Lipid-lowering effects of polydatin from Polygonum cuspidatum in hyperlipidemic hamsters

Blockade of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase induces immunogenic cell death and accelerates immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Enhanced glucose metabolism has been reported in many cancers. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, which maintains NADPH levels and protects cells from oxidative damage. We recently found that low G6PD expression correlates with active tumor immunity. However, the mechanism involving G6PD and tumor immunity remained unclear.

METHODS

We conducted in vitro studies using G6PD-knocked down malignant melanoma cells, pathway analysis using the GEO dataset, in vivo studies in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) using a mouse melanoma model, and prognostic analysis in 42 melanoma patients and 30 lung cancer patients who were treated with ICIs.

RESULTS

Inhibition of G6PD, both chemically and genetically, has been shown to decrease the production of NADPH and reduce their oxidative stress tolerance. This leads to cell death, which is accompanied by the release of high mobility group box 1 and the translocation of calreticulin to the plasma membrane. These findings suggested that inhibiting G6PD can induce immunogenic cell death. In experiments with C57BL/6 mice transplanted with G6PD-knockdown B16 melanoma cells and treated with anti-PD-L1 antibody, a significant reduction in tumor size was observed. Interestingly, inhibiting G6PD in only a part of the lesions increased the sensitivity of other lesions to ICI. Additionally, out of 42 melanoma patients and 30 lung cancer patients treated with ICIs, those with low G6PD expression had a better prognosis than those with high G6PD expression (p=0.0473; melanoma, p=0.0287; lung cancer).

CONCLUSION

G6PD inhibition is a potent therapeutic strategy that triggers immunogenic cell death in tumors, significantly augmenting the efficacy of immunotherapies.

Global trends and research hotspots of PCSK9 and cardiovascular disease: a bibliometric and visual analysis

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent non-communicable disease globally and holds the position of being the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Consequently, considerable focus has been directed towards the prevention and management of CVD. PCSK9, a frequently targeted element in the treatment and prevention of CVD, can reduce cardiovascular risk by effectively lowering lipid levels even in the context of statin therapy. It also exhibits substantial potential in the diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia from genetic aspects. This bibliometric study aims to analyze and visualize the global trends and emerging hotspots of PCSK9 and CVD researches and provide researchers with new perspectives in further studies.

Methods

The data was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. A total of 2,474 publications related to PCSK9 and CVD published between January 2006 and July 2023 were included. The VOSviewer was used to analyze most-cited references, co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence and generate a collaborative network map of authors, countries, and institutions. CiteSpace was used to analyze author and institution centroids, keyword bursts, and timeline graphs.

Result

A total of 2,474 articles related to CVD and PCSK9 were included. The number of articles and citations show an increasing trend from year to year. Publications were mainly from the United States. The most active institution was Amgen Inc. Watts, Gerald F. was the most prolific author. Atherosclerosis was the most published journal. Literature co-citation and keyword co-occurrence revealed that early studies focused on the lipid-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitors in the context of statins therapy, long-term efficacy, adverse effects, LDLR, diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia. In recent years, myocardial ischemic protection, CRISPR-based editing, and new therapeutic strategies for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease have gotten wide attention. The protein convertase, inflammation, beta-polyacetate, and inclisiran may be the important future research directions.

Conclusion

This study analyses the current status and global trends in the CVD and PCSK9 studies comprehensively, which may provide researchers and policymakers with new and comprehensive perspectives on in this field of research.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, comprising a variety of disorders such as hypertension, heart attacks, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), dyslipidemias, strokes, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 22.2 million people will die from CVD in 2030. Conventional treatments for CVDs are often quite expensive and also have several side effects. This potentiates the use of medicinal plants, which are still a viable alternative therapy for a number of diseases, including CVD. Natural products' cardio-protective effects result from their anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-ischemic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting properties. The conventional therapies used to treat CVD have the potential to be explored in light of the recent increase in the popularity of natural goods and alternative medicine. Some natural products with potential in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as Allium sativum L., Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona ledgeriana, Ginseng, Commiphora mukul, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea L., Murrayakoenigii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Fenugreek, Capsicum annuum, etc. are discussed in this article.

Polydatin radiosensitizes lung cancer while preventing radiation injuries by modulating tumor-infiltrating B cells

BACKGROUND

Acquired radio-resistance and the undesired normal tissue radiation injuries seriously discount the therapeutic effect of lung cancer radiotherapy. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of polydatin in simultaneously decreasing radioresistance and radiation injuries.

