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Lin SK, Chen ST, Zhan Y, Guo XY, Wu WT, Lin YT, Yu CX, Yang J. The alleviatory effects of koumine on MSU-induced gouty arthritis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 135:133-147. [PMID: 38828789 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate the preventive effects of koumine (KM), a monoterpene indole alkaloid, on gouty arthritis (GA) and to explore its possible mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered KM (0.8, 2.4 or 7.2 mg/kg), colchicine (3.0 mg/kg) or sterile saline. One hour later, a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension was injected into the right hind paws of the mice to establish an acute gout model. Inflammation symptoms were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h, and the mechanical withdrawal threshold was evaluated at 0, 6 and 24 h. After 24 h, the mice were euthanized, and the joint tissue, kidney and blood were collected for subsequent experiments. Histological examination and antioxidant enzyme, kidney index and serum uric acid (UA) measurements were taken. The expression levels of the signalling pathway components were determined. KM effectively alleviated the symptoms of redness, swelling and pain; counteracted inflammatory cell infiltration; and increased antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced kidney index and serum UA levels through regulating UA excretion in MSU-induced mice. The expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway proteins and mRNA were reduced in the KM group. These results suggest that KM may be effective in alleviating GA through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Kang Lin
- School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ting Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhan
- School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yue Guo
- School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wu
- School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Kong X, Ning C, Liang Z, Yang C, Wu Y, Li Y, Wu A, Wang Y, Wang S, Fan H, Xiao W, Wu J, Sun Z, Yuan Z. Koumine inhibits IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation and ameliorates extracellular matrix degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage through activation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116273. [PMID: 38412715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, Increasingly, mitochondrial autophagy has been found to play an important regulatory role in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. Koumine is a bioactive alkaloid extracted from the plant Gelsemium elegans. In previous research, Koumine was found to have potential in improving the progression of OA in rats. However, the specific mechanism of its action has not been fully explained. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether Koumine can alleviate OA in rats by influencing mitochondrial autophagy. In the in vitro study, rat chondrocytes (RCCS-1) were induced with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to induce inflammation, and Koumine (50 μg/mL) was co-treated. In the in vivo study, a rat OA model was established by intra-articular injection of 2% papain, and Koumine was administered orally (1 mg/kg, once daily for two weeks). It was found that Koumine effectively reduced cartilage erosion in rats with osteoarthritis. Additionally, it decreased the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components MMP13 and ADAMTS5 in chondrocytes and articular cartilage tissue, while increasing the level of Collagen II.Koumine inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cartilage tissue and increased the number of autophagosomes in chondrocytes and articular cartilage tissue. Additionally, it upregulated the expression of mitochondrial autophagy proteins LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, PINK1, Parkin, and Drp1. The administration of Mdivi-1 (50 μM) reversed the enhanced effect of Koumine on mitochondrial autophagy, as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-ECM degradation effects in rats with OA. These findings suggest that Koumine can alleviate chondrocyte inflammation and improve the progression of OA in rats by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Kong
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Can Ning
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Zengenni Liang
- Department of Hunan Agricultural Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Chenglin Yang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - You Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Aoao Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Yongkang Wang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Hui Fan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Wenguang Xiao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Zhiliang Sun
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China.
