Safflor yellow B suppresses angiotensin II-mediated human umbilical vein cell injury via regulation of Bcl-2/p22phox expression

Xuebijing injection, a Chinese patent medicine, against severe pneumonia: Current research progress and future perspectives

Severe pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases and the leading cause of sepsis and septic shock. Preventing infection, balancing the patient's immune status, and anti-coagulation therapy are all important elements in the treatment of severe pneumonia. As multi-target agents, Xuebijing injection (XBJ) has shown unique advantages in targeting complex conditions and saving the lives of patients with severe pneumonia. This review outlines progress in the understanding of XBJ's anti-inflammatory, endotoxin antagonism, and anticoagulation effects. From the hundreds of publications released over the past few years, the key results from representative clinical studies of XBJ in the treatment of severe pneumonia were selected and summarized. XBJ was observed to effectively suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, counter the effects of endotoxin, and assert an anticoagulation effect in most clinical trials, which are consistent with experimental studies. Collectively, this evidence suggests that XBJ could play an important and expanding role in clinical medicine, especially for sepsis, septic shock and severe pneumonia. Please cite this article as: Zhang M, Zheng R, Liu WJ, Hou JL, Yang YL, Shang HC. Xuebijing injection, a Chinese patent medicine, against severe pneumonia: Current research progress and future perspectives. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 413-422.

Carthamus tinctorius L.: A natural neuroprotective source for anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multicausal neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by generalized dementia. The pathogenic process of AD not only is progressive and complex but also involves multiple factors and mechanisms, including β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. As the first-line treatment for AD, cholinesterase inhibitors can, to a certain extent, relieve AD symptoms and delay AD progression. Nonetheless, the current treatment strategies for AD are far from meeting clinical expectations, and more options for AD treatment should be applied in clinical practice.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review was to investigate published reports of C. tinctorius L. and its active constituents in AD treatment through a literature review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information was retrieved from scientific databases including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Chemical Abstracts Services and books, PubMed, dissertations and technical reports. Keywords used for the search engines were "Honghua" or "Carthamus tinctorius L." or "safflower" in conjunction with "(native weeds OR alien invasive)"AND "Chinese herbal medicine".

RESULTS

A total of 47 literatures about C. tinctorius L. and its active constituents in AD treatment through signaling pathways, immune cells, and disease-related mediators and systematically elucidates potential mechanisms from the point of anti-Aβ aggregation, suppressing tau protein hyperphosphorylation, increasing cholinergic neurotransmitters levels, inhibiting oxidative stress, anti-neuroinflammation, ameliorating synaptic plasticity, and anti-apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a treasure endowed by nature to mankind. Emerging studies have confirmed that CHM and its active constituents play a positive role in AD treatment. Carthamus tinctorius L., the most commonly used CHM, can be used with medicine and food, with the effect of activating blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis. In the paper, we have concluded that the existing therapeutic mechanisms of C. tinctorius L. and summarized the potential mechanisms of C. tinctorius L. and its active constituents in AD treatment through a literature review.

In vitro sepsis induces Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) expression in primary human vascular endothelial but not smooth muscle cells

Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to infection that can cause widespread effects on other organs including cardiovascular depression, hypotension and organ failure. The receptor for Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), NOP is expressed on immune cells and these cells can release the peptide. Exogenous N/OFQ can dilate blood vessels and this peptide is increased in animal and human sepsis. We hypothesise that NOP receptors are present on vascular endothelial cells and therefore provide the target for released N/OFQ to cause vasodilation and hence hypotension. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMC) freshly prepared from umbilical cords and up to passage 4, we assessed NOP mRNA expression by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), NOP surface receptor expression using a fluorescent NOP selective probe (N/OFQ_ATTO594) and NOP receptor function with N/OFQ stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. As an in vitro sepsis mimic we variably incubated cells with 100ng/ml Lipopolysaccharide and Peptidoglycan G (LPS/PepG). HUVECs express NOP mRNA and this was reduced by ~80% (n = 49) after 24–48 hours treatment with LPS/PepG. Untreated cells do not express surface NOP receptors but when treated with LPS/PepG the reduced mRNA was translated into protein visualised by N/OFQ_ATTO594 binding (n = 49). These NOP receptors in treated cells produced an N/OFQ (1μM) driven increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (n = 20). One (of 50) HUVEC lines expressed NOP mRNA and receptor protein in the absence of LPS/PepG treatment. In contrast, HVSMC expressed NOP mRNA and surface receptor protein (n = 10) independently of LPS/PepG treatment. These receptors were also coupled to ERK1/2 where N/OFQ (1μM) increased phosphorylation. Collectively these data show that an in vitro sepsis mimic (LPS/PepG) upregulates functional NOP expression in the vascular endothelium. Activation of these endothelial receptors as suggested from in vivo whole animal work may contribute to the hypotensive response seen in sepsis. Moreover, blockade of these receptors might be a useful adjunct in the treatment of sepsis.

