Lianhuaqingwen capsule inhibits non-lethal doses of influenza virus-induced secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice

Inhibitory Effect of Jingfang Mixture on Staphylococcus aureus α-Hemolysin

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a kind of gram-positive bacteria, and its virulence factors can cause many kinds of infections. Traditional antibiotics can not only kill bacteria, but also easily lead to bacterial resistance. Jingfang Mixture (JFM) is commonly used in clinic to prevent and treat epidemic diseases and infectious diseases. The main purpose of this study is to explore the inhibitory effect of JFM on alpha-hemolysin (Hla) of S. aureus and to alleviate the damage caused by Hla. We found that JFM could inhibit the hemolytic activity, gene and protein level and neutralizing activity of Hla in a dose-dependent manner at the concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 μg/mL, without affecting the growth of bacteria. In addition, JFM reduced the damage of Hla to A549 cells and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We also observed that in the S. aureus - induced pneumonia mouse model, JFM could significantly prolong the life of mice, reduce the bacterial load in the lungs, significantly improve the pathological state of the lungs and alleviate the damage caused by inflammatory factors, and the pathogenicity of gene deletion strain DU 1090 of S. aureus to pneumonia mice was also significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study proved that JFM is a potential drug against S. aureus infection, and this study provided a preliminary study for better guidance of clinical drug use.

Inhibitory effect of Jingfang mixture on Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacteria, and its virulence factors can cause many kinds of infections, such as pneumonia, sepsis, enteritis and osteomyelitis. Traditional antibiotics can not only kill bacteria, but also easily lead to bacterial resistance. Jingfang Mixture (JFM) has the effects of inducing sweating and relieving the exterior, dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, and is commonly used in clinic to prevent and treat epidemic diseases and infectious diseases. The main purpose of this study is to explore the inhibitory effect of JFM on alpha-hemolysin (Hla) of S. aureus and to alleviate the damage caused by Hla. We found that JFM could inhibit the hemolytic activity, transcription level and neutralizing activity of Hla in a dose-dependent manner at the concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 µg/mL, without affecting the growth of bacteria. In addition, JFM reduced the damage of Hla to A549 cells and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We also observed that in the S. aureus - induced pneumonia mouse model, JFM could significantly prolong the life of mice, reduce the bacterial load in the lungs, significantly improve the pathological state of the lungs and alleviate the damage caused by inflammatory factors, and the pathogenicity of gene deletion strain DU 1090 of S. aureus to pneumonia mice was also significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study proved that JFM is a potential drug against S. aureus infection, and this study provided a preliminary study for better guidance of clinical drug use.

Staphylococcus aureus wraps around Candida albicans and synergistically escapes from Neutrophil extracellular traps

Background

NETs, a unique neutrophil immune mechanism, are vital in defending against microbial invasions. Understanding the mechanisms of co-infection by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, which often leads to higher mortality and poorer prognosis, is crucial for studying infection progression.

Methods

In our study, we established a mouse model of subcutaneous infection to characterize the inflammation induced by co-infection. By purifying and extracting NETs to interact with microorganisms, we delve into the differences in their interactions with various microbial species. Additionally, we investigated the differences in NETs production by neutrophils in response to single or mixed microorganisms through the interaction between neutrophils and these microorganisms. Furthermore, we analyzed the gene expression differences during co-infection using transcriptomics.

Results

In vivo, C. albicans infections tend to aggregate, while S. aureus infections are more diffuse. In cases of co-infection, S. aureus adheres to and wraps C. albicans. NETs exhibit strong killing capability against C. albicans but weaker efficacy against S. aureus. When NETs interact with mixed microorganisms, they preferentially target and kill the outer layer of S. aureus. In the early stages, neutrophils primarily rely on phagocytosis to kill S. aureus, but as the bacteria accumulate, they stimulate neutrophils to produce NETs. Interestingly, in the presence of neutrophils, S. aureus promotes the proliferation and hyphal growth of C. albicans.

Conclusion

Our research has showed substantial differences in the progression of co-infections compared to single-microbial infections, thereby providing scientific evidence for NETs as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of co-infections.

The phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity of Forsythiae Fructus: An updated systematic review

Forsythiae Fructus (FF), the dried fruit of F. suspensa, is commonly used to treat fever, inflammation, etc in China or other Asian countries. FF is usually used as the core herb in traditional Chinese medicine preparations for the treatment of influenza, such as Shuang-huang-lian oral liquid and Yin-qiao powder, etc. Since the wide application and core role of FF, its research progress was summarized in terms of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity. Meanwhile, the anti-influenza substances and mechanism of FF were emphasized. Till now, a total of 290 chemical components are identified in F. suspensa, and among them, 248 components were isolated and identified from FF, including 42 phenylethanoid glycosides, 48 lignans, 59 terpenoids, 14 flavonoids, 3 steroids, 24 cyclohexyl ethanol derivatives, 14 alkaloids, 26 organic acids, and 18 other types. FF and their pure compounds have the pharmacological activities of anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. Inhibition of TLR7, RIG-I, MAVS, NF-κB, MyD88 signaling pathway were the reported anti-influenza mechanisms of FF and phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans are the main active groups. However, the bioavailability of phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans of FF in vivo was low, which needed to be improved. Simultaneously, the un-elucidated compounds and anti-influenza substances of FF strongly needed to be explored. The current quality control of FF was only about forsythoside A and phillyrin, more active components should be taken into consideration. Moreover, there are no reports of toxicity of FF yet, but the toxicity of FF should be not neglected in clinical applications.

