The main active components of Curcuma zedoaria reduces collagen deposition in human lung fibroblast via autophagy

Novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. Currently, drugs used to treat IPF in clinical practice exhibit severe side effects and limitations. To address these issues, this paper discusses the therapeutic effects of preclinical targeted drugs (such as STAT3 and TGF-β/Smad pathway inhibitors, chitinase inhibitors, PI3K and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, etc.) and natural products on IPF. Through a summary of current research progress, it is found that natural products possess multitarget effects, stable therapeutic efficacy, low side effects, and nondrug dependence. Furthermore, we discuss the significant prospects of natural product molecules in combating fibrosis by influencing the immune system, expecting that current analytical data will aid in the development of new drugs or the investigation of active ingredients in natural products for potential IPF treatments in the future.

Cu exposure induces liver inflammation via regulating gut microbiota/LPS/liver TLR4 signaling axis

Copper (Cu) serves as an essential cofactor in all organisms, yet excessive Cu exposure is widely recognized for its role in inducing liver inflammation. However, the precise mechanism by which Cu triggers liver inflammation in ducks, particularly in relation to the interplay in gut microbiota regulation, has remained elusive. In this investigation, we sought to elucidate the impact of Cu exposure on liver inflammation through gut-liver axis in ducks. Our findings revealed that Cu exposure markedly elevated liver AST and ALT levels and induced liver inflammation through upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and triggering the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Simultaneously, Cu exposure induced alterations in the composition of intestinal flora communities, notably increasing the relative abundance of Sphingobacterium, Campylobacter, Acinetobacter and reducing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Cu exposure significantly decreased the protein expression related to intestinal barrier (Occludin, Claudin-1 and ZO-1) and promoted the secretion of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, correlation analysis was observed that intestinal microbiome and gut barrier induced by Cu were closely related to liver inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments further demonstrated the microbiota-depleted ducks transplanting fecal samples from Cu-exposed ducks disturbed the intestinal dysfunction, which lead to impaire liver function and activate the liver inflammation. Our study provided insights into the mechanism by which Cu exposure induced liver inflammation in ducks through the regulation of gut-liver axis. These results enhanced our comprehension of the potential mechanisms driving Cu-induced hepatotoxicity in avian species.

Zedoarondiol inhibits human bronchial smooth muscle cell proliferation through the CAV-1/PDGF signalling pathway

Airway remodelling in lung diseases can be treated by inhibiting excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation. Zedoarondiol (Zed) is a natural compound isolated from the Chinese herb Curcuma longa. The caveolin-1 (CAV-1) is widely expressed in lung cells and plays a key role in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signalling and cell proliferation. This study aims to investigate the effect of Zed on human bronchial smooth muscle cell (HBSMC) proliferation and explore its potential molecular mechanisms. We assessed the effect of Zed on the proliferation of PDGF-stimulated HBSMCs and performed proteomic analysis to identify potential molecular targets and pathways. CAV1 siRNA was used to validate our findings in vitro. In PDGF-stimulated HBSMCs, Zed significantly inhibited excessive proliferation of HBSMCs. Proteomic analysis of zedoarondiol-treated HBSMCs revealed significant enrichment of differentially expressed proteins in cell proliferation-related pathways and biological processes. Zed inhibition of HBSMC proliferation was associated with upregulation of CAV1, regulation of the CAV-1/PDGF pathway and inhibition of MAPK and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway activation. Treatment of HBSMCs with CAV1 siRNA partly reversed the inhibitory effect of Zed on HBSMC proliferation. Thus, this study reveals that zedoarondiol potently inhibits HBSMC proliferation by upregulating CAV-1 expression, highlighting its potential value in airway remodelling and related diseases.

