Baicalin ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in rats by modulating HDAC2/NF-κB/PAI-1 signalling

Aucubin Alleviates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease with high death rates. Aucubin is an iridoid glycoside extracted from Eucommia ulmoides with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in human diseases. This study aimed to investigate its specific function in mouse and cell models of COPD.

METHODS

The COPD mouse model was established by exposing mice to a long-term cigarette smoke (CS). The number of inflammatory cells and the contents of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of CS-exposed mice were measured. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung tissues were estimated. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were utilized to evaluate pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema in CS-treated mice. Cell apoptosis in the lung tissues was estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Western blot was applied to quantify protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and apoptotic markers. COPD cell model was established by exposing mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE12) with cigarette smoke extract to further verify the properties of aucubin in vitro.

RESULTS

Aucubin reduced the number of inflammatory cells and decreased the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF of CS-treated mice. The oxidative stress, lung emphysema, fibrosis, and lung cell apoptosis induced by CS exposure were ameliorated by aucubin administration. Aucubin activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with ML385, a specific Nrf2 inhibitor, antagonized the protective effects of aucubin on inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and cell apoptosis in COPD.

CONCLUSION

Aucubin alleviates inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pulmonary fibrosis in COPD mice and CSE-treated MLE12 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Baicalin attenuates acute skin damage induced by ultraviolet B via inhibiting pyroptosis

As the outermost layer of the human body, the skin suffers from various external factors especially light damage, among which ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is common and possesses a relatively high biological damage capacity. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered type of programmed cell death, which can induce cell rupture and induce local inflammatory response. However, the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in photodamaged skin is poorly understood. Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from the desiccated root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin). Despite its antioxidant abilities, whether baicalin protects skin by attenuating UVB-induced pyroptosis remains unclear, which was the aim of this study. The UVB-induced acute skin damage model was established by using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and Kunming (KM) strain mice. The protective dose selection for baicalin is 50 μM in vitro and 100 mg/kg in vivo. In in vitro study, UVB irradiation significantly decreased cell viability, increased cell death and oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, while pretreatment with baicalin improved these phenomena. Furthermore, the baicalin pretreatment notably suppressed nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and gasdermin D (GSDMD) maturation, thus effectively attenuating UVB-induced pyroptosis. In in vivo study, the baicalin pretreatment mitigated epidermal hyperplasia, collagen fiber fragmentation, oxidative stress and pyroptosis in UVB-irradiated mouse skin. In a nutshell, this study suggests that baicalin could be a potential protective agent to attenuate acute skin damage induced by UVB irradiation through decreasing oxidative stress and suppressing NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD-involved pyroptosis.

Baicalin Relieves Airway Inflammation in COPD by Inhibiting miR-125a

To investigate the effects of Baicalin on the apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and the release of inflammatory factors, and to clarify its possible mechanism. CSE was used to treat 16HBE cells and construct COPD cell model. The activity of 16HBE cells was detected by CCK-8 and BrdU. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) was used to detect the expression level of miR-125a in each group of 16HBE cells. At the same time, the levels of 16HBE inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected. The apoptosis rate of 16HBE cells in each group was detected by TUNEL. Compared with the control group, the proliferation of 16HBE cells in CSE group was decreased. Baicalin reversed the effect of 2% CSE on the proliferation of 16HBE cells. Baicalin also reversed the effect of 2% CSE on apoptosis and inflammatory factors in 16HBE cells. miR-125a is highly expressed in COPD, and Baicalin can inhibit the expression of miR-125a. Silencing miR-125a reduces apoptosis and inflammatory response of 16HBE cells in COPD. miR-125a reversed the effects of Baicalin on apoptosis and inflammation of 16HBE cells. Baicalin can reduce CSE-induced apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells and release of inflammatory factors, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of miR-125a.

