The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, involves Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition

Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution ameliorates IgA nephropathy via intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in the world, it is one of the most common causes of kidney disease and can lead to end-stage kidney disease, however, its pathogenesis is still complicated. The Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution (SOLI) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of IgAN while its specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigates SOLI's effects on IgAN in rats, particularly on the intestinal mucosal barrier, and identifies potential therapeutic targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking, validated experimentally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Target genes for SOLI in IgAN were identified and analysed through molecular docking and KEGG pathway enrichment. An IgAN rat model examined SOLI's effect on renal biomarkers and cytokines involved in specific pathways, ileum mucosal lesions, and the intestinal immune system. The IL-17 pathway's role was studied in IEC-6 cells with SOLI in vitro.

RESULT

Rats developed increased proteinuria and kidney damage marked by IgA deposition and inflammation. SOLI treatment significantly ameliorated these symptoms, reduced galactose-deficient Ig A1 (Gd-IgA1), and decreased cytokines like IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β etc. SOLI also normalized intestinal tight junction protein expression, ameliorated intestinal damage, and regulated intestinal immune response (focused on IL-17/NF-κB signal pathway). SOLI moderated the abnormally activated IL-17 pathway, which damages intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting IgAN treatment potential.

CONCLUSION

SOLI reduces proteinuria and enhances intestinal mucosal function in IgAN rats, kidney protection in the IgAN rat model may initiate from modulating the intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway and subsequent Gd-IgA1 accumulation.

Hinesol attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis through the suppression of Src-mediated NF-κB and chemokine signaling pathway

As a common inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) is featured with inflammation, oxidative damage, and the impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier, which bring threat to patients' quality of live. Hinesol, derived from Atractylodes lancea, is a unique sesquiterpenoid. Our study proposed to survey the effects and mechanism of hinesol in UC. UC mouse model was constructed using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was applied for RAW264.7 cells stimulation to construct cell inflammatory model. The changes of disease activity index (DAI), body weight, colon length, and intestinal pathology in mice were analyzed to estimate the severity of colitis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to check the changes of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated by corresponding reagent kit. The changes of phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB P65, and p-IκBα, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, Src, XCL1, CCL2, and CXCL16 protein were examined using western blot. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 assay were utilized for assessment of cell apoptosis and viability. We found that DSS reduced mice body weight, increased DAI, shorten colon length, and led to severe enteric mucosal injury, while hinesol improved the above symptoms induced by DSS. In DSS mice, hinesol raised the levels of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, SOD, GSH-px, and CAT and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, MPO, and MDA. Additionally, in DSS mice and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, hinesol inhibited the high expression of Src, XCL1, CCL2, CXCL16, p-NF-κB P65, and p-IκBα. The molecular docking showed that there was a good interaction between hinesol and Src. Moreover, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, Src overexpression partially reversed the inhibition of hinesol on cell apoptosis, pro-inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, hinesol alleviated DSS-induced colitis, which might have a bearing on the inhibition of Src-mediated NF-κB and chemokine signaling pathway.

Research on drug treatment and the novel signaling pathway of chronic atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a global digestive system disease and one of the important causes of gastric cancer. The incidence of CAG has been increasing yearly worldwide.

PURPOSE

This article reviews the latest research on the common causes and future therapeutic targets of CAG as well as the pharmacological effects of corresponding clinical drugs. We provide a detailed theoretical basis for further research on possible methods for the treatment of CAG and reversal of the CAG process.

RESULTS

CAG often develops from chronic gastritis, and its main pathological manifestation is atrophy of the gastric mucosa, which can develop into gastric cancer. The drug treatment of CAG can be divided into agents that regulate gastric acid secretion, eradicate Helicobacter. pylori (H. pylori), protect gastric mucous membrane, or inhibit inflammatory factors according to their mechanism of action. Although there are limited specific drugs for the treatment of CAG, progress is being made in defining the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of the disease. Growing evidence shows that NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ β-catenin, MAPK, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Hedgehog, and VEGF signaling pathways play an important role in the development of CAG.

