1
|
Yang P, Tian D, Han XY, Zou QJ, Ma LJ, Wei M, Yu M, Zou ZM. Optimal harvest period and quality control markers of cultivated Flos Chrysanthemi Indici using untargeted/targeted metabolomics, chemometric analysis and in vivo study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118533. [PMID: 38971347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI), the flower of Chrysanthemum Indicum L., is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of inflammatory diseases in China. FCI is also a functional food, and is widely used as herbal tea for clearing heat and detoxicating. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore quality control markers of FCI based on the optimal harvest period. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS based untargeted metabolomics was applied to explore the chemical profiles of FCIs collected at bud stages (BS), initial stages (IS), full bloom stages (FS) and eventual stages (ES) from eight cultivated regions in China. Subsequently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model were used to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of FCIs collected at IS/FS. Then, UPLC-PDA targeted metabolomics was used to quantitatively analyze 9 constituents with anti-inflammatory activity (7 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids) changed significantly (VIP > 4) during flowering stages. Finally, ROC curves combined with PCA analysis based on the variation of 9 active constituents in FCIs from different flowering stages were applied to screen the quality markers of FCI. RESULTS FCIs at IS/FS had almost same chemical characteristics, but quite different from those at BS and ES. A total of 32 constituents in FCIs including flavonoids and phenolic acids were changed during flowering development. Most of the varied constituents had the highest or higher contents at IS/FS compared with those at ES, indicating that the optimal harvest period of FCI should be at IS/FS. FCI extract could effectively suppress nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and regulate the abnormal levels of cytokines and PGE2 in carrageenan-induced paw edema model rat. The results of quantitatively analysis revealed that the variation trends of phenolic acids and flavonoids in FCIs were different during flowering development, but most of them had higher contents at IS/FS than those at ES in all FCIs collected from eight cultivated regions, except one sample from Anhui. Finally, linarin, luteolin, apigenin and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were selected as the Q-markers based on the contribution of their AUC values in ROC and clustering of PCA analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the optimal harvest period of FCI and specifies the multi-constituents Q-markers of FCI based on the influence of growth progression on the active constituents using untargeted/targeted metabolomics. The findings not only greatly increase the utilization rate of FCI resources and improve quality control of FCI products, but also offer new strategy to identify the Q-markers of FCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Qualiny Ensurance and sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Dong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Qualiny Ensurance and sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China.
| | - Qing-Jun Zou
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518110, China.
| | - Liang-Ju Ma
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518110, China.
| | - Min Wei
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518110, China.
| | - Meng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Qualiny Ensurance and sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Zhong-Mei Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Qualiny Ensurance and sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu J, Jiang J, Xu Q, Xu Y, Guo M, Hu Y, Wang Y, Wang Y. Xuanfu Daizhe Tang alleviates reflux esophagitis in rats by inhibiting the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117903. [PMID: 38342154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the esophageal mucosa with a high prevalence and recurrence rate, for which a satisfactory therapeutic strategy is still lacking. Chinese medicine has its characteristics and advantages in treating RE, and the clinical application of Xuanfu Daizhe Tang (XDT) in treating RE has achieved sound therapeutic effects. However, there needs to be more research on its mechanism of action. AIM OF THE STUDY The present work aimed to investigate the mechanism of XDT action in RE through the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1)/Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main active components of XDT were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS). The effect of XDT on RE was evaluated in a rat model of RE induced by "Cardioplasty + pyloric ligation + Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy". Each administration group was treated by gavage. The degree of damage to the esophageal mucosa was evaluated by visual observation, and the Potential of Hydrogen (PH) method and Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining were performed. Serum levels of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) were measured by ELISA. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR), Western Blot (WB), and Immunofluorescence (IF) methods were used to detect Claudin-4, Claudin-5, TREM-1, and p-STAT1 in esophageal tissues for studying the mechanism of action and signaling pathway of XDT. