Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of muscone

Bioactive metabolites identification of the foxnut and broken millet-based nutritional bar using HR-MS

The by-products of the grain processing industry are a vital resource for the valorization methods in the food industry. In comparison to the whole grain, the broken kernels and seeds own similar nutrient and bioactive compounds having multifaceted health properties. This study aims to develop a nutritional bar by utilizing the by-products from barnyard millet and foxnut with added sweeteners. Furthermore, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) metabolomics was carried out in positive and negative both ion modes to identify the major bioactive compounds formed in the matrix of the best-optimized valorized bar. The formulation of the bar having 15 % foxnut flour and the barnyard flour each, was elucidated highest rheological and sensory scores. A sum of 29 bioactive metabolites has been observed in the obtained metabolome. Major metabolites were palmitoyl serinol, glycitein, persin, bufagargarizin, apigenin, carvone, etc. covering a wide area in the mass spectrum. The therapeutic value of these compounds is heart health promotion, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, etc. This work highlights the bioactivity of the valorized nutritional bar employing robust and accurate tool of mass spectrometry. The developed snack is a functional food for the consumers.

Revealing the effects and mechanism of wine processing on Corni Fructus using chemical characterization integrated with multi-dimensional analyses

Corni fructus (CF) is always subjected to wine processing before prescription in clinic, for an enhancing effect of nourishing liver and kidney. While, the underlying mechanism for this processing on CF remains obscure. In this study, a sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method combined multi-dimensional analyses was established to monitor chemical characterizations of raw and wine-processed CF (WCF) and hence reveal the effects and underlying mechanism of wine processing on CF. As indicated, a total of 216 compounds were tentatively identified, including 98 structurally complex and variable home/hetero-polymers, that were composed of iridoid glucosides, gallic acids, caffeic acid and/or 5-HMF. Interestingly, 53 of these compounds probably characterized potential novel, including 35 iridoid glucosides or their dimers, 9 iridoid glucoside-gallic acid dimers, 7 gallic acids derivatives and 2 gallic acid-caffeic acid dimers, which provides ideas for natural product researchers. Meanwhile, the multi-dimensional analyses including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and linear regression analysis were used to explore the differences between CF and WCF. The results showed that 23 compounds as chemical markers greatly contributing to the distinction were screened out, and 3 of which (7α/β-O-ethyl-morroniside, gallic acid and 5-HMF) in WCF indicated an increasing trend in intensities in relative to those in CF. Additionally, linear regression analysis showed that in WCF 53 compounds exhibited an increasing in intensities, while 132 ones did a decreasing trend, compared with those in CF. As our investigation demonstrated, acetal reaction of morroniside, ester hydrolysis in different organic acid derivatives as well as glycoside bond cleavage during wine processing probably resulted in the distinctions. The findings of this study provide a further understanding of the effect and mechanism of wine processing on CF.

Integrated mRNA-miRNA transcriptome profiling of blood immune responses potentially related to pulmonary fibrosis in forest musk deer

Background

Forest musk deer (FMD, Moschus Berezovskii) is a critically endangered species world-widely, the death of which can be caused by pulmonary disease in the farm. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) was a huge threat to the health and survival of captive FMD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have been involved in the regulation of immune genes and disease development. However, the regulatory profiles of mRNAs and miRNAs involved in immune regulation of FMD are unclear.

Methods

In this study, mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq in blood were performed to constructed coexpression regulatory networks between PF and healthy groups of FMD. The hub immune- and apoptosis-related genes in the PF blood of FMD were explored through Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of immune-associated and apoptosis-associated key signaling pathways were constructed based on mRNA-miRNA in the PF blood of the FMD. Immune hub DEGs and immune hub DEmiRNAs were selected for experimental verification using RT-qPCR.

Results

A total of 2744 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 356 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified in the PF blood group compared to the healthy blood group. Among them, 42 DEmiRNAs were negatively correlated with 20 immune DEGs from a total of 57 correlations. The DEGs were significantly associated with pathways related to CD molecules, immune disease, immune system, cytokine receptors, T cell receptor signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, intestinal immune network for IgA production, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. There were 240 immune-related DEGs, in which 186 immune-related DEGs were up-regulated and 54 immune-related DEGs were down-regulated. In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of immune-related signaling pathway, TYK2, TLR2, TLR4, IL18, CSF1, CXCL13, LCK, ITGB2, PIK3CB, HCK, CD40, CD86, CCL3, CCR7, IL2RA, TLR3, and IL4R were identified as the hub immune genes. The mRNA-miRNA coregulation analysis showed that let-7d, miR-324-3p, miR-760, miR-185, miR-149, miR-149-5p, and miR-1842-5p are key miRNAs that target DEGs involved in immune disease, immune system and immunoregulation.

Conclusion

The development and occurrence of PF were significantly influenced by the immune-related and apoptosis-related genes present in PF blood. mRNAs and miRNAs associated with the development and occurrence of PF in the FMD.

Muscone inhibits the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in mice aorta by inhibiting the NF-κB/p65 pathway

Atherosclerosis (AS) is considered to be one of the main pathogenic factors of coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction and peripheral vascular disease. Oxidative stress and inflammation run through the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular events. Muscone is a natural extract of deer musk and also the main physiological active substance of musk. This study investigated the impact of muscone on atherosclerosis. ApoE-/- mice were used to establised AS model and injected with low-dose (4 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (8 mg/kg/day) of muscone intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Then aortic tissues were collected, and pathological sections of the aorta were prepared for oil red staining, HE and masson staining. The changes of MDA, SOD, VCAM-1, NF-κB, and TNF-α were observed by Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that high-dose muscone could effectively reduce the plaque area/aortic root area and relative atherosclerotic area, reduce the collagen composition in plaque tissue. In addition, we also found that high-dose muscone can effectively increase MDA level, reduce the level of SOD, and inhibit the expression of VCAM-1, NF-κB/p65, TNF-α in arterial plaques. Our results indicate that the administration of muscone has the benefit of inhibiting atherosclerosis. The potential mechanisms may be associated with antioxidant effect and inhibition of inflammatory reaction in arterial plaques. With the increasing understanding of the relationship between muscone and atherosclerosis, muscone has high potential value as a new drug to treat atherosclerosis.

