Traditional Chinese Medicine has great potential as candidate drugs for lung cancer: A review

Inhibition of hERG by ESEE suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers. Emodin is a lipophilic anthraquinone commonly found in medicinal herbs and known for its antitumor properties. However, its clinical utility has been hampered by low druggability. We designed and synthesized a new compound named Emodin succinimidyl ethyl ester (ESEE), which improves the bioavailability and preserves the original pharmacological effects of Emodin. In vitro, we have confirmed that ESEE induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells, suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibits the growth of subcutaneous transplantation tumors associated with colon cancer. And, in vivo, ESEE robustly inhibited tumor growth. Human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) is aberrantly expressed in various cancer cells, where they play an important role in cancer progression. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a tyrosine kinase overexpressed in cancer cells and plays an important role in the progression of tumors to a malignant phenotype. Mechanistically, the anti-CRC properties of ESEE are exerted through direct binding with hERG, which impedes the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling axis-dependent apoptotic cascade.

Effect of forest cover on lung cancer incidence: a case study in Southwest China

Introduction

Forests are closely linked to human health, particularly about lung cancer incidence. However, there is currently limited research on how forest coverage and different types of forests influence lung cancer rates. This study aims to address this gap by examining how the coverage of various forest types impacts lung cancer incidence in Southwest China, thereby providing theoretical support for health-oriented forest structure planning.

Methods

We focused on 438 counties in Southwest China, employing spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran's I) and spatial regression models [including Spatial Lag Model (SLM), Spatial Error Model (SEM), and Spatial Durbin Model (SDM)] to explore the effects of forest coverage and internal forest structure on lung cancer incidence. We used ArcGIS to visualize lung cancer incidence and forest coverage rates across the study area.

Results

The study found a significant negative correlation between forest coverage and lung cancer incidence. Specifically, for every 1% increase in forest coverage, lung cancer incidence decreased by 0.017 levels. Evergreen forests and mixed forests showed a significant negative impact on lung cancer rates, with evergreen forests having a particularly strong effect; a 1% increase in evergreen forest coverage was associated with a 0.027 level decrease in lung cancer incidence. In contrast, deciduous forests had no significant impact. Additionally, the study revealed a marked spatial heterogeneity in lung cancer incidence and forest coverage across Southwest China: higher lung cancer rates were observed in the eastern regions, while forest coverage was predominantly concentrated in the western and southern regions.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that increasing forest coverage, particularly of evergreen and mixed forests, can help reduce lung cancer incidence. This effect may be related to the ability of forests to absorb harmful gasses and particulate matter from the air. Furthermore, the spatial heterogeneity in lung cancer incidence suggests that regional economic development levels and urbanization processes may also play significant roles in the spatial distribution of lung cancer rates. The findings provide empirical support for the development of targeted forest conservation and development policies aimed at optimizing regional forest structures to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Paclitaxel inhibits proliferation by negatively regulating Cdk1-cell cycle axis in rat airway smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Paclitaxel exhibits outstanding biological activities in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. However, the effects of paclitaxel on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) have not been reported yet. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of paclitaxel on the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs.

METHODS

Rat primary ASMCs were isolated and used in all the experiments. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Edu assay were used to analyze the cell viability and proliferation, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunostaining were used to detect the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1).

RESULTS

Our study showed that paclitaxel inhibits the proliferation of ASMCs in a dose- and time-gradient-dependent manner. Further study displayed that cell cycle is arrested at G2/M phase. And Cdk1 was dramatically down-regulated by paclitaxel treatment. Cell morphological analysis showed that ASMCs are elliptical with a larger surface area after paclitaxel treatment. Nucleus morphological analysis showed that the nuclei are in a diffuse state after paclitaxel treatment. However, paclitaxel did not induce the apoptosis of ASMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that paclitaxel inhibits the proliferation of ASMCs at least partly by negatively regulating Cdk1-cell cycle axis.

Bufotalin Induces Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis by Blocking the ITGB4/FAK/ERK Pathway in Glioblastoma

Bufotalin (BT), a major active constituent of Chansu, has been found to possess multiple pharmacological activities. Although previous studies have shown that BT could inhibit the growth of glioblastoma (GBM), the safety of BT in vivo and the potential mechanism are still unclear. We conducted a systematic assessment to investigate the impact of BT on GBM cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation. Furthermore, in vivo results were obtained to evaluate the effect of BT on tumor growth. The preliminary findings of our study demonstrate the effective inhibition of GBM cell growth and subcutaneous tumor development in mice by BT, with tolerable levels of tolerance observed. Mechanistically, BT treatment induced mitochondrial dysfunction, bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequent cell apoptosis. More importantly, proteomic-based differentially expressed proteins analysis revealed a significant downregulation of integrin β4 (ITGB4) following BT treatment. Furthermore, our evidence suggested that the ITGB4/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway involved BT-induced apoptosis. Overall, our study demonstrates the anti-GBM effects of BT and elucidates the underlying mechanism, highlighting BT as a potential therapeutic option for GBM.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in treatment of lung cancer

