Qian Yang Yu Yin granule improves hypertensive renal damage: A potential role for TRPC6-CaMKKβ-AMPK-mTOR-mediated autophagy

Qianyang yuyin granule ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction of hypertensive myocardial remodeling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clinical studies have found that Qianyang Yuyin granule (QYYYG), a kind of oral Chinese patent medicine, had definite clinical effect for hypertensive myocardial remodeling. However, the potential mechanism is not entirely clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this research was to explore the underlying mechanism QYYYG on the treatment of hypertensive myocardial remodeling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis the transcriptome data from the NCBI public platform GEO database and our study to explore the key pathological change of myocardial tissues in hypertensive mice and the main pathway of QYYYG in treating hypertensive myocardial remodeling. Network pharmacological analysis was used to predict the potential target of QYYYG. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation was used for molecular binding analysis of specific compounds and target proteins. In the experiment in vivo, the effect of QYYYG on hypertensive myocardial remodeling and myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction in hypertensive mice caused by Ang Ⅱ was estimated. In the experiment in vitro, the Ang Ⅱ-induced myocardial remodeling model in H9c2 cells was constructed, and the effect of QYYYG on ameliorating myocardial remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction was evaluated.

RESULTS

Transcriptome analysis suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction was a key pathological change of myocardial tissues in hypertensive mice, and QYYYG could improve hypertensive myocardial remodeling through enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis to repair myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction. Network pharmacological analysis predicted that SIRT1 was an important potential target of QYYYG in treating hypertensive myocardial remodeling, and basically all the active components, especially quercetin, had a great binding affinity with SIRT1. Experiments in vivo proved that QYYYG had great efficacy hypertensive myocardial remodeling in Ang Ⅱ-treated mice. It was found that QYYYG improved the quality and quantity of mitochondria, and increased SIRT1 levels in myocardial tissue of Ang Ⅱ-treated mice. In Ang Ⅱ-treated H9c2 cells, with intervention of QYYYG, myocardial remodeling and myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction was ameliorated. In addition, QYYYG up-regulated SIRT1 expression and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in Ang Ⅱ-treated H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction was an important pathological change of myocardial tissues in hypertensive mice. QYYYG might ameliorate the mitochondrial dysfunction of hypertensive myocardial remodeling through up-regulating SIRT1 expression to enhance the mitochondrial biogenesis.

Current perspectives and trends of the research on hypertensive nephropathy: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023

Hypertensive nephropathy continues to be a major cause of end-stage renal disease and poses a significant global health burden. Despite the staggering development of research in hypertensive nephropathy, scientists and clinicians can only seek out useful information through articles and reviews, it remains a hurdle for them to quickly track the trend in this field. This study uses the bibliometric method to identify the evolutionary development and recent hotspots of hypertensive nephropathy. The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to extract publications on hypertensive nephropathy from January 2000 to November 2023. CiteSpace was used to capture the patterns and trends from multi-perspectives, including countries/regions, institutions, keywords, and references. In total, 557 publications on hypertensive nephropathy were eligible for inclusion. China (n = 208, 37.34%) was the most influential contributor among all the countries. Veterans Health Administration (n = 19, 3.41%) was found to be the most productive institution. Keyword bursting till now are renal fibrosis, outcomes, and mechanisms which are predicted to be the potential frontiers and hotspots in the future. The top seven references were listed, and their burst strength was shown. A comprehensive overview of the current status and research frontiers of hypertensive nephropathy has been provided through the bibliometric perspective. Recent advancements and challenges in hypertensive nephropathy have been discussed. These findings can offer informative instructions for researchers and scholars.

Danlou tablet alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung and kidney injury by inhibiting the PARP1/HMGB1 pathway

Background

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common complications that significantly impact patient prognosis. Danlou tablet (DLT) is a traditional herbal preparation with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic potential in sepsis remains unknown.

Methods

The impact of DLT on ALI and AKI was evaluated using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) experimental sepsis animal model. The effects of DLT on macrophages were observed through LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell line. Inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, HE, PAS, and DHE staining, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, and serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were used to assess tissue injury. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of DLT in sepsis. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to validate the expression of mechanism-related proteins.

Results

DLT inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, improved structural and functional abnormalities in lung and kidney tissues in CLP mice, and alleviated pro-inflammatory responses of LPS-stimulated macrophages. PARP1 and HMGB1 were identified as key regulatory targets. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that DLT can effectively inhibit PARP1/HMGB1 and improve sepsis-associated ALI and AKI.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that DLT suppressed pro-inflammatory responses of macrophage and alleviated ALI and AKI in the CLP mice by inhibiting the transition activation of PARP1/HMGB1. These findings partially elucidate the mechanism of DLT in sepsis-associated ALI and AKI and further clarify the active components of DLT, thereby providing a scientific theoretical basis for treating sepsis with DLT.