METHODS

The tumor-bearing model of nude mice was used to investigate the tumor inhibition of polydatin on lung cancer and its effect on radiosensitivity, and the effect of polydatin on B cell infiltration in cancerous tissue was investigated. In addition, we performed systemic radiotherapy on BABL/C mice and evaluated the protective effect of polydatin on radiation injury by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Moreover, the regulation of polydatin on proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cells was also investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

In this study, it is first found that polydatin inhibits the growth and promotes the radiosensitivity of lung cancer while reducing the radiation damage of the healthy tissue. Further, it is evidenced that the major mechanism relies on its regulation on body's immune function, and in particular, the inhibition of radiation-induced B cell infiltration in tumor tissue.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that in addition to tumor inhibition, polydatin also promotes the sensitivity and reduces the adverse reactions of radiotherapy, making itself a promising candidate for boosting lung cancer radiotherapy efficacy.

Polydatin: Pharmacological Mechanisms, Therapeutic Targets, Biological Activities, and Health Benefits

Polydatin is a natural potent stilbenoid polyphenol and a resveratrol derivative with improved bioavailability. Polydatin possesses potential biological activities predominantly through the modulation of pivotal signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Various imperative biological activities have been suggested for polydatin towards promising therapeutic effects, including anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-microbial, as well as health-promoting roles on the renal system, the respiratory system, rheumatoid diseases, the skeletal system, and women's health. In the present study, the therapeutic targets, biological activities, pharmacological mechanisms, and health benefits of polydatin are reviewed to provide new insights to researchers. The need to develop further clinical trials and novel delivery systems of polydatin is also considered to reveal new insights to researchers.

A comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Reynoutria genus

Objectives

The genus Reynoutria belonging to the family Polygonaceae is widely distributed in the north temperate zone and used in folk medicine. It is administered as a sedative, tonic and digestive, also as a treatment for canities and alopecia. Herein, we reported a review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported from 1985 up to early 2022. All the information and studies concerning Reynoutria plants were summarized from the library and digital databases (e.g. ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Medline PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI).

Key findings

A total of 185 articles on the genus Reynoutria have been collected. The phytochemical investigations of Reynoutria species revealed the presence of more than 277 chemical components, including stilbenoids, quinones, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phospholipids, lactones, phenolics and phenolic acids. Moreover, the compounds isolated from the genus Reynoutria possess a wide spectrum of pharmacology such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-virus and heart protection.

Summary

In this paper, the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Reynoutria were reviewed. As a source of traditional folk medicine, the Reynoutria genus have high medicinal value and they are widely used in medicine. Therefore, we hope our review can help genus Reynoutria get better development and utilization.

Pharmacological effects of polydatin in the treatment of metabolic diseases: A review

BACKGROUND

Metabolic diseases (MDs), a series of chronic disorders, severely decreases the quality of life for patients but also cause a heavy economic burden. Emerging evidence suggests that Polydatin (PD), an important glucoside of resveratrol, is widely distributed in many plants and has shown good therapeutic potential in metabolic diseases.

PURPOSE

To review the PD discovered before 2021 and their potential to treat metabolic diseases. The activities against diabetes, Obesity, atherosclerosis, NAFLD, NASH, hyperlipidemia, and gout with special emphasis on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, possible roles in current medicine, and future perspectives are discussed.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of published literature was conducted to locate original publications pertaining to polydatin and MDs through the end of 2021 using MEDLINE, Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, Scholar, and CNKI databases. The main inquiry used was for the presence of the following keywords in various combinations in the abstracts: 'Polydatin', 'Metabolic diseases', 'Pharmacology', 'Toxicology', 'Pharmacokinetics', 'Diabetes', 'Obesity', 'Atherosclerosis', 'Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease', 'Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis', 'Hyperlipidemia', and 'Gout'.

RESULTS

The search yielded 987 articles, of which 33 articles were included in this review. Studies have revealed that PD can promote insulin secretion, alleviate insulin resistance, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce liver lipid deposition, inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and decrease uric acid deposition in preclinical experiments. The underlying mechanisms of PD in treatment MDs may be attributed to the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including. NF-κB, AGEs/RAGE, MAPK/ERK, AMPK/LDLR, IRS1/PI3K/AKT, LKB1/AMPK, PPARβ-NO, SIRT1-PGC-1α-SOD2, PKC, etc., The pharmacokinetic profiles of PD provide valuable information on therapeutic efficacy in treating metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the available reports and evidence which support the use of PD as a potential candidate in the treatment of MDs and provides an overview of the modulatory effects of PD in metabolic diseases and cell signaling pathways, which may have important implications in its future clinical use.

The Invasive Species Reynoutria japonica Houtt. as a Promising Natural Agent for Cardiovascular and Digestive System Illness

Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, the dry roots and stems of Reynoutria japonica Houtt (called Huzhang, HZ in Chinese), is a traditional and popular chinese medicinal herb for thousands of years. As a widely used ethnomedicine in Asia including China, Japan, and Korea, HZ can invigorate the blood, cool heat, and resolve toxicity, which is commonly used in the treatment of favus, jaundice, scald, and constipation. However, HZ is now considered an invasive plant in the United States and many European countries. Therefore, in order to take advantage of HZ and solve the problem of biological invasion, scholars around the world have carried out abundant research studies on HZ. Until now, about 110 compounds have been isolated and identified from HZ, in which anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids would be the main bioactive ingredients for its pharmacological properties, such as microcirculation improvement, myocardial protective effects, endocrine regulation, anti-atherosclerotic activity, anti-oxidant activity, anti-tumor activity, anti-viral activity, and treatment of skin inflammation, burns, and scalds. HZ has a variety of active ingredients and broad pharmacological activities. It is widely used in health products, cosmetics, and even animal husbandry feed and has no obvious toxicity. Efforts should be made to develop more products such as effective drugs, health care products, cosmetics, and agricultural and animal husbandry products to benefit mankind.

