Emodin and [6]-gingerol lessen hypoxia-induced embryotoxicities in cultured mouse whole embryos via upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and intracellular superoxide dismutases

Synthesis and biological evaluation of panaxadiol ester derivatives possessing pyrazole and pyrrole moiety as HIF-1α inibitors

Hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in variety of tumor patients and plays an important role in the regulation of hypoxia response in tumor cells. Therefore, its inhibitors have become one of the targets for the treatment of a variety of cancers. Two series of panaxadiol (PD) ester derivatives containing pyrazole (18a-j) and pyrrole (19a-n) moiety were synthesized and their HIF-1α inhibitory activities were evaluated. Among all the target compouds, compounds 18c, 19d, and 19n (IC50 = 8.70-10.44 μM) showed better HIF-1α inhibitory activity than PD (IC50 = 13.35 μM). None of these compounds showed cytotoxicity above 100 μM and inhibited HIF-1α transcription in a dose-dependent manner. These compounds showed good antitumor activity and provide lead compounds for further design and activity study of PD ester derivatives.

Emodin disrupts the Notch1/Nrf2/GPX4 antioxidant system and promotes renal cell ferroptosis

Emodin has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities. However, emodin has also been reported to induce nephrotoxicity at high doses and with long-term use, and the underlying mechanism has not been fully disclosed. The current study aimed to investigate the roles of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in emodin-induced kidney toxicity. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with emodin, and NRK-52E cells were exposed to emodin in the presence or absence of treatment with Jagged1, SC79, or t-BHQ. Emodin significantly upregulated the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde, and Fe2+ , reduced the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and induced pathological changes in the kidneys in vivo. Moreover, the viability of NRK-52E cells treated with emodin was reduced, and emodin induced iron accumulation, excessive reactive oxygen species production, and lipid peroxidation and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In addition, emodin treatment downregulated the activity of neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1), reduced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 protein levels. However, Notch1 activation by Jagged1 pretreatment, Akt activation by SC79 pretreatment, or Nrf2 activation by t-BHQ pretreatment attenuated the toxic effects of emodin in NRK-52E cells. Taken together, these results revealed that emodin-induced ferroptosis triggered kidney toxicity through inhibition of the Notch1/Nrf2/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis.

Plants as a Source of Anticancer Agents: From Bench to Bedside

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.

Emodin Ameliorates Renal Damage and Podocyte Injury in a Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy via Regulating AMPK/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

The activation of autophagy has potential protective effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN) podocyte injury, and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway is an important regulatory pathway of autophagy. Emodin has been reported to effectively delay DN progression; however, the therapeutic mechanisms involved in vivo remain ambiguous. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of emodin in improving renal tissue and podocyte injury in DN by regulating the AMPK/mTOR-autophagy signaling pathway.

METHODS

All rats were divided into 4 groups: a Sham group, a Vehicle group, a low-dose emodin (LD-Emo) group (20 mg/kg/day) and a high-dose emodin (HD-Emo) group (40 mg/kg/day). The different doses of Emo and distilled water were daily administrated for 8 weeks after the induction of DN by the unilateral nephrectomy combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats' general status, blood glucose, biochemical parameters, urinary protein excretion, renal histological changes and cell apoptosis in renal tissue, as well as the key protein expressions in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins were examined, respectively.

RESULTS

Emodin ameliorated the general condition, kidney weight and urinary protein excretion of the rats, but has little influence on serum biochemical parameters and did not lower blood glucose; emodin attenuated renal fibrosis including the cell numbers, extracellular matrix rate and collagen area in glomerulus, simultaneously relieved podocyte foot process fusion, up-regulated the expression of nephrin protein and suppressed glomerular and tubular epithelial cell apoptosis. In addition, emodin can induce and enhance autophagy in podocytes including increased expression of LC3-II/I, Beclin-1, p-AMPK protein and decreased expression of p62, p-mTOR protein, as well as increased autophagosomes in podocytes.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that emodin, as a natural regulator in vivo, reduced proteinuria and alleviated renal fibrosis without affecting hyperglycemia in DN rats. The potential mechanisms by which emodin exerts its renoprotective effects in vivo are through suppressing cell apoptosis and enhancing autophagy of podocytes via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in the kidney.

Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.