Atractylenolide II regulates the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inactivating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and lethal tumor worldwide. Atractylenolide II (AT-II) is a natural sesquiterpenoid monomer, with anti-tumor effect. To address the effect and mechanisms of AT-II on HCC. The role and mechanisms of AT-II were assessed through cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and western blot experiments in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. In vivo experiments were conducted in BALB/c nude mice using immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. AT-II decreased the cell viability of Hep3B and Huh7 cells with a IC50 of 96.43 µM and 118.38 µM, respectively. AT-II increased relative Fe2+ level, which was further promoted with the incubation of erastin and declined with the ferrostatin-1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II enhanced the level of ROS and MDA, but reduced the GSH level, and the expression of xCT and GPX4. AT-II elevated the percent of CD8+ T cells and the IFN-γ contents, and declined the IL-10 concentrations and the expression of PD-L1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II downregulated the relative protein level of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, which was rescued with overexpression of TRAF6. Upregulation of TRAF6 also reversed the effect of AT-II on proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape in Hep3B cells. In vivo, AT-II reduced tumor volume and weight, the level of GPX4, xCT, and PD-L1, and the expression of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, with the increased expression of CD8. AT-II modulated the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of HCC cells by downregulating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Phytochemical Investigation of Equisetum arvense and Evaluation of Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential in TNFα/INFγ-Stimulated Keratinocytes

Equisetum arvense L. (Equisetaceae), widely known as 'horsetail', is a perennial plant found extensively across Asia. Extracts of E. arvense have been used in traditional medicine, particularly for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical compounds in E. arvense ethanolic extract and their anti-inflammatory properties. Subsequently, we isolated and identified nine secondary metabolites, including kaempferol 3,7-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), icariside B2 (2), (Z)-3-hexenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (5), clemastanin B (6), 4-O-caffeoylshikimic acid (7), (7S,8S)-threo-7,9,9'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), and 3-O-caffeoylshikimic acid (9). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds (1-9) were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS data, NMR spectra, and ECD data. Next, the anti-inflammatory effects of the isolates were evaluated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α/interferon (IFN)γ-induced HaCaT, a human keratinocyte cell line. Among the isolates, compound 3 showed the highest inhibitory effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines, followed by compounds 6 and 8. Correspondingly, the preceding isolates inhibited TNFα/IFNγ-induced activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, and nuclear factor-κB. Collectively, E. arvense could be employed for the development of prophylactic or therapeutic agents for improving dermatitis.

Non-Targeted Metabolomics Combined with Chemometrics by UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS and Antioxidant Activity of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidez. from Eight Origins

Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidez. (AC) is a type of Atractylodis Rhizoma that is widely used in China to treat diarrhea and arthritis, as well as a nutritional supplement. The objective of this study was to investigate and identify the phytochemicals in the aqueous extract of AC using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-Orbitrap-HRMS platform based on a non-targeted metabolomic approach. There were 76 compounds in the AC, the majority of which were phenylpropanoids (16) and terpenoids (15). The hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed variations across eight AC samples and classified them into four groups. Using Pareto modeling, the orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 11 distinct AC compounds. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of eight AC samples was assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and OH· methods. The AC samples with concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 mg/mL had no toxic effects on A549 cells. They have a strong therapeutic potential against oxidation-related diseases, and further research on AC is warranted.

Efficacy and safety of Tongmai Jiangtang capsule combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Recently, more and more Chinese patent drugs have been proved to be effective in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Tongmai Jiangtang capsule (TJC) is one of the representative ones. The present meta-analysis integrated data from several independent studies to determine the efficacy and safety of TJCs combined with routine hypoglycemic therapy for DPN patients, and to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Methods

SinoMed, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP databases and registers were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TJC treatment of DPN up to February 18, 2023. Two researchers independently used the Cochrane risk bias tool and comprehensive reporting criteria for Chinese medicine trials to evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of the qualified studies. RevMan5.4 was used for Meta-analysis and evidence evaluation, with scores determined for recommendations, evaluation, development and GRADE. The Cochrane Collaboration ROB tool was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. The results of Meta-analysis were represented by forest plots.

Results

A total of 8 studies were included involving a total sample size of 656 cases. TJCs combined with conventional treatment (CT) could significantly accelerate myoelectricity graphic nerve conduction velocity, including that median nerve motor conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone [mean difference (MD) = 5.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.31-6.10, P < 0.00001], peroneal nerve motor conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.63-3.68; P < 0.00001), median nerve sensory conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 3.06, 95% CI: 2.32-3.81, P < 0.00001), and peroneal nerve sensory conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 4.23, 95% CI: 3.30-5.16, P < 0.00001). The total efficiency of the TJCs + CT group was higher than that of the CT group (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.28-1.56, P < 0.00001). The HbA1c after treatment in the TJCs + CT group was lower than that in the CT group (P < 0.05). No adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in the combined TJCs or CT groups.

