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Geng Q, Yan L, Shi C, Zhang L, Li L, Lu P, Cao Z, Li L, He X, Tan Y, Zhao N, Liu B, Lu C. Therapeutic effects of flavonoids on pulmonary fibrosis: A preclinical meta-analysis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155807. [PMID: 38876010 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of flavonoid supplementation in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis has been demonstrated. PURPOSE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of flavonoids in animal models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN Relevant studies (n = 45) were identified from English- and Chinese-language databases from the inception of the database until October 2023. METHODS Methodological quality was evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0. Lung inflammation and fibrosis score were the primary outcome indicators. RESULTS Flavonoids can alleviate pathological changes in the lungs. The beneficial effects of flavonoids on pulmonary fibrosis likely relate to their inhibition of inflammatory responses, restoration of oxidative and antioxidant homeostasis, and regulation of fibroblast proliferation, migration, and activation by transforming growth factor β1/mothers against the decapentaplegic homologue/AMP-activated protein kinase (TGF-β1/Smad3/AMPK), inhibitor kappa B alpha/nuclear factor-kappa B (IκBα/NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, interleukin 6/signal transducer/activator of transcription 3 (IL6/STAT3), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) pathways. CONCLUSION Flavonoids are potential candidate compounds for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. However, extensive preclinical research is necessary to confirm the antifibrotic properties of natural flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Geng
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Lan Yan
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Changqi Shi
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Peipei Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Cao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan He
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Yong Tan
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China.
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China.
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Zhang JJ, Mao-Mao, Shao MM, Wang MC. Therapeutic potential of natural flavonoids in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155535. [PMID: 38537442 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease caused by pulmonary vascular remodeling, with a high incidence and mortality. At present, many clinical drugs for treating PAH mainly exert effects by relaxing the pulmonary artery, with limited therapeutic effects, so the search for viable therapeutic agents continues uninterrupted. In recent years, natural flavonoids have shown promising potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary to comprehensively elucidate the potential of natural flavonoids to combat PAH. PURPOSE To evaluate the potential of natural flavonoids to hinder or slow down the occurrence and development of PAH, and to identify promising drug discovery candidates. METHODS Literature was collected from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of science, CNKI databases and Google scholar. The search terms used included "pulmonary arterial hypertension", "pulmonary hypertension", "natural products", "natural flavonoids", "traditional chinese medicine", etc., and several combinations of these keywords. RESULTS The resources, structural characteristics, mechanisms, potential and prospect strategies of natural flavonoids for treating PAH were summarized. Natural flavonoids offer different solutions as possible treatments for PAH. These mechanisms may involve various pathways and molecular targets related to the pathogenesis of PAH, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular remodeling, genetic, ion channels, cell proliferation and autophagy. In addition, prospect strategies of natural flavonoids for anti-PAH including structural modification and nanomaterial delivery systems have been explored. This review suggests that the potential of natural flavonoids as alternative therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of PAH holds promise for future research and clinical applications. CONCLUSION Despite displaying the enormous potential of flavonoids in PAH, some limitations need to be further explored. Firstly, using advanced drug discovery tools, including computer-aided design and high-throughput screening, to further investigate the safety, biological activity, and precise mechanism of action of flavonoids. Secondly, exploring the structural modifications of these compounds is expected to optimize their efficacy. Lastly, it is necessary to conduct well controlled clinical trials and a comprehensive evaluation of potential side effects to determine their effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Jing Zhang
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Mao-Mao
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Min-Min Shao
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Meng-Chuan Wang
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China.
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Wang J, Li J, Hu M. Mechanism analysis of Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14447. [PMID: 38230788 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main risk factors of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWT) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that is used for treating AS. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of BYHWT in treatment of AS through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Molecular structure information and targets of core components of BYHWT were obtained from PubChem and UniProtKB databases. Genes involved in AS were obtained from DisGeNet, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The core targets of BYHWT in AS treatment were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis with STRING platform, and analyzed by gene ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the core targets and the bioactive ingredients. HUVEC viability, inflammatory response and mRNA expression levels of core target genes were evaluated by cell counting kit 8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR. A total of 60 candidate compounds and 325 predicted target genes were screened. PPI network analysis suggested that TP53, SRC, STAT3, and AKT1 may be the core targets. BYHWT in AS treatment was associated with 46 signaling pathways. GA120, baicalein, and 3,9-di-o-methylnissolin had good binding affinity with core target proteins. Baicalein treatment could significantly promoted the viability and repress the inflammatory response of HUVEC cells stimulated by ox-LDL. In addition, Baicalein can regulate the expression of core targets including AKT1, MAPK1, PIK3CA, JUN, TP53, SRC, EGFR, and ESR1. In conclusion, BYHWT and its main bioactive component baicalein, inhibit inflammatory response and modulate multiple downstream genes of endothelial cells, and show good potential to block the progression of AS and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Hu
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang J, Ma YR, Chang YE, Duo DL, Duan KK, Zhao N, Cui WL, Huan ZL, Wang YF. Preventive effect of LCZ696 on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2023; 82:102229. [PMID: 37355202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2023.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a devastating disease worldwide; however, effective therapeutic drugs are lacking. This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of LCZ696 treatment on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were kept in a hypobaric chamber with an oxygen concentration of 5% for 4 weeks. Rats were treated with either LCZ696 (18 mg/kg, 36 mg/kg, and 72 mg/kg) or sildenafil. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI), and lung system index were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence staining were used for histological analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to determine the concentrations of inflammatory and hypoxia-related factors. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of apoptotic and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway proteins in rat lung tissue. Hypoxia increased mPAP, RVHI, and lung system index and induced pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary arteriomyosis, and pulmonary artery fibrosis. LCZ696 treatment reduced the increase in mPAP, RVHI, and the lung system index and ameliorated the induced pathological changes. Hypoxia upregulated expression of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, HIF-1α, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung tissue, and these effects were partially reversed by treatment with LCZ696. These results demonstrated that LCZ696 can ameliorate hypoxia-induced HPH by suppressing apoptosis, inhibiting the inflammatory response, and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. It provides a reference for clinical rational drug use and lays a foundation for the study of HPH therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Qinghai Provincial People 's Hospital Pharmacy Department, XiNing, China
| | - Yan-Rong Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, First Clinical Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ya-E Chang
- Qinghai Provincial People 's Hospital Pharmacy Department, XiNing, China
| | - De-Long Duo
- Qinghai Provincial People 's Hospital Pharmacy Department, XiNing, China
| | - Kun-Kun Duan
- Medical College of Qinghai University, XiNing, China
| | - Ni Zhao
- Qinghai Provincial People 's Hospital Pharmacy Department, XiNing, China
| | - Wen-Li Cui
- Medical College of Qinghai University, XiNing, China
| | - Zhi-Lan Huan
- Medical College of Qinghai University, XiNing, China
| | - Ya-Feng Wang
- Qinghai Provincial People 's Hospital Pharmacy Department, XiNing, China.