QiShenYiQi pills preserve endothelial barrier integrity to mitigate sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The QiShengYiQi pill (QSYQ) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation. The effectiveness and safety of QSYQ in treating respiratory system disorders have been confirmed. Its pharmacological actions include anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and improving energy metabolism. However, the mechanism of QSYQ in treating sepsis-induced acute lung injury (si-ALI) remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Si-ALI presents a clinical challenge with high incidence and mortality rates. This study aims to confirm the efficacy of QSYQ in si-ALI and to explore the potential mechanisms, providing a scientific foundation for its application and insights for optimizing treatment strategies and identifying potential active components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The impact of QSYQ on si-ALI was evaluated using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) experimental sepsis animal model. The effects of QSYQ on endothelial cells were observed through coculturing with LPS-stimulated macrophage-conditioned medium. Inflammatory cytokine levels, HE staining, Evans blue staining, lung wet/dry ratio, and cell count and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were used to assess the degree of lung injury. Network pharmacology was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms of QSYQ in treating si-ALI. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were used to evaluate barrier integrity and validate mechanistically relevant proteins.

RESULTS

QSYQ reduced the inflammation and alleviated pulmonary vascular barrier damage in CLP mice (all P < 0.05). A total of 127 potential targets through which QSYQ regulates si-ALI were identified, predominantly enriched in the RAGE pathway. The results of protein-protein interaction analysis suggest that COX2, a well-established critical marker of ferroptosis, is among the key targets. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that QSYQ mitigated ferroptosis and vascular barrier damage in sepsis (all P < 0.05), accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress and the inhibition of the COX2 and RAGE (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that QSYQ maintains pulmonary vascular barrier integrity by inhibiting ferroptosis in CLP mice. These findings partially elucidate the mechanism of QSYQ in si-ALI and further clarify the active components of QSYQ, thereby providing a scientific theoretical basis for treating si-ALI with QSYQ.

Danlou tablet attenuates ischemic stroke injury and blood‒brain barrier damage by inhibiting ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danlou tablet (DLT) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation known for replenishing Qi, promoting blood circulation, and resolving stasis. Its pharmacological actions primarily involve anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stress reduction, antiapoptotic, proangiogenic, and improved energy metabolism. DLT has been confirmed to have favorable therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke (IS). However, the underlying mechanism through which DLT affects IS-induced brain injury remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of danlou tablet on ischemic stroke based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model, the impact of DLT on the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and brain injury in mice was assessed. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were utilized to explore the potential mechanisms of DLT in treating IS. Endothelial cells were cultured to observe the effects of DLT on vascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion, and these findings were validated in the brains of tMCAO mice.

RESULTS

DLT alleviated oxidative stress and brain damage in tMCAO mice, mitigating BBB damage. A total of 185 potential targets through which DLT regulates IS were identified, including COX2, a known critical marker of ferroptosis, which identified as a key target. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that DLT significantly (p < 0.05) improved cell death and vascular barrier damage in IS, reducing intracellular oxidative stress and COX2 protein levels while increasing SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that DLT maintained BBB integrity and alleviated brain injury of tMCAO mice by inhibiting ferroptosis. The study partially unraveled the mechanism through which DLT functioned in treating IS and further clarified the pivotal active components of DLT, thereby providing a theoretical scientific basis for treating IS with DLT.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Mechanistic Role of Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in Patients With Hypertension

The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily is a group of nonselective cation channels that function as cellular sensors for a wide range of physical, chemical, and environmental stimuli. According to sequence homology, TRP channels are categorized into 6 subfamilies: TRP canonical, TRP vanilloid, TRP melastatin, TRP ankyrin, TRP mucolipin, and TRP polycystin. They are widely expressed in different cell types and tissues and have essential roles in various physiological and pathological processes by regulating the concentration of ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) and influencing intracellular signalling pathways. Human data and experimental models indicate the importance of TRP channels in vascular homeostasis and hypertension. Furthermore, TRP channels have emerged as key players in oxidative stress and inflammation, important in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. In this review, we present an overview of the TRP channels with a focus on their role in hypertension. In particular, we highlight mechanisms activated by TRP channels in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells and discuss their contribution to processes underlying vascular dysfunction in hypertension.

"Dirty Dancing" of Calcium and Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. There is a growing body of evidence that dysregulation in neuronal calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling plays a major role in the initiation of AD pathogenesis. In particular, it is well established that Ryanodine receptor (RyanR) expression levels are increased in AD neurons and Ca²⁺ release via RyanRs is augmented in AD neurons. Autophagy is important for removing unnecessary or dysfunctional components and long-lived protein aggregates, and autophagy impairment in AD neurons has been extensively reported. In this review we discuss recent results that suggest a causal link between intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling and lysosomal/autophagic dysregulation. These new results offer novel mechanistic insight into AD pathogenesis and may potentially lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets for treating AD and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.