Visualizing research trends and identifying hotspots of herbal components for treating cardiovascular diseases: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the global research trends in herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) from 2000 to 2023. A bibliometric approach was employed to analyze international collaborations, knowledge structures, emerging trends, and research frontiers.

METHOD

The Web of Science (WOS) core collection was utilized as the database, employing the search formula (((TS = (traditional Chinese medicine)) OR TS = (Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient)) OR TS = (Chinese herbal medicinal constituent)) AND TS = (cardiovascular disease) to conduct the search. The search period spanned from January 1, 2000, to February 14, 2023, and the literature type included articles and reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 1478 papers were included in the analysis after searching the WOS database and excluding conference proceedings, news articles, retractions, editorials, and letters. China demonstrated the highest number of publications, followed by the United States and Taiwan (China). The institution with the highest publications was the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. China, the United States, and India were the main countries involved in research in this field, and there was significant collaboration among them. The hotspots related to herbal components for treating cardiovascular diseases from 2000 to 2023 included systematic reviews, ischemic reperfusion injury, global burden, type 2 diabetes, and protection.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides a reference for the future development of herbal research in cardiovascular aspects by revealing the current status, hotspots, and trends of global herbal research in cardiovascular factors over more than 20 years. Identification of potential collaborators and institutions can assist researchers in exploring new directions for future research and discovering new perspectives for potential collaborations in this field.

Effect of woohwangchungsimwon and donepezil co-treatment on cognitive function and serum metabolic profiles in a scopolamine-induced model of Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Woohwangchungsimwon (WCW) is a traditional medicine used in East Asian countries to treat central nervous system disorders. Reported pharmacological properties include antioxidant effects, enhanced learning and memory, and protection against ischemic neuronal cell death, supporting its use in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to assess the effects of co-treatment with WCW and donepezil on cognitive functions and serum metabolic profiles in a scopolamine-induced AD model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured in amyloid β-peptide25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced SH-SY5Y cells. An AD model was established in ICR mice by intraperitoneal scopolamine administration. Animals underwent the step-through passive avoidance test (PAT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Hippocampal tissues were collected to examine specific protein expression. Serum metabolic profiles were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Co-treatment with WCW and donepezil increased cell viability and reduced ROS production in Aβ25-35-induced SH-SY5Y cells compared to that with donepezil treatment alone. Co-treatment improved cognitive functions and was comparable to donepezil treatment alone in the PAT and MWM tests. Pathways related to tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism were altered by co-treatment. Levels of tyrosine and methionine, major serum metabolites in these pathways, were significantly reduced after co-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-treatment with WCW and donepezil shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for AD and is comparable to donepezil alone in improving cognitive function. Reduced tyrosine and methionine levels after co-treatment may enhance cognitive function by mitigating hypertyrosinemia and hyperhomocysteinemia, known risk factors for AD. The serum metabolic profiles obtained in this study can serve as a foundation for developing other bioactive compounds using a scopolamine-induced mouse model.

Cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors directly involves in the neuroprotection of muscone by inducing Ca2+ antagonism and maintaining mitochondrial function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Musk, a traditional Chinese medicine, is broadly used in inducing resuscitation and refreshing the mind, activating blood and alleviating pain. It is commonly used for the treatment of ischemic stroke, and muscone is its core medicinal component.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore whether muscone ameliorates neuronal damage through cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of muscone were tested in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) as well as injured neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in PC12 cells. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to measure the cell viability, and the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) were examined by kit. 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) and Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) staining were used to demonstrate effect of muscone on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular Ca2+ measurement in cells respectively, in which all of those staining was visualized by laser confocal microscope. For in vivo experiments, rats' cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler blood flowmetry to evaluate the MCAO model, and a modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was used to assess the recovery of neurological function. Calculate infarct rate was measured by 2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining. Except DCFH-DA and Fluo-4 AM staining, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining was used to observe intracellular Ca2+ measurement in brain cells. Protein levels in cells and tissues were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with muscone significantly improved the cell viability, lactic acid production, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and function, Ca2+ overload, ROS generation, and cell apoptosis in OGD PC12 cells. Muscone also regulated PI3K, ERK and AKT signal pathways by activating cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors in PC12 cells induced with OGD. More importantly, the blocking of cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors by atropine significantly reduces the neuroprotective effects of muscone, including the cell viability, Ca2+ efflux, and mitochondrial repair. Furthermore, muscone was found to effectively alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated levels of ROS induced by the MCAO in the brain tissue. Notably, this beneficial effect of muscone was attenuated by atropine but not by (+)-Sparteine.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that muscone exerts its neuroprotective effects by activating muscarinic receptors of cholinergic signaling, thus providing a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OGD-induced nerve injury in stroke. The findings suggest that these treatments may hold potential benefits for stroke patients.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1: Regulatory mechanisms and drug therapy in myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI), an acute cardiovascular disease characterized by coronary artery blockage, inadequate blood supply, and subsequent ischemic necrosis of the myocardium, is one of the leading causes of death. The cellular, physiological, and pathological responses following MI are complex, involving multiple intertwined pathological mechanisms. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a crucial regulator of hypoxia, plays a significant role in of the development of MI by modulating the behavior of various cells such as cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions. HIF-1 regulates various post-MI adaptive reactions to acute ischemia and hypoxia through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include angiogenesis, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and ventricular remodeling. With its crucial role in MI, HIF-1 is expected to significantly influence the treatment of MI. However, the drugs available for the treatment of MI targeting HIF-1 are currently limited, and most contain natural compounds. The development of precision-targeted drugs modulating HIF-1 has therapeutic potential for advancing MI treatment research and development. This study aimed to summarize the regulatory role of HIF-1 in the pathological responses of various cells following MI, the diverse mechanisms of action of HIF-1 in MI, and the potential drugs targeting HIF-1 for treating MI, thus providing the theoretical foundations for potential clinical therapeutic targets.

