Therapeutic effects of herbal formula Huangqisan on metabolic disorders via SREBF1, SCD1 and AMPK signaling pathway

Essential oil from Fructus Alpiniae zerumbet ameliorates vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes by regulating PPAR-γ signalling: A 4D label-free quantitative proteomics and network pharmacology study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vascular endothelial cell senescence is associated with cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Essential oil from Fructus Alpiniae zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. (EOFAZ) has potentially beneficial and promising diabetes-related vascular endothelial cell senescence-mitigating effects; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the molecular effects of EOFAZ on vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A diabetes mouse model was developed using a high-fat and high-glucose diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) and oral treatment with EOFAZ. 4D label-free quantitative proteomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques were employed to explore the molecular mechanisms via which EOFAZ alleviates diabetes-related vascular endothelial cell senescence. A human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) senescence model was developed using high palmitic acid and high glucose (PA/HG) concentrations in vitro. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, SA-β-galactosidase staining, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell migration, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were performed to determine the protective role of EOFAZ against vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes. Moreover, the PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone, inhibitor GW9662, and siRNA were used to verify the underlying mechanism by which EOFAZ combats vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes.

RESULTS

EOFAZ treatment ameliorated abnormal lipid metabolism, vascular histopathological damage, and vascular endothelial aging in diabetic mice. Proteomics and network pharmacology analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and drug-disease targets were associated with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signalling pathway, a key player in vascular endothelial cell senescence. Molecular docking indicated that the small-molecule compounds in EOFAZ had a high affinity for the PPAR-γ protein. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the significance of DEPs and the involvement of the PPAR-γ signalling pathway. In vitro, EOFAZ and rosiglitazone treatment reversed the effects of PA/HG on the number of senescent endothelial cells, expression of senescence-related proteins, the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase, ROS levels, cell migration rate, and expression of pro-inflammatory factors. The protective effects of EOFAZ against vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes were aborted following treatment with GW9662 or PPAR-γ siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

EOFAZ ameliorates vascular endothelial cell senescence in diabetes by activating PPAR-γ signalling. The results of the present study highlight the potential beneficial and promising therapeutic effects of EOFAZ and provide a basis for its clinical application in diabetes-related vascular endothelial cell senescence.

Nomilin and its analogue obacunone alleviate NASH and hepatic fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammation capacity

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis are leading causes of cirrhosis with rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there is no appropriate treatment for NASH and hepatic fibrosis. Many studies have shown that oxidative stress is a main factor inducing NASH. Nomilin (NML) and obacunone (OBA) are limonoid compounds naturally occurring in citrus fruits with various biological properties. However, whether OBA and NML have beneficial effects on NASH remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that OBA and NML inhibited hepatic tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and liver fibrosis progression in methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-treated and bile duct ligation (BDL) NASH and hepatic fibrosis mouse models. Mechanistic studies showed that NML and OBA enhanced anti-oxidative effects, including reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increase of catalase (CAT) activity and the gene expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and Nrf2-keap1 signaling. Additional, NML and OBA inhibited the expression of inflammatory gene interleukin 6 (Il-6), and regulated the bile acid metabolism genes Cyp3a11, Cyp7a1, multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (Mrp3). Overall, these findings indicate that NML and OBA may alleviate NASH and liver fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammation capacity. Our study proposed that NML and OBA may be potential strategies for NASH treatment.

Surfactant-Enhanced Extraction of Lutein from Marigold Petals using an Aqueous Two-Phase System

The extraction of lutein from marigold petals using a surfactant-based aqueous two-phase system is reported. In this work, the effectiveness of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of surfactants on extraction performance for the extraction of lutein from marigold petal powder was demonstrated using aqueous solutions of a wide range of non-ionic surfactants. The response surface methodology was applied to obtain optimised conditions for maximum extraction of lutein. At the optimised conditions (Temperature = 37.5 °C, S/L = 0.00375, and surfactant amount = 1.5% (v/v)), 12.12 ± 0.16 mg/g of lutein was obtained. Furthermore, the surface morphology of marigold petal powder (MPP) was analysed using SEM micrographs. Significant changes in surface morphology were observed which suggested better access of surfactant solution to the targeted biomolecule implanted in the matrix. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the obtained lutein extract was analysed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Results suggest that the antioxidant activity of the lutein extract obtained by the surfactant-based system is more than that of the lutein extract obtained by organic solvents. The aforementioned results suggest that the lutein can be extracted using a surfactant-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS).

Ameliorative effects of Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) on the metabolic syndrome: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The metabolic syndrome, which comprises hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and hypertension, is a worldwide problem. This disorder is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease incidence, and mortality. The value of herbs and natural products in the treatment of human ailments has been documented in several inquiries. An annual herbaceous plant called Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is used both as a traditional medicine and an edible plant to treat various ailments including gastrointestinal diseases and liver inflammation. Purslane contains a variety of secondary metabolites such as organic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the current work, our team aims to shed light on the potential efficacy of purslane and its main components in treating metabolic syndrome and its complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases have been used to gather the most relevant in vitro, in vivo studies, and clinical trials from the time of inception up to February 2022.

RESULTS

The effects of purslane on metabolism are among its most significant pharmacological properties. In patients with metabolic syndrome, purslane could significantly lower blood glucose and balance lipid profiles. This indicates that purslane might have a potential role in the management of metabolic syndrome through different underlying mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic.

CONCLUSION

According to previous investigations, purslane can control metabolic syndrome and its complications. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to approve the advantageous effects of purslane on metabolic syndrome.