number of publications, countries, research institutions, journals, authors, keywords, references, and trends.

RESULTS

A total of 2255 papers were retrieved for analysis. These papers were written by 11,247 authors from 1927 institutions in 71 countries, published in 570 journals, and cited 73,534 references from 11,553 journals. From 1999 to 2022, the number of publications gradually increased. China was the country with the highest number of publications. The most prolific institution was Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine was the journal publishing the most Huangqi-related literature. Dr Karl Wah Keung Tsim was the authors with the most output publications. The Review, entitle "Review of the Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceous (Huangqi)," was the reference being cited most frequently. The major keywords were apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Gut microbiota and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions were new research hotspots in recent years.

CONCLUSION

This study used quantitative and visual analysis of Huangqi to provide insights into the research priorities, frontier research hotspots, and future research trends in this field.

Gemcitabine enhances pharmacokinetic exposure of the major components of Danggui Buxue Decoction in rat via the promotion of intestinal permeability and down-regulation of CYP3A for combination treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

CONTEXT

Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has the potential to enhance the antitumor effect of gemcitabine in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment by increasing gemcitabine's active metabolites. However, whether gemcitabine affects the pharmacokinetics of DBD's major components remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the herb-drug interaction between DBD's major components and gemcitabine and validates the underlying pharmacokinetic mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pharmacokinetics of 3.6 g/kg DBD with and without a single-dose administration of 50 mg/kg gemcitabine was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of gemcitabine on intestinal permeability, hepatic microsomal enzymes in rat tissues, and CYP3A overexpressing HepG2 cells were determined using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The combination of gemcitabine significantly altered the pharmacokinetic profiles of DBD's major components in rats. The Cmax and AUC of calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside notably increased through sodium-glucose transporter 1 (SGLT-1) expression promotion. The AUC of ligustilide and ferulic acid was also significantly elevated with the elimination half-life (t1/2) prolonged by 2.4-fold and 7.8-fold, respectively, by down-regulating hepatic CYP3A, tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin expression.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine could modulate the pharmacokinetics of DBD's major components by increasing intestinal permeability, enhancing transporter expression, and down-regulating CYP3A. These findings provide critical information for clinical research on DBD as an adjuvant for NSCLC with gemcitabine and help make potential dosage adjustments more scientifically and rationally.

Danggui Buxue decoction alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression by regulating β-hydroxybutyric acid metabolism and suppressing oxidative stress

CONTEXT

Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) is an effective complementary medicine in alleviating myelosuppression after chemotherapy (MAC). However, its mechanism of action is elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate that regulating β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-OHB) metabolism and suppressing oxidative stress could be a potential mechanism of action for DBD in alleviating MAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After HPLC quantification and dose testing (3, 6 and 10 g/kg, gavage) of DBD, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, cyclophosphamide (CTX) (30 mg/kg CTX for 5 days, intraperitoneal administration) and CTX + DBD groups (6 g/kg DBD for 14 days, gavage). Blood cell counts, thigh bone histological examination, β-OHB levels, oxidative stress indices and HDAC1 activity were tested. The biological function of β-OHB was verified in vitro (hBMSC cells were incubated in culture mediums that contained 40 μM CTX and β-OHB in 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mM) and in vivo (MAC rat model, 3 g/kg β-OHB for 14 days, gavage).

RESULTS

Rats in the CTX + DBD group showed upregulated blood cell counts (118-243%), β-OHB levels (495 nmol/mL in blood, 122 nmol/mg in marrow supernatant) and downregulated HDAC1 activity (59%), and oxidative stress indices (60-85%). In vitro, 5 mM β-OHB improved hBMSC cell migration (123%) and proliferation (131%). In vivo, rats treated with 3 g/kg β-OHB showed upregulated blood cell counts (121-182%) and downregulated HDAC1 activity (64%) and oxidative stress indices (65-83%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

DBD, a traditional Chinese medicine, alleviates MAC by intervening in β-OHB metabolism and oxidative stress.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles reveal the protective mechanism of modified Danggui Buxue decoction on radiation-induced leukopenia in mice

Leukopenia caused by radiation hinders the continuous treatment of cancers. Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) has been widely used in clinical owing to low toxicity and definite therapeutic effects to increase leukocytes. Meanwhile, icaritin (ICT) has also been proved to have the effect of boosting peripheral blood cells proliferation. However, there is no study to prove the efficacy of MDBD (Modified Danggui Buxue Decoction), a derivative herbal formula composed of DBD and ICT, in the treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia. In this study, we performed a model of 3.5 Gy whole-body radiation to induce leukopenia in mice. The results of pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that MDBD could significantly increase the white blood cells in peripheral blood by improving the activity of bone marrow nuclear cells, reducing bone marrow damage, modulating spleen index, and regulating hematopoietic factors to alleviate leukopenia. We also analyzed the integrated results of metabolomics and transcriptomics and found that MDBD could relieve leukopenia and alleviate bone marrow damage by targeting steroid biosynthesis and IL-17 signaling pathway, in which the key genes are Jun, Cxcl2 and Egr1. Therefore, our study provides a basis for the effectiveness and compatibility in the combination of traditional Chinese medicine formula and small molecule drugs.

