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Duan ZW, Liu Y, Zhang PP, Hu JY, Mo ZX, Liu WQ, Ma X, Zhou XH, Wang XH, Hu XH, Wei SL. Da-Chai-Hu-Tang Formula inhibits the progression and metastasis in HepG2 cells through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/STAT3-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118293. [PMID: 38705430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118293] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Da-Chai-Hu-Tang (DCHT), a Chinese traditional herbal compound, has been utilized for the treatment of Hepatic diseases in China for over 1800 years. The DCHT formula contains eight herbals: Bupleurum chinense DC. (chaihu), Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (huangqin), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (baishao), Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino (banxia), Rheum officinale Baill. (dahuang), Citrus × aurantium L. (zhishi), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (shengjiang), Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (dazao). Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of DCHT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its ability to enhance the immunity of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 20 Chinese articles have been published on the use of DCHT in treating HCC. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to validate the effect of DCHT in HCC cells and to identify related targets (TP53, AKT1, BCL2, STAT3) in treating HCC by DCHT in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell proliferation and migration were investigated in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis. Apoptotic bodies in HepG2 cells were observed using a confocal microscope. Biochemical detection was employed to analyze LDH release, MDA levels, and SOD levels. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict core targets between DCHT and HCC, as well as potential signaling pathways. The protein levels of metastasis-associated, apoptosis, and PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and STAT3 were further determined through Western blotting. RESULTS Following treatment with DCHT, the inhibition of viability, migration, and G2/M arrest was observed in HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry analysis and Morphological apoptosis studies provided evidence that DCHT could induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Biochemical detection revealed that DCHT could increase LDH release and the level of MDA, and inhibit the viability of the SOD. Bioinformatics analysis identified key targets such as TP53, AKT1, BCL2, STAT3. The PI3K/AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway emerged as a critical pathway in the KEGG enrichment analysis. Western blotting results indicated that DCHT could enhance the expression of E-cadherin, p53, and Bax, while reducing the content of N-cadherin, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT1, and STAT3. CONCLUSIONS The results proved that DCHT could inhibit the progression and metastasis of HCC by regulating the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p53, Bax, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT, and STAT3 through the PI3K/AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Duan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Pei-Pei Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jing-Yan Hu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhi-Xin Mo
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Wen-Qing Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xin Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practice for Chinese Crude Drugs, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100102, China.
| | - Xiu-Hua Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practice for Chinese Crude Drugs, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100102, China.
| | - Sheng-Li Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Engineering Research Center of Good Agricultural Practice for Chinese Crude Drugs, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100102, China.
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Wang Y, Hao Z, Lu D, Naseem A, Sun Y, Sun Y, Li J, Kuang H, Liu Y, Yang B. Effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:118026. [PMID: 38490288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118026] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai has been traditionally used in China for nearly a thousand years to treat rheumatic diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanisms in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been demonstrated. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-arthritic effects and molecular mechanisms of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced arthritic mice through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the main ingredients of the extract of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai (EVC) were identified through chemical composition characterization using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Then, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established in DBA/1 J mice and the ameliorative effects of EVC on the progression of CIA mice were evaluated by oral treatment with different doses of the EVC for 28 days. After that, cytokine antibody microarray assay was used to detect the levels of multiple inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines in each group, and performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the potential target for the effective chemical components of EVC in treating RA was identified using various databases. Additionally, a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was conducted using Cytoscape for visualization and clustering, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed with the Metascape database. Finally, identified phenotypes and targets by network pharmacology analysis were experimentally validated in vivo. RESULTS Treatment with EVC significantly suppressed the severity of CIA with a dramatic reduction of paw swelling, arthritis index, levels of IgGs (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), multi-inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines on the progression of CIA. Histopathological examinations showed EVC could markedly inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of osteoclast, and bone destruction. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that EVC could ameliorate RA by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and regulating multiple signaling pathways including Osteoclast differentiation, IL-17, and TNF. PPI network analysis demonstrated that AKT1, MMP9, MAPK3, and other genes were highly related to EVC in treating RA. Finally, we proved that EVC could inhibit the expression of NFTAc1, MMP9, Cathepsin K, and AKT which were closely related to osteoclast activity. CONCLUSIONS EVC could treat RA through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. The present study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of EVC and its molecular mechanisms in treating RA, indicating that it would be a potent candidate as a novel botanical drug for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhichao Hao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dongxu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Anam Naseem