The Repression of the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB Signaling Pathway by Safflower Yellow May Improve Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in abnormal sensory and motor functions. Current interventions for SCI in the clinical setting are not effective partly due to the complexity concerning its pathophysiological mechanism. In the wake of SCI, considerable inflammatory cells assemble around the injured area that induces a series of inflammatory reactions and aggravates tissue lesions, thereby affecting the recovery of the damaged nerve tissue. Therefore, the inhibition of inflammatory responses can improve the repair of the injured spinal cord tissue. Safflower Yellow (SY) is the main active ingredient of Carthamus tinctorius. SY has anti-inflammatory effect, as it can inhibit IκBα phosphorylation to impede the NF-κB signaling pathway and p53 nuclear translocation. Besides, SY can limit the release of pro-inflammatory factors, which in turn may alleviate secondary SCI and prevent further complications. In this report, we analyze the pathophysiological mechanism of SCI, the role of inflammatory responses, and how SY interferes with the HMGB1-TLR-4-NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate inflammatory responses in SCI.

Suppression of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cell, the promising way for natural medicines to treat atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic multifactorial disease, is closely related to the development of cardiovascular diseases and is one of the predominant causes of death worldwide. Normal vascular endothelial cells play an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and inhibiting atherosclerosis by regulating vascular tension, preventing thrombosis and regulating inflammation. Currently, accumulating evidence has revealed that endothelial cell apoptosis is the first step of atherosclerosis. Excess apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by risk factors for atherosclerosis is a preliminary event in atherosclerosis development and might be a target for preventing and treating atherosclerosis. Interestingly, accumulating evidence shows that natural medicines have great potential to treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis. Therefore, this paper reviewed current studies on the inhibitory effect of natural medicines on endothelial cell apoptosis and summarized the risk factors that may induce endothelial cell apoptosis, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), angiotensin II (Ang II), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), homocysteine (Hcy) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We expect this review to highlight the importance of natural medicines, including extracts and monomers, in the treatment of atherosclerosis by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis and provide a foundation for the development of potential antiatherosclerotic drugs from natural medicines.

Irigenin alleviates angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HUVEC cells by activating Nrf2 pathway

Endothelial dysfunction is closely related to various cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the progress of endothelial dysfunction. Irigenin (IR) has antioxidative properties. We investigated IR as a novel therapy for angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial dysfunction and explored the potential mechanisms of IR. After human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVECs) were treated with Ang II (100, 200, 300 and 400 nmol/L) alone, IR (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L) alone or Ang II plus IR for 24 h, HUVECs viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), apoptosis, oxidative stress, apoptosis-related protein and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels were detected by Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry and western blot. Transfection rate of Nrf2 was detected by western blot. In the next rescue experiment, we used silent Nrf2 (siNrf2) to verify the previous experimental results. Different concentrations' Ang II repressed HUVECs viability and increased LDH release, and different concentrations' IR did not affect HUVECs viability or LDH release. Furthermore, IR elevated cell viability and Nrf2 level, inhibited LDH release, apoptosis, oxidative stress and apoptosis-related protein levels in Ang II-induced HUVECs. More important, siNrf2 suppressed the expression of Nrf2, and siNrf2 abrogated the protective effect of IR on Ang II-induced Nrf2 expression, cell viability, LDH activity, oxidative stress generation and apoptosis-related protein in HUVECs. IR protected HUVECs from Ang II-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis injury by activating Nrf2 pathway.

Safflower yellow alleviates osteoarthritis and prevents inflammation by inhibiting PGE2 release and regulating NF-κB/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Safflower yellow (SY) is the main active ingredient of safflower, with various pharmacological effects such as anticoagulating, antioxidant, and anti-arthritis effects.

PURPOSE

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and chondrocyte protecting role of SY, which subsequently leads to the inhibition of cartilage degradation.

METHODS

Rat chondrocytes were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) with or without SY treatment. Following this, CCK-8 assay was performed to detect cytotoxicity. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the gene/protein expression of typical cartilage matrix genes and related inflammatory markers. Subsequently, EdU assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. RNA sequencing, online target prediction, and molecular docking were performed to determine the possible molecular targets and pathways.

