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Zhang Y, Qu X, Xu N, He H, Li Q, Wei X, Chen Y, Xu Y, Li X, Zhang R, Zhong R, Liu C, Xiang P, Zhu F. Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. and luteolin in restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress in Graves' disease. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155818. [PMID: 38879922 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of Graves' disease (GD) involves imbalances between follicular helper T (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, as well as oxidative stress (OS). Prunella vulgaris L. (Xia Ku Cao, XKC) and its primary bioactive compound, luteolin, are recognized for their potential in treating GD. Yet, the mechanism accounting for the immune-modulatory and antioxidant effects of XKC remains elusive. PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the pharmacological effects and elucidate the underlying mechanism of XKC and luteolin in a GD mouse model induced by recombinant adenovirus of TSH receptor A subunit (Ad-hTSHR-289). METHODS High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF MS) was used to detect the constituents of XKC. The GD model was established through inducing female BALB/c mice with three intramuscular injections of Ad-TSHR-289. Thyroid function, autoantibody and OS parameters were measured by ELISA. Changes of Tfh cells and Tfr cells were detected by flow cytometry. RT-qPCR, Western Blotting, immunohistochemistry were used to explore the related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 37 chemical components from XKC were identified by HPLC-QTOF MS, represented by flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and luteolin. XKC and luteolin reduced T4, TRAb levels and facilitated the recovery from thyroid damage in GD mice. Meanwhile, XKC and luteolin effectively alleviated OS by decreasing the levels of MDA, NOX2, 4-HNE, 8-OHdG, while increasing GSH level. Flow cytometry showed that XKC and luteolin restored the abnormal proportions of Tfh/Tfr and Tfh/Treg, and the mRNA levels of IL-21, Bcl-6 and Foxp3 in GD mice. In addition, XKC and luteolin inhibited PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt, but activated Nrf2 and HO-1. CONCLUSION XKC and luteolin could inhibit the development of GD in vivo by rebalancing Tfh/Tfr cells and alleviating OS. This therapeutic mechanism may involve the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Luteolin is the main efficacy material basis of XKC in countering GD. For the first time, we revealed the mechanism of XKC and luteolin in the treatment of GD from the perspective of autoimmune and OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunnan Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiaoyang Qu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haoran He
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Qinning Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yijiao Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xingjia Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ruixiang Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ronglin Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Pingping Xiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
| | - Fenxia Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
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Xiang P, Li Q, Cui G, Xu N, Xiao Q, Qu X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wei X, Wang Q, Zhong R, Liu K, Liu C, Zhu F. Investigating the mechanism and efficacy material basis of Xiehuo Xiaoying decoction for treating Graves' disease via thyroid cell apoptosis based on proteomics and molecular docking techniques. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117753. [PMID: 38218499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117753] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For numerous years, the Xiehuo Xiaoying decoction (XHXY), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated substantial promise in treating Graves' disease (GD) in clinical settings, showcasing significant potential. However, the therapeutic mechanism and efficacy material basis of XHXY remains obscure. AIM OF THE STUDY This work aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to study the efficacy material basis of XHXY in anti-GD effect using a combination of TMT quantitative proteomics and molecular docking method. MATERIALS AND METHODS GD model was initiated by administering Ad-TSH289. Subsequently, the mice underwent a four-week regimen that included oral gavage of XHXY at doses of 17 g/kg·d and 34 g/kg·d, along with intraperitoneal injections of Gentiopicroside (GPS). Utilizing the principles of pharmacological chemistry in traditional Chinese medicine, we employed high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS) to discern prescribed prototype composition of XHXY in serum samples from mouse. TMT proteomics research provided evidence of XHXY's putative targets and important pathways in vivo. The binding activity of probable action targets and prototype composition was detected by molecular docking. Finally, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TUNEL staining were used to verify the mechanism of XHXY and GPS in anti-GD. RESULTS XHXY and GPS alleviated GD by ameliorating the pathological changes and reducing thyroxine and TRAb levels. In mouse serum, a total of 31 prototypical XHXY ingredients were detected, and the majority of these components were from monarch and minister medicine. Proteomics study results indicated that the XHXY may mainly regulate targets including FAS-associated death domain protein (FADD), Apolipoprotein C-III, etc. and main pathways are Apoptosis, Cholesterol metabolism, TNF signalling pathway, etc. Strong binding activity of the prototypical active ingredient and GPS towards FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3 was demonstrated by molecular docking. XHXY and its primary component, GPS, elevated the expression of FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3, and enhance apoptosis in thyroid cells, as lastly validated by TUNEL and IHC staining. CONCLUSIONS XHXY exhibits a favorable therapeutic effect in treating GD by promoting apoptosis in thyroid cells through the upregulation of FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3 expression. And GPS is the main efficacy material basis for its therapeutic effect in anti-GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Xiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Qinning Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Guoqian Cui
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qi Xiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiaoyang Qu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yunnan Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Qifeng Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ronglin Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Kemian Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
| | - Fenxia Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
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Li Y, An M, Fu X, Meng X, Ma Y, Liu H, Li Q, Xu H, Chen J. Bushen Wenyang Huayu Decoction inhibits autophagy by regulating the SIRT1-FoXO-1 pathway in endometriosis rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116277. [PMID: 36806342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116277] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Wenyang Huayu Decoction (BWHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying kidney and warming Yang, thereby resolving blood stasis and relieving pain. BWHD can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with endometriosis (EMs), but its mechanism is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY We evaluated the expression and role of the SIRT1-FoxO-1 pathway and autophagy levels in EMs rats. The therapeutic effects and potential therapeutic mechanisms of BWHD were also investigated. METHODS Twenty rats were randomized into the sham group and eighty rats were used for model establishment by autologous transplantation. After successful modeling, they were randomized into the model, BWHD, EX527+BWHD and EX527 groups, with 20 rats in each group. All rats were intragastrically administered with for 3 weeks. Localization of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Forkhead boxO-1 (FoXO-1), Beclin-1, autophagy-related 5 (Atg5) and autophagy-related 7 (Atg7) was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of the above proteins was determined by Western blot and their messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were detected by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The protein and mRNA expressions of FoXO-1, Beclin-1, Atg5 and Atg7 in the model group were markedly increased, while that of SIRT1 was markedly decreased relative to the sham group (p < 0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Results showed that the protein and mRNA expressions of FoXO-1, Beclin-1, Atg5 and Atg7 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of BWHD group were lower, while SIRT1 expression was higher than in the model group (p < 0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, protein and mRNA expression levels of FoXO-1, Beclin-1, Atg5 and Atg7 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of EX527 group were higher, while SIRT1 level was significantly lower than in the model group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The EX527-induced changes in protein and mRNA expressions were reversed in the EX527+BWHD group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS BWHD inhibits autophagy by up-regulating SIRT1 and down-regulating FoXO-1 expression in EMs via the SIRT1-FoXO-1 signaling pathway. Therefore, it is a potential treatment for EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Mingli An
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Xinping Fu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Xin Meng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Yiming Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Huimin Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Qingxue Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, PR China.
| | - Huazhou Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
| | - Jingwei Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, PR China.
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