Inhibitory effects of lithospermic acid on proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharide Induces Apoptosis of B16 Melanoma Cells via Promoting the M1 Polarization of Macrophages

Anti-tumor activity of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPS) has been widely reported, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we established an in vitro co-culture system (B16 melanoma cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells) to explore the potential anti-tumor mechanism of TFPS. Based on our results, TFPS exhibited no inhibition on the cell viability of B16 cells. However, significant apoptosis was observed when B16 cells were co-cultured with TFPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. We further found that mRNA levels of M1 macrophage markers including iNOS and CD80 were significantly upregulated in TFPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, while M2 macrophage markers such as Arg-1 and CD 206 remained unchanged. Besides, the migration, phagocytosis, production of inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α), and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 were markedly enhanced in TFPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways may be involved in M1 polarization of macrophages, and this hypothesis was verified by Western blot. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that TFPS induced apoptosis of melanoma cells by promoting M1 polarization of macrophages, and suggested TFPS may be applied as an immunomodulatory for cancer therapy.

Lipopolysaccharide acting via toll-like receptor 4 transactivates the TGF-β receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise pathogen‑associated molecular patterns, which allow the detection of microbial infection by host cells. Bacterial-derived toxin lipopolysaccharide activates TLR4 and leads to the activation of the Smad2 transcription factor. The phosphorylation of the Smad2 transcription factor is the result of the activation of the transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Therefore, we sought to investigate LPS via TLR4-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation dependent on the transactivation of the TGFBR1. The in vitro model used human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells to assess the implications of TLR4 transactivation of the TGFBR1 in vascular pathophysiology. We show that LPS-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation is inhibited in the presence of TGFBR1 inhibitor, SB431542. Treatment with MyD88 and TRIF pathway antagonists does not affect LPS-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 carboxy terminal; however, LPS-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of MMP inhibitor, GM6001, and unaffected in the presence of ROCK inhibitor Y27632 or ROS/NOX inhibitor DPI. LPS via transactivation of the TGFBR1 stimulates PAI-1 mRNA expression. TLRs are first in line to respond to exogenous invading substances and endogenous molecules; our findings characterise a novel signalling pathway in the context of cell biology. Identifying TLR transactivation of the TGFBR1 may provide future insight into the detrimental implications of pathogens in pathophysiology.

Ergosterol depletion under bifonazole treatment induces cell membrane damage and triggers a ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in Penicillium expansum

Penicillium expansum is the causal agent of blue mold in harvested fruits and vegetables during storage and distribution, causing serious economic loss. In this study we seek the action modes of bifonazole against this pathogen. Bifonazole exhibited strong antifungal activity against P. expansum by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. The ergosterol depletion caused damage to the cell structure and especially cell membrane integrity as observed by SEM and TEM. With increased unsaturated fatty acids contents, the cell membrane viscosity decreases and can no longer effectively maintain the cytoplasm, which ultimately decreases extracellular conductivity, changes intracellular pH and ion homeostasis. Exposure of hyphal cells to bifonazole shows that mitochondrial respiration is inhibited and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels-including H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) - are significantly increased. The functional impairment of mitochondria and cell membrane eventually cause cell death through intrinsic apoptosis and necroptosis.

Clinacanthus nutans attenuates atherosclerosis progression in rats with type 2 diabetes by reducing vascular oxidative stress and inflammation

CONTEXT

Atherosclerosis predisposes individuals to adverse cardiovascular events. Clinacanthus nutans L. (Acanthaceae) is a traditional remedy used for diabetes and inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic activity of a C. nutans leaf methanol extract (CNME) in a type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: non-diabetic fed a standard diet (C), C + CNME (500 mg/kg, orally), diabetic fed an HFD (DM), DM + CNME (500 mg/kg), and DM + Metformin (DM + Met; 300 mg/kg). Treatment with oral CNME and metformin was administered for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid profile, atherogenic index (AI), aortic tissue superoxide dismutase levels (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. The rats' aortas were stained for histological analysis and intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

The CNME-treated diabetic rats had reduced serum total cholesterol (43.74%; p = 0.0031), triglycerides (80.91%; p = 0.0003), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (56.64%; p = 0.0008), AI (51.32%; p < 0.0001), MDA (60.74%; p = 0.0026), TNF-α (61.78%; p = 0.0002), and IMT (39.35%; p < 0.0001) compared to untreated diabetic rats. SOD level, however, increased (53.36%; p = 0.0326). These CNME effects were comparable to those in the metformin-treated diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

C. nutans possesses anti-atherosclerotic properties, which may be due to reductions in vascular tissue oxidative stress, inflammation, and serum AI. Continued studies on atherosclerotic animal models are suggested.

