Prospective therapeutic potential of Tanshinone IIA: An updated overview

Endothelial TRPV4 channel mediates the vasodilation induced by Tanshinone IIA

Tanshinone IIA (TSA), the main lipo-soluble component from the dried rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to induce vasodilation. However, the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TSA on the vasodilation of small resistant arteries ex vivo. Vascular myography revealed that endothelial denudation reduced significantly the vasodilatory effect of TSA. Blocking transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels prevented TSA-induced vasodilation. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that the current passing through TRPV4 channels increased after TSA treatment in endothelial cells (ECs). This was attributed to reduced TRPV4 protein degradation along with its increased expression. The TRPV4 inhibitor HC-067047 lowed nitric oxide (NO) production and TSA-induced expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Moreover, it increased the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and protein kinase G (PKG). The present results indicate that TSA induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which is mediated by the TRPV4-NO-PKG signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of TSA, a compound known in traditional Chinese medicine as Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), for future cardiovascular therapeutic strategies.

Effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract on myocardial cell apoptosis in rat heart failure model

PURPOSE

This work aimed to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on myocardial cell (MC) apoptosis in a rat model of heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Tan IIA was extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) using an ethanol reflux method. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham (no treatment), mod (HF model establishment), low dose (LD: 0.1 mL/kg Tan IIA), medium dose (MD: 0.3 mL/kg Tan IIA), and high dose (HD: 0.5 mL/kg Tan IIA), with 10 rats in each group. The effects of different doses of Tan IIA on cardiac function, MC apoptosis, and the levels of proteins associated with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were compared.

RESULTS

Mod group showed a significant decrease in systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins versus sham group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), end-systolic diameter, diastolic pressure, and MC apoptosis were significantly increased (p < 0.05). LD, MD, and HD groups exhibited significant improvements across various indicators of cardiac function and MC apoptosis versus mod group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tan IIA may improve cardiac function and inhibit MC apoptosis in rats with HF by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Hydrogen sulfide and its potential as a possible therapeutic agent in male reproduction

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that belongs to the group of gasotransmitters along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S plays a pivotal role in male reproductive processes. It is produced in various tissues and cells of the male reproductive system, including testicular tissue, Leydig and Sertoli cells, epididymis, seminal plasma, prostate, penile tissues, and sperm cells. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in male reproductive tissues and outline possible therapeutic strategies in pathological conditions related to male fertility, e. g. spermatogenetic disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, H2S supports spermatogenesis by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), stimulating testosterone production, and providing cytoprotective effects. In spermatozoa, H2S modulates sperm motility, promotes sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, and has significant cytoprotective effects. Given its vasorelaxant effects, it supports the erection of penile tissue. These findings suggest the importance and therapeutic potential of H2S in male reproduction, paving the way for further research and potential clinical applications.

Effects of Heat Stress-Induced Sex Hormone Dysregulation on Reproduction and Growth in Male Adolescents and Beneficial Foods

Heat stress due to climate warming can significantly affect the synthesis of sex hormones in male adolescents, which can impair the ability of the hypothalamus to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which leads to a decrease in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which ultimately negatively affects spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis. For optimal spermatogenesis, the testicular temperature should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Heat stress directly affects the testes, damaging them and reducing testosterone synthesis. Additionally, chronic heat stress abnormally increases the level of aromatase in Leydig cells, which increases estradiol synthesis while decreasing testosterone, leading to an imbalance of sex hormones and spermatogenesis failure. Low levels of testosterone in male adolescents lead to delayed puberty and incomplete sexual maturation, negatively affect height growth and bone mineral density, and can lead to a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in fat mass. In order for male adolescents to acquire healthy reproductive capacity, it is recommended to provide sufficient nutrition and energy, avoid exposure to heat stress, and provide foods and supplements to prevent or repair testosterone reduction, germ cell damage, and sperm count reduction caused by heat stress so that they can enter a healthy adulthood.

Exploring the therapeutic implications of natural compounds modulating apoptosis in vascular dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a prevalent form of dementia stemming from cerebrovascular disease, manifesting in memory impairment and executive dysfunction, thereby imposing a substantial societal burden. Unfortunately, no drugs have been approved for the treatment of VaD due to its intricate pathogenesis, and the development of innovative and efficacious medications is urgently needed. Apoptosis, a programmed cell death process crucial for eliminating damaged or unwanted cells within an organism, assumes pivotal roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis maintenance. An increasing body of evidence indicates that apoptosis may significantly influence the onset and progression of VaD, and numerous natural compounds have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis and its correlation with VaD. We also provide a crucial reference for developing innovative pharmaceuticals by systematically reviewing the latest research progress concerning the neuroprotective effects of natural compounds on VaD by regulating apoptosis. Further high-quality clinical studies are imperative to firmly ascertain these natural compounds' clinical efficacy and safety profiles in the treatment of VaD.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Provides Novel Insights into the Accumulative Mechanism of Soil Types on the Bioactive Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the contents of secondary metabolites in the roots from different production areas are significantly different, and the impact of soil factors on this accumulation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the regularity of variation between the active components and soil factors through targeted metabolomics and chemical dosimetry. Soils were collected from five different cities (A, B, C, D, and E) and transplanted into the study area. The results showed that there were significant differences in the soil fertility characteristics and heavy metal pollution levels in different soils. Ten water- and twelve lipid-soluble metabolites were identified in SMBs grown in all soil types. SMBs from D cities exhibited the highest total tanshinone content (p < 0.05). The salvianolic acid B content in SMBs from E cities was the highest (p < 0.05). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the accumulation of lipid-soluble and water-soluble metabolites. Double-matrix correlation analysis demonstrated that available potassium (AK) was significantly negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = -0.80, p = 0.0004) and positively correlated with tanshinone IIA (r = 0.66, p = 0.008). Conversely, cadmium (Cd) and cuprum (Cu) were significantly positively and negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.72, p = 0.0024) and tanshinone IIA (r = 0.40, p = 0.14 and r = 0.73, p = 0.0018), respectively. Mantel's test indicated that AK (r > 0.52, p < 0.001), Cu (r > 0.60, p < 0.005), and Cd (r > 0.31, p < 0.05) were the primary drivers of the differences in the active components of SMBs. These findings provide a theoretical framework for modulating targeted metabolites of SMB through soil factors, with significant implications for the cultivation and quality control of medicinal plants.

A novel L-shaped ortho-quinone analog suppresses glioblastoma progression by targeting acceleration of AR degradation and regulating PI3K/AKT pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary intracranial malignant tumor with the highest mortality and morbidity among all malignant central nervous system tumors. Tanshinone IIA is a fat-soluble active ingredient obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has an inhibitory effect against various cancers. We designed and synthesized a novel L-shaped ortho-quinone analog TE5 with tanshinone IIA as the lead compound and tested its antitumor activity against GBM. The results indicated that TE5 effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells, and demonstrated low toxicity in vitro. We found that TE5 may bind to androgen receptors and promote their degradation through the proteasome. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was also observed in TE5 treated GBM cells. Additionally, TE5 arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. In vivo experiments further confirmed the anti-tumor activity, safety, and effect on androgen receptor level of TE5 in animal models of GBM. Our results suggest that TE5 may be a potential therapeutic drug to treat GBM.