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was used to detect the expression of TREM-1 and CD68 in esophageal tissues. Flow Cytometry (FC) was used to detect the polarization of macrophages in the blood. After conducting preliminary experiments to verify our hypothesis, we performed molecular docking between the active component of XDT and STAT1 derived from rats and parallel experiments with STAT1 inhibitor. The selective increaser of STAT1 transcription (2-NP) group was used to validate the mechanism by which XDT acts. RESULTS XDT alleviated esophageal injury and attenuated histopathological changes in RE rats. XDT also inhibited the inflammatory response and decreased serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS levels in RE rats. qPCR and WB results revealed that XDT inhibited the expression of Claudin-4, Claudin-5, TREM-1, and STAT1 in the esophageal mucosa of RE rats. IHC and FC results showed that XDT reduced TREM-1 levels in esophageal tissues and polarized macrophages toward M2. The molecular docking results showed that rat-derived STAT1 can strongly bind to Isochronogenic acid A in XDT. The parallel experimental results of STAT1 inhibitor showed that XDT has anti-inflammatory effects similar to STAT1 inhibitors. The 2-NP group confirmed that XDT exerts its therapeutic effect on reflux esophagitis through the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway, with STAT1 as the upstream protein. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that XDT may treat reflux esophagitis by modulating the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Liu
- Office of Science and Technology Administration, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Jiaxin Jiang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qianfei Xu
- Department of Spleen, Stomach and Hepatobiliary, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Yunyan Xu
- Preventive Treatment Department, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Manman Guo
- Pharmaceutical Department, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Yun Hu
- Department of Spleen, Stomach and Hepatobiliary, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Department, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malarz J, Michalska K, Stojakowska A. Polyphenols of the Inuleae-Inulinae and Their Biological Activities: A Review. Molecules 2024; 29:2014. [PMID: 38731504 PMCID: PMC11085778 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols are ubiquitous plant metabolites that demonstrate biological activities essential to plant-environment interactions. They are of interest to plant food consumers, as well as to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The class of the plant metabolites comprises both widespread (chlorogenic acids, luteolin, quercetin) and unique compounds of diverse chemical structures but of the common biosynthetic origin. Polyphenols next to sesquiterpenoids are regarded as the major class of the Inuleae-Inulinae metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants from the subtribe (Blumea spp., Dittrichia spp., Inula spp., Pulicaria spp. and others). Recent decades have brought a rapid development of molecular and analytical techniques which resulted in better understanding of the taxonomic relationships within the Inuleae tribe and in a plethora of data concerning the chemical constituents of the Inuleae-Inulinae. The current taxonomical classification has introduced changes in the well-established botanical names and rearranged the genera based on molecular plant genetic studies. The newly created chemical data together with the earlier phytochemical studies may provide some complementary information on biochemical relationships within the subtribe. Moreover, they may at least partly explain pharmacological activities of the plant preparations traditionally used in therapy. The current review aimed to systematize the knowledge on the polyphenols of the Inulae-Inulinae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Stojakowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.M.); (K.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JH, Han KS, Lee ES, Kim YG, Kim YI, Cho BO, Lee IS. The Inhibition Activity of Natural Methoxyflavonoid from Inula britannica on Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and NO Production in RAW264.7 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4357. [PMID: 38673942 PMCID: PMC11050532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an enzyme targeted for the treatment of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Activated inflammatory cells produce nitric oxide (NO), which induces oxidative stress and exacerbates inflammation. We identify an inhibitor able to suppress sEH and thus NO production. Five flavonoids 1-5 isolated from Inula britannica flowers were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit sEH with IC50 values of 12.1 ± 0.1 to 62.8 ± 1.8 µM and for their effects on enzyme kinetics. A simulation study using computational chemistry was conducted as well. Furthermore, five inhibitors (1-5) were confirmed to suppress NO levels at 10 µM. The results showed that flavonoids 1-5 exhibited inhibitory activity in all tests, with compound 3 exhibiting the most significant efficacy. Thus, in the development of anti-inflammatory inhibitors, compound 3 is a promising natural candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jang Hoon Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Chungbuk 27709, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (E.-S.L.); (Y.-G.K.); (Y.-I.K.)
| | - Kyung-Sook Han
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Chungbuk 27709, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (E.-S.L.); (Y.-G.K.); (Y.-I.K.)