Shenxiong glucose injection inhibits H2O2-induced H9c2 cell apoptosis by activating the ERK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Shenxiong glucose injection (SGI) is a traditional Chinese medicine injection composed of water extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Ligustrazine hydrochloride. SGI has shown strong antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-apoptotic effect need to be addressed.

METHODS

H9c2 cell apoptosis model was established by treatment of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Cell survival rates were examined by MTS assay, cell apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry, levels of intracellular ROS were assessed by ROS kit, proteome phosphorylation was determined by phosphoproteomic analysis, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK, phosphorylated c-Jun, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were examined by Western blot.

RESULT

SGI showed protective effects against H₂O₂-induced reduced cell viability, elevated ROS, and increased apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Phosphorylation proteomics detected a total of 3369 proteins with 78 protein of upregulated phosphorylation and 104 protein of downregulated phosphorylation. Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of differentially phosphorylated proteins showed that the ERK pathway, the downstream pathway of the focal adhesion pathway related to apoptosis, was highly enriched, and the phosphorylation levels of ERK and c-Jun were confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 significantly inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of SGI.

CONCLUSION

SGI antagonizes H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis by activating the ERK pathway.

Clinical effectiveness and safety of salvia miltiorrhiza depside salt combined with aspirin in patients with stable angina pectoris: A multicenter, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Salvia Miltiorrhiza Depside Salt (SMDS) was extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza with high-quality control of active principles. In 2005, China's FDA approved the use of SMDS for stable angina pectoris (SAP), but the evidence of SMDS combined with aspirin remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of SMDS combined with aspirin in patients with SAP.

METHODS

A multicenter, pragmatic, three-armed parallel group and an individually randomized controlled superiority trial was designed. Participants aged 35 to 75 years old with SAP were recruited from four "Class Ⅲ Grade A" hospitals in China. Participants who were randomized into the SMDS group were treated with SMDS by intravenous drip. Participants in the control group received aspirin enteric-coated tablets (aspirin). Participants who were randomly assigned to the combination group received SMDS combined with aspirin. All participants received standard care from clinicians, without any restrictions. The primary outcome measure was thromboelastography (TEG). Secondary outcome measures included symptom score of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), visual analogue scale (VAS) score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms, platelet aggregation measured by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA), and fasting blood glucose. Effectiveness evaluation data were collected at baseline and ten days after treatment. Researchers followed up with participants for one month after treatment to determine whether adverse events (AEs) or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as bleeding tendency occurred. All statistical calculations were carried out with R 3.5.3 statistical analysis software.

RESULTS

A total of 135 participants completed follow-up data on the primary outcome after ten days of treatment. Participants in the SMDS combined aspirin group had the highest improvement rate of sensitivity in AA% [p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.00-0.00)], from 30.6% before treatment to 81.6% after treatment. Participants with drug resistance (AA% < 20%) in the SMDS combined with aspirin group also had the highest sensitivity rate [p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.00-0.00)] after treatment (accounting for 81.0% of the combination group and 60.7% of the sensitive participants). The improvement of TCM symptoms in participants treated with SMDS combined with aspirin was significantly better than that of the aspirin group [MD = 1.71, 95% CI (0.15-3.27), p = 0.032]. There were no significant differences in other indexes (R, TPI, MA, K, CI, α value) of TEG, SAQ, platelet aggregation and fasting blood glucose among the three groups. No bleeding tendency or ADRs occurred in all participants.