Muscone inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy through the STAT3, MAPK and TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Muscone is a chemical monomer derived from musk. Although many studies have confirmed the cardioprotective effects of muscone, the effects of muscone on cardiac hypertrophy and its potential mechanisms are unclear.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of muscone on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, we found for the first time that muscone exerted inhibitory effects on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac injury in mice. Cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography measurement, and the degree of cardiac fibrosis was determined by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Masson trichrome staining and western blot assay. Secondly, qRT-PCR experiment showed that muscone attenuated cardiac injury by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, western blot analysis found that muscone exerted cardio-protective effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of key proteins in the STAT3, MAPK and TGF-β/SMAD pathways. In addition, CCK-8 and determination of serum biochemical indexes showed that no significant toxicity or side effects of muscone on normal cells and organs.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscone could attenuate Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, in part, by inhibiting the STAT3, MAPK, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways.

Muscone ameliorates myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion injury by promoting myocardial glycolysis

Objective

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing yearly. With the use of thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction has been significantly reduced. However, reperfusion can cause additional myocardial injury. There is still a lack of effective drugs to treat I/R injury, and it is urgent to find new therapeutic drugs.

Methods

In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict potential targets and biological processes involved in Muscone-mediated treatment of acute myocardial infarction. To model ischemia‒reperfusion injury, a hypoxia-reoxygenation model and in vivo ischemia‒reperfusion injury C57BL/6 mice model was constructed. Mice were treated with Muscone i.p. for 4 weeks. We detected the cardiac function on day 28.The expression levels of the apoptotic proteins Caspase-3 and Bax and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were detected by immunoblotting after Muscone treatment of AC16 cells and in vivo. Additionally, the gene expression levels of the PUMA and p53 were analyzed by qRT‒PCR. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding energy between Muscone and NLRP3-related proteins. Immunoblotting and qRT‒PCR were used to assess the expression levels of NLRP3 signaling pathway-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) and the NLRP3 gene, respectively. Moreover, the extracellular acidification rate of AC16 cells was measured using the Seahorse system to evaluate glycolysis levels after Muscone treatment. The expression of the key glycolytic enzyme PKM2 was analyzed by immunoblotting and qRT‒PCR. Finally, ChIP‒qPCR was performed to determine the levels of histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and H2AK119Ub) in the PKM2 promoter region.

Results

GO functional enrichment analysis revealed that muscone was involved in regulating the biological processes (BP) of AMI, which mainly included negative regulation of the apoptosis signaling pathway, the response to lipopolysaccharide, and blood pressure regulation. The cellular components (CC) involved in muscone-mediated regulation of AMI mainly included lipid rafts, membrane microdomains, and membrane regions. The molecular functions (MF) involved in muscone-mediated regulation of AMI mainly included oxidoreductase activity, nuclear receptor activity, and transcription factor activity. In vitro results indicated that muscone treatment could inhibit the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 in AC16 cells after ischemia‒reperfusion while increasing the expression level of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Muscone significantly suppressed the transcription levels of p53 and PUMA in AC16 cells. Molecular docking suggested that muscone could bind well with the Cryo-EM structure of NEK7(PDB ID:6NPY). Further investigation of inflammatory pathways revealed that muscone could inhibit the expression level of NLRP3 in AC16 cells and reduce the expression levels of Caspase-1 and Caspase recruitment domain. Fluorescent quantitative PCR experiments showed that muscone significantly inhibited the transcription of NLRP3. Moreover, we found that muscone could enhance the glycolytic efficiency of AC16 cells, which may be related to the increased protein expression of PKM2 in AC16 cells. Fluorescent quantitative PCR showed that muscone could increase the transcription level of PKM2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that muscone treatment increased the expression level of H3K4me3 in the PKM2 promoter region and inhibited the levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119Ub in the PKM2 promoter region.

Conclusion

Muscone promoted myocardial glycolysis and inhibited NLRP3 pathway activation to improve myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion injury.

Muscone attenuates susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in rats after myocardial infarction

Fibrosis and abnormal expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the ventricle play vital roles in ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) after myocardial infarction (MI). Muscone, an active monomer of heart-protecting musk pill, has various biological activities, but its effect on susceptibility to VAs in rats with MI has not been determined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of muscone on ventricular inflammation, fibrosis, Cx43 expression, and the occurrence of VAs after MI. An MI model was established by ligating the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, the MI model rats were administered muscone (2 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (saline)via intragastric injection for 14 days. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and an in vivo electrophysiological study was performed on Day 14. Cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and Cx43 expression were determined by histochemical analysis and western blot analysis. Our results indicated that muscone treatment significantly improved cardiac function and inhibited ventricular inflammation, fibrosis, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Electrocardiogrphy and electrophysiology studies showed that muscone shortened the QRS interval, QT interval, QTc interval, and action potential duration; prolonged the effective refractory period; and reduced susceptibility to VAs in rats after MI. Furthermore, Cx43 expression in the BZ was increased by muscone treatment, and this change was coupled by inhibition of the NLRP3/IL-1β/p38 MAPK pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrated that muscone reduces susceptibility to VA, mainly by decreasing ventricular inflammation and fibrosis, and attenuates abnormal Cx43 expression by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation after myocardial infarction in rats.