Tanshinone IIA suppresses ferroptosis to attenuate renal podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy through the embryonic lethal abnormal visual-like protein 1 and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 4 signaling pathway

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is one of the main components of the root of the red-rooted Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TIIA-mediated protective effects in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High glucose (HG)-induced mouse podocyte cell line (MPC5) cells were used as the in vitro model of DN and treated with TIIA. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were detected using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine and flow cytometry assays. The protein levels were assessed using western blot assay. The levels of inflammatory factors were deleted by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Fe+ level, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and glutathione products were detected using special assay kits. After ENCORI prediction, the interaction between embryonic lethal abnormal visual-like protein 1 (ELAVL1) and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was verified using co-immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter assays. ACSL4 messenger ribonucleic acid expression was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

TIIA repressed HG-induced MPC5 cell apoptosis, inflammatory response and ferroptosis. ACSL4 upregulation relieved the repression of TIIA on HG-mediated MPC5 cell injury and ferroptosis. ELAVL1 is bound with ACSL4 to positively regulate the stability of ACSL4 messenger ribonucleic acid. TIIA hindered HG-triggered MPC5 cell injury and ferroptosis by regulating the ELAVL1-ACSL4 pathway. TIIA blocked DN progression in in vivo research.

CONCLUSION

TIIA treatment restrained HG-caused MPC5 cell injury and ferroptosis partly through targeting the ELAVL1-ACSL4 axis, providing a promising therapeutic target for DN treatment.

Recent advances and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer, with focus on bioactive compounds targeting

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.

Biosynthesis and signal transduction of plant growth regulators and their effects on bioactive compound production in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen)

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are involved in multiple aspects of plant life, including plant growth, development, and response to environmental stimuli. They are also vital for the formation of secondary metabolites in various plants. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a famous herbal medicine and has been used commonly for > 2000 years in China, as well as widely used in many other countries. S. miltiorrhiza is extensively used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in clinical practices and has specific merit against various diseases. Owing to its outstanding medicinal and commercial potential, S. miltiorrhiza has been extensively investigated as an ideal model system for medicinal plant biology. Tanshinones and phenolic acids are primary pharmacological constituents of S. miltiorrhiza. As the growing market for S. miltiorrhiza, the enhancement of its bioactive compounds has become a research hotspot. S. miltiorrhiza exhibits a significant response to various PGRs in the production of phenolic acids and tanshinones. Here, we briefly review the biosynthesis and signal transduction of PGRs in plants. The effects and mechanisms of PGRs on bioactive compound production in S. miltiorrhiza are systematically summarized and future research is discussed. This article provides a scientific basis for further research, cultivation, and metabolic engineering in S. miltiorrhiza.

Magnetic/Acoustic Dual-Controlled Microrobot Overcoming Oto-Biological Barrier for On-Demand Multidrug Delivery against Hearing Loss

Multidrug combination therapy in the inner ear faces diverse challenges due to the distinct physicochemical properties of drugs and the difficulties of overcoming the oto-biologic barrier. Although nanomedicine platforms offer potential solutions to multidrug delivery, the access of drugs to the inner ear remains limited. Micro/nanomachines, capable of delivering cargo actively, are promising tools for overcoming bio-barriers. Herein, a novel microrobot-based strategy to penetrate the round window membrane (RWM) is presented and multidrug in on-demand manner is delivered. The tube-type microrobot (TTMR) is constructed using the template-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of chitosan/ferroferric oxide/silicon dioxide (CS/Fe3O4/SiO2) and loaded with anti-ototoxic drugs (curcumin, CUR and tanshinone IIA, TSA) and perfluorohexane (PFH). Fe3O4 provides magnetic actuation, while PFH ensures acoustic propulsion. Upon ultrasound stimulation, the vaporization of PFH enables a microshotgun-like behavior, propelling the drugs through barriers and driving them into the inner ear. Notably, the proportion of drugs entering the inner ear can be precisely controlled by varying the feeding ratios. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate that the drug-loaded microrobot exhibits superior protective effects and excellent biosafety toward cisplatin (CDDP)-induced hearing loss. Overall, the microrobot-based strategy provides a promising direction for on-demand multidrug delivery for ear diseases.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) based nano-delivery systems for anticancer therapeutics

BACKGROUND

The ancient Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), plays the important role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, Danshen could also be used for curing carcinogenesis. Up to now, the anti-tumor effects of the main active constituents of Danshen have made great progress. However, the bioavailability of the active constituents of Danshen were restricted by their unique physical characteristics, like low oral bioavailability, rapid degradation in vivo and so on.

PURPOSE

With the leap development of nano-delivery systems, the shortcomings of the active constituents of Danshen have been greatly ameliorated. This review tried to summarize the recent progress of the active constituents of Danshen based delivery systems used for anti-tumor therapeutics.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using 5 databases (Embase, Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases) for the identification of relevant data published before September 2023. The words "Danshen", "Salvia miltiorrhiza", "Tanshinone", "Salvianolic acid", "Rosmarinic acid", "tumor", "delivery", "nanomedicine" and other active ingredients contained in Danshen were searched in the above databases to gather information about pharmaceutical decoration for the active constituents of Danshen used for anti-tumor therapeutics.

RESULTS

The main extracts of Danshen could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells effectively and a great deal of studies were conducted to design drug delivery systems to ameliorate the anti-tumor effect of the active contents of Danshen through different ways, like improving bioavailability, increasing tumor targeting ability, enhancing biological barrier permeability and co-delivering with other active agents.

CONCLUSION

This review systematically represented recent progress of pharmaceutical decorations for the active constituents of Danshen used for anti-tumor therapeutics, revealing the diversity of nano-decoration skills and trying to inspire more designs of Danshen based nanodelivery systems, with the hope that bringing the nanomedicine of the active constituents of Danshen for anti-tumor therapeutics from bench to bedside in the near future.

Tanshinone IIA induces ER stress and JNK activation to inhibit tumor growth and enhance anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains at the forefront of new cancer cases, and there is an urgent need to find new treatments or improve the efficacy of existing therapies. In addition to the application in the field of cerebrovascular diseases, recent studies have revealed that tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has anticancer activity in a variety of cancers.

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential anticancer mechanism of Tan IIA and its impact on immunotherapy in NSCLC.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity and colony formation assays were used to detect the Tan IIA inhibitory effect on NSCLC cells. This research clarified the mechanisms of Tan IIA in anti-tumor and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) regulation by using flow cytometry, transient transfection, western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. Besides, IHC was also used to analyze the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT2) expression in NSCLC clinical samples. Two animal models including xenograft mouse model and Lewis lung cancer model were used for evaluating tumor suppressive efficacy of Tan IIA. We also tested the efficacy of Tan IIA combined with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors in Lewis lung cancer model.

RESULTS

Tan IIA exhibited good NSCLC inhibitory effect which was accompanied by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and increasing Ca2+ levels. Moreover, Tan IIA could suppress the NFAT2/ Myc proto oncogene protein (c-Myc) signaling, and it also was able to control the Jun Proto-Oncogene(c-Jun)/PD-L1 axis in NSCLC cells through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. High NFAT2 levels were potential factors for poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. Finally, animal experiments data showed a stronger immune activation phenotype, when we performed treatment of Tan IIA combined with PD-1 monoclonal antibody.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our research suggested a novel mechanism for Tan IIA to inhibit NSCLC, which could exert anti-cancer effects through the JNK/NFAT2/c-Myc pathway. Furthermore, Tan IIA could regulate tumor PD-L1 levels and has the potential to improve the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating FBXO11 expression

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinone IIA (TAN IIA) in the treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA), which provided a certain reference for further research and clinical application of Tan IIA in OA.

METHODS

CHON-001 cells were stimulated with 10 μg/mL IL-1β for 48 h and treated with 10 μM TAN IIA for 48 h. Cellular viability and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, and Cleaved caspase-3 was measured by Immunoblot assay and RT-qPCR. TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS in CHON-001 cells were determined by RT-qPCR and ELISA. To further verify the effect of TAN IIA on OA, a rat model of OA in vivo was established by right anterior cruciate ligament transection. TAN IIA was administered at 50 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg for 7 weeks. The degree of cartilage destruction in OA rats was observed by TUNEL and HE staining. Cleaved caspase-3 and FBXO11 were measured by immunohistochemical staining, RT-qPCR, and Immunoblot. TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS in chondrocytes of OA rats were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

IL-1β stimulated CHON-001 cell apoptosis and inflammation, and TAN IIA had anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects on IL-1β-regulated CHON-001 cells. TAN IIA down-regulated FBXO11 and inhibited PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways, thereby alleviating apoptotic and inflammatory reactions in CHON-001 cells under IL-1β treatment. Moreover, TAN IIA treatment improved chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammations in OA rats.

