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Chhabra S, Mehan S. Matrine exerts its neuroprotective effects by modulating multiple neuronal pathways. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1471-1499. [PMID: 37103719 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01214-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that misfolding, clumping, and accumulation of proteins in the brain may be common causes and pathogenic mechanism for several neurological illnesses. This causes neuronal structural deterioration and disruption of neural circuits. Research from various fields supports this idea, indicating that developing a single treatment for several severe conditions might be possible. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants play an essential part in maintaining the brain's chemical equilibrium by affecting the proximity of neurons. Matrine is a tetracyclo-quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the plant Sophora flavescens Aiton. Matrine has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various other neurological disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated that matrine protects neurons by altering multiple signalling pathways and crossing the blood-brain barrier. As a result, matrine may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of a variety of neurocomplications. This work aims to serve as a foundation for future clinical research by reviewing the current state of matrine as a neuroprotective agent and its potential therapeutic application in treating neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Future research will answer many concerns and lead to fascinating discoveries that could impact other aspects of matrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swesha Chhabra
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
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Zhang M, Li A, Yang Q, Li J, Zheng L, Wang G, Sun Y, Huang Y, Zhang M, Song Z, Liu L. Matrine alleviates depressive-like behaviors via modulating microbiota-gut-brain axis in CUMS-induced mice. J Transl Med 2023; 21:145. [PMID: 36829227 PMCID: PMC9951532 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The realization of the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression, is advancing rapidly. Matrine is a natural bioactive compound, which has been found to possess potential antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanisms of regulation of the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis in the treatment of depression by oral matrine remain elusive. METHODS Its antidepressant effects were initially evaluated by behavioral tests and relative levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, and matrine has been observed to attenuate the depression-like behavior and increase neurotransmitter content in CUMS-induced mice. Subsequently, studies from the "gut" to "brain" were conducted, including detection of the composition of gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing; the metabolomics detection of gut metabolites and the analysis of differential metabolic pathways; the assessment of relative levels of diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by ELISA kits or immunofluorescence. RESULTS Matrine could regulate the disturbance of gut microbiota and metabolites, restore intestinal permeability, and reduce intestinal inflammation, thereby reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood circulation and brain regions, and ultimately increase the levels of BDNF in brain. CONCLUSION Matrine may ameliorate CUMS-induced depression in mice by modulating the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China ,grid.411407.70000 0004 1760 2614Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Aoqiang Li
- grid.411407.70000 0004 1760 2614Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qifang Yang
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Sun
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- grid.27446.330000 0004 1789 9163National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Muqing Zhang
- grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Zhenbo Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
| | - Lei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
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Matrine treatment reduces retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in experimental optic neuritis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9520. [PMID: 33947942 PMCID: PMC8097076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory demyelination and axonal injury of the optic nerve are hallmarks of optic neuritis (ON), which often occurs in multiple sclerosis and is a major cause of visual disturbance in young adults. Although a high dose of corticosteroids can promote visual recovery, it cannot prevent permanent neuronal damage. Novel and effective therapies are thus required. Given the recently defined capacity of matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae flavescens, in immunomodulation and neuroprotection, we tested in this study the effect of matrine on rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. MAT administration, started at disease onset, significantly suppressed optic nerve infiltration and demyelination, with reduced numbers of Iba1+ macrophages/microglia and CD4+ T cells, compared to those from vehicle-treated rats. Increased expression of neurofilaments, an axon marker, reduced numbers of apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Moreover, MAT treatment promoted Akt phosphorylation and shifted the Bcl-2/Bax ratio back towards an antiapoptotic one, which could be a mechanism for its therapeutic effect in the ON model. Taken as a whole, our results demonstrate that MAT attenuated inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss in the optic nerve, and protected RGCs from inflammation-induced cell death. MAT may therefore have potential as a novel treatment for this disease that may result in blindness.
