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Zhu BY, Liu ZC, Zhao ZX, Huang HP, Zhang N, Xia J, Chen WW. Pharmacological Mechanism of Chinese Medicine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Narrative Review. Chin J Integr Med 2024:10.1007/s11655-024-3762-0. [PMID: 39240290 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3762-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple systems, characterized by the development of harmful autoantibodies and immune complexes that lead to damage in organs and tissues. Chinese medicine (CM) plays a role in mitigating complications, enhancing treatment effectiveness, and reducing toxicity of concurrent medications, and ensuring a safe pregnancy. However, CM mainly solves the disease comprehensively through multi-target and multi-channel regulation process, therefore, its treatment mechanism is often complicated, involving many molecular links. This review introduces the research progress of pathogenesis of SLE from the aspects of genetics, epigenetics, innate immunity and acquired immunity, and then discusses the molecular mechanism and target of single Chinese herbal medicine and prescription that are commonly used and effective in clinic to treat SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yu Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Zhen-Xi Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Hui-Ping Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Jia Xia
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Wei-Wei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang F, Zhang Y, Wang M, Gao Y, Li H, Sun J, Xie Z. Investigating the therapeutic mechanism of Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang on systemic lupus erythematosus through the ERα-miRNA-TLR7 immune axis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32752. [PMID: 38948043 PMCID: PMC11209013 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang (JQZF) is a formula that has been empirically used for the treatment of SLE in clinical practice. JQZF has become an approved hospital prescription in China. Fifteen MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into three groups: Model, JQZF, and JQZF + GC, with five mice in each group. Five MRL/MPJ mice were used as the Blank group. After 8 weeks of administration, peripheral blood serum was collected to detect anti-dsDNA antibodies and complement C3 levels. Spleen B cells were collected to detect the expression of TLR7 and NF-κBp65 mRNA, and correlation analysis was performed. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was also performed on spleen B cells. Further, key miRNA and key gene mRNA expression were detected by RT-qPCR, and key protein expression levels were detected by Western blot method. Bioinformatics methods predicted that ESR1 is a key target of JQZF action on SLE, hsa-miR-146a-5p is one of the key miRNAs, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that NF-κB signaling pathway is its key signaling pathway. Transcriptome sequencing of MRL/lpr mouse spleen B cells revealed that the differential genes between the JQZF and Model groups were enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Estrogen signaling pathway, etc. Animal studies show that JQZF treatment significantly boosts serum C3 and lowers anti-dsDNA antibodies (P < 0.01). On the molecular level, JQZF suppresses TLR7 and NF-κBp65 mRNA in spleen B cells, with TLR7 mRNA positively linked to anti-dsDNA titers and negatively to serum C3. Further cellular work demonstrates that JQZF reverses the increased IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression seen after miR146a inhibition. Additionally, post-ERα inhibition, JQZF continues to upregulate miR146a and more significantly reduces TLR7 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), pointing to ERα's pivotal role in the miR146a-TLR7 axis. These results indicate JQZF alleviates SLE by adjusting the ERα-miR146a-TLR7 loop, showcasing its mechanism and therapeutic potential for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - MeiJiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - HaiChang Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - ZhiJun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Huang S, Peng J, Gan Y, Chen L, Zhu Z, Tian F, Ji L, Fan Y, Zhou C, Bao J. Jieduquyuziyin prescription enhances CD11a and CD70 DNA methylation of CD4 + T cells via miR-29b-sp1/DNMT1 pathway in MRL/lpr mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116776. [PMID: 37343653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) is a traditional Chinese medicine utilized to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its efficacy has been confirmed through clinical trials and empirical evidence, leading to its authorized use in Chinese hospitals. The development of JP exemplifies the integration of traditional wisdom and scientific approaches, demonstrating the interdisciplinary essence of ethnopharmacology. These results emphasize the potential value of traditional medicine in addressing autoimmune disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to address the effect of JP in MRL/lpr mice and elucidate the pharmacological mechanism by which JP targets CD11a and CD70 DNA methylation via the miR-29b-sp1/DNMT1 pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRL/lpr mice were divided into three groups: the model group (received distilled water), the positive group (administered AAV/miR-29b-3p inhibitor), and the JP group (treated with JP decoction). C57BL/6 mice were constituted as a control group. Through ELISA assay, serum and urine samples were assessed for anti-dsDNA, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-2, and UP. HE and Masson staining were conducted to reveal renal pathology. Genome DNA was extracted from CD4+ T cells of mice spleens to evaluate methylation level. The methylation of CD11a, CD70, and CD40L promoter regions was analyzed by targeted bisulfate sequencing. Their expression at the mRNA and protein levels was examined using quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining of kidney tissues. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the miR-29b-sp1/DNMT1 pathway by JP were explored with Jurkat cells transfected with miR-inhibitors or miR-mimics. RESULTS Mice treated with JP exhibited a significant decrease in anti-dsDNA, TNF-α, TGF-β, and UP, accompanied by a significant increase in IL-2. HE staining revealed JP effectively mitigated renal inflammatory response, while Masson staining indicated a reduction in collagen fiber content. In addition, JP exhibited a significant impact on the global hypomethylation of SLE, as evidenced by the induction of high methylation levels of CD11a and CD70 promoter regions, mediated through the miR-29b-sp1/DNMT1 pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate JP exerts a protective effect against spontaneous SLE development, attenuates renal pathological changes, and functions as a miRNA inhibitor to enhance CD11a and CD70 DNA methylation through the modulation of the miR-29b-sp1/DNMT1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiaqi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yihong Gan