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ye Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jianzhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Wang XH, Shen CP, Wang TT, Huang Y, Jin Y, Zhou MY, Zhang MY, Gu SL, Wang MQ, Liu ZC, Li R, Cai L. Shikonin suppresses rheumatoid arthritis by inducing apoptosis and autophagy via modulation of the AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155512. [PMID: 38460357 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155512] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overproliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) contributes to synovial hyperplasia, a pivotal pathological feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Shikonin (SKN), the active compound from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti-RA effects by diverse means. However, further research is needed to confirm SKN's in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative functions and reveal the underlying specific molecular mechanisms. PURPOSE This study revealed SKN's anti-proliferative effects by inducing both apoptosis and autophagic cell death in RA FLS and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat synovium, with involvement of regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway. METHODS SKN's influences on RA FLS were assessed for proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy with immunofluorescence staining (Ki67, LC3B, P62), EdU incorporation assay, staining assays of Hoechst, Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1, transmission electron microscopy, mCherry-GFP-LC3B puncta assay, and western blot. In AIA rats, SKN's anti-arthritic effects were assessed, and its impacts on synovial proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy were studied using Ki67 immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and western blot. The involvement of AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway was examined via western blot. RESULTS SKN suppressed RA FLS proliferation with reduced cell viability and decreased Ki67-positive and EdU-positive cells. SKN promoted RA FLS apoptosis, as evidenced by apoptotic nuclear fragmentation, increased Annexin V-FITC/PI-stained cells, reduced mitochondrial potential, elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and increased cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-PARP protein levels. SKN also enhanced RA FLS autophagy, featuring increased LC3B, reduced P62, autophagosome formation, and activated autophagic flux. Autophagy inhibition by 3-MA attenuated SKN's anti-proliferative roles, implying that SKN-induced autophagy contributes to cell death. In vivo, SKN mitigated the severity of rat AIA while also reducing Ki67 expression, inducing apoptosis, and enhancing autophagy within AIA rat synovium. Mechanistically, SKN modulated the AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway in RA FLS and AIA rat synovium, as shown by elevated P-AMPK and P-ULK-1 expression and decreased P-mTOR expression. This regulation was supported by the reversal of SKN's in vitro and in vivo effects upon co-administration with the AMPK inhibitor compound C. CONCLUSION SKN exerted in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative properties by inducing apoptosis and autophagic cell death via modulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway. Our study revealed novel molecular mechanisms underlying SKN's anti-RA effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Chuan-Pu Shen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Yuan Jin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Meng-Yuan Zhou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Man-Yu Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Sheng-Long Gu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China.
| | - Rong Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, PR China.
| | - Li Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China.
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Yang H, Liu C, Lin X, Li X, Zeng S, Gong Z, Xu Q, Li D, Li N. Wogonin inhibits the migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway in rheumatoid arthritis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 755:109965. [PMID: 38552763 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109965] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently an autoimmune inflammatory disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) have tumor-like properties, and their activation and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors are important factors in joint destruction. Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone), a natural flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis root, has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-tumor effects in a variety of diseases. However, the role of wogonin in RA has not yet been demonstrated. PURPOSE To investigate the inhibitory effect of wogonin on the invasive behavior of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and to explore the mechanism of action of wogonin in RA. METHODS CCK-8, EdU, cell migration and invasion, immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and protein blot analysis were used to study the inhibitory effects of wogonin on migration, invasion, and pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpression in the immortalized rheumatoid synovial cell line MH7A. The therapeutic effects of wogonin were validated in vivo using arthritis scores and histopathological evaluation of collagen-induced arthritis mice. RESULTS Wogonin inhibited the migration and invasion of MH7A cells, reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and increased the expression of IL-10. Moreover, wogonin also inhibited the myofibrillar differentiation of MH7A cells, increased the expression of E-cadherin (E-Cad) and decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, wogonin treatment effectively ameliorated joint destruction in CIA mice. Further molecular mechanism studies showed that wogonin treatment significantly inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced arthritic FLSs. CONCLUSION Wogonin effectively inhibits migration, invasion and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, and thus wogonin, as a natural flavonoid, has great potential for treating RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Cuizhen Liu
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510405, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiujuan Lin
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510405, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510630, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhaohui Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510405, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Detang Li
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510405, Guangzhou, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Guangdong Clinical Research Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Nan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China.
