Baicalein represses TGF-β1-induced fibroblast differentiation through the inhibition of miR-21

Flavonoids for treating pulmonary fibrosis: Present status and future prospects

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with an unknown underlying cause. There is no complete cure for IPF; however, two anti-fibrotic agents (Nintedanib and pirfenidone) are approved by the USFDA to extend the patient's life span. Therefore, alternative therapies supporting the survival of fibrotic patients have been studied in recent literature. The abundance of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, has gathered attention due to their potential health benefits. Various flavonoids, like naringin, quercetin, baicalin, baicalein, puerarin, silymarin, and kaempferol, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which help decrease lung fibrosis. Various databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, and Scopus, as well as particular websites, such as the World Health Organisation and the National Institutes of Health, were used to conduct a literature search. Several mechanisms of action of flavonoids are reported with the help of in vivo and cell line studies emphasizing their ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic processes in the lungs. They are reported for the restoration of biomarkers like hydroxyproline, cytokines, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and others associated with IPF and for modulating various pathways responsible for the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Yet, flavonoids have some drawbacks, such as poor solubility, challenging drug loading, stability issues, and scarce bioavailability. Therefore, novel formulations of flavonoids are explored, including liposomes, solid lipid microparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, and nanocrystals, to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of flavonoids in pulmonary fibrosis. This review focuses on the role of flavonoids in mitigating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, their mode of action and novel formulations.

Monomeric compounds from natural products for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: a review

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the end stage of lung injury and chronic lung diseases that results in diminished lung function, respiratory failure, and ultimately mortality. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of this disease remains elusive, and effective therapeutic options are currently limited, posing a significant clinical challenge. In addition, research on traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine is hampered by several complications due to complex composition and lack of reference compounds. Natural product monomers, possessing diverse biological activities and excellent safety profiles, have emerged as potential candidates for preventing and treating PF. The effective anti-PF ingredients identified can be generally divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. Specifically, these monomeric compounds can attenuate inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and other physiopathological processes of the lung through many signaling pathways. They also improve pulmonary factors. Additionally, they ameliorate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) by regulating multiple signal amplifiers in the lungs, thereby mitigating PF. This review highlights the significant role of monomer compounds derived from natural products in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and inhibiting EMT process. The article provides comprehensive information and serves as a solid foundation for further exploration of new strategies to harness the potential of botanicals in the treatment of PF.

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and fibrotic diseases

The transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (FMT) represents a pivotal process in wound healing, tissue repair, and fibrotic diseases. This intricate transformation involves dynamic changes in cellular morphology, gene expression, and extracellular matrix remodeling. While extensively studied at the molecular level, recent research has illuminated the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating FMT. This review explores the emerging roles of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in regulating this intricate process. NcRNAs interface with key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic mechanisms to fine-tune gene expression during FMT. Their functions are critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis, and disruptions in these regulatory networks have been linked to pathological fibrosis across various tissues. Understanding the dynamic roles of ncRNAs in FMT bears therapeutic promise. Targeting specific ncRNAs holds potential to mitigate exaggerated myofibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. However, challenges in delivery and specificity of ncRNA-based therapies remain. In summary, ncRNAs emerge as integral regulators in the symphony of FMT, orchestrating the balance between quiescent fibroblasts and activated myofibroblasts. As research advances, these ncRNAs appear to be prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies, offering hope in taming the complexities of fibrosis and restoring tissue equilibrium.