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5
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Li H, Zhang Q. Research Progress of Flavonoids Regulating Endothelial Function. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1201. [PMID: 37765009 PMCID: PMC10534649 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091201] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium, as the guardian of vascular homeostasis, is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As an early marker of the development of a series of vascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Natural flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to induce and regulate endothelial cells and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-aging effects in a large number of in vitro models and in vivo experiments so as to achieve the prevention and improvement of cardiovascular disease. Focusing on endothelial mediation, this paper introduces the signaling pathways involved in the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by common dietary and flavonoids in traditional Chinese medicine and describes them based on their metabolism in the human body and their relationship with the intestinal flora. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the broad pharmacological activity and target development potential of flavonoids as food supplements and drug components in regulating endothelial function and thus in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This paper also introduces the application of some new nanoparticle carriers in order to improve their bioavailability in the human body and play a broader role in vascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Zhang
- The Basic Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China;
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6
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Xu WJ, Wu Q, He WN, Wang S, Zhao YL, Huang JX, Yan XS, Jiang R. Interleukin-6 and pulmonary hypertension: from physiopathology to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181987. [PMID: 37449201 PMCID: PMC10337993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, pulmonary vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PH is complex and remains unclear. Existing studies have suggested that inflammatory factors are key factors in PH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Current studies reveal that IL-6 is elevated in the serum of patients with PH and it is negatively correlated with lung function in those patients. Since IL-6 is one of the most important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation in PH, signaling mechanisms targeting IL-6 may become therapeutic targets for this disease. In this review, we detailed the potential role of IL-6 in accelerating PH process and the specific mechanisms and signaling pathways. We also summarized the current drugs targeting these inflammatory pathways to treat PH. We hope that this study will provide a more theoretical basis for targeted treatment in patients with PH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ni He
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Xia Huang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Shen Yan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Zeng Z, Wang X, Cui L, Wang H, Guo J, Chen Y. Natural Products for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension: Mechanism, Progress, and Future Opportunities. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2351-2371. [PMID: 36975522 PMCID: PMC10047369 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lethal disease due to the remodeling of pulmonary vessels. Its pathophysiological characteristics include increased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to right heart failure and death. The pathological mechanism of PH is complex and includes inflammation, oxidative stress, vasoconstriction/diastolic imbalance, genetic factors, and ion channel abnormalities. Currently, many clinical drugs for the treatment of PH mainly play their role by relaxing pulmonary arteries, and the treatment effect is limited. Recent studies have shown that various natural products have unique therapeutic advantages for PH with complex pathological mechanisms owing to their multitarget characteristics and low toxicity. This review summarizes the main natural products and their pharmacological mechanisms in PH treatment to provide a useful reference for future research and development of new anti-PH drugs and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuomei Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lidan Cui
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongjuan Wang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jian Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yucai Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (Y.C.)
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Targeting erythrocyte-mediated hypoxia to alleviate lung injury induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:819-829. [PMID: 36639515 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03443-1] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are widely distributed natural toxins and have been extensively studied for their hepatotoxicity. However, PA-induced pulmonary toxicity remains less studied regarding the initiating mechanism and treatment approaches. Our previous study demonstrated the formation of pyrrole-hemoglobin adducts after PA exposure in vivo, which is suspected to affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of erythrocytes [red blood cells (RBCs)] consequently. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PAs on the oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs and the potential of targeting RBC-mediated hypoxia to alleviate PA-induced lung injury. First, rats were treated with retrorsine (RTS) or monocrotaline (MCT) intravenously at 0.2 mmol/kg. The results of Raman spectrometry analysis on blood samples revealed both RTS and MCT significantly reduced the oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs. Further, MCT (0.2 mmol/kg) was orally given to the rats with or without pretreatment with two doses of erythropoietin (Epo, 500 IU/kg/dose every other day), an RBC-stimulating agent. Biochemical and histological results showed pretreatment with Epo effectively reduced the cardiopulmonary toxicity induced by MCT. These findings provide the first evidence that adduction on hemoglobin, and the resulting RBC damage and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity, are the major initiating mechanism underlying PA-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), while targeting the RBC damage is a potential therapeutic approach for PA-induced lung injury.
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Saqib S, Ullah F, Naeem M, Younas M, Ayaz A, Ali S, Zaman W. Mentha: Nutritional and Health Attributes to Treat Various Ailments Including Cardiovascular Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196728. [PMID: 36235263 PMCID: PMC9572119 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A poor diet, resulting in malnutrition, is a critical challenge that leads to a variety of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Mentha species are famous as therapeutic herbs and have long served as herbal medicine. Recently, the demand for its products, such as herbal drugs, medicines, and natural herbal formulations, has increased significantly. However, the available literature lacks a thorough overview of Mentha phytochemicals' effects for reducing malnutritional risks against cardiovascular diseases. In this context, we aimed to review the recent advances of Mentha phytochemicals and future challenges for reducing malnutritional risks in cardiovascular patients. Current studies indicated that Mentha species phytochemicals possess unique antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antioxidant potential, which can be used as herbal medicine directly or indirectly (such as food ingredients) and are effective in controlling and curing cardiovascular diseases. The presence of aromatic and flavor compounds of Mentha species greatly enhance the nutritional values of the food. Further interdisciplinary investigations are pivotal to explore main volatile compounds, synergistic actions of phytochemicals, organoleptic effects, and stability of Mentha sp. phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saddam Saqib
- Department of Biotechnology, Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Nerian Sharif 12080, AJ&K, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Ullah
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Muhammad Naeem
- China Sinovita Bioengineering Group, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Muhammad Younas
- Department of Biotechnology, Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Nerian Sharif 12080, AJ&K, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ayaz
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wajid Zaman
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (W.Z.)