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Wang B, Shen J, Wang X, Hou R. Biomimetic nanoparticles for effective Celastrol delivery to targeted treatment of rheumatoid arthritis through the ROS-NF-κB inflammasome axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111822. [PMID: 38503010 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111822] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous study has indicated that Celastrol (Cel) has various physiological and pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, pro-apoptotic, anticancer and anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects. However, low water solubility, low oral bioavailability, narrow treatment window, and high incidence of systemic adverse reactions still limit the further clinical application of Cel. Here, aiming at effectively overcome those shortcomings of Cel to boost its beneficial effects for treating RA, we developed the leukosome (LEUKO) coated biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) for the targeted delivery of Cel to arthritis injury area in RA. LEUKO were synthesized using membrane proteins purified from activated J774 macrophage. LEUKO and Cel-loaded LEUKO (Cel@LEUKO) were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrated that Cel@LEUKO can inhibit the inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced mouse monocyte macrophage leukemia cells (RAW264.7 cells) and human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (MH7A) cells through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-NF-κB pathway. In addition, research has shown that LEUKO effectively targets and transports Cel to the inflammatory site of RA, increased drug concentration in affected areas, reduced systemic toxicity of Cel, and reduced clinical symptoms, inflammatory infiltration, bone erosion, and serum inflammatory factors in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital Affiliated Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China; Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China.
| | - Jiquan Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Xinggao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Ruixing Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital Affiliated Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
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Szymczak J, Grygiel-Górniak B, Cielecka-Piontek J. Zingiber Officinale Roscoe: The Antiarthritic Potential of a Popular Spice-Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients 2024; 16:741. [PMID: 38474869 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050741] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The health benefits of ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) have been known for centuries. Recently, ginger root has gained more attention due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Many of the bioactive components of ginger may have therapeutic benefits in treating inflammatory arthritis. Their properties seem especially helpful in treating diseases linked to persistent inflammation and pain, symptoms present in the course of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review analyzes the current knowledge regarding ginger's beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in both in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. The drug delivery systems to improve ginger's bioavailability and medicinal properties are discussed. Understanding ginger's beneficial aspects may initiate further studies on improving its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy and achieving more a comprehensive application in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szymczak
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Bogna Grygiel-Górniak
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, 60-630 Poznan, Poland
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Pan Y, Li Z, Zhao X, Du Y, Zhang L, Lu Y, Yang L, Cao Y, Qiu J, Qian Y. Screening of Active Substances Regulating Alzheimer's Disease in Ginger and Visualization of the Effectiveness on 6-Gingerol Pathway Targets. Foods 2024; 13:612. [PMID: 38397589 PMCID: PMC10888025 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginger has been reported to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the specific compounds responsible for this biological function and their mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation technology was used to screen active substances that regulate AD and explore their mechanisms. The TCMSP, GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases were utilized to obtain 95 cross-targets related to ginger's active ingredients and AD as key targets. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the pathways in which ginger's active substances may be involved in regulating AD include response to exogenous stimuli, response to oxidative stress, response to toxic substances, and lipid metabolism, among others. Furthermore, a drug-active ingredient-key target interaction network diagram was constructed, highlighting that 6-Gingerol is associated with 16 key targets. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was mapped for the key targets, and HUB genes (ALB, ACTB, GAPDH, CASP3, and CAT) were identified. Based on the results of network pharmacology and cell experiments, 6-Gingerol was selected as the active ingredient for further investigation. Molecular docking was performed between 6-Gingerol and its 16 key targets, and the top three proteins with the strongest binding affinities (ACHE, MMP2, and PTGS2) were chosen for molecular dynamics analysis together with the CASP3 protein as the HUB gene. The findings indicate that 6-Gingerol exhibits strong binding ability to these disease targets, suggesting its potential role in regulating AD at the molecular level, as well as in abnormal cholinesterase metabolism and cell apoptosis, among other related regulatory pathways. These results provide a solid theoretical foundation for future in vitro experiments using actual cells and animal experiments to further investigate the application of 6-Gingerol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yecan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zishu Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yushun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yilin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yongzhong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (Y.D.); (L.Z.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (Y.C.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Quality and Safety, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