CONCLUSION

TAN IIA inhibits PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways by down-regulating FBXO11 expression, alleviates chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation, and delays the progression of OA.

Homologous-magnetic dual-targeted metal-organic framework to improve the Anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor

The insufficient abundance and weak activity of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are two important reasons for the poor efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. The combined administration of tanshinone IIA (TSA) and astragaloside IV (As) can up-regulate the abundance and activity of TILs by normalising tumour blood vessels and reducing the levels of immunosuppressive factors respectively. For enhancing the efficacy of PD-1 antibody, a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) with a homologous tumour cell membrane (Hm) coating (Hm@TSA/As-MOF) is established to co-deliver TSA&As into the HCC microenvironment. Hm@TSA/As-MOF is a spherical nanoparticle and has a high total drug-loading capacity of 16.13 wt%. The Hm coating and magnetic responsiveness of Hm@TSA/As-MOF provide a homologous-magnetic dual-targeting, which enable Hm@TSA/As-MOF to counteract the interference posed by ascites tumour cells and enhance the precision of targeting solid tumours. Hm coating also enable Hm@TSA/As-MOF to evade immune clearance by macrophages. The release of TSA&As from Hm@TSA/As-MOF can be accelerated by HCC microenvironment, thereby up-regulating the abundance and activity of TILs to synergistic PD-1 antibody against HCC. This study presents a nanoplatform to improve the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in HCC, providing a novel approach for anti-tumour immunotherapy in clinical practice.

Tanshinone IIA improves Alzheimer's disease via RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants, has shown potential neuroprotective effects; however, the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate potential Tan-IIA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology. To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Additionally, the effect of Tan-IIA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1)/microRNA (miRNA, miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

In vivo, Tan-IIA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice. In vitro experiments showed that Tan-IIA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In this process, the lncRNA NEAT1 - a potential therapeutic target - is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-IIA treatment. Mechanistically, NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p, which activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein, which exacerbates AD. Tan-IIA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Tan-IIA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway, serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Tandem γ-C(sp2)-H Arylation and Cyclization for the Construction of Natural Product-Like Polycyclic Fused ortho-Quinone Scaffolds

Here, we report a novel strategy for the direct construction of polycyclic fused ortho-quinone scaffolds through palladium(II)-catalyzed tandem γ-C(sp2)-H arylation and cyclization of arylglyoxals with aryl iodides. This transformation features unique tandem transient directing of γ-C(sp2)-H arylation and cyclization reaction mode, broad substrate scope, especially for the aromatic substrates containing oxygen and sulfur atoms, and avoiding the common issue of aromatization due to the construction of the hexatomic ring.

Telomerase Inhibition in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review

Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation blockage of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells, presents significant therapeutic challenges despite current treatment modalities like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Pursuing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target leukemic cells is critical for improving patient outcomes. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing effective chemotherapy and preventive measures against leukemia, providing a rich source of biologically active compounds. Telomerase, a key enzyme involved in chromosome stabilization and mainly active in cancer cells, presents an attractive target for intervention. In this review article, we focus on the anti-leukemic potential of natural substances, emphasizing vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and polyphenols (including curcumin and indole-3-carbinol), which, in combination with telomerase inhibition, demonstrate reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies. We discuss the role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), particularly its mRNA expression, as a potential therapeutic target, highlighting the promise of natural compounds in leukemia treatment and prevention.

Computational investigation of turmeric phytochemicals targeting PTR1 enzyme of Leishmania species

In this study, we used in silico techniques to identify available parasite treatments, representing a promising therapeutic avenue. Building upon our computational initiatives aimed at discovering natural inhibitors for various target enzymes from parasites causing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we present novel findings on three turmeric-derived phytochemicals as inhibitors of Leishmania pteridine reductase I (PTR1) through in silico methodologies. PTR1, a crucial enzyme in the unique folate metabolism of trypanosomatid parasites, holds established therapeutic significance. Employing MOE software, a molecular docking analysis assesses the efficacy of turmeric phytochemicals against Leishmania PTR1. Validation of the docking protocol is confirmed with an RMSD value of 2. Post-docking, compounds displaying notable interactions with critical residues and binding affinities ranging between -6 and -8 kcal/mol are selected for interaction pattern exploration. Testing twelve turmeric phytochemicals, including curcumin, zingiberene, curcumol, curcumenol, eugenol, bisdemethoxycurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, tryethylcurcumin, turmerones, turmerin, demethoxycurcumin, and turmeronols, revealed binding affinities ranging from -5.5 to -8 kcal/mol. Notably, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin exhibit binding affinities within -6.5 to -8 kcal/mol and establish substantial interactions with catalytic residues. These phytochemicals hold promise as lead structures for rational drug design targeting Leishmania spp. PTR in future applications. This work underscores the potential of these identified phytochemicals in the development of more effective inhibitors, demonstrating their relevance in addressing neglected tropical diseases caused by parasites.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting Zbtb16

Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease that can occur in a variety of clinical settings. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 (Zbtb16) is a transcription factor and has not been studied in pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues from rats which were treated with bleomycin and Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) were collected for mRNA sequencing. Zbtb16, a differentially expressed gene, was screened. Using adeno-associated virus to knock down Zbtb16 in rats, it was found that the lung index and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were decreased. HE and Masson staining revealed that pathological symptoms of lung histopathology were relieved after Zbtb16 knockdown. Protein expressions of α-SMA, Collagen I and Fibronectin were significantly decreased after Zbtb16 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein content of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 were inhibited by Zbtb16 knockdown. Conversely, under the treatment of Tan IIA and TGF-β1, overexpression of Zbtb16 improved cell viability, increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3. All above demonstrates that Zbtb16 inhibition ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis and suppresses the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Furthermore, Zbtb16 mediates the inhibitory process of Tan IIA on pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides a novel candidate therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Tanshinone IIA attenuates osteoarthritis via inhibiting aberrant angiogenesis in subchondral bone

Excessive angiogenesis in subchondral bone is a pathological feature of osteoarthritis (OA). Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), an active compound found in Salvia miltiorrhiza, demonstrates significant anti-angiogenic properties. However, the effect of TIIA on abnormal subchondral angiogenesis in OA is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of TIIA in modulating subchondral bone angiogenesis during OA and assess its therapeutic potential in OA. Our findings demonstrate that TIIA attenuated articular cartilage degeneration, normalized subchondral bone remodeling, and effectively suppressed aberrant angiogenesis within subchondral bone in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA mice. Additionally, the angiogenesis capacity of primary CD31hiEmcnhi endothelial cells was observed to be significantly reduced after treatment with TIIA in vitro. Mechanically, TIIA diminished the proportion of hypertrophic chondrocytes, ultimately leading to a substantial reduction in the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). The supernatant of hypertrophic chondrocytes promoted the tube formation of CD31hiEMCNhi endothelial cells, whereas TIIA inhibited this process. Furthermore, TIIA effectively suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) along with its downstream MAPK pathway in CD31hiEmcnhi endothelial cells. In conclusion, our data indicated that TIIA could effectively inhibit the abnormal angiogenesis in subchondral bone during the progression of OA by suppressing the VEGFA/VEFGR2/MAPK pathway. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the abnormal angiogenesis in OA and offer a promising therapeutic target for OA treatment.