Conclusions

TJCs combined with CT reduced the severity of DPN symptoms and no treatment-associated ADRs were reported. However, these results should be considered with caution because there was marked heterogeneity in the research data. Therefore, more stringent RCTs should be designed to validate the efficacy of TJCs in DPN patients.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=264522, identifier: CRD42021264522.

Impact of Goreisan components on rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessel pumping

BACKGROUND

Goreisan is a traditional herbal formulation with diuretic properties tested as a clinical therapeutic to alleviate lymphedema in Japan. The present study aimed to determine how Goreisan and its five different components affect lymphatic pump function.

METHODS

Mesenteric collecting lymphatics were isolated from anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and mounted on resistance-matched glass micropipettes in a 37°C physiological salt solution bath for studies. Diameter was continuously measured to obtain the following lymphatic pump parameters: contraction frequency (CF), end diastolic diameter (EDD), and end systolic diameter (ESD), contraction amplitude (AMP), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional pump flow (FPF). Goreisan and each of its components (Cinnamomi Cortex, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Alismatis Rhizoma, Polyporus, and Poria) were applied to the bath at concentrations of 1-30 μg/mL.

RESULTS

The results show that while Goreisan causes no significant changes to lymphatic pumping, Alismatis Rhizoma and Polyporus each significantly reduce CF and FPF. In addition, rats that received oral administration of Goreisan and Alismatis Rhizoma for 1 week had elevated expression of VEGFR-3 in their mesenteric collecting lymphatics.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the results suggest that some components of Goreisan have a direct, rapid impact on lymphatic pumping. These findings provide new insights but also raise new questions about the therapeutic potential of Goreisan in patients with secondary lymphedema.

Salidroside ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis-induced cell injury and pyroptosis by inactivating Akt/NF-κB and caspase-3/GSDME pathways

Our previous studies showed that Salidroside (Sal), a glucoside of the phenylpropanoid tyrosol isolated from Rhodiola rosea L, alleviated severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) by inhibiting inflammation. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Recent evidence has indicated a critical role of Sal in ameliorating inflammatory disorders by regulating pyroptosis. The present study aimed to explore the involvement of Sal and pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of SAP and investigate the potential mechanism. The effects of Sal on pyroptosis were first evaluated using SAP rat and cell model. Our results revealed that Sal treatment significantly decreased SAP-induced pancreatic cell damage and pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro, as well as reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), IL-1β and IL-18. Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) online tool identified 4 genes (CASP3, AKT1, HIF1A and IL10) as candidate targets of Sal in both rattus norvegicus and homo sapiens. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining validated that Sal treatment decreased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and NF-κB p65, as well as cleaved caspase-3 and N-terminal fragments of GSDME (GSDME-N), suggesting that Sal might suppress pyroptosis through inactivating Akt/NF-κB and Caspase-3/GSDME pathways. Furthermore, overexpression of AKT1 or CASP3 could partially reverse the inhibitory effects of Sal on cell injury and pyroptosis, while downregulation of AKT1 or CASP3 promoted the inhibitory effects of Sal. Taken together, our data indicate that Sal suppresses SAP-induced pyroptosis through inactivating Akt/NF-κB and Caspase-3/GSDME pathways.

Protective Effects of Atractylodis lancea Rhizoma on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome caused by an excessive inflammatory response characterized by intractable hypoxemia both inside and outside the lung, for which effective therapeutic drugs are lacking. Atractylodis rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine, has excellent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties in addition to protecting the integrity of the cellular barrier. However, few studies of Atractylodis rhizoma for the treatment of ALI have been published, and its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of Atractylodis rhizoma (EEAR) was initially clarified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after which it was studied in vivo using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model. Treatment with EEAR significantly reduced the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) formation, and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) depletion in rats with ALI, thereby improving lung barrier function and effectively reducing lung injury. In addition, EEAR significantly reduced histopathological changes, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors (such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus reducing inflammation. In addition, EEAR was found to also reduce oxidative stress in ALI by upregulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1). EEAR also reduced LPS-induced inflammatory factor expression in THP-1 cells in vitro by inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and reduced damage from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in THP-1 cells by promoting the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream targets HO-1 and NQO-1, the molecular mechanism of which was consistent with in vivo observations. Therefore, we conclude that EEAR attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways to alleviate LPS-induced ALI, suggesting that Atractylodis rhizoma is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of ALI.