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Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Revealed the Mechanism of Yiqi Jianpi Recipe on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8823231. [PMID: 36118092 PMCID: PMC9473879 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8823231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to explore the active ingredients, targets, and mechanism of action of Yiqi Jianpi recipe (YQJPR) in the treatment of COPD based on the network pharmacology and COPD rat models. Methods The active ingredients and targets of YQJPR were collected by TCMSP. Disease-related protein targets were obtained from GeneCards. The Venn diagram was used to show the key therapeutic targets of COPD in YQJPR. The PPI network was established by STRING, and cytoHubba plug-in was used to screen the core targets within the network. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to describe the functions and pathways of the core targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct the ingredient-target network and the core target-enrichment pathway network. The chemical constituents of YQJPR were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Results The network pharmacology showed 152 active ingredients and 225 targets in YQJPR for the treatment of COPD. The key active ingredients were quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, tanshinone IIA, and baicalein. The contents of quercetin and luteolin in YQJPR were quantitatively measured by HPLC-MS/MS. 22 core genes were screened, including AKT1, IL-6, JUN, VEGFA, and CASP3, which were mainly involved in BPs such as cell proliferation and differentiation, oxidative/chemical stress, and regulation of DNA-binding transcription factor activity and regulated viral infection, tumor, HIF-1, MAPK, TNF, and IL-17 pathways. Animal experiments showed that YQJPR could significantly reduce the expression of p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, c-Myc, cleaved caspase-3, and p-Stat3 in lung tissue (p < 0.05). HE staining showed that, compared with the model group, YQJPR significantly improved lung tissue morphology and reduced lung inflammation in rats. Conclusion The effects of YQJPR on COPD may involve multiple components, pathways, and targets. This study provides new ideas for further and more comprehensive exploration of the therapeutic effect of YQJPR on COPD in the future.
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Protective and therapeutic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis and its main active ingredients baicalin and baicalein against natural toxicities and physical hazards: a review of mechanisms. Daru 2022; 30:351-366. [PMID: 35870110 PMCID: PMC9715893 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-022-00443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) has been traditionally used to combat a variety of conditions ranging from ischemic heart disease to cancer. The protective effects of SB are due to the action of two main flavonoids baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BE). This paper aimed to provide a narrative review of the protective and antidotal effects of SB and its main constituents against natural toxicities and physical hazards. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Scientific databases Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were thoroughly searched, based on different keywords for in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies which reported protective or therapeutic effects of SB or its constituents in natural and physical toxicities. RESULTS Numerous studies have reported that treatment with BE, BA, or total SB extract prevents or counteracts the detrimental toxic effects of various natural compounds and physical hazards. The toxic agents include mycotoxins, lipopolysaccharide, multiple plants and animal-derived substances as well as physical factors which negatively affected vital organs such as CNS, liver, kidneys, lung and heart. Increasing the expression of radical scavenging enzymes and glutathione content as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic mediators were important mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION Different studies on the Chinese skullcap have exhibited that its total root extract, BA or BE can act as potential antidotes or protective agents against the damage induced by natural toxins and physical factors by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the scarcity of high-quality clinical evidence means that further clinical studies are required to reach a more definitive conclusion.
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Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of baicalin and baicalein on pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113191. [PMID: 35643068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH.
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Zhang ZZ, Yu XH, Tan WH. Baicalein inhibits macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα pathway. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:316-325. [PMID: 35749304 PMCID: PMC9521661 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid accumulation and inflammatory response are two major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a phenolic flavonoid widely used in East Asian countries, possesses a potential atheroprotective activity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study was performed to explore the impact of baicalein on lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Our results showed that baicalein up-regulated the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, liver X receptor α (LXRα), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), promoted cholesterol efflux, and inhibited lipid accumulation. Administration of baicalein also reduced the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Knockdown of LXRα or PPARγ with siRNAs abrogated the effects of baicalein on ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression, cholesterol efflux, lipid accumulation as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In summary, these findings suggest that baicalein exerts a beneficial effect on macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Zhen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wei-Hua Tan
- Correspondence: Wei-Hua Tan, Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001 Hunan, China.
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14
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Chakrabartty I, Mohanta YK, Nongbet A, Mohanta TK, Mahanta S, Das N, Saravanan M, Sharma N. Exploration of Lamiaceae in Cardio Vascular Diseases and Functional Foods: Medicine as Food and Food as Medicine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894814. [PMID: 35774598 PMCID: PMC9237463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current scenario, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most life-threatening diseases that has caused high mortality worldwide. Several scientists, researchers, and doctors are now resorting to medicinal plants and their metabolites for the treatment of different diseases, including CVD. The present review focuses on one such family of medicinal plants, called Lamiaceae, which has relieving and preventive action on CVD. Lamiaceae has a cosmopolitan distribution and has great importance in the traditional system of medicine. Lamiaceae members exhibit a wide range of activities like antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, vasorelaxant, and thrombolytic effect, both in vitro and in vivo–these are mechanisms that contribute to different aspects of CVD including stroke, heart attack, and others. These plants harbour an array of bioactive compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals responsible for these actions. The review also highlights that these plants are a rich source of essential nutrients and minerals like omega-3 and hence, can serve as essential sources of functional foods—this can have an additional role in the prevention of CVDs. However, limitations still exist, and extensive research needs to be conducted on the Lamiaceae family in the quest to develop new and effective plant-based drugs and functional foods that can be used to treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Chakrabartty
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya, India
| | - Yugal Kishore Mohanta
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya, India
- *Correspondence: Yugal Kishore Mohanta, ; Tapan Kumar Mohanta, ; Nanaocha Sharma,
| | - Amilia Nongbet
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Mohanta
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
- *Correspondence: Yugal Kishore Mohanta, ; Tapan Kumar Mohanta, ; Nanaocha Sharma,
| | - Saurov Mahanta
- National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Guwahati Centre, Guwahati, India
| | - Nibedita Das
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya, India
| | - Muthupandian Saravanan
- AMR and Nanotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Nanaocha Sharma
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal, India
- *Correspondence: Yugal Kishore Mohanta, ; Tapan Kumar Mohanta, ; Nanaocha Sharma,
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15
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Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27123724. [PMID: 35744848 PMCID: PMC9229274 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is clinically characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary artery pressure, followed by right ventricular hypertrophy and subsequently right heart failure. The underlying mechanism of PAH includes endothelial dysfunction and intimal smooth muscle proliferation. Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress is critical in the pathophysiology of PAH and involves changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen (RNS), and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways. Disrupted ROS and NO signaling pathways cause the proliferation of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), resulting in DNA damage, metabolic abnormalities, and vascular remodeling. Antioxidant treatment has become a main area of research for the treatment of PAH. This review mainly introduces oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PAH and antioxidative therapies and explains why targeting oxidative stress is a valid strategy for PAH treatment.