Valproic acid ameliorates cauda equina injury by suppressing HDAC2-mediated ferroptosis

INTRODUCTION

Persistent neuroinflammatory response after cauda equina injury (CEI) lowers nociceptor firing thresholds, accompanied by pathological pain and decreasing extremity dysfunction. Histone deacetylation has been considered a key regulator of immunity, inflammation, and neurological dysfunction. Our previous study suggested that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, exhibited neuroprotective effects in rat models of CEI, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive.

METHODS

The cauda equina compression surgery was performed to establish the CEI model. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan score, and the von Frey filament test were carried out to measure the animal behavior. Immunofluorescence staining of myelin basic protein and GPX4 was carried out. In addition, transmission electron microscope analysis was used to assess the effect of VPA on the morphological changes of mitochondria. RNA-sequencing was conducted to clarify the underlying mechanism of VPA on CEI protection.

RESULTS

In this current study, we revealed that the expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 was elevated after cauda equina compression model but was reversed by VPA treatment. Meanwhile, HDAC2 knockdown resulted in the improvement of motor functions and pathologic pain, similar to treatment with VPA. Histology analysis also showed that knockdown of histone deacetylase (HDAC)-2, but not HDAC1, remarkably alleviated cauda equina injury and demyelinating lesions. The potential mechanism may be related to lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the injured region. Notably, the transcriptome sequencing indicated that the therapeutic effect of VPA may depend on HDAC2-mediated ferroptosis. Ferroptosis-related genes were analyzed in vivo and DRG cells further validated the reliability of RNA-sequencing results, suggesting HDAC2-H4K12ac axis participated in epigenetic modulation of ferroptosis-related genes.

CONCLUSION

HDAC2 is critically involved in the ferroptosis and neuroinflammation in cauda equina injury, and VPA ameliorated cauda equina injury by suppressing HDAC2-mediated ferroptosis.

Modified Bushen Yiqi Formula mitigates pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling by inhibiting neutrophils chemotaxis and IL17 signaling pathway in rats with COPD

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern characterized by pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Modified Jiawei Bushen Yiqi Formula (MBYF), has been used as a complementary therapy for COPD in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic potential of MBYF in a rat model of COPD induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The COPD rat model was established through 24 weeks of CS exposure, with MBYF administration starting in the 9th week. Pulmonary function, histological analysis, inflammatory cell count and molecular assays were employed to assess the effects of MBYF on airway remodeling, pulmonary inflammation, neutrophils chemotaxis and the IL17 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

MBYF treatment effectively delayed airway remodeling, as evidenced by improved pulmonary function parameters. Histological examination and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis revealed that MBYF mitigated CS-induced pulmonary inflammation by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Pharmacological network analysis suggested that MBYF may act through the IL17 signaling pathway to regulate inflammatory responses. RNA-sequencing and molecular assays indicated that MBYF inhibited neutrophils chemotaxis through downregulating the CXCL1/CXCL5/CXCL8-CXCR2 axis, and suppressed IL17A, IL17F and its downstream cytokines, including IL6, TNFα, IL1β, and COX2. Furthermore, MBYF inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in the IL17 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MBYF exhibits potential as an adjunct or alternative treatment for COPD, effectively mitigating CS-induced pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling through the inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis and IL17 signaling pathway.

Baicalin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammatory injury via suppressing PARP1-mediated NF-κB and NLRP3 signalling pathway

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure is a key inducer of intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets, resulting in decreased growth performance of pigs and causing severe economic losses to the swine industry; however, the mechanism of intestinal inflammatory injury is still unclear. Baicalin is one of the main active ingredients extracted from the natural plant Scutellaria baicalensis that has biological functions, including anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect and mechanism of baicalin intervention on intestinal inflammatory injury caused by bacterial LPS exposure. In the present study, network pharmacology, molecular docking and DARTS results identified that baicalin has the potential to target PARP1, thereby potentially regulating a series of inflammation-related pathways, including the MAPK, NF-κB and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways, which play the role of antagonizing LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury. Further application of the LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cell model validated the finding that baicalin could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PARP1-mediated NF-κB and NLRP3 signalling pathway. These findings demonstrate that baicalin can regulate the expression of PARP1 and that PARP1 has the potential to serve as an effective therapeutic target in the LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury.