Curcumol: a review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery systems, structure-activity relationships, and potential applications

Curcumol (Cur), a guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid hemiketal, is an important and representative bioactive component extracted from the essential oil of the rhizomes of Curcumae rhizoma which is also known as "Ezhu" in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, Cur has received considerable attention from the research community due to its favorable pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-convulsant, and other activities, and has also exerted therapeutic effect on various cancers, liver diseases, inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that Cur is rapidly distributed in almost all organs of rats after intragastric administration with high concentrations in the small intestine and colon. Several studies focusing on structure-activity relationship (SAR) of Cur have shown that some Cur derivatives, chemically modified at C-8 or C-14, exhibited more potent anti-cancer activity and lower toxicity than Cur itself. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the latest advances in the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of Cur in the last decade with a focus on its anti-cancer and hepatoprotective potentials, as well as the research progress in drug delivery system and potential applications of Cur to date, to provide researchers with the latest information, to highlighted the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be addressed in future research. Our results indicate that Cur and its derivatives could serve as potential novel agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer and liver diseases.

Yifei Sanjie formula alleviates lung cancer progression via regulating PRMT6-YBX1-CDC25A axis

Lung cancer (LC) is the most prevalent cancer type, with a high mortality rate worldwide. The current treatment options for LC have not been particularly successful in improving patient outcomes. Yifei Sanjie (YFSJ), a well-applicated traditional Chinese medicine formula, is widely used to treat pulmonary diseases, especially LC, yet little is known about its molecular mechanisms. This study was conducted to explore the molecular mechanism by which YFSJ ameliorated LC progression. The A549, NCI-H1975, and Calu-3 cells were treated with the YFSJ formula and observed for colony number, apoptosis, migration, and invasion properties recorded via corresponding assays. The PRMT6-YBX1-CDC25A axis was tested and verified through luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and rescue experiments. Our results demonstrated that YFSJ ameliorated LC cell malignant behaviors by increasing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion processes. We also noticed that the xenograft mouse model treated with YFSJ significantly reduced tumor growth compared with the control untreated group in vivo. Mechanistically, it was found that YFSJ suppressed the expression of PRMT6, YBX1, and CDC25A, while the knockdown of these proteins significantly inhibited colony growth, migration, and invasion, and boosted apoptosis in LC cells. In summary, our results suggest that YFSJ alleviates LC progression via the PRMT6-YBX1-CDC25A axis, confirming its efficacy in clinical use. The findings of our study provide a new regulatory network for LC growth and metastasis, which could shed new insights into pulmonary medical research.

Curcumol Attenuates Portal Hypertension and Collateral Shunting Via Inhibition of Extrahepatic Angiogenesis in Cirrhotic Rats

Liver cirrhosis can cause disturbances in blood circulation in the liver, resulting in impaired portal blood flow and ultimately increasing portal venous pressure. Portal hypertension induces portal-systemic collateral formation and fatal complications. Extrahepatic angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of portal hypertension. Curcumol is a sesquiterpenoid derived from the rhizome of Curcumae Rhizoma and has been confirmed to alleviate liver fibrosis by inhibiting angiogenesis. Therefore, our study was designed to explore the effects of curcumol on extrahepatic angiogenesis and portal hypertension. To induce cirrhosis, Sprague Dawley rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery. Rats received oral administration with curcumol (30 mg/kg/d) or vehicle (distilled water) starting on day 15 following surgery, when BDL-induced liver fibrosis had developed. The effect of curcumol was assessed on day 28, which is the typical time of BDL-induced cirrhosis. The results showed that curcumol markedly reduced portal pressure in cirrhotic rats. Curcumol inhibited abnormal splanchnic inflow, mitigated liver injury, improved liver fibrosis, and attenuated portal-systemic collateral shunting in cirrhotic rats. These protective effects were partially attributed to the inhibition on mesenteric angiogenesis by curcumol. Mechanically, curcumol partially reversed the BDL-induced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in cirrhotic rats. Collectively, curcumol attenuates portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis by suppressing extrahepatic angiogenesis through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Curcumenol improves renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure rats via the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway

The present work aimed to explore the protective effects of curcumenol and evaluate its pharmacological mechanisms in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Rats with CRF were administrated curcumenol and the effects on renal functions were investigated. Renal function examinations were carried out, whereas serum levels of inflammatory mediators, including NF-κB, MCP-1 and IL-1β were analyzed by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of SIRT1, p65 and IκBα were measured by qRT-PCR, and the SIRT1 protein levels were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated that curcumenol significantly improved the renal functions in the CRF rats. Compared to the sham group, serum levels of NF-κB, MCP-1, IL-1β, and the mRNA expression levels of p65 were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas the mRNA expression level of IκBα was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and the SIRT1 levels were dramatically down-regulated (p < 0.05) in the CRF groups. Treatment with curcumenol remarkably inhibited inflammatory responses as reflected by the reduced levels of inflammatory mediators (p < 0.01) and SIRT1 up-regulation (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that curcumenol could improve the renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced CRF rats, and the mechanisms might involve suppressing the associated inflammation and modulating the SIRT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Searching for Novel Candidate Small Molecules for Ameliorating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: a Narrative Review

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be defined as a progressive chronic pulmonary disease showing scarring in the lung parenchyma, thereby resulting in increase in mortality and decrease in the quality of life. The pathophysiologic mechanism of fibrosis in IPF is still unclear. Repetitive microinjuries to alveolar epithelium with genetical predisposition and an abnormal restorative reaction accompanied by excessive deposition of collagens are involved in the pathogenesis. Although the two FDA-approved drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are under use for retarding the decline in lung function of patients suffered from IPF, they are not able to improve the survival rate or quality of life. Therefore, a novel therapeutic agent acting on the major steps of the pathogenesis of disease and/or, at least, managing the clinical symptoms of IPF should be developed for the effective regulation of this incurable disease. In the present review, we tried to find a potential of managing the clinical symptoms of IPF by natural products derived from medicinal plants used for controlling the pulmonary inflammatory diseases in traditional Asian medicine. A multitude of natural products have been reported to exert an antifibrotic effect in vitro and in vivo through acting on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced intracellular signaling, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. However, clinical antifibrotic efficacy of these natural products on IPF have not been elucidated yet. Thus, those effects should be proven by further examinations including the randomized clinical trials, in order to develop the ideal and optimal candidate for the therapeutics of IPF.

Curcumol alleviates cardiac remodeling via the AKT/NF-κB pathway

Cardiac remodeling is the final stage of almost all cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart failure and arrhythmias. However, the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling is not fully understood, and specific treatment schemes are currently unavailable. Curcumol is a bioactive sesquiterpenoid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumol on cardiac remodeling and elucidate its relevant underlying mechanism. Curcumol significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophy in the animal model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac remodeling. Curcumol also alleviated cardiac electrical remodeling, thereby reducing the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) after heart failure. Inflammation and apoptosis are critical pathological processes involved in cardiac remodeling. Curcumol inhibited the inflammation and apoptosis induced by ISO and TGF-β1 in mouse myocardium and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Furthermore, the protective effects of curcumol were found to be mediated through the inhibition of the protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The administration of an AKT agonist reversed the anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of curcumol and restored the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation in TGF-β1-induced NRCMs. Our study suggests that curcumol is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiac remodeling.

A systematic review of the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine against pulmonary fibrosis: from a pharmacological perspective

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease caused by a variety of etiologies. The disease can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the lung tissue structure, severely affecting respiratory function and posing a serious threat to human health. Currently, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the main drugs used in the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but their efficacy is limited and they can cause serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines have important research value and potential for clinical application in anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, more and more scientific researches have been conducted on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve or reduce pulmonary fibrosis, and some important breakthroughs have been made. This review paper systematically summarized the research progress of pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines and their active compounds in improving or reducing pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted a systematic search in several main scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, natural products, herbal medicine, and therapeutic methods. Ultimately, 252 articles were included and systematically evaluated in this analysis. The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of these traditional Chinese medicine studies can be roughly categorized into 5 main aspects, including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improvement of extracellular matrix deposition, mediation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The purpose of this article is to provide pharmaceutical researchers with information on the progress of scientific research on improving or reducing Pulmonary fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine, and to provide reference for further pharmacological research.