Network Pharmacology Analysis of Bioactive Components and Mechanisms of Action of Qi Wei Wan Formula for Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Astragali Radix (AR) and Schisandrae chinensis Fructus (SCF) have been used individually and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Qi Wei Wan (QWW), a 2-herb TCM formula composed of AR and SCF, is used to treat blood deficiency, fatigue, and metabolic abnormalities. We speculate that QWW may be more effective in treating NSCLC than AR or SCF alone. We identified 28 bioactive compounds in QWW and 322 targets of these compounds from databases. Network pharmacology analysis was used to identify 248 putative NSCLC-related gene targets of the bioactive compounds in QWW. Common target genes were analyzed to build protein–protein interaction networks. Implicated biological functions and pathways (p53, PI3K-Akt, etc) were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses. Molecular docking of core target proteins with the key active compounds was also performed. This study identified the potential gene targets and mechanisms involved in the anti-NSCLC effects of QWW.

The antitumor properties of atractylenolides: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

Drugs that exhibit a high degree of tumor cell selectivity while minimizing normal cell toxicity are an area of active research interest as a means of designing novel antitumor agents. The pharmacological benefits of Chinese herbal medicine-based treatments have been the focus of growing research interest in recent years. Sesquiterpenoids derived from the Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil preparations exhibit in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Atracylenolides exhibit anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and immunomodulatory activity in a range of tumor cell lines in addition to being capable of regulating metabolic activity such that it is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of diverse cancers. The present review provides a summary of recent advances in Atractylenolide-focused antitumor research efforts.

A Web-Based Pharmacological Approach to the Mechanism of Action of Rhizoma Phragmitis and Rhizoma Curcumae in the Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

Objective. To analyze and test the effect of Rhizoma phragmitis and Rhizoma curcumae on the network pharmacology of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) signaling channels and inflammatory factor target gene regulation in successful modeling of chronic atrophic gastritis rats. Methods. Rats with chronic atrophic gastritis that were modeled successfully were randomly divided into control and study groups and were treated with conventional western medicine or Rhizoma phragmitis and Rhizoma curcumae, respectively. The pharmacological mechanism of action and efficacy were evaluated. Results. The treatment efficiency was 76.32% and 97.37% in the control and study group, respectively. After treatment, the serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the study group were lower than those in the control group and the serum epidermal growth factor (EGF) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the pain behavioral scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group, and the free acid quantity and total acid quantity in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the serum MTL index in the study group was higher than that in the control group, and the serum gastrin (GAS) and pepsinogen I (PG I) indices in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the number of 24-hour reflux in the study group was less than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the longest reflux time in the study group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Based on the network pharmacological results, Rhizoma phragmitis and Rhizoma curcumae will modulate MAPK, TNF signaling circuits, and inflammatory factor target genes in the chronic atrophic gastritis rat model. This treatment protocol is efficient and beneficial to enhance the gastric function of the chronic atrophic gastritis rat model, while it can alleviate the inflammatory response and significantly reduce the number and duration of reflux, which is a safe and reliable treatment modality.

Successful treatment of refractory erythrodermic psoriasis with traditional Thai herbal medicine

BACKGROUND

Thai herbal formulations have been used traditionally in Thailand for the treatment of psoriasis. However, there is still a lack of scientific data supporting the effects of Thai herbal formulations in psoriasis treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of Thai herbal formulations for the treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All Thai herbal formulations (haematic tonic, lymphatic treatment, skin treatment) were obtained from a traditional Thai medicine doctor, Mr. Somporn Chanwanitsakul. The effects of Thai herbal formulations in a patient with erythrodermic psoriasis were assessed for four weeks. Primary outcome, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and secondary outcome, safety data and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) measurements were evaluated at baseline and four weeks. Then, in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, anti-microbial, cytotoxic effects, and anti-inflammatory) of Thai herbal formulations were determined to promote the therapeutic effects.

RESULTS

Thai herbal formulations were safe and effective in the treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis and had a modest positive impact on the DQLI of the patient. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that all Thai herbal formulations revealed remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential to support their therapeutic activities. However, the Thai herbal formulations possessed weak intrinsic antibacterial activities against all tested bacterial strains (MIC and MBC E. coli, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa: > 256 µg/ml).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that successful treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis with Thai herbal formulations was involved in their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. They could be considered as an alternative treatment for refractory erythrodermic psoriasis.