Suppressing inflammatory signals and apoptosis-linked sphingolipid metabolism underlies therapeutic potential of Qing-Jin-Hua-Tan decoction against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Qing-Jin-Hua-Tan decoction (QJHTD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription that first appeared in the ancient book Yi-Xue-Tong-Zhi. QJHTD has shown effectiveness for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although its mechanisms of action are still perplexing. The molecular mechanisms underlying the curative effects of QJHTD on COPD is worth exploring.

Methods

In vitro antiapoptotic and antiinflammatory activities of QJHTD were evaluated using cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis rate, and expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in BEAS-2B and RAW264.7 cells challenged with cigarette smoke (CS) extract (CSE) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo therapeutic activities of QJHTD were evaluated using respiratory parameters (peak inspiratory flow (PIFb) and peak expiratory flow (PEFb) values), histopathology (mean linear intercept, MLI), and proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β and TNF-α) and cleaved caspase-3 (c-Casp3) levels in the lung tissue of CS-LPS-exposed BALB/c mice. Network pharmacology-based prediction, transcriptomic analysis, and metabolic profiling were employed to investigate the signaling molecules and metabolites pertinent to the anti-COPD action of QJHTD.

Results

Increased cell viability and proliferation with decreased apoptosis rate and proinflammatory cytokine expression were noted after QJHTD intervention. QJHTD administration elevated PEFb and PIFb values, reduced MLI, and inhibited IL-1β, TNF-α, and c-Casp3 expression in vivo. Integrated network pharmacology-transcriptomics revealed that suppressing inflammatory signals (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, IκB-NF-κB, TLR, and MAPK) and apoptosis contributed to the anti-COPD property of QJHTD. Metabolomic profiling unveiled prominent roles for the suppression of apoptosis and sphingolipid (SL) metabolism and the promotion of choline (Ch) metabolism in the anti-COPD effect of QJHTD. Integrative transcriptomics-metabolomics unraveled the correlation between SL metabolism and apoptosis. In silico molecular docking revealed that acacetin, as an active compound in QJHTD, could bind with high affinity to MEK1, MEK2, ERK1, ERK2, Bcl2, NF-κB, and alCDase target proteins.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effect of QJHTD on COPD is dependent on regulating inflammatory signals and apoptosis-directed SL metabolism. These findings provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanism of action of QJHTD against COPD and justify its theoretical promise in novel pharmacotherapy for this multifactorial disease.

Vardenafil alleviates cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by activating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway: an in vitro and in vivo study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has always attracted global attention with its high prevalence, incidence rate, and mortality. Exposure to cigarette smoke is one of main causes of COPD. Therefore, it is still necessary to study its pathogenesis and find new therapeutic strategies for early COPD prevention and treatment. Vardenafil, a type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitor, is known to have an efficient therapy in some cardiovascular, pulmonary, and vascular diseases, which is an important mechanism for COPD. However, it still loss relevant research on whether vardenafil is effective in COPD and its mechanism. In this study, the cigarette smoke inhalation was performed to establish cigarette smoke-induced COPD model using C57BL/6 mice and 16HBE cells were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Mice were treated with vardenafil for 30 d. Then condition of lung injury was evaluated using histological analysis. The content of cytokines and the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissues or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Additionally, western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated autophagy in vitro. The results showed that vardenafil abolished CSE's effect by activating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway in vitro. Vardenafil attenuated cigarette smoke-induced lung injury and inflammation response by activating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway in vivo. These results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying vardenafil's beneficial effects in cigarette smoke-induced COPD treatment. In conclusion, vardenafil alleviates cigarette smoke-induced experimental COPD by activating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway.