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Jia Q, Che Q, Zhang X, Chen J, Ren C, Wu Y, Liang W, Zhang X, Li Y, Li Z, Zhang Z, Shu Q. Knockdown of Galectin-9 alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through suppressing TNF-α-induced activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115994. [PMID: 38141929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115994] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of Gal-9 in RA. We detected Gal-9 expression in clinical samples, explored the mechanism of function of Gal-9 by knockdown and overexpression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), and further verified it in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. We found that the levels of Gal-9 were considerably elevated in RA synovium than in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. A substantial decrease of Gal-9 was demonstrated after tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) inhibitor treatment in the plasma of patients with RA. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing revealed that Gal-9 was involved in the regulation of the TNF-α pathway. Gal-9 was considerably upregulated after TNF-α stimulation in FLSs, and knockdown of Gal-9 substantially inhibited TNF-α activated proliferation, migration and inflammatory response. According to cell transcriptome sequencing results, we further confirmed that Gal-9 could achieve these effects by interacting with MAFB and affecting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Finally, we knocked down Gal-9 on the CIA model and found that it could alleviate the progression of arthritis. In conclusion, our study revealed that the knockdown of Gal-9 could inhibited TNF-α induced activation in RA through MAFB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jia
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Qincheng Che
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Chunfeng Ren
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jining NO.1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Yunpeng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Liang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Yanshan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Zunzhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Zhenchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China.
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Bhoi A, Dwivedi SD, Singh D, Keshavkant S, Singh MR. Plant-Based Approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis Regulation: Mechanistic Insights on Pathogenesis, Molecular Pathways, and Delivery Systems. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2024; 41:39-86. [PMID: 38305341 DOI: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2023048324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, associated with a varied range of immunological changes, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage destructions, as well as bone erosion. The infiltration of immune-modulatory cells and excessive release of proinflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors into the inflamed regions are key molecules involved in the progression of RA. Even though many conventional drugs are suggested by a medical practitioner such as DMARDs, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, etc., to treat RA, but have allied with various side effects. Thus, alternative therapeutics in the form of herbal therapy or phytomedicine has been increasingly explored for this inflammatory disorder of joints. Herbal interventions contribute substantial therapeutic benefits including accessibility, less or no toxicity and affordability. But the major challenge with these natural actives is the need of a tailored approach for treating inflamed tissues by delivering these bioactive agentsat an appropriate dose within the treatment regimen for an extended periodof time. Drug incorporated with wide range of delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and other nano-vehicles have been developed to achieve this goal. Thus, inclinations of modern treatment are persuaded on the way to herbal therapy or phytomedicines in combination with novel carriers is an alternative approach with less adverse effects. The present review further summarizes the significanceof use of phytocompounds, their target molecules/pathways and, toxicity and challenges associated with phytomolecule-based nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bhoi
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010, India
| | - Shradha Devi Dwivedi
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010, India
| | - Deependra Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India; National Centre for Natural Resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - S Keshavkant
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010, India
| | - Manju Rawat Singh
- University Institute of pharmacy, Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur.(C.G.) 2. National centre for natural resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
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Zhan H, Chen R, Zhong M, Wang G, Jiang G, Tao X, Chen M, Jiang Y. Exploring the pharmacological mechanisms and key active ingredients of total flavonoids from Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo against rheumatoid arthritis based on multi-technology integrated network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116850. [PMID: 37385573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116850] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (LR, Lamiaceae) is a traditional Tibetan medicinal material in China. Tibetan medicine classic and research report suggested that LR could be used to cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the anti-RA active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of LR have not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanisms and key active ingredients of total flavonoids from LR (TFLR) against RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the mechanisms of TFLR against RA were investigated on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model by analyzing paw appearance, paw