| | - Eun-Song Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Chungbuk 27709, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (E.-S.L.); (Y.-G.K.); (Y.-I.K.)
| | - Yong-Goo Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Chungbuk 27709, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (E.-S.L.); (Y.-G.K.); (Y.-I.K.)
| | - Yong-Il Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Chungbuk 27709, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (E.-S.L.); (Y.-G.K.); (Y.-I.K.)
| | - Byoung Ok Cho
- Institute of Health Science, Jeonju University, 303 Cheonjam-ro, Jeonju-si 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik Soo Lee
- Km Covergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen J, Ding Z. Natural products as potential drug treatments for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Chin Med 2024; 19:57. [PMID: 38566147 PMCID: PMC10988969 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00928-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which was once considered one of the deadliest types of leukemia, has become a curable malignancy since the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) as clinical treatments. ATO, which has become the first-line therapeutic agent for APL, is derived from the natural mineral product arsenic, exemplifying an important role of natural products in the treatment of APL. Many other natural products, ranging from small-molecule compounds to herbal extracts, have also demonstrated great potential for the treatment and adjuvant therapy of APL. In this review, we summarize the natural products and representative components that have demonstrated biological activity for the treatment of APL. We also discuss future directions in better exploring their medicinal value, which may provide a reference for subsequent new drug development and combination therapy programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Chen
- School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zuoqi Ding
- School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
- Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dou C, Zhu H, Xie X, Huang C, Cao C. Integrated Pharmaco-Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Verification To Explore the Effect of Britanin on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:8274-8286. [PMID: 38405493 PMCID: PMC10882692 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent global liver disorder, posing substantial health risks. Britanin, a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Inula japonica, has demonstrated antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective attributes. Nonetheless, the precise impact of Britanin on NAFLD and the intricate biological mechanisms underpinning this interaction remain unexplored. We integrated computer-aided methods to unearth shared biological targets and signaling pathways associated with both Britanin and NAFLD. A network was constructed by compiling putative targets associated with Britanin and NAFLD, followed by a stringent screening of key targets and mechanisms through protein-protein interaction analysis along with GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was integrated as an evaluation tool, culminating in the identification of HO-1 as the pivotal therapeutic target, showcasing a satisfactory binding affinity. The primary mechanism was ascribed to biological processes and pathways linked to oxidative stress, as evidenced by the outcomes of enrichment analyses. Of these, the AMPK/SREBP1c pathway assumed centrality in this mechanism. Furthermore, in vivo experiments substantiated that Britanin effectively curtailed NAFLD development by ameliorating liver injury, modulating hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid accumulation, and alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential of Britanin as a promising therapeutic drug against NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Dou
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department
of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Xia Xie
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical
School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Department
of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Chuangjie Cao
- Department
of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wei F, Yin Y, Li J, Chang Y, Zhang S, Zhao W, Ma X. Essential oil from Inula japonica Thunb. And its phenolic constituents ameliorate pulmonary injury and fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117169. [PMID: 37704119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary injury and fibrosis can be caused by various factors because of their inflammatory nature, both can lead to serious clinical consequences. Inula japonica Thunb. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of action of the essential oil of I. japonica (EOI) on pulmonary injury and fibrosis are not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the therapeutic effects of EOI on mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced acute pulmonary injury and chronic fibrosis formation, as well as its potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS A short-term mouse model of pulmonary injury was established by intratracheal injection of BLM to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of EOI, and a long-term model of pulmonary fibrosis was used to explore the anti-fibrosis effect of EOI. High-dose EOI (200 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically, and low-dose (50 mg/kg) was administered by intratracheal injection. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the ingredients in EOI, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed for the preparation of EOI compounds. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to verify the effects of EOI and its active composition on inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis signaling pathway. RESULTS Treatment with EOI significantly reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing the levels of inflammatory and oxidative cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde in BLM-treated mice with acute pulmonary injury. EOI treatment could also suppress the formation of fibrous tissue in mice with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt pathways. Chromatographic analysis and preparation suggested that fatty acid and phenol derivatives are present in EOI. Based on cellular inflammation and fibrosis models, the phenolic compounds in EOI can represent the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of EOI by regulating pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, and α-SMA. CONCLUSION EOI ameliorated BLM-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the inflammatory response and regulating the redox equilibrium, as well as by mediating TGFβ/Smad and PI3K/Akt, which suggested that EOI has potential to treat pulmonary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wei
