Protective effect of (+)-catechin against 5-fluorouracil-induced myelosuppression in mice

Integration of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Explore Jixueteng - Yinyanghuo Herb Pair Alleviate Cisplatin-Induced Myelosuppression

Jixueteng, the vine of the bush Spatholobus suberectus Dunn., is widely used to treat irregular menstruation and arthralgia. Yinyanghuo, the aboveground part of the plant Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., has the function of warming the kidney to invigorate yang. This research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the Jixueteng and Yinyanghuo herbal pair (JYHP) on cisplatin-induced myelosuppression in a mice model. Firstly, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) screened 15 effective compounds of JYHP decoction. Network pharmacology enriched 10 genes which may play a role by inhibiting the apoptosis of bone marrow (BM) cells. Then, a myelosuppression C57BL/6 mice model was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cis-Diaminodichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP) and followed by the intragastric (i.g.) administration of JYHP decoction. The efficacy was evaluated by blood cell count, reticulocyte count, and histopathological analysis of bone marrow and spleen. Through the vivo experiments, we found the timing of JYHP administration affected the effect of drug administration, JYHP had a better therapeutical effect rather than a preventive effect. JYHP obviously recovered the hematopoietic function of bone marrow from the peripheral blood cell test and pathological staining. Flow cytometry data showed JYHP decreased the apoptosis rate of BM cells and the western blotting showed JYHP downregulated the cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 ratios through RAS/MEK/ERK pathway. In conclusion, JYHP alleviated CDDP-induced myelosuppression by inhibiting the apoptosis of BM cells through RAS/MEK/ERK pathway and the optimal timing of JYHP administration was after CDDP administration.

Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch ex Miq. (A. arguta) is a highly valued vine plant belonging to the Actinidia lindl genus. It is extensively utilized for its edible and medicinal properties. The various parts of A. arguta serve diverse purposes. The fruit is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and flavorful raw material for producing jam, canned food, and wine. The flowers yield volatile oils suitable for essential oil extraction. The leaves contain phenolic compounds and can be used for tea production. Additionally, the roots, stems, and leaves of A. arguta possess significant medicinal value, as they contain a wide array of active ingredients that exert multiple pharmacological and therapeutic effects. These effects include quenching thirst, relieving heat, stopping bleeding, promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, dispelling wind, and alleviating dampness. Comprehensive information on A. arguta was collected from scientific databases covering the period from 1970 to 2023. The databases used for this review included Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. The objective of this review was to provide a detailed explanation of A. arguta from multiple perspectives, such as phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. By doing so, it aimed to establish a solid foundation and propose new research ideas for further exploration of the plant's potential applications and industrial development. To date, a total of 539 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. arguta. These compounds include terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, phenylpropanoids, lignin, organic acids, volatile components, alkanes, coumarins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and inorganic elements. Flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and polysaccharides are the key bioactive constituents of A. arguta. Moreover, phenolics and flavonoids in A. arguta exhibit remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Additionally, they show promising potential in improving glucose metabolism, combating aging, reducing fatigue, and regulating the immune system. While some fundamental studies on A. arguta have been conducted, further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of its mechanism of action, quality evaluation, and compatibility mechanisms. A more comprehensive investigation is highly warranted to explore the mechanism of action and expand the range of drug resources associated with A. arguta. This will contribute to the current hot topics of anti-aging and anti-tumor drug research and development, thereby promoting its further development and utilization.

Pasta with Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta): Effect on Structure, Quality, Consumer Acceptance, and Changes in Bioactivity during Thermal Treatment

In this study, kiwiberry lyophilizate (KBL) was incorporated into pasta at different levels (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w). Kiwiberry fruits’ characteristics (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity determination) as well as physical (cooking properties, color, microscopic structure determination, texture, and water molecular dynamics analysis by low-field NMR) and chemical analyses (proximate composition phenolic compounds composition and antioxidant activity) of KBL-enriched pasta were investigated. The replacement of semolina with KBL in the production of pasta significantly changed its culinary properties. Results showed that the addition of KBL leads to a reduction in optimal cooking time and cooking weight (47.6% and 37.3%, respectively). Additionally, a significant effect of the KBL incorporation on the color of both fresh and cooked pasta was observed. A significant reduction in the L* value for fresh (27.8%) and cooked (20.2%) pasta was found. The KBL-enriched pasta had a different surface microstructure than the control pasta and reduced firmness (on average 44.7%). Low-field NMR results have confirmed that the ingredients in kiwiberry fruit can bind the water available in fresh pasta. The heat treatment resulted in increasing the availability of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity (64.7%) of cooked pasta. Sensory evaluation scores showed that the use of 5–10% of the KBL additive could be successfully accepted by consumers.