Role of autophagy in the pathogenesis and regulation of pain

Pain is a ubiquitous and highly concerned clinical symptom, usually caused by peripheral or central nervous injury, tissue damage, or other diseases. The long-term existence of pain can seriously affect daily physical function and quality of life and produce great torture on the physiological and psychological levels. However, the complex pathogenesis of pain involving molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways has not been fully elucidated, and managing pain remains highly challenging. As a result, finding new targets to pursue effective and long-term pain treatment strategies is required and urgent. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and recycling process that maintains tissue homeostasis and energy supply, which can be cytoprotective and is vital in maintaining neural plasticity and proper nervous system function. Much evidence has shown that autophagy dysregulation is linked to the emergence of neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia and cancer-related pain. Autophagy has also been connected to pain caused by osteoarthritis and lumbar disc degeneration. It is worth noting that in recent years, studies on traditional Chinese medicine have also proved that several traditional Chinese medicine monomers involve autophagy in the mechanism of pain relief. Therefore, autophagy can serve as a potential regulatory target to provide new ideas and inspiration for pain management.

Protective effect and underlying mechanism of muscone on acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Musk is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, which has resuscitation, activating blood, and disperse swelling effects. Musk is commonly used in the prevention of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, and muscone is its main active component.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The effect and mechanism of muscone to improve the condition of ischemic stroke is not clear, accordingly, we verified its efficacy in ischemia-reperfused rats, and investigated its mechanism by PC12 and THP-1 cells.

METHODS

A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model was established for in vivo experiments. 2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining was used to calculate infarct rate. Neuroprotection and angiogenesis were assessed by Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, nissl staining, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Oxygen glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) model of PC12 cells was established for neuroprotection analysis, where CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell viability, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining were used to demonstrate apoptosis, and protein levels were detected by Western blot. For angiogenesis analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR were used to detect angiogenic factors expressed by THP-1. Cell viability assay, scratch wound assay, and tube formation assay were used to evaluate angiogenic effect of HUVECs treated with medium of THP-1. And the angiogenic pathway in HUVECs was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

According to the results, in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, the infarct rate and tissue damage were significantly reduced by muscone, and the expression of neurotrophic factors and angiogenesis-related factors were all elevated. In OGD/R-PC12 cell models, muscone could increase cell viability and inhibit apoptosis via Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 pathway. In THP-1-mediated angiogenesis of HUVECs, muscone promoted the secretion of angiogenesis-related factors in THP-1 and thus indirectly promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, and then regulated phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and Akt in HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that muscone may be a potential neuroprotective and proangiogenic agent in cerebral ischemia.

Correlation Analysis between Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Musk and Traditional Musk

Muskrat musk is considered to be a potential substitute for traditional musk. However, little is known about the similarity between muskrat musk and musk, and whether it is related to muskrat age. In this study, muskrat musk (MR1, MR2, and MR3) were from 1, 2, and 3-year-old muskrats, respectively, and white musk (WM) and brown musk (BM) were picked from male forest musk deer. The results indicated that muskrat musk had higher similarity to WM than BM. Further research showed that RM3 had the highest matched degree with WM. By significantly different metabolite analysis, we found that 52 metabolites continue to increase from 1- to 3-year-old muskrats. In total, 7 and 15 metabolites were significantly decreased in RM1 vs. RM2 and RM2 vs. RM3, respectively. Meanwhile, 30 and 17 signaling pathways were observed from increased and decreased metabolites, respectively. The increased metabolites mainly entailed enrichment in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. In conclusion, muskrat musk from three-year-old muskrat is a relatively good substitute for white musk, and the result also implies that these biological processes of amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis are beneficial to the secretion of muskrat musk.

Muscone promotes functional recovery by facilitating microglia polarization into M2 phenotype through PPAR-γ pathway after ischemic stroke

Exploring regimens to facilitate microglia transformation from M1 to M2 phenotype is a feasible strategy to suppress neuroinflammation, therefore reinforcing functional recovery after ischemic stroke. Muscone easily crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) and distributes throughout the brain. Here, the results illustrated the administration of 8 mg/kg muscone promoted functional recovery through reducing the infarct volume by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining after ischemic stroke in mice. Then, the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), was significantly decreased, whereas the level of anti-inflammatory agents including C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL1), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was obviously elevated in penumbra with the treatment of 8 mg/kg muscone using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. Subsequently, the results showed the application of muscone upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) to facilitate microglia transformation into M2 phenotype using RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Collectively, the present study provides evidence for our hypothesis that muscone intensifies microglia transformation into M2 phenotype via activating PPAR-γ signaling pathway in penumbra after ischemic stroke. These findings demonstrate muscone is a promising candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutics for holistic management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" (ALS) is a progressive neuronal disorder that affects sensory neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. Moreover, additional neuronal subgroups as well as glial cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are also thought to play a role in the aetiology. The disease affects upper motor neurons and lowers motor neurons and leads to that either lead to muscle weakness and wasting in the arms, legs, trunk and periventricular area. Oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, programmed cell death, altered neurofilament activity, anomalies in neurotransmission, abnormal protein processing and deterioration, increased inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction may all play a role in the progression of ALS. There are presently hardly FDA-approved drugs used to treat ALS, and they are only beneficial in slowing the progression of the disease and enhancing functions in certain individuals with ALS, not really in curing or preventing the illness. These days, researchers focus on understanding the pathogenesis of the disease by targeting several mechanisms aiming to develop successful treatments for ALS. This review discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical features, pathophysiology, and disease management. The compilation focuses on alternative methods for the management of symptoms of ALS with nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutics.