CSE reduces OTUD4 triggering lung epithelial cell apoptosis via PAI-1 degradation

Ovarian tumor family deubiquitinase 4 (OTUD4), a member of the OTU deubiquitinating enzyme, is implicated to decrease in cancer to regulate cell apoptosis. However, the role of OTUD4 in cigarette smoke induced epithelial cell apoptosis and its mechanism have not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that OTUD4 protein reduced in CSE treated mice and airway epithelial cells. OTUD4 silence aggravated cell apoptosis and emphysematous change in the lung tissue of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treated mice. Additionally, restoration of OTUD4 in the lung of mice alleviated CSE induced apoptosis and emphysematous morphology change. The effect of OTUD4 on cell apoptosis was also confirmed in vitro. Through protein profile screening, we identified that OTUD4 may interact with plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1). We further confirmed that OTUD4 interacted with PAI-1 for de-ubiquitination and inhibiting CSE induced PAI-1 degradation. Furthermore, the protective role of OTUD4 in airway epithelial cells apoptosis was blocked by PAI-1 deactivation. Taken together, our data suggest that OTUD4 regulates cigarette smoke (CS)-triggered airway epithelial cell apoptosis via modulating PAI-1 degradation. Targeting OUTD4/PAI-1 signaling might potentially provide a therapeutic target against the lung cell apoptosis in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema.

Exploring the Mechanisms of Modified Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi Decoction for COPD-Related Osteoporosis Therapy via Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Approach

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of modified Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi decoction (MBSYQ) in the treatment of osteoporosis associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

Disease targets, active ingredients and targets were predicted by TTD, CTD, DisGeNET, HERB (BenCaoZuJian as its Chinese name), and multiple-TCM databases; In addition, the screened targets were performed via the online platforms DAVID 6.8 and Metascape for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis; The relationship between the MBSYQ and core targets were verified by molecular docking technique. Then we established a COPD-associated osteoporosis rat model by passive 24-week cigarette exposure. We assessed the efficacy of MBSYQ by lung histopathology assessment and distal femur/the first lumbar vertebra (L1) microstructural assay. In addition, we performed tibial RNA sequencing, which was validated by RT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

Screening revealed that the 350 active compounds of MBSYQ anchored 228 therapeutic targets for COPD-related osteoporosis; KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the key targets mainly regulated MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In vivo studies showed that MBSYQ treatment alleviated pathological alterations in lung tissue, and reversed the bone loss and microstructure damage in the femur/L1 of model rats. The RNA seq indicated that MBSYQ could upregulate genes associated with anti-oxidative stress and aerobic respiration. The GSEA analysis displayed that MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways were inhibited by CS exposure and activated by MBSYQ.

Conclusion

MBSYQ is effective in the prevention and treatment of COPD-related osteoporosis, partially achieved by improving oxygen metabolism and activating MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways.

Baicalin alleviates silica-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting TLR4/NF-?B pathway in rats

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. The disease is characterized by early lung inflammation and late irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. Here we report the effect of Baicalin, a main flavonoid compound from the roots of Chinese herbal medicine Huang Qin on silicosis in a rat model. Results showed Baicalin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) can mitigate the silica-induced lung inflammation and reduce the harm of alveolar structure and the blue region of collagen fibers in rat lung at 28 days after administration. At the same time, Baicalin also diminished the level of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in lung tissues. The protein expression of collagen I (Col-1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and vimentin were down-regulated while E-cadherin (E-cad) was increased in Baicalin-treated rats. In addition, the Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/ nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway was enabled at 28 days after silica infusion, and the treatment of Baicalin diminished the expression of TLR4 and NF-?B in the lungs of rat with silicosis. These results suggested that Baicalin inhibited the pulmonary inflammatory and fibrosis in a rat model of silicosis, which could be attributed to inhibition of the TLR4/NF-kappaB pathway.

The protective effects of baicalin for respiratory diseases: an update and future perspectives

Background: Respiratory diseases are common and frequent diseases. Due to the high pathogenicity and side effects of respiratory diseases, the discovery of new strategies for drug treatment is a hot area of research. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) has been used as a medicinal herb in China for over 2000 years. Baicalin (BA) is a flavonoid active ingredient extracted from SBG that BA has been found to exert various pharmacological effects against respiratory diseases. However, there is no comprehensive review of the mechanism of the effects of BA in treating respiratory diseases. This review aims to summarize the current pharmacokinetics of BA, baicalin-loaded nano-delivery system, and its molecular mechanisms and therapeutical effects for treating respiratory diseases.