Tanshinone IIA modulates cancer cell morphology and movement via Rho GTPases-mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling

Actin filaments form unique structures with robust actin bundles and cytoskeletal networks affixed to the extracellular matrix and interact with neighboring cells, which are crucial structures for cancer cells to acquire a motile phenotype. This study aims to investigate a novel antitumor mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) modulates the morphology and migration of liver cancer cells via actin cytoskeleton regulation. 97H and Huh7 exhibited numerous tentacle-like protrusions that interacted with neighboring cells. Following treatment with Tan IIA, 97H and Huh7 showed a complete absence of cytoplasmic protrusion and adherens junctions, thereby effectively impeding their migration capability. The fluorescence staining of F-actin and microtubules indicated that these tentacle-like protrusions and cell-cell networks were actin-based structures that led to morphological changes after Tan IIA treatment by retracting and reorganizing beneath the membrane. Tan IIA can reverse the actin depolymerization and cell morphology alterations induced by latrunculin A. Tan IIA down-regulated actin and Rho GTPases expression significantly, as opposed to inducing Rho signaling activation. Preventing the activity of proteasomes and lysosomes had no discernible impact on the modifications in cellular structure and protein expression induced by Tan IIA. However, as demonstrated by the puromycin labeling technique, the newly synthesized proteins were significantly inhibited by Tan IIA. In conclusion, Tan IIA can induce dramatic actin cytoskeleton remodeling by inhibiting the protein synthesis of actin and Rho GTPases, resulting in the suppression of tumor growth and migration. Targeting the actin cytoskeleton of Tan IIA is a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

Modulation of the vitamin D receptor by traditional Chinese medicines and bioactive compounds: potential therapeutic applications in VDR-dependent diseases

The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor that plays a vital role in various physiological functions. To a larger extent, the genomic effects of VDR maintain general wellbeing, and its modulation holds implications for multiple diseases. Current evidence regarding using vitamin D or its synthetic analogs to treat non-communicable diseases is insufficient, though observational studies suggest potential benefits. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have garnered increasing attention. Interestingly, TCM formulae and TCM-derived bioactive compounds have shown promise in modulating VDR activities. This review explores the intriguing potential of TCM and bioactive compounds in modulating VDR activity. We first emphasize the latest information on the genetic expression, function, and structure of VDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of this crucial receptor. Following this, we review several TCM formulae and herbs known to influence VDR alongside the mechanisms underpinning their action. Similarly, we also discuss TCM-based bioactive compounds that target VDR, offering insights into their roles and modes of action.

Maintaining the Mitochondrial Quality Control System Was a Key Event of Tanshinone IIA against Deoxynivalenol-Induced Intestinal Toxicity

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the one of the most common mycotoxins, widely detected in various original foods and processed foods. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a fat-soluble diterpene quinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which has multi-biological functions and pharmacological effects. However, whether Tan IIA has a protective effect against DON-induced intestinal toxicity is unknown. In this study, the results showed Tan IIA treatment could attenuate DON-induced IPEC-J2 cell death. DON increased oxidation product accumulation, decreased antioxidant ability and disrupted barrier function, while Tan IIA reversed DON-induced barrier function impairment and oxidative stress. Furthermore, Tan IIA dramatically improved mitochondrial function via mitochondrial quality control. Tan IIA could upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial fusion as well as downregulate mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein response. In addition, Tan IIA significantly attenuated mitophagy caused by DON. Collectively, Tan IIA presented a potential protective effect against DON toxicity and the underlying mechanisms were involved in mitochondrial quality control-mediated mitophagy.

Tanshinone IIA protects intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol-induced pyroptosis

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin in food and feed, which can cause undesirable effects, including diarrhea, emesis, weight loss, and growth delay in livestock. Intestinal epithelial cells were the main target of DON, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammatory injury. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is fat-soluble diterpene quinone, which is the most abundant active ingredient in salvia miltiorrhiza plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, it is not clear whether Tan IIA can protect against or inhibit intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory injury under DON exposure. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Tan IIA on DON-induced toxicity in porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Cells were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 µM DON and/or 45 µg/mL TAN ⅡA to detect oxidative stress indicators. inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB expression, NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis-related factors. In this study, DON exposure caused IPEC-J2 cells oxidative stress by elevating ROS and 8-OHdG content, inhibited GSH-Px activity. Furthermore, DON increased pro-inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-6) expression and decreased the anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) expression, causing inflammatory response via triggering NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, above changes were alleviated after Tan IIA treatment. In addition, Tan IIA relieved DON-induced pyroptosis by suppressing the expression of pyroptosis-related factors (NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18). In general, our data suggested that Tan IIA can ameliorate DON-induced intestinal epithelial cells injury associated with suppressing the pyroptosis signaling pathway. Our findings pointed that Tan IIA could be used as the potential therapeutic drugs on DON-induced enterotoxicity.

Tanshinone IIA Against Cerebral Ischemic Stroke and Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury: A Review of the Current Documents

Stroke is a well-known neurological disorder that carries significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Cerebral Ischemic Stroke (CIS), the most common subtype of stroke, occurs when thrombosis or emboli form elsewhere in the body and travel to the brain, leading to reduced blood perfusion. Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (CIRI) is a common complication of CIS and arises when blood flow is rapidly restored to the brain tissue after a period of ischemia. The therapeutic approaches currently recognized for CIS, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy, have notable side effects that limit their clinical application. Recently, there has been growing interest among researchers in exploring the potential of herbal agents for treating various disorders and malignancies. One such herbal agent with medicinal applications is tanshinone IIA, an active diterpene quinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Tanshinone IIA has shown several pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties. Multiple studies have indicated the protective role of tanshinone IIA in CIS and CIRI. This literature review aims to summarize the current findings regarding the molecular mechanisms through which this herbal compound improves CIS and CIRI.

Drug monomers from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. promoting tight junction protein expression for therapeutic effects on lung cancer

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used for treatment of various diseases, including cancer by activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Tanshinone (TanIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CPT) are major lipophilic compounds extracted from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., which are considered to be the effective compounds affecting the efficacy of the anti-tumor therapy of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. We have explored the mechanism of CPT and TanIIA exerting inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to provide experimental data support for guiding the translational development and clinical application of anti-tumor components of TCM. The subcutaneous tumor model and in vitro culture model of A549 cells was constructed to evaluate CPT and TanIIA's tumour-inhibitory effect respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signalling pathways related to CPT and TanIIA treatment. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to explore the mechanism of CPT and TanIIA intervention on NSCLC. Both CPT and TanIIA significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 tumor cells and tumor growth in animal models. After intervention, the migration ability decreased and the level of apoptosis increased. RNA-seq results showed that both CPT and TanIIA could cause gene differential expression, miR-21-5p as one of the most significant gene expression differences between the two groups, and could act on cell connectivity. CPT and TanIIA play a regulatory role in regulating tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO1), and Occludin mRNA and protein levels were reduced in an in vitro miR-21-5p overexpression A549 cell model. The mechanisms may be related to the reduction of miR-21-5p expression to increase the level of promoted tight junction protein expression for the purpose of inhibiting proliferation and invasion of NSCLC.

Tanshinone IIA Facilitates Efficient Cartilage Regeneration under Inflammatory Factors Caused Stress via Upregulating LncRNA NEAT1_2

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a crippling condition characterized by chondrocyte dedifferentiation, cartilage degradation, and subsequent cartilage defects. Unfortunately, there is a lack of effective medicines to facilitate the repair of cartilage defects in OA patients. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA NEAT1_2 in maintaining the chondrocyte phenotype and identified tanshinone IIA(TAN) as a natural medicine that enhances NEAT1_2 levels, resulting in efficient cartilage regeneration under inflammatory cytokines. (2) Methods: The transcriptional levels of NEAT1_2 and cartilage phenotype-related genes were identified by RT-qPCR. The siRNA interference approach was utilized to silence NEAT1_2; the Alamar Blue assay was performed to determine chondrocyte viability under inflammatory conditions. To evaluate the concentrations of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans distributed by chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo, immunohistochemical staining and Safranin O staining were used. (3) Results: IL-1β suppresses NEAT1_2 and genes related to the chondrocytic phenotype, whereas TAN effectively upregulates them in a NEAT1_2-dependent manner. Consistently, TAN alleviated chondrocyte oxidative stress inhibited cartilage degradation by modulating the relevant genes and promoted efficient cartilage regeneration in vitro and in vivo when chondrocytes are exposed to inflammatory cytokines. (4) Conclusions: TAN enhances the expression of NEAT1_2 inhibited by IL-1β and affects the transcription of chondrocytic phenotype-related genes, which promotes cartilage regeneration in an inflammatory environment.