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used in treating cancer. Our formerly investigations confirmed the anti-lung cancer efficacy of Fuzi, but systematic analysis of the ingredients of Fuzi absorbed into serum and the corresponding molecular mechanism in treating lung cancer remained unknown. In this work, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was applied to detect the ingredients of Fuzi in rat serum. Next, the possible targets and key pathways of the components absorbed into serum of Fuzi were predicted by network pharmacology. Then, the binding activity of components and potential targets were performed by molecular docking. Afterwards, the proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of lung cancer cells after treatment with Fuzi-containing serum were determined by MTT assay, JC-1 fluorescent probe, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and DCFH-DA respectively. Finally, the predicted target was further validated with qRT-PCR. In total, identification of 20 components of Fuzi derived from rat serum were achieved. The prediction of network pharmacology indicated that these compounds might exert their therapeutic effects by modulating mTOR. The findings from molecular docking proved that fuziline, songorine, napelline and hypaconitine exhibited binding potential with the mTOR. Cancer cell experiments revealed that the Fuzi-containing serum inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, reduced MMP and increased ROS. Additionally, Fuzi-containing serum significantly reduced the mRNA expression of mTOR. This study revealed that fuziline, songorine, napelline and hypaconitine were the main ingredients of Fuzi absorbed into serum. Furthermore, Fuzi-containing serum demonstrated inhibitory effects on the proliferation of lung cancer cells and induced the apoptosis. Combined with the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking and biological verification, Fuzi-containing serum might exert its anti-lung cancer effect by inhibiting mTOR. This study would provide a deeper understanding of Fuzi in treating lung cancer and offer a scientific reference for its clinical utilization.

Screening of herbal extracts binding with vascular endothelial growth factor by applying HerboChip platform

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been hailed as a rich source of medicine, but many types of herbs and their functions still need to be rapidly discovered and elucidated. HerboChip, a target-based drug screening platform, is an array of different fractions deriving from herbal extracts. This study was designed to identify effective components from TCM that interact with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a target using HerboChip.

METHODS

Selected TCMs that are traditionally used as remedies for cancer prevention and wound healing were determined and extracted with 50% ethanol. Biotinylated-VEGF was hybridized with over 500 chips coated with different HPLC-separated fractions from TCM extracts and straptavidin-Cy5 was applied to identify plant extracts containing VEGF-binding fractions. Cytotoxicity of selected herbal extracts and their activities on VEGF-mediated angiogenic functions were evaluated.

RESULTS

Over 500 chips were screened within a week, and ten positive hits were identified. The interaction of the identified herbal extracts with VEGF was confirmed in cultured endothelial cells. The identified herbs promoted or inhibited VEGF-mediated cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. Results from western blotting analysis demonstrated the identified herbal extracts significantly affected VEGF-triggered phosphorylations of eNOS, Akt and Erk. Five TCMs demonstrated potentiating activities on the VEGF response and five TCMs revealed suppressive activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrated the applicability of the HerboChip platform and systematically elucidated the activity of selected TCMs on angiogenesis and its related signal transduction mechanisms.

Emerging insights into traditional Chinese medicine associated with neurodegenerative diseases: A bibliometric analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Research suggests that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds promise in offering innovative approaches to tackle neurodegenerative disorders. In our endeavor, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to delve into the landscape of TCM research within the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to uncover the present scenario, breadth, and trends in this field. This analysis presents potentially valuable insights for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and provides compelling evidence supporting its efficacy in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is on the rise, yet effective treatments are still lacking. Research indicates that TCM could offer novel perspectives for addressing neurodegenerative conditions. Nonetheless, the literature on this topic is intricate and multifaceted, with existing reviews offering only limited coverage. To gain a thorough understanding of TCM research in neurodegenerative diseases, we undertook a bibliometric analysis to explore the current status, scope, and trends in this area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was carried out on April 1, 2024, utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Visualization and quantitative analyses were then performed with the assistance of CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R software.

RESULTS

A total of 6856 articles were retrieved in the search. Research on TCM for neurodegenerative diseases commenced in 1989 and has exhibited a notable overall growth since then. Main research contributors include East Asian countries like China, as well as the United States. Through our analysis, we identified 15 highly productive authors, 10 top-tier journals, 13 citation clusters, 11 influential articles, and observed a progression in keyword evolution across 4 distinct categories. In 2020, there was a significant upsurge in the knowledge base, collaboration efforts, and publication output within the field. This field is interdisciplinary: network pharmacology emerges as the cutting-edge paradigm in TCM research, while Alzheimer's disease remains a prominent focus among neurodegenerative conditions due to its evolving etiology. A burst detection analysis unveils that in 2024, the focal points of research convergence between TCM and neurodegenerative diseases lie in two key biological processes or mechanisms: autophagy and microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, this study quantitatively and visually captures the evolution of TCM in addressing neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing a notable acceleration in recent years. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration and the necessity for increased global partnerships. Network pharmacology, leveraging the advancements of the big data era, embraces a holistic and systematic approach as a novel paradigm in exploring traditional Chinese medicine and unraveling their fundamental mechanisms. Three ethnomedical plants-Tianma, Renshen, and Wuweizi-demonstrate the promise of their bioactive compounds in treating neurodegenerative disorders, bolstered by their extensive historical usage for such ailments. Moreover, our intricate analysis of the evolutionary trajectories of key themes such as targets and biomarkers substantially enriches our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved.

Discovery of Sesquiterpene Lactones with Cytotoxicity from the Herb of Youngia japonica

In the process of searching for anti-breast cancer agents, five sesquiterpene lactones (1-5), including two previously undescribed ones, yjaponica B-C (1-2), were isolated from the herb of Youngia japonica. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyses and Marfey's method. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds against A549, U87, and 4T1 cell lines were tested using the CCK8 assay. The result showed that compound 3 possessed the highest cytotoxic activity against 4T1 cells with an IC50 value of 10.60 μM. Furthermore, compound 3 distinctly induced apoptosis, inhibited immigration, and blocked the cell cycle of 4T1 cells. In addition, compound 3 induced the production of reactive oxygen species. Further anticancer mechanism studies showed that compound 3 significantly upregulated expression of the cleaved caspase 3 and PARP, whereas it downregulated the expression of Bcl-2, cyclin D1, cyclin A2, CDK4, and CDK2. Taken together, our results demonstrate that compound 3 has a high potential of being used as a leading compound for the discovery of new anti-breast cancer agent.