Method: This review reviewed databases such as PubMed, NCBI, and Web of Science from their inception to 13 December 2022, in which literature was related to “baicalin”, “Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi”, “COVID-19”, “acute lung injury”, “pulmonary arterial hypertension”, “asthma”, “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, “pulmonary fibrosis”, “lung cancer”, “pharmacokinetics”, “liposomes”, “nano-emulsions”, “micelles”, “phospholipid complexes”, “solid dispersions”, “inclusion complexes”, and other terms.

Result: The pharmacokinetics of BA involves mainly gastrointestinal hydrolysis, the enteroglycoside cycle, multiple metabolic pathways, and excretion in bile and urine. Due to the poor bioavailability and solubility of BA, liposomes, nano-emulsions, micelles, phospholipid complexes, solid dispersions, and inclusion complexes of BA have been developed to improve its bioavailability, lung targeting, and solubility. BA exerts potent effects mainly by mediating upstream oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and immune response pathways. It regulates are the NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, TGF-β/Smad, Nrf2/HO-1, and ERK/GSK3β pathways.

Conclusion: This review presents comprehensive information on BA about pharmacokinetics, baicalin-loaded nano-delivery system, and its therapeutic effects and potential pharmacological mechanisms in respiratory diseases. The available studies suggest that BA has excellent possible treatment of respiratory diseases and is worthy of further investigation and development.

Tiao-Bu-Fei-Shen Formula Improves Glucocorticoid Resistance of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via Downregulating the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway and Promoting GRα Expression

Objective

To predict and determine the mechanism through which Tiao-Bu-Fei-Shen (TBFS) formula improves glucocorticoid resistance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and in vitro studies.

Methods

The main active components and associated targets of TBFS were screened using the systems pharmacology database of traditional Chinese medicine database (TCMSP). The main COPD targets were retrieved from the Human Gene (GeneCards) and DrugBank databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the protein interaction platform STRING and Cytoscape 3.6.1. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome Pathway (KEGG) analyses were performed using the biological information annotation database Metascape. Molecular docking was performed using the AutoDock Vina software. THP-1 monocytes were treated with TBFS-containing serum and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 48 h, and cell proliferation in each group was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). A COPD cell model was constructed by stimulating THP-1 monocytes with CSE for 12 h. A lentivirus vector for RNA interference of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) gene was constructed and transfected into the THP-1 monocytes, and the transfection efficiency was verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting (WB). The expression of HDAC2 in each group of cells was detected using qPCR, and the expression of HDAC2, phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) p85α, glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα), and P-AKT1 in each group of cells was detected through WB.

Results

A total of 344 TBFS active components, 249 related drug targets, 1,171 COPD target proteins, and 138 drug and disease intersection targets were obtained. Visual analysis of the PPI network map revealed that the core COPD targets of TBFS were AKT1, IL-6, TNF, TP53, and IL1-β. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis resulted in the identification of 20 signaling pathways as the main pathways involved in the action of TBFS against COPD, including the PI3K-Akt, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking experiments revealed a strong binding capacity of kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin to the ATK1 protein in TBFS, with quercetin performing the best. PCR results showed that treatment with TBFS significantly increased the expression levels of HDAC2 in the COPD model. WB results showed that TBFS treatment significantly increased the expression levels of GRα and HDAC2 in the COPD model, while reducing the expression levels of P-AKT1.

Conclusion

TBFS treatment improves glucocorticoid resistance observed in COPD through downregulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and promotion of GRα expression.