Foodborne Carbon Dot Exposure Induces Insulin Resistance through Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Damaged Intestinal Mucus Layer

Foodborne carbon dots (CDs), an emerging food nanocontaminant, are an increasing risk factor for metabolic toxicity in mammals. Here, we report that chronic CD exposure induced glucose metabolism disorders via disruption of the gut-liver axis in mice. 16s rRNA analysis demonstrated that CD exposure decreased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides, Coprococcus, and S24-7) and increased the abundance of harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria, Oscillospira, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Ruminococcaceae), as well as increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Mechanistically, the increased pro-inflammatory bacteria release the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which induces an intestinal inflammation and disruption of the intestinal mucus layer, activating systemic inflammation and inducing hepatic insulin resistance in mice via the TLR4/NFκB/MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, these changes were almost completely reversed by probiotics. Fecal microbiota transplantation from CD-exposed mice induced glucose intolerance, damaged liver function, intestinal mucus layer injury, hepatic inflammation, and insulin resistance in the recipient mice. However, microbiota-depleted mice exposed to CDs had normal levels of these biomarkers consistent with microbiota-depleted control mice, which revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to CD-induced inflammation-mediated insulin resistance. Together, our findings revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to CD-induced inflammation-mediated insulin resistance and attempted to elucidate the specific underlying mechanism. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of assessing the hazards associated with foodborne CDs.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge-Curcuma aromatica Salisb. suppresses growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization via a Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as one of the commonest cancer types around the world. Due to the poor understanding on the causes of CRC formation and progression, this study sets out to investigate the physiological mechanisms by which Astragalus mongholicus Bunge-Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (ARCR) regulates CRC growth and metastasis, and the role in which M2 macrophage polarization plays in this process. An orthotopic-transplant model of CRC was established to evaluate the influence of ARCR on the polarization of M2 macrophage and the growth and metastasis of tumors. Next, the binding affinity among Sp1, ZFAS1, miR-153-5p, and CCR5 was identified using multiple assays. Finally, after co-culture of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) with CRC cell line CT26.WT, the cell proliferative, invasive, and migrated abilities were assessed in gain- or loss-of-function experiments. ARCR inhibited the infiltration of M2 macrophages into tumor microenvironment to suppress the CRC growth and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, ARCR inhibited the transcription of ZFAS1 by reducing Sp1 expression to repress M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, ZFAS1 competitively binds to miR-153-3p to upregulate the CCR5 expression. Finally, ARCR suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages to inhibit the tumor growth and tumor metastasis in CRC by mediating the Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis. Collectively, ARCR appears to suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis by suppressing M2 macrophage polarization via Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis. 1. ARCR suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis 2. ZFAS1 promotes CCR5 expression by competitively binding to miR-153-3p. 3. Sp1 promotes M2 macrophage polarization by activating ZFAS1 via miR-153-3p/CCR5. 4. The study unveiled a protective target against CRC.

