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He Q, Wan S, Jiang M, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Wu M, Lin J, Zou L, Hu Y. Exploring the therapeutic potential of tonic Chinese herbal medicine for gynecological disorders: An updated review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118144. [PMID: 38583732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118144] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gynecological disorders have the characteristics of high incidence and recurrence rate, which sorely affects female's health. Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially tonic medicine (TM), has been used to deal with gynecological disorders and has unique advantages in effectiveness and safety. AIM OF THE REVIEW In this article, we aim to summarize the research progress of TMs in-vivo and in-vitro, including their formulas, single herbs, and compounds, for gynecological disorders treatment in recent years, and to offer a reference for further research on the treatment of gynecological disorders and their clinical application in the treatment of TMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant information on the therapeutic potential of TMs against gynecological disorders was collected from several scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar and other literature sources. RESULTS So far, there are 46 different formulas, 3 single herbs, and 24 compounds used in the treatment of various gynecological disorders such as premature ovarian failure, endometriosis breast cancer, and so on. Many experimental results have shown that TMs can regulate apoptosis, invasion, migration, oxidative stress, and the immune system. In addition, the effect of TMs in gynecological disorders treatment may be due to the regulation of VEGF, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, NF-κB, and other signaling pathways. Apparently, TMs play an active role in the treatment of gynecological disorders by regulating these signaling pathways. CONCLUSION TMs have a curative effect on the prevention and treatment of gynecological disorders. It could relieve and treat gynecological disorders through a variety of pathways. Therefore, the appropriate TM treatment program makes it more possible to treat gynecological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhi He
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China; School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Wan
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Mingli Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengyao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yingfan Hu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.
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Huang E, Wang X, Chen L. Regulated Cell Death in Endometriosis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:142. [PMID: 38397379 PMCID: PMC10886833 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) represents a distinct mode of cell demise, differing from accidental cell death (ACD), characterized by specific signaling cascades orchestrated by diverse biomolecules. The regular process of cell death plays a crucial role in upholding internal homeostasis, acting as a safeguard against biological or chemical damage. Nonetheless, specific programmed cell deaths have the potential to activate an immune-inflammatory response, potentially contributing to diseases by enlisting immune cells and releasing pro-inflammatory factors. Endometriosis, a prevalent gynecological ailment, remains incompletely understood despite substantial progress in unraveling associated signaling pathways. Its complexity is intricately tied to the dysregulation of inflammatory immune responses, with various RCD processes such as apoptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis implicated in its development. Notably, limited research explores the association between endometriosis and specific RCD pathways like pyroptosis and cuproptosis. The exploration of regulated cell death in the context of endometriosis holds tremendous potential for further advancements. This article thoroughly reviews the molecular mechanisms governed by regulated cell death and their implications for endometriosis. A comprehensive understanding of the regulated cell death mechanism in endometriosis has the potential to catalyze the development of promising therapeutic strategies and chart the course for future research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (E.H.)
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Chen D, Ren Y, Jin J, Liu S, Zhan X, Li X, Liang R, Ding Z. Pingchong Jiangni recipe through nerve growth factor/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 signaling pathway to relieve pain in endometriosis model rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116940. [PMID: 37479067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116940] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pingchong Jiangni recipe (PJR) is often used in the treatment of endometriosis (EM). This formula has been clinically validated by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Specialties Collaborative Group for its therapeutic efficacy. Recently, our research team also confirmed that PJR has a shrinking effect on ovarian chocolate cysts. Additionally, PJR was also found to have a shrinking effect on EM lesions; however, the mechanism by which this effect occurs remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanisms by which PJR relieves pain in patients with EM. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of EM was established by autologous transplantation. PJR (3.78 g/kg, 7.56 g/kg, and 15.12 g/kg) was orally administered for 21 days. The rat grimace scale (RGS) score and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were measured at a fixed time during the experiment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in EM rats after administration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the plasma expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and immunohistochemistry and western blotting to identify differences in the expression of pain-related factors in EM rats. RESULTS The medium-dose group of PJR (7.56 g/kg) had the best effect on relieving pain in EM rats by reducing RGS, increasing PWT, reducing the ectopic endometrium, improving the cellular structure of the lesion, and reducing TNF-α and NGF levels. However, PJR significantly decreased the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), protein kinase C (PKC), and NGF. CONCLUSION The mechanism by which PJR relieves EM pain may be through the downregulation of NGF, PKC, and TRPV1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Chen
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yunying Ren
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhan
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Ruining Liang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Zhiling Ding