A Chinese classical prescription Maimendong decoction in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: an overview

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fibrosis and interstitial pneumonia. It has similar clinical symptoms to "Fei Bi" and "Fei Wei" as described in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic Jingui Yaolue written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. This study explored the potential of Maimendong Decoction (MMDD). MMDD consists of Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) (ophiopogonis), Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (pinellia), Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ginseng), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (glycyrrhiza), Zizi phus jujuba Mill. (jujuba), and Oryza sativa L. (oryza sativa), with the function of nourishing the lung and stomach, and reducing the effect of reverse qi. It has been used clinically for over two thousand years to treat conditions like "Fei Bi" and "Fei Wei". Previous research suggests that MMDD and its individual herbal extracts have anti-fibrotic effects. The main focus of MMDD in treating PF is to reduce inflammatory cytokines, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors and oxidative stress, promote differentiation and homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and enhance cell autophagy activity. This review summarized the clinical applications, mechanisms, and pharmacological effects of MMDD in treating PF based on existing clinical applications and experimental research. It also discussed current issues and prospects, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the mechanism of PF, drug development, and clinical trials.

Enzymatic synthesis of Vaccinium blue using vaccinoside as a bifunctional precursor

Since Tang dynasty in China, the fresh leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum (VBL) have been applied as natural pigment to produce black rice. However, detailed information on its biosynthetic mechanism still remained unclear. Following rice dyeing capacity assay, vaccinoside, one of iridoid glycosides, was identified as the key active compound. Increased methodical research demonstrated vaccinoside as a distinct bifunctional precursor, which could be catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase or β-glucosidase independently, followed by reaction with 15 amino acids to give blue pigments (VBPs; λmax 581-590 nm) of different hues. Two synthetic pathways of VBPs were proposed, using multiple techniques such as HPLC, HPSEC, UV-Vis spectrum and colorimeter as analysis tools. Black rice was interpreted to be prepared by cooking, using vaccinoside, intrinsic enzymes from fresh VBL and rice protein in combination. These findings promote the understanding of VBP formation mechanisms and provide an efficient method of producing novel Vaccinium blue pigments.

Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for interstitial lung disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a chronic lung dysfunction disease with a poor prognosis and poor recovery. The clinically used therapeutic drugs, such as glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, have no significant therapeutic effect and are accompanied with severe side effects. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in exploring and applying natural herb components for treating ILD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) possesses innate, non-toxic characteristics and offers advantages in preventing and treating pulmonary ailments. However, a comprehensive study of TCM on ILD therapy has not yet been reviewed.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the monomer components, total extracts, and prescriptions of TCM for ILD therapy, elucidating their molecular mechanisms to serve as a reference in treating ILD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature information was searched in the PubMed, Web of Science databases. The search keywords included 'interstitial lung disease', 'lung fibrosis' or 'pulmonary fibrosis', and 'traditional Chinese medicine', 'traditional herbal medicine', or 'herb medicine'.

RESULTS

The active components of single herbs, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and quinones, have potential therapeutic effects on ILD. The active extracts and prescriptions were also summarized and analyzed. The herbs, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Gancao), Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. Bunge. (Huangqi) and Angelicasinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui), play significant roles in the treatment of ILD. The mechanisms involve the inhibition of inflammatory factor release, anti-oxidative injury, and interference with collagen production, etc. CONCLUSION: This review examines the therapeutic potential of TCM for ILD and elucidates its molecular mechanisms, demonstrating that mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, modulating the immune system, and promoting tissue repair are efficacious strategies for ILD therapy. The depth research will yield both theoretical and practical implications.

Baicalein attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibroblast senescence and lung fibrosis through restoration of Sirt3 expression

CONTEXT

Fibroblast senescence was reported to contribute to the pathological development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and baicalein is reported to attenuate IPF.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores whether baicalein attenuates lung fibrosis by regulating lung fibroblast senescence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned to control, bleomycin (BLM), baicalein and BLM + baicalein groups. Lung fibrosis was established by a single intratracheal dose of BLM (3 mg/kg). The baicalein group received baicalein orally (100 mg/kg/day). Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) siRNA (50 μg) was injected through the tail vein once a week for 2 weeks to explore its effect on the anti-pulmonary fibrosis of baicalein.