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Wang L, Chen S, Gao X, Liang X, Lv W, Zhang D, Jin X. Recent progress in chemistry and bioactivity of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from the genus gelsemium: a comprehensive review. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2155639. [PMID: 36629436 PMCID: PMC9848241 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2155639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) represent a major class of active ingredients from the plants of the genus Gelsemium. Gelsemium MIAs with diverse chemical structures can be divided into six categories: gelsedine-, gelsemine-, humantenine-, koumine-, sarpagine- and yohimbane-type. Additionally, gelsemium MIAs exert a wide range of bioactivities, including anti-tumour, immunosuppression, anti-anxiety, analgesia, and so on. Owing to their fascinating structures and potent pharmaceutical properties, these gelsemium MIAs arouse significant organic chemists' interest to design state-of-the-art synthetic strategies for their total synthesis. In this review, we comprehensively summarised recently reported novel gelsemium MIAs, potential pharmacological activities of some active molecules, and total synthetic strategies covering the period from 2013 to 2022. It is expected that this study may open the window to timely illuminate and guide further study and development of gelsemium MIAs and their derivatives in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- China Medical University-Queen’s University of Belfast Joint College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xun Gao
- Jiangsu Institute Marine Resources Development, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weichen Lv
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Dongfang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China,CONTACT Dongfang Zhang
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Xin Jin School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
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Xu WB, Tang MH, Long JY, Wang WW, Qin JY, Qi XJ, Liu ZY. Antinociceptive effect of gelsenicine, principal toxic alkaloids of gelsemium, on prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia in mice: Comparison with gelsemine and koumine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 681:55-61. [PMID: 37757667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans (G.elegans) is a plant of the Loganiaceae family, known for its indole alkaloids, including gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine. Gelsemine and koumine are well-studied active alkaloids with low toxicity, valued for their anti-anxiety and analgesic properties. However, gelsenicine, another important alkaloid, remains underexplored due to its high toxicity. This study focuses on evaluating the analgesic properties of gelsenicine and comparing them with gelsemine and koumine. The results indicate that all three alkaloids exhibit robust analgesic properties, with gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine showing ED50 values of 0.82 mg/kg, 0.60 mg/kg, and 8.43 μg/kg, respectively, as assessed by the hot plate method. Notably, the therapeutic dose of gelsenicine was significantly lower than its toxic dose (LD50 = 0.185 mg/kg). The study also investigated the mechanism of action by analyzing the expression levels of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin. The PGE2 model group showed decreased expression levels of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin, while groups treated with gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine were able to reverse this decrease. These results suggest that gelsenicine effectively alleviates PGE2-induced hyperalgesia by upregulating the expression of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin, which are key targets of the Gly receptor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bo Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Mo-Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiang-Yu Long
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiao-Yan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Xue-Jia Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
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Zhang Y, Mu D, Wang L, Wang X, Wilson IW, Chen W, Wang J, Liu Z, Qiu D, Tang Q. Reference Genes Screening and Gene Expression Patterns Analysis Involved in Gelsenicine Biosynthesis under Different Hormone Treatments in Gelsemium elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15973. [PMID: 37958955 PMCID: PMC10648913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an accurate method for quantifying gene expression levels. Choosing appropriate reference genes to normalize the data is essential for reducing errors. Gelsemium elegans is a highly poisonous but important medicinal plant used for analgesic and anti-swelling purposes. Gelsenicine is one of the vital active ingredients, and its biosynthesis pathway remains to be determined. In this study, G. elegans leaf tissue with and without the application of one of four hormones (SA, MeJA, ETH, and ABA) known to affect gelsenicine synthesis, was analyzed using ten candidate reference genes. The gene stability was evaluated using GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ∆CT, and RefFinder. The results showed that the optimal stable reference genes varied among the different treatments and that at least two reference genes were required for accurate quantification. The expression patterns of 15 genes related to the gelsenicine upstream biosynthesis pathway was determined by RT-qPCR using the relevant reference genes identified. Three genes 8-HGO, LAMT, and STR, were found to have a strong correlation with the amount of gelsenicine measured in the different samples. This research is the first study to examine the reference genes of G. elegans under different hormone treatments and will be useful for future molecular analyses of this medically important plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Y.Z.); (D.M.); (L.W.); (W.C.)
| | - Detian Mu
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Y.Z.); (D.M.); (L.W.); (W.C.)
| | - Liya Wang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Y.Z.); (D.M.); (L.W.); (W.C.)
| | - Xujun Wang
- Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410018, China
| | - Iain W. Wilson
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Y.Z.); (D.M.); (L.W.); (W.C.)
| | - Jinghan Wang
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China;
| | - Zhaoying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Deyou Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China;
| | - Qi Tang
- College of Horticulture, National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Y.Z.); (D.M.); (L.W.); (W.C.)