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You L, Yang C, Du Y, Wang W, Sun M, Liu J, Ma B, Pang L, Zeng Y, Zhang Z, Dong X, Yin X, Ni J. A Systematic Review of the Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics of Matrine. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:01067. [PMID: 33041782 PMCID: PMC7526649 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrine (MT) is a naturally occurring alkaloid and an bioactive component of Chinese herbs, such as Sophora flavescens and Radix Sophorae tonkinensis. Emerging evidence suggests that MT possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fibrotic, anti-allergic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. These pharmacological properties form the foundation for its application in the treatment of various diseases, such as multiple types of cancers, hepatitis, skin diseases, allergic asthma, diabetic cardiomyopathy, pain, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. However, an increasing number of published studies indicate that MT has serious adverse effects, the most obvious being liver toxicity and neurotoxicity, which are major factors limiting its clinical use. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that MT has low oral bioavailability and short half-life in vivo. This review summarizes the latest advances in research on the pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of MT, with a focus on its biological properties and mechanism of action. The review provides insight into the future of research on traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longtai You
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Du
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenping Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyi Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baorui Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linnuo Pang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Zeng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqin Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxv Dong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xingbin Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Ni
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Wang H, Xia C, Chen L, Zhao J, Tao W, Zhang X, Wang J, Gao X, Yong J, Duan JA. Phytochemical Information and Biological Activities of Quinolizidine Alkaloids in Sophora: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1572-1586. [PMID: 31215388 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190618125816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quinolizidine alkaloids, a main form of alkaloids found in the genus Sophora, have been shown to have many pharmacological effects. This review aims to summarize the photochemical reports and biological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids in Sophora. The collected information suggested that a total of 99 quinolizidine alkaloids were isolated and detected from different parts of Sophora plants, represented by lupinine-type, cytisine-type, sparteine-type, and matrine-type. However, quality control needs to be monitored because it could provide basic information for the reasonable and efficient use of quinolizidine alkaloids as medicines and raw materials. The nonmedicinal parts may be promising to be used as a source of quinolizidine alkaloid raw materials and to reduce the waste of resources and environmental pollution. In addition, the diversity of chemical compounds based on the alkaloid scaffold to make a biological compound library needs to be extended, which may reduce toxicity and find new bioactivities of quinolizidine alkaloids. The bioactivities most reported are in the fields of antitumor activity along with the effects on the cardiovascular system. However, those studies rely on theoretical research, and novel drugs based on quinolizidine alkaloids are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China.,Ningxia Research Center of Modern Hui Medicine Engineering and Technology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Changbo Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Weiwei Tao
- Center for Translational Syhstems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jianhuan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jingjiao Yong
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resources Recycling Utilization, Nanjing 210023, China
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Quinolizidine alkaloids derivatives from Sophora alopecuroides Linn: Bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and preliminary molecular mechanisms. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 188:111972. [PMID: 31884408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Quinolizidine alkaloids, as essential active ingredients extracted from Sophora alopecuroides Linn, have been well concerned in the past several decades owing to the unique structural features and numerous pharmacological activities. Quinolizidine alkaloids consist of matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, sophocarpine and aloperine etc. Additionally, quinolizidine alkaloids exert various excellent activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, anti-virus and anti-arrhythmia regulations. In this review, we comprehensively clarify the pharmacological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids, as well as the relationship between biological function and structure-activity of substituted quinolizidine alkaloids. We believe that biological agents based on the pharmacological functions of quinolizidine alkaloids could be well applied in clinical practice.
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Mohtashami L, Shakeri A, Javadi B. Neuroprotective natural products against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: A review. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Khan A, Shal B, Naveed M, Shah FA, Atiq A, Khan NU, Kim YS, Khan S. Matrine ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviour by targeting hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in CCl4 model of liver injury. Neurotoxicology 2019; 72:38-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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9
