Hydroxysafflor yellow a confers neuroprotection against acute traumatic brain injury by modulating neuronal autophagy to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasomes

The activation of the HIF-1α-VEGFA-Notch1 signaling pathway by Hydroxysafflor yellow A promotes angiogenesis and reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Hydroxyl Safflower Yellow A (HSYA) is the primary bioactive compound derived from Safflower, which has been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and ameliorative properties against mitochondrial damage during acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI); however, its effects during the recovery stage remain unknown. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term angiogenic effect of HSYA and its contribution to recovery after myocardial ischemia, as well as explore its underlying mechanism using non-targeted metabolomics and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MIRI model in rat was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The effect of HSYA was assessed based on myocardial infarction volume and histopathology. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to evaluate angiogenesis, while ELISA was used to detect markers of myocardial injury. Additionally, a rat myocardial microvascular endothelial cell (CMECs) injury model was established using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), followed by scratch assays, migration assays, and tube formation experiments to assess angiogenesis. Western blot analysis was conducted to validate the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Our findings provide compelling evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of HSYA in reducing myocardial infarction size, facilitating cardiac functional recovery, and reversing pathological alterations within the heart. Furthermore, we elucidate that HSYA exerts its effects on promoting migration and generation of myocardial microvascular endothelial cells through activation of the HIF-1α-VEGFA-Notch1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These results underscore how HSYA enhances cardiac function via angiogenesis promotion and activation of the aforementioned signaling cascade.

Metabolomics integrated with network pharmacology of blood-entry constituents reveals the bioactive component of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction and its angiogenic effects in treating traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) has been extensively utilized to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the bioactive compounds and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the bioactive constituents of XFYZD that are absorbed in the blood and the mechanisms in treating TBI.

METHODS

The study presents an integrated strategy in three steps to investigate the material basis and pharmacological mechanisms of XFZYD. The first step involves: (1) performing metabolomics analysis of XFZYD to obtain the main functions and targets; (2) screening the blood-entry ingredients and targets of XFZYD from databases; (3) obtaining the potential components targeting the key functions by integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. The second step involves screening pharmacological effects with active ingredients in vitro. In the third step, the effects of the top active compound were validated in vivo, and the mechanisms were explored by protein antagonist experiments.

RESULTS

Metabolomics analysis revealed that XFZYD treated TBI mice mainly through affecting the functions of blood vessels. We screened 62 blood-entry ingredients of XFZYD by network pharmacology. Then, we focused on 39 blood-entry ingredients related to vascular genes enriched by XFZYD-responsive metabolites. Performing the natural products library, we verified that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), vanillin, ligustilide, paeoniflorin, and other substances promoted endothelial cell proliferation significantly compared to the control group. Among them, the efficacy of HSYA was superior. Further animal studies demonstrated that HSYA treatment alleviated neurological dysfunction in TBI mice by mNSS and foot fault test, and decreased neuronal damage by HE, nissl, and TUNEL staining. HSYA increased the density of cerebral microvessels, raised the expression of angiogenesis marker proteins VEGFA and CD34, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway significantly. The angiogenic effects disappeared after the intervention of PI3K antagonist LY294002.

CONCLUSION

By applying a novel strategy of integrating network pharmacology of constituents absorbed in blood with metabolomics, the research screened HSYA as one of the top bioactive constituents of XFZYD, which stimulates angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway after TBI.

A Combination of Astragaloside IV and Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), occurring after blood supply restoration, contributes significantly to stroke-related deaths. This study explored the combined impact and mechanisms of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), and their combination in mitigating IRI. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized to the Sham, MCAO, MCAO+AS-IV, MCAO+HSYA, and MCAO+AS-IV+HSYA groups. Neurological deficits and cerebral infarction were examined after restoring the blood supply to the brain. Pathomorphological changes in the cerebral cortex were observed via HE staining. IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified using ELISA. The expression of NF-κB and GSDMD in the ischemic cerebrum was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the ischemic cerebrum were evaluated using Western blot. The MCAO+AS-IV, MCAO+HSYA, and MCAO+AS-IV+HSYA groups exhibited notably better neurological function and cerebral infarction compared with the MCAO group. The combined treatment demonstrated superior brain tissue injury alleviation. Reductions in NF-κB, GSDMD positive cells, and NLRP3/ASC/IL-1β/Caspase-1/GSDMD protein expression in the ischemic brain were significantly more pronounced with the combined therapy, indicating a synergistic effect in countering cerebral IRI via the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway inhibition of cell pyroptosis-induced injury.

[Expression and significance of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B19kDa-interacting protein 3 in children with traumatic brain injury]

OBJECTIVES

To dynamically observe the changes in hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B19kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluate their clinical value in predicting the severity and prognosis of pediatric TBI.