Quality markers of Baizhu dispensing granules based on multi-component qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with network pharmacology and chemometric analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The dispensing granules of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is an innovative form of medicinal material for TCMs decoction, which is gradually recognized in the clinic due to being suitable for production on a large scale and convenient to take for patients. However, the quality control of TCMs dispensing granules is being challenged, because they contain too many unrevealed hydrophilic components.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, the dispensing granules produced from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu dispensing granules), were explored as a case to explore the quality markers correlated to the clinical efficacy of TCMs dispensing granules by a comprehensive strategy of integrating chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and chemometric analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the chemical profiling of Baizhu dispensing granules was characterized by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Subsequently, the potential active components responsible for the efficacy of Baizhu dispensing granules were screened via network pharmacology, and the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) method was developed for quantitative analysis of the potential active components in 26 batches of Baizhu dispensing granules. Finally, the quality markers of Baizhu dispensing granules were deciphered based on content variations of potential active components and chemometric analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 69 components were identified from Baizhu dispensing granules. Network pharmacology analysis further revealed that eight of them including five caffeoylquinic acids (31, 32, 36, 42, 44) and three sesquiterpenoids (63, 67, 76) were intimately connected to the core targets of dyspepsia, enteritis, gastritis and immunity. The contents of eight components differed greatly among 26 batches of Baizhu dispensing granules. Chlorogenic acid (31), cryptochlorogenic acid (32) and atractylenolide III (63) have higher concentrations and make great contributions to distinguish different batches of the Baizhu dispensing granules based on principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), and could be used as the quality markers of Baizhu dispensing granules.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study defined the quality markers of Baizhu dispensing granules, which will benefit further investigation on the quality evaluation of TCMs dispensing granules containing Baizhu. The strategy used in this study will be helpful for discovering the quality markers of other TCMs dispensing granules.

Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Metabolites

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a herb widely used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcer, spleen deficiency, and diarrhea. In China, people fry raw A. lancea (SCZ) together with wheat bran to make bran-fried A. lancea (FCZ). Ancient Chinese texts have documented that FCZ can enhance the function of regulating the intestines and stomach. Nevertheless, the effect and mechanism of SCZ and FCZ on ulcerative colitis (UC) are still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of SCZ and FCZ and their mechanisms on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. The chemical constituents of SCZ and FCZ were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) with six reference compounds. The effects of SCZ and FCZ were investigated based on their effects on weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length shortening, goblet cell loss, and pathological changes using the colons from a mouse model of DSS-induced UC. The effects of SCZ and FCZ on levels of the inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text], interleukin-6, interleukin-1[Formula: see text], mucoprotein (MUC2), tight protein (ZO-1, occludin), and the activation of macrophages were determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). 16s RNA sequencing technology was used to detect the composition of the intestinal flora in each group. Nontargeted metabonomics was used to detect the serum metabolite levels of mice in each group. Pearson analysis was used to determine the correlation between the intestinal flora, metabolites, and pathological indices. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the genes of different metabolite-related enzymes. A pseudogerm free (PGF) mouse model was used to verify whether the effect of SCZ and FCZ in UC depends on the regulation of intestinal flora. SCZ and FCZ could inhibit weight loss and decrease the DAI score, colon length shortening, goblet cell loss, and the extent of pathological changes in the colons of mice with DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, SCZ and FCZ inhibited the decrease in MUC2, ZO-1, occludin, production of pro-inflammatory factors, and activation of pro-inflammatory macrophages in colonic tissue. The effect of FCZ was better than that of SCZ. SCZ and FCZ not only inhibited the abundance of harmful bacteria and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, but also regulated the metabolism of disease-related metabolites such as amino acid and cholesterol metabolism. Both preparations inhibited the gene expression (Slc6A7, PRODH, Sdsl, HMGCR, SREBP-2) of different metabolite-related enzymes. In the PGF mouse model, the above effects were not observed. Rhizoma Atractylodes was effective in alleviating DSS-induced UC in mice, and FCZ was found to be superior to SCZ. The mechanism of action of FCZ and SCZ is mainly related to the regulation of intestinal flora and their associated metabolites.

Development of natural products for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy against cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint is one of the most promising therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy, but several challenges remain in current anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Natural products, mainly derived from traditional medicine, could improve and expand anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy because of their advantages such as large diversity and multi-target effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review summarize natural products, raw extracts, and traditional medicines with pharmacological effects associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, particularly PD-L1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic literature databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, and online drugs and chemicals databases, including DrugBank, ZINC, PubChem, STITCH, and CTD, were searched without date limitation by February 2021. 'Natural product or herb or herbal plant or traditional medicine' and 'PD-L1' and 'Cancer immunotherapy' were used as the search keywords. Among 112 articles identified in database searching, 54 articles are full text articles, reporting in silico, in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. 68 articles included are review articles and grey literature such as thesis and congress abstracts.