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Yu S, Liu M, Hu K. Natural products: Potential therapeutic agents in multiple sclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 67:87-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Wu Z, You Z, Chen P, Chen C, Chen F, Shen J, Xu H. Matrine Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects on Mice: Role of the Hippocampal PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:764-776. [PMID: 29668939 PMCID: PMC6070064 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current antidepressants in clinical use always take weeks or even months to exert full therapeutic effects, and sometimes have serious side effects. Thus, it is very necessary to develop novel antidepressants with better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. The present study focused on investigating the antidepressant potential of matrine and its possible mechanisms of action. METHODS The forced swim test, tail suspension test, and chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression were used to reveal the antidepressant-like effects of matrine on mice. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and lentivirus were further used together to explore the antidepressant mechanism of matrine. RESULTS It was found that matrine exhibited significant antidepressant actions in the forced swim test and tail suspension test without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. Chronic matrine administration fully reversed the chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive-like symptoms in forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. After that, western blotting analysis revealed that chronic matrine treatment restored the decreasing effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in hippocampus, but not prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in hippocampus abolished the antidepressant actions of matrine on mice. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, matrine produces antidepressant-like effects on mice via promoting the hippocampal PI3K/Akt/ mammalian target of rapamycin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengchen You
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Taizhou People’s Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhong Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China,Correspondence: Hui Xu, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, No. 500 Yonghe Road, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China ()
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Ma J, Ma S, Yin C, Wu H. Matrine reduces susceptibility to postinfarct atrial fibrillation in rats due to antifibrotic properties. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2018; 29:616-627. [PMID: 29377366 DOI: 10.1111/jce.13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether matrine could prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) after myocardial infarction by reducing left atrial fibrosis, and to determine the underlying mechanisms in isolated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Five weeks after MI, matrine-treated rats had lower rates of AF inducibility and shorter AF duration than MI rats. Matrine improved the left atrial conduction velocity and homogeneity. Matrine decreased the fibrosis positive areas and the protein levels of type I collagen and type III collagen in the left atrium. Matrine inhibited CFs differentiation to myofibroblasts and the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. In vitro, matrine inhibited the CFs proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion ability. These in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that matrine has the potential to reduce susceptibility to AF after MI due, at least in part, to reduced atrial fibrosis via inhibiting CFs proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Heart Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR, China
| | - Shiyu Ma
- Department of Critical-Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR, China
| | - Chunxia Yin
- Heart Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR, China
| | - Huanlin Wu
- Heart Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR, China
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Yue Z, Si T, Pan Z, Cao W, Yan Z, Jiang Z, Ouyang H. Sophoridine suppresses cell growth in human medulloblastoma through FoxM1, NF-κB and AP-1. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7941-7946. [PMID: 29344238 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sophoridine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides that has extensive pharmacological actions. In the present study, the effect of sophoridine on cell growth of human medulloblastoma and its mechanism were investigated. Human medulloblastoma D283-Med cells were incubated with 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/ml sophoridine for 24, 48 or 72 h. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were analyzed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively. Next, analyses of cell apoptosis and caspase-3/8 activity were performed using flow cytometry or spectrophotometry, respectively. Lastly, the change in FoxM1, TrkB, BDNF, NF-κB and AP-1 expression was investigated using western blot analysis. In the present study, treatment with sophoridine significantly suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis in human medulloblastoma cells. In addition, sophoridine significantly increased cytotoxicity and caspase-3/8 activity in human medulloblastoma. Finally, it was found that sophoridine suppresses the protein expression of FoxM1, TrkB, BDNF NF-κB and AP-1 in human medulloblastoma cells. The present study suggests that sophoridine suppresses cell growth of human medulloblastoma through the inhibition of the FoxM1, NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhensong Yue
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Tongguo Si
- Department of Invasive Technology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Zhanyu Pan
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Cao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Zhuchen Yan
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Zhansheng Jiang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Huaqiang Ouyang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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Matrine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress via CCR7 signal. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11621-11628. [PMID: 28086227 PMCID: PMC5355291 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of matrine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that matrine improved intestinal inflammatory status and oxidative balance and enhanced chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression. In LPS-challenged mice and Caco-2 cells, matrine alleviated LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-17) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. CCR7-siRNA transfection blocked the protective effects of matrine on LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and exacerbated LPS caused injury. In conclusion, matrine alleviates LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and Caco-2 cells, which may be associated with CCR7 signal.