Yifei Sanjie Formula Treats Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Remodeling Pulmonary Microbiota

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common pulmonary diseases. Evidence suggests that dysbiosis of pulmonary microbiota leads to the COPD pathological process. Yifei Sanjie Formula (YS) is widely used to treat diseases in respiratory systems, yet little is known about its mechanisms. In the present study, we first established the fingerprint of YS as the background for UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Components were detected, including alkaloids, amino acid derivatives, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids, phenols, and the like. The therapeutic effect of YS on COPD was evaluated, and the pulmonary function and ventilatory dysfunction (EF50, TV, and MV) were improved after the administration of YS. Further, the influx of lymphocytes was inhibited in pulmonary parenchyma, accompanied by down-regulation of inflammation cytokines via the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway. The severity of pulmonary pathological damage was reversed. Disturbed pulmonary microbiota was discovered to involve an increased relative abundance of Ralstonia and Mycoplasma and a decreased relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides in COPD animals. However, the subversive effect was shown. The abundance and diversity of pulmonary microflora were remodeled, especially increasing beneficial genua Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, as well as downregulating pathogenic genua Ralstonia and Mycoplasma in the YS group. Environmental factor correlation analysis showed that growing pulmonary microbiota was positively correlated with the inflammatory factor, referring to Ralstonia and Mycoplasma, as well as negatively correlated with the inflammatory factor, referring to Lactobacillus and Bacteroides. These results suggest that the effects of YS involved remodeling lung microbes and anti-inflammatory signal pathways, revealing that intervention microbiota and an anti-inflammatory may be a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

Natural Product-Based Potential Therapeutic Interventions of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease-refractive lung condition with an increased rate of mortality. The potential factors causing PF include viral infections, radiation exposure, and toxic airborne chemicals. Idiopathic PF (IPF) is related to pneumonia affecting the elderly and is characterized by recurring scar formation in the lungs. An impaired wound healing process, defined by the dysregulated aggregation of extracellular matrix components, triggers fibrotic scar formation in the lungs. The potential pathogenesis includes oxidative stress, altered cell signaling, inflammation, etc. Nintedanib and pirfenidone have been approved with a conditional endorsement for the management of IPF. In addition, natural product-based treatment strategies have shown promising results in treating PF. In this study, we reviewed the recently published literature and discussed the potential uses of natural products, classified into three types—isolated active compounds, crude extracts of plants, and traditional medicine, consisting of mixtures of different plant products—in treating PF. These natural products are promising in the treatment of PF via inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial mesenchymal transition, as well as affecting TGF-β-mediated cell signaling, etc. Based on the current review, we have revealed the signaling mechanisms of PF pathogenesis and the potential opportunities offered by natural product-based medicine in treating PF.

Targeting Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Approach for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by an abnormal reepithelialisation, an excessive tissue remodelling and a progressive fibrosis within the alveolar wall that are not due to infection or cancer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key molecular process in pulmonary fibrosis development and different components of the redox system are altered in the cellular actors participating in lung fibrosis. To this respect, several activators of the antioxidant machinery and inhibitors of the oxidant species and pathways have been assayed in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models and in different clinical trials. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in the development and progression of IPF and its underlying mechanisms as well as the evidence of oxidative stress in human IPF. Finally, we analyze the mechanism of action, the efficacy and the current status of different drugs developed to inhibit the oxidative stress as anti-fibrotic therapy in IPF.

Curcumin Ameliorates Cardiac Fibrosis by Regulating Macrophage-Fibroblast Crosstalk via IL18-P-SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway Inhibition

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by plants of the Curcuma longa species. Chemically, curcumin is a diarylheptanoid, belonging to the group of curcuminoids. The therapeutic potential of curcumin has been widely investigated, including its utilization in various of cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect in cardiac remodeling post myocardial infarction and underlying mechanism remains to be uncover.

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of curcumin on cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction via macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 (C57) mice were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to establish myocardial infarction and intragastrically fed vehicle or curcumin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. In parallel, neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and co-cultured with liposaccharide (LPS− or LPS+) curcumin-treated macrophages, followed by TGF-β stimulation for 24 h. Cardiac function was determined by 2-dimensional echocardiography, and cardiac fibrosis was measured by picrosirius red staining. Apoptosis of macrophages was investigated by flow cytometry; all pro-fibrotic protein expression (EDA-Fibronectin, Periostin, Vimentin, and α-SMA) as well as TGF-βR1 downstream signaling activation reflected by phosphorylated SMAD2/3 (p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3) were demonstrated by western blotting.