Toosendanin Induces Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Tumor Progression via the BNIP3/AMPK Signaling Pathway

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is the second most common type of non-small cell lung cancer. Toosendanin can target critical cancer cell survival and proliferation. However, the function of toosendanin in LUSC is limited. Cancer cell proliferative capacity is detected using cell morphology, colony formation, and flow cytometry. The invasiveness of the cells is detected by a Transwell assay, western blotting, and RT-qPCR. Nude mice are injected with H226 (1×106) and received an intraperitoneal injection of toosendanin every 2 days for 21 days. RNA sequence transcriptome analysis is performed on toosendanin-treated cells to identify target genes and signaling pathways. With increasing concentrations of toosendanin, the rate of cell proliferation decreases and apoptotic cells increases. The number of migrated cells significantly reduces and epithelial-mesenchymal transition is reversed. Injection of toosendanin in nude mice leads to a reduction in tumor volume, weight, and the number of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, KEGG shows that genes related to the AMPK pathway are highly enriched. BNIP3 is the most differentially expressed gene, and its expression along with phosphorylated-AMPK significantly increases in toosendanin-treated cells. Toosendanin exerts anticancer effects, induces apoptosis in LUSC cells, and inhibits tumor progression via the BNIP3/AMPK signaling pathway.

Network Pharmacology Followed by Experimental Validation to Explore the Mechanism of Stigmasterol in Sangbaipi Decoction Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling to Alleviate Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Sangbaipi decoction (SBPD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has been widely used to treat acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), while the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear due to the complexity of composition.

Methods

A TCM-active ingredient-drug target network of SBPD was constructed utilizing the TCM-Systems-Pharmacology database. AECOPD-relevant proteins were gathered from Gene Cards and the Online-Mendelian-Inheritance-in-Man database. Protein-protein interaction, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the targets from the intersection of SBPD and AECOPD targets were performed to identify the core signaling pathway, followed by molecular docking verification of its interaction with active ingredients. The network pharmacology results were checked using in-vivo experiments. To induce AECOPD, rats were exposure to combined tobacco smoke and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then rats underwent gavage with stigmasterol (SM) after successful modeling. The involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling was investigated using its inhibitor, LY294002. Lung function and histopathology were examined. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the lung and serum were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and/or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

SM was recognized as an active ingredient of SBPD and stably bound to Akt1. SM improved lung function and histological abnormalities, concomitant with suppressed PI3K/Akt signaling, downregulated lung and serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and serum transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels and upregulated lung and serum Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in AECOPD rats. In AECOPD rats, LY294002 restored lung function, and it also improved lung histological abnormalities and inflammation, which was found to be potentiated by SM.

Conclusion

SM targets PI3K/Akt signaling to reduce lung injury and inflammation in AECOPD rats.

Network pharmacology- and molecular docking-based exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying Jianpi Yiwei Recipe treatment of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used as an important complementary and alternative healthcare system for cancer treatment in Asian countries. Network pharmacology, which utilizes various database platforms and computer software to study the interactions between complex drug components in vivo, is particularly useful for studying the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of multi-pathway and multi-target Chinese medicines.

AIM

To explore the potential targets and function of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe treatment of gastric cancer (GC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

Data on the components of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe (Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis, Agrimonia eupatoria, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Poria cocos, stir-baked rhizoma dioscoreae, Amomum villosum Lour., fried Fructus Aurantii, pericarpium citri reticulatae, Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparata, and Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) were collected and screened by using the TCM systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). Then the targets of these compounds were predicted. GC-related targets were screened using the GeneCards database. Venn diagram was used to identify common targets. An active ingredient-core target interaction network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were built. Moreover, we performed gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses on the core targets and validated them by molecular docking.

RESULTS

TCMSP screening revealed 11 active components and 184 targets, whereas GeneCards found 10118 disease-related targets, with 180 shared targets between them. Topology analysis of the PPI network identified 38 targets, including ATK1, TP53, and tumor necrosis factor, as key targets for the treatment of GC by Jianpi Yiwei Recipe. Quercetin, naringenin, luteolin, etc., may be the main active components of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe. GO enrichment analysis identified 2809, 1218, and 553 functions related to biological process, molecular function, and cellular component, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 167 related pathways, mainly involved in cancer, endocrine resistance, and AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetic complication. Validation with molecular docking analysis showed docking of key active components with core targets.

CONCLUSION

Jianpi Yiwei Recipe plays a therapeutic role in GC through multiple components, targets, and pathways. These findings form a basis for follow-up exploration of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe in the treatment of GC.

Unveiling the potential of FOXO3 in lung cancer: From molecular insights to therapeutic prospects

Lung cancer poses a significant challenge regarding molecular heterogeneity, as it encompasses a wide range of molecular alterations and cancer-related pathways. Recent discoveries made it feasible to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer, giving rise to the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies relying on molecularly targeted drugs. In this context, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), a member of forkhead transcription factors, has emerged as a crucial protein commonly dysregulated in cancer cells. The regulation of the FOXO3 in reacting to external stimuli plays a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis as a component of the molecular machinery that determines whether cells will survive or dies. Indeed, various extrinsic cues regulate FOXO3, affecting its subcellular location and transcriptional activity. These regulations are mediated by diverse signaling pathways, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and protein interactions that eventually drive post-transcriptional modification of FOXO3. Nevertheless, while it is no doubt that FOXO3 is implicated in numerous aspects of lung cancer, it is unclear whether they act as tumor suppressors, promotors, or both based on the situation. However, FOXO3 serves as an intriguing possible target in lung cancer therapeutics while widely used anti-cancer chemo drugs can regulate it. In this review, we describe a summary of recent findings on molecular mechanisms of FOXO3 to clarify that targeting its activity might hold promise in lung cancer treatment.

