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Peng Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Liu B, Zhang Z, Gong Z, Zhang X, Xia Y, You X, Wu J. Potential role of remimazolam in alleviating bone cancer pain in mice via modulation of translocator protein in spinal astrocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176861. [PMID: 39068975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176861] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a complex clinical challenge, with current treatments often falling short of providing adequate relief. Remimazolam, a benzodiazepine receptor agonist recognized for its anxiolytic effects, has emerged as a potential agent in managing BCP. This study explores the analgesic properties of remimazolam and its interaction with the translocator protein (TSPO), previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, in spinal astrocytes. In the context of BCP, previous research has indicated that TSPO expression in spinal astrocytes may serve a protective regulatory function in neuropathic pain models. Building on this, the BCP mice received various doses of remimazolam on the 15th day post-inoculation, and pain behavior was assessed over time. The results showed that BCP induced an upregulation of TSPO and astrocyte activation in the spinal dorsal horn, alongside increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and inflammatory cytokine expression. Remimazolam administration resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of pain behaviors, which corresponded with a decrease in both ERK pathway activation and inflammatory factor expression. This suggests that remimazolam's analgesic effects are mediated through its action as a TSPO agonist, leading to the attenuation of neuroinflammation and pain signaling pathways. Importantly, the analgesic effects of remimazolam were reversed by the TSPO antagonist PK11195, underscoring the pivotal role of TSPO in the drug's mechanism of action. This reversal also reinstated the heightened levels of ERK activity and inflammatory mediators, further confirming the involvement of TSPO in the modulation of these pain-related processes. These findings open new avenues for the therapeutic management of bone cancer pain, positioning remimazolam as a promising candidate for further investigation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Biying Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zuojing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zhihao Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuefeng Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xingji You
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Jingxiang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Shen L, Zong Y, Zhao J, Yang Y, Li L, Li N, Gao Y, Xie X, Bao Q, Jiang L, Hu W. Characterizing the skeletal muscle immune microenvironment for sarcopenia: insights from transcriptome analysis and histological validation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1414387. [PMID: 39026669 PMCID: PMC11254692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The pathogenesis of the disease is influenced by chronic low-grade inflammation. However, the specific changes in the immune landscape changes of sarcopenic muscle are not yet fully understood. Methods To gain insights into the immune cell composition and interactions, we combined single-nucleus RNA sequencing data, bulk RNA sequencing dataset, and comprehensive bioinformatic analyses on the skeletal muscle samples from young, aged, and sarcopenic individuals. Histological staining was then performed on skeletal muscles to validate the distribution of immune cells in clinical samples. Results We analyzed the transcriptomes of 101,862 single nuclei, revealing a total of 10 major cell types and 6 subclusters of immune cell types within the human skeletal muscle tissues. Notable variations were identified in the immune microenvironment between young and aged skeletal muscle. Among the immune cells from skeletal muscle microenvironment, macrophages constituted the largest fraction. A specific marker gene LYVE1 for skeletal muscle resident macrophages was further identified. Cellular subclasses included four distinct groups of resident macrophages, which play different roles in physiological or non-physiological conditions. Utilizing bulk RNA sequencing data, we observed a significant enrichment of macrophage-rich inflammation in sarcopenia. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate age-related changes in the composition and cross-talk of immune cells in human skeletal muscle microenvironment, which contribute to chronic inflammation in aged or sarcopenia muscle. Furthermore, macrophages emerge as a potential therapeutic target, thus advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhui Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zong
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Gao
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianfei Xie
- Hainan Branch, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Qionghai, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyuan Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liting Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medical Center on Aging of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Lu SM, Yang B, Tan ZB, Wang HJ, Xie JD, Xie MT, Jiang WH, Huang JZ, Li J, Zhang L, Tan YZ, Zhang JZ, Liu B, Wu WW, Zhang SW. TaoHe ChengQi decoction ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155597. [PMID: 38643713 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SICD) is a serious complication of sepsis that is associated with increased mortality. Ferroptosis has been reported in the SICD. TaoHe ChengQi decoction (THCQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects. The potential effects of THCQD on the SICD remain unknown. PURPOSE To investigate the effect of THCQD on SICD and explore whether this effect is related to the regulation of myocardial ferroptosis through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. METHODS We induced sepsis in a mouse model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and administered THCQD (2 and 4 g/kg) and dexamethasone (40 mg/kg). Mice mortality was recorded and survival curves were plotted. Echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and analysis of serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors were used to evaluate cardiac pathology. Myocardial ferroptosis was detected by quantifying specific biomarker content and protein levels. Through HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, we identified the components of the THCQD. Network pharmacology analysis and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) were utilized to predict the targets of THCQD for treating SICD. We detected the expression of Nrf2 using Western blotting or immunofluorescence. An RSL3-induced ferroptosis model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to further explore the pharmacological mechanism of THCQD. In addition to measuring cell viability, we observed changes in NRCM mitochondria using electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. NRF2 inhibitor ML385 and Nrf2 knockout mice were used to validate whether THCQD exerted protective effects against SICD through Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis signaling. RESULTS THCQD reduced mortality in septic mice, protected against CLP-induced myocardial injury, decreased systemic inflammatory response, and prevented myocardial ferroptosis. Network pharmacology analysis and CETSA experiments predicted that THCQD may protect against SICD by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that THCQD activated Nrf2 in cardiac tissue. THCQDs consistently mitigated RSL3-induced ferroptosis in NRCM, which is related to Nrf2. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 and genetic Nrf2 knockout partially reversed the protective effects of THCQD on SICD and ferroptosis. CONCLUSION The effect of THCQD on SICD was achieved by activating Nrf2 and its downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Min Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Zhang-Bin Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hui-Juan Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Jun-di Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Meng-Ting Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Wei-Hao Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010000,China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 82004112, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Jing-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| | - Wei-Wei Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| | - Shuang-Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgangdong Road, Guangzhou 510260, China.
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Pei L, Li R, Wang X, Xu D, Gong F, Chen W, Zheng X, Liu W, Zhao S, Wang Q, Mao E, Chen E, Chen Y, Yang Z. MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate sepsis-associated liver dysfunction by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis-mediated inflammatory response. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111575. [PMID: 38280334 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111575] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD) aggravates the disease progression and prognosis of patients. Macrophages in the liver play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of SALD. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), show beneficial effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, whether MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) could ameliorate the inflammatory response in liver macrophages and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was used to investigate the immunomodulatory functions of MSC-EVs in SALD. LPS-stimulated primary Kupffer cells (KCs) and Raw264.7 were used to further explore the potential mechanisms of MSC-EVs in regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages. The results showed that MSC-EVs alleviated liver tissue injury and facilitated the polarization of M1 to M2 macrophages. Further in vitro studies confirmed that MSC-EVs treatment significantly downregulated the expression of several enzymes related to glycolysis and reduced the glycolytic flux by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression, thus effectively inhibiting the inflammatory responses of macrophages. These findings reveal that the application of MSC-EVs might be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pei
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ranran Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangchen Gong
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtao Zheng
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanzhi Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Enqiang Mao
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erzhen Chen
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhitao Yang
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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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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Lin YR, Zheng FT, Xiong BJ, Chen ZH, Chen ST, Fang CN, Yu CX, Yang J. Koumine alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by regulating macrophage polarization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116474. [PMID: 37031823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The imbalance between M1-and M2-polarized macrophages is one of the major pathophysiological changes in RA. Therefore, targeted macrophage polarization may be an effective therapy for RA. Koumine, an alkaloid monomer with the highest content and low toxicity in Gelsemium elegans Benth., has the effect of treating RA by playing an immunomodulatory role by influencing various immune cells. However, whether koumine affects macrophage polarization in RA and the associated molecular mechanisms remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of the anti-RA effect of koumine on macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of koumine on macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. We first explored the effects of koumine on AIA rats and detected the levels of M1/M2 macrophage polarization markers in the spleen by western blotting. Then, we explored the regulatory effect of koumine on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro. Finally, we verified the effects of koumine on macrophage polarization in CIA mice. RESULTS We found that koumine alleviated symptoms, including relieving pain, reducing joint redness and swelling in AIA rats and restoring the M1/M2 macrophage balance in vivo. Interestingly, koumine had an inhibitory effect on both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in vitro, but it had a stronger inhibitory effect on M1 macrophage. In a mixed polarization experiment, koumine mainly inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and had an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, we found that koumine had therapeutic effects on CIA mice, regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that koumine regulates macrophage polarization through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This may be one of the important mechanisms of its anti-RA effect, which provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the possible clinical application of koumine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Rong Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Feng-Ting Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Ze-Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Function, Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Shi-Ting Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chao-Nan Fang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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Li J, Huang Q, Lv M, Ma W, Sun J, Zhong X, Hu R, Ma M, Han Z, Zhang W, Feng W, Sun X, Zhou X. Role of liensinine in sensitivity of activated macrophages to ferroptosis and in acute liver injury. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:189. [PMID: 37353487 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver injury (ALI) is an acute inflammatory liver disease with a high mortality rate. Alternatively, activated macrophages (AAMs) have been linked to the inflammation and recovery of ALI. However, the mechanism underlying AAM death in ALI has not been studied sufficiently. We used liensinine (Lie) as a drug of choice after screening a library of small-molecule monomers with 1488 compounds from traditional Chinese remedies. In ALI, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of action of the drug in ALI and found that it effectively inhibited RSL3-induced ferroptosis in AAM. Lie significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in RSL3-generated AAM. It also improved the survival rate of LPS/D-GalN-treated mice, reduced serum transaminase activity, suppressed inflammatory factor production, and may have lowered AAM ferroptosis in ALI. Lie also inhibited ferritinophagy and blocked Fe2+ synthesis. Following combined treatment with RSL3 and Lie, super-resolution microscopy revealed a close correlation between ferritin and LC3-positive vesicles in the AAM. The co-localization of ferritin and LC3 with LAMP1 was significantly reduced. These findings suggest that Lie may ameliorate ALI by inhibiting ferritinophagy and enhancing AMM resistance to ferroptosis by inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Therefore, Lie may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for patients with ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenfeng Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - MengQing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Zhiyi Han
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenxing Feng
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xinfeng Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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Hu Q, Fu XL, Dong YY, Ma J, Hua J, Li JT, Liu KX, Yang J, Yu CX. D-Optimal Design and Development of a Koumine-Loaded Microemulsion for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: In vivo and in vitro Evaluation. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:2973-2988. [PMID: 37304972 PMCID: PMC10255651 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s406641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Koumine (KME) is the most abundant active ingredient separated from Gelsemium elegans Benth and exhibits a significant therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a lipophilic compound with poor aqueous solubility, and there is an urgent need to develop novel dosage forms of KME and promote its clinical application for the treatment of RA. The aim of this study was to design and develop KME-loaded microemulsions (KME-MEs) for the effective management of RA. Methods The composition of the microemulsion was selected by carrying out a solubility study and generating pseudoternary phase diagrams, and further optimized by D-Optimal design. The optimized KME-MEs was evaluated for particle size, viscosity, drug release, storage stability, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, Caco-2 cell transport and everted gut sac investigations. In vivo fluorescence imaging and the therapeutic effects of KME and KME-MEs on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats were also evaluated. Results The optimized microemulsion contained 8% oil, 32% Smix (surfactant/cosurfactant) and 60% water and was used for in vivo and in vitro studies. The optimal KME-MEs exhibited a small globule size of 18.5 ± 0.14 nm and good stability over 3 months, and the release kinetics followed a first-order model. These KME-MEs had no toxic effect on Caco-2 cells but were efficiently internalized into the cytoplasm. Compared to KME, the KME-MEs displayed significantly increased permeability and absorption in Caco-2 cell monolayer assay and ex vivo everted gut sac experiment. As expected, the KME-MEs attenuated the progression of RA in CIA rats and were more effective than free KME with a reduced frequency of administration. Conclusion The KME-MEs improved the solubility and therapeutic efficacy of KME by employing formulation technology. These results provide a promising vehicle for the oral delivery of KME to treat RA and have attractive potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Yan Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ju Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Ting Li
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai-Xin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Wang T, Yu M, Li H, Qin S, Ren W, Ma Y, Bo W, Xi Y, Cai M, Tian Z. FNDC5/Irisin Inhibits the Inflammatory Response and Mediates the Aerobic Exercise-Induced Improvement of Liver Injury after Myocardial Infarction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044159. [PMID: 36835571 PMCID: PMC9962088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) causes peripheral organ injury, in addition to cardiac dysfunction, including in the liver, which is known as cardiac hepatopathy. Aerobic exercise (AE) can effectively improve liver injury, although the mechanism and targets are currently not well established. Irisin, mainly produced by cleavage of the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), is a responsible for the beneficial effects of exercise training. In this study, we detected the effect of AE on MI-induced liver injury and explored the role of irisin alongside the benefits of AE. Wildtype and Fndc5 knockout mice were used to establish an MI model and subjected to AE intervention. Primary mouse hepatocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), rhirisin, and a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. The results showed that AE significantly promoted M2 polarization of macrophages and improved MI-induced inflammation, upregulated endogenous irisin protein expression and activated the PI3K/ protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in the liver of MI mice, while knockout of Fndc5 attenuated the beneficial effects of AE. Exogenous rhirisin significantly inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response, which was attenuated by the PI3K inhibitor. These results suggest that AE could effectively activate the FNDC5/irisin-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, promote the polarization of M2 macrophages, and inhibit the inflammatory response of the liver after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Mengyuan Yu
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Hangzhuo Li
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Shuguang Qin
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Wujing Ren
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yixuan Ma
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Wenyan Bo
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yue Xi
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Mengxin Cai
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (Z.T.)