CONCLUSION

SMDS combined with aspirin is a clinically effective and safe intervention to treat adults aged 35 and older with SAP. This trial shows that SMDS combined with aspirin can significantly improve the sensitivity rate of AA% in TEG and the VAS score of TCM symptoms. Further large samples and high-quality research are needed to determine if certain participants might benefit more from SMDS combined with aspirin. The study protocol was registered in the Clinical Trials USA registry (registration No. NCT02694848).

Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge exerts anti-oxidative effects through inhibiting KLF10 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to high glucose

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(Danshen) and its components have been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years in China, including hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and chronic heart failure. Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI), an aqueous extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is one of most widely used traditional Chinese medicine injections. SMI is widely used in the treatment of diabetic vascular complications, However, the mechanisms remain to be defined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate protective mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge against ROS generation in VSMCs of diabetic mice and patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (hereinafter referred to as SMI, 1.5 g mL^-1), which was approved by the State Food and Drug Administration (approval number: Z32020161), was obtained from Shenlong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (batch number: 11040314). SMI or vehicle were intraperitoneally administrated to the HFD-fed db/db mice, artery was harvested after 24weeks later. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of KLF6, KLF5, KLF4, KLF10, KLF12, and HO-1. DCFH-DA staining detected intracellular ROS production. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments of KLF10 were used to investigate the effect of KLF10 on the expression of HO-1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay evaluated the effect of KLF10 on the activity of the HO-1 promoter.

RESULTS

KLF10 expression and ROS generation are significantly increased in the arteries of HFD-fed db/db mice, VSMCs of diabetic patients, as well as in high glucose-treated VSMCs. KLF10 overexpression suppresses, while its knockdown facilitates the expression of heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA and protein. Further, Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) abrogates KLF10 upregulation and reduces ROS generation induced by high glucose in VSMCs. Mechanistically, KLF10 negatively regulates the HO-1 gene transcription via directly binding to its promoter. Accordingly, SMI treatment of VSMCs reduces ROS generation through inhibiting KLF10 expression and thus relieving KLF10 repression of the expression of HO-1 gene, subsequently contributing to upregulation of HO-1.

CONCLUSION

SMI exerts anti-oxidative effects on VSMCs exposed to high glucose through inhibiting KLF10 expression and thus upregulating HO-1.

Ameliorative Effects and Cellular Aspects of Phytoconstituents in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that involves vessels through the development of fatty streaks and plaques. Plant-based compounds can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis by affecting various factors that are involved in the disease. The present review discusses our current knowledge of the major cellular and molecular mechanisms of phytotherapeutics for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Numerous studies have evaluated the antiatherosclerotic activity of phytoconstituents to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy, but only a few studies have delineated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Plant-derived phytotherapeutics primarily targets abnormal levels of lipoproteins, endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell migration, foam cell development, and atheromatous plaque formation. Nonetheless, the principal mechanisms that are responsible for their therapeutic actions remain unclear. Further pharmacological studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the antiatherosclerotic response to these phytoconstituents.

Synthetic approaches to natural products containing 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran skeleton

This review describes the synthetic approaches to natural products containing the 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2,3-DHB) skeleton.

Danhong injection in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide, currently with less than optimum therapeutic options. Danhong injection (DHI) is a medicinal preparation based on two eminent Chinese herbal medicines, Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Dan Shen; family: Lamiaceae) and Flos Carthami (Hong Hua; family: Compositae/Asteraceae). DHI has been mainly used in the clinical therapy of cardiovascular (such as acute coronary syndrome and angina pectoris) and cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke) in China for many years. The pharmacological properties of DHI include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-apoptotic, vasodilatory, and angiogenesis-promoting actions. DHI offers a safe and effective therapeutic agent against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by modulating multiple disease-relevant signaling pathways and molecular targets. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, therapeutic effects, molecular mechanisms, and adverse reactions of DHI in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We also highlight the latest pharmacological advances and therapeutic potential of this promising herb-derived cardiovascular drug preparation.