RESULTS

The results showed that SY restored the TNF-α-induced up-regulation of IL-1β, PTGS2, and MMP-13 and down-regulation of COL2A1 and ACAN. Furthermore, it recovered cell proliferation by suppressing TNF-α. Gene expression profiles identified 717 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the cells cultured with or without SY under TNF-α stimulation. After pathway enrichment, PI3K-Akt, TNF, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-κB, NOD-like receptor, and Chemokine signaling pathways were notably selected to highlight NFKBIA, CCL5, CCL2, IL6, and TNF as potential targets in osteoarthritis (OA). SY inhibited TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by promoting AMPK phosphorylation along with SIRT1 expression. Further, SY reduced MMP-13 expression and targeted COX-2 for decreasing PGE2 release. In addition, anterior cruciate ligament transection-induced OA was ameliorated by local administration of SY.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that SY protects chondrocytes and inhibits inflammation by regulating the NF-κB/SIRT1/AMPK pathways and ER stress, thus preventing cartilage degeneration in OA.

Therapeutic Potential of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases

The incidence rate of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) is increasing worldwide, causing an increasingly serious public health burden. The pursuit of new promising treatment options is thus becoming a pressing issue. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is one of the main active quinochalcone C-glycosides in the florets of Carthamus tinctorius L., a medical and edible dual-purpose plant. HSYA has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CCVDs, such as myocardial and cerebral ischemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, vascular dementia, and traumatic brain injury, in massive preclinical studies. In this review, we briefly summarized the mode and mechanism of action of HSYA on CCVDs based on these preclinical studies. The therapeutic effects of HSYA against CCVDs were presumed to reside mostly in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective roles by acting on complex signaling pathways.

A Metabolic Perspective and Opportunities in Pharmacologically Important Safflower

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has long been grown as a crop due to its commercial utility as oil, animal feed, and pharmacologically significant secondary metabolites. The integration of omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics datasets, has provided more comprehensive knowledge of the chemical composition of crop plants for multiple applications. Knowledge of a metabolome of plant is crucial to optimize the evolution of crop traits, improve crop yields and quality, and ensure nutritional and health factors that provide the opportunity to produce functional food or feedstuffs. Safflower contains numerous chemical components that possess many pharmacological activities including central nervous, cardiac, vascular, anticoagulant, reproductive, gastrointestinal, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and metabolic activities, providing many other human health benefits. In addition to classical metabolite studies, this review focuses on several metabolite-based working techniques and updates to provide a summary of the current medical applications of safflower.

Use of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) as a Model to Study Cardiovascular Disease: A Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and extensive research has been performed to understand this disease better, using various experimental models. The endothelium plays a crucial role in the development of CVD, since it is an interface between bloodstream components, such as monocytes and platelets, and other arterial wall components. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) isolation from umbilical cord was first described in 1973. To date, this model is still widely used because of the high HUVEC isolation success rate, and because HUVEC are an excellent model to study a broad array of diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We here review the history of HUVEC isolation, the HUVEC model over time, HUVEC culture characteristics and conditions, advantages and disadvantages of this model and finally, its applications in the area of cardiovascular diseases.

Sulforaphane attenuates angiotensin II-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury by modulating ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling

The study aimed to investigate whether sulforaphane (SFN) protects against angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Ang II treatment decreased HUVEC viability, increased cell apoptosis, decreased mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), impaired cytochrome c release, activated caspase 3/9, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity. Moreover, SFN treatment blunted Ang II-stimulated oxidative stress and mitochondria-related apoptosis in HUVECs. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine reduced Ang II-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, indicating that ROS generation is involved in the Ang II-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. SFN induced nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) activation and expression in Ang II-stimulated HUVECs. Downregulation of Nrf2 expression by a target-specific siRNA revealed an Nrf2-dependent effect on the SFN-mediated attenuation of Ang II-induced apoptosis in HUVECs. Pretreatment with brusatol, an Nrf2-specific inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of SFN on Ang II-induced HUVEC injury. SFN treatment protected HUVECs from Ang II-induced damage by decreasing oxidative stress and ameliorating mitochondrial injury.

Long Non-coding RNA MEG3 Attenuates the Angiotensin II-Induced Injury of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Interacting With p53

Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced damage to endothelial cells (ECs) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of maternally expressed gene 3 (Meg3) in endothelial cell injury. A lncRNA human gene expression microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs). Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration were then assessed Ang II-treated HUVECs. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the expression level of p53 after Meg3 knockdown and overexpression. We observed that Ang II treatment decreased the Meg3 level in HUVECs. Next, both knockdown of Meg3 and Ang II decreased cell viability, increased apoptotic cell rate and impair migration function in HUVECs. Furthermore, overexpression of Meg3 inhibited cell apoptosis, and increased cell migration by enhancing p53 transcription on its target genes, including CRP, ICAM-1, VEGF, and HIF-1α. Our findings indicate that Meg3 might be associated with cardiovascular disease development.