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuzhen Yin
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Li
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yibo Chang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wenyu Zhao
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Xiaochi Ma
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Liu J, Liu JW, Zhu QM, Zhang M, Zhang R, Ma XC, Lv X, Yu ZL, Sun CP. Targeting Keap1 with Inulae Herba activated the Nrf2 receptor to alleviate LPS-mediated acute lung injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117358. [PMID: 37890806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Inulae Herba (IH) is known as Jinfeicao recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with effects of lowering qi and eliminating phlegm, and used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, its protective mechanism on pulmonary diseases, especially acute lung injury (ALI), is still undefined. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects of IH and its underlying mechanism for treating ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS We constructed a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-ALI mouse model to reveal the therapeutical effect of IH. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, small RNA interference, immunohistochemical staining, and the dual-luciferase experiment were performed to study the mechanism of IH for treating ALI. RESULTS IH attenuated LPS-mediated pathological changes (e.g. pneumonedema and pulmonary congestion) through inactivation of macrophages in an ALI mouse model. The result of flow cytometry demonstrated that IH regulated the homeostasis of M1 (CD80+CD206-) and M2 (CD80+CD206+) phenotype macrophages. Furthermore, IH suppressed mRNA expressions of M1 phenotype markers, such as iNOS and IL-6, whereas promoted mRNA expressions of M2 phenotype markers, such as ARG1 and RETNLA in LPS-mediated mice. Notably, IH targeted Keap1 to activate the Nrf2 receptor, exerting its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects proved by using immunohistochemical staining, dual-luciferase, and Keap1 knockdown technologies. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that targeting Keap1 with IH alleviated LPS-mediated ALI, and it could serve as a herbal agent for developing anti-ALI drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518061, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jing-Wen Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Qi-Meng Zhu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Xia Lv
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhen-Long Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Cheng-Peng Sun
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Guo X, Luo Z, Wu D, Shi X, Xu L, Zhang Q, Xie C, Yang C. Chemical constituents from the flowers of Inula japonica and their anti-inflammatory activity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117052. [PMID: 37597674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos) can be used to treat cough and asthma and remove phlegm in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). AIM OF THE STUDY Our research aimed to obtain active components with the inhibition of inflammation and MUC5AC production to alleviate asthma symptoms from I. japonica. MATERIALS AND METHODS These compounds were separated from the MeOH extract of Inulae Flos by column chromatography over silica gel, AB-8 macroporous resin column, MPLC, and semipreparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data analysis, ECD calculations, and chemical methods. NO production was determined to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of MUC5AC, IL-1β, and IL-4 were measured in NCI-H292 cells by qRT-PCR. The anti-asthma activity assessments in vivo were performed through H & E and PAS staining, pulmonary function analysis, and cytokines determination by qRT-PCR or ELISA. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, MEK, p-MKE, ERK, p-MEK, and IL-1β were analyzed through western blotting. RESULTS One undescribed 1,10-seco-eudesmanolide derivative (1), two previously unreported 1,10-seco-eudesmanolide glycosides (2 and 3), and thirty-two known compounds (4-35) were obtained from Inulae Flos. Compound 11 had the most inhibitory effect against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Meanwhile, compound 11 also attenuated the increase in MUC5AC, IL-1β, and IL-4 mRNA expression in NCI-H292 cells. The results of the animal experiment confirmed that compound 11 significantly ameliorated OVA-induced asthma in a murine model of allergic asthma demonstrated by elevated pulmonary function, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production. In addition, compound 11 significantly inhibited the levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum, of IL-4 and IL-6 in BALF, and of MUC5AC, IL-1β , IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 in lung tissue. Finally, compound 11 suppressed PI3K/AKT/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in lung tissue of mice. CONCLUSION This study indicated that compound 11 might be a potential therapeutic candidate ameliorating airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion via PI3K/AKT/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in allergic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Xiaowei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zhilin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Dan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao F, Chu C, Qin JJ, Guan X. Research progress on antitumor mechanisms and molecular targets of Inula sesquiterpene lactones. Chin Med 2023; 18:164. [PMID: 38111074 PMCID: PMC10726648 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of natural product therapy have received sigificant attention, among which terpenoids such as sesquiterpene lactones stand out due to their biological activity and pharmacological potential as anti-tumor drugs. Inula sesquiterpene lactones are a kind of sesquiterpene lactones extracted from Inula species. They have many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-asthma, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and anti-allergic. In recent years, more and more studies have proved that they are important candidate drugs for the treatment of a variety of cancers because of its good anti-tumor activity. In this paper, the structure, structure-activity relationship, antitumor activities, mechanisms and targets of Inula sesquiterpene lactones reported in recent years were reviewed in order to provide clues for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chu Chu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang P, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Cao H, Kong L, Ma W, Ren W. A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1242318. [PMID: 37680711 PMCID: PMC10482111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1242318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master's theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wei Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Weichao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Li Y, Liu W, Shen Y, Lin Z, Nakajima A, Xu J, Guo Y. A polysaccharide from Inula japonica showing in vivo antitumor activity by interacting with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 246:125555. [PMID: 37364807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides, an important class of carbohydrate polymers, are considered as one of the sources of drug molecules. To discover bioactive polysaccharides as potential agents against cancer, a homogeneous polysaccharide (IJP70-1) has been purified from the flowers of Inula japonica, which is a traditional medicinal plant used for various medical indications. IJP70-1 with a molecular weight of 1.019 × 105 Da was mainly composed of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →2,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →2,3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, and t-α-l-Araf. Apart from the characteristics and structure elucidated by various techniques, the in vivo antitumor activity of IJP70-1 was assayed using zebrafish models. In the subsequent mechanism investigation, it was found that the in vivo antitumor activity of IJP70-1 was not cytotoxic mechanism caused, but related to the activation of the immune system and inhibition of angiogenesis by interacting with the proteins toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The chemical and biological studies have shown that the homogeneous polysaccharide IJP70-1 has the potential to be developed into an anticancer agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Yeling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongye Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Akira Nakajima
- Department of Applied Biology and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanqiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan 571158, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu Y, Yang H, Han L, Mervin LH, Hosseini-Gerami L, Li P, Wright P, Trapotsi MA, Liu K, Fan TP, Bender A. In silico prediction and biological assessment of novel angiogenesis modulators from traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1116081. [PMID: 36817116 PMCID: PMC9937659 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1116081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled angiogenesis is a common denominator underlying many deadly and debilitating diseases such as myocardial infarction, chronic wounds, cancer, and age-related macular degeneration. As the current range of FDA-approved angiogenesis-based medicines are far from meeting clinical demands, the vast reserve of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers an alternative source for developing pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic modulators. Here, we investigated 100 traditional Chinese medicine-derived individual metabolites which had reported gene expression in MCF7 cell lines in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE85871). We extracted literature angiogenic activities for 51 individual metabolites, and subsequently analysed their predicted targets and differentially expressed genes to understand their mechanisms of action. The angiogenesis phenotype was used to generate decision trees for rationalising the poly-pharmacology of known angiogenesis modulators such as ferulic acid and curculigoside and validated by an in vitro endothelial tube formation assay and a zebrafish model of angiogenesis. Moreover, using an in silico model we prospectively examined the angiogenesis-modulating activities of the remaining 49 individual metabolites. In vitro, tetrahydropalmatine and 1 beta-hydroxyalantolactone stimulated, while cinobufotalin and isoalantolactone inhibited endothelial tube formation. In vivo, ginsenosides Rb3 and Rc, 1 beta-hydroxyalantolactone and surprisingly cinobufotalin, restored angiogenesis against PTK787-induced impairment in zebrafish. In the absence of PTK787, deoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid did not affect angiogenesis. Despite some limitations, these results suggest further refinements of in silico prediction combined with biological assessment will be a valuable platform for accelerating the research and development of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine and understanding their mechanisms of action, and also for other traditional medicines for the prevention and treatment of angiogenic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Zhu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Liwen Han