Protective effect of Xingnaojing injection on ferroptosis after cerebral ischemia injury in MCAO rats and SH-SY5Y cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xingnaojing（XNJ）injection is a traditional Chinese medicine injection with neuroprotective effect, which has been widely used in the treatment of stroke for many years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of XNJ in cerebral ischemia mediated by ferroptosis using proteomics and in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was successfully established, they were randomly divided into model, XNJ, and deferoxamine (DFO) group. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Nissl staining were used to observe the infarct area, pathological changes and the degree of neuronal apoptosis of rat brain. Proteins extracted from rat brain tissues were analyzed by quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT). Western blotting and immunohistochemical assessment were used to measure the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. In vitro, the SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to hypoxia (37°C/5% CO2/1% O2) for 24 h to observe the survival rate, and detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and ferroptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

In TTC and H&E experiments, we found that XNJ drug treatment reduced the infarct volume and brain tissue damage in MCAO rats. Nissl staining also showed that compared with MCAO group rats, the Nissl bodies of brain tissue after XNJ drug intervention were clear with a 3.54-fold increased times, suggesting that XNJ improved cerebral infraction, and neurological deficits in MCAO rats. Proteomics identified 101 intersected differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). According to the bioinformatics analysis, these DEPs were closely related to ferroptosis. Further research indicated that MCAO-induced cerebral ischemia was alleviated by upregulating recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroportin (FPN) expression, Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and downregulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), transferring receptor (TFR) and divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) expression after XNJ treatment. In addition, in vitro experiment indicated that XNJ improved the survival rate of hypoxia-damaged SH-SY5Y cells. XNJ increased the level of GPX4 and inhibited the protein expression of COX-2 and TFR after cell hypoxia. Moreover, different concentrations of XNJ (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%) reduced the ROS content of hypoxic cells, suggesting that XNJ could inhibit hypoxia-induced cell damage by regulating the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins and decreasing the production of ROS.

CONCLUSIONS

XNJ could promote the recovery of neurological function in MCAO rats and hypoxia SH-SY5Y cells by regulating ferroptosis.

Analysis of the pharmacodynamic difference between Xiaojin Pills taken with Chinese Baijiu and water based on serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaojin Pills (XJPs), which has the function of dissipating knots and dispersing swelling, removing blood stasis, and relieving pain, is a classic prescription for the treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia. It is also the first choice of Chinese patent medicine for the clinical treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia in contemporary traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu" in tradition was significantly better than that of taking it orally with water in modern in terms of activating the blood, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-mammary gland hyperplasia, anti-breast cancer and its metastasis in vitro and in vivo, especially under low-dose conditions. However, the material basis for the difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the material basis of the significant difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W from the perspective of serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics, and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with a multivariate statistical analysis method were used to screen the differential components in the Chinese Baijiu extract and the water extract of XJPs and the corresponding residues, so as to clarify the differential components between XJP&B and XJP&W in vitro. The migrating components in the blood after XJP&B and XJP&W were characterized by serum pharmacochemical methods, in order to clarify the differential components in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the representative components absorbed into the blood were compared between XJP&B and XJP&W by the pharmacokinetics study method, in order to determine the dynamic changes of the representative components in rats.

RESULTS

The identification results of different components in vitro showed that there were 34 and 12 different compounds between the Chinese Baijiu extract and water extract of XJPs, and the residues after Chinese Baijiu extraction and water extraction, respectively. The content of different components such as arachidonic acid, ursolic acid, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, and oleanolic acid was higher in the Chinese Baijiu extract, which was more than twice the content in the water extract. The results of the serum pharmacochemistry study indicated that 42 prototype components were identified in the serum of rats after XJP&B and XJP&W, including organic acids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. And XJP&B increased the absorption of the prototype components of organic acids in XJPs into the blood. The pharmacokinetic study results of representative components demonstrated that the mean plasma concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of muscone, aconitine, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid were significantly different between XJP&B and XJP&W. Compared with XJP&W, the C_max and AUC_0-t of muscone and aconitine in XJP&B were higher, and the T_1/2 and MRT_0-t of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid in XJP&B were relatively longer.

CONCLUSION

This research proved that "taking XJPs orally after being soaked with Chinese Baijiu" can increase the dissolution and absorption of active ingredients in XJPs, increase the plasma concentration and content of representative ingredients, and prolong its action time, thus enhancing the biological activity of XJPs in vitro and in vivo. To a certain extent, this study revealed the material basis of the significantly better efficacy of XJP&B than XJP&W and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu", which can provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of XJPs' clinical administration method.

ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis of forest musk deer with pneumonia

Pneumonia can seriously threaten the life of forest musk deer (FMD, an endangered species). To gain a comprehensive understanding of pneumonia pathogenesis in FMD, iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis was performed in diseased (Pne group) lung tissues of FMD that died of pneumonia and normal lung tissues (Ctrl group) of FMD that died from fighting against each other. Results showed that 355 proteins were differentially expressed (fold change ≥ 1.2 and adjusted P-value < 0.05) in Pne vs. Ctrl. GO/KEGG annotation and enrichment analyses showed that dysregulated proteins might play vital roles in bacterial infection and immunity. Given the close association between bacterial infection and pneumonia, 32 dysregulated proteins related to Staphylococcus aureus infection, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were screened out. Among these 32 proteins, 13 proteins were mapped to the bovine genome. Given the close phylogenetic relationships of FMD and bovine, the protein-protein interaction networks of the above-mentioned 13 proteins were constructed by the String database. Based on the node degree analysis, 5 potential key proteins related to pneumonia-related bacterial infection in FMD were filtered out. Moreover, 85 dysregulated proteins related to the immune system process were identified given the tight connection between immune dysregulation and pneumonia pathogenesis. Additionally, 12 proteins that might function as crucial players in pneumonia-related immune response in FMD were screened out using the same experimental strategies described above. In conclusion, some vital proteins, biological processes, and pathways in pneumonia development were identified in FMD.

Transcriptome profiling of lung immune responses potentially related to acute respiratory distress syndrome in forest musk deer

Background

Forest musk deer is an endangered species globally. The death of captive forest musk deer can be caused by certain respiratory system diseases. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a huge threat to the life of forest muck deer that breed in our department.

Methods

Lung histopathologic analysis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The lung gene changes triggered by ARDS were examined by RNA sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis in forest musk deer. The potential functions of unigenes were investigated by NR, SwissProt KOG, GO, and KEGG annotation analyses. Vital biological processes or pathways in ARDS were examined by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.

Results

A total of 3265 unigenes were differentially expressed (|log₂fold-change|> 2 and adjusted P value < 0.01) in lung tissues of 3 forest musk deer with ARDS compared with normal lung tissues of the non-ARDS group. These differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) played crucial roles in immunity and defense responses to pathogens. Moreover, we identified the DEGs related to one or more of the following biological processes: lung development, immunity, and bacterial/viral/fungal infection. And six DEGs that might be involved in lung injury caused by immune dysregulation or viral/fungal infection were identified.

Conclusion

ARDS-mediated lung gene alterations were identified in forest musk deer. Moreover, multiple genes involved in lung development and lung defense responses to bacteria/viruses/fungi in ARDS were filtered out in forest musk deer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08917-7.

Mechanism Investigation of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on Gouty Arthritis via Network Pharmacology, Molecule Docking, and Pharmacological Verification

Background

Gout is a common crystal-related arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urates (MSU). Tibetan medicine Wuwei Shexiang Pills (WSP) has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihyperuricemia, and antigout activities. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Objectives

To explore the mechanisms of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on gouty arthritis via network pharmacology, molecule docking, and pharmacological verification.

Methods

The ingredients and targets of WSP were obtained by searching and screening in BATMAN-TCM and SwissADME. The targets involving the gout were acquired from public databases. The shared targets were put onto STRING to construct a PPI network. Furthermore, Metascape was applied for the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to predict the biological processes and signaling pathways. And molecular docking was performed to validate the binding association between the key ingredients and the relative proteins of TNF signaling. Based on the serum pharmacology, the predicted antigout mechanism of WSP was validated in MSU-induced THP-1 macrophages. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNA were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively, and MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling-associated proteins were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

48 bioactive ingredients and 165 common targets were found in WSP. The data showed that 5-Cis-Cyclopentadecen-1-One, 5-Cis-Cyclotetradecen-1-One, (-)-isoshyobunone, etc. were potential active ingredients. TNF signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and Jak-STAT signaling were predicted to be the potential pathways against gout. The molecule docking analysis found that most ingredients had a high affinity for p65, NLRP3, IL-1β, TNF-α, and p38. The data from in vitro experiment showed that WSP suppressed the production and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, WSP could inhibit the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our finding suggested that the antigout effect of WSP could be achieved by inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways. WSP might be a candidate drug for gouty treatment.

Case report: Treatment with Pien-Tze-Huang for prolonged positive SARS-CoV-2 test results in COVID-19 patients: A report of five cases

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread around the world since December 2019, becoming a global pandemic. Atypical cases of COVID-19, manifesting as prolonged positive SARS-CoV-2 test results during the convalescence period, have been encountered. These cases increase the difficulty of COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Here, we report five cases of COVID-19 patients who demonstrated prolonged positive SARS-CoV-2 tests after regular traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine treatments. After administration of Pien-Tze-Huang and cessation of previous treatments, SARS-CoV-2 tests results of the patients turned and remained negative. We believe the finding will contribute to a better understanding of atypical COVID-19 cases and hope to offer a potential therapy. Since this is a preliminary case series, larger-scale clinical trials are warranted.

Muscone Can Improve Spinal Cord Injury by Activating the Angiogenin/Plexin-B2 Axis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that usually damages sensorimotor and autonomic functions. Signaling pathways can play a key role in the repair process of SCI. The plexin-B2 acts as a receptor for angiogenin and mediates ribosomal RNA transcription, influencing cell survival and proliferation. Protein kinase B serine/threonine kinase interacts with angiogenin to form a positive feedback effect. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor can induce angiogenin nuclear translocation. Moreover, the BDNF can promote the secretion of angiogenin. Interestingly, all of them can activate the angiogenin/plexin-B2 axis. Muscone has anti-inflammatory and proliferative features as it can inhibit nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activate the angiogenin/plexin-B2 axis, thus being significant agent in the SCI repair process. Herein, we review the potential mechanism of angiogenin/plexin-B2 axis activation and the role of muscone in SCI treatment. Muscone may attenuate inflammatory responses and promote neuronal regeneration after SCI.