Safflor yellow B reduces hypoxia-mediated vasoconstriction by regulating endothelial micro ribonucleic acid/nitric oxide synthase signaling

Hypoxia-induced generation of vasoconstrictors reduces cerebral blood flow (CBF) while nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) and microRNAs (miRNA) in endothelial cells (ECs) suppress vasoconstriction. Safflor yellow B (SYB), a natural plant compound, previously attenuated angiotensin II-mediated injury of ECs and maintained endothelial function. This study investigated the putative involvement of NOS and miRNAs in SYB-mediated resistance to hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction. In vivo, chronic hypoxia was induced in rats, and SYB was administered intravenously. In vitro, rat primary aortic ECs were cultured under oxygen and glucose deprivation. After treatment with anti-microR-199a, as well as the NOS inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, SYB, or both, cell viability, NO and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) levels, NOS expression, and miRNA levels were evaluated. SYB significantly alleviated hypoxia-mediated vasoconstriction and increased CBF endothelium-dependently. SYB upregulated miR-199a, increased EC viability, decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels, inhibited protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and suppressed hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. Furthermore, the SYB-mediated reduction of inducible NOS reduced ONOO- levels. In addition, SYB downregulated miR-138 and, thereby, enhanced S100A1 and endothelial NOS activity. Hypoxia-mediated regulation of miR-138 and miR-199a inhibited endothelial NOS expression and activation, which triggered ET-1 release and vasoconstriction. Therefore, SYB treatment reduced hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction through miR-199a/endothelial NOS signaling.

Celastrol attenuates angiotensin II mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cells damage through activation of Nrf2/ERK1/2/Nox2 signal pathway

Angiotensin II (Ang II), as a crucial factor of endothelial dysfunction, participates in endothelial oxidative damage and inflammation, which is present in all cardiovascular disease (CVD). Celastrol, extracted from Trypterygiun wilfordii Hook F. ("Thunder of God Vine"), is a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the protective effects of celastrol on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury induced by Ang II were observed and its mechanisms were elucidated. Compared with the control group, Ang II significantly increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, enhanced reactive oxygen species levels and proinflammatory cytokines, decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, and suppressed cellular viability and promoted cell apoptosis. It accomplished this via inhibition of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), increasing the expression levels of Nox2 and AngII type 1 receptor (AT₁ receptor), and inducing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2). In contrast, celastrol effectively suppressed reactive oxygen species generation, improved endothelial cell activity, and ameliorated Ang II-mediated HUVEC injury through activation of Nrf2, inhibition of Nox2/AT₁ receptor expression, and upregulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2. After treatment with brusatol, a specific inhibitor of Nrf2, the protective effects of celastrol on Ang II-induced damage in HUVECs were remarkably alleviated. Taken together, celastrol-induced activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity were critical for the inhibition of Ang II-mediated endothelial dysfunction, and demonstrated the potential application of celastrol in CVD therapy.

P120 catenin attenuates the angiotensin II-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by suppressing the mitochondrial pathway

Hypertension Hypertension impairs the morphological and functional integrity of circulation. Previous research has shown that the loss of endothelial cells (ECs) is a common event in many cardiovascular diseases. p120 catenin (p120ctn) plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses in ECs. However, the functional significance of p120ctn in angiotensin II (AngII)-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) had not previously received much scholarly attention. In the present study, using western blot analysis and RT-PCR, we found that AngII-induced cell apoptosis was correlated with a significant decrease in p120ctn expression. The effect of AngII on cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Knockdown of p120ctn with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased AngII-induced apoptosis of HUVECs, as demonstrated by Annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis. Knockdown of p120ctn with shRNA also increased cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm, and cleaved caspase-3 and -9 protein expression. These were accompanied by a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression were measured by western blot analysis), and in mitochondrial membrane potential, as measured using JC-1. Overexpression of p120ctn with adenovirus produced opposite effects. In the present study, we demonstrated that p120ctn attenuated AngII-induced apoptosis of HUVECs through the mitochondria-dependent pathway, suggesting that p120ctn plays a critical role in protecting ECs against apoptosis during hypertension.