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Zhang R, Li Y, Hou X, Miao Z, Wang Y. Neuroprotective effect of heat shock protein 60 on matrine-suppressed microglial activation. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:1832-1836. [PMID: 28781634 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrine (MT) is the primary active alkaloid separated from members of the Sophora genus. Previous studies have reported that MT has anti-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of MT remains unclear, particularly the role of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Microglia are macrophages in the CNS that serve an essential role in the innate immune system by producing various proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors. In addition, HSP60 is released by activated microglia causing an autoimmune response. The present study aimed to investigate whether MT could inhibit the activation of microglia via suppressing the HSP60 signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that the expression and release of HSP60 in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells was significantly decreased by MT treatment. Extracellular HSP60 is a ligand of toll like receptor 4 (TLR-4); thus, it was hypothesized that secreted HSP60 could bind to TLR-4 on microglia and activate the TLR-4 signaling pathway. As expected, western blotting and ELISA results revealed that MT significantly inhibited the LPS-induced increase in TLR-4, myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88, caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide a novel direction for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Basic Medical School of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yunhong Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Basic Medical School of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Hou
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Miao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Basic Medical School of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yin Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Basic Medical School of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
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Matrine promotes oligodendrocyte development in CNS autoimmunity through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Life Sci 2017; 180:36-41. [PMID: 28499934 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae flavescens, has been recently found to be beneficial in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis, mainly through its anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, we tested the effect of MAT on ongoing EAE and defined possible mechanisms underlying its effects on myelination and oligodendrocytes. MAIN METHODS EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice and MAT treatment was started at disease onset. Clinical scores were monitored daily; spinal cords and the corpus callosum brain region of mice were harvested on day 23 p.i. for inflammatory infiltration and demyelination of the central nervous system. Myelin content and the development of oligodendrocytes and their precursors were determined by immunostaining, and expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-PI3K, and p-P70S6 was determined by Western blot. KEY FINDINGS MAT effectively suppressed EAE severity and increased the expression of proteolipid protein, a myelin protein that is a marker of CNS myelin. MAT treatment largely increased the number of mature oligodendrocytes, and significantly activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which is required for oligodendrocyte survival and axon myelination. SIGNIFICANCE These findings demonstrate a beneficial effect of MAT on oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination during EAE, most likely through activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Matrine promotes NT3 expression in CNS cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Neurosci Lett 2017; 649:100-106. [PMID: 28392360 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) is a potent neurotrophic factor for promoting remyelination and recovery of neuronal function; upregulation of its expression in the central nervous system (CNS) is thus of major therapeutic importance for neurological deficits. Matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae Flavescent, has been recently reported to effectively ameliorate clinical signs in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), by secreting antiinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, our goal was to investigate whether MAT could affect NT3 expression of glial cells in the CNS, the major cell populations in the CNS foci of MS/EAE. We found that MAT markedly upregulated NT3 expression in the CNS not only by microglia/macrophages and astrocytes, but also by oligodendrocyte precursor cells, indicative of both paracrine and autocrine effects on myelinating cells. While MAT treatment reduced the numbers of iNOS+ M1, but increased Arg1+ M2 microglia/macrophage phenotypes, NT3 expression was upregulated in both phenotypes. These results indicate that MAT therapy for EAE acts, at least in part, by stimulating local production of NT3 by glial cells in the CNS, which protects neural cells from CNS inflammation-induced tissue damage.
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Matrine Treatment Blocks NogoA-Induced Neural Inhibitory Signaling Pathway in Ongoing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:8404-8418. [PMID: 27933584 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myelin-associated inhibitors, such as NogoA, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), play a pivotal role in the lack of neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Matrine (MAT), a monomer that is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, has shown beneficial effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. However, the underlying mechanisms of MAT-induced EAE amelioration are not fully understood. In the present study, we show that MAT treatment suppressed ongoing EAE, and this effect correlated with an increased expression of growth-associated protein 43, an established marker for axonal regeneration. MAT treatment significantly reduced the levels of NogoA, its receptor complex NgR/p75NTR/LINGO-1, and their downstream RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in the CNS. In contrast, intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and its protein kinase (protein kinase A (PKA)), which can promote axonal regrowth by inactivating the RhoA, were upregulated. Importantly, adding MAT in primary astrocytes in vitro largely induced cAMP/PKA expression, and blockade of cAMP significantly diminished MAT-induced expression of PKA and production of BDNF, a potent neurotrophic factor for neuroregeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of MAT on EAE can be attributed not only to its capacity for immunomodulation, but also to its directly promoting regeneration of the injured CNS.
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Hou Z, Sun G, Guo Y. Linear Quantitative Profiling Method Fast Monitors Alkaloids of Sophora Flavescens That Was Verified by Tri-Marker Analyses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161146. [PMID: 27529425 PMCID: PMC4987015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study demonstrated the use of the Linear Quantitative Profiling Method (LQPM) to evaluate the quality of Alkaloids of Sophora flavescens (ASF) based on chromatographic fingerprints in an accurate, economical and fast way. Both linear qualitative and quantitative similarities were calculated in order to monitor the consistency of the samples. The results indicate that the linear qualitative similarity (LQLS) is not sufficiently discriminating due to the predominant presence of three alkaloid compounds (matrine, sophoridine and oxymatrine) in the test samples; however, the linear quantitative similarity (LQTS) was shown to be able to obviously identify the samples based on the difference in the quantitative content of all the chemical components. In addition, the fingerprint analysis was also supported by the quantitative analysis of three marker compounds. The LQTS was found to be highly correlated to the contents of the marker compounds, indicating that quantitative analysis of the marker compounds may be substituted with the LQPM based on the chromatographic fingerprints for the purpose of quantifying all chemicals of a complex sample system. Furthermore, once reference fingerprint (RFP) developed from a standard preparation in an immediate detection way and the composition similarities calculated out, LQPM could employ the classical mathematical model to effectively quantify the multiple components of ASF samples without any chemical standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei Chemical and Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guoxiang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Park, New Jersey, United States of America