Muscone Inhibits the Excessive Inflammatory Response in Myocardial Infarction by Targeting TREM-1

The inhibitory effect of muscone on the hyperinflammatory response after myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) was investigated, and the target and signal pathways of muscone were explored. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were detected through qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression levels of p38 and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins were detected through Western blot. TREM-1 siRNA was transfected into macrophages in vitro. The rat model of myocardial ischemia was established and used in studying the inhibitory effect of muscone on the inflammatory response and its protective effect muscone on myocardial apoptosis. The expression of TREM-1 was upregulated during myocardial ischemia. Knocking down TREM-1 decreased the increase in inflammatory cytokines in the supernatant of macrophages induced by rmHMGB1 (1 μg/mL) and rmHSP60 (1 mol/mL). In addition, knocking down TREM-1 decreased p38 and NF-κB signaling activation. Muscone can protect myocardial cells by inhibiting the expression of TREM-1 and the inflammatory response after myocardial infarction. Further study showed that muscone inhibited the production of DAM-triggered (damage-associated molecular pattern trigger) inflammatory cytokines. In addition, muscone inhibited the activation of p38 and NF-κB signals under DAM-induced conditions. Muscone and TREM-1 gene knockout reduced cell apoptosis and provided protection against MIRI by inhibiting p38 and NF-κB signaling activation. Mechanism studies showed that muscone inhibited the production and release of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting TREM-1, and thereby reducing the inflammatory response and providing protection against MIRI.

Chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of natural musk (Moschus) and artificial musk: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natural musk (Moschus), derived naturally from male musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov, Moschus sifanicus Przewalski, or Moschus moschiferus Linnaeus), has long been an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and was used as resuscitation, blood circulation, and collateral drainage. detumescence and pain relief. Artificial musk was researched and applied into TCM as natural musk being as unsustainable resources.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We mainly summarized chemical compositions, pharmacological activities and mechanism of action of natural and artificial musk, and designed to serve as a foundation for further research into musk chemical compositions and pharmacological effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Those mainstream scientific databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, CNKI, Wiley Online Library, web of science, were used for searching with below "Keywords", as well as literature-tracking. Literatures spanned 1962 to 2021, and involved into Chinese, English, Janpanese, Korean.

RESULTS

Natural musk contains some very desirable but scarce compounds, as well as their biological features, which led to the development of artificial musk. The chemical ingredients, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of natural and artificial musk are summarized and compared in this paper. Polypeptide and protein, muscone, musclide, steroids, muscopyridine, and other chemical constituents of musk demonstrated important therapeutic properties against inflammation, immune system disorders, neurological disorders, cardiovascular system disorders, and so on. The mechanism of action contributed to effect on mediators, acceptors and relative signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural and artificial musk were revealed having some activated compounds, and showed excellent pharmacological effect. Meantime, above two sides of natural and artificial musk ought to get further research.

Governor Vessel Moxibustion Therapy Improves Microbiota Structure in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

Background

Clinical studies have shown that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) could be significantly improved by Governor Vessel moxibustion (GVM) therapy.

Objective

Study whether GVM therapy alleviates the clinical symptoms of AS by modulating intestinal microbiota.

Methods

A total of 9 AS patients and 9 paired healthy individuals were enrolled, and GVM therapy was provided to the AS patients. Stool, urine, and saliva samples from the healthy individuals and the AS patients before and after GVM therapy were collected, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for microbiota analysis.

Results

We found that GVM therapy can significantly alleviate the symptoms of AS, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. GVM therapy also decreased the abundances of Bacteroides and Prevotella while increasing the abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, in the gut microbiota of the AS patients. The analyses for AS clinical data and microbial abundances in AS patients revealed their multiple significant correlations (P < 0.01); for example, an unclassified crystal was positively correlated with AF12 and Delftia, monocyte had a negative correlation with Scardovia, and human leukocyte antigen-B27 was negatively correlated with Catenibacterium, Coprococcus, and Oscillospira.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings demonstrate that GVM therapy can alleviate AS clinical symptoms, and at the same time, it improves the microbial structure of microbiota in AS patients. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100051907.

Muscone suppresses gastric cancer via regulation of miRNA-145

This study aims to determine the effects and mechanism of action of muscone on the biological activity of the gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803 (proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration) in vitro. An optimal muscone concentration was determined using MTT and cell apoptosis tests. The SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells were divided into five groups: normal control, muscone, miRNA, muscone + miRNA, and muscone + miRNA inhibitor. Cell proliferation rate, apoptosis rate, cell cycle phase distribution, number of invading cells, and wound healing rate were compared among the five groups using MTT, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays. Relative expression levels of the proteins PI3K, AKT, P21, c-Myc, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were measured by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the groups treated with muscone and miRNA showed significantly lower cell proliferation rate, number of invading cells, and wound healing rate (p < .05 for all), but significantly higher rates of cell apoptosis rate and numbers of cells in the G1 phase (p < .05 for all). These groups also showed significantly lower expression of the proteins PI3K, AKT, c-Myc, MMP-2, and MMP-9 but significantly increased expression of the protein P21 (p < .05). Transfecting muscone-treated SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells with miRNA-145 inhibitor resulted in a significant recovery of biological activity (p < .05). Muscone suppresses the biological activity of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 gastric cancer cells in vitro via regulation of miRNA-145.