Protection of Lycopene against Embryonic Anomalies and Yolk Sac Placental Vasculogenic Disorders Induced by Nicotine Exposure

Identification of a new agent from natural products for the protection of embryonic anomalies is potentially valuable. To investigate the protective effect exerted by lycopene against nicotine-induced malformations, mouse embryos in embryonic day 8.5 with yolk sac placentas were cocultured with 1 mM nicotine and/or lycopene (1 × 10^-6, 1 × 10^-5 μM) for 48 h. The morphological defects and apoptotic cell deaths in the embryo and yolk sac placenta of the nicotine group were significantly increased. Exposure to nicotine resulted in reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and cytoplasmic SOD and cytoplasmic glutathione peroxidase mRNA levels, but increased lipid peroxidation level in embryos. Moreover, treatment with nicotine resulted in aggravated expressions of the mRNA or protein level of antiapoptotic (BCL2-associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma-extralarge, and caspase 3), anti-inflammatory (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), and vasculogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor-alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, alpha smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1, and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha) factors in the embryo and yolk sac placenta. However, all the parameters were significantly improved by treatment with lycopene, as compared to the nicotine group. These findings indicate the potential of lycopene as a protective agent against embryonic anomalies and yolk sac vasculogenic and placenta-forming defects induced by nicotine through modulations of oxidative, apoptotic, vasculogenic, and inflammatory activities.

The effects of caffeine and bisphenol A singularly or in combination on cultured mouse embryos and yolk sac placenta

Pregnant women drink caffeinated beverages using bisphenol A (BPA)-coated cans without knowing the potential risks. In this study, mouse embryos (embryonic day 8.5) surrounded by yolk sac placenta were cultured with caffeine (30, 60, and 120 μg/ml) and/or BPA (35 μg/ml) for 48 h. In response to a single administration of BPA or caffeine dose, embryonic development was similar to normal control embryos. However, the combined exposure to caffeine and BPA dose-dependently increased embryonic anomalies, and thinner ventricular wall and trabeculae disorders of heart were observed. The mRNA levels of various anti-oxidative, apoptotic, and hypoxic genes were significantly altered in the treated embryos. Furthermore, abnormal vasculogenesis, reduced vasculogenic growth factor expressions, and apoptotic cell death were detected in yolk sac placentas. These findings indicate that the combined exposure to caffeine and BPA induces embryonic anomalies and injuries of the yolk sac placentas through oxidative stress, apoptosis, hypoxia, and vasculogenic defects.

Emodin Attenuates Autophagy Response to Protect the Pancreas From Acute Pancreatitis Failure

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of emodin on attenuating autophagy response in acute pancreatitis (AP) models.

METHODS

Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by injecting 3% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. Emodin (40 mg/kg per day) was then given intragastrically, administrated 2 hours after AP induction. Rats were killed 24 hours after AP induction. The pancreatic injury was assessed using biochemical and histological approaches. Autophagosomes in pancreatic acinar cells were observed by electron microscopy. The expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) B/A, beclin-1, and p62/SQSTM1 (p62) were detected by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in pancreatic tissues.

RESULTS

Compared with non-emodin-treated rats, the pathological injuries of the pancreas of emodin-treated rats were significantly alleviated, and autophagy vacuole formation was reduced within pancreatic acinar cells. Administration of emodin led to a reduction in the autophagy-associated protein level of LC3 (B/A) and p62 but not beclin-1. The transcript levels of LC3B, beclin-1, and p62 were decreased in the emodin-treated rats compared with non-emodin-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that emodin plays a critical role in ameliorating AP, possibly by down-regulating autophagic protein levels.

Polyphenols and their effects on diabetes management: A review

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health problem and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising. Polyphenols, such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and stilbens, are a large and heterogeneous group of phytochemicals in plant-based foods. In this review, we aimed at assessing the studies on polyphenols and diabetes management. Methods: A literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 1986 to Jan 2017. Results: Several animal models and a limited number of human studies have revealed that polyphenols decrease hyperglycemia and improve acute insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. The possible mechanisms include decrease in glucose absorption in the intestine, inhibition of carbohydrates digestion, stimulation of insulin secretion, modulation of glucose release from the liver, activation of insulin receptors and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues, modulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression. Conclusion: Growing evidence indicates that various dietary polyphenols may influence blood glucose at different levels and may also help control and prevent diabetes complication. However, we still need more clinical trials to determine the effects of polyphenols- rich foods, their effective dose, and mechanisms of their effects in managing diabetes.