Bioactive components and molecular mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) is an outstanding herbal medicine with various traditional effects, especially promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. It has been widely used for centuries to treat blood stasis syndrome (BSS)-related diseases. BSS is one of the basic pathological syndromes of diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in traditional East Asian medicine, which is characterized by disturbance of blood circulation. However, the bioactive components and mechanisms of SM in the treatment of BSS have not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this article outlines the anti-BSS effects of bioactive components of SM, concentrating on the molecular mechanisms.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To summarize the bioactive components of SM against BSS and highlight its potential targets and signaling pathways, hoping to provide a modern biomedical perspective to understand the efficacy of SM on enhancing blood circulation to remove blood stasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed to retrieve articles published in the last two decades on bioactive components of SM used for BSS treatment from the online electronic medical literature database (PubMed).

RESULTS

Phenolic acids and tanshinones in SM are the main bioactive components in the treatment of BSS, including but not limited to salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid A, cryptotanshinone, Danshensu, dihydrotanshinone, rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, and caffeic acid. They protect vascular endothelial cells by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory damage and regulating of NO/ET-1 levels. They also enhance anticoagulant and fibrinolytic capacity, inhibit platelet activation and aggregation, and dilate blood vessels. Moreover, lowering blood lipids and improving blood rheological properties may be the underlying mechanisms of their anti-BSS. More notably, these compounds play an anti-BSS role by mediating multiple signaling pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/eNOS, MAPKs (p38, ERK, and JNK), and Ca2+/K+ channels.

CONCLUSIONS

Both phenolic acids and tanshinones in SM may act synergistically to target different signaling pathways to achieve the effect of promoting blood circulation.

Puerarin-Tanshinone IIA Suppresses atherosclerosis inflammatory plaque via targeting succinate/HIF-1α/IL-1β axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory injury is an important pathological factor for the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. It is well known that Puerarin and Tanshinone IIA (Pue-Tan) can significantly reduce interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels and delay the atherosclerosis (AS) process clinically in China. Previous evidence has shown that the Succinate/HIF-1α/IL-1β inflammatory signaling axis (Succinate axis) promotes the progression of atherosclerotic inflammatory plaques. It is not clear whether Pue-Tan inhibits inflammatory plaques by reducing the level of IL-1β through the succinate signaling axis.

AIM OF STUDY

Find out the interaction between Pue-Tan targets and the succinate axis by means of network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis and to further confirm whether Pue-Tan can inhibit vascular inflammation and delay the formation of atherosclerotic inflammatory plaques by targeting the succinate signaling axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, animal experiments were conducted to verify the changing relationship between Succinate and IL-1β under Pue-Tan intervention. Secondly, network pharmacology approach was employed to uncover the specific targets of Pue-Tan in the intervention of AS from multiple levels of components, proteins, and pathways, and at the same time, the target must be a key factor of the succinate signaling axis. Autodock vina1.5.6 was applied to molecular docking for Pue-Tan and target protein. Subsequently, cells experiment and animal experiment were performed to verify Pue-Tan inhibiting the inflammatory progression of atherosclerosis by targeting succinate signaling axis.

RESULTS

Firstly, we first found that the reduction of IL-1β was positively correlated with succinate in the serum of Pue-Tan-treated mice. Secondly, network pharmacology compared with molecular docking showed that hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) was the key target of Pue-Tan and the key node of succinate singling axis. Finally, in vitro study, Pue-Tan significantly reduced the factors of succinate axis just as HIF-1α siRNA; in vivo study, we confirmed a decreased expression of succinate axis and ICAM-1 in the aorta of ApoE-/- mice under Pue-Tan intervention, which was consistent with the in vitro results.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that Pue-Tan blocked the succinate axis by targeting HIF-1α to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic inflammatory plaques and delay the pathological process of AS. Network Pharmacology, Bioinformatics of Molecular Docking, and Molecular Biology Validation can be used as a effective way to discover and verify the pharmacological mechanism of TCM.

Tanshinone IIA protects motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced cell injury by the regulation of the lncRNA TCTN2/miR-125a-5p/DUSP1 axis

Background

Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) exerts a protective role in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the mechanism of TSIIA activity in SCI remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Cell viability and apoptosis were gauged by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of lncRNA TCTN2, miR-125a-5p and DUSP1 were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Direct relationship between miR-125a-5p and TCTN2 or DUSP1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

In mouse NSC-34 cells, LPS reduced the expression of TCTN2. TSIIA alleviated cell injury induced by LPS and increased TCTN2 expression in LPS-exposed NSC-34 cells. TCTN2 was a downstream mediator of TSIIA activity. TCTN2 targeted miR-125a-5p, and TCTN2 over-expression attenuated LPS-induced cell damage in NSC-34 cells by down-regulating miR-125a-5p. TCTN2 functioned as a post-transcriptional regulator of DUSP1 expression through miR-125a-5p. DUSP1 was a functional target of miR-125a-5p in controlling NSC-34 cell injury induced by LPS. TSIIA inhibited miR-125a-5p expression and increased the level of DUSP1 protein in LPS-exposed NSC-34 cells.

Conclusion

Our study establishes a novel mechanism, the TCTN2/miR-125a-5p/DUSP1 axis, at least in part, for the protective activity of TSIIA in cell injury induced by LPS.

Effects and mechanisms of tanshinone IIA on PTSD-like symptoms

BACKGROUND

In recent years, Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active substances have remarkably progressed in treating central neurological disorders. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is an active ingredient derived from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza that has been found to alleviate the symptoms of several psychiatric illnesses. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that results after experiencing a serious physical or psychological injury. The currently used drugs are not satisfactory for the treatment of PTSD. However, it has been reported that TSA can improve PTSD-like symptoms like learning and memory, cognitive disorder, and depression through multi-target regulation.

PURPOSE

This paper discusses the ameliorative effects of TSA on PTSD-like symptoms and the possible mechanisms of action in terms of inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, anti-neuroinflammation, and anti-oxidative stress. Based on the pathological changes and clinical observations of PTSD, we hope to provide some reference for the clinical transformation of Chinese medicine in treating PTSD.

METHODS

A large number of literatures on tanshinone in the treatment of neurological diseases and PTSD were retrieved from online electronic PubMed and Web of Science databases.

CONCLUSION

TSA is a widely studied natural active ingredient against mental illness. This review will contribute to the future development of TSA as a new clinical candidate drug for improving PTSD-like symptoms.

Apoptosis and long non-coding RNAs: Focus on their roles in Heart diseases

Heart disease is one of the principal death reasons around the world and there is a growing requirement to discover novel healing targets that have the potential to avert or manage these illnesses. On the other hand, apoptosis is a strongly controlled, cell removal procedure that has a crucial part in numerous cardiac problems, such as reperfusion injury, MI (myocardial infarction), consecutive heart failure, and inflammation of myocardium. Completely comprehending the managing procedures of cell death signaling is critical as it is the primary factor that influences patient mortality and morbidity, owing to cardiomyocyte damage. Indeed, the prevention of heart cell death appears to be a viable treatment approach for heart illnesses. According to current researches, a number of long non-coding RNAs cause the heart cells death via different methods that are embroiled in controlling the activity of transcription elements, the pathways that signals transmission within cells, small miRNAs, and the constancy of proteins. When there is too much cell death in the heart, it can cause problems like reduced blood flow, heart damage after restoring blood flow, heart disease in diabetics, and changes in the heart after reduced blood flow. Therefore, studying how lncRNAs control apoptosis could help us find new treatments for heart diseases. In this review, we present recent discoveries about how lncRNAs are involved in causing cell death in different cardiovascular diseases.