Therapeutic potential of herbal medicine for the management of hyperlipidemia: latest updates

Hyperlipidemia, the most common form of dyslipidemia, is the main source of cardiovascular disorders, characterized by elevated level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in peripheral blood. It is caused by a defect in lipid metabolism in the surface of Apoprotein C-II or a defect in lipoprotein lipase activity as well as reported in genetic, dietary and environmental factors. Several electronic databases were investigated as information sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Semantic Scholar, MEDLINE and CNKI Scholar. The current review focused on the risk factors of dyslipidemia, synthetic medication with their side effects and different types of medicinal plants having significant potential for the management of hyperlipidemia. The management of hyperlipidemia mostly involves a constant decrease in lipid level using different remedial drugs like statin, fibrate, bile acid sequestrates and niacin. However, this extensive review suggested that the consequences of these drugs are arguable, due to their numerous adverse effects. The selected parts of herb plants are used intact or their extracts containing active phytoconstituents to regulate the lipids in blood level. It was also noted that the Chinese herbal medicine and combination therapy is promising for the lowering of hyperlipidemia. This review intends to provide a scientific base for future endeavors, such as in-depth biological and chemical investigations into previously researched topics.

Polydatin as a therapeutic alternative for central nervous system disorders: A systematic review of animal studies

Polydatin, or piceid, is a natural stilbene found in grapes, peanuts, and wines. Polydatin presents pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective properties, exerting preventive and/or therapeutic effects in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In the present study, we summarize and discuss the neuroprotective effects of polydatin in CNS disorders and related pathological conditions in preclinical animal studies. A systematic review was performed by searching online databases, returning a total of 110 records, where 27 articles were selected and discussed here. The included studies showed neuroprotective effects of polydatin in experimental models of neurological disorders, including cerebrovascular disorders, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injuries, diabetic neuropathy, glioblastoma, and neurotoxicity induced by chemical agents. Most studies were focused on stroke (22.2%) and conducted in male rodents. The intervention protocol with polydatin was mainly acute (66.7%), with postdamage induction treatment being the most commonly used regimen (55.2%). Overall, polydatin ameliorated behavioral dysfunctions and/or promoted neurological function by virtue of its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. In summary, this review offers important scientific evidence for the neuroprotective effects and distinct pharmacological mechanisms of polydatin that not only enhances the present understanding but is also useful for the development of future preclinical and clinical investigations.

Treating unstable angina with detoxifying and blood-activating formulae: A randomized controlled trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Detoxifying and blood-activating Chinese medicine granule formula, which includes 15 g of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonum cuspidatum) and 10 g of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (Hawthorn), can relieve the symptoms and serve as supplementary treatment for unstable angina.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the role of detoxifying and blood-activating formulae in the treatment of unstable angina and the potential mechanism involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 144 participants with unstable angina were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups were treated with standardized Western medicine; the experimental group was additionally treated with detoxifying and blood-activating Chinese medicine granules, which included 15 g of P. cuspidatum and 10 g of C. pinnatifida for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the frequency of weekly angina pectoris attacks before and after treatment. The secondary endpoints, also observed before and after treatment, included blood glucose, blood lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and adiponectin levels, as well as the ratio of pro/anti-inflammatory factors and evaluation scales of symptoms and syndromes in Chinese and Western medicine.

RESULTS

In both experimental and control groups, the frequency of weekly angina pectoris attacks was lower after treatment (P < 0.01), but with no significant intergroup difference (P = 0.10). After intervention, the hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels decreased, while the IL-10 and adiponectin levels significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The ratios of the inflammatory factors significantly decreased after treatment, particularly in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Symptoms and syndromes were also ameliorated in the experimental group (P < 0.01), showing a significant difference from the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Detoxifying and blood-activating formulae can reduce the frequency and relieve symptoms of unstable angina, and this mechanism may be related to a regulation of the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors.

New Approaches on Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential of Pharmacological and Beekeeping Activities: Challenges and Future Directions

Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for the enhancement of human health. In this direction, resveratrol, emodin or polydatin, to name a few, have been extensively studied to demonstrate the beneficial effects on animals and humans. Thus, by taking into consideration the recent advances in the study of Japanese knotweed and its phytochemical constituents, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the high therapeutic potential, underlining its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, among the most important ones. Moreover, we describe some future directions for reducing the negative impact of Fallopia japonica by using the plant for its beekeeping properties in providing a distinct honey type that incorporates most of its bioactive compounds, with the same health-promoting properties.

