An ursolic acid-enriched extract of Cynomorium songaricum protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats possibly through a mitochondrial pathway: A comparison with ursolic acid

Cynomorium songaricum: UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS analysis and mechanistic study on insulin sensitivity of a flavonoid-enriched fraction

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, posing a significant global health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in the development of T2DM and is often linked to factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential of natural products for improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Among these, Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., an edible parasitic plant, has shown promising antidiabetic effects. However, research on its beneficial effects on IR is still nascent. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the application of a Cynomorium songaricum flavonoid-enriched fraction (CSF) in the treatment of IR in T2DM, along with elucidating the chemical and biochemical mechanisms involved.

METHOD

First, UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was utilized to perform a chemical profiling of CSF. Subsequently, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis and glucose consumption assays were conducted on HepG2 cells with a high glucose high insulin-induced IR model to illustrate the favorable impacts of CSF on IR. Then, an innovative network pharmacology analysis was executed to predict the potential chemical components and hub genes contributing to CSF's protective effect against IR. To further elucidate molecular interactions, molecular docking studies were performed, focusing on the binding interactions between active constituents of CSF and crucial targets. Additionally, an RNA-sequencing assay was employed to uncover the underlying biochemical signaling pathway responsible for CSF's beneficial effects. To validate these findings, western blot and qPCR assays were employed to verify the pathways related to IR and the potential signaling cascades leading to the amelioration of IR.

RESULTS

The UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS analysis successfully identified a total of thirty-six flavonoids derived from CSF. Moreover, CSF was shown to significantly improve glycogen synthesis and glucose consumption as well as inhibit gluconeogenesis in HepG2 cells of IR. An innovative network pharmacology analysis unveiled key hub genes-AKT1 and PI3K-integral to metabolic syndrome-related signaling pathways, which contributed to the favorable impact of CSF against IR. Noteworthy active ingredients including quercetin, ellagic acid and naringenin were identified as potential contributors to these effects. The results of western blot and qPCR assays provided compelling evidence that CSF improved insulin sensitivity by modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Subsequent RNA-sequencing analysis, in tandem with western blot assays, delved deeper into the potential mechanisms underlying CSF's advantageous effects against IR, potentially associated with the enhancement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis.

CONCLUSION

CSF exhibited a remarkable ability to enhance insulin sensitivity in the IR model of HepG2 cells. This was evident through enhancements in glycogen synthesis and glucose consumption, along with its inhibitory impact on gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, CSF demonstrated an improvement in the insulin-mediated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The potential active constituents were identified as quercetin, ellagic acid and naringenin. The underlying biochemical mechanisms responsible for CSF's beneficial effects against IR were closely linked to its capacity to mitigate ER stress, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of its protective action.

Research Progress in Traditional Applications, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Safety Evaluation of Cynomorium songaricum

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CSR) belongs to the family Cynomoriaceae. It is a perennial succulent parasitic herb with a reddish-brown coloration, predominantly submerged in sand and lacking chlorophyll. Traditionally, it has been used in ethnic medicine to treat various diseases, such as gastric ulcers, indigestion, bowel movements, and improving sexual function. To comprehensively collect CSR data, extensive literature searches were conducted using medical, ecological, and scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). This article summarizes and categorizes research on the uses, phytochemical characteristics, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of ethnic medicine, with the aim of establishing a solid foundation and proposing new avenues for exploring and developing potential applications of CSR. So far, a total of 98 compounds have been isolated and identified from CSR, including flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, and other compounds. It is worth noting that flavonoids and polysaccharides have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these compounds also show good application prospects in anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-diabetes, and other aspects. Although extensive progress has been made in the basic research of CSR, further research is still needed to enhance the understanding of its mechanism of action and explore more unknown compounds. Our review indicates that CSR has broad prospects and deserves further research.