Plant-Derived Agents for Counteracting Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Cisplatin (CSP) is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat a variety of malignancies. The major setback with CSP treatment is that its clinical efficacy is compromised by its induction of organ toxicity, particular to the kidneys and ears. Despite the significant strides that have been made in understanding the mechanisms underlying CSP-induced renal toxicity, advances in developing renoprotective strategies are still lacking. In addition, the renoprotective approaches described in the literature reveal partial amelioration of CSP-induced renal toxicity, stressing the need to develop potent combinatorial/synergistic agents for the mitigation of renal toxicity. However, the ideal renoprotective adjuvant should not interfere with the anticancer efficacy of CSP. In this review, we have discussed the progress made in utilizing plant-derived agents (phytochemicals) to combat CSP-induced nephrotoxicity in preclinical studies. Furthermore, we have also presented strategies to utilize phytochemicals as prototypes for the development of novel renoprotective agents for counteracting chemotherapy-induced renal damage.

Inhibitory activities of major anthraquinones and other constituents from Cassia obtusifolia against β-secretase and cholinesterases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Semen Cassiae has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for liver, eye, and acute inflammatory diseases. Recent pharmacological reports have indicated that Cassiae semen has neuroprotective effects, attributable to its anti-inflammatory actions, in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) models.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The basic goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-AD activities of C. obtusifolia and its major constituents. Previously, the extract of C. obtusifolia seeds, was reported to have memory enhancing properties and anti-AD activity to ameliorate amyloid β-induced synaptic dysfunction. However, the responsible components of C. obtusifolia seeds in an AD are currently still unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of C. obtusifolia and its constituents against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) enzyme activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro cholinesterase enzyme assays by using AChE, BChE, and BACE1 were performed. We also scrutinized the potentials of Cassiae semen active component as BACE1 inhibitors via enzyme kinetics and molecular docking simulation.

RESULTS

In vitro enzyme assays demonstrated that C. obtusifolia and its major constituents have promising inhibitory potential against AChE, BChE, and BACE1. All Cassiae semen constituents exhibited potent inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE1 with IC50 values of 6.29-109µg/mL and 0.94-190µg/mL, whereas alaternin, questin, and toralactone gentiobioside exhibited significant inhibitory activities against BChE with IC50 values of 113.10-137.74µg/mL. Kinetic study revealed that alaternin noncompetitively inhibited, whereas cassiaside and emodin showed mixed-type inhibition against BACE1. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation results demonstrated that hydroxyl group of alaternin and emodin tightly interacted with the active site residues of BACE1 and their relevant binding energies (-6.62 and -6.89kcal/mol), indicating a higher affinity and tighter binding capacity of these compounds for the active site of BACE1.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest the potential of C. obtusifolia and its major constituents for use in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for AD, especially through inhibition of AChE, BChE and BACE1 activities.

Emodin mitigates the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin in osteosarcoma MG63 cells

Previously, the application of cisplatin in chemotherapy was limited due to the significant side effects on normal cell growth. In the present study, the concomitant application of emodin with cisplatin was demonstrated to ameliorate cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and markedly suppress tumor cell proliferation for the first time. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were treated with cisplatin alone or in combination with emodin. The cell viability was determined by MTS assays and the augmentation of reactive oxygen species were determined by fluorogenic probes; in addition, a stable MG-63 subline bearing antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven luciferase expression was developed to monitor the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-ARE signaling pathway. The results indicated that cisplatin or emodin may inhibit MG-63 cell proliferation in a time- or dose-dependent manner, respectively. Concomitant treatment with cisplatin and emodin demonstrated synergic anti-tumor effects. Cisplatin augmented reactive oxygen species in the MG-63 cells, followed by the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, which triggered ARE-driven luciferase expression. The addition of emodin diminished the previously described phenomenon, resulting in decreased ROS augmentation, translocation of Nrf2 and ARE-driven luciferase activity. In conclusion, emodin could ameliorate cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and protect the cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. The findings of the present study provide a novel strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma using emodin and cisplatin.

Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro by activating autophagy

AIM

A previous report shows that emodin extracted from the Chinese herbs rhubarb and giant knotweed rhizome can ameliorate the anticancer drug cisplatin-induced injury of HEK293 cells. In this study, we investigated whether and how emodin could protect renal tubular epithelial cells against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro.