Photobiomodulation therapy for thrombocytopenia by upregulating thrombopoietin expression via the ROS-dependent Src/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) can increase the risk of bleeding, which may delay or prevent the administration of anticancer treatment schedules. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a non-invasive physical treatment, has been proposed to improve thrombocytopenia; however, its underlying regulatory mechanism is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the mechanism of thrombopoietin (TPO) in megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.

METHODS

Multiple approaches such as western blotting, cell transfection, flow cytometry, and animal studies were utilized to explore the effect and mechanism of PBMT on thrombopoiesis.

RESULTS

PBMT prevented a severe drop in platelet count by increasing platelet production, and then ameliorated CIT. Mechanistically, PBMT significantly upregulated hepatic TPO expression in a thrombocytopenic mouse model, which promoted megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. The levels of TPO mRNA and protein increased by PBMT via the Src/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatic cells. Furthermore, the generation of the reactive oxygen species was responsible for PBMT-induced activation of Src and its downstream target effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggests that PBMT is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CIT.

Ameliorative effects of ginsenosides on myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

and ethnopharmacological relevance: As the major side effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, myelosuppression usually leads to anemia, hemorrhage, immunosuppression, and even fatal infections, which may discontinue the process of cancer treatment. As a result, more and more attention is paid to the treatment of myelosuppression. Ginseng, root of Panax ginseng Meyer (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey), is considered as the king of herbs in the Orient, particularly in China, Korea and Japan. Ginsenosides, the most important active ingredients of ginseng, have been shown to have a variety of therapeutic effects, such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. Considering that ginsenosides are closely associated with the pathogenesis of myelosuppression, researchers have carried out a few experiments on ginsenosides to attenuate myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in recent years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To summarize previous studies about the effects of ginsenosides on alleviating myelosuppression and the mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Literatures in this review were searched in PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.

RESULTS

Ginsenosides play an important role in relieving myelosuppression predominantly by restoring hematopoiesis and immunity.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenosides might be potential candidates for the treatment of myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Construction of Aptamer-siRNA Chimera/PEI/5-FU/Carbon Nanotube/Collagen Membranes for the Treatment of Peritoneal Dissemination of Drug-Resistant Gastric Cancer

Due to extensive metastasis, poor blood supply, and drug-resistant, there is still no effective clinical means to treat peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer. Here, an aptamer-siRNA chimera (Chim)/polyethyleneimine (PEI)/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/collagen membrane is constructed, which could be divided into 15 layers with a thickness of 70-100 µm. Sustained release experiments show that the collagen membranes can control 5-FU release for more than 2 weeks. Aptamer-siRNA chimera can specifically bind to gastric cancer cells, enabling targeted delivery of 5-FU and silencing drug-resistant gene. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Chim/PEI/5-FU/CNT nanoparticles promoted the apoptosis of 5-FU-resistant gastric cancer cells, inhibited their invasion and proliferation. Animal experiments show that Chim/PEI/5-FU/CNT/collagen membrane significantly inhibits the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and effectively treats peritoneal dissemination of 5-FU-resistant gastric cancer. Compared with siRNA/PEI/5-FU/CNT group, ki-67 proliferation index, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) expression are significantly decreased in the Chim/PEI/5-FU/CNT group, while the proportion of apoptotic cells is markly increased. In conclusion, a chimera/PEI/5-FU/CNT/collagen membrane is constructed, which can effectively treat peritoneal dissemination of drug-resistant gastric cancer. The study provides a new therapeutic approach for relevant clinical treatment.

Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation of the System-Level Molecular Mechanisms of the Hematopoietic Activity of Samul-Tang, a Traditional Korean Herbal Formula

Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process of the continuous production of diverse blood cell types to meet the body's physiological demands and involves complex regulation of multiple cellular mechanisms in hematopoietic stem cells, including proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis. Disruption of the hematopoietic system is known to cause various hematological disorders such as myelosuppression. There is growing evidence on the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on hematopoiesis; however, their mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a network pharmacological-based investigation of the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoietic activity of Samul-tang, which is an herbal formula consisting of four herbal medicines, including Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Cnidii Rhizoma. In silico analysis of the absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion model identified 16 active phytochemical compounds contained in Samul-tang that may target 158 genes/proteins associated with myelosuppression to exert pharmacological effects. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of Samul-tang were significantly enriched in multiple pathways closely related to the hematopoiesis and myelosuppression development, including the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, IL-17, TNF, FoxO, HIF-1, NF-kappa B, and p53 signaling pathways. Our study provides novel evidence regarding the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoiesis-promoting effect of herbal medicines for hematological disorder treatment.

Water soluble extracts from Actinidia arguta, PG102, attenuates house dust mite-induced murine atopic dermatitis by inhibiting the mTOR pathway with Treg generation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Actinidia arguta is widespread in northeastern Asia, being found in Siberia, Korea, Japan, and northern China. These fruits have been documented to regulate the uncontrolled heat of body resulting in various allergic diseases in the Korean traditional medicine. PG102, a water-soluble extract from an edible fruit, A. arguta, has been previously shown to control various factors involved in allergic pathogenesis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated whether PG102 prevents chronic allergic reactions via the generation of Tregs, which play a preventive role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In dust mite extract-induced chronic atopic dermatitis, orally administered PG102 inhibited symptoms of dermatitis, including ear swelling and erythema, and decreased lymphocyte infiltration into the inflamed region. Moreover, PG102 reduced inflammatory T cell responses and increased the expression levels of Foxp3 and other Treg-related genes. PG102 treatment enhanced the induction of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs from naive CD4+CD62L+ T cells, probably via the inhibition of mTOR activation and the phosphorylation of STAT5 rather than using the TGF-β signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

PG102 may have potential as an orally active immunosuppressor for preventing chronic inflammatory diseases.

In Vivo Chemoprotective Activity of Bovine Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells against Damage Induced by 5-Fluorouracil

Chemotherapy treatments induce a number of side effects, such as leukopenia neutropenia, peripheral erythropenia, and thrombocytopenia, affecting the quality of life for cancer patients. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is wieldy used as myeloablative model in mice. The bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract (bDLE) or IMMUNEPOTENT CRP® (ICRP) is an immunomodulatory compound that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. In order to investigate the chemoprotection effect of ICRP on bone marrow cells in 5-FU treated mice, total bone marrow (BM) cell count, bone marrow colony forming units-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), cell cycle, immunophenotypification, ROS/superoxide and Nrf2 by flow cytometry, and histological and hematological analyses were performed. Our results demonstrated that ICRP increased BM cell count and CFU-GM number, arrested BM cells in G0/G1 phase, increased the percentage of leukocyte, granulocytic, and erythroid populations, reduced ROS/superoxide formation and Nrf2 activation, and also improved hematological levels and weight gain in 5-FU treated mice. These results suggest that ICRP has a chemoprotective effect against 5-FU in BM cells that can be used in cancer patients.

Protective effect of dammarane sapogenins against chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in mice

Chemotherapy is the most common way to treat malignancies, but myelosuppression, one of its common side-effects, is a formidable problem. The present study described the protective role of dammarane sapogenins (DS), an active fraction from oriental ginseng, on myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice. DS was orally administered at different dosages (37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg) for 10 d after CP administration (200 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The results showed that DS increased the number of white blood cells (WBC) on day 3 and day 7 (P < 0.05), such that WBC levels were increased by 105.7 ± 29.5% at 75 mg/kg of DS on day 3 (P < 0.05, compared with the CP group). Similar results were observed in red blood cells and platelets in DS-treated groups. The colony-forming assay demonstrated that the depressed numbers of CFU-GM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte and macrophage), CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid), BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid), CFU-Meg (colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte) and CFU-GEMM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte, -erythrocyte, -monocyte and -megakaryocyte) induced by CP were significantly reversed after DS treatment. Moreover, the ameliorative effect of DS on myelosuppression was also observed in the femur by hematoxylin/eosin staining. In DS-treated groups, ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation was enhanced significantly at all the doses (37.5, 75, 150 mg/kg) on day 3 at the rate of 50.3 ± 8.0%, 77.6 ± 8.5% and 44.5 ± 8.4%, respectively, while lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation was increased mainly on day 7 (P < 0.01), with an increased rate of 39.8 ± 5.6%, 34.9 ± 6.6% and 38.3 ± 7.3%, respectively. The thymus index was also markedly increased by 70.4% and 36.6% at 75 mg/kg on days 3 and 7, respectively, as compared with the CP group. In summary, DS has a protective function against CP-induced myelosuppression. Its mechanism might be related to stimulating hematopoiesis recovery, as well as enhancing the immunological function.