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Leiming Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhengyang Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fengyuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lina Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yongsheng Fan
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chuanlong Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jie Bao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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He Y, Tian W, Zhang M, Qiu H, Li H, Shi X, Song S, Wen C, Chen J. Jieduquyuziyin prescription alleviates SLE complicated by atherosclerosis via promoting cholesterol efflux and suppressing TLR9/MyD88 activation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 309:116283. [PMID: 36898449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116283] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP), as a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is extensively applied to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its prescription is based on clinical practice and an evidence-based application of traditional medicines. It is approved by use in Chinese hospitals as a clinical prescription that can be directly used. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to elucidate JP's efficacy on lupus-like disease combined with atherosclerosis and to explore its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS To conduct in vivo experiments, we established a model of lupus-like disease with atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet and injected intraperitoneally with pristane. In addition, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and a TLR9 agonist (CpG-ODN2395) were utilized to examine the mechanism of JP on SLE combined with AS in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. RESULTS Results indicated that JP reduced hair loss and levels of the spleen index, maintained stable body weight, alleviated kidney damage in mice, and reduced the expression levels of urinary protein, autoantibodies, and inflammatory factors in serum. Furthermore, JP is effective at alleviating the lupus-like symptoms observed in mice. In mice, JP inhibited aortic plaque deposition, stimulated lipid metabolism, and increased the expression of genes that regulate cholesterol efflux, including ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1), scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). In vivo, JP inhibited the expression of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-induced signaling pathway, which links TLR9/MyD88/NF-kB to the expression of subsequent inflammatory factors. Furthermore, JP inhibited the expression of TLR9 and MyD88 in vitro. In addition, the JP treatment effectively reduced foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages by increasing the expression of ABCA1/G1, PPAR-γ and SR-BI. CONCLUSIONS JP played a therapeutic role in ApoE-/- mice with pristane-induced lupus-like diseases and AS, possibly through inhibition of TLR9/MyD88 signaling and promotion of cholesterol efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang He
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weiyu Tian
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haonan Qiu
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haichang Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Shi
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Siyue Song
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Juan Chen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, China.
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Wang W, Wang YH, Yang K, Ye X, Wang X, Wei JCC. Traditional Chinese medicine use is associated with lower risk of pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1185809. [PMID: 37324478 PMCID: PMC10267408 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1185809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the association between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy and the risk of pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: This population-based control study analyzed the data retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research database in Taiwan. From a cohort of 2 million records of the 2000-2018 period, 9,714 newly diagnosed patients with SLE were initially included. 532 patients with pneumonia and 532 patients without pneumonia were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, and year of SLE diagnosis using propensity score matching. The use of TCM therapy was considered from the SLE diagnosis date to the index date and the cumulative days of TCM therapy were used to calculate the dose effect. Conditional logistic regression was used to investigate the risk of pneumonia infection. Furthermore, to explore the severity of pneumonia in SLE, sensitivity analyses were performed after stratification using the parameters of emergency room visit, admission time, and antibiotic use. Results: TCM therapy for >60 days could significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia in patients with SLE (95% CI = 0.46-0.91; p = 0.012). Stratified analysis showed that TCM use also reduced the risk of pneumonia in younger and female patients with SLE by 34% and 35%, respectively. TCM for >60 days significantly reduced the risk of pneumonia in the follow-up periods of >2, >3, >7, and >8 years. In addition, the exposure of TCM for >60 days reduced the risk of pneumonia in patients with SLE who were treated with antibiotics for moderate or severe pneumonia. Finally, the study found that using formulae to tonify the kidney for more than 90 days and formulae to activate blood circulation for less than 30 days could significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia infection in patients with SLE. Conclusion: TCM use is associated with a lower risk of pneumonia among patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kepeng Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangsheng Ye