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16
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Sheng Y, Gong X, Zhao J, Liu Y, Yuan Y. Effects of Crocin on CCL2/CCR2 Inflammatory Pathway in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:241-259. [PMID: 34931588 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant cardiopulmonary disease, in which pulmonary arterial remodeling is regarded as the prominent pathological feature. So far, the mechanism of PAH is still unclear, so its treatment remains a challenge. However, inflammation plays an important part in the occurrence and progression of PAH. It is well known that crocin has anti-inflammatory properties, so we investigated whether crocin could be a potential drug for the treatment of PAH rat models. Rats injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (MCT) were treated with crocin via a gastric tube daily for four weeks. The results showed that crocin treatment significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in the PAH rat models. Moreover, crocin treatment reduced the proliferation of pulmonary arteriole smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). In addition, crocin treatment not only relieved inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber hyperplasia in the lung and right ventricle, but also decreased the expression of the CCL2/CCR2 inflammatory pathway in the lung of PAH rat models. Furthermore, crocin treatment reduced the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress responses. In summary, crocin may play a protective role in MCT-induced PAH rats by alleviating inflammatory response, improving pulmonary arterial remodeling, and preventing PAH. Therefore, crocin as a new treatment for PAH may be quite worthy of consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Sheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Gong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Huizhan Road, Renqiu, Hebei 062552, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Yuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P. R. China
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17
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Liang B, Li R, Liang Y, Gu N. Guanxin V Acts as an Antioxidant in Ventricular Remodeling. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:778005. [PMID: 35059446 PMCID: PMC8764413 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.778005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Our previous studies have shown that Guanxin V (GXV) is safe and effective in the treatment of ventricular remodeling (VR), but its mechanism related to oxidative stress has not been studied deeply. Methods: We applied integrating virtual screening and network pharmacology strategy to obtain the GXV-, VR-, and oxidative stress-related targets at first, and then highlighted the shared targets. We built the networks and conducted enrichment analysis. Finally, the main results were validated by molecular docking and solid experiments. Results: We obtained 251, 11,425, and 9,727 GXV-, VR-, and oxidative stress-related targets, respectively. GXV-component-target-VR and protein–protein interaction networks showed the potential mechanism of GXV in the treatment of VR. The following enrichment analysis results gathered many biological processes and “two GXV pathways” of oxidative stress-related to VR. All our main results were validated by molecular docking and solid experiments. Conclusion: GXV could be prescribed for VR through the mechanism, including complex interactions between related components and targets, as predicted by virtual screening and network pharmacology and validated by molecular docking and solid experiments. Our study promotes the explanation of the biological mechanism of GXV for VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ning Gu
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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18
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Yu Z, Xiao J, Chen X, Ruan Y, Chen Y, Zheng X, Wang Q. Bioactivities and mechanisms of natural medicines in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Chin Med 2022; 17:13. [PMID: 35033157 PMCID: PMC8760698 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and rare disease without obvious clinical symptoms that shares characteristics with pulmonary vascular remodeling. Right heart failure in the terminal phase of PAH seriously threatens the lives of patients. This review attempts to comprehensively outline the current state of knowledge on PAH its pathology, pathogenesis, natural medicines therapy, mechanisms and clinical studies to provide potential treatment strategies. Although PAH and pulmonary hypertension have similar pathological features, PAH exhibits significantly elevated pulmonary vascular resistance caused by vascular stenosis and occlusion. Currently, the pathogenesis of PAH is thought to involve multiple factors, primarily including genetic/epigenetic factors, vascular cellular dysregulation, metabolic dysfunction, even inflammation and immunization. Yet many issues regarding PAH need to be clarified, such as the "oestrogen paradox". About 25 kinds monomers derived from natural medicine have been verified to protect against to PAH via modulating BMPR2/Smad, HIF-1α, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and eNOS/NO/cGMP signalling pathways. Yet limited and single PAH animal models may not corroborate the efficacy of natural medicines, and those natural compounds how to regulate crucial genes, proteins and even microRNA and lncRNA still need to put great attention. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies and safety evaluation of natural medicines for the treatment of PAH should be undertaken in future studies. Meanwhile, methods for validating the efficacy of natural drugs in multiple PAH animal models and precise clinical design are also urgently needed to promote advances in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Yu
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yi Ruan
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zheng
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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19
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Xue Z, Li Y, Zhou M, Liu Z, Fan G, Wang X, Zhu Y, Yang J. Traditional Herbal Medicine Discovery for the Treatment and Prevention of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:720873. [PMID: 34899290 PMCID: PMC8660120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.720873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling that may subsequently culminate in right heart failure and premature death. Although there are currently both non-pharmacological (lung transplantation, etc.) and pharmacological (Sildenafil, Bosentan, and new oral drugs on trial) therapies available, PAH remains a serious and fatal pulmonary disease. As a unique medical treatment, traditional herbal medicine (THM) treatment has gradually exerted its advantages in treating PAH worldwide through a multi-level and multi-target approach. Additionally, the potential mechanisms of THM were deciphered, including suppression of proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, controlling the processes of inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating vasoconstriction and ion channels. In this review, the effects and mechanisms of the frequently studied compound THM, single herbal preparations, and multiple active components from THM are comprehensively summarized, as well as their related mechanisms on several classical preclinical PAH models. It is worth mentioning that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate sodium and tetramethylpyrazine are under clinical trials and are considered the most promoting medicines for PAH treatment. Last, reverse pharmacology, a strategy to discover THM or THM-derived components, has also been proposed here for PAH. This review discusses the current state of THM, their working mechanisms against PAH, and prospects of reverse pharmacology, which are expected to facilitate the natural anti-PAH medicine discovery and development and its bench-to-bedside transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- Medical Experiment Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Research and Development Center of TCM, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
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20
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Natural ingredients from Chinese materia medica for pulmonary hypertension. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:801-814. [PMID: 34844719 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60092-4] [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: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe pathophysiological condition characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling and continuous increases in pulmonary artery pressure, which may eventually develop to right heart failure and death. Although newly discovered and incredible treatment strategies in recent years have improved the prognosis of PH, limited types of effective and economical drugs for PH still makes it as a life-threatening disease. Some drugs from Chinese materia medica (CMM) have been traditionally applied in the treatment of lung diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) derived from those medicines brings promising future for the prevention and treatment of PH. In this review, we summarized the pharmacological effects of APIs derived from CMM which are potent in treating PH, so as to provide new thoughts for initial drug discovery and identification of potential therapeutic strategies in alternative medicine for PH.