Tanshinone IIA protects mouse testes from heat stress injury by inhibiting apoptosis and TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway

Heat stress can cause testicular damage and affect male fertility. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is a monomer substance derived from plants, with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Whether it can repair testicular damage caused by heat stress is unclear. This study aims to construct a mouse testicular heat stress injury model and intervene with TSA. Various methods such as histopathology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biology were used to investigate whether TSA can alleviate heat stress-induced testicular injury and its mechanism. Results showed that heat stress significantly reduced the diameter of the mouse seminiferous tubules, increased cell apoptosis in the testicular tissue, and significantly decreased testosterone levels. After TSA intervention, testicular morphology and cell apoptosis improved significantly, and testosterone secretion function was restored. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing found that key differentially expressed genes between the HS group and the control and TSA groups clustered in the apoptosis and TGFβ signaling pathways. Using western blot technology, we found that the HS group upregulated TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway protein expression, causing cell apoptosis, testicular tissue organic lesions, and affecting testicular secretion function. Through TSA intervention, we found that it can inhibit TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway protein expression, thereby restoring testicular damage caused by heat stress. This study confirms that TSA can effectively restore testicular damage caused by heat stress in mice, possibly by inhibiting the TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway to suppress apoptosis.

Neuroprotective strategies for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: Current status and challenges

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a prominent contributor to both immediate mortality and long-term impairment in newborns. The elusive nature of the underlying mechanisms responsible for neonatal HIBD presents a significant obstacle in the effective clinical application of numerous pharmaceutical interventions. This comprehensive review aims to concentrate on the potential neuroprotective agents that have demonstrated efficacy in addressing various pathogenic factors associated with neonatal HIBD, encompassing oxidative stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the precise molecular pathways by which these drugs elicit neuroprotective effects in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBD). Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neonatal HIBD in animal experiments, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the feasibility of clinical translation and establishing a solid theoretical foundation for the clinical management of neonatal HIBD.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates atherosclerosis in LDLR-/- mice by regulating efferocytosis of macrophages

Background: Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is the major lipid-soluble active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, which slows down atherosclerosis (AS). However, it remains unclear whether TIIA has the potential to enhance macrophage efferocytosis and thereby improve atherosclerosis. Objective: The focus of this examination was to determine if TIIA could reduce lipid accumulation and treat AS by enhancing efferocytosis. Methods: Firstly, we conducted in vivo experiments using LDLR knockout (LDLR-/-) mice for a period of 24 weeks, using histopathological staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot experiments to validate from the efficacy and mechanism parts, respectively; in addition, we utilized cells to validate our study again in vitro. The specific experimental design scheme is as follows: In vivo, Western diet-fed LDLR-/- mice for 12 weeks were constructed as an AS model, and normal diet-fed LDLR-/- mice were taken as a blank control group. The TIIA group and positive control group (atorvastatin, ATO) were intervened for 12 weeks by intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg/d) and gavage (1.3 mg/kg/d), respectively. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were cultured with ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) or ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) + TIIA (20 uM/L or 40 uM/L). Pathological changes in aortic plaques and foam cell formation in RAW264.7 cells were evaluated using Masson and Oil Red O staining, respectively. Biochemical methods were used to detect lipid levels in mice. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect apoptotic cells and efferocytosis-related signal expression at the plaques. RT-qPCR and Western blot were carried out to observe the trend change of efferocytosis-related molecules in both mouse aorta and RAW264.7 cells. We also used the neutral red assay to assess RAW264.7 cells' phagocytic capacity. Results: Compared with the model group, TIIA decreased serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels (p < 0.01), reduced the relative lumen area of murine aortic lipid-rich plaques (p < 0.01), enhanced the stability of murine aortic plaques (p < 0.01), reduced ox-LDL-induced lipid build-up in RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.01), and upregulated efferocytosis-related molecules expression and enhance the efferocytosis rate of ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: TIIA might reduce lipid accumulation by enhancing the efferocytosis of macrophages and thus treat AS.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through TLR4/NF-κB p65 pathway after acute myocardial infarction

Background: Tanshinone IIA, derived from Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), constitutes a significant component of this traditional Chinese medicine. Numerous studies have reported positive outcomes regarding its influence on cardiac function. However, a comprehensive comprehension of the intricate mechanisms responsible for its cardioprotective effects is still lacking. Methods: A rat model of heart failure (HF) induced by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats received oral administration of tanshinone IIA (1.5 mg/kg) and captopril (10 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed through various evaluations. Histological changes in myocardial tissue were observed using staining techniques, including Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Masson, and transmission electron microscopy. Tunel staining was used to detect cell apoptosis. Serum levels of NT-pro-BNP, IL-1β, and IL-18 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, and pyroptosis-related proteins were determined via western blotting (WB). H9C2 cardiomyocytes underwent hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and cell viability and apoptosis were assessed post treatment with different tanshinone IIA concentrations (0.05 μg/ml, 0.1 μg/ml). ELISA measured IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH expression in the cell supernatant, while WB analysis evaluated TLR4, NF-κB p65, and pyroptosis-related protein levels. NF-κB p65 protein nuclear translocation was observed using laser confocal microscopy. Results: Tanshinone IIA treatment exhibited enhanced cardiac function, mitigated histological cardiac tissue damage, lowered serum levels of NT-pro-BNP, IL-1β, and IL-18, and suppressed myocardial cell apoptosis. Moreover, tanshinone IIA downregulated the expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N pyroptosis-related proteins in myocardial tissue. Additionally, it bolstered H/R H9C2 cardiomyocyte viability, curbed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reduced the levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N pyroptosis-related proteins in H/R H9C2 cells. Furthermore, it hindered NF-κB p65 protein nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These findings indicate that tanshinone IIA enhances cardiac function and alleviates myocardial injury in HF rats following AMI. Moreover, tanshinone IIA demonstrates potential suppression of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. These effects likely arise from the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, presenting a promising therapeutic target.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate ameliorates neointima by protecting endothelial progenitor cells in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) transplantation is one of the effective therapies for neointima associated with endothelial injury. Diabetes impairs the function of EPCs and cumbers neointima prevention of EPC transplantation with an ambiguous mechanism. Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate (STS) is an endothelium-protective drug but whether STS protects EPCs in diabetes is still unknown.

METHODS

EPCs were treated with High Glucose (HG), STS, and Nucleotide-binding Domain-(NOD) like Receptor 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, the Receptor of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) (RAGE) inhibitors, Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP) siRNA, and EPC proliferation, differentiation functions, and senescence were detected. The treated EPCs were transplanted into db/db mice with the wire-injured Common Carotid Artery (CCA), and the CD31 expression and neointima were detected in the CCA inner wall.

RESULTS

We found that STS inhibited HG-induced expression of NLRP3, the production of active caspase-1 (p20) and mature IL-1β, the expression of catalase (CAT) cleavage, γ-H2AX, and p21 in EPCs. STS restored the expression of Ki67, CD31 and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in EPCs; AGEs were found in the HG-treated EPCs supernatant, and RAGE blocking inhibited the expression of TXNIP and the production of p20, which was mimicked by STS. STS recovered the expression of CD31 in the wire-injured CCA inner wall and the prevention of neointima in diabetic mice with EPCs transplantation.