RESULTS

Several natural products and traditional medicines have exhibited diverse and multi-functional effects including direct blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, modulation of PD-L1 expression, and cooperation with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Natural products and traditional medicines can facilitate the development of more effective and acceptable diverse strategies for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, but further exploration of natural products and pharmaceutical techniques is required.

Cloning, prokaryotic expression, and purification of acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase from Atractylodes lancea

BACKGROUND

Cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea), a valuable and common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is primarily used as an effective medicine with various health-promoting effects. The main pharmacological bioactive ingredients in the rhizome of A. lancea are terpenoids. Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase (AACT) is the first enzyme in the terpenoid synthesis pathway and catalyzes two units of acetyl-CoA into acetoacetyl-CoA.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present work was to clone and identify function of AlAACT from Atractylodes lancea.

METHOD

A full-length cDNA clone of AlAACT was isolated using PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein was purified using Ni-NTA agarose column using standard protocols. AlAACT was transiently expressed in N. benthamiana leaves to determine their subcellular location. The difference in growth between recombinant bacteria and control bacteria under different stresses was observed using the droplet plate experiment. Results：In this study, a full-length cDNA of AACT (AlAACT) was cloned from A. lancea, which contains a 1,227 bp open reading frame and encodes a protein with 409 amino acids. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis clearly suggested that AlAACT shared high similarity with AACTs from other plants. The recombinant protein pET32a(+)/AlAACT was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells induced with 0.4 mM IPTG at 30°C as the optimized condition. The recombinant enzyme pET-32a-AlAACT was purified using the Ni-NTA column based on the His-tag, and the molecular weight was determined to be 62 kDa through SDS-PAGE and Western Blot analysis. The recombinant protein was eluted with 100, 300, and 500 mM imidazole; most of the protein was eluted with 300 mM imidazole. Under mannitol stress, the recombinant pET-32a-AlAACT protein showed a substantial advantage in terms of growth rates compared to the control. However, this phenomenon was directly opposite under NaCl abiotic stress. Subcellular localization showed that AlAACT localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Conclusion：The expression and purification of recombinant enzyme pET-32a-AlAACT were successful, and the recombinant strain pET-32a-AlAACT in showed better growth in a drought stress. The expression of AlAACT-EGFP fusion protein revealed its localization in both nuclear and cytoplasm compartments. This study provides an important foundation for further research into the effects of terpenoid biosynthesis in A. lancea.

Atractylenolide‑1 alleviates gastroparesis in diabetic rats by activating the stem cell factor/c‑kit signaling pathway

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. There are numerous clinical symptoms associated with DGP, as well as high treatment costs and markedly reduced patient quality of life. However, the pathogenesis of DGP is not clear, thus effective treatment methods are yet to be established. In the present study, a DGP rat model was established in Sprague‑Dawley rats by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). DGP model rats were treated with different doses of atractylenolide‑1 to detect alterations in gastrointestinal function, including gastroparesis, gastric emptying, gastric motility, gastric peristalsis and gastric blood flow. Compared with the DGP group, atractylenolide‑1 treatment significantly reduced glycaemia and the level of glycated hemoglobin, as well as restoring gastrointestinal function. Gastroparesis, gastric emptying, gastric motility, gastric peristalsis and gastric blood flow were significantly impaired in the STZ‑induced group compared with the vehicle control group. Moreover, the STZ‑induced group displayed downregulated expression levels of the DGP indicator KIT proto‑oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (c‑kit), as investigated by immunohistochemistry, and stem cell factor (SCF) protein, as assessed using ELISA, significantly enhanced rat interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) apoptosis, and significantly altered levels of oxidative stress‑related markers (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) in the serum and gastric tissues compared with the vehicle control group. By contrast, treatment with atractylenolide‑1 significantly counteracted the effects of DGP on peristalsis, inhibited apoptosis and suppressed oxidative stress by regulating the expression of heme oxygenase 1 in STZ‑induced DGP model rats. Further research indicated that atractylenolide‑1 regulated oxidative stress reactions and improved gastric function by activating the SCF/c‑kit signaling pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that atractylenolide‑1 promoted ICC survival and preserved the structure of the gastric tissue network in a DGP rat model via the SCF/c‑kit signaling pathway, providing novel insights for the treatment of DGP.