Gram-Scale Total Synthesis of TAB with Cardioprotective Activity and the Structure-Activity Relationship of Its Analogs

Traditional Chinese medicine has been proven to be of great significance in cardioprotective effects. Clinopodium chinense (Lamiaceae) has unique advantages in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Tournefolic acid B (TAB) was proven to be a potent component against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) from Clinopodium chinense (Lamiaceae). This article will attempt to establish a gram-scale synthesis method of TAB and discuss the structure-activity relationship of its analogs. The total synthesis of TAB was completed in 10 steps with an overall yield of 13%. In addition, analogs were synthesized, and their cardioprotective activity was evaluated on the hypoxia/reoxygenation of H9c2 cells. Amidation of the acid position is helpful to the activity, while methylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups greatly decreased the cardioprotective activity. The easily prepared azxepin analogs also showed cardioprotective activity. Most of the clogP values calculated by Molinspiration ranged from 2.5 to 5, which is in accordance with Lipinski's rule of 5. These findings represent a novel kind of cardioprotective agent that is worthy of further study.

The Credible Role of Curcumin in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mammals

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with the pathogenesis of several human diseases. The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or lack of adequate antioxidant defenses causes DNA mutations in mitochondria, damages the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and alters membrane permeability and mitochondrial defense mechanisms. All these alterations are linked to the development of numerous diseases. Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric plant rhizomes, exhibits numerous biological activities (i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial). In recent years, many researchers have shown evidence that curcumin has the ability to reduce the oxidative stress- and mitochondrial dysfunction-associated diseases. In this review, we discuss curcumin’s antioxidant mechanism and significance in oxidative stress reduction and suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction in mammals. We also discuss the research gaps and give our opinion on how curcumin research in mammals should proceed moving forward.

The Use of Chinese Yang/Qi-Invigorating Tonic Botanical Drugs/Herbal Formulations in Ameliorating Chronic Kidney Disease by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of CKD. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, many Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations have been shown to produce promising outcomes in the clinical management of CKD. Experimental studies have indicated that the health-promoting action of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM is related to the up-regulation of mitochondrial energy generation and antioxidant status. Objective: In this review, we aim to test whether Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations can provide medical benefits in CKD and its complications. And we also explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial-associated signaling pathway underlying the beneficial effects of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM. Methods: A systematic search of "PubMed", "China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)" and "Google Scholar" was carried out to collect all the available articles in English or Chinese related to Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their effects on mitochondrial function and chronic kidney disease. Result and Discussion: The relationship between the progression of CKD and mitochondrial function is discussed. The effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their active ingredients, including phytosterols/triterpenes, flavonoids, and dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, on CKD and related alterations in mitochondrial signaling pathways are also presented in this review. In the future, exploration of the possible beneficial effects and clinical studies of more Yang- and Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations in the prevention and/or/treatment of CKD and the molecular mechanisms relating to the enhancement of mitochondrial functions warrants further investigation. Conclusion: Given the critical role of mitochondrial function in safeguarding renal functional integrity, the enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant status in kidney tissue is likely involved in renal protection. Future studies on the biochemical and chemical basis underlying the effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations from a mitochondrial perspective will hopefully provide novel insights into the rational development of new drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of CKD.

Ursolic acid: A systematic review of its pharmacology, toxicity and rethink on its pharmacokinetics based on PK-PD model

Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound existing in various traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and it possesses diverse pharmacological actions and some undesirable adverse effects, even toxicological activities. Due to UA's low solubility and poor bioavailability, and its interaction with gut microbiota after oral administration, the pharmacokinetics of UA remain elusive, leading to obscurity in the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) profile and relationship for UA. Based on literatures from PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library, with keywords of "pharmacology", "toxicology", "pharmacokinetics", "PK-PD" and "ursolic acid", herein we systematically review the pharmacology and toxicity of UA, and rethink on its pharmacokinetics on the basis of PK-PD model, and seek to delineate the underlying mechanisms for the characteristics of pharmacology and toxicology of UA, and for the pharmacokinetic features of UA particularly from the organ tropism and the interactions between UA and gut microbiota, and lay a solid foundation for development of UA-derived therapeutic agents in clinical settings.

48Biochemical mechanisms of the anti-obesity effect of a triterpenoid-enriched extract of Cynomorium songaricum in mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity

BACKGROUND

HCY2, a triterpenoid-enriched extract of Cynomorii Herba, has been shown to reduce body weight and adiposity and attenuate manifestations of the associated metabolic syndrome in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice.

PURPOSE

The current study aimed to investigate the biochemical mechanism underlying the anti-obesity effect produced by HCY2.