Pharmacological effects of baicalin in lung diseases

The flavonoids baicalin and baicalein were discovered in the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and are primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine, herbal supplements and healthcare. Recently, accumulated investigations have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of baicalin in treating various lung diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, anticancer, and antiviral effects. In this review, the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials website were searched with the search string "baicalin" and "lung" for articles published between September 1970 and March 2023. We summarized the therapeutic role that baicalin plays in a variety of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary infections, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, and lung cancer. We also discussed the underlying mechanisms of baicalin targeting in these lung diseases.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Lonicerae flos, Lonicerae japonicae flos, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Forsythia suspensa

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) represents a potent, safe, and efficacious reservoir of treatment options against an array of microbial infections and inflammatory diseases. It has a long history of positive clinical outcomes with minimal or no side effects while enhancing and bolstering the host's protection against infections. With its unique ability to prevent, treat, and manage a wide range of diseased conditions, CHM has been successfully practiced in China for thousands of years. In the modern medical era, where harsh therapeutic drugs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) present a significant challenge, CHM warrants further exploration. The present review highlights and focuses on 4 major CHM-based herbs, that is, ( Lonicerae flos [ LF] , Lonicerae japonicae flos [ LJF] , Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi [ SBG] , and Forsythia suspensa [ FS]) in terms of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacies. A detailed literature survey was done by the team using a systematic electronic search from PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, books, etc. This was followed by data collecting, pertinent data extraction, in-depth analysis, and composing the final review. Each herb has been discussed in detail describing its mechanism adopted and the bioactive components involved in alleviating bacterial infections and inflammatory damage. Further, proof of efficacy by detailing the major past studies and major findings has been discussed for each of the 4 herbs. This review will give the scientific community the opportunity to update their knowledge on the subject, which is crucial for heralding the process of bringing CHM-based medicines closer to clinical development given the area of alternative medicine's rapid advancements.

Baicalin Inhibits Inflammation in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by the TLR2/MYD88/NF-κBp65 Signaling Pathway

Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a relatively high morbidity and death rate. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of baicalin (BA) on inflammation in COPD rats and its possible mechanism.

Methods

The experimental COPD of SD rats were induced by LPS, smoking, and cold stimulation, and they were randomly divided into the control group, COPD group, COPD + LB group, COPD + MB group, and COPD + HB group. The test of pulmonary function and the HE staining were carried out in COPD rats. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8, as well as GSH, SOD, and MDA in serum, were detected by ELISA. The levels of TLR2, MYD88, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA in BALF were detected by qPCR. The expression of TLR2/MYD88/NF-κBp65 pathway-related proteins was also detected by the Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays.

Results

Compared to the COPD model group, BA treatment significantly improved the pulmonary function and pathologic changes, reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, and MDA, and increased the levels of IL-10, SOD, and GSH in COPD rats. In addition, BA could also decrease the protein levels of MYD88, p–NF–κBp65/NF-κBp65, TLR2, and TLR4 but increase the protein level of p-IκBa/IκB in lung tissue of COPD rats.

Conclusion

BA ameliorated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in COPD rats by regulating the TLR2/MYD88/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway.

Protective effects of budesonide on LPS‑induced podocyte injury by modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization: Evidence from in vitro and in silico studies

Budesonide (Bud), one of the most widely used lung medicines, is currently used as a repurposing medicine for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) treatment. The progression of IgAN is related to inflammation involving macrophages and podocytes. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Bud on classically activated (M1)/alternatively activated (M2) macrophage polarization and podocyte injury under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory stress in vitro. Anti-inflammatory bioinformation of Bud was identified based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database. RAW264.7 cells were treated with normal medium, LPS, curcumin (Cur, positive control), or Bud 5, 10, or 20 µM. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, mannose receptor (CD206) and arginase (Arg)-1 were quantified by western blotting. The collected supernatants from macrophages were termed (Nor)MS, (LPS)MS, (Cur)MS and (Bud)MS. The TNF-α, IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the supernatants were evaluated by ELISA and Griess assay. The podocytes were cultured in different supernatants and their survival rates were assessed by bromodeoxyuridine assay. TNF signaling is an important pathway by which Bud exerts anti-inflammatory activities. Compared with the LPS group, 5, 10 and 20 µM Bud significantly increased Arg-1 and decreased iNOS expression (Six: P<0.05) and 20 µM Bud significantly increased Arg-1 and CD206 and decreased iNOS and TNF-α expression (Four: P<0.05). Cur significantly decreased iNOS and TNF-α expression (Two: P<0.05). Compared with LPS, 5, 10 and 20 µM Bud and Cur significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-1β and NO levels (All: P<0.05). The podocyte survival rates of (Bud)MS and (Cur)MS were significantly higher than those of (LPS)MS (Four: P<0.05). The protective effect of Bud on podocyte injury is related to its modulation of M1/M2 polarization.