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21
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Ameliorative Effects and Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling: Network and Experimental Analyses. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:4576071. [PMID: 34422208 PMCID: PMC8378953 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4576071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive cardiovascular disease. Its pathological mechanism is complex, and the common pathological feature is pulmonary vascular remodeling. The efficacy of existing therapeutic agents is limited. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of complex diseases. In this study, the approaches of network pharmacology combined with biological verification are employed to explore the role of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) in the treatment of PH. The active ingredients in BYHWD were first screened based on the ADME properties of the compounds. In turn, the mean of data mining was utilized to analyze the potential targets of BYHWD for the treatment of PH. On this basis, a series of interaction networks were constructed for searching the core targets. The genes including AKT1, MMP9, NOS3/eNOS, and EGFR were found to be possible key targets in BYHWD. The results of enrichment analysis showed that the targets of BYHWD focused on smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, which are classic biological processes involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling and are closely related to the PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway. The methods of biological experiments were adopted to verify the above results. The present study elucidated the mechanism of BYHWD in the treatment of PH and provided new ideas for the clinical use of TCM in the treatment of PH.
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22
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Integrating systematic pharmacology-based strategy and experimental validation to explore the synergistic pharmacological mechanisms of Guanxin V in treating ventricular remodeling. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105187. [PMID: 34303037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guanxin V (GXV) has been widely used to treat ventricular remodeling (VR) in clinical practice in China. However, the underlying mechanisms are currently still lack. METHODS A systematic pharmacology-based strategy was utilized for predicting the synergistic pharmacological mechanisms of GXV in VR. The active compounds of GXV were selected and then the potential targets of these compounds contained in GXV and VR were successively identified. Then, after networks were constructed, DAVID was applied to functional enrichment. Moreover, the key findings were validated though molecular docking and molecular biology experiments. RESULTS A total of 119 active components in GXV and 169 potential targets shared between GXV and VR were obtained. The results of functional enrichment indicated that several biological processes and signaling pathways, mainly cell apoptosis and fibrosis. Finally, we discovered GXV produced marked anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects in VR though Caspase-3 and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION GXV could relieve and reverse VR through anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects predicted by systematic pharmacology and validated by molecular docking and molecular experiments. Our study deepens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of GXV in treating VR.
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Wang J, Li H, Xia T, Feng J, Zhou R. Pulmonary arterial hypertension and flavonoids: A role in treatment. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2021; 64:115-124. [PMID: 34169916 DOI: 10.4103/cjp.cjp_25_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a high mortality progressive pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to right heart failure. The use of clinical drugs for the treatment of PAH is limited to a great extent because of its single target and high price. Flavonoids are widely distributed in nature, and have been found in fruits, vegetables, and traditional Chinese medicine. They have diverse biological activities and various pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory. This review summarizes the progress in pharmacodynamics and mechanism of flavonoids in the treatment of PAH in recent years, in order to provide some theoretical references for relevant researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hailong Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Ningxia, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy; Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education; Ningxia Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization Engineering Technology Research Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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24
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Lee SE, Park YS. The Emerging Roles of Antioxidant Enzymes by Dietary Phytochemicals in Vascular Diseases. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030199. [PMID: 33806594 PMCID: PMC8001043 DOI: 10.3390/life11030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular diseases are major causes of death worldwide, causing pathologies including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure of the vascular system to a variety of stressors and inducers has been implicated in the development of various human diseases, including chronic inflammatory diseases. In the vascular wall, antioxidant enzymes form the first line of defense against oxidative stress. Recently, extensive research into the beneficial effects of phytochemicals has been conducted; phytochemicals are found in commonly used spices, fruits, and herbs, and are used to prevent various pathologic conditions, including vascular diseases. The present review aims to highlight the effects of dietary phytochemicals role on antioxidant enzymes in vascular diseases.
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25
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Candidate Genes Identified in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Were Associated with Immunity, Inflammation, and Cytokines. Cardiovasc Ther 2021; 2021:6651009. [PMID: 33680092 PMCID: PMC7906811 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6651009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc), including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), are the leading causes of patient death. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of its etiology are unclear. This study's objective was to identify the candidate genes involved in the progression of SSc-PAH and investigate the genes' function. Methods The gene expression profiles of GSE33463 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A free-scale gene coexpression network was constructed using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the association between gene sets and clinical features and identify candidate biomarkers. Then, gene ontology analysis was performed. A second dataset was used, GSE19617, to validate the hub genes. The verified hub genes' potential function was further explored using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results Through average link-level clustering, a total of seven modules were classified. A total of 938 hub genes were identified in the key module, and the key module's function mainly enriched was related to chemokine activities. Subsequently, four candidate genes, BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60, were filtered. The expression levels of these four hub genes were consistent in the GSE19617 and GSE33463 datasets. We plotted the ROC curve of the hub genes (all AUC > 0.70). Furthermore, the results of the GSEA for hub genes were correlated with complement and inflammatory responses. Conclusions The hub genes (BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60) performed well in distinguishing the SSc-PAH patients from controls, and some biological functions, related to immunity, inflammation, and cytokines, might pave the way for follow-up studies on the diagnosis and treatment of SSc-PAH.