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Di X, Duan Z, Ma Y, Song X, Hao Y, Li G, Tan Z, Lou Y, Lin X. Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes decidualization by regulating the SGK1/ENaC pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortion. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116939. [PMID: 37479068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116939] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiawei Shoutai Pill (JWSTW) is a traditional herbal formula for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Although JWSTW significantly improves the clinical symptoms of RSA patients, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF STUDY This study evaluated the expression and function of the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1/epithelial sodium channel (SGK1/ENaC) pathway and decidualization level in RSA patients and mice. It also investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of JWSTW. MATERIALS AND METHODS 30 early RSA patients and 30 normal pregnant women undergoing induced abortion during the same period were included in the study. Decidual tissues were collected, and HE staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR were used to detect protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, estrogen Rreceptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) in patients' decidual tissues. Protein expression levels of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) were also detected. A classical RSA mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, model, dydrogesterone (DQYT) (0.33 g/kg/d), and JWSTW (1.66 g/kg/d). The normal and model groups received the same volume of distilled water by gavage for 8 and 14 days after pregnancy. On the 14th day of pregnancy, the embryonic loss rate of each group, the number of offspring born to naturally delivered mice, and the protein or mRNA expression levels of key factors of the SGK1/ENaC pathway (SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR), decidual proliferation marker (Ki67), mesenchymal-epithelial transition (E-cadherin and Vimentin), and decidualization markers (PRLR and IGFBP-1) in mouse decidual tissue on the eighth day of pregnancy were observed. RESULTS The decidual tissue structure of RSA patients was abnormal. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly reduced positive expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR proteins in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (P < 0.001). Western blot and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (all P < 0.05). Additionally, protein expression of PRLR and IGFBP-1 was significantly reduced (both P < 0.001). The RSA mouse model exhibited a significant increase in embryo loss rate and decreased litter size (both P < 0.001). Treatment with DQYT and JWSTW rescued the embryo loss rate and litter size to varying extents (all P < 0.05). The protein or mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, PR, Ki67, E-cadherin, vimentin, PRLR, and IGFBP-1 in RSA mice were improved to different degrees after treatment with DQYT and JWSTW (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway regulation is closely associated with early endometrial damage in RSA patients. JWSTW promotes endometrial proliferation and mesenchymal-epithelial transition through the SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway, improving endometrial shedding. Consequently, JWSTW is a potential treatment for RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Di
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Zibo Duan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Yucong Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Xiaodan Song
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Yanzhi Hao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Guolei Li
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Zhanwang Tan
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Yingying Lou
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Xiaohua Lin
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
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He Z, Cai Y, Xiao Y, Cao S, Zhong G, Li X, Li Y, Luo J, Tang J, Qu F, Liu Z, Liu S. Intervention of Dietary Protein Levels on Muscle Quality, Antioxidation, and Autophagy in the Muscles of Triploid Crucian Carp ( Carassius carassius Triploid). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12043. [PMID: 37569417 PMCID: PMC10418328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dietary protein levels on flesh quality, oxidative stress, and autophagy status in the muscles of triploid crucian carp (Carassius carassius triploid), and the related molecular mechanisms. Six experimental diets with different protein levels (26%, 29%, 32%, 35%, 38%, 41%) were formulated. A total of 540 fish with an initial weight of 11.79 ± 0.09 g were randomly assigned to 18 cages and six treatments with three replicates of 30 fish each for 8 weeks feeding. It could be found that the whole-body ash content significantly increased in high protein level groups (p < 0.05). The 29% dietary protein level group exhibited the highest muscle moisture, although there was an inconspicuous decrease in the chewiness of the muscles when compared with the other groups. The dietary protein level influenced the content of free amino acids and nucleotides, especially the content of flavor amino acids, which exhibited an increasing tendency along with the increasing protein level, such as alanine and glutamic acid, while the flavor nucleotides showed different fluctuation trends. Moreover, the genes related to muscle development were shown to be influenced by the dietary protein level, especially the expression of MRF4, which was up-regulated with the increasing dietary protein levels. The 29% dietary protein level promoted the majority of analyzed muscle genes expression to the highest level when compared to other dietary levels, except the Myostain, whose expression reached its highest at 38% dietary protein levels. Furthermore, the effect of dietary protein levels on antioxidant signaling pathway genes were also examined. High protein levels would boost the expression of GSTα; GPX1 and GPX4α mRNA expression showed the highest level at the 32% dietary protein group. The increasing dietary protein level decreased both mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 by up-regulating Keap1. Autophagy-related gene expression levels reached the peak at 32% dietary protein level, as evidenced by a similar change in protein expression of FoxO1. In summary, muscle nutritional composition, antioxidative pathways, and autophagy levels were affected by the dietary protein levels. A total of 29-32% dietary protein level would be the appropriate level range to improve muscle quality and promote the antioxidant and autophagy capacity of triploid crucian carp muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin He
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Yuyang Cai
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Shenping Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Gaode Zhong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Xinting Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Yanfang Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Junhan Luo
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Jianzhou Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Fufa Qu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Zhen Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China; (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (F.Q.)
| | - Suchun Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Psilopatis I, Vrettou K, Fleckenstein FN, Theocharis S. The Impact of Histone Modifications in Endometriosis Highlights New Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091227. [PMID: 37174627 PMCID: PMC10177435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder of the female reproductive system which afflicts a great number of women worldwide. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) prevent the relaxation of chromatin, thereby positively or negatively modulating gene transcription. The current review aims at studying the impact of histone modifications and their therapeutic targeting in endometriosis. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The current manuscript represents the most comprehensive, up-to-date review of the literature focusing on the particular role of HDACs and their inhibitors in the context of endometriosis. HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, Sirtuin 1, and Sirtuin 3, are the five most studied HDAC enzymes which seem to, at least partly, influence the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Both well-established and novel HDACIs could possibly represent modern, efficacious anti-endometriotic drug agents. Altogether, histone modifications and their therapeutic targeting have been proven to have a strong impact on endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio Vrettou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Florian Nima Fleckenstein
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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