METHODS

The viability and apoptosis of normal rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were detected using formazan assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, autophagy maker LC3 I/II, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins were measured with Western blot analysis. The changes of morphology and RFP-LC3 fluorescence were observed under microscopy.

RESULTS

Cisplatin (10-50 μmol/L) dose-dependently induced cell damage and apoptosis in NRK-52E cells, whereas emodin (10 and 100 μmol/L) significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced cell damage, apoptosis and caspase-3 cleavage. Emodin dose-dependently increased LC3-II levels and induced RFP-LC3-containing punctate structures in NRK-52E cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of emodin were abolished by bafilomycin A1 (10 nmol/L), and mimicked by rapamycin (100 nmol/L). Moreover, emodin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR. The AMPK inhibitor compound C (10 μmol/L) not only abolished emodin-induced autophagy activation, but also emodin-induced anti-apoptotic effects.

CONCLUSION

Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro through modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways and activating autophagy. Emodin may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger

Gingerols are the major pungent compounds present in the rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and are renowned for their contribution to human health and nutrition. Medicinal properties of ginger, including the alleviation of nausea, arthritis and pain, have been associated with the gingerols. Gingerol analogues are thermally labile and easily undergo dehydration reactions to form the corresponding shogaols, which impart the characteristic pungent taste to dried ginger. Both gingerols and shogaols exhibit a host of biological activities, ranging from anticancer, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic to various central nervous system activities. Shogaols are important biomarkers used for the quality control of many ginger-containing products, due to their diverse biological activities. In this review, a large body of available knowledge on the biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and pharmacological activities, as well as on the structure-activity relationships of various gingerols and shogaols, have been collated, coherently summarised and discussed. The manuscript highlights convincing evidence indicating that these phenolic compounds could serve as important lead molecules for the development of therapeutic agents to treat various life-threatening human diseases, particularly cancer. Inclusion of ginger or ginger extracts in nutraceutical formulations could provide valuable protection against diabetes, cardiac and hepatic disorders.

Emodin inhibits human sperm functions by reducing sperm [Ca(2+)]i and tyrosine phosphorylation

Emodin, a bioactive anthraquinone widely used in Chinese traditional medicine, disrupts mouse testicular gene expression in vivo. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of emodin to human sperm in vitro. Different doses of emodin (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400μM) were applied to ejaculated human sperm. The results indicated that 100, 200 and 400μM emodin significantly inhibited the total motility, progressive motility and linear velocity of human sperm. In addition, sperm's ability to penetrate viscous medium together with progesterone induced capacitation and acrosome reaction was also adversely affected by emodin. In contrast, emodin did not affect sperm viability. Furthermore, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and tyrosine phosphorylation, which serve as key regulators of sperm function, were dose-dependently reduced by emodin (50-400μM). These results suggest that emodin inhibits human sperm functions by reducing sperm [Ca(2+)]i and suppressing tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro.

Mn porphyrin-based SOD mimic, MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+), and non-SOD mimic, MnTBAP(3-), suppressed rat spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury via NF-κB pathways

Herein we have demonstrated that both superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic, cationic Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+)), and non-SOD mimic, anionic Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(4-carboxylatophenyl)porphyrin (MnTBAP(3-)), protect against oxidative stress caused by spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion via suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pro-inflammatory pathways. Earlier reports showed that Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins were able to prevent the DNA binding of NF-κB in an aqueous system, whereas MnTBAP(3-) was not. Here, for the first time, in a complex in vivo system-animal model of spinal cord injury-a similar impact of MnTBAP(3-), at a dose identical to that of MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+), was demonstrated in NF-κB downregulation. Rats were treated subcutaneously at 1.5 mg/kg starting at 30 min before ischemia/reperfusion, and then every 12 h afterward for either 48 h or 7 days. The anti-inflammatory effects of both Mn porphyrins (MnPs) were demonstrated in the spinal cord tissue at both 48 h and 7 days. The downregulation of NF-κB, a major pro-inflammatory signaling protein regulating astrocyte activation, was detected and found to correlate well with the suppression of astrogliosis (as glial fibrillary acidic protein) by both MnPs. The markers of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation, were significantly reduced by MnPs. The favorable impact of both MnPs on motor neurons (Tarlov score and inclined plane test) was assessed. No major changes in glutathione peroxidase- and SOD-like activities were demonstrated, which implies that none of the MnPs acted as SOD mimic. Increasing amount of data on the reactivity of MnTBAP(3-) with reactive nitrogen species (RNS) (.NO/HNO/ONOO(-)) suggests that RNS/MnTBAP(3-)-driven modification of NF-κB protein cysteines may be involved in its therapeutic effects. This differs from the therapeutic efficacy of MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+) which presumably occurs via reactive oxygen species and relates to NF-κB thiol oxidation; the role of RNS cannot be excluded.