Pseudolaric acid B suppresses NSCLC progression through the ROS/AMPK/mTOR/autophagy signalling pathway

Pseudolaric acid B (PAB), an acid isolated from the roots of Pseudolarix kaempferi gorden, has shown antitumour effects through multiple mechanisms of action. The objective of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of PAB on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its underlying mechanism. In our experiments, we observed that PAB decreased cell viability, inhibited colony formation, induced cell cycle arrest, impeded scratch healing, and increased apoptosis in H1975 and H1650 cells. Additionally, PAB treatment enhanced the fluorescence intensity of MDC staining in NSCLC cells, upregulated the protein expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II (LC3 II), and downregulated the expression of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62). Combined treatment with PAB and chloroquine (CQ) increased the protein expression levels of LC3 II and P62 while decreasing the apoptosis of H1975 and H1650 cells. Moreover, treatment with PAB led to significant mTOR inhibition and AMPK activation. PAB combined with compound C (CC) inhibited autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, PAB treatment increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in NSCLC cells, which correlated with the modulation of the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway and was associated with autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, we validated the antitumour growth activity and mechanism of PAB in vivo using athymic nude mice bearing H1975 tumour cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that PAB can induce apoptosis and autophagic cell death in NSCLC through the ROS-triggered AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway, making it a promising candidate for future NSCLC treatment.

Research Progress of Baihe Gujin Decoction in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Baihe Gujin decoction is one of the most commonly used decoction in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung cancer. It can nourish yin and moisten the lung as well as prevent phlegm from forming and stop coughing. On the one hand, Baihe Gujin decoction is characterized with extensive application, proven efficacy, a long history, and high safety. On the other hand, Baihe Gujin decoction can induce apoptosis of tumor cells, improve immune function and inhibit inflammation. The main anti-tumor components of this include kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, glycyrrhizin and β-sitosterol. Clinically, Baihe Gujin decoction can improve the adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer, enhance the quality of life of patients, and prolong their survival time. At present, there are a large number of clinical and basic researches on the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction. In this paper, we mainly discussed the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction through analyzing basic and clinical researches at home and abroad in the past 20 years. Through the discussion, we aimed to probe deeper into Baihe Gujin decoction for the treatment of lung cancer, thereby providing a broader idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Costunolide mitigates inflammation and promotes extracellualr matrix integrity of thoracic aortic dissection by inhibiting NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is one of the most fatal cardiovascular diseases. One of its important pathological characteristics is the local inflammatory response. Many studies have found that Macrophage polarization plays an extremely critical role in the inflammatory progression and tissue remodeling of TAD. Costunolide (CTD) has an improving effect on oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. However, whether it can promote the integrity of extracellular matrix in Aortic dissection and its mechanism are still unclear.

METHODS

The male C57BL/6J mice were used to construct an animal model of TAD with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) (100 mg/kg/day, lasting for 28 days), and then CTD (10 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 28 days to check the survival rate, TAD incidence, aortic morphology and other indicators of the mice. Using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, Elastin van Gieson (EVG) staining, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemical staining, the study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of CTD on an animal model with BAPN-induced TAD. To enhance the examination of the regulatory mechanism of CTD, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on arterial tissues of mice in both the BAPN group and the BAPN + CTD100 group. Next, ANG II were used to construct TAD model in vascular smooth muscle cells (VMSCs). The effects of CTD on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of ANG II-induced cells are to be detected. The expression of MMP2, MMP9, P65, and p-P65 in each group will be examined using Western blot. Finally, the overexpression of IκB kinaseβ (IKKβ) will be established in VMSCs cells to further explore the protective function of CTD.

RESULTS

The result showed that CTD significantly inhibited BAPN induced mortality and TAD incidence in the animal model, improved aortic vascular morphology, promoted the integrity of extracellular matrix in TAD, reduced tissue inflammation, reduced the accumulation of M1 macrophage, promoted M2 macrophage polarization, and reduced the expression of NF-κB pathway related proteins. Mechanistically, CTD significantly weakened the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. p-P65 protein expression of TAD cells were induced by ANG II and IKK-β.

CONCLUSION

CTD has the potential to alleviate inflammation, VSMC apoptosis, MMP2/9 levels, and enhance extracellular matrix integrity in TAD by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Qing-Re-Chu-shi decoction ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice through anti-inflammation and immunoregulatory mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qing-Re-Chu-Shi Decoction (QRCSD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been employed as a complementary and alternative therapy for inflammatory skin diseases. However, its active constituents and the mechanistic basis of its action on atopic dermatitis remain in adequately understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic dermatitis marked by eczematous lesions and pruritus. The study aimed to elucidate the underlying effects of QRCSD on AD and to identify the components responsible for its therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology and UPLC-mass analysis were used to anticipate the pharmacological mechanisms and to identify active components of QRCSD, respectively. A DNCB-induced AD-like model was established in NC/Nga mice. QRCSD or prednisolone (as a positive control) was administered via gavage every other day from day14 to day 21. Dermatitis severity score, scratching behavior, skin barrier function, spleen index, Th1/Th2 lymphocyte ratio, and serum IgE levels were evaluated. Protein arrays, including 40 inflammatory cytokines, were performed on skin lesions, followed by confirmation experiments of Western blotting in dorsal skin lesions.

RESULTS

The construction of a QRCSD-AD-Network and topological analysis firstly proposed potential targets of QRCSD acting on AD. Animal experiments demonstrated that oral administration of QRCSD ameliorated AD-like lesions, reduced epidermal thickness and mast cell count, decreased serum IgE levels, augmented tight junction protein (Claudin 1, Occludin) levels, and regulated the Th1/Th2 balance in the spleen, as well as spleen index. Elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17, and Eotaxin were revealed in AD-like skin lesions by protein arrays. Western blotting confirmed that the phosphorylation levels of ERK, P38, JNK, STAT3 and P65 were downregulated, and IL-6 expression was also reduced following QRCSD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The study enhances the understanding of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of QRCSD, showcasing its significant protective role against atopic dermatitis. Treatment with QRCSD may be considered as a viable candidate for complementary and alternative therapy in managing atopic dermatitis.