Results: Curcumin significantly ameliorated the inflammation process subsequent to myocardial infarction, reflected by decreased expression of CD68+ and CD3+ cells, accompanied by dramatically improved cardiac function compared with the placebo group. In addition, cardiac fibrosis is inhibited by curcumin administration. Interestingly, no significant reduction in fibrotic gene expression was observed when isolated cardiac fibroblasts were directly treated with curcumin in vitro; however, pro-fibrotic protein expression was significantly attenuated in CF, which was co-cultured with LPS-stimulated macrophages under curcumin treatment compared with the placebo group. Mechanistically, we discovered that curcumin significantly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, which in turn inhibited IL18 expression in co-cultured cardiac fibroblasts using bulk RNA sequencing, and the TGF-β1-p-SMAD2/3 signaling network was also discovered as the eventual target downstream of IL18 in curcumin-mediated anti-fibrosis signaling.

Conclusion: Curcumin improves cardiac function and reduces cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction. This effect is mediated by the inhibition of macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in the acute phase post-MI and retrained activation of IL18-TGFβ1-p-SMAD2/3 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts.

LncRNA MEG3 restrained pulmonary fibrosis induced by NiO NPs via regulating hedgehog signaling pathway-mediated autophagy

Long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) was down-regulated in pulmonary fibrosis of rats induced by Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs), while the downstream regulatory mechanisms of MEG3 remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among MEG3, Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and autophagy in pulmonary fibrosis caused by NiO NPs. The pulmonary fibrosis model in rats was constructed by intratracheal instillation of 0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg NiO NPs twice a week for 9 weeks. Collagen deposition model was established by treating A549 cells with 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL NiO NPs for 24 h. Our results indicated that NiO NPs activated Hh pathway, down-regulated the expression of MEG3, and reduced autophagy activity in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the autophagy process was promoted by Hh pathway inhibitor (CDG-0449), while the collagen formation in A549 cells was reduced by autophagy activator (Rapamycin). Furthermore, the overexpressed MEG3 inhibited the activation of Hh pathway, resulting in autophagy activity enhancement along with collagen formation reduction. In summary, lncRNA MEG3 can restrain pulmonary fibrosis induced by NiO NPs via regulating hedgehog signaling pathway-mediated autophagy, which may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Curcumin inhibition of bleomycin-induced changes in lung collagen synthesis, deposition and assembly

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by progressive lung tissue remodeling and disproportionate deposition of collagenous proteins with limited therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether curcumin inhibits bleomycin (BLM)-induced increases in synthesis, degradation and cross-linking of lung collagen in rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Following a single intratracheal instillation of BLM to rats (0.75 U/100 g, sacrificed 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days post-BLM), lung collagen synthesis (determined by incorporation of ³H-proline) and deposition (determined by lung hydroxyproline content) progressively increased at days 7, 14 and 28 post-BLM injection. Lung lavage fluid hydroxyproline and collagenase levels (a measure of collagen turnover) were increased in BLM rats compared with control groups. In addition, BLM instillation resulted in increased concentrations of collagenase and collagenolytic cathepsin in the lungs. Furthermore, increased cross-linking (as determined by aldehyde content of acid soluble collagen), and decreased susceptibility of fibrotic lung insoluble collagen to denaturing agents occurred in BLM-injured lungs. Significant increases in alveolar macrophage (AM) release of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were noted at various time points (days 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 post-BLM) during the development and progression of lung fibrosis in rats. Curcumin treatment to BLM rats (300 mg/kg 10 days before and daily thereafter throughout the experimental time period) was associated with marked reductions in lung collagen synthesis and deposition, BALF and lung collagenase activity, BALF hydroxyproline content and lung collagenolytic levels. Additionally, reduced levels of collagen cross-linking and enhanced susceptibility of insoluble lung collagen to denaturing agents were observed in curcumin-treated BLM rats. Finally, curcumin inhibited BLM-induced increases in AM production of TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate for the first time that curcumin prevents fibrotic deposits by modulating collagen turnover, assembly and deposition in BLM-instilled rat lungs, and that curcumin treatment protects against BLM activation of macrophages by suppressing the release of TGF-β1.