Bioactivity of Dietary Polyphenols: The Role in LDL-C Lowering

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of the death around the world. An elevation of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To achieve optimal plasma LDL-C levels, clinal therapies were investigated which targeted different metabolism pathways. However, some therapies also caused various adverse effects. Thus, there is a need for new treatment options and/or combination therapies to inhibit the LDL-C level. Dietary polyphenols have received much attention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases due to their potential LDL-C lowering effects. However, the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of polyphenols in lowering LDL-C is not comprehensively summarized. This review focused on dietary polyphenols that could reduce LDL-C and their mechanisms of action. This review also discussed the limitations and suggestions regarding previous studies.

Phytotherapy for Cardiovascular Disease: A Bench-to-Bedside Approach

At present, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and global trends suggest that this panorama will persist or worsen in the near future. Thus, optimization of treatment strategies and the introduction of novel therapeutic alternatives for CVD represent key objectives in contemporary biomedical research. In recent years, phytotherapy-defined as the therapeutic use of whole or minimally modified plant components-has ignited large scientific interest, with a resurgence of abundant investigation on a wide array of medicinal herbs (MH) for CVD and other conditions. Numerous MH have been observed to intervene in the pathophysiology of CVD via a myriad of molecular mechanisms, including antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other beneficial properties, which translate into the amelioration of three essential aspects of the pathogenesis of CVD: Dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Although the preclinical data in this scenario is very rich, the true clinical impact of MH and their purported mechanisms of action is less clear, as large-scale robust research in this regard is in relatively early stages and faces important methodological challenges. This review offers a comprehensive look at the most prominent preclinical and clinical evidence currently available concerning the use of MH in the treatment of CVD from a bench-to-bedside approach.

Modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway by Humulus japonicus Extract Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in a Rat Model

Alcohol induces liver injury related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) against alcohol-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms of the protective effect of HJE on alcohol-induced liver injury. The pretreatment of HJE decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in the plasma, suppressed the malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. The inhibitory effect of HJE against oxidative stress may be associated with the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its target gene heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, HJE inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta) by downregulating toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, and nuclear factor kappa B p65. These findings provide evidence for the elucidation of the hepatoprotective mechanisms for HJE.

Polydatin alleviates parkinsonism in MPTP-model mice by enhancing glycolysis in dopaminergic neurons

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. Damage to energy metabolism and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in dopaminergic neurons are common features of PD. Previous studies suggested that the occurrence of PD often affects glucose metabolism and ATP production in the brain, and increased glycolysis or ATP production protects dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in the brain of PD patients. These systems may provide new potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of PD. The present study investigated the inhibitory action of polydatin (PLD) on early dopaminergic neuronal degeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The results showed that PLD protected against MPTP-induced early dopaminergic neuronal degeneration. PLD reduced the MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and striatum, inhibited the occurrence of neural apoptosis, and restored motor function in mice. PLD also increased the continuous activity duration and rhythm amplitude in mice during the circadian activity test. PLD improved glucose metabolism in the brain and restored ATP production levels. These observations suggest that PLD attenuates MPTP-induced early PD-like symptoms, and its mechanism of action may be associated with the promotion of glucose metabolism in neurons.

Polydatin for treating atherosclerotic diseases: A functional and mechanistic overview

With the advancement of science and technology, the living standards of human beings have continuously improved, but the incidence and mortality from atherosclerosis worldwide have also increased by year. Although interventional surgery and the continuous development of new drugs have significant therapeutic effects, their side effects cannot be ignored. Polydatin, an active ingredient isolated from the natural medicine Polygonum cuspidatum, has been shown to have a prominent role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Polydatin treats atherosclerosis mainly from three aspects: anti-inflammatory, regulating lipid metabolism and anti-oxidative stress. This article will review the pharmacological mechanism of polydatin in anti-atherosclerosis, the biological characteristics of Polygonum cuspidatum, the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of polydatin and will provide ideas for further research.

Targeting Foam Cell Formation in Atherosclerosis: Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products

Foam cell formation and further accumulation in the subendothelial space of the vascular wall is a hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions. Targeting foam cell formation in the atherosclerotic lesions can be a promising approach to treat and prevent atherosclerosis. The formation of foam cells is determined by the balanced effects of three major interrelated biologic processes, including lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and cholesterol efflux. Natural products are a promising source for new lead structures. Multiple natural products and pharmaceutical agents can inhibit foam cell formation and thus exhibit antiatherosclerotic capacity by suppressing lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and/or promoting cholesterol ester hydrolysis and cholesterol efflux. This review summarizes recent findings on these three biologic processes and natural products with demonstrated potential to target such processes. Discussed also are potential future directions for studying the mechanisms of foam cell formation and the development of foam cell-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide and Its New Formulations in Synergy with Different Antioxidant Molecules Present in Diets