Lianhua Qingwen protects LPS-induced acute lung injury by promoting M2 macrophage infiltration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) was used to treat regular seasonal influenza. In recent years, LHQW exerts significant therapeutic effects in treating influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the potential mechanisms are not yet understood and need further study.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aims to look into the influence of LHQW on lung inflammation and macrophage phenotype, and to clarify the connection between macrophage plasticity and LHQW.

METHODS

The cell viability, marker expression, response to LPS stimulation, and phagocytosis of Raw264.7 were detected after LHQW treatment. In an LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model, the alleviating effect of LHQW on lung injury was investigated. The total macrophages and M2 macrophages in mice lungs and the peripheral blood monocytes after LHQW treatment were detected. The cell viability and polarization of peripheral blood macrophages treated with LHQW were detected.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrate that LHQW protects LPS-induced ALI by promoting M2 macrophage infiltration. LHQW treatment inhibited the inflammatory response and pro-inflammatory phenotype of Raw264.7 macrophages. High concentrations of LHQW promoted the phagocytic capacity of Raw264.7 macrophages. In an ALI mouse model, LHQW alleviated lung injury and no significant hepatotoxicity was observed. By Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, LHQW increased the infiltration of macrophages, mainly M2 macrophages. Consistent with Raw264.7, LHQW also decreased the expression of M1 markers in peripheral blood macrophages. In addition, LHQW blood plasma promoted the M2-type polarization of peripheral blood macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data demonstrate that LHQW reduces the inflammatory response and ameliorates acute lung injury by promoting anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages.

Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen as an adjuvant treatment for influenza in Chinese patients: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) is a proprietary traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of influenza (FLu). It is composed of 2 prescriptions, Maxing Shigan and Yinqiao, which has antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects. However its clinical suitability has not yet been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW in the treatment of FLu.

METHODS

We searched several databases, including PubMed and China Biomedical Database for literature research, from inception to July 1, 2023. This meta-analysis included RCTs that compared the safety and efficacy of the combination of LHQW and conventional drugs (CD) with CD alone for IFU. The extracted data were analyzed using Revman5.4 software with risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and standardized mean difference.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 32 articles with 3592 patients. The results showed that the effects of LHQW adjuvant therapy were superior to those of CD (clinical effective rate: RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18-1.26, P < .00001; cure rate: RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.35-1.75, P < .00001), and adverse reactions after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.98, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates that LHQW combined with CD may be more effective than CD alone for the treatment of FLu.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. as a promising antibacterial agent for Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 based on network pharmacology, metabolomics, and in vitro experiments

Lonicera japonica Thunb. has attracted much attention for its treatment of bacterial and viral infectious diseases, while its active ingredients and potential mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Here, we combined metabolomics, and network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanism of Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 inhibition by Lonicera japonica Thunb. In vitro inhibition experiments showed that the Lonicera japonica Thunb.'s water extracts, ethanolic extract, luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol strongly inhibited Bacillus cereus ATCC14579. In contrast, chlorogenic acid and macranthoidin B had no inhibitory effect on Bacillus cereus ATCC14579. Meanwhile, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol against Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 were 15.625 μg mL-1, 31.25 μg mL-1, and 15.625 μg mL-1. Based on the previous experimental basis, the metabolomic analysis showed the presence of 16 active ingredients in Lonicera japonica Thunb.'s water extracts and ethanol extracts, with differences in the luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol contents between the water extracts and ethanol extracts. Network pharmacology studies indicated that fabZ, tig, glmU, secA, deoD, nagB, pgi, rpmB, recA, and upp were potential key targets. Active ingredients of Lonicera japonica Thunb. may exert their inhibitory effects by inhibiting ribosome assembly, the peptidoglycan biosynthesis process, and the phospholipid biosynthesis process of Bacillus cereus ATCC14579. An alkaline phosphatase activity assay, peptidoglycan concentration assay, and protein concentration assay showed that luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol disrupted the Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 cell wall and cell membrane integrity. Transmission electron microscopy results showed significant changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of the cell wall and cell membrane of Bacillus cereus ATCC14579, further confirming the disruption of the cell wall and cell membrane integrity of Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 by luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In conclusion, Lonicera japonica Thunb. can be used as a potential antibacterial agent for Bacillus cereus ATCC14579, which may exert its antibacterial activity by destroying the integrity of the cell wall and membrane.