[Curcumol inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis through the ERK signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of curcumol on the proliferation, apoptosis and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

Keloid fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of curcumol (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/L) or with 160 mg/L curcumol and 20 μmol/L ISO (an ERK signaling pathway activator). Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of proliferation-associated proteins (cyclin D1 and PCNA), fibrosis marker proteins (Col1A1, Col3A1 and α-SMA), apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3) and ERK signaling pathway proteins (p-ERK1/2, p-MEK and p-c-Raf) in the cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis rate of the treated cells, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

Curcumol at 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/L all reduced the protein expressions of cyclin D1, PCNA and Bcl-2, inhibited the expressions of fibrotic marker proteins Col1A1, Col3A1 and α-SMA, decreased the levels of ERK signaling pathway proteins p-ERK1/2, p-MEK and p-c-Raf, and increased the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins (P < 0.05). Curcumol treatment at 160 mg/L obviously inhibited the proliferation and collagen synthesis, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited the ERK signaling pathway in the keloid fibroblasts; treatment with ISO significantly reversed the effects of curcumol on the proliferation, apoptosis, collagen synthesis and ERK signal pathway of the cells.

OBJECTIVE

Curcumol regulates proliferation, apoptosis and collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts through the ERK signaling pathway.

Curcumol inhibits the viability and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via miR-30a-5p and Hippo signaling pathway

MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p), which functions as a tumor suppressor, has been reported to be downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and to be associated with cancer invasion. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of curcumol in the malignant progression of CRC remains unknown. MTT, Transwell, scratch, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assays were performed to examine how curcumol inhibited CRC cell viability, invasion and migration, and to detect the role of miR-30a-5p and curcumol in the invasion and Hippo signaling pathways of CRC cells. The present study revealed that miR-30a-5p expression was downregulated in human CRC tissues and cells. The results demonstrated that miR-30a-5p downregulation was accompanied by the inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway, which was demonstrated to promote CRC cell viability, invasion and migration. Curcumol treatment was identified to increase miR-30a-5p expression and to activate the Hippo signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the invasion and migration of CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-30a-5p enhanced the effects of curcumol on cell invasion and migration, and the Hippo signaling pathway in CRC cells. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-30a-5p reversed the effects of curcumol on cell invasion and migration, and the Hippo signaling pathway in CRC cells. These findings identified novel signaling pathways associated with miR-30a-5p and revealed the effects of curcumol on miR-30a-5p expression. Therefore, curcumol may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to delay CRC progression.

A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Potential Mechanisms of Yifei Sanjie Formula in Treating Pulmonary Fibrosis

Objective

Yifei Sanjie Formula (YFSJF) is an effective formula on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which has been used in clinic for more than 30 years. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism of YFSJF in treating PF, network pharmacology was used to predict the cooperative ingredients and associated pathways.

Methods

Firstly, we collected potential active ingredients of YFSJF by TCMSP databases. Secondly, we obtained PF-associated targets through OMIM and Genecards database. Finally, metascape was applied for the analysis of GO terms and KEGG pathways.

Results

We screened out 76 potential active ingredients and 98 associated proteins. A total of 5715 items were obtained by GO enrichment analysis (P < 0.05), including 4632 biological processes, 444 cellular components, and 639 molecular functions. A total of 143 related KEGG pathways were enriched (P < 0.05), including IL-17 signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, TH17 cell differentiation, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

YFSJF can interfere with immune and inflammatory response through multiple targets and pathways, which has a certain role in the treatment of PF. This study lays a foundation for future experimental research.