swelling, arthritis score, spleen index, thymus index, inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17) levels in serum, histopathology of ankle joint and synovium from knee joint (hematoxylin-eosin, safranin O-fast green and DAB-TUNEL staining), and apoptosis-related protein (PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt, Bad, p-Bad, Bcl-xL and Bcl-2) levels in the synovium of ankle joints (Western blot). Then, the crucially active ingredients of TFLR against RA were explored by network pharmacology, ingredient analysis, in vitro metabolism and TNF-α-induced human RA synovial fibroblast MH7A proliferation assays. Network pharmacology was applied to predict the key active ingredients of TFLR against RA. The ingredient analysis and in vitro metabolism of TFLR were performed on HPLC, and MH7A proliferation assay were applied to evaluate the predicted results of network pharmacology. RESULTS TFLR shown excellently anti-RA effect by reducing paw swelling, arthritis score, spleen index, thymus index and inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17) levels, and improving the histopathological changes of ankle joint and synovium from knee joint in CIA rats. Results of Western blot indicated that TFLR reversed the changes of PI3K, p-Akt, p-Bad, Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 levels in the ankle joint synovium of CIA rats. Results of network pharmacology exhibited that luteolin was identified as the pivotal active ingredient of TFLR against RA. The ingredient analysis of TFLR indicated that the main ingredient in TFLR was luteoloside. The in vitro metabolism study of TFLR suggested that luteoloside could be converted to luteolin in artificial gastric juice and intestinal juice. Results of MH7A proliferation assay showed that there was no significant difference between TFLR and equal luteoloside on the viability of MH7A cells, indicating that luteoloside was the key active ingredient of TFLR against RA. Additionally, the luteolin (same mol as luteoloside) showed better inhibitory effect on the viability of MH7A cells than luteoloside. CONCLUSION TFLR showed anti-RA effect, and the mechanism was related to promoting synovial cell apoptosis mediated by PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway. Meanwhile, this work indicated that luteoloside was the key active ingredient of TFLR against RA. This work lays a foundation for providing TFLR product with clear mechanism and stable quality to treat RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hupo Zhan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Ruixin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Mei Zhong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Guowei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Guihua Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xingbao Tao
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, China.
| | - Min Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Yunbin Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Chen S, Wang J, Wang J, Jia X, Xuan Z, Cheng Z, Meng X, Su W. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway promotes abnormal activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis and the intervention of Er Miao San. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 120:155064. [PMID: 37716035 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155064] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Er Miao San (EMS) is an important herbal formula and a representative prescription for the treatment of the downwards flow of damp-heat syndrome. Clinical practice has proven that EMS can effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have demonstrated that EMS regulates the functions of T cells and dendritic cells and affects the polarization of macrophages. However, it is not clear whether the inhibitory effect of EMS on RA is related to the regulation of abnormal synovial activation and angiogenesis. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect and potential mechanisms of EMS on the abnormal activation and angiogenesis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in RA. METHODS The effect of EMS on rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) and MH7A cells was examined by X-ray, haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), ELISA and western blotting. Angiogenesis in AA rats was measured by a small animal ultrasound imaging system, immunofluorescence (IF) analysis and ELISA. An exchange between MH7A cells and HUVECs was induced using conditioned media that mimicked the microenvironment in vivo. CCK-8, western blotting, and scratch healing and Transwell migration assays were used to evaluate the effect of EMS on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and angiogenesis in the inflammatory microenvironment of RA. RESULTS Our results showed that EMS had a protective effect on AA rats. On the one hand, there was a decrease in paw swelling, the arthritis index, organ indices and proinflammatory factor levels, as well as relief of joint damage. On the other hand, blood flow, the number of immature blood vessels and proangiogenic factors were decreased. Furthermore, EMS reduced the expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the synovial tissue of AA rats and MH7A cells. In the inflammatory microenvonrment of RA, the results were consistent. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that EMS could protect against RA by inhibiting the abnormal activation and angiogenesis of FLSs, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Xiaoyi Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
| | - Zihua Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
| | - Zhiluo Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Xiangwen Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wenrui Su
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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12