The use of a complete nutritional approach seems increasingly promising to combat chronic inflammation. The choice of healthy sources of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, associated with regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking is essential to fight the war against chronic diseases. At the base of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant action of the diets, there are numerous molecules, among which some of a lipidic nature very active in the inflammatory pathway. One class of molecules found in diets with anti-inflammatory actions are ALIAmides. Among all, one is particularly known for its ability to counteract the inflammatory cascade, the Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). PEA is a molecular that is present in nature, in numerous foods, and is endogenously produced by our body, which acts as a balancer of inflammatory processes, also known as endocannabionoid-like. PEA is often used in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory pathologies, either alone or in association with other molecules with properties, such as antioxidants or analgesics. This review aims to illustrate an overview of the different diets that are involved in the process of opposition to the inflammatory cascade, focusing on capacity of PEA and new formulations in synergy with other molecules.

Polydatin attenuates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice: Role of reverse cholesterol transport

BACKGROUND

Polydatin has been recently shown to possess extensive cardiovascular pharmacological activities. However, its protective effect against atherosclerosis in vivo remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of polydatin on high fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis using ApoE^-/- mice, and explore the underlying mechanisms involved, especially focusing on reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) regulation.

METHODS

after 12 weeks treatment, serum samples, mouse aorta, liver, peritoneal macrophages were collected to determine lipid profiles, atherosclerotic lesions, hepatic steatosis, foam cell formation and expression of related molecules. RAW264.7 macrophages were used to study cholesterol efflux.

RESULTS

Polydatin improved serum lipid profiles, attenuated atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, polydatin may facilitate RCT by stimulating cholesterol efflux through ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC) A1, ABCG1 and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in macrophages, increasing serum levels of high density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I, promoting of SR-BI-mediated cholesterol uptake of liver, increasing secretion of cholesterol into bile by ABCG5/ABCG8 and improving cholesterol metabolism by CYP7A1 pathway. Polydatin also regulated the protein expressions of hepatic fatty acid synthase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. Additionally, polydatin reduced hepatic and aortic reactive oxygen species generation, normalized activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased protein expressions of NADPH-oxidase (NOX) 2 and NOX4 in liver. Polydatin also prevented hepatic and aortic inflammation as evidenced by the reduced macrophage infiltration and mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in both aorta and liver.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that polydatin can inhibit atherosclerosis through enhancement of overall RCT. In addition, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of polydatin may also contribute to its inhibitory effects on atherosclerosis.

Polydatin Attenuates Atherosclerosis in ApoE -∕- Mice through PBEF Mediated Reduction of Cholesterol Deposition

Cholesterol metabolism becomes imbalanced during the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells. Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) has recently been found to affect lipid deposition and inflammation in atherosclerosis. Here, we aimed to study the effects and molecular mechanism of Polydatin on atherosclerosis in ApoE-knockout (ApoE -∕- ) mice. Thirty ApoE -∕- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, and then treated with Polydatin for another 12 weeks. Whole aortas and cryosections were stained with oil red O. Blood lipid, PBEF and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. The mRNAs of cholesterol metabolism-related genes were determined by qRT-PCR and protein levels by Western blotting. Cell cholesterol content and viability were determined in macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. PBEF siRNA was used to study the effect of Polydatin on cholesterol metabolism in macrophages incubated with ox-LDL. Polydatin lowered blood lipids and decreased atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE -∕- mice. The expression of cytokines and the mRNA of cholesterol metabolism-related genes were markedly regulated by Polydatin. Meanwhile, PBEF mRNA and protein were both greatly down-regulated by Polydatin. In vitro, Polydatin protected RAW 264.7 cells treated by ox-LDL and inhibited cholesterol uptake by macrophages. The PBEF siRNA result indicates that Polydatin can modulate cholesterol metabolism in macrophages, partly through down-regulation of PBEF. In conclusion, Polydatin relieves atherosclerosis injury in ApoE -∕- mice, mainly through down-regulation of PBEF and inhibition of PBEF-inducing cholesterol deposits in macrophages.

A New Strategy for Rapidly Screening Natural Inhibitors Targeting the PCSK9/LDLR Interaction In Vitro

The interaction between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is a promising target for the treatment of hyperc-holesterolemia. In this study, a new method based on competitive affinity and tag detection was developed, which aimed to evaluate potent natural inhibitors preventing the interaction of PCSK9/LDLR directly. Herein, natural compounds with efficacy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia were chosen to investigate their inhibitory activities on the PCSK9/LDLR interaction. Two of them, polydatin (1) and tetrahydroxydiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (2), were identified as potential inhibitors for the PCSK9/LDLR interaction and were proven to prevent PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation in HepG2 cells. The results suggested that this strategy could be applied for evaluating potential bioactive compounds inhibiting the interaction of PCSK9/LDLR and this strategy could accelerate the discovery of new drug candidates for the treatment of PCSK9-mediated hypercholesterolemia.