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Wang L, Ding YY, Wu YQ, Zhao C, Wu J, Wang WJ, Meng FH. Koumine ameliorates neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115608. [PMID: 37801902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gelsemium elegans (Gardner & Chapm.) Benth (G. elegans) has been widely used as a traditional folk medicine in China and Southeast Asia. As the most abundant alkaloid in G. elegans, Koumine (KM) has been revealed the effect of inflammatory attenuation modulating by macrophage activation and polarization. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the effect of KM on modulation of microglia polarization that led to the suppression of neuroinflammation and further improved neurodegenerative behavior. METHODS Inflammatory mediators, microglia M1 and M2 phenotype markers and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway related protein were assessed in LPS-induced BV2 cells and LPS-treated mice by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Moreover, the learning and memory abilities of mice were evaluated by Morris water maze test, and the neuronal damage was evaluated by the Nissl staining. RESULTS KM attenuated LPS-induced viability and morphological changes in BV2 microglial cells. Our findings showed that KM activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to promote phenotypic switch from M1 to M2 phenotypes. This switch suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Meanwhile, KM attenuated neuroinflammation through modulating microglia polarization and subsequently reversed the behavioral alterations in LPS-induced mice model of neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS KM may alleviate neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization with the involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, resulting of the neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Ying-Ying Ding
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Ya-Qi Wu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jin Wu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wen-Jiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Fan-Hao Meng
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Wang D, Leng X, Tian Y, Liu J, Zou J, Xie S. Toxic Effects of Koumine on the Early-Life Development Stage of Zebrafish. TOXICS 2023; 11:853. [PMID: 37888703 PMCID: PMC10611223 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Koumine is one of the most abundant alkaloids found in Gelsemium elegans, and it has a wide range of pharmacological effects including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic treatment effects, and antianxiety. However, its high toxicity and unclear mechanism of action have greatly limited the medicinal development and use of koumine. We investigated the toxic effects of koumine on the developmental toxicity and behavioral neurotoxicity of zebrafish embryos and larvae. Embryos at 6 h postfertilization (hpf) were exposed to 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L of koumine until 120 hpf. Koumine affected the hatching and heartbeats of the embryos. The morphological analysis also revealed many abnormalities, such as shortened bodies, yolk sac edemas, tail malformations, and pericardial edemas. To identify the neurotoxicity of koumine, the behavior of the larvae was measured. Koumine at 50 and 100 mg/L affect the escape response. The embryos exhibited uncoordinated muscle contractions along the body axis in response to touch at 36 hpf. More importantly, we found that the neurotoxicity of koumine is mainly caused by influencing the ACh content and the activity of AChE without impairing motor neuron development. A comprehensive analysis shows that a high concentration of koumine has obvious toxic effects on zebrafish, and the safe concentration of koumine for zebrafish should be less than 25 mg/L. These results will be valuable for better understanding the toxicity of koumine and provide new insights into the application of koumine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Xinyi Leng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China; (X.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Yao Tian
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Jiangdong Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China; (X.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Jixing Zou
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Shaolin Xie
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
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Jin GL, Liu HP, Huang YX, Zeng QQ, Chen JX, Lan XB, Xin ZM, Xiong BJ, Yue RC, Yu CX. Koumine regulates macrophage M1/M2 polarization via TSPO, alleviating sepsis-associated liver injury in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154484. [PMID: 36215787 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translocator protein (TSPO) is an 18-kDa transmembrane protein found primarily in the mitochondrial outer membrane, and it is implicated in inflammatory responses, such as cytokine release. Koumine (KM) is an indole alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans Benth. It has been reported to be a high-affinity ligand of TSPO and to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in our recent studies. However, the protective effect of KM on sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) and its mechanisms