CONCLUSION

STS inhibits the aggravated neointima hyperplasia by protecting the proliferation and differentiation functions of EPC and inhibiting EPC senescence in diabetic mice. The mechanism is related to the preservation of CAT activity by inhibiting the RAGE-TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Natural products as the calcium channel blockers for the treatment of arrhythmia: Advance and prospect

Arrhythmia is one of the commonly heart diseases with observed abnormal heart-beat rhythm that caused by the obstacles of cardiac activity and conduction. The arrhythmic pathogenesis is complex and capricious and related with other cardiovascular diseases that may lead to heart failure and sudden death. In particular, calcium overload is recognized as the main reason causing arrhythmia through inducing apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, calcium channel blockers have been widely used as the routine drugs for the treatment of arrhythmia, but the different arrhythmic complications and adverse effects limit their further applications and demand new drug discovery. Natural products have always been the rich minerals for the development of new drugs that could be employed as the versatile player for the discovery of safe and effective anti-arrhythmia drugs with new mechanisms. In this review, we summarized natural products with the activity against calcium signaling and the relevant mechanism of actions. We are expected to provide an inspiration for the pharmaceutical chemists to develop more potent calcium channel blockers for the treatment of arrhythmia.

The perspectives of NETosis on the progression of obesity and obesity-related diseases: mechanisms and applications

Obesity is a disease commonly associated with urbanization and can also be characterized as a systemic, chronic metabolic condition resulting from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified obesity as the most serious chronic disease that is increasingly prevalent in the world population. If left untreated, it can lead to dangerous health issues such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, atherosclerosis, and vulnerability to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The specific mechanisms by which obesity affects the development of these diseases can be refined to the effect on immune cells. Existing studies have shown that the development of obesity and its associated diseases is closely related to the balance or lack thereof in the number and function of various immune cells, of which neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in humans, infiltrating and accumulating in the adipose tissues of obese individuals, whereas NETosis, as a newly discovered type of neutrophil-related cell death, its role in the development of obesity and related diseases is increasingly emphasized. The article reviews the significant role that NETosis plays in the development of obesity and related diseases, such as diabetes and its complications. It discusses the epidemiology and negative impacts of obesity, explains the mechanisms of NETosis, and examines its potential as a targeted drug to treat obesity and associated ailments.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ebractenoid F, a Major Active Compound of Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata, through Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB Activation

Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata (Euphorbiaceae family) is a perennial plant that is widely distributed in Korea, Japan, and China. Its roots contain bioactive diterpenes that have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to identify the most active anti-inflammatory compound from the roots of E. ebracteolata Hayata, using bioassay-guided fractionation and a combinative method of high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, we investigated its anti-inflammatory mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ebractenoid F was identified as the most potent bioactive compound of E. ebracteolata Hayata. Ebractenoid F significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, ebractenoid F decreased the degradation of inhibitory κB-α, the nuclear translocation of the p65 and p50 subunits of NF-κB, and the expression of NF-κB downstream genes. Furthermore, ebractenoid F inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK), in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, ebractenoid F exerts the most potent anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing NF-κB-mediated NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Ebractenoid F may be a useful therapeutic compound for the prevention or treatment of inflammation-associated diseases.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiomyocytes via SIRT1

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication in patients with diabetes, and ultimately leads to heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induced by abnormal glycolipid metabolism is a critical factor that affects the occurrence and development of DCM. Additionally, the upregulation/activation of silent information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) has been shown to protect against DCM. Tanshinone II A (Tan IIA), the main active component of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizome (a valuable Chinese medicine), has protective effects against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, its role and mechanisms in diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction remain unclear. Therefore, we explored whether Tan IIA alleviates ERS-mediated DCM via SIRT1 and elucidated the underlying mechanism. The results suggested that Tan IIA alleviated the pathological changes in the hearts of diabetic mice, ameliorated the cytopathological morphology of cardiomyocytes, reduced the cell death rate, and inhibited the expression of ERS-related proteins and mRNA. The SIRT1 agonist inhibited the activities of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Furthermore, the opposite results under the SIRT1 inhibitor. SIRT1 knockdown was induced by siRNA-SIRT1 transfection, and the degree of GRP78 acetylation was increased. Cumulatively, Tan IIA ameliorated DCM by inhibiting ERS and upregulating SIRT1 expression.

Tanshinone-IIA mediated neuroprotection by modulating neuronal pathways

The progression of neurological diseases is mainly attributed to oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and trauma, making them a primary public concern. Since no drugs can stop these neurological disorders from happening, active phytochemical intervention has been suggested as a possible treatment. Among the several phytochemicals being studied for their potential health advantages, tanshinone-IIA (Tan-IIA ) stands out due to its wide range of therapeutic effects. Tan-IIA, derived from the Salvia miltiorrhiza plant, is a phenanthrenequinone. The pharmacological characteristics of Tan-IIAagainst various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses have led researchers to believe that the compound possesses neuroprotective potential. Tan-IIA has therapeutic potential in treating neurological diseases due to its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and its broad range of activities. In treating neurological disorders, Tan-IIA has been shown to have neuroprotective effects such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, BBB protectant, and antioxidant properties. This article concisely summarises the latest scientific findings about the cellular and molecular aspects of Tan-IIA neuroprotection in relation to various neurological diseases. The results of preclinical studies on Tan-IIA provide insight into its potential application in future therapeutic development. This molecule rapidly establishes as a prominent bioactive compound for clinical research.

Tanshinone IIA targeting cell signaling pathways: a plausible paradigm for cancer therapy

Natural compounds originating from plants offer a wide range of pharmacological potential and have traditionally been used to treat a wide range of diseases including cancer. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a bioactive molecule found in the roots of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to have remarkable anticancer properties through several mechanisms, such as inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as induction of apoptosis and autophagy. It has demonstrated excellent anticancer efficacy against cell lines from breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, lung, and prostate cancer by modulating multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, IGF-1R, and Bcl-2-Caspase pathways. This review focuses on the role of Tan IIA in the treatment of various cancers, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

TanshinoneⅡA inhibits excessive autophagy and protects myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury via 14-3-3η/Akt/Beclin1 pathway

Excessive autophagy induced by reperfusion is one of the causes of severe myocardial injury. Tanshinone IIA (TSN) protects the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mechanism by which the inhibition of excessive autophagy contributes to the myocardial protection by TSN is unclear. The protective effects and mechanisms of TSN were studied in H9c2 cells and rats after anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-or I/R-induced myocardial injury. The results showed that after the injury, cell viability decreased, lactate dehydrogenase and caspase 3 activity and apoptosis increased, and autophagy was excessively activated. Further, redox imbalance and energy stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced myocardial function, increased infarct area, and severely damaged morphology were observed in rats. TSN increased 14-3-3η expression and regulated Akt/Beclin1 pathway, inhibited excessive autophagy, and significantly reversed the functional, enzymological and morphological indexes in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective effects of TSN were mimicked by 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) and were attenuated by pAD/14-3-3η-shRNA, API-2 (an Akt inhibitor), and rapamycin (an autophagy activator). In conclusion, TSN could increase 14-3-3η expression and regulate Akt/Beclin1 pathway, inhibit excessive autophagy, maintain the mitochondrial function, improve energy supply and redox equilibrium, alleviate apoptosis, and ultimately protect myocardium against I/R injury.

Tanshinone IIA changed the amniotic fluid volume and regulated expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in amniotic epithelium cells: a promising drug treating abnormal amniotic fluid volume

BACKGROUND

Many studies have confirmed the association of aquaporins (AQPs) with abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AFV). In our previous experiments, we found that Tanshinone IIA was able to regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP3. However, the exact mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA regulates AQPs protein expression and its effect on AFV remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on AFV and the possible molecular mechanism of regulation of AQP1 and AQP3.