Uncovering the action mechanism of polydatin via network pharmacological target prediction

Polydatin (PD), a small natural compound originally extracted from Polygonum cuspidatum, exerts distinct biological functions in a variety of diseases. However, the action mechanism of PD has yet to be systematically explored. In this study, we firstly corroborated the druggability of PD by evaluating the medicinal properties of PD using a TCMSP server. We then conducted in silico target-prediction for PD using PharmMapper and ChemMapper, which led to the identification of 15 potential targets overlapping in both approaches. These 15 targets were subsequently evaluated by GeneMANIA, GO biological process and KEGG pathway analysis, which finally contribute to the construction of a drug-target-pathway network for PD. The network analysis revealed that these targets were mainly associated with cancer, cell growth and apoptosis, hormones and other physiological processes, outlining the pharmacological influences of PD on multiple integrated pathways involved in a particular network.

A new inhibitor of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase blocks pentose phosphate pathway and suppresses malignant proliferation and metastasis in vivo

Pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is a major glucose metabolism pathway, which has a fundamental role in cancer growth and metastasis. Even though PPP blockade has been pointed out as a very promising strategy against cancer, effective anti-PPP agents are not still available in the clinical setting. Here we demonstrate that the natural molecule polydatin inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the key enzyme of PPP. Polydatin blocks G6PD causing accumulation of reactive oxygen species and strong increase of endoplasmic reticulum stress. These effects are followed by cell cycle block in S phase, an about 50% of apoptosis, and 60% inhibition of invasion in vitro. Accordingly, in an orthotopic metastatic model of tongue cancer, 100 mg/kg polydatin induced an about 30% tumor size reduction with an about 80% inhibition of lymph node metastases and 50% reduction of lymph node size (p < 0.005). Polydatin is not toxic in animals up to a dose of 200 mg/kg and a phase II clinical trial shows that it is also well tolerated in humans (40 mg twice a day for 90 days). Thus, polydatin may be used as a reliable tool to limit human cancer growth and metastatic spread.

Polydatin Protects Rat Liver against Ethanol-Induced Injury: Involvement of CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB p65 Pathway

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to serious liver injury, associating with oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Previous study has demonstrated that polydatin (PD) exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and attenuated ethanol-induced liver damage, but the research remained insufficient. Hence, this experiment aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and potential mechanisms of PD on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results showed that PD pretreatment dramatically decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the serum, suppressed the malonaldehyde (MDA) and triglyceride (TG) content and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), andalcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), paralleled by an improvement of histopathology alterations. The protective effect of PD against oxidative stress was probably associated with downregulation of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target gene haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, PD inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) via downregulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65. To conclude, PD pretreatment protects against ethanol-induced liver injury via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Polydatin Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Apoptosis through Reducing Oxidative Stress and Improving Mitochondrial Function in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Methylglyoxal (MGO), an active metabolite of glucose, has been reported to induce vascular cell apoptosis in diabetic complication. Polydatin (PD), a small natural compound from Polygonum cuspidatum, has a number of biological functions, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties. However, the protective effects of PD on MGO-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to explore the effects of PD on MGO-induced cell apoptosis and the possible mechanism involved. HUVECs were pretreated with PD for 2 h, followed by stimulation with MGO. Then cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) impairment, mitochondrial morphology alterations, and Akt phosphorylation were assessed. The results demonstrated that PD significantly prevented MGO-induced HUVEC apoptosis. PD pretreatment also significantly inhibited MGO-induced ROS production, MMP impairment, mitochondrial morphology changes, and Akt dephosphorylation. These results and the experiments involving N-acetyl cysteine (antioxidant), Cyclosporin A (mitochondrial protector), and LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) suggest that PD prevents MGO-induced HUVEC apoptosis, at least in part, through inhibiting oxidative stress, maintaining mitochondrial function, and activating Akt pathway. All of these data indicate the potential application of PD for the treatment of diabetic vascular complication.

Chinese Herbal Medicine on Cardiovascular Diseases and the Mechanisms of Action

Cardiovascular diseases are the principal cause of death worldwide. The potentially serious adverse effects of therapeutic drugs lead to growing awareness of the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used in many countries especially in China from antiquity; however, the mechanisms by which herbal medicine acts in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are far from clear. In this review, we briefly describe the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine by comparing with western medicine. Then we summarize the formulae and herbs/natural products applied in the clinic and animal studies being sorted according to the specific cardiovascular diseases. Most importantly, we elaborate the existing investigations into mechanisms by which herbal compounds act at the cellular levels, including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes and immune cells. Future research should focus on well-designed clinic trial, in-depth mechanic study, investigations on side effects of herbs and drug interactions. Studies on developing new agents with effectiveness and safety from traditional Chinese medicine is a promising way for prevention and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Polydatin ameliorates lipid and glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by downregulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolism are constantly observed in type 2 diabetes. However, these abnormalities can be ameliorated by polydatin. Considering the important role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in metabolic diseases, we explore the possible mechanism of polydatin on lipid and glucose metabolism through its effects on PCSK9.