RESULTS

BLM-treated mice exhibited obvious lung fibrosis and fibroblast senescence by showing increased levels of collagen deposition (27.29% vs. 4.14%), hydroxyproline (208.05 vs. 40.16 ng/mg), collagen I (25.18 vs. 9.15 μg/mg), p53, p21, p16, MCP-1, PAI-1, TNF-α, MMP-10 and MMP-12 in lung tissues, which were attenuated by baicalein. Baicalein also mitigated BLM-mediated activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. Baicalein restored the BLM-induced downregulation of Sirt3 expression in lung tissues and silencing of Sirt3 abolished the inhibitory role of baicalein against BLM-induced lung fibrosis, fibroblast senescence and activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalein preserved the BLM-induced downregulation of lung Sirt3 expression, and thus the suppression of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and lung fibrosis, which might provide an experimental basis for treatment of IPF.

Graph neural networks for the identification of novel inhibitors of a small RNA

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been implicated in various diseases, including cancers and lung disease. In recent years, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have emerged as powerful tools for analyzing graph-structured data, making them well-suited for the analysis of molecular structures. In this work, we explore the application of GNNs in ligand-based drug screening for small molecules targeting miR-21. By representing a known dataset of small molecules targeting miR-21 as graphs, GNNs can learn complex relationships between their structures and activities, enabling the prediction of potential miRNA-targeting small molecules by capturing the structural features and similarity between known miRNA-targeting compounds. The use of GNNs in miRNA-targeting drug screening holds promise for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and provides a computational framework for efficient screening of large chemical libraries.

Total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing myofibroblast transition

Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. has been used as a functional food in China for a long time. However, the antifibrotic activity of total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TS-EL) is still unknown. In this study, we discovered that TS-EL reduced the increase in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen and fibronectin content, the formation of cell filaments and collagen gel contraction in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated human lung fibroblasts. Intriguingly, TS-EL did not change the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2. TS-EL decreased the levels of serum response factor (SRF), a critical transcription factor of α-SMA, and SRF knockdown alleviated the transition of lung myofibroblasts. Furthermore, TS-EL significantly attenuated bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung pathology and collagen deposition and reduced the levels of two profibrotic markers, total lung hydroxyproline and α-SMA. TS-EL also decreased the levels of SRF protein expression in BLM-induced mice. These results suggested that TS-EL attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast transition via the downregulation of SRF.

A systematic review of the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine against pulmonary fibrosis: from a pharmacological perspective

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease caused by a variety of etiologies. The disease can eventually lead to irreversible damage to the lung tissue structure, severely affecting respiratory function and posing a serious threat to human health. Currently, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the main drugs used in the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but their efficacy is limited and they can cause serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines have important research value and potential for clinical application in anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, more and more scientific researches have been conducted on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve or reduce pulmonary fibrosis, and some important breakthroughs have been made. This review paper systematically summarized the research progress of pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines and their active compounds in improving or reducing pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted a systematic search in several main scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, natural products, herbal medicine, and therapeutic methods. Ultimately, 252 articles were included and systematically evaluated in this analysis. The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of these traditional Chinese medicine studies can be roughly categorized into 5 main aspects, including inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improvement of extracellular matrix deposition, mediation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The purpose of this article is to provide pharmaceutical researchers with information on the progress of scientific research on improving or reducing Pulmonary fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine, and to provide reference for further pharmacological research.

Tanreqing injection protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting STING-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by excessive collagen deposition, is a progressive and typically fatal lung disease without effective therapeutic methods. Tanreqing injection (TRQ), a Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine, has been widely used to treat inflammatory respiratory diseases clinically.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present work aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of TRQ against pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

The pulmonary fibrosis murine model were constructed by the intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM). 7 days later, TRQ-L (2.6 ml/kg) and TRQ-H (5.2 ml/kg) were administered via intraperitoneal injection respectively for 21 days. The efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of TRQ were investigated.