METHODS

The expression of AQPs protein in the amniotic membranes was compared between pregnant women with normal pregnancy and those with isolated oligohydramnios. The AQP1 knockout (AQP1-KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with saline or Tanshinone IIA (10 mg/kg) at 13.5GD and 16.5GD. Human amniotic epithelium cells (hAECs) from pregnant women with normal AFV and isolated oligohydramnios were incubated with 35 μmmol/L Tanshinone IIA or 25 mmol/L LiCl [inhibitor of glycogen synthetic kinase 3β (GSK-3β)]. The protein expressions of AQPs, GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) in fetal membranes of mice and human amniotic epithelium cells were detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression of AQP1 protein in the amniotic membrane of isolated oligohydramnios was increased compared with normal pregnancy. The AFV in AQP1-KO mice is higher than that in WT mice. In wild-type mice, AFV in Tanshinone IIA group was significantly higher than that in control group, and AQP1 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group, but in AQP1 knockout mice, Tanshinone IIA reduced amniotic fluid volume and AQP3 protein expression at 16.5GD. Tanshinone IIA reduced AQP1, AQP3 and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein expression in normal hAECs, and this effect was inhibited by LiCl. In hAECs with oligohydramnios, the down-regulation of AQP1 and up-regulation of AQP3 by Tanshinone IIA was independent of GSK-3β signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Tanshinone IIA may increase AFV in normal pregnancy by downregulating AQP1 protein expression in the fetal membranes, which may be associated with p-GSK-3β signaling pathway. But a larger AFV in AQP1-KO mice was significantly attenuated by Tanshinone IIA, which may be related to AQP3. Tanshinone IIA is a promising drug for the treatment of amniotic fluid abnormality.

Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone Counteract Inflammation by Regulating Gene and miRNA Expression in Human SGBS Adipocytes

Inflammation of the adipose tissue contributes to the onset and progression of several chronic obesity-related diseases. The two most important lipophilic diterpenoid compounds found in the root of Salvia milthorrhiza Bunge (also called Danshen), tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CRY), have many favorable pharmacological effects. However, their roles in obesity-associated adipocyte inflammation and related sub-networks have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the gene, miRNAs and protein expression profile of prototypical obesity-associated dysfunction markers in inflamed human adipocytes treated with TIIA and CRY. The results showed that TIIA and CRY prevented tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced inflammatory response in adipocytes, by counter-regulating the pattern of secreted cytokines/chemokines associated with adipocyte inflammation (CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIF and PAI-1/Serpin E1) via the modulation of gene expression (as demonstrated for CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, and IL-8), as well as related miRNA expression (miR-126-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-132-3p), and by attenuating monocyte recruitment. This is the first demonstration of a beneficial effect by TIIA and CRY on adipocyte dysfunction associated with obesity development and complications, offering a new outlook for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic diseases.

Tanshinone-I for the treatment of uterine fibroids: Molecular docking, simulation, and density functional theory investigations

Uterine fibroids (UF), most prevalent gynecological disorder, require surgery when symptomatic. It is estimated that between 25 and 35 percent of women wait until the symptoms have worsened like extended heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pelvic pain. These UF may be reduced in size through various methods such as medical or surgical intervention. Progesterone (prog) is a crucial hormone that restores the endometrium and controls uterine function. In the current study, 28 plant-based molecules are identified from previous literature and docked onto the prog receptors with 1E3K and 2OVH. Tanshinone-I has shown the best docking score against both proteins. The synthetic prog inhibitor Norethindrone Acetate is used as a standard to evaluate the docking outcomes. The best compound, tanshinone-I, was analyzed using molecular modeling and DFT. The RMSD for the 1E3K protein-ligand complex ranged from 0.10 to 0.42 Å, with an average of 0.21 Å and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.06, while the RMSD for the 2OVH protein-ligand complex ranged from 0.08 to 0.42 Å, with an average of 0.20 Å and a SD of 0.06 showing stable interaction. In principal component analysis, the observed eigen values of HPR-Tanshinone-I fluctuate between -1.11 to 1.48 and -1.07 to 1.25 for PC1 and PC2, respectively (1E3K), and the prog-tanshinone-I complex shows eigen values of -38.88 to -31.32 and -31.32 to 35.87 for PC1 and PC2, respectively (2OVH), which shows Tanshinone-I forms a stable protein-ligand complex with 1E3K in comparison to 2OVH. The Free Energy Landscape (FEL) analysis shows the Gibbs free energy in the range of 0 to 8 kJ/mol for Tanshinone-I with 1E3K and 0 to 14 kJ/mol for Tanshinone-I with the 2OVH complex. The DFT calculation reveals ΔE value of 2.8070 eV shows tanshinone-I as a stable compound. 1E3K modulates the prog pathway, it may have either an agonistic or antagonistic effect on hPRs. Tanshinone-I can cause ROS, apoptosis, autophagy (p62 accumulation), up-regulation of inositol requiring protein-1, enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and suppression of MMPs. Bcl-2 expression can change LC3I to LC3II and cause apoptosis through Beclin-1 expression.

Tanshinone IIA promotes vascular normalization and boosts Sorafenib's anti-hepatoma activity via modulating the PI3K-AKT pathway

Introduction: Angiogenesis is an essential feature of liver cancer. Tumor hypoxia results from abnormal vessel architecture. Numerous studies have sufficiently demonstrated that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) can increase blood flow and enhance microcirculation. The objectives of this study are to: 1 assess the impact of Tan IIA on tumor angiogenesis and architecture, 2 determine the impact of Tan IIA on tumor hypoxia and susceptibility to Sorafenib, and 3 clarify the relevant mechanisms. Methods: CCK8 and flow cytometry measured cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Tube creation assay was used to investigate medication effects on angiogenesis and structure. Drug effects on tumor development, metastasis, and hypoxic tumor microenvironment are assessed in an orthotopic xenograft model of liver tumors. Protein expression was measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our results demonstrated that Tan IIA could not reduce tumor proliferation or enhance Sorafenib's anti-tumor effect in vitro. Nevertheless, it can prevent Sorafenib from demolishing the typical vascular structure and aid sorafenib in blocking the recruitment of vascular endothelial cells by liver cancer cells. Although Tan IIA cannot inhibit tumor growth in vivo, it can significantly boost Sorafenib's inhibitory effect on liver cancer, alleviate tumor microenvironment hypoxia, and minimize lung metastasis. This effect may be achieved by reducing HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression via the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Discussion: Our results reveal the mechanism of Tan IIA in normalizing tumor blood vessels, provide innovative concepts and approaches to overcome chemotherapy resistance, and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical transformation and usage of Tan IIA.

Tanshinone IIA inhibited intermittent hypoxia induced neuronal injury through promoting autophagy via AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the primary pathophysiological process of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is closely linked to neurocognitive dysfunction. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that Tan IIA has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and provides protection in intermittent hypoxia (IH) conditions. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the protective effect and mechanism of Tan IIA treatment on neuronal injury in HT22 cells exposed to IH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study established an HT22 cell model exposed to IH (0.1% O₂ 3 min/21% O₂ 7 min for six cycles/h). Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8, and cell injury was determined using the LDH release assay. Mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis were observed using the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Apoptosis Detection Kit. Oxidative stress was assessed using DCFH-DA staining and flow cytometry. The level of autophagy was assessed using the Cell Autophagy Staining Test Kit and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot was used to detect the expressions of the AMPK-mTOR pathway, LC3, P62, Beclin-1, Nrf2, HO-1, SOD2, NOX2, Bcl-2/Bax, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

The study showed that Tan IIA significantly improved HT22 cell viability under IH conditions. Tan IIA treatment improved mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased cell apoptosis, inhibited oxidative stress, and increased autophagy levels in HT22 cells under IH conditions. Furthermore, Tan IIA increased AMPK phosphorylation and LC3II/I, Beclin-1, Nrf2, HO-1, SOD2, and Bcl-2/Bax expressions, while decreasing mTOR phosphorylation and NOX2 and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 expressions.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that Tan IIA significantly ameliorated neuronal injury in HT22 cells exposed to IH. The neuroprotective mechanism of Tan IIA may mainly be related to inhibiting oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway under IH conditions.