STUDY DESIGN

An HCY2-containing extract was examined for its effects on the regulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 (PGC1) pathways and the protein expression related to mitochondrial uncoupling and biogenesis in skeletal muscle using an HFD-induced obese mouse model.

METHODS

The obese mouse model was produced by providing HFD (60% kcal from fat) ad libitum. The effects and signaling mechanisms of HCY2 were examined using analytical procedures which included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, Western blot analysis, and the use of a Clark-type oxygen electrode.

RESULTS

The current study revealed that the weight reduction produced by HCY2 is associated with the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, with resultant increases in mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of uncoupling protein 3 in skeletal muscle in vivo. The use of a recoupler, ketocholestanol, delineated the precise role of mitochondrial uncoupling in the anti-obesity effect afforded by HCY2 in obese mice.

CONCLUSION

Our experimental findings offer a promising prospect for the use of HCY2 in the management of obesity through the regulation of AMPK/PGC1 pathways.

Extraction, purification, characterization, and rheological properties of a glycoprotein from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr is widely known in China as a traditional herbal medicine. In this study, single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to optimize the extraction of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr glycoprotein (CSG). The results show that a maximum glycoprotein yield of 6.39 ± 0.32% was achieved at a ratio of solid to liquid 32:1 for 4.2 H at 52 °C. Then, the IR, monosaccharide composition, amino acid composition, type of glycopeptide linkage, and average molecular weight of CSG-1 purified from CSG were characterized. The results indicate that CSG-1 presented the characteristic absorption peak of polysaccharide and protein, including four monosaccharides and 17 amino acids, had O-linked glycopeptide bonds, M_w , W_n , M_w /M_n , M_p , and the z-average were 5.343 × 10⁶ , 3.203 × 10⁶ , 1.668, 8.911 × 10⁶ , and 6.948 × 10⁶ , respectively. Besides, CSG-1 solution was described by the Herschel-Bulkley model and it behaved as a shear-thinning fluid. Also, under a frequency sweep the moduli G' and G″ both increased with increasing CSG-1 concentration and the CSG-1 dispersions had weak thermal stability over the temperature sweep. These results provide a scientific basis for the further study of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.

Ursolic acid induces mitochondrial biogenesis through the activation of AMPK and PGC-1 in C2C12 myotubes: a possible mechanism underlying its beneficial effect on exercise endurance

Mitochondrial biogenesis, which involves an increase in mitochondrial number and the overall capacity of oxidative phosphorylation, is a critical determinant of skeletal muscle function. Recent findings have shown that some natural products can enhance mitochondrial adaptation to aerobic exercise, which in turn improves exercise performance, presumably by delaying muscle fatigue. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural triterpene, is commonly found in various vegetables and fruits. In the current study, UA was shown to increase mitochondrial mass and ATP generation capacity, with a concomitant production of a low level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C2C12 myotubes. Mitochondrial ROS, in turn, activated the redox sensitive adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1(PGC-1) pathway. The activation of AMPK/PGC-1 further increased the expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and uncoupling protein 3. Animal studies showed that UA can also dose-dependently increase the endurance exercise capacity in mice, as assessed by a weight-loaded swimming test and a hanging wire test. Our findings suggest that UA may induce mitochondrial biogenesis through the activation of AMPK and PGC-1 pathways in skeletal muscle, thereby offering a promising prospect for its use to enhance exercise endurance and alleviating fatigue in humans.

Major triterpenoids in Chinese hawthorn "Crataegus pinnatifida" and their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells

The cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effect of phytochemicals presenting in the fruits of Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) were evaluated. Shanlihong (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) variety possessed significant levels of flavonoids and triterpenoids, and showed potent antiproliferative effect against HepG₂, MCF-7 and MDA-MB- 231 human cancer cells lines. Triterpenoids-enriched fraction (S9) prepared by Semi-preparative HPLC, and its predominant ingredient ursolic acid (UA) demonstrated remarkably antiproliferative activities for all the tested cancer cell lines. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced G1 arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis revealed that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced PCNA, CDK4, and Cyclin D1 downregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, followed by p21^Waf1/Cip1 up-regulation. Additionally, flow cytometer and DNA ladder assays indicated that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis. Mitochondrial death pathway was involved in this apoptosis as significantly induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. These results suggested that triterpenoids-enriched fraction and UA exhibited antiproliferative activity through the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, and was majorly responsible for the potent anticancer activity of Chinese hawthorn.