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinchang Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Gao Y, Zhou J, Huang Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Sun J, Xie Z. Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang (JQZF) inhibits the proliferation and activation of B cells in MRL/lpr mice via modulating the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116625. [PMID: 37236380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang (JQZF) is a new herbal formula improved based on "Sheng Ma Bie Jia Tang" in the Golden Chamber, has been proved to be effective in the treatment of SLE. The ability of JQZF to prevent lymphocyte growth and survival has been demonstrated in earlier investigations. However, the specific mechanism of JQZF on SLE has not been fully investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY To reveal the potential mechanisms of JQZF inhibiting B cell proliferation and activation in MRL/lpr mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRL/lpr mice were treated with low-dose, high-dose JQZF and normal saline for 6 weeks. The effect of JQZF on disease improvement in MRL/lpr mice was studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), histopathological staining, serum biochemical parameters and urinary protein levels. The changes of B lymphocyte subsets in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. The contents of ATP and PA in B lymphocytes from the spleens of mice were determined by ATP content assay kit and PA assay kit. Raji cells (a B lymphocyte line) were selected as the cell model in vitro. The effects of JQZF on the proliferation and apoptosis of B cells were detected by flow cytometry and CCK8. The effect of JQZF on the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway in B cells were detected via western blot. RESULTS JQZF, especially at high dose, significantly improved the disease development of MRL/lpr mice. Flow cytometry results showed that JQZF affected the proliferation and activation of B cells. In addition, JQZF inhibited the production of ATP and PA in B lymphocytes. In vitro cell experiments further confirmed that JQZF can inhibit Raji proliferation and promote cell apoptosis through AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway. CONCLUSION JQZF may affect the proliferation and activation of B cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiNi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - JiaWang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - MeiJiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - FengQi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - YiYang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - HaiChang Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jing Sun
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - ZhiJun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Paeoniflorin Inhibits LPS-Induced Activation of Splenic CD4+ T Lymphocytes and Relieves Pathological Symptoms in MRL/lpr Mice by Suppressing IRAK1 Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5161890. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/5161890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-1receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) plays a critical role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It was reported that SLE was associated with an inflammatory response mediated by defective immune tolerance, including overproduction of autoantibodies, chronic inflammation, and organ damage. Previous reports stated paeoniflorin (PF) had an immunosuppressive effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of PF in SLE and its underlying mechanisms. Followed by induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the splenocytes and the isolated CD4+ T lymphocytes of MRL/lpr mice were divided into three groups: control group, LPS group, and LPS + PF group, respectively. MRL/MP mice were used as the control group (treated with distilled water). The MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model group (treated with distilled water), the prednisone group, and the PF group. The MRL/lpr mice were treated with prednisone acetate (5 mg/kg) and PF (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Subsequently, ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blotting, HE, and Masson staining were performed to detect various indicators. The results of Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) showed that 10 μg/mL of LPS had the optimum effect on cell viability, and 50 μmol/L of PF had no obvious cytotoxicity to LPS-treated cells. PF reduced the expression level of IRAK1-nuclearfactor-κB (NF-κB) and its downstream inflammatory cytokines in the splenocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes of MRL/lpr mice stimulated by LPS, especially in the latter. The serum antibody contents in the PF group mice were reduced, and the kidney damage was also alleviated accordingly. Moreover, the IRAK1/inhibitor of the nuclear factor-κB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB inhibitor (IκB)/NF-κB pathways was found to be involved in the anti-inflammation effect of PF in the kidney and spleen. In conclusion, it is thought that PF may have the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent to reduce the inflammatory activity of SLE. Inhibition of the IRAK1-NF-κB pathway may help formulate novel therapeutic tactics for SLE.
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Du L, Feng Y, Wang C, Shi X, Wen C, He Z, Zhang Y. Jieduquyuziyin prescription promotes the efficacy of prednisone via upregulating Nrf2 in MRL/lpr kidneys. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115643. [PMID: 36031105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used as an approved hospital prescription to improve the efficacy of prednisone (Pred) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) treatment. Although the synergistic effect of JP and Pred is prominent, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the key therapeutic targets of JP in improving the role of Pred in the treatment of LN. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lupus-prone female MRL/lpr mice were administered JP, Pred, or JP combined with Pred. The effect of JP on LN was estimated by evaluating renal function and inflammation levels in the kidneys. On this basis, RNA sequencing of kidney tissues was performed, and the differentially expressed genes were analyzed and summarized. The role of JP in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or Nrf2) in the kidneys was further confirmed by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. RESULTS JP combined with Pred exhibited the most remarkable therapeutic effect compared with JP or Pred alone. Transcriptome analysis indicated that Nrf2, a central mediator of the antioxidative response, was significantly upregulated by JP. Based on these results, we speculated that Nrf2 is a critical factor for JP, improving the efficacy of Pred in treating LN by notably suppressing the oxidative stress level in the kidneys. Furthermore, we found that Nrf2 expression decreased with the exacerbation of LN in MRL/lpr mice. In addition, the downregulated Nrf2 was notably restored after JP treatment, accompanied by suppressed oxidative stress levels in the kidneys. It includes inhibited accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that JP increases Pred efficacy by increasing Nrf2 expression, implying that Nrf2 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Du
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yuxiang Feng
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Xiaowei Shi
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Chengping Wen
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Zhixing He
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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