Effect of different cooking methods on saponin content and hematopoietic effects of Panax notoginseng-steamed chicken on mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax notoginseng-steamed chicken (PNSC) is a medicinal food with ethnic characteristics developed by the Miao ethnic group in the southeast of Yunnan Province, China. PNSC has been eaten for hundreds of years, and its tonic effect has been widely recognized by the people. However, its cooking conditions and scientific connotation of its effect of toning blood and supplementing deficiency are also lack of in-depth analysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To optimize the cooking conditions of Panax notoginseng-steamed chicken (PNSC) and to explore its anemia-improving effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ratio of P. notoginseng (PN) to chicken and the steaming time were systematically altered, and the PNSC cooking conditions was optimized with the response surface method. By establishing animal models of postpartum blood-deficiency anemia, acute hemorrhagic anemia and myelosuppressive anemia, the blood replenishing effect of PNSC was explored, and the blood replenishing mechanism of PNSC on myelosuppressive anemia was revealed by immunoblotting analyses and histopathological sectioning.

RESULTS

The optimal processing conditions included a ratio of chicken to P. notoginseng of 100:5 and a steaming time of 5.5 h. The amounts of P. notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPS), total protein and blood-enriching P. notoginseng saponins were 44.3 mg/g, 2.48% and 2.04%, respectively. Freeze-dried powder of P. notoginseng steamed chicken soup (FPSC) was found to promote the recovery of routine blood factors and organ indexes in the three models of anemia and to activate the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway, induce phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT5 and normalize the secretion of hematopoietic regulators EPO, IL-3, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

FPSC improves the symptoms of anemia in mice, and it plays a role in tonifying blood by activating the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway and altering the expression of hematopoiesis-related factors.

Exploring the mechanism of Taohong Siwu Decoction on the treatment of blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by gut microbiota combined with metabolomics

BACKGROUND

Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) is a prescription which included in the "List of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (First Batch)" issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the National Medical Products Administration of the People's Republic of China. THSWD is effective and widely applied clinically for many diseases caused by blood deficiency and stasis syndrome in TCM, such as primary dysmenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and diabetes.

METHODS

The TCM model of blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome was prepared by ice water bath combined with cyclophosphamide, and the rats were randomly divided into control group, blood deficiency, and blood stasis model group, positive group, and THSWD treatment group. Pharmacodynamics measured the blood routine, blood coagulation, and other related indexes in rats. UHPLC-MS technology was used to analyze the changes in the fingerprints of metabolites in the plasma of rats with blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and combined with mass spectrometry information and public database retrieval, to find potential biomarkers for screening metabolites. At the same time, 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to identify intestinal flora, and statistical analysis was used to find differences in strain diversity between groups.

RESULTS

THSWD administration can significantly improve the physical signs, blood routine, and hematopoietic factors caused by the blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome model, and improve the symptoms of blood deficiency. The results of the general pharmacological studies showed THSWD groups improved changes in blood plasma viscosity and coagulation-related factors caused by modeling, and improved coagulation function significantly. The metabolomic analysis found that compared to the model group, THSWD exerted better effects on β-alanine, taurine, L-tyrosine, L-arginine, Eugenol, sodium deoxycholate, and deethylatrazine. Twenty-three potential differential metabolites showed intervention effects, mainly involved in eight metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Gut microbiota data showed that, compared to the control group, the relative abundance and value of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota of the blood deficiency and blood stasis model group was significantly reduced, while the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Spirochaetota, Proteobacteria, Campilobacterota, and other pathogenic bacteria was significantly increased. Following THSWD intervention, the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased. Correlation analysis between the gut microbiota and differential metabolites showed that the two are closely related. THSWD affected the host blood system through mutual adjustment of these two factors, and improved blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats.

CONCLUSION

The blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome model of TCM disease caused by ice bath combined with cyclophosphamide lead to changes in the pharmacology, metabolomics, and gut microbiota. The intervention of THSWD can improve the symptoms caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis. The mechanism is mainly through the regulation of platelet function and amino acid metabolism.