Ursolic acid (UA): A metabolite with promising therapeutic potential

Plants are known to produce a variety of bioactive metabolites which are being used to cure various life threatening and chronic diseases. The molecular mechanism of action of such bioactive molecules, may open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle dreadful diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Ursolic acid (UA) is one among the categories of such plant-based therapeutic metabolites having multiple intracellular and extracellular targets that play role in apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis and inflammatory processes. Moreover, the synthetic derivatives of UA have also been seen to be involved in a range of pharmacological applications, which are associated with prevention of diseases. Evidences suggest that UA could be used as a potential candidate to develop a comprehensive competent strategy towards the treatment and prevention of health disorders. The review article herein describes the possible therapeutic effects of UA along with putative mechanism of action.

DPPH-HPLC-DAD analysis combined HSCCC for screening and identification of radical scavengers in Cynomorium songaricum Rupr

A speedy, efficient and reproductive technique to systematically isolate antioxidant compounds from complex natural products.

Curcumin Attenuates Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Mitochondrial Alterations: Possible Role of a Mitochondrial Biogenesis Mechanism

It has been shown that curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, exerts a protective effect against gentamicin- (GM-) induced nephrotoxicity in rats, associated with a preservation of the antioxidant status. Although mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark in the GM-induced renal injury, the role of CUR in mitochondrial protection has not been studied. In this work, LLC-PK1 cells were preincubated 24 h with CUR and then coincubated 48 h with CUR and 8 mM GM. Treatment with CUR attenuated GM-induced drop in cell viability and led to an increase in nuclear factor (erythroid-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear accumulation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) cell expression attenuating GM-induced losses in these proteins. In vivo, Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with GM (75 mg/Kg/12 h) during 7 days to develop kidney mitochondrial alterations. CUR (400 mg/Kg/day) was administered orally 5 days before and during the GM exposure. The GM-induced mitochondrial alterations in ultrastructure and bioenergetics as well as decrease in activities of respiratory complexes I and IV and induction of calcium-dependent permeability transition were mostly attenuated by CUR. Protection of CUR against GM-induced nephrotoxicity could be in part mediated by maintenance of mitochondrial functions and biogenesis with some participation of the nuclear factor Nrf2.

New insights into the chemical and biochemical basis of the "yang-invigorating" action of chinese yang-tonic herbs

In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, many Yang-tonic herbs have been used for retarding the decline in bodily function and delaying the onset of age-related diseases. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that Yang-invigorating herbs/formulations protect against oxidative injury in various organs and also extend the median lifespan in mice. This lifespan extension was associated with an upregulation of cellular antioxidant status including that of mitochondria whose functional capacity is also increased by “Yang-invigorating” herbs/formulations. In this paper, we propose that triterpenes and phytosterols, which are ubiquitously found in Yang-tonic herbs, may be the chemical entities responsible for enhancing mitochondrial functional and antioxidant capacity and thus the “Yang-invigorating” action. The biochemical mechanism underlying this “Yang-invigorating” action may involve a sustained production of low levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) secondary to an increased activity of the electron transport chain, with the possible involvement of mitochondrial uncoupling. The increase in mitochondrial functional capacity can retard the decline in bodily function during aging, whereas the mitochondrial ROS production is instrumental in eliciting a glutathione antioxidant response via redox-sensitive signaling pathways, which can delay the onset of age-related diseases.

β-sitosterol protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats via the induction of mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling

Previous findings have demonstrated that β-sitosterol (BSS), an active component of Cistanches Herba, protected against oxidant injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in rat hearts by enhancing mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling, possibly through the intermediacy of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. We therefore hypothesized that BSS pretreatment can also confer tissue protection against oxidant injury in other vital organs such as liver and kidney of rats. In this study, the effects of BSS pretreatment on rat models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity were investigated. The findings showed that BSS pretreatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was associated with the improvement in mitochondrial glutathione redox status, presumably through the glutathione reductase-mediated enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was also accompanied by the improved mitochondrial functional ability in rat livers. The inability of BSS to protect against gentamicin nephrotoxicity was likely due to the relatively low bioavailability of BSS in rat kidneys. BSS may serve as potential mitohormetic agent for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced injury in livers.