Huoxin Pill inhibits isoproterenol-induced transdifferentiation and collagen synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts through the TGF-β/Smads pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The abnormal proliferation and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are universally regarded as the key process for the progressive development of cardiac fibrosis following various cardiovascular diseases. Huoxin Pill (Concentrated pill, HXP) is a Chinese herbal formula for treating coronary heart disease. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HXP in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effects of HXP on CFs transdifferentiation and collagen synthesis under isoproterenol (ISO) conditions, as well as the potential mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, we established a rat model of cardiac fibrosis induced by ISO, and administered with low or high dose of HXP (10 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day). The level of α-SMA was detected by immunohistochemistry examination, and combined with RNA-sequencing analysis to determine the protective effect of HXP on myocardial fibrosis rats. In vitro, by culturing primary rat CFs, we examined the effects of HXP on the proliferation and transdifferentiation of CFs using CCK8, scratch wound healing and immunofluorescence assays. Western blot was used to determine protein expression.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that HXP protects against ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis and CFs transdifferentiation in rats. RNA-sequencing and pathway analyses demonstrated 238 or 295 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and multiple enriched signal pathways, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor signaling activates Smads, downregulation of TGF-β receptor signaling, signaling by TGF-β receptor complex, and collagen formation under treatment with low or high-dose of HXP. Moreover, HXP also markedly inhibited ISO-induced primary rat CFs proliferation, transdifferentiation, collagen synthesis and the upregulation of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2/3 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

HXP suppresses ISO-induced CFs transdifferentiation and collagen synthesis, and it may exert these effects in part by inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β/Smads pathway. This may be a new therapeutic tool for cardiac fibrosis.

Zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, quality control and future perspective of Musk (Moschus): a review

Musk, the dried secretion from the musk sac gland which is located between the navel and genitals of mature male musk deer, is utilized as oriental medicine in east Asia. It has been utilized to treat conditions such as stroke, coma, neurasthenia, convulsions, and heart diseases in China since ancient times. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of musk in zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, clinical applications, and quality control according to the up-to-date literature. Studies found that musk mainly contains macrocyclic ketones, pyridine, steroids, fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, and proteins, whilst the main active ingredient is muscone. Modern pharmacological studies have proven that musk possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective effects, anti-cancer effects, antioxidant effects, etc. Moreover, muscone, the main active ingredient, possesses anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. In the quality control of musk, muscone is usually the main detection indicator, and the common analytical method is GC, and researchers have established novel and convenient methods such as HPLC-RI, RP-UPLC-ELSD, and Single-Sweep Polarography. In addition, quality evaluation methods based on steroids and the bioactivity of musk have been established. As for the identification of musk, due to various objective factors such as the availability of synthetic Muscone, it is not sufficient to rely on muscone alone as an identification index. To date, some novel technologies have also been introduced into the identification of musk, such as the electronic nose and DNA barcoding technology. In future research, more in vivo experiments and clinical studies are encouraged to fully explain the pharmacological effects and toxicity of musk, and more comprehensive methods are needed to evaluate and control the quality of musk.

Qualitative and quantitative recognition of chiral drugs based on terahertz spectroscopy

Chiral drugs are drugs with chiral or asymmetric centres in their molecular structure. Different enantiomers of the same chiral drug have noticeably different pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetic properties. However, its distinction has been perplexing scholars for many years in the qualitative and quantitative detection of antagonistic drugs. Conventional detection methods, such as polarimetry, circular dichroism, and high-performance liquid chromatography, are time consuming, cause sample loss and have cumbersome operations, and they can be applied only to the sampling method. In this paper, we propose a fast, accurate, qualitative and quantitative method for the study of chiral drugs based on linearly polarized terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging technology. Taking ibuprofen as an example, based on the THz absorption spectra of the enantiomers RS-ibuprofen, (R)-(-)-ibuprofen, and (S)-(+)-ibuprofen, their characteristic peak frequencies, peak amplitude differences and peak area differences were extracted to qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish and identify the three substances. THz spectral imaging provides more intuitive results than those obtained from previous methods. In quantitative identification, the stability and detection accuracy of THz spectroscopy are much greater than those of Raman spectroscopy (88.8-99.8% vs. 21.42-94.62%, respectively). The qualitative recognition accuracy was 100%, and the quantitative recognition standard deviation was less than 0.01, and it is also a non-destructive testing method. Furthermore, the above method combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and the support vector machine (SVM) neural network classification algorithm was applied to the analysis of other chiral drugs. These results are significant for the rapid, accurate and non-destructive identification of chiral drugs.

Preventive Effect of Muscone against Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity in LLC-PK1 Cells

Cisplatin, one of the most common antitumor agents, is widely applied to treat various cancerous diseases and is included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. Cisplatin therapy is used to treat 10-20% of all cancerous cases, and its cure rate is especially high in testicular cancer (over 90%). However, a major side effect of this anticancer drug is nephrotoxicity, limiting treatment effect and reducing the quality of life in cancer patients. Muscone, an odoriferous constituent of musk, was confirmed to inhibit cisplatin-induced LLC-PK1 kidney proximal tubule cell death in a dose-dependent manner. In term of renal protective mechanism, muscone inhibited cisplatin oxidative toxicity by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and stimulating HO-1 expression. Muscone also exerted anti-inflammation effect through inhibition of p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, muscone mitigated cisplatin-induced apoptosis in LLC-PK1 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways by inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression, and cleaved caspase-3, 7, and 8; and increase of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 level. In addition, the anti-apoptotic effect of muscone also was enhanced by preventing p53 expression and its phosphorylation. Our study showed that muscone may be a potential protective agent against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.