Enhancement of intestinal mucosal immunity and immune response to the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine by oral administration of danggui buxue decoction

This study investigated the effect of Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) on the immunity of an O-type foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine and intestinal mucosal immunity. SPF KM mice were continuously and orally administered DBD for 5 d and then inoculated with an O-type FMD vaccine. The contents of a specific IgG antibody and its isotypes IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 in serum and SIgA in duodenal mucosa were determined by ELISA at 1 and 3 W after the 2^nd immunization. qRT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-33 in the spleen, and mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-33 in the duodenum. The results showed that compared with the control group, oral administration of DBD significantly increased levels of the anti-FMD virus (FMDV)-specific antibodies IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the serum of O-type FMD vaccine-immunized mice 1 W after the 2^nd immunization (P < 0.05), upregulated mRNA expression levels of spleen lymphocyte cytokines IL-4 and IL-33 (P < 0.05), promoted the secretion of SIgA in duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, and IL-33 in duodenal tissues were upregulated (P < 0.05). This study indicates that DBD has a good promotion effect on the O-type FMD vaccine and the potential to be an oral immune booster.

Mechanism of Shiliu Buxue Syrup for anemia using integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology

For many years, Shiliu Buxue Syrup (SLBXS) has been used in the treatment of anemia in Xinjiang, China. However, the potential therapeutic mechanism of SLBXS in the treatment of anemia remains unclear. We qualitatively analyzed the ingredients of SLBXS and predicted the underlying mechanisms by network pharmacology. A mice model of anemia was established by subcutaneous injection of 1-Acetyl-2-phenylhydrazine (APH). Spleen metabolomics was performed to screen potential biomarkers and pathways related to anemia. Furthermore, core targets of crucial pathways were experimentally validated. Finally, molecular docking was used for predicting interactions between compositions and targets. Network pharmacology indicated that the 230 SLBXS ingredients may affect 141 target proteins to regulate the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Metabolomics revealed that SLBXS could mediate 30 biomarkers, such as phosphoric acid, l-pyroglutamic acid, alpha-Tocopherol, 1-stearoyl-rac-glycerol, and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, to regulate drug metabolism-other enzymes, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and purine metabolism. Western blot indicated that SLBXS can regulate the protein expression levels of AKT1, Bcl2, Caspase3, HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and NOS2. The molecular docking revealed that most of the compositions had a good binding ability to the core targets. Based on these findings, we speculate that SLBXS treats anemia mainly by modulating the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 pathways and glutathione and glycolytic metabolisms.

Blood-Enriching Effects and Immune-Regulation Mechanism of Steam-Processed Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharide in Blood Deficiency Syndrome Mice

Polygonatum sibiricum Red. has been used as a medicinal herb and nutritional food in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. It must be processed prior to clinical use for safe and effective applications. However, the present studies mainly focused on crude Polygonatum sibiricum (PS). This study aimed to investigate the chemical properties, blood-enriching effects and mechanism of polysaccharide from the steam-processed Polygonatum sibiricum (SPS), which is a common form of PS in clinical applications. Instrumentation analyses and chemistry analyses revealed the structure of SPS polysaccharide (SPSP). A mice model of blood deficiency syndrome (BDS) was induced by acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and cyclophosphamide (CTX). Blood routine test, spleen histopathological changes, serum cytokines, etc. were measured. The spleen transcriptome changes of BDS mice were detected by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that SPSP consists predominantly of Gal and GalA together with fewer amounts of Man, Glc, Ara, Rha and GlcN. It could significantly increase peripheral blood cells, restore the splenic trabecular structure, and reverse hematopoietic cytokines to normal levels. RNA-seq analysis showed that 122 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained after SPSP treatment. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that SPSP-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in hematopoiesis, immune regulation signaling pathways. The reliability of transcriptome profiling was validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, and the results indicated that the potential molecular mechanisms of the blood-enriching effects of SPSP might be associated with the regulating of JAK1-STAT1 pathway, and elevated the hematopoietic cytokines (EPO, G-CSF, TNF-α and IL-6). This work provides important information on the potential mechanisms of SPSP against BDS.

Exploring the mechanism of Buxue Yimu Pill on hemorrhagic anemia through molecular docking, network pharmacology and experimental validation