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Li W, Yu L, Li W, Ge G, Ma Y, Xiao L, Qiao Y, Huang W, Huang W, Wei M, Wang Z, Bai J, Geng D. Prevention and treatment of inflammatory arthritis with traditional Chinese medicine: Underlying mechanisms based on cell and molecular targets. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101981. [PMID: 37302756 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, primarily including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases, whose general feature is joint dysfunction with chronic pain and eventually causes disability in older people. To date, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have developed a variety of therapeutic methods for inflammatory arthritis and achieved excellent results. But there is still a long way to totally cure these diseases. TCM has been used to treat various joint diseases for thousands of years in Asia. In this review, we summarize clinical efficacies of TCM in inflammatory arthritis treatment after reviewing the results demonstrated in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials. We pioneered taking inflammatory arthritis-related cell targets of TCM as the entry point and further elaborated the molecular targets inside the cells of TCM, especially the signaling pathways. In addition, we also briefly discussed the relationship between gut microbiota and TCM and described the role of drug delivery systems for using TCM more accurately and safely. We provide updated and comprehensive insights into the clinical application of TCM for inflammatory arthritis treatment. We hope this review can guide and inspire researchers to further explore mechanisms of the anti-arthritis activity of TCM and make a great leap forward in comprehending the science of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaoran Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Long Xiao
- Translational Medical Innovation Center, Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yusen Qiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Wenli Huang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- Translational Medical Innovation Center, Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang 215600, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China; Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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Tong Y, Li X, Deng Q, Shi J, Feng Y, Bai L. Advances of the small molecule drugs regulating fibroblast-like synovial proliferation for rheumatoid arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1230293. [PMID: 37547337 PMCID: PMC10400780 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1230293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. In the pathological process of RA, the alteration of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) and its related factors is the main influence in the clinic and fundamental research. In RA, FLS exhibits a uniquely aggressive phenotype, leading to synovial hyperplasia, destruction of the cartilage and bone, and a pro-inflammatory environment in the synovial tissue for perpetuation and progression. Evidently, it is a highly promising way to target the pathological function of FLS for new anti-RA drugs. Based on this, we summed up the pathological mechanism of RA-FLS and reviewed the recent progress of small molecule drugs, including the synthetic small molecule compounds and natural products targeting RA-FLS. In the end, there were some views for further action. Compared with MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway has great potential for research as targets. A small number of synthetic small molecule compounds have entered the clinic to treat RA and are often used in combination with other drugs. Meanwhile, most natural products are currently in the experimental stage, not the clinical trial stage, such as triptolide. There is an urgent need to unremittingly develop new agents for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Tong
- Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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14
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Synthesis of New Shogaol Analogues as NRF2 Activators and Evaluation of Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Modes of Action and Metabolic Stability. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020475. [PMID: 36830033 PMCID: PMC9951879 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
6-shogaol is a natural and the most potent bioactive vanilloid in dried Zingiber officinale rhizomes. Many scientific studies have reported the diverse biological activities of 6-shogaol. However, the major drawback of 6-shogaol is its instability at room temperature. We synthesised new shogaol thiophene compounds (STCs) by replacing the pentyl group in the sidechain with thiophene derivatives. The STCs were tested for their nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation ability in murine hepatoma cells (Hepa1c1c-7) by determining their NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) inducing ability and expression of NRF2-associated antioxidant genes. The anti-inflammatory activity of STCs was determined in Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPSEc)-stimulated NR2-proficient and -silenced mouse microglial cells (BV-2) by measuring the inflammatory markers, cytokines, and mediators. The modes of action (interacting with the Kelch domain of KEAP1, covalent bonding with cysteines of KEAP1, and inhibition of GSK-3β enzyme activity) of NRF2 activation by STCs were determined using commercially available kits. The in vitro metabolic stability of the STCs in liver microsomes (humans, rats, and mice) was also investigated. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were conducted to identify the binding poses, stability, and molecular interactions of the STCs in the binding pockets of Kelch and BTB domains of KEAP1 and GSK-3β enzyme. The new STCs were synthesised in good yields of > 85%, with a purity of about 95%, using a novel synthesis method by employing a reusable proline-proline dipeptide catalyst. The STCs are more potent than 6-shogaol in activating NRF2 and reducing inflammation. The nature of substituents on thiophene has a profound influence on the bioactivity of the STCs. Phenylthiophene STC (STC5) is the most potent, while thiophenes containing electron-withdrawing groups showed weaker bioactivity. The bioactivity of 6-shogaol is in the micromolar range, whereas STC5 showed bioactivity in the sub micromolar range. The STCs showed anti-inflammatory effects via NRF2-dependent and NRF2-independent mechanisms. The STCs improved NRF2 activity through multiple (KEAP1-independent and -dependent) mechanisms. The STCs showed decreased reactivity with thiols than 6-shogaol and thus may possess fewer side-effects than 6-shogaol. The STCs were more metabolically stable than 6-shogaol.
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