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China,School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lewis H. Mervin
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Hosseini-Gerami
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peihai Li
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Peter Wright
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Anna Trapotsi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kechun Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Tai-Ping Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Tai-Ping Fan, ; Andreas Bender,
| | - Andreas Bender
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Science Informatics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Tai-Ping Fan, ; Andreas Bender,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang J, Zhang M, Zhang WH, Zhu QM, Ning J, Huo XK, Xiao HT, Sun CP. Total terpenoids of Inula japonica activated the Nrf2 receptor to alleviate the inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-induced acute lung injury. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154377. [PMID: 36116200 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening lung disease and characterized by pulmonary edema and atelectasis. Inula japonica Thunb. is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung diseases. However, the potential effect and mechanism of total terpenoids of I. japonica (TTIJ) on ALI remain obscure. PURPOSE This study focused on the protective effect of TTIJ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice and its potential mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A mouse model of ALI was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS to investigate the protective effect of TTIJ. RNA-seq and bioinformatics were then performed to reveal the underlying mechanism. Finally, western blot and real-time qPCR were used to verify the effects of TTIJ on the inflammation and oxidative stress. RESULTS TTIJ notably attenuated LPS-induced histopathological changes of lung. The RNA-seq result suggested that the protective effect of TTIJ on LPS-induced ALI were associated with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Pretreatment with TTIJ significantly reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress via regulating levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-oxidative cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), in LPS-induced ALI mice. TTIJ treatment could suppress the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression level and the phosphorylation of p65, p38, ERK, and JNK through the inactivation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in a TLR4-independent manner. Meanwhile, TTIJ treatment upregulated expression levels of proteins involved in the Nrf2 signaling pathway, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H: quinoneoxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), via activating the Nrf2 receptor, which was confirmed by the luciferase assay. CONCLUSION TTIJ could activate the Nrf2 receptor to alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in LPS-induced ALI mice, which suggested that TTIJ could serve as the potential agent in the treatment of ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; School of pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen-Hao Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi-Meng Zhu
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Ning
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiao-Kui Huo
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- School of pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Cheng-Peng Sun
- Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Epifriedelanol and Dammara-20,24-dien-3-yl Acetate from Ethiopian Inula confertiflora Root Extract. J CHEM-NY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2114595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the root of Inula confertiflora afforded two rare triterpenoids, namely, epifriedelanol and dammara-20,24-dien-3-yl acetate, and their chemical structure was elucidated using appropriate techniques.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang J, Feng Q. Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Protective Mechanisms of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:854674. [PMID: 35308224 PMCID: PMC8929346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.854674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition for which there is now no authorized treatment. The search for new medications to treat MAFLD made from natural substances is gaining traction. The function of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory actions of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), a chemical molecule isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has become the focus of therapeutic attention. We have a large number of papers on the pharmacological effects of APS on NAFLD that have never been systematically reviewed before. According to our findings, APS may help to slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Lipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, and apoptosis are some of the pathogenic pathways involved. SIRT1/PPARα/FGF21, PI3K/AKT/IRS-1, AMPK/ACC, mTOR/4EBP-1/S6K1, GRP78/IRE-1/JNK, AMPK/PGC-1/NRF1, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad pathways were the most common molecular protective mechanisms. All of the information presented in this review suggests that APS is a natural medication with a lot of promise for NAFLD, but more study, bioavailability studies, medicine type and dosage, and clinical proof are needed. This review could be useful for basic research, pharmacological development, and therapeutic applications of APS in the management of MAFLD.