The Role and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Asthma: Overview and Progress

Asthma as an individual disease has blighted human health for thousands of years and is still a vital global health challenge at present. Though getting much progress in the utilization of antibiotics, mucolytics, and especially the combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β-agonists (LABA), we are confused about the management of asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling, which directly threatens the quality of life for chronic patients. The blind addition of ICS will not benefit the remission of cough, wheeze, or sputum, but to increase the risk of side effects. Thus, it is necessary to explore an effective therapy to modulate asthmatic inflammation and airway remodeling. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has justified its anti-asthma effect in clinical practice but its underlying mechanism and specific role in asthma are still unknown. Some animal studies demonstrated that the classic formula, direct exacts, and natural compounds isolated from TCM could significantly alleviate airway structural alterations and exhibit the anti-inflammatory effects. By investigating these findings and data, we will discuss the possible pathomechanism underlined airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma and the unique role of TCM in the treatment of asthma through regulating different signaling pathways.

Polyphenols, flavonoids and inflammasomes: the role of cigarette smoke in COPD

COPD is predicted to become the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide by 2030. Cigarette smoking (active or passive) is one of its chief causes, with about 20% of cigarette smokers developing COPD from cigarette smoke (CS)-induced irreversible damage and sustained inflammation of the airway epithelium. Inflammasome activation leads to the cleavage of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and pro-IL-18, along with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines via gasdermin D N-terminal fragment membrane pores, which further triggers acute phase pro-inflammatory responses and concurrent pyroptosis. There is currently intense interest in the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing protein-3 inflammasomes in chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as COPD and their potential for therapeutic targeting. Phytochemicals including polyphenols and flavonoids have phyto-medicinal benefits in CS-COPD. Here, we review published articles from the last decade regarding the known associations between inflammasome-mediated responses and ameliorations in pre-clinical manifestations of CS-COPD via polyphenol and flavonoid treatment, with a focus on the underlying mechanistic insights. This article will potentially assist the development of drugs for the prevention and therapy of COPD, particularly in cigarette smokers.

This review compiles current investigations into the role of polyphenols/flavonoids in the alleviation of cigarette smoke-induced inflammasome; notably it provides a promising hit for rectifying the treatment of COPD.https://bit.ly/36OcUO9

Baicalin alleviates endometrial inflammatory injury through regulation of tight junction proteins

Endometritis is the foremost reason for reduced reproductive performance, which impedes the establishment of pregnancy in ruminants. Baicalin is extensively acknowledged as a tocolytic drug. However, the preventive effect of baicalin on endometrial inflammatory injury remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the potential benefits of baicalin on endometrial inflammatory injury in animal and cellular models. The results showed that baicalin alleviated the impairment of tight junctions (TJs) and inflammation in the endometrium induced by LPS treatment. Baicalin increased claudin 3 (CLDN3) and tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) levels in a dose-dependent manner in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) accompanied by autophagy activation with or without LPS treatment. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that baicalin pretreatment prompted MAP1LC3B-positive structures to surround TJ proteins in the cytoplasm and decreased the abnormal aggregation of CLDN3 and TJP1 in the cytosol of EECs. Activation or blockage of autophagy using pharmacologic methods affected the redistribution of TJ proteins by baicalin pretreatment with LPS treatment. The role of autophagy in the modulation of TJ proteins was also confirmed by ATG7 and TFEB overexpression, as evidenced by accelerated redistribution of CLDN3 and TJP1 from the EEC cytosol to the membrane and a loss of membranous CLDN2 in EECs. These data demonstrate that baicalin influences the redistribution of TJ proteins to maintain the barrier function during LPS-induced endometrial inflammatory injury by regulating autophagy and provides a new therapeutic to potentially prevent embryo loss and endometritis.