Gingerol prevents prion protein-mediated neuronal toxicity by regulating HIF prolyl hydroxylase 2 and prion protein

Prion diseases are a family of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, which are fatal in the majority of cases and affect both humans and domestic animals. Prion protein (PrP) (106–126) retains the neurotoxic properties of the entire pathological PrPsc and it is generally used as a reasonable model to study the mechanisms responsible for prion diseases. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is involved in the gingerol-mediated protection of neuronal cells. HIF mediates cellular adaptations to low oxygen. Prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) is an oxygen sensor that hydroxylates the HIF-α-subunit, promoting its proteasomal degradation under normoxic conditions. Thus, in the present study we wished to determine whether gingerol inhibits the catalytic activity of PHD2 and prevents HIF-1α protein proteasomal degradation, thereby preventing the occurrence of PrP (106–126)-induced neuronal apoptosis. We used the pharmacological inhibition of PHD2 by dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) or deferoxamine (DFO) and the genetic inhibition of HIF-1α by HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) to block the effects of gingerol against PrP (106–126)-induced neurotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that gingerol prevented PrP (106–126)-induced neuronal apoptosis by upregulating HIF-1α and inhibiting the catalytic activity of PHD2 under normoxic conditions. Moreover, the protective effects of gingerol against PrP (106–126)-induced neuronal apoptosis were associated with the upregulation of the expression of cellular prion protein (PrPc). In conclusion, our results indicate that gingerol has therapeutic potential for use in the treatment or prevention of prion diseases, and its inhibitory effects on the catalytic activity of PHD2 may be of clinical benefit.

A network pharmacology approach to understanding the mechanisms of action of traditional medicine: Bushenhuoxue formula for treatment of chronic kidney disease

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique therapeutic effects for complex chronic diseases. However, for the lack of an effective systematic approach, the research progress on the effective substances and pharmacological mechanism of action has been very slow. In this paper, by incorporating network biology, bioinformatics and chemoinformatics methods, an integrated approach was proposed to systematically investigate and explain the pharmacological mechanism of action and effective substances of TCM. This approach includes the following main steps: First, based on the known drug targets, network biology was used to screen out putative drug targets; Second, the molecular docking method was used to calculate whether the molecules from TCM and drug targets related to chronic kidney diseases (CKD) interact or not; Third, according to the result of molecular docking, natural product-target network, main component-target network and compound-target network were constructed; Finally, through analysis of network characteristics and literature mining, potential effective multi-components and their synergistic mechanism were putatively identified and uncovered. Bu-shen-Huo-xue formula (BSHX) which was frequently used for treating CKD, was used as the case to demonstrate reliability of our proposed approach. The results show that BSHX has the therapeutic effect by using multi-channel network regulation, such as regulating the coagulation and fibrinolytic balance, and the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibiting abnormal ECM accumulation. Tanshinone IIA, rhein, curcumin, calycosin and quercetin may be potential effective ingredients of BSHX. This research shows that the integration approach can be an effective means for discovering active substances and revealing their pharmacological mechanisms of TCM.

Emodin prevents ethanol-induced developmental anomalies in cultured mouse fetus through multiple activities

BACKGROUND

Maternal alcohol ingestion on pregnant period causes fetal alcohol syndrome including psychological and behavioral problems, and developmental abnormality. In this study, we investigated the effect of emodin, an active anthraquinone component found in the roots and bark of the genus Rhamnus (Buckthorn), on ethanol-induced teratogenesis during embryonic organogenesis.

METHODS

We cultured mouse embryos on embryonic day 8.5 for 2 days with ethanol (5 μl/3 ml) and/or emodin (1×10(-5) and 1×10(-4) μg/ml) using a whole embryo culture system and then investigated the developmental evaluation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and expression patterns of cytoplasmic SOD (SOD1), mitochondrial SOD (SOD2), cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (cGPx), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase 3, and hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α).

