β-Hydroxybutyric acid upregulated by Suhuang antitussive capsule ameliorates cough variant asthma through GSK3β/AMPK-Nrf2 signal axis

The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 inflammation related diseases

Type 2 inflammation related diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, are diverse and affect multiple systems in the human body. It is common for individuals to have multiple co-existing type 2 inflammation related diseases, which can impose a significant financial and living burden on patients. However, the exact pathogenesis of these diseases is still unclear. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a protein complex composed of the NLRP3 protein, ASC, and Caspase-1, and is activated through various mechanisms, including the NF-κB pathway, ion channels, and lysosomal damage. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in the immune response to pathogens and cellular damage. Recent studies have indicated a strong correlation between the abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the onset of type 2 inflammation. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that suppressing NLRP3 expression effectively diminishes the inflammatory response, highlighting its promising therapeutic applications. Therefore, this article reviews the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the development and therapy of multiple type 2 inflammation related diseases.

Herb-CMap: a multimodal fusion framework for deciphering the mechanisms of action in traditional Chinese medicine using Suhuang antitussive capsule as a case study

Herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), are a rich source of natural products with significant therapeutic potential. However, understanding their mechanisms of action is challenging due to the complexity of their multi-ingredient compositions. We introduced Herb-CMap, a multimodal fusion framework leveraging protein-protein interactions and herb-perturbed gene expression signatures. Utilizing a network-based heat diffusion algorithm, Herb-CMap creates a connectivity map linking herb perturbations to their therapeutic targets, thereby facilitating the prioritization of active ingredients. As a case study, we applied Herb-CMap to Suhuang antitussive capsule (Suhuang), a TCM formula used for treating cough variant asthma (CVA). Using in vivo rat models, our analysis established the transcriptomic signatures of Suhuang and identified its key compounds, such as quercetin and luteolin, and their target genes, including IL17A, PIK3CB, PIK3CD, AKT1, and TNF. These drug-target interactions inhibit the IL-17 signaling pathway and deactivate PI3K, AKT, and NF-κB, effectively reducing lung inflammation and alleviating CVA. The study demonstrates the efficacy of Herb-CMap in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of herbal medicines, offering valuable insights for advancing drug discovery in TCM.

Involvement of GPR43 Receptor in Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus on Murine Steroid Resistant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Relevance to Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress in Human Macrophages

BACKGROUND

Cytokine storm and oxidative stress are present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with COPD present high levels of NF-κB-associated cytokines and pro-oxidant agents as well as low levels of Nrf2-associated antioxidants. This condition creates a steroid-resistant inflammatory microenvironment. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr) is a known anti-cytokine in lung diseases; however, the effect of Lr on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in steroid-resistant COPD mice remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we investigated the Lr effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and unresponsive to steroids.

METHODS

Mice and macrophages received dexamethasone or GLPG-094 (a GPR43 inhibitor), and only the macrophages received butyrate (but), all treatments being given before CSE. Lung inflammation was evaluated from the leukocyte population, airway remodeling, cytokines, and NF-κB. Oxidative stress disturbance was measured from ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, TBARS, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2.

RESULTS

Lr attenuated cellularity, mucus, collagen, cytokines, ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, and TBARS. Otherwise, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2 were upregulated in Lr-treated COPD mice. Anti-cytokine and antioxidant effects of butyrate also occurred in CSE-exposed macrophages. GLPG-094 rendered Lr and butyrate less effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Lr attenuates lung inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD mice, suggesting the presence of a GPR43 receptor-dependent mechanism also found in macrophages.

Daqing formula ameliorated allergic asthma and airway dysbacteriosis in mice challenged with ovalbumin and ampicillin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that can lead to several complications caused by bacterial infections. However, recurrent attacks of the disease require long-term use of antibiotics, resulting in lung dysbiosis and poor outcomes. Daqing Formula (DQF) is a well-known herbal medicine in Pharmacopoeia of China, which is widely used for various stimuli-induced lower respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Thus, it has been demonstrated to be a plant-derived broad-spectrum antibiotic for treating and preventing various acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluated the efficacy and possible mechanism of DQF on allergic asthma and airway dysbiosis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The mice were co-challenged with ovalbumin and ampicillin to induce allergic asthma combined with airway dysbacteriosis. The populations of lung microbiota were detected by using 16s DNA sequencing. The levels of asthmatic markers in BALF were detected by ELISA. The levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in splenic CD4+ cells of mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expressions of the GSK-3β signaling pathway in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice and eosinophils were detected by western blotting assay. The inhibition of DQF on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in eosinophils of asthmatic mice.

RESULTS

The results showed that treatment with DQF at 200-800 mg/kg doses significantly reduced the frequency of nasal rubbing and lung inflammation as well as the number of total cells, eosinophils, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. It decreased the relative abundances of Streptococcus, Cuoriavidus, and Moraxella, increased Akkermansia and Prevotella_6 in lung tissues of asthmatic mice, and inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and their resistant strains in vitro. Furthermore, DQF reduced the levels of eotaxin, TSLP, IL-4, IL-5, IL-25, and IL-33, but enhanced IFN-γ and IL-12 in BALF. It elevated the population of Th1 cells, inhibited eosinophil activation, and downregulated the expressions of p-GSK-3β, p-p65, nuclear β-catenin, and p-STAT3 in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that DQF reduced airway inflammation, ameliorated lung dysbiosis, shifted the Th1/Th2 balance, and inhibited eosinophil activation in asthmatic mice, indicating its potential for severe asthma treatment.