Collapse
|
17
|
Bailly C, Vergoten G. Japonicone A and related dimeric sesquiterpene lactones: molecular targets and mechanisms of anticancer activity. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:267-276. [PMID: 35034149 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-021-01538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Japonicone A (Jap-A) is a sesquiterpene lactone (SL) dimer isolated from the plant Inula japonica Thunb. and the leading compound in the japonicone series of SL dimers which comprises 25 members (Jap-A to Jap-Y). We have analyzed the anticancer properties of Jap-A and the associated molecular targets. METHODS All literature data on japonicones and related SL dimers, including inulanolide A (Inu-A) and lineariifolianoid A (Lin-A) have been analyzed. Molecular models of the compound/target interactions were constructed to support our analysis. RESULTS Inulae Flos (Xuan Fu Hua) is used in traditional medicine in China and Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. The plant contains diverse japonicones and structurally related SL dimers. The interactions of Jap-A with the two main proteins, the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the ubiquitin ligase MDM2, are at the origin of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Molecular docking analyses suggest that Inu-A is better adapted than Lin-A and Jap-A to form stable complexes with both TNF-α and MDM2. Jap-A exhibits marked capacities to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and dissemination and to trigger apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo in several tumor models in mice. Its analogue Inu-A is more potent, functioning as a dual inhibitor of the MDM2-NFAT1 pathway. CONCLUSION This review shed some new light on the molecular targets and potential therapeutic benefits of these SL dimers and should help the design of novel anticancer agents derived from these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- Inserm, INFINITE-U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, University of Lille, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, 59006, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yu B, Jin XQ, Yu WY, Dong YY, Ying HZ, Yu CH. 1β-Hydroxyalantolactone from Inulae Flos alleviated the progression of pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting JNK/FOXO1/NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108339. [PMID: 34758440 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inulae Flos was widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, and was commonly used as a folk medicine in clinic for treating various respiratory diseases, including cough, asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia. However, the ingredients responsible for the pharmacology effects of I. Flos and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of 16 known sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids from I. Flos on TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation were assessed by phenotypic high-content screening. Among those sixteen compounds, 1β-hydroxy alantolactone (HAL), the main characteristic sesquiterpene lactone from I. Flos, exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity. The further studies showed that HAL significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of human fibroblast cell lines HELF and MRC-5 in a concentration-dependent manner. It also reduced intracellular ROS production, suppressed the mRNA expressions of E-cad, TGF-β1, Smad3, Col I, α-SMA and TNF-α, and downregulated protein expressions of α-SMA and F-actin. Furthermore, HAL significantly reduced the levels of HA, LN, PC-III and IV-C in serum, TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF, and TGF-β1, HYP and Col I in lung tissues of bleomycin (BLM)-treated rats. HAL significantly downregulated the expressions of p-JNK, FOXO1, p-p65, α-SMA, p-smad3 and Col I but upregulated p-FOXO1, which could be reversed by JNK agonist anisomycin. These results demonstrated that HAL induced the apoptosis of lung fibroblast cells activated by TGF-β1 and improved BLM-induced lung fibrosis in rats via inhibiting JNK/FOXO1/NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wen-Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Ying-Ying Dong
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hua-Zhong Ying
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310018, China; Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Anticancer Targets and Signaling Pathways Activated by Britannin and Related Pseudoguaianolide Sesquiterpene Lactones. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101325. [PMID: 34680439 PMCID: PMC8533303 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are abundant in plants and display a large spectrum of bioactivities. The compound britannin (BRT), found in different Inula species, is a pseudoguaianolide-type SL equipped with a typical and highly reactive α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety. The bioproperties of BRT and related pseudoguaianolide SLs, including helenalin, gaillardin, bigelovin and others, have been reviewed. Marked anticancer activities of BRT have been evidenced in vitro and in vivo with different tumor models. Three main mechanisms are implicated: (i) interference with the NFκB/ROS pathway, a mechanism common to many other SL monomers and dimers; (ii) blockade of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, with a covalent binding to a cysteine residue of Keap1 via the reactive α-methylene unit of BRT; (iii) a modulation of the c-Myc/HIF-1α signaling axis leading to a downregulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The non-specific reactivity of the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins is discussed. Options to reduce or abolish this reactivity have been proposed. Emphasis is placed on the capacity of BRT to modulate the tumor microenvironment and the immune-modulatory action of the natural product. The present review recapitulates the anticancer effects of BRT, some central concerns with SLs and discusses the implication of the PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint in its antitumor action.
Collapse
|