RESULTS

Morphological parameters, including growth in yolk sac and fetal head, body length, and development of the central nervous system, circulation system, sensory organs, skeletal system, and limbs in embryos exposed to ethanol were significantly decreased compared to those of the normal control group, but co-treatment with emodin (1 × 10(-5) and 1 × 10(-4) μg/ml) significantly improved these parameters. Furthermore, the reduced levels of SOD activity, and SOD1, SOD2, cGPx, and HIF-1α and the increased gene levels of TNF-α and caspase-3 due to ethanol exposure were significantly restored by cotreatment with emodin. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 98:268-275, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that cotreatment with emodin significantly prevented teratogenesis induced by ethanol, not only by modulating hypoxia and antioxidant enzymes, but also by attenuating the enhanced levels of TNF-α and caspase 3 in cultured embryos. Therefore, emodin may be an effective preventive agent for ethanol-induced teratogenesis.

Antiteratogenic Effects of β-Carotene in Cultured Mouse Embryos Exposed to Nicotine

After maternal intake, nicotine crosses the placental barrier and causes severe embryonic disorders and fetal death. In this study, we investigated whether β -carotene has a beneficial effect against nicotine-induced teratogenesis in mouse embryos (embryonic day 8.5) cultured for 48 h in a whole embryo culture system. Embryos exposed to nicotine (1 mM) exhibited severe morphological anomalies and apoptotic cell death, as well as increased levels of TNF- α , IL-1 β , and caspase 3 mRNAs, and lipid peroxidation. The levels of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (SOD), mitochondrial manganese-dependent SOD, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPx), phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx, hypoxia inducible factor 1 α , and Bcl-x L  mRNAs decreased, and SOD activity was reduced compared to the control group. However, when β -carotene (1 × 10(-7) or 5 × 10(-7) μM) was present in cultures of embryos exposed to nicotine, these parameters improved significantly. These findings indicate that β -carotene effectively protects against nicotine-induced teratogenesis in mouse embryos through its antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Phytochemicals and their impact on adipose tissue inflammation and diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an inflammatory disease and the mechanisms that underlie this disease, although still incompletely understood, take place in the adipose tissue of obese subjects. Concurrently, the prevalence of obesity caused by Western diet's excessive energy intake and the lack of exercise escalates, and is believed to be causative for the chronic inflammatory state in adipose tissue. Overnutrition itself as an overload of energy may induce the adipocytes to secrete chemokines activating and attracting immune cells to adipose tissue. But also inflammation-mediating food ingredients like saturated fatty acids are believed to directly initiate the inflammatory cascade. In addition, hypoxia in adipose tissue as a direct consequence of obesity, and its effect on gene expression in adipocytes and surrounding cells in fat tissue of obese subjects appears to play a central role in this inflammatory response too. In contrast, revisiting diet all over the world, there are also some natural food products and beverages which are associated with curative effects on human health. Several natural compounds known as spices such as curcumin, capsaicin, and gingerol, or secondary plant metabolites catechin, resveratrol, genistein, and quercetin have been reported to provide an improved health status to their consumers, especially with regard to diabetes, and therefore have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory effect. In this review, we will give an overview about these phytochemicals and their role to interfere with inflammatory cascades in adipose tissue and their potential for fighting against inflammatory diseases like diabetes as investigated in vivo.

Anticancer potential of emodin

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical research due to its low toxicity, low number of side effects, and low cost. Many components of common fruits and vegetables play well-documented roles as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents that suppress tumorigenesis. Anthraquinones are commonly extracted from the Polygonaceae family of plants, e.g., Rheum palmatum and Rheum officinale. Some of the major chemical components of anthraquinone and its derivatives, such as aloe-emodin, danthron, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, and rhein, have demonstrated potential anticancer properties. This review evaluates the pharmacological effects of emodin, a major component of Aloe vera. In particular, emodin demonstrates anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, and toxicological potential for use in pharmacology, both in vitro and in vivo. Emodin demonstrates cytotoxic effects (e.g., cell death) through the arrest of the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. The overall molecular mechanisms of emodin include cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the promotion of the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, glutathione S-transferase P, N-acetyltransferase, and glutathione phase I and II detoxification enzymes while inhibiting angiogenesis, invasion, migration, chemical-induced carcinogen-DNA adduct formation, HER2/neu, CKII kinase, and p34cdc2 kinase in human cancer cells. Hopefully, this summary will provide information regarding the actions of emodin in cancer cells and broaden the application potential of chemotherapy to additional cancer patients in the future.