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26
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Jiang Y, Sun-Waterhouse D, Chen Y, Li F, Li D. Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the benefits of flavonoids in cardiovascular health and diseases: are long non-coding RNAs rising stars? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:3855-3872. [PMID: 33427492 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1870926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank as the first leading cause of death globally. High dietary polyphenol (especially flavonoids) intake has strongly been associated with low incidence of the primary outcome, overall mortality, blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, onset of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity. Phytogenic flavonoids affect the physiological and pathological processes of CVDs by modulating various biochemical signaling pathways. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention as fundamental regulator of gene expression involved in CVDs. Among the different ncRNA subgroups, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as regulatory eukaryotic transcripts and therapeutic targets with important and diverse functions in health and diseases. lncRNAs may be associated with the initiation, development and progression of CVDs by modulating acute and chronic inflammation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and cellular physiology. This review summarizes this research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs and their roles in mediating cellular processes. The mechanisms of action of flavonoids underlying their therapeutic effects on CVDs are also discussed. Based on our review, flavonoids might facilitate a significant epigenetic modification as part (if not full) of their tissue-/cell-related biological effects. This finding may be attributed to their interaction with cellular signaling pathways involved in chronic diseases. Certain lncRNAs might be the target of specific flavonoids, and some critical signaling processes involved in the intervention of CVDs might mediate the therapeutic roles of flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jiang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control of Shandong Higher Education Institutes, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China
| | | | - Yilun Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control of Shandong Higher Education Institutes, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control of Shandong Higher Education Institutes, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China
| | - Dapeng Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Processing Technology and Quality Control of Shandong Higher Education Institutes, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China
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27
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He Y, Lian W, Ding L, Fan X, Ma J, Zhang QY, Ding X, Lin G. Lung injury induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids depends on metabolism by hepatic cytochrome P450s and blood transport of reactive metabolites. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:103-116. [PMID: 33033841 PMCID: PMC8765307 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common phytotoxins with both hepatotoxicity and pneumotoxicity. Hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes are known to bioactivate PAs into reactive metabolites, which can interact with proteins to form pyrrole-protein adducts and cause intrahepatic cytotoxicity. However, the metabolic and initiation biochemical mechanisms underlying PA-induced pneumotoxicity remain unclear. To investigate the in vivo metabolism basis for PA-induced lung injury, this study used mice with conditional deletion of the cytochrome P450 reductase (Cpr) gene and resultant tissue-selective ablation of microsomal P450 enzyme activities. After oral exposure to monocrotaline (MCT), a pneumotoxic PA widely used to establish animal lung injury models, liver-specific Cpr-null (LCN) mice, but not extrahepatic Cpr-low (xh-CL) mice, had significantly lower level of pyrrole-protein adducts in the serum, liver and lungs compared with wild-type (WT) mice. While MCT-exposed LCN mice had significantly higher blood concentration of intact MCT, compared to MCT-exposed WT or xh-CL mice. Consistent with the MCT in vivo bioactivation data, MCT-induced lung injury, represented by vasculature damage, in WT and xh-CL mice but not LCN mice. Furthermore, reactive metabolites of MCT were confirmed to exist in the blood efflux from the hepatic veins of MCT-exposed rats. Our results provide the first mode-of-action evidence that hepatic P450s are essential for the bioactivation of MCT, and blood circulating reactive metabolites of MCT to the lung causes pneumotoxicity. Collectively, this study presents the scientific basis for the application of MCT in animal lung injury models, and more importantly, warrants public awareness and further investigations of lung diseases associated with exposure to not only MCT but also different PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xinxin Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
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Sun X, Cui X, Chen X, Jiang X. Baicalein alleviated TGF β1-induced type I collagen production in lung fibroblasts via downregulation of connective tissue growth factor. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110744. [PMID: 32932046 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have reported that baicalein ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and inhibited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, the mechanisms of the capability of baicalein to suppress the production of type I collagen in fibroblasts remains unclear. Here, we showed that baicalein suppressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1)-stimulated the production of type I collagen in lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. By applying SILAC-based proteomic technology, 158 proteins were identified as baicalein-modulated proteins in TGF β1-stimulated the accumulation of type I collagen in MRC-5 cells. Our proteomic and biochemical analysis demonstrated that baicalein decreased the expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in TGF β1-stimulated MRC-5 cells. In addition, CTGF overexpression elevated the levels of type I collagen in baicalein-treated fibroblasts. Moreover, our results demonstrated that baicalein-downregulated CTGF expression might be related with the decrease of Smad2 phosphorylation, but not SP1. This work not only linked CTGF to TGF β1-stimulated the production of type I collagen in its attribution to the effects of baicalein, but also might provide valuable information for enhancing the knowledge of the pharmacological inhibition of collagen production, which might represent a promising strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xionghua Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xinjian Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xihua Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Xiaogang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
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29
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Zha LH, Zhou J, Tan Y, Guo S, Zhang MQ, Li S, Yan P, Yu ZX. NLRC3 inhibits PDGF-induced PASMCs proliferation via PI3K-mTOR pathway. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:9557-9567. [PMID: 32383265 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Few studies about nucleotide-oligomerization domain-like receptor subfamily C3 (NLRC3) in PASMCs have been conducted. This research aimed to investigate the role of NLRC3 on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and its underlying mechanism. We found that the proliferation of PASMCs stimulated with PDGF decreased when phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors pretreatment. Overexpression of NLRC3 inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs and the phosphorylation of PI3K and mTOR while knocking down NLRC3 reversed this effect. Targeted to PI3K or mTOR can also reverse the effect of NLRC3. Activation of PI3K increased the phosphorylation of mTOR while inhibition of PI3K reduced it. Our data suggest that PDGF can induce abnormal proliferation of PASMCs, and NLRC3 suppresses activation of the PI3K-mTOR signaling thus inhibits PASMCs proliferation. These findings unveiled the effect of NLRC3 as an inhibitor of the PI3K-mTOR pathway mediating protection against PASMCs proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Huang Zha
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yilong Tan
- Department of Ultrasonography, Zhuzhou Hospital, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Shuhong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuzhou Hospital, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Men-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zai-Xin Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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30