Pesticide residue detection technology for herbal medicine: current status, challenges, and prospects

The domains of cancer therapy, disease prevention, and health care greatly benefit from the use of herbal medicine. Herbal medicine has become the mainstay of developing characteristic agriculture in the planting area increasing year by year. One of the most significant factors in affecting the quality of herbal medicines is the pesticide residue problem caused by pesticide abuse during the cultivation of herbal medicines. It is urgent to solve the problem of detecting pesticide residues in herbal medicines efficiently and rapidly. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the various methods used for pesticide residue testing, including optical detection, the enzyme inhibition rate method, molecular detection methods, enzyme immunoassays, lateral immunochromatographic, nanoparticle-based detection methods, colorimetric immunosensor, chemiluminescence immunosensor, smartphone-based immunosensor, etc. On this basis, we systematically analyze the mechanisms and some of the findings of the above detection strategies and discuss the challenges and prospects associated with the development of pesticide residue detection tools.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tumors and Potential Use of Traditional Herbal Medicine Formulations for Its Regulation

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular fibers composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and decorated proteins produced by neutrophils. Recently, NETs have been associated with the development of many diseases, including tumors. Herein, we reviewed the correlation between NETs and tumors. In addition, we detailed active compounds from traditional herbal medicine formulations that inhibit NETs, related nanodrug delivery systems, and antibodies that serve as "guiding moieties" to ensure targeted delivery to NETs. Furthermore, we discussed the strategies used by pathogenic microorganisms to evade NETs.

Exploiting Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery: Advancing the Anti-Cancer Effects of Autophagy-Modulating Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in the field of medicine, as demonstrated by recent studies emphasizing the significant role of autophagy in the development of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a variety of anti-tumor agents capable of regulating autophagy. However, the clinical application of autophagy-modulating compounds derived from TCM is impeded by their restricted water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, the utilization of nanotechnology has been suggested as a potential solution. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on nanoparticles delivering TCM-derived autophagy-modulating anti-tumor compounds for cancer treatment is limited, lacking comprehensive summaries and detailed descriptions.

Methods

Up to November 2023, a comprehensive research study was conducted to gather relevant data using a variety of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords utilized in this investigation included "autophagy", "nanoparticles", "traditional Chinese medicine" and "anticancer".

Results

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of nanotechnology in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing the anti-cancer properties of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM. The evaluation is based on a synthesis of different classes of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM, their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, and their potential benefits as reported in various scholarly sources. The findings indicate that nanotechnology shows potential in enhancing the availability of autophagy-modulating agents in TCM, thereby opening up a plethora of potential therapeutic avenues.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of autophagy-modulating compounds in traditional TCM, through regulation of autophagy.

Britannin inhibits cell proliferation, migration and glycolysis by downregulating KLF5 in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a harmful type of malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. It is therefore imperative to develop novel drugs effective for treating this cancer. The Traditional Chinese Medicine compound Britannin has been previously reported to inhibit the development of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, breast and liver cancer. Moreover, Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been identified an on oncogene in lung cancer. In the present study, the possible regulatory effects and underlying mechanism of Britannin in lung cancer were investigated. A549 and 16HBE cells were treated with different concentrations of Britannin. Subsequently, Cell counting kit-8, EdU staining and colony formation assays were used to detect the proliferative ability of these cells. Cell migration was detected by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. XF96 extracellular flux analyzer was used to analyze the extent of extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rate in cells, whereas assay kits were used to detect glucose and lactic acid levels in the cell supernatant. The targeting effect between Britannin and the KLF5 protein was investigated using molecular docking technology. The protein expression levels of KLF5 in cells challenged with Britannin was detected by western blotting. Finally, overexpression of KLF5 in A549 cells was performed before cell proliferation, migration and the glycolysis rate were measured to explore the regulatory effects of Britannin. Britannin was found to inhibit the proliferation, migration and glycolysis of lung cancer cells, during which the protein expression levels of KLF5 were decreased. This suggests that Britannin regulated the expression of KLF5 in A549 cells. Overexpression of KLF5 reversed the inhibitory effects of Britannin on the proliferation, migration and glycolysis in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that Britannin can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and glycolysis by downregulating KLF5 expression in lung cancer cells.

Matrine suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis by modulating circ_0055976/miR-1179/lactate dehydrogenase A axis

BACKGROUND

Matrine has been identified to have anticancer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circ_0055976 was highly expressed in HCC. Here, we investigated the function and relationship of Matrine and circ_0055976 in HCC tumorigenesis.

METHODS

Cell proliferation and invasion were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. Cell aerobic glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production, and the ratios of ATP/ADP. Levels of genes and proteins were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The target relationship between miR-1179 and circ_0055976 or lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The mouse xenograft model was established to conduct the in vivo assay.

RESULTS

Matrine suppressed HCC cell proliferation, invasion and anaerobic glycolysis in vitro. Circ_0055976 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, and was reduced by Matrine treatment. Moreover, overexpression of circ_0055976 reversed the anticancer effects of Matrine in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0055976/miR-1179/LDHA formed an axis. Circ_0055976 knockdown or miR-1179 overexpression impaired HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and anaerobic glycolysis, which were reversed by miR-1179 inhibition or LDHA overexpression. Meanwhile, forced expression of LDHA abolished the regulatory effects of Matrine on HCC cells. In the clinic, Matrine impeded HCC tumor growth in vivo, and this effect was boosted after circ_0055976 silencing.