Safflower Yellow regulates microglial polarization and inhibits inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated Bv2 cells

Activated microglia, especially polarized M1 cells, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, thereby contributing directly to neuroinflammation and various brain disorders. Given that excessive or chronic neuroinflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) exacerbates neuronal damage, molecules that modulate neuroinflammation are candidates as neuroprotective agents. In this study, we provide evidence that Safflor yellow (SY), the main active component in the traditional Chinese medicine safflower, modulates inflammatory responses by acting directly on BV2 microglia. LPS stimulated BV2 cells to upregulate expression of TLR4-Myd88 and MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathways and to release IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. However, SY treatment inhibited expression of TLR4-Myd88 and p-38/p-JNK-NF-κB, downregulated expression of iNOS, CD16/32, and IL-12, and upregulated CD206 and IL-10. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SY exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on BV2 microglia, possibly through TLR-4/p-38/p-JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways and the conversion of microglia from inflammatory M1 to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.

Retinoic acid promotes primary fetal alveolar epithelial type II cell proliferation and differentiation to alveolar epithelial type I cells

Retinoic acid (RA) plays an important role in lung development and maturation. Many stimuli can induce alveolar epithelial cell damage which will result in the injury of lung parenchyma. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of RA on the proliferation and differentiation of primary fetal alveolar epithelial type II cells (fAECIIs). Primary fAECIIs were isolated from fetal rats at 19 d of gestation and purified by a differential centrifugation and adhesion method. The cells were randomly divided into control (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and RA groups. Cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, cycle, and expression of target protein were examined at 24, 48, and 72 h. We found that the proliferation and viability of cells in the RA-exposed group significantly increased compared with the DMSO control group. The proportion (%) of cells in the G2 and S phases in the RA group was significantly higher than that in control group cells. The proportion (%) of both early apoptotic cells and late apoptotic cells decreased significantly in cells exposed to RA compared with cells exposed to DMSO. RA significantly enhanced the expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5). The expression level of pulmonary surfactant C (SPC) was elevated after cells were exposed to RA for 24 and 72 h but was inhibited when cells were exposed to RA for 48 h. These results suggest that RA promotes fAECII proliferation by improving cell viability, promoting S phase entry and inhibiting apoptosis and RA promotes fAECIIs differentiation to alveolar epithelial type I cells (AECIs).

Celastrol suppresses obesity process via increasing antioxidant capacity and improving lipid metabolism

High fat diet, as an important risk factor, plays a pivotal role in atherosclerotic process. Celastrol is one of the active triterpenoid compounds with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory characters. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of celastrol on weight, blood lipid and oxidative injury induced by high fat emulsion, and investigate its potential pharmacological mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high fat emulsion for 6 wk to mimic high fat mediated oxidative injury. The effects of celastrol on weight and blood lipid were evaluated, and its mechanisms were disclosed by applying western blot, ELISA and assay kits. Long-term consumption of high fat emulsion could significantly increase weight by enhancing total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, attenuating ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression, and decreasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), and inhibit antioxidant enzymes activities, improve nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. Comparing with model group, celastrol was able to effectively suppress weight and attenuate high fat mediated oxidative injury by improving ABCA1 expression, reducing the levels of TC, TG, LDL-c and Apo B in plasma, and increasing antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, and decreasing the serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species in dose-dependent way. These data demonstrated that celastrol was able to effectively suppress weight and alleviate high-fat mediated cardiovascular injury via mitigating oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism.

Safflower yellow inhibits angiotensin II-induced adventitial fibroblast proliferation and migration

Safflower yellow (SY) has been widely used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of ischemic cardiocerebrovascular disease. Recent studies have indicated that SY has a reverse effect on vascular remodeling (VR). However, its detailed mechanisms require further study to provide more scientific evidence for the clinical treatment of VR. This study aims to investigate the effects of SY on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix in rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts (AFs). The proliferation and migration rates of AFs treated with Ang II for 24 h were higher than those of untreated AFs; and increases in the expression of p-ERK1/2, AP-1, collagen I, and collagen III were observed. Treatment with SY significantly downregulated cell proliferation, migration, and the expression of p-ERK1/2, AP-1, collagen I, and collagen III. We also found that the cell percentage of apoptosis of AFs treated with Ang II for 24 h was lower than those of untreated AFs. After treatment with SY, the percentage of apoptosis was increased. SY exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and pro-apoptotic activities in rat aortic AFs, perhaps through the Ang II/ERK/AP-1 signaling pathway. The present findings may provide new clues regarding the potential function of SY to treat or prevent VR.