are unknown. PURPOSE To explore the role of TSPO in SALI and then further explore the protective effect and mechanism of KM on SALI. METHODS The effect of KM on the survival rate of septic mice was confirmed in mouse models of caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. The protective effect of KM on CLP-induced SALI was comprehensively evaluated by observing the morphology of the mouse liver and measuring liver injury markers. The serum cytokine content was detected in mice by flow cytometry. Macrophage polarization in the liver was examined using western blotting. TSPO knockout mice were used to explore the role of TSPO in sepsis liver injury and verify the protective effect of KM on sepsis liver injury through TSPO. RESULTS KM significantly improved the survival rate of both LPS- and CLP-induced sepsis in mice. KM has a significant liver protective effect on CLP-induced sepsis in mice. KM treatment ameliorated liver ischaemia, improved liver pathological injuries, and decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines in serum. Western blotting results showed that KM inhibited M1 polarization of macrophages and promoted M2 polarization. In TSPO knockout mice, we found that TSPO knockout can improve the survival rate of septic mice, ameliorate liver ischaemia, improve liver pathological injuries, and decrease the levels of ALT, AST, and LDH. In addition, TSPO knockout inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophages in the liver of septic mice and promotes M2 polarization and the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, in TSPO knockout septic mice, these protective effects of KM were no longer effective. CONCLUSIONS We report for the first time that TSPO plays a critical role in sepsis-associated liver injury by regulating the polarization of liver macrophages and reducing the inflammatory response. KM, a TSPO ligand, is a potentially desirable candidate for the treatment of SALI that may regulate macrophage M1/M2 polarization through TSPO in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hai-Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Xin Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qing-Quan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jin-Xing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lan
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Pharmaceuticals Creation and Generic Medicine Research, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Xin
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rong-Cai Yue
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Wang Q, Wang D, Zuo Z, Ye B, Dong Z, Zou J. Effects of Dietary Koumine on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Microbiota, and Intestinal Transcriptional Responses of Cyprinus carpio. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911860. [PMID: 36233179 PMCID: PMC9570066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans Benth. (GEB) is a traditional medicinal plant in China, and acts as a growth promoter in pigs and goats. Koumine (KM) is the most abundant alkaloid in GEB and produces analgesic, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. KM can be used as an aquatic immune stimulant, but its growth-promoting effects and transcriptional mechanisms have not been investigated. Diets containing KM at 0, 0.2, 2, and 20 mg/kg were fed to Cyprinus carpio for 71 days to investigate its effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology, microflora, biochemical indicators, and transcriptional mechanisms. Cyprinus carpio fed with KM as the growth promoter, and the number of intestinal crypts and intestinal microbial populations were influenced by KM concentration. KM increased the abundance of colonies of Afipia, Phyllobacterium, Mesorhizobium, and Labrys, which were associated with compound decomposition and proliferation, and decreased the abundance of colonies of pathogenic bacteria Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum. A total of 376 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) among the four experimental groups were enriched for transforming growth factor-β1 and small mother against decapentaplegic (TGF-β1/Smad), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and janus kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak/Stat) signaling pathways. In particular, tgfbr1, acvr1l, rreb-1, stat5b, smad4, cbp, and c-fos were up-regulated and positively correlated with KM dose. KM had a growth-promoting effect that was related to cell proliferation driven by the TGF-β1/Smad, MAPK, and Jak/Stat signaling pathways. KM at 0.2 mg/kg optimized the growth performance of C. carpio, while higher concentrations of KM (2 and 20 mg/kg) may induce apoptosis without significantly damaging the fish intestinal structure. Therefore, KM at low concentration has great potential for development as an aquatic growth promotion additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dongjie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiheng Zuo
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bin Ye
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zaijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-0510-85551424 (Z.D.); +86-020-87571321 (J.Z.)
| | - Jixing Zou
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (J.Z.); Tel.: +86-0510-85551424 (Z.D.); +86-020-87571321 (J.Z.)
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