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A Novel, Multi-Target Natural Drug Candidate, Matrine, Improves Cognitive Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mice by Inhibiting Aβ Aggregation and Blocking the RAGE/Aβ Axis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1939-1952. [PMID: 26899576 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9783-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of AD is a topic that has puzzled researchers for many years. Current mainstream theories still consider Aβ to be the most important target for the cure of AD. In this study, we attempted to explore multiple targets for AD treatments with the aim of identifying a qualified compound that could both inhibit the aggregation of Aβ and block the RAGE/Aβ axis. We believed that a compound that targets both Aβ and RAGE may be a feasible strategy for AD treatment. A novel and small natural compound, Matrine (Mat), was identified by high-throughput screening of the main components of traditional Chinese herbs used to treat dementia. Various experimental techniques were used to evaluate the effect of Mat on these two targets both in vitro and in AD mouse model. Mat could inhibit Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity and suppress the Aβ/RAGE signaling pathway in vitro. Additionally, the results of in vivo evaluations of the effects of Mat on the two targets were consistent with the results of our in vitro studies. Furthermore, Mat reduced proinflammatory cytokines and Aβ deposition and attenuated the memory deficits of AD transgenic mice. We believe that this novel, multi-target strategy to inhibit both Aβ and RAGE, is worthy of further exploration. Therefore, our future studies will focus on identifying even more effective multi-target compounds for the treatment of AD based on the molecular structure of Mat.
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Matrine improves cognitive impairment and modulates the balance of Th17/Treg cytokines in a rat model of Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 40:411-9. [PMID: 26862304 PMCID: PMC4737738 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2015.56961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrine (MAT) has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, little is known about its effects on Th17/Treg cytokines and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we injected Aβ1-42 to the hippocampus of the rat to induce AD. Three groups of the AD rats were treated with MAT (25, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day, respectively) by intraperitoneal injection for 5 weeks. Levels of Th17 cell cytokines [interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-23] and regulatory T (Treg) cell cytokines [transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and IL-35] in homogenates of the brain cortex and hippocampus were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The mRNA expressions of Th17 cell specific transcription factor RORγt and Treg cell specific transcription factor Foxp3 in the brain cortex and hippocampus were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Learning and memory ability of the rats were evaluated by Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. ELISA detections showed the AD rats had increased levels of IL-17A and IL-23 as well as decreased levels of TGF-β and IL-35. Matrine (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) significantly reversed the alternations of Th17/Treg cytokines induced by Aβ1-42 injection, decreased RORγt mRNA expression, increased Foxp3 mRNA expression and improved the learning and memory ability in the AD rats. The findings demonstrated that the AD rats had imbalance of Th17/Treg cytokines in the brain. MAT could dose-dependently restore the balance of Th17/Treg cytokines and attenuate the cognitive impairment in AD rats.
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Tanabe N, Kuboyama T, Kazuma K, Konno K, Tohda C. The Extract of Roots of Sophora flavescens Enhances the Recovery of Motor Function by Axonal Growth in Mice with a Spinal Cord Injury. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:326. [PMID: 26834638 PMCID: PMC4712302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although axonal extension to reconstruct spinal tracts should be effective for restoring function after spinal cord injury (SCI), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) levels increase at spinal cord lesion sites, and inhibit axonal regrowth. In this study, we found that the water extract of roots of Sophora flavescens extended the axons of mouse cortical neurons, even on a CSPG-coated surface. Consecutive oral administrations of S. flavescens extract to SCI mice for 31 days increased the density of 5-HT-positive axons at the lesion site and improved the motor function. Further, the active constituents in the S. flavescens extract were identified. The water and alkaloid fractions of the S. flavescens extract each exhibited axonal extension activity in vitro. LC/MS analysis revealed that these fractions mainly contain matrine and/or oxymatrine, which are well-known major compounds in S. flavescens. Matrine and oxymatrine promoted axonal extension on the CSPG-coated surface. This study is the first to demonstrate that S. flavescens extract, matrine, and oxymatrine enhance axonal growth in vitro, even on a CSPG-coated surface, and that S. flavescens extract improves motor function and increases axonal density in SCI mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Tanabe
- Division of Neuromedical Science, Department of Bioscience, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Kuboyama
- Division of Neuromedical Science, Department of Bioscience, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
| | - Kohei Kazuma
- Division of Kampo-Pharmaceutics, Department of Medical Resources, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Konno
- Division of Kampo-Pharmaceutics, Department of Medical Resources, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tohda
- Division of Neuromedical Science, Department of Bioscience, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama Toyama, Japan
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