Buxue Yimu Pill (BYP) is a classic gynecological medicine in China, which is composed of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Colla corii asini and Citrus reticulata Blanco. It has been widely used in clinical therapy with the function of enriching Blood, nourishing Qi, and removing blood stasis. The current study was designed to determine the bioactive molecules and therapeutic mechanism of BYP against hemorrhagic anemia. Herein, GC-MS and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS were employed to identify the chemical compounds from BYP. The genecards database (https: //www.genecards.org/) was used to obtain the potential target proteins related to hemorrhagic anemia. Autodock/Vina was adopted to evaluate the binding ability of protein receptors and chemical ligands. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted using the ClusterProfiler. As a result, a total of 62 candidate molecules were identified and 152 targets related to hemorrhagic anemia were obtained. Furthermore, 34 active molecules and 140 targets were obtained through the virtual screening experiment. The data of molecular-target (M-T), target-pathway (T-P), and molecular-target-pathway (M-T-P) network suggested that 32 active molecules enhanced hematopoiesis and activated the immune system by regulating 57 important targets. Pharmacological experiments showed that BYP significantly increased the counts of RBC, HGB, and HCT, and significantly down-regulated the expression of EPO, IL-6, CSF3, NOS2, VEGFA, PDGFRB, and TGFB1. The results also showed that leonurine, leonuriside B, leosibiricin, ononin, rutin, astragaloside I, riligustilide and levistolide A, were the active molecules closely related to enriching Blood. In conclusion, based on molecular docking, network pharmacology and validation experiment results, the enriching blood effect of BYP on hemorrhagic anemia may be associated with hematopoiesis, anti-inflammation, and immunity enhancement.

Anticonstriction Effect of MCA in Rats by Danggui Buxue Decoction

Objective: Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD), consisting of Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) and Astragali Radix (AR), is a famous prescription with the function of antivasoconstriction. This study intends to probe its mechanisms on the relaxation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Methods: Vascular tension of rat MCA was measured using a DMT620 M system. First, the identical series of concentrations of DBD, ASR, and AR were added into resting KCl and U46619 preconstricted MCA. According to the compatibility ratio, their dilatation effects were further investigated on KCl and U46619 preconstricted vessels. Third, four K⁺ channel blockers were employed to probe the vasodilator mechanism on KCl-contracted MCA. We finally examined the effects of DBD, ASR, and AR on the vascular tone of U46619-contracted MCA in the presence or absence of Ca²⁺.

Results: Data suggested that DBD, ASR, and AR can relax on KCl and U46619 precontracted MCA with no effects on resting vessels. The vasodilator effect of ASR was greater than those of DBD and AR on KCl-contracted MCA. For U46619-contracted MCA, ASR showed a stronger vasodilator effect than DBD and AR at low concentrations, but DBD was stronger than ASR at high concentrations. Amazingly, the vasodilator effect of DBD was stronger than that of AR at all concentrations on two vasoconstrictors which evoked MCA. The vasodilator effect of ASR was superior to that of DBD at a compatibility ratio on KCl-contracted MCA at low concentrations, while being inferior to DBD at high concentrations. However, DBD exceeded AR in vasodilating MCA at all concentrations. For U46619-constricted MCA, DBD, ASR, and AR had almost identical vasodilation. The dilation of DBD and AR on KCl-contracted MCA was independent of K⁺ channel blockers. However, ASR may inhibit the K⁺ channel opening partially through synergistic interactions with Gli and BaCl₂. DBD, ASR, and AR may be responsible for inhibiting [Ca²⁺]_out, while ASR and AR can also inhibit [Ca²⁺]_in.

Conclusion: DBD can relax MCA with no effects on resting vessels. The mechanism may be related to ASR’s inhibition of K_ATP and K_ir channels. Meanwhile, the inhibition of [Ca²⁺]_out by DBD, ASR, and AR as well as the inhibition of [Ca²⁺]_in by ASR and AR may contribute to dilate MCA.

Ultrafiltration Extract of Radix Angelica Sinensis and Radix Hedysari Attenuates Risk of Low-Dose X-Ray Radiation-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis In Vitro

The risk of radiation-induced heart damage (RIHD) is a growing concern since recent advances in radiation therapy (RT) for cancer treatments have significantly improved the number of survivors. Radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) is the final pathological condition of RIHD and main change leading to serious cardiovascular complications following RT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrafiltration extract of Radix Angelica Sinensis and Radix Hedysari (RAS-RH) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of cardiac fibroblasts after X-irradiation in vitro. The RAS-RH extract was from the Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) in TCM. Primary cardiac fibroblasts were irradiated with 1 Gy X-ray to evaluate the effect of RAS-RH on the expression levels of cell proliferation, apoptosis, ROS, and fibrotic molecules. Our data demonstrated that X-irradiation at 1 Gy resulted in the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts; RAS-RH attenuated the myocardial fibrosis. Furthermore, X-ray radiation reduced the apoptosis of cardiac fibroblasts; RAS-RH accelerated the apoptosis of these cells after irradiation. In addition, the damage driven by ROS in primary cardiac fibroblasts after irradiation was weakened by RAS-RH and the expression of TGF-β1, Col1, and α-SMA increased after irradiation; RAS-RH decreased the expression of these makers. Overall, these data indicate that low-dose X-ray irradiation boosts myocardial fibrosis, and the effect of RAS-RH protects against fibrosis via attenuating the proliferation and accelerating the apoptosis of myocardial fibroblasts after X-irradiation.