RESULTS

Here, we showed that TRQ significantly inhibited BLM-induced lung edema and pulmonary function. TRQ markedly reduced BLM-promoted inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF and inflammatory cytokines release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in serum and lung tissues. Meanwhile, TRQ also alleviated BLM-induced collagen synthesis and deposition. Simultaneously, TRQ attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis through regulating the expression of fibrotic hallmarks, manifested by down-regulated α-SMA and up-regulated E-cadherin. Moreover, we found that TRQ significantly prevented STING, p-P65, BIP, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and ATF4 expression in lung fibrosis mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results indicated that TRQ positively affects inflammatory responses and lung fibrosis by regulating STING-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signal pathway.

Mutual leveraging of proximity effects and click chemistry in chemical biology

Nature has the remarkable ability to realize reactions under physiological conditions that normally would require high temperature and other forcing conditions. In doing so, often proximity effects such as simultaneous binding of two reactants in the same pocket and/or strategic positioning of catalytic functional groups are used as ways to achieve otherwise kinetically challenging reactions. Though true biomimicry is challenging, there have been many beautiful examples of how to leverage proximity effects in realizing reactions that otherwise would not readily happen under near-physiological conditions. Along this line, click chemistry is often used to endow proximity effects, and proximity effects are also used to further leverage the facile and bioorthogonal nature of click chemistry. This review brings otherwise seemingly unrelated topics in chemical biology and drug discovery under one unifying theme of mutual leveraging of proximity effects and click chemistry and aims to critically analyze the biomimicry use of such leveraging effects as powerful approaches in chemical biology and drug discovery. We hope that this review demonstrates the power of employing mutual leveraging proximity effects and click chemistry and inspires the development of new strategies that will address unmet needs in chemistry and biology.

Baicalein alleviates fibrosis and inflammation in systemic sclerosis by regulating B-cell abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; also known as "scleroderma") is an autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive fibrosis, vascular changes, and immunologic dysregulation. Baicalein (phenolic flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) has been used to treat the pathological processes of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of baicalein on the major pathologic characteristics of SSc: fibrosis, B-cell abnormalities, and inflammation.

METHODS

The effect of baicalein on collagen accumulation and expression of fibrogenic markers in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. SSc mice were produced by injecting bleomycin and treated with baicalein (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg). The antifibrotic features of baicalein and its mechanisms were investigated by histologic examination, hydroxyproline assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Baicalein (5-120 μM) significantly inhibited the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and fibroblast activation in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1- and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced human dermal fibroblasts, as evidenced by abrogated deposition of total collagen, decreased secretion of soluble collagen, reduced collagen contraction capability and downregulation of various fibrogenesis molecules. In a bleomycin-induced model of dermal fibrosis in mice, baicalein (25-100 mg/kg) restored dermal architecture, ameliorated inflammatory infiltrates, and attenuated dermal thickness and collagen accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. According to flow cytometry, baicalein reduced the proportion of B cells (B220⁺ lymphocytes) and increased the proportion of memory B cells (B220⁺CD27⁺ lymphocytes) in the spleens of bleomycin-induced mice. Baicalein treatment potently attenuated serum levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta) and autoantibodies (anti-scleroderma 70 (Scl-70), anti-polymyositis-scleroderma (PM-Scl), anti-centromeres, anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA). In addition, baicalein treatment can significantly inhibit the activation of TGF-β1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts and bleomycin-induce mice of SSc, evidenced by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-11, as well as inhibiting both small mother against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that baicalein has therapeutic potential against SSc, exerting modulating B-cell abnormalities, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrosis.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of baicalin and baicalein on pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH.

Baicalein inhibits macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα pathway

Lipid accumulation and inflammatory response are two major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a phenolic flavonoid widely used in East Asian countries, possesses a potential atheroprotective activity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study was performed to explore the impact of baicalein on lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Our results showed that baicalein up-regulated the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, liver X receptor α (LXRα), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), promoted cholesterol efflux, and inhibited lipid accumulation. Administration of baicalein also reduced the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Knockdown of LXRα or PPARγ with siRNAs abrogated the effects of baicalein on ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression, cholesterol efflux, lipid accumulation as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In summary, these findings suggest that baicalein exerts a beneficial effect on macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα signaling pathway.