CONCLUSION

Matrine suppressed HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and anaerobic glycolysis via circ_0055976/miR-1179/LDHA axis, providing a new insight into the clinical application of Matrine in HCC treatment.

Gentiopicroside inhibits the progression of gastric cancer through modulating EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to clarify the function and potential mechanism of gentiopicroside (GPS) in regulating the malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC) through in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo animal models.

METHODS

AGS and HGC27 cells were divided into control group and GPS treatment groups (50 µM and 100 µM). Then, the cellular proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the mitochondrial changes, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined using the JC-1 commercial kit. Network pharmacology analysis was utilized to screen the potential molecule that may be related to the GPS activity on GC cells, followed by validation tests using Western blot in the presence of specific activator. In addition, xenografted tumor model was established using BALB/c nude mice via subcutaneous injection of HGC27 cells, along with pulmonary metastasis model. Then, the potential effects of GPS on the tumor growth and metastasis were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and HE staining.

RESULTS

GPS inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, it could induce mitochondrial apoptosis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may be a potential target for GPS action in GC by network pharmacological analysis. GPS inhibits activation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT axis by reducing EGFR expression. In vivo experiments indicated that GPS induced significant decrease in tumor volume, and it also inhibited the pulmonary metastasis. For the safety concerns, GPS caused no obvious toxicities to the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney tissues. IHC staining confirmed GPS downregulated the activity of EGFR/PI3K/AKT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our investigation demonstrated for the first time that GPS could inhibit GC malignant progression by targeting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study indicated that GPS may be serve as a safe anti-tumor drug for further treatment of GC.

Natural products targeting the MAPK-signaling pathway in cancer: overview

PURPOSE

This article summarizes natural products that target the MAPK-signaling pathway in cancer therapy. The classification, chemical structures, and anti-cancer mechanisms of these natural products are elucidated, and comprehensive information is provided on their potential use in cancer therapy.

METHODS

Using the PubMed database, we searched for keywords, including "tumor", "cancer", "natural product", "phytochemistry", "plant chemical components", and "MAPK-signaling pathway". We also screened for compounds with well-defined structures that targeting the MAPK-signaling pathway and have anti-cancer effects. We used Kingdraw software and Adobe Photoshop software to draw the chemical compound structural diagrams.

RESULTS

A total of 131 papers were searched, from which 85 compounds with well-defined structures were selected. These compounds have clear mechanisms for targeting cancer treatment and are mainly related to the MAPK-signaling pathway. Examples include eupatilin, carvacrol, oridonin, sophoridine, diosgenin, and juglone. These chemical components are classified as flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, and quinones.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain MAPK pathway inhibitors have been used for clinical treatment. However, the clinical feedback has not been promising because of genomic instability, drug resistance, and side effects. Natural products have few side effects, good medicinal efficacy, a wide range of sources, individual heterogeneity of biological activity, and are capable of treating disease from multiple targets. These characteristics make natural products promising drugs for cancer treatment.

Shikonin reactivates TSGs GADD45B and PPP3CC to block NSCLC cell proliferation and migration through JNK/P38/MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone compound extracted from the Chinese traditional herbal medicine "Lithospermum erythrorhizon", possesses antitumor activity against various cancer types. Tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) negatively regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby inhibiting tumor formation. However, the molecular mechanism of action of shikonin on TSGs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

METHODS

The inhibitory effect of shikonin on the proliferation and migration abilities of lung cancer cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and wound healing assays. The alteration of genes by shikonin treatment was detected by mRNA high-throughput sequencing and further confirmed by qPCR and western blotting experiments. The dominant functions of the upregulated genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG profiling.

RESULTS

Shikonin inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA high-throughput sequencing revealed a total of 1794 upregulated genes in shikonin-treated NSCLC cells. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis of GO and KEGG profiling revealed that the up-regulated genes were mostly involved in the JNK/P38/MAPK signaling pathway, among which the expression of GADD45B and PPP3CC was significantly enhanced. Finally, we confirmed that GADD45B and PPP3CC were indeed upregulated in JNK/P38/MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results suggested that shikonin might affect the expression of GADD45B and PPP3CC through the JNK/P38/MAPK pathway, therefore exerting an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the role of shikonin in upregulating TSGs to activate the JNK/P38/MAPK signaling pathways in NSCLC.

Impact of the National Nursing Development Plan on nursing human resources in China: An interrupted time series analysis for 1978-2021

BACKGROUND

Shortages of nurses and unequal distribution of nursing staff have been huge challenges for global health services.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of the National Nursing Development Plan on nursing human resources in China.

METHODS

An interrupted time series design was used in this study. The data for this study were extracted from the National Health Statistics Yearbook from 1978 to 2021. The Ministry of Health issued the National Nursing Development Plan (2005-2010) in July 2005. Subsequently, the strategic plan was issued every 5 years: the National Nursing Development Plan (2011-2015), the National Nursing Development Plan (2016-2020), and the National Nursing Development Plan (2021-2025). This study used five indicators including 1) the number of registered nurses (RNs) in China, 2) the number of RNs per 1000 population in China, 3) the proportion of RNs in health technical personnel in China, 4) the doctor-nurse ratio and 5) the number of nurses working in primary medical institutions to evaluate the changing trend of nursing human resources in China from 1978 to 2021.