| | - Zhenjun Tian
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (Z.T.)
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Zhang M, Yu B, Ai F. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 exaggerates multiple organ injury, inflammation, and immune cell imbalance by activating the NF-κB pathway in sepsis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1117285. [PMID: 36960276 PMCID: PMC10027914 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1117285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) modulates the inflammatory immune response and organ dysfunction, which are closely implicated in sepsis pathogenesis and progression. This study aimed to explore the role of MALT1 in sepsis-induced organ injury, immune cell dysregulation, and inflammatory storms. Methods Septic mice were constructed by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, followed by overexpression or knockdown of MALT1 by tail vein injection of the corresponding lentivirus. Mouse naïve CD4+ T cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with MALT1 overexpression/knockdown lentivirus plus lipopolysaccharide. Results In the lungs, livers, and kidneys of septic mice, MALT1 overexpression exaggerated their injuries, as shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining (all p < 0.05), elevated cell apoptosis, as reflected by the TUNEL assay and cleaved caspase-3 expression (p < 0.05 in the lungs and kidneys), and promoted macrophage infiltration, as illustrated by CD68 immunofluorescence (p < 0.05 in the lungs and kidneys). Meanwhile, in the blood, MALT1 overexpression reduced T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cells, increased Th17/regulatory T-cell ratios (both p < 0.05), promoted systematic inflammation, as revealed by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and C-reactive protein (all p < 0.05), elevated oxidative stress, as shown by nitric oxide (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05), and enhanced liver and kidney dysfunction, as revealed by an automatic animal biochemistry analyzer (all p < 0.05 except for aspartate aminotransferase). However, MALT1 knockdown exerted the opposite effect as MALT1 overexpression. Ex vivo experiments revealed that MALT1 overexpression promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages and naïve CD4+ T cells toward Th2 and Th17 cells (all p < 0.05), while MALT1 knockdown attenuated these effects (all p < 0.05). Mechanistically, MALT1 positively regulated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway both in vivo and ex vivo (p < 0.05). Conclusion Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 amplifies multiple organ injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and imbalance of macrophages and CD4+ T cells by activating the NF-κB pathway in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yane Wang
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengli Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Ai
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fen Ai,
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Koumine ameliorates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice: involvement of the Nrf2, NF-κB pathways, and gut microbiota. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109573. [PMID: 36527886 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gelsemiumelegans(Gardner. & Chapm.) Benth. has long been considered a traditional Chinese medicine effective against rheumatoid pain, cancer, cirrhosis, and skin diseases. Koumine (KM), the most abundant alkaloid in G.elegans Benth., demonstrates a variety of biological effects, including antitumor, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, the relatively low toxicity of KM makes it a promising drug candidate. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of KM and its possible mechanisms using a concanavalin A (Con A)-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) model in mice. Mice were orally administered different doses of KM for 14 d before Con A tail vein injections. The effects of KM on serum biochemical markers and liver histopathology were then evaluated 12 h after Con A exposure. The Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways and alterations in gut microbiota were determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the underlying mechanisms of KM exposure. KM pretreatment dose-dependently decreased serum liver injury markers (Alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and cytokine levels (Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), as well as the liver pathological damage triggered by Con A. Furthermore, the results of the multi-technique analysis indicated that KM activated the Nrf2 pathway, upregulated the expression of anti-oxidation factors HO-1 and Nrf2, and downregulated the expression of Keap1. Moreover, the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited. Interestingly, pre-treatment with KM also significantly improved the composition of the gut microbiota probably because it increases the richness of probiotics. Our findings suggest that KM pretreatment could attenuate Con A-induced AIH, the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, and that gut microbiota are involved in the process of the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of KM as an effective agent against AIH.
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