METHODS

An insulin-resistant HepG2 cell model induced by palmitic acid (PA) and a db/db mice model were used to clarify the role of polydatin on lipid and glucose metabolism.

RESULTS

In insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, polydatin upregulated the protein levels of LDLR and GCK but repressed PCSK9 protein expression, besides, polydatin also inhibited the combination between PCSK9 and LDLR. Knockdown and overexpression experiments indicated that polydatin regulated LDLR and GCK expressions through PCSK9. In the db/db mice model, we found that polydatin markedly enhanced GCK and LDLR protein levels, and inhibited PCSK9 expression in the liver. Molecular docking assay was further performed to analyze the possible binding mode between polydatin and the PCSK9 crystal structure (PDB code: 2p4e), which indicated that steady hydrogen bonds formed between polydatin and PCSK9.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that polydatin ameliorates lipid and glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by downregulating PCSK9.

Polydatin Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress via PKC Pathway

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, which is found to precede the development of diverse cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to observe the protective effects of PD against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury (OSI) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the possible mechanism of PD in OSI treatment. HUVECs were subjected to H₂O₂ in the absence or presence of PD. It turned out that PD improved cell viability and adhesive and migratory abilities, inhibited the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and elevated the content of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). TUNEL, fluorometric assays, and Western blotting showed that OSI upregulated the apoptosis ratio, the activity of caspase-3 and the level of proapoptotic protein Bax and decreased the level of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. However, PD treatment partially reversed these damage effects and Protein Kinase C (PKC) activation by thymeleatoxin (THX) in turn eliminated the antiapoptotic effect of PD. Furthermore, PD attenuated the H₂O₂-induced phosphorylation of PKCs α and δ and increased the phosphorylation of PKC ε. Our results indicated that PD might exert protective effects against OSI through various interactions with PKC pathway.

Polydatin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Growth of Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells

Polydatin (PD), a component isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum, has various activities such as inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering level of blood lipid, reducing lipid peroxidation, and so on. However, the antitumor activity of PD has been poorly reported. In the present study, effect of PD on cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, and cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the protein expression level of Bc1-2, Bax, cyclin A, cyclin B, and cyclin D1, which associated with apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by Western blotting. Results show that PD could effectively inhibit the growth, arrest cells in S phase, and induce apoptosis of acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1; meanwhile, expression of cyclin D1 and Bc1-2 decreased significantly, and expression of Bax and cyclin A increased notably. All results suggest that PD maybe a potential therapeutic strategy for acute monocytic leukemia.

Polydatin Inhibits Formation of Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells

Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Polydatin, one of the major active ingredients in Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, has been recently shown to possess extensive cardiovascular pharmacological activities. In present study, we examined the effects of Polydatin on the formation of peritoneal macrophage-derived foam cells in Apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice (ApoE^−/−) and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. Peritoneal macrophages were collected from ApoE^−/− mice and cultured in vitro. These cells sequentially were divided into four groups: Control group, Model group, Lovastatin group, and Polydatin group. Our results demonstrated that Polydatin significantly inhibits the formation of foam cells derived from peritoneal macrophages. Further studies indicated that Polydatin regulates the metabolism of intracellular lipid and possesses anti-inflammatory effects, which may be regulated through the PPAR-γ signaling pathways.

Piceid presents antiproliferative effects in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, effects unrelated to resveratrol release

Trans-piceid (T-Pc) is abundant in Polygonum cuspidatum and in grapes and grape products such as wine. Piceid reaches high levels in the stomach and intestine with rapid oral absorption. Tissues, such as liver tissue, can deglycosylate piceid to release resveratrol, so piceid can be considered a source of resveratrol, which has numerous biological activities such as antiproliferative effects. Therefore, the aim of this work was to analyze the action of T-Pc on intestinal epithelial cell growth. Our results show that T-Pc has antioxidant activity similar to that of trans-resveratrol (T-Rv) and higher than that of Trolox. Moreover, T-Pc (1-50 μM) inhibited Caco-2 cell growth and DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed an increase in the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase induced by T-Pc and the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed that Caco-2 cells did not have β-glucosidase activity and that Caco-2 cell cultures did not significantly deglycosylate T-Pc in our experimental conditions. On the basis of our results we propose, for the first time, that T-Pc must not be considered exclusively as a T-Rv source, and presents antiproliferative effects on intestinal epithelial cells through the modulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis by itself. Moreover, a synergistic action of T-Pc and T-Rv can be considered.