RESULTS

Interrupted time series analysis showed that after the implementation of the National Nursing Development Plan (2005-2010), the building of nurses in China was gradually strengthening, and the number of RNs in China increased by 0.198 million per year (95%CI 0.174-0.223; P < 0.001); the number of RNs per 1000 population (Coefficient = 0.139; 95%CI 0.123-0.154; P < 0.001); the proportion of RNs in the total number of health professionals in China has increased from 29.6 % to 44.6 % (Coefficient = 0.010; 95%CI 0.009-0.010; P < 0.001); in China, the doctor-nurse ratio increased by 0.024 (95%CI 0.019-0.029; P < 0.001). In 2021, the number of RNs working in primary medical institutions increased by approximately 0.86 million compared with that in 2005, and the proportion of RNs in the country increased by 1.4 %. The development of nurses is especially tilted to the primary level to meet the health and nursing needs of the primary level.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the National Nursing Development Plan has greatly expanded the scale of nursing human resources in China and significantly optimized the efficiency of allocation. The implementation of the National Nursing Development Plan (2011-2015) and the National Nursing Development Plan (2016-2020) well continued the strategic plan from 2005 to 2010, further expanded the nursing workforce and further optimized the allocation efficiency.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The implementation of the National Nursing Development Plan has greatly expanded the scale of nursing human resources in China and significantly optimized the efficiency of allocation.

Effect of Kangfuxiaomi suppository on pelvic inflammatory disease in rats

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is commonly encountered in gynecological practice. Kangfuxiaomi suppository, made from the compound extract of Periplaneta Americana, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine remedy widely used for the treatment of gynecological disorders. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the therapeutic effect of Kangfuxiaomi suppository in a rat model of PID established by chemical injury and pathogen infection. The key parameters assessed were vulvar inflammation score, vaginal + uterine organ index, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)- 8; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; C-reactive protein (CRP); superoxide dismutase (SOD); and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, levels of IL-6, cyclooxygenase (COX)- 2, and IL-2 in cervical tissues as well as that of IL-1β and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2) in uterine tissues were measured. The expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in uterine tissues were detected by immunohistochemical method. After Kangfuxiaomi suppository treatment, the vulva inflammation score and histopathological score of PID rats showed a tendency to decrease. Serum IL-8, TNF-α, CRP, and MDA levels were reduced, while SOD levels were significantly increased. Levels of IL-6, IL-2, and COX-2 in cervical tissues were somewhat decreased, and PGE2 and IL-1β levels in uterine tissue were significantly decreased. Moreover, the levels of NF-κB p65 and TLR4 protein expression were also decreased. These findings demonstrated the therapeutic effect of Kangfuxiaomi suppository in PID rats. The underlying mechanism may involve enhanced antioxidant capacity and decreased secretion of proinflammatory factors via the NF-κB/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Coptisine, the Characteristic Constituent from Coptis chinensis, Exhibits Significant Therapeutic Potential in Treating Cancers, Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases

Naturally derived alkaloids belong to a class of quite significant organic compounds. Coptisine, a benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, is one of the major bioactive constituents in Coptis chinensis Franch., which is a famous traditional Chinese medicine. C. chinensis possesses many kinds of functions, including the ability to eliminate heat, expel dampness, purge fire, and remove noxious substances. In Asian countries, C. chinensis is traditionally employed to treat carbuncle and furuncle, diabetes, jaundice, stomach and intestinal disorders, red eyes, toothache, and skin disorders. Up to now, there has been plenty of research of coptisine with respect to its pharmacology. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of coptisine-associated research is urgently needed. This paper was designed to summarize in detail the progress in the research of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and formulation of coptisine. The related studies included in this paper were retrieved from the following academic databases: The Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Elsevier, and CNKI. The cutoff date was January 2023. Coptisine manifests various pharmacological actions, including anticancer, antimetabolic disease, anti-inflammatory disease, and antigastrointestinal disease effects, among others. Based on its pharmacokinetics, the primary metabolic site of coptisine is the liver. Coptisine is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal system, and most of it is expelled in the form of its prototype through feces. Regarding safety, coptisine displayed potential hepatotoxicity. Some novel formulations, including the [Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex and nanocarriers, could effectively enhance the bioavailability of coptisine. The traditional use of C. chinensis is closely connected with the pharmacological actions of coptisine. Although there are some disadvantages, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, and possible hepatotoxicity, coptisine is still a prospective naturally derived drug candidate, especially in the treatment of tumors as well as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Further investigation of coptisine is necessary to facilitate the application of coptisine-based drugs in clinical practice.

Astragaloside IV Attenuates Programmed Death-Ligand 1-Mediated Immunosuppression during Liver Cancer Development via the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a pivotal contributor to anti-tumour effects and has garnered extensive attention in research. Tumour cell immune suppression is closely related to the increase in Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour originating from hepatic epithelial tissue, and the role of AS-IV in regulating PD-L1 in anti-HCC activity remains unclear.

METHODS

Various concentrations of AS-IV were administered to both human liver immortalised cells (THEL2) and HCC (Huh-7 and SMMC-7721), and cell growth was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. HCC levels and cell apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry. Mice were orally administered AS-IV at different concentrations to study its effects on HCC in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate PD-L1 levels. Western blotting was employed to determine PD-L1 and CNDP1 protein levels. We carried out a qRT-PCR to quantify the levels of miR-135b-3p and CNDP1. Finally, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct interaction between miR-135b-3p and the 3'UTR of CNDP1.

RESULTS

AS-IV exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation in Huh-7 and SMMC-7721 while inhibiting PD-L1 expression induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), thus attenuating PD-L1-mediated immune suppression. MiR-135b-5p showed significant amplification in HCC tissues and cells. AS-IV mitigated PD-L1-mediated immune suppression through miR-135b-5p. MiR-135b-5p targeted CNDP1, and AS-IV mitigated PD-L1-induced immunosuppression by modulating the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 pathway.

CONCLUSION

AS-IV decreases cell surface PD-L1 levels and alleviates PD-L1-associated immune suppression via the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 pathway. AS-IV may be a novel component for treating HCC.