Crosstalk between ILC2s and Th2 CD4+ T Cells in Lung Disease

Cytokine secretion, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and amphiregulin (Areg), by type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) is indispensable for homeostasis, remodeling/repairing tissue structure, inflammation, and tumor immunity. Often viewed as the innate cell surrogate of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, ILC2s not only secrete the same type 2 cytokines, but are also inextricably related to CD4⁺T cells in terms of cell origin and regulatory factors, bridging between innate and adaptive immunity. ILC2s interact with CD4⁺T cells to play a leading role in a variety of diseases through secretory factors. Here, we review the latest progress on ILC2s and CD4⁺T cells in the lung, the close relationship between the two, and their relevance in the lung disease and immunity. This literature review aids future research in pulmonary type 2 immune diseases and guides innovative treatment approaches for these diseases.

Chitosan-Coated Solid Lipid Nano-Encapsulation Improves the Therapeutic Antiairway Inflammation Effect of Berberine against COPD in Cigarette Smoke-Exposed Rats

Berberine (Ber) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has shown therapeutic potential in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the therapeutic efficiency of Ber is restricted by its low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Chitosan and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have demonstrated great abilities as delivery systems in enhancing the bioavailability of therapeutic compounds. The present study aimed to get together the biological features of SLNs with the advantages of chitosan to formulate an efficient nano-carrier platform for the oral delivery of Ber and evaluate the therapeutic effect of the prepared Ber-encapsulated nanoparticles on airway inflammation in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD rats. The Ber-encapsulated SLE-chitosan formulation was manufactured using a modified solvent-injection method followed by a homogenization process. Physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro stability and Ber release, and pharmacokinetics of the manufactured formulation were evaluated. The COPD rat model was developed by exposing animals to CS. To study the therapeutic efficiency of Ber-encapsulated SLE-chitosan nanoparticles and pure berberine, the histopathological changes of the lung tissues, levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines, and activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Ber-encapsulated SLE-chitosan showed the particle size in nano-range with high stability and controlled slow-release profile in vitro in simulated gastric (pH 1.5) and intestinal (pH 6.8) fluids. Administration of Ber-loaded SLE-chitosan nanoparticles could significantly ameliorate inflammation scores in lung tissues and reduce levels of inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, Il-6, Il-17, and TNFα) in BALF when compared with the pure Ber. SLE-chitosan-based nanoparticles can strongly improve the therapeutic anti-inflammatory impact of Ber against CS-induced airway inflammation in COPD rats, suggesting the promising application of Ber-encapsulated SLN-chitosan nanoparticles for treating COPD and other inflammation-mediated diseases.

Potential Natural Small Molecular Compounds for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major diseases threatening human life and health. According to the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, COPD has become the third leading cause of death in the world, featuring a sustainable growth of incidence rate as well as population age. The purpose of this review focuses on the advancement of bioactive natural compounds, such as baicalin, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin, which demonstrate promising therapeutic/interventional effects on CODP in vitro and in vivo. Information emphasizing on COPD was systematically collected from several authoritative internet databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, and Europe PMC, with a combination of keywords containing “COPD” and “natural small molecular compounds”. The new evidence indicated that these valuable molecules featured unique functions in the treatment of COPD through various biological processes such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-airway fibrosis. Moreover, we found that the promising effects of these natural compounds on COPD were mainly achieved through JAK3/STAT3/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways, Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathway, and TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 fibrosis signaling pathway, which referenced to multiple targets like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, TIMP-1, MMP, AKT, JAK3, IKK, PI3K, HO-1, MAPK, P38, ERK, etc. Current challenges and future directions in this promising field are also discussed at the end of this review. For the convenience of the readers, this review is divided into ten parts according to the structures of potential natural small molecular compounds. We hope that this review brings a quick look and provides some inspiration for the research of COPD.