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Tang KY, Du SL, Wang QL, Zhang YF, Song HY. Traditional Chinese medicine targeting cancer stem cells as an alternative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2020; 18:196-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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Song Z, He Y, Ma J, Fu PP, Lin G. Pulmonary toxicity is a common phenomenon of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:124-140. [PMID: 32500835 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1743608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are metabolically activated in the liver to form reactive dehydro-PAs, which generate pyrrole-protein adducts leading to hepatotoxicity. Monocrotaline, but not other PAs, is also pneumotoxic, supposedly due to the migration of the liver-generated corresponding dehydro-PA into the lung to form pyrrole-protein adducts to induce pneumotoxicity. The present study investigated whether other PAs are also pneumotoxic. Metabolic activation of four representative hepatotoxic PAs, monocrotaline, retrorsine, riddelliine and clivorine, was investigated using rat liver or lung S9 incubation. All PAs produced pyrrole-protein adducts significantly in rat liver S9 but negligible in lung S9 fraction, revealing that liver is the key organ responsible for metabolic activation generating dehydro-PAs. Furthermore, these four PAs and another two PAs present in the alkaloid extract of Gynura segetum, a widely used PA-producing herb responsible for human PA poisonings in China, were orally administered to rats using the same hepatotoxic dose of 0.2 mmol/kg. All six PAs induced pneumotoxicity in rats within 48 h. The results demonstrated that pneumotoxicity could be a common phenomenon of PAs and the liver-derived dehydro-PAs might move to the lung and form pyrrole-protein adducts, leading to pulmonary toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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32
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Liu TH, Chen WH, Chen XD, Liang QE, Tao WC, Jin Z, Xiao Y, Chen LG. Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Action of TaohongSiwu Decoction Against Essential Hypertension. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e920682. [PMID: 32187175 PMCID: PMC7102407 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TaohongSiwu decoction (THSWT), a traditional herbal formula, has been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as essential hypertension (EH) in China. However, the pharmacological mechanism is not clear. To investigate the mechanisms of THSWT in the treatment of EH, we performed compounds, targets prediction and network analysis using a network pharmacology method. MATERIAL AND METHODS We selected chemical constituents and targets of THSWT according to TCMSP and UniProtKB databases and collected therapeutic targets on EH from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Drugbank and DisGeNET databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed by using String database. Then network was constructed by using Cytoscape_v3.7.1, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment was performed by using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software. RESULTS The results of our network pharmacology research showed that the THSWT, composed of 6 Chinese herbs, contained 15 compounds, and 23 genes regulated the main signaling pathways related to EH. Moreover, the PPI network based on targets of THSWT on EH revealed the interaction relationship between targets. These core compounds were 6 of the 15 disease-related compounds in the network, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, Myricanone, beta-sitosterol, baicalein, and the core genes contained ADRB2, CALM1, HMOX1, JUN, PPARG, and VEGFA, which were regulated by more than 3 compounds and significantly associated with Calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This network pharmacological study can reveal potential mechanisms of multi-target and multi-component THSWT in the treatment of EH, provide a scientific basis for studying the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Hao Liu
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Wei-Hao Chen
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Xu-Dong Chen
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Qiu-Er Liang
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Wen-Cong Tao
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Zhen Jin
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Ya Xiao
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Li-Guo Chen
- Chinese Medicine College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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33
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Wen J, Shen J, Zhou Y, Zhao X, Dai Z, Jin Y. Pyrroloquinoline quinone attenuates isoproterenol hydrochloride‑induced cardiac hypertrophy in AC16 cells by inhibiting the NF‑κB signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2020; 45:873-885. [PMID: 31922230 PMCID: PMC7015139 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a naturally occurring redox co-factor that functions as an essential nutrient and antioxidant, and has been reported to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, the therapeutic potential of PQQ for isoproterenol hydrochloride (Iso)-induced cardiac hypertrophy has not yet been explored, at least to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of PQQ were investigated in Iso-treated AC16 cells, a myocardial injury cellular model characterized by an increase in the apparent surface area of the cells and the activation of intracellular cardiac hypertrophy-associated proteins. The results revealed that pre-treatment with PQQ significantly inhibited the expression of cardiac hypertrophy marker proteins, such as atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain. PQQ also inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in Iso-treated AC16 cells, thus inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and reducing the phosphorylation levels of p65. On the whole, the findings of this study suggest that PQQ may be a promising therapeutic agent for effectively reversing the progression of cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junru Wen
- Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Junwei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Tongji University Affiliated EAST Hospital, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Yajie Zhou
- Graduate School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Xianhui Zhao
- Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Zhensheng Dai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200090, P.R. China
| | - Yueling Jin
- Department of Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
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34
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Xu T, Ge X, Lu C, Dai W, Chen H, Xiao Z, Wu L, Liang G, Ying S, Zhang Y, Dai Y. Baicalein attenuates OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:9310-9327. [PMID: 31692453 PMCID: PMC6874438 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a type of chronic lung inflammation with restrictions in effective therapy. NF-κB pathway activation has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Baicalein, one of the major active flavonoids found in Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NF-κB activity. Herein, we report that Baicalein significantly reduces OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, serum IgE levels, mucus production, and collagen deposition around the airway. Additionally, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay showed that Baicalein attenuates the activation of NF-κB, which was mainly reflected by IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, p65 nuclear translocation and downstream iNOS expression. Furthermore, in human epithelial cells, Baicalein blocked TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. Our study provides evidence that Baicalein administration alleviates the pathological changes in asthma through inactivating the NF-κB/iNOS pathway. Baicalein might be a promising potential therapy agent for patients with allergic asthma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangting Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chun Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Dai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongjin Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhongxiang Xiao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liqin Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanrong Dai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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35
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Mikhael M, Makar C, Wissa A, Le T, Eghbali M, Umar S. Oxidative Stress and Its Implications in the Right Ventricular Remodeling Secondary to Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1233. [PMID: 31607955 PMCID: PMC6769067 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressures. Long standing pulmonary arterial pressure overload leads to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, RV failure, and death. RV failure is a major determinant of survival in PH. Oxidative stress has been associated with the development of RV failure secondary to PH. Here we summarize the structural and functional changes in the RV in response to sustained pulmonary arterial pressure overload. Furthermore, we review the pre-clinical and clinical studies highlighting the association of oxidative stress with pulmonary vasculature and RV remodeling in chronic PH. Targeting oxidative stress promises to be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RV failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mikhael