A Systematic Review of Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Western Medicine in Combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine versus Western Medicine Alone

Background

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late 2019, it has evolved into a global pandemic that has become a substantial public health concern. COVID-19 is still causing a large number of deaths in several countries around the world because of the lack of effective treatment.

Aim

To systematically compare the outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated with integrated Chinese with western (ICW) medicine versus western medicine (WM) alone by pooling the data of published literature, and to determine if ICW treatment of COVID-19 patients has better clinical outcomes.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China Clinical Trial Registry, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases using keywords related to COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and treatment effect. The search deadline was until 10 February 2021. All randomised controlled (RC) and non-randomised controlled (NRC) clinical trials of the ICW or WM treatment of COVID-19 patients were included. We analysed the effective rate, cure rate, exacerbation rate, turning negative rate of viral nucleic acid, remission rate and remission time of symptoms such as fever, cough, feebleness and chest computed tomography (CT) and the number of white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes (LYM) of the COVID-19 patients. For qualitative and quantitative data, the ratio risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as the indexes of the statistical analysis, respectively. RevMan 5.4 was used to perform meta-analyses and forest plots with the fixed-effects and random-effects models. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included RC trials, whereas risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions was used to assess the risk of bias in NRC trials.

Results

This research includes 16 studies with 1645 valid confirmed COVID-19 patients, among which 895 patients of the experimental group received ICW treatment whereas 750 patients of the control group received WM treatment. The outcomes were assessed in three aspects, that is, overall indicator, symptoms indicator and blood indicator, respectively, and the results showed that the ICW group had better treatment outcomes compared with the WM. Among the overall indicators, the ICW group displayed a higher effective rate (RR = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.33), clinical cure rate (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.56) and lower exacerbation rate (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.52), but no statistical difference was observed in the turning negative rate of viral nucleic acid (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.78–1.85). Among the symptom indicators, the ICW group had a higher fever remission rate (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.42), less fever remission time (WMD = −1.49, 95% CI: −1.85 to −1.12), a higher cough remission rate (RR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10–1.73) and a feebleness remission rate (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.18–1.77), less cough remission time (WMD = −1.61, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.87) and feebleness remission time (WMD = −1.50, 95% CI: −2.38 to −0.61) and better improvement in chest CT (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11–1.28). For blood indicator, the number of WBCs in the blood of patients of ICW group rebounded significantly (WMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54), and the recovery of LYM in the blood was more obvious (WMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06–0.40).

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the outcomes in COVID-19 patients treated by the ICW is better than those treated by the WM treatment alone, suggesting that WM and TCM can be complementary in the treatment of COVID-19.

Mitomycin induces alveolar epithelial cell senescence by down-regulating GSK3β signaling

Mitomycin treatment induces pulmonary toxicity, and alveolar epithelial cell senescence is crucial in the pathogenesis of the latter. However, the mechanism by which mitomycin induces alveolar epithelial cell senescence has yet to be elucidated. In this work, different doses (37.5-300 nM) of mitomycin induced the senescence of human alveolar type II-like epithelial cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9). The GSK3β (S9A) mutant reversed the senescence of mitomycin-treated alveolar epithelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition and gene deletion of Akt1, a kinase that regulates the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9), suppressed mitomycin-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence. The knockdown of p53, a downstream effector of GSK3β and an important regulator of cell senescence, repressed mitomycin-induced alveolar epithelial cell senescence. Treatment with baicalein weakened the phosphorylation of GSK3β (S9) and alleviated the senescence of alveolar epithelial cells brought about by mitomycin treatment. GSK3β (S9) phosphorylation appears to be the first signal involved in the mitomycin-induced senescence of alveolar epithelial cells and may present a potential target for attenuating mitomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

MYH9 Inhibition Suppresses TGF-β1-Stimulated Lung Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation

Previous cDNA microarray results showed that MYH9 gene expression levels are increased in TGF-β1-stimulated lung fibroblast. Recently, our proteomic results revealed that the expression levels of MYH9 protein are notably upregulated in lung tissues of bleomycin-treated rats. However, whether MYH9 plays a critical role in the differentiation of fibroblast remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 increased MYH9 expression, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of MYH9 and pharmacological inhibition of MYH9 ATPase activity remarkably repressed TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. TGF-β1-stimulated MYH9 induction might be via ALK5/Smad2/3 pathway but not through noncanonical pathways, including p38 mitogen-activated kinase, and Akt pathways in lung fibroblasts. Our results showed that MYH9 inhibition suppressed TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, which provides valuable information for illuminating the pathological mechanisms of lung fibroblast differentiation, and gives clues for finding new potential target for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.

Baicalein alleviated TGF β1-induced type I collagen production in lung fibroblasts via downregulation of connective tissue growth factor

Although we have reported that baicalein ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and inhibited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, the mechanisms of the capability of baicalein to suppress the production of type I collagen in fibroblasts remains unclear. Here, we showed that baicalein suppressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1)-stimulated the production of type I collagen in lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. By applying SILAC-based proteomic technology, 158 proteins were identified as baicalein-modulated proteins in TGF β1-stimulated the accumulation of type I collagen in MRC-5 cells. Our proteomic and biochemical analysis demonstrated that baicalein decreased the expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in TGF β1-stimulated MRC-5 cells. In addition, CTGF overexpression elevated the levels of type I collagen in baicalein-treated fibroblasts. Moreover, our results demonstrated that baicalein-downregulated CTGF expression might be related with the decrease of Smad2 phosphorylation, but not SP1. This work not only linked CTGF to TGF β1-stimulated the production of type I collagen in its attribution to the effects of baicalein, but also might provide valuable information for enhancing the knowledge of the pharmacological inhibition of collagen production, which might represent a promising strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement and Particle Structure Stabilization of Polymer Nanoparticle by Doping Anionic Polyelectrolyte and Cationic Polymer Containing Tertiary Amine Groups and Its Highly Sensitive Immunoanalysis

A doped polymer nanoparticle (dPNP) of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was prepared via doping the anionic polyelectrolyte polyacrylic acid (PAA) and the cationic polymer poly-ethyleneimine (PEI) into the polymer nanoparticle (PNP), which was self-assembled by Ru(bpy)32+ derivative-grafted PAA (PAA–Ru) with both cations and anions. The good electrical conductivity of the doped polyelectrolyte PAA enhanced the ECL intensity of PNP to 109.1%, and the involvement of a large number of tertiary amine groups of the doped PEI further enhanced that to 127.3%; meanwhile, doping low-molecular-weight PEI into PNP, while simultaneously doping high-molecular-weight PAA, avoided the precipitation of PAA and PEI, due to interaction of the two oppositely charged polymers; and these also made the self-assembly procedure more effective and the nanoparticle structure more stable than PNP and also led to the production of rich residual PAA chains on the surface of dPNP. The storage results showed that the average hydrated particle diameter kept almost constant (197.5–213.1 nm) during 15-day storage and that the nanoparticles have rich surface charge of −11.47 mV (zeta potential), well suspension stability and good dispersity without detectable aggregation in the solution during the storage. Therefore, the nanoparticle is quite suitable for the antibody labeling, immunoassay and the storage. As a result, a high-sensitive ECL immunoassay approach with good precision, accuracy and selectivity was established and an ultra-low detection limit of 0.049 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3) for magnetic bead-based detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen was observed.