Polydatin supplementation ameliorates diet-induced development of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in rats

The pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remains to be elucidated, and the currently available treatments are not entirely effective. Polydatin, a stilbenoid compound derived from the rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum, has previously been demonstrated to possess hepatoprotective effects. The present study aimed to determine the effects of polydatin supplementation on hepatic fat accumulation and injury in rats fed a high-fat diet. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of polydatin were examined. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups and received one of four treatment regimes for 12 weeks: Control diet, control diet supplemented with polydatin, high-fat diet, or high-fat diet supplemented with polydatin. Polydatin was supplemented in the drinking water at a concentration of 0.3% (wt/vol). The results of the present study showed that long-term high-fat feeding resulted in fatty liver in rats, which was manifested by excessive hepatic neutral fat accumulation and elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. Polydatin supplementation alleviated the hepatic pathological changes, and attenuated the insulin resistance, as shown by an improved homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance values and a glucose tolerance test. Polydatin supplementation also corrected abnormal leptin and adiponectin levels. Specifically, polydatin supplementation enhanced insulin sensitivity in the liver, as shown by improved insulin receptor substrate 2 expression levels and Akt phosphorylation in the rat liver, following high-fat diet feeding. The results of the present study suggest that polydatin protects rats against high-fat feeding-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Polydatin may be an effective hepatoprotective agent and a potential candidate for the prevention of fatty liver disease and insulin resistance.

The Spectrum-Effect integrated fingerprint of Polygonum cuspidatum based on HPLC-diode array detection-flow injection-chemiluminescence

AIM

To establish the Spectrum-Effect integrated fingerprint of Polygonum cuspidatum to evaluate the quality of P. cuspidatum.

METHODS

An on-line HPLC-DAD-flow injection chemiluminescence (FICL) method was developed to investigate the quality of P. cuspidatum from different habitats based on the established Spectrum-Effect integrated fingerprint.

RESULTS

Nineteen batches of samples of P. cuspidatum were evaluated for the similarity of their chromatographic and free radical scavenging fingerprints, and the results compared. Main antioxidants were estimated by regression analysis between peak areas of thirteen compounds and their activities. Some active compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS.

CONSULSIONS

The results indicated that main antioxidants in P. cuspidatum could be rapidly screened by the established Spectrum-Effect integrated fingerprint based on on-line HPLC-DAD-FICL, and would be more efficient and objective method to evaluate the quality of P. cuspidatum.

Protective effect of polydatin, a natural precursor of resveratrol, against cisplatin-induced toxicity in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of polydatin (PD) on cisplatin (Cis) induced oxidative stress in rats. Totally, thirty male Wistar albino rats were fed standard rodent diet and divided into 5 equal groups: the control group (vehicle treated) was treated with physiological saline for ten days both orally and intraperitoneally (i.p.), the second group was orally treated with physiological saline and 7 mg/kg single i.p. injection of Cis on the seventh day, and third, fourth, and fifth groups were treated orally PD at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively for 10 days starting seven days before Cis injection and 7 mg/kg single i.p. Cis was injected on the seventh day. Cis resulted in significant increase malondialdehyde levels and decreased glutathione levels. In addition, Cis treatment decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in erythrocyte and tissues. Also, Cis treatment caused to increase DNA damage and affected serum biochemical parameters whereas slightly decreased AchE activity. However, treatment of PD resulted in reversal of Cis-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, PD has protective effect in rats against Cis-induced oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant defence mechanism, and regenerates their tissues.

Chinese herbal medicine on dyslipidemia: progress and perspective

Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. The statins are a milestone in the primary and second prevention of cardiovascular diseases and significantly improved its prognosis. Along with the long-term treatment with statins in combination with other hypolipidemic drugs or alone, its safety has attracted a particular attention in clinic, such as the elevation of transaminase and rhabdomyolysis, which have raised an idea of developing the other types of lipid-lowering agents from botanic materials. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for more than 2000 years in China and showed some beneficial effects for human health and many diseases. Recently, many studies demonstrated a favorable effect of TCM for treating dyslipidemia; however, its mechanism remains unclear or totally unknown. The progress and perspective of studies on dyslipidemia with single Chinese herb and its monomers or effective extracts during the past 10 years are discussed in the present review.

Polydatin: a review of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics

CONTEXT

Polydatin, also named piceid (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene-3-β-d-glucoside, PD), is a monocrystalline compound isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae), but is also detected in grape, peanut, hop cones, red wines, hop pellets, cocoa-containing products, chocolate products and many daily diets. There are numerous investigations reported of PD in the past 22 years, but they are usually scattered across various publications, which may block further research and clinical use of PD.

OBJECTIVE

The article summarizes and evaluates the published scientific information of PD pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics since 1990.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information from 98 cases included in this review was compiled using major databases such as MEDLINE, Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, Scholar and CNKI.

RESULTS

Numerous pharmacological investigations of PD mainly focus on cardiovascular effects, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, liver and lung protection, etc.

CONCLUSION

A great number of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic investigations in the past 22 years have demonstrated that PD has favorable therapeutic properties, indicating its potential as an effective material. However, further research is needed to explore its molecular mechanisms of action and definitive target proteins.