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christian Makar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amir Wissa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Trixie Le
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mansoureh Eghbali
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Soban Umar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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36
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Wang M, Gu S, Liu Y, Yang Y, Yan J, Zhang X, An X, Gao J, Hu X, Su P. miRNA-PDGFRB/HIF1A-lncRNA CTEPHA1 Network Plays Important Roles in the Mechanism of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Int Heart J 2019; 60:924-937. [DOI: 10.1536/ihj.18-479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maozhou Wang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Song Gu
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Yan Liu
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Yuanhua Yang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Jun Yan
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Xitao Zhang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Xiangguang An
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Jie Gao
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Pixiong Su
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University
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37
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Cano M, Guerrero-Castilla A, Nabavi SM, Ayala A, Argüelles S. Targeting pro-senescence mitogen activated protein kinase (Mapk) enzymes with bioactive natural compounds. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 131:110544. [PMID: 31201898 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial universal process characterized by a gradual decrease in physiological and biochemical functions. Given that life expectancy is on the rise, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the aging process is necessary in order to develop anti-aging interventions. Uncontrolled cellular senescence promotes persistent inflammation and accelerates the aging process by decreasing tissue renewal, repair and regeneration. Senescence of immune cells, immunesenescence, is another hallmark of aging. Targeting pro-senescent enzymes increases survival and therefore the lifespan. Although the upregulation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) enzymes in aging is still controversial, increasing evidence shows that dysregulation of those enzymes are associated with biological processes that contribute to aging such as irreversible senescence. In this manuscript components of the MAPK pathway will be summarized, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, as well as natural flavonoids, phenolic and diterpenoids with anti-senescence activity that shows positive effects on longevity and MAPK inhibition. Although more studies using additional aging models are needed, we suggest that these selected natural bioactive compounds that regulate MAPK enzymes and reduce senescent cells can be potentially used to improve longevity and prevent/treat age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Cano
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Antonio Ayala
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Sandro Argüelles
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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38
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Zhang M, Chang Z, Zhao F, Zhang P, Hao YJ, Yan L, Liu N, Wang JL, Bo L, Ma P, Zhou W, Ma X, Xu QB, Zhou R. Protective Effects of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:13. [PMID: 30723409 PMCID: PMC6349717 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a destructive and rare disorder characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary artery pressure and vasoconstriction, ultimately leading to right ventricular failure and death. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) is an active ingredient in the commonly used Chinese herbal medicine radix glycyrrhizae, and it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and other pharmacological properties. This study aimed to determine whether 18β-GA has protective effects against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH and whether it is associated with oxidative stress. The PAH of rats was induced by MCT (60 mg/kg) and oral administration of 18β-GA (100, 50, or 25 mg/kg/day), sildenafil (30 mg/kg), or saline for 21 consecutive days. The development of PAH was evaluated by hemodynamic parameters and right ventricular hypertrophy index. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and electron microscopy were used to determine the degree of vascular remodeling and proliferation in lung tissue. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels in the lungs were measured according to the instructions provided by the test kits, and the expression levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2 (Nox2) and Nox4 were detected through Western blot analysis. Results of our study indicated that 18β-GA treatment significantly improved the hemodynamic and pathomorphological data of the rats, reduced the changes in oxidative stress biomarkers, and inhibited Nox2 and Nox4 expression. Our research indicated that 18β-GA has a protective effect against MCT-induced PAH by inhibiting oxidative stress in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhi Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yin-Ju Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lin Yan
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jun-Li Wang
- Foreign Language Teaching Department, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Bo
- Foreign Language Teaching Department, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Ma
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xuan Ma
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qing-Bin Xu
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Shi R, Zhu D, Wei Z, Fu N, Wang C, Liu L, Zhang H, Liang Y, Xing J, Wang X, Wang Y. Baicalein attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2018; 207:442-450. [PMID: 29969608 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) was shown to lead to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Baicalein was reported to inhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological process that has many regulatory pathways in common with EndoMT. Whether it can attenuate PAH by inhibiting EndoMT remains obscure. MAIN METHODS PAH was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Two weeks after MCT administration, the rats in the treatment groups received baicalein orally (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) for an additional 2 weeks. Hemodynamic changes and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were evaluated on day 28. Cardiopulmonary interstitial fibrosis was detected using Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius-red, and immunohistochemical staining. The reactivity of pulmonary arteries (PAs) was examined ex vivo. The protein expresson of EndoMT molecules, bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was examined to explore the mechanism of protective action of baicalein. KEY FINDINGS Baicalein (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly alleviated MCT-induced PAH and cardiopulmonary interstitial fibrosis. Furthermore, baicalein treatment enhanced PA responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) in PAH rats. The upregulation of EndoMT molecules (N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, and Slug) strongly suggest that EndoMT participates in MCT-induced PAH, which was reversed by baicalein (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. Moreover, baicalein partially reversed MCT-induced reductions in BMPR2 and NF-κB activation in the PAs. SIGNIFICANCE Baicalein attenuated MCT-induced PAH in rats by inhibiting EndoMT partially via the NF-κB-BMPR2 pathway. Thus, baicalein might be considered as a promising treatment option for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Diying Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zehui Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Peace Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Naijie Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Linhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Huifeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yueqin Liang
- Medical Functional Experimental Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Jianfeng Xing
- Medical Functional Experimental Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xuening Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
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