SILAC-based proteomic profiling of the suppression of TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation by trehalose

Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is one of the most important characteristics of pulmonary fibrosis, and screening natural compounds targeting fibroblast differentiation is always a promising approach to discover drug candidates for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Trehalose reportedly has many potential medical applications, especially in treating neurodegeneration diseases. However, it remains unclear whether trehalose suppresses lung fibroblast differentiation. In this work, we found that trehalose decreased the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) following the induction of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in pretreatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment groups. Trehalose also reduced the production of type I collagen, lung fibroblast-containing gel contractility and cell filament formation in TGF-β1-stimulated MRC-5 cells. Although trehalose is a known autophagy inducer, our results showed that its suppressive effect on fibroblast differentiation was not via trehalose-induced autophagy. And it did not affect canonical TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathway. By applying proteomic profiling technology, we demonstrated that the downregulation of β-catenin was involved in the trehalose-repressive action on fibroblast differentiation. The β-catenin agonist, SKL2001, reversed the suppressive effect of trehalose on fibroblast differentiation. Overall, these experiments demonstrated that trehalose suppressed fibroblast differentiation via the downregulation of β-catenin, but not through canonical autophagy and TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathway, which is not only a novel understanding of trehalose, but also quite helpful for in vivo research of trehalose on pulmonary fibrosis in future.

MicroRNA-31/184 is involved in transforming growth factor-β-induced apoptosis in A549 human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells

AIMS

TGF-β-induced alveolar epithelial cells apoptosis were involved in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to explore potential targets and mechanisms of IPF.

MAIN METHODS

mRNA and microRNA arrays were used to analyze differentially expressed genes and miRNAs. Several essential targets of TGF-β-SMADs and TGF-β-PI3K-AKT pathways were detected.

KEY FINDINGS

miR-31 and miR-184 expression levels were positively correlated with smad6 and smad2/akt expression levels in IPF patients. TGF-β could induce miR-31 and suppress miR-184 levels in A549 cells. miR-31 was confirmed to bind to the smad6-3'UTR and functionally suppress its expression. Down-regulated SMAD6 enhanced SMAD2/SMAD4 dimer formation and translocation due to its failure to prevent SMAD2 phosphorylation. In contrast, anti-fibrotic functions of miR-184 were abolished due to TGF-β directly suppressing miR-184 levels in A549 cells. When A549 was stimulated by TGF-β combined with or without miR-31 inhibitor/miR-184 mimic, it was showed that depleted miR-31 and/or increased miR-184 significantly ameliorated TGF-β-induced viability of A549 cells, as well as inhibited the expression of profibrotic factors, MMP7 and RUNX2.

SIGNIFICANCE

Inhibiting miR-31 and/or promoting miR-184 protect against TGF-β-induced fibrogenesis by respectively repressing the TGF-β-SMAD2 and TGF-β-PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, implying that miR-31/184 are potential targets and suggesting a new management strategy for IPF.

Baicalein retards proliferation and collagen deposition by activating p38MAPK-JNK via microRNA-29

Immoderate proliferation and deposition of collagen generally result in hypertrophic scars and even keloids. microRNA-29 (miR-29) has been proved as a crucial regulator in these pathological processes. Although mounting evidence have proved baicalein (BAI) impairs scar formation, it is still incompletely understood whether miR-29 participated in the underlying mechanism. In the present study, NIH-3T3 cells were stimulated with BAI, and then cell viability was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Western blot. We further analyzed total soluble collagen, collagen 1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in NIH-3T3 cells, which were exposed to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/BAI, using a Sircol assay kit, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Besides, the miR-29 inhibitor was transduced and its transfection efficiency was verified by qRT-PCR. Finally, the phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were examined by Western blot. BAI effectively retarded NIH-3T3 proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, TGF-β1-induced deposition of total soluble collagen and synthesis of collagen 1 and α-SMA were repressed by BAI at mRNA and protein levels. However, miR-29 inhibitor reversed the effects of BAI. Remarkably, BAI promoted phosphorylated expression of p38MAPK and JNK while miR-29 inhibitor reversed its effects on the phosphorylated expression of p38MAPK and JNK. BAI effectively weakened the cell viability and repressed TGF-β1-induced total soluble collagen as well as collagen 1 and α-SMA by upregulating miR-29. Mechanically, BAI activates the p38MAPK/JNK pathway by promoting miR-29.