Myelophil, a mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix extract, moderates toxic side effects of fluorouracil in mice

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Myelophil, an extract containing Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, for reducing complications induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in a gastrointestinal cancer model.

METHODS: We injected 5-FU into mice and then administered Myelophil to examine the ability of the drug to treat the side effects of 5-FU in mice. Peripheral blood counts, histological examinations, and colony-forming assays of bone marrow were conducted, followed by swimming tests and assessment of survival times.

RESULTS: Myelophil restored red and white blood cells and platelets in blood, and recovered cell density in bone marrow to levels comparable to those observed within the control group. In addition, Myelophil significantly increased colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) and CFU-erythroid (CFU-E) compared to the control group. We confirmed that interleukin-3 gene expression was upregulated by Myelophil in spleen cells. Myelophil administration also doubled the survival rate of mice that were severely myelosuppressed as a result of 5-FU injection at a lethal dose of 70%. Finally, the swimming performance of mice significantly improved as a result of Myelophil treatment.

CONCLUSION: These results provide experimental evidence in support of clinical applications of Myelophil to minimize 5-FU-induced myelosuppression and improve general post-chemotherapy health.

Oral Administration of Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang 'Ninjin'yoeito' Protects Against Hematotoxicity and Induces Immature Erythroid Progenitor Cells in 5-Fluorouracil-induced Anemia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of four different Japanese and Chinese herbal prescriptions, Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang (Ninjin'yoeito, NYT), Chai-Hu-Gui-Zhi-Gan-Jiang-Tang (Saikokeishikankyoto, SKKT), Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (Shikunshito, SKT) and Si-Wu-Tang (Shimotsuto, SMT), which are traditionally used for anemia and fatigue, against hematotoxicity in mice treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). NYT 1-100 mg kg(-1) day(-1) injected orally for 7 consecutive days before and after 5-FU injection significantly suppressed reductions in red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts in peripheral blood, and accelerated their recovery. Administration of SKKT also produced a slight but significant improvement in 5-FU-induced erythrocytopenia, whereas SMT and SKT could not prevent anemia. Oral injection of NYT also inhibited 5-FU-induced decreases in peripheral reticulocyte and bone marrow cell counts on day 10, and markedly hastened their recovery on day 20, in a dose-dependent manner. Erythroid progenitor colonies, such as colony forming units-erythroid and burst forming units-erythroid, formed by marrow cells from mice treated with 5-FU were significantly increased by oral administration of NYT. These findings suggest that NYT has the potential to protect against hematotoxicity, and also has hematopoietic activity, through stimulation of immature erythroid progenitor cell differentiation.

Aqueous Extract of Peanut Skin and Its Main Constituent Procyanidin A1 Suppress Serum IgE and IgG1 Levels in Mice-Immunized with Ovalbumin

In this study, we investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed skin (PSE) and its main constituent procyanidin A1 (PA) on the allergic response to allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in a mouse model. Mice immunized interaperitoneally with OVA dramatically increased anti-OVA IgE and total IgG1 levels in serum compared with non-treated control mice. Oral injection of PSE at doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg/kg/d (for 21 consecutive days) decreased anti-OVA IgE and IgG1 levels 21 d after OVA-immunization. OVA-induced increments in spleen weight and peripheral white blood cell count were also suppressed by this PSE administration. Polyphenol-enriched fractions from apple (30 mg/kg) and grape seed (30 mg/kg) also decreased anti-OVA IgE level but did not affect total IgG1 levels. Oral injection of PA (1 to 10 mg/kg/d) purified from PSE resulted in a suppression of IgE and total IgG1 levels in serum. An increment of serum interleukin-4 level in mice that were immunized with OVA was reduced by all tested samples, whereas PSE and PA were the only compounds that could reverse the reduced interferon-gamma level by OVA. These findings suggest that intake of PSE or its main active constituent PA may prevent an allergic reaction by inhibiting immunoglobulin synthesis, and the mechanism of this action of PSE and PA is in part due to their regulation of T helper cytokine production.