Intelligent Chinese Medicine: A New Direction Approach for Integrative Medicine in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

High mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) persist worldwide. Older people are at a higher risk of developing these diseases. Given the current high treatment cost for CVDs, there is a need to prevent CVDs and or develop treatment alternatives. Western and Chinese medicines have been used to treat CVDs. However, several factors, such as inaccurate diagnoses, non-standard prescriptions, and poor adherence behavior, lower the benefits of the treatments by Chinese medicine (CM). Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially in assessing efficacy of CM in clinical decision support systems, health management, new drug research and development, and drug efficacy evaluation. In this study, we explored the role of AI in CM in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, and discussed application of AI in assessing the effect of CM on CVDs.

The Controversial Roles of Areca Nut: Medicine or Toxin?

Areca nut (AN) is used for traditional herbal medicine and social activities in several countries. It was used as early as about A.D. 25-220 as a remedy. Traditionally, AN was applied for several medicinal functions. However, it was also reported to have toxicological effects. In this review article, we updated recent trends of research in addition to acquire new knowledge about AN. First, the history of AN usage from ancient years was described. Then, the chemical components of AN and their biological functions was compared; arecoline is an especially important compound in AN. AN extract has different effects caused by different components. Thus, the dual effects of AN with pharmacological and toxicological effects were summarized. Finally, we described perspectives, trends and challenges of AN. It will provide the insight of removing or modifying the toxic compounds of AN extractions for enhancing their pharmacological activity to treat several diseases in future applications.

Jaceosidin inhibits the progression and metastasis of NSCLC by regulating miR-34c-3p/Integrin α2β1 axis

Non-coding RNAs are crucial for cancer progression, among which miR-34c-3p has been demonstrated to be a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we attempt to identify flavonoids that can up-regulate miR-34c-3p expression, evaluate the anticancer activity of the flavonoids and explore its underlying mechanism in NSCLC cells. Six flavonoids were screened by RT-qPCR and we found that jaceosidin significantly increased miR-34c-3p expression in A549 cells. We found that jaceosidin inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1975 cells in a dose-relevant manner, indicated by cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and EdU assay, we observed that jaceosidin inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1975 cells in a dose-relevant manner. Further research suggested that miR-34c-3p bound to the transcriptome of integrin α2β1 and then inhibited its expression, leading to the inhibitory effect on the migration and invasion of NSCLC. Our study sheds some light on anti-tumor of jaceosidin and provides a potential lead compound for NSCLC therapy.

Autophagy Induction by Scutellaria Flavones in Cancer: Recent Advances

In parallel with a steady rise in cancer incidence worldwide, the scientific community is increasingly focused on finding novel, safer and more efficient modalities for managing this disease. Over the past decades, natural products have been described as a significant source of new structural leads for novel drug candidates. Scutellaria root is one of the most studied natural products because of its anticancer potential. Besides just describing the cytotoxic properties of plant constituents, their molecular mechanisms of action in different cancer types are equally important. Therefore, this review article focuses on the role of the Scutellaria flavones wogonin, baicalein, baicalin, scutellarein and scutellarin in regulating the autophagic machinery in diverse cancer models, highlighting these molecules as potential lead compounds for the fight against malignant neoplasms. The knowledge that autophagy can function as a dual-edged sword, acting in both a pro- and antitumorigenic manner, further complicates the issue, revealing an amazing property of flavonoids that behave either as anti- or proautophagic agents.

Medicinal Plants and Plant-Based Remedies in Grande-Terre: An Ethnopharmacological Approach

The island of Grande-Terre is a French overseas region that belongs to the Guadeloupean archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora. Herbal medicine is widely used in the island for therapeutical purposes; however, there is a significant knowledge gap in the records relating to medicinal plants and their associated uses. Ethnobotanical survey methodology using quantitative parameters (informant consensus factor, species use value, relative frequency of citation, frequency use of a treatment and plant for an ailment) provided insights into the traditional medicinal use of a given plant. Ninety-six different plant species distributed among 56 families were identified and 523 remedies were documented in the survey. After data filtering, 22 plants species were associated with 182 remedies. The most frequent plant families were Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Rubiaceae. Aerial parts of these plants were the most common parts of the plant used for the remedies and the most frequent mode of administration was oral ingestion. This study highlights a valuable traditional knowledge of folklore medicine and helps to document and preserve the association of a plant with-and its use frequency for-a given ailment. These findings might be the starting point for the identification of biologically active phytocompounds to fight common health debilities.

TCM Prescription Generation via Knowledge Source Guidance Network Combined with Herbal Candidate Mechanism

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions have made great contributions to the treatment of diseases and health preservation. To alleviate the shortage of TCM resources and improve the professionalism of automatically generated prescriptions, this paper deeply explores the connection between symptoms and herbs through deep learning technology, and realizes the automatic generation of TCM prescriptions. Particularly, this paper considers the significance of referring to similar underlying prescriptions as herbal candidates in the TCM prescribing process. Moreover, this paper incorporates the idea of referring to the potential guidance information of corresponding prescriptions when model extracts symptoms representations. To provide a reference for inexperienced young TCM doctors when they prescribe, this paper proposes a dual-branch guidance strategy combined with candidate attention model (DGSCAM) to automatically generate TCM prescriptions based on symptoms text. The format of the data used this paper is the "symptoms-prescription" data pair. The specific method is as follows. First, DGSCAM realizes the extraction of key information of prescription-guided symptoms through a dual-branch network. Then, herbal candidates in the form of prescriptions that can treat symptoms are proposed in view of the compatibility knowledge of TCM prescriptions. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use prescriptions as herbal candidates in the prescription generation process. We conduct extensive experiments on a mixed public and clinical dataset, achieving 37.39% precision, 25.04% recall, and 29.99% F1 score, with an average doctor score of 7.7 out of 10. The experimental results show that our proposed model is valid and can generate more specialized TCM prescriptions than the baseline models. The DGSCAM developed by us has broad application scenarios and greatly promotes the research on intelligent TCM prescribing.