METHODS

A prospective study included 47 children with moderate to severe TBI from January 2021 to July 2023, categorized into moderate (scores 9-12) and severe (scores 3-8) subgroups based on the Glasgow Coma Scale. A control group consisted of 30 children diagnosed and treated for inguinal hernia during the same period, with no underlying diseases. The levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, autophagy-related protein Beclin-1, and S100B were compared among groups. The predictive value of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B for the severity and prognosis of TBI was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Serum levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B in the TBI group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Among the TBI patients, the severe subgroup had higher levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B than the moderate subgroup (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the serum levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B were negatively correlated with the Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P<0.05). After 7 days of treatment, serum levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B in both non-surgical and surgical TBI patients decreased compared to before treatment (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the areas under the curve for predicting severe TBI based on serum levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin-1, and S100B were 0.782, 0.835, 0.872, and 0.880, respectively (P<0.05), and for predicting poor prognosis of TBI were 0.749, 0.775, 0.814, and 0.751, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 are significantly elevated in children with TBI, and their measurement can aid in the clinical assessment of the severity and prognosis of pediatric TBI.

Highly oxidized rearranged derivatives of quinochalcone C-glycosides from Carthamus tinctorius

Safflopentsides A-C (1-3), three highly oxidized rearranged derivatives of quinochalcone C-glycosides, were isolated from the safflower yellow pigments. Their structures were determined based on a detailed spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR), and the absolute configurations were confirmed by the comparison of experimental ECD spectra with calculated ECD spectra. Compounds 1-3 have an unprecedented cyclopentenone or cyclobutenolide ring A containing C-glucosyl group, respectively. The plausible biosynthetic pathways of compounds have been presented. At 10 μM, 2 showed strong inhibitory activity against rat cerebral cortical neurons damage induced by glutamate and oxygen sugar deprivation.

The role of astrocyte in neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity worldwide, is a devastating condition characterized by initial mechanical damage followed by subsequent biochemical processes, including neuroinflammation. Astrocytes, the predominant glial cells in the central nervous system, play a vital role in maintaining brain homeostasis and supporting neuronal function. Nevertheless, in response to TBI, astrocytes undergo substantial phenotypic alternations and actively contribute to the neuroinflammatory response. This article explores the multifaceted involvement of astrocytes in neuroinflammation subsequent to TBI, with a particular emphasis on their activation, release of inflammatory mediators, modulation of the blood-brain barrier, and interactions with other immune cells. A comprehensive understanding the dynamic interplay between astrocytes and neuroinflammation in the condition of TBI can provide valuable insights into the development of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating secondary damage and fostering neuroregeneration.

The neuroprotective potential of phytochemicals in traumatic brain injury: mechanistic insights and pharmacological implications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to brain damage, comprising both immediate primary damage and a subsequent cascade of secondary injury mechanisms. The primary injury results in localized brain damage, while the secondary damage initiates inflammatory responses, followed by the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, infiltration of peripheral blood cells, brain edema, and the release of various immune mediators, including chemotactic factors and interleukins. TBI disrupts molecular signaling, cell structures, and functions. In addition to physical tissue damage, such as axonal injuries, contusions, and haemorrhages, TBI interferes with brain functioning, impacting cognition, decision-making, memory, attention, and speech capabilities. Despite a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI, an intensive effort to evaluate the underlying mechanisms with effective therapeutic interventions is imperative to manage the repercussions of TBI. Studies have commenced to explore the potential of employing natural compounds as therapeutic interventions for TBI. These compounds are characterized by their low toxicity and limited interactions with conventional drugs. Moreover, many natural compounds demonstrate the capacity to target various aspects of the secondary injury process. While our understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate its consequences. Here, we aimed to summarize the mechanism of action and the role of phytochemicals against TBI progression. This review discusses the therapeutic implications of various phytonutrients and addresses primary and secondary consequences of TBI. In addition, we highlighted the roles of emerging phytochemicals as promising candidates for therapeutic intervention of TBI. The review highlights the neuroprotective roles of phytochemicals against TBI and the mechanistic approach. Furthermore, our efforts focused on the underlying mechanisms, providing a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in TBI therapeutics.

Identification of the natural chalcone glycoside hydroxysafflor yellow A as a suppressor of P53 overactivation-associated hematopoietic defects

Enhanced P53 signaling may lead to hematopoietic disorders, yet an effective therapeutic strategy is still lacking. Our study, along with previous research, suggests that P53 overactivation and hematopoietic defects are major consequences of zinc deficiency. However, the relationship between these two pathological processes remains unclear. In this study, we observed a severe reduction in the number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and multi-lineage progenitor cells in zebrafish treated with the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine and showed the indispensable role of P53 signaling in the process. Next, we took advantage of HSCs-labeled transgenic zebrafish and conducted a highly efficient phenotypic screening for small molecules against P53-dependent hematopoietic disorders. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a natural chalcone glycoside, exhibited potent protection against hematopoietic failure in zinc-deficient zebrafish and strongly inhibited the P53 pathway. We confirmed the protective effect of HSYA in zinc-deficient mice bone marrow nucleated cells, which showed a significant suppression of P53 signaling and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the hematopoietic-protective activity of HSYA was validated using a mice model of myelotoxicity induced by 5-FU. In summary, our work provides an effective phenotypic screening strategy for identifying hematopoietic-protective agents and reveals the novel role of HSYA as a promising lead compound in rescuing hematopoietic disorders associated with P53 overactivation.