Plant-Derived Products for Treatment of Vascular Intima Hyperplasia Selectively Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions

Natural products are used widely for preventing intimal hyperplasia (IH), a common cardiovascular disease. Four different cells initiate and progress IH, namely, vascular smooth muscle, adventitial and endothelial cells, and circulation or bone marrow-derived cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a critical role in initiation and development of intimal thickening and formation of neointimal hyperplasia. In this review, we describe the different originating cells involved in vascular IH and emphasize the effect of different natural products on inhibiting abnormal cellular functions, such as VSMC proliferation and migration. We further present a classification for the different natural products like phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids that suppress VSMC growth. Abnormal VSMC physiology involves disturbance in MAPKs, PI3K/AKT, JAK-STAT, FAK, and NF-κB signal pathways. Most of the natural isolate studies have revealed G1/S phase of cell cycle arrest, decreased ROS production, induced cell apoptosis, restrained migration, and downregulated collagen deposition. It is necessary to screen optimal drugs from natural sources that preferentially inhibit VSMC rather than vascular endothelial cell growth to prevent early IH, restenosis following graft implantation, and atherosclerotic diseases.

Novel Phenolic Constituents of Pulmonaria officinalis L. LC-MS/MS Comparison of Spring and Autumn Metabolite Profiles

Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis L., Boraginaceae) is considered to possess therapeutic properties and it has been traditionally used as a remedy against various lung disorders in many countries. Nevertheless, very few data concerning its phytochemical composition are available. This research aims to provide a detailed description of specialized metabolites from the aerial parts of lungwort. Nine previously undescribed and 36 known phenolic compounds were detected in the 50% methanolic extract. Following multistep preparative procedures, structures of newly discovered compounds were determined using one- and two-dimensional techniques of NMR spectroscopy. Among the identified compounds were caffeic acid esters with aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, conjugates of dicaffeic acid with rosmarinic acid, and previously unknown isomers of isosalvianolic acid A and yunnaneic acid E, as well as other lignans. Concentrations of all identified phenolic derivatives in the investigated herbal material were estimated using a method based on liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry detection. Seasonal changes in the concentration of metabolites were also investigated using targeted and untargeted metabolomics techniques.

Extracellular pH and lung infections in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by CFTR mutations. It is characterized by high NaCl concentration in sweat and the production of a thick and sticky mucus, occluding secretory ducts, intestine and airways, accompanied by chronic inflammation and infections of the lungs. This causes a progressive and lethal decline in lung function. Therefore, finding the mechanisms driving the high susceptibility to lung infections has been a key issue. For decades the prevalent hypothesis was that a reduced airway surface liquid (ASL) volume and composition, and the consequent increased mucus concentration (dehydration), create an environment favoring infections. However, a few years ago, in a pig model of CF, the Na⁺/K⁺ concentrations and the ASL volume were found intact. Immediately a different hypothesis arose, postulating a reduced ASL pH as the cause for the increased susceptibility to infections, due to a diminished bicarbonate secretion through CFTR. Noteworthy, a recent report found normal ASL pH values in CF children and in cultured primary airway cells, challenging the ASL pH hypothesis. On the other hand, recent evidences revitalized the hypothesis of a reduced ASL secretion. Thus, the role of the ASL pH in the CF is still a controversial matter. In this review we discuss the basis that sustain the role of CFTR in modulating the extracellular pH, and the recent results sustaining the different points of view. Finding the mechanisms of CFTR signaling that determine the susceptibility to infections is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of CF and related lung diseases.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.

Investigating the Mechanisms of Action of Depside Salt from Salvia miltiorrhiza Using Bioinformatic Analysis

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for treating cardiovascular diseases. Depside salt from S. miltiorrhiza (DSSM) contains the following active components: magnesium lithospermate B, lithospermic acid, and rosmarinic acid. This study aimed to reveal the mechanisms of action of DSSM. After searching for DSSM-associated genes in GeneCards, Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals, SuperTarget, PubChem, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, they were subjected to enrichment analysis using Multifaceted Analysis Tool for Human Transcriptome. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was visualised; module analysis was conducted using the Cytoscape software. Finally, a transcriptional regulatory network was constructed using the TRRUST database and Cytoscape. Seventy-three DSSM-associated genes were identified. JUN, TNF, NFKB1, and FOS were hub nodes in the PPI network. Modules 1 and 2 were identified from the PPI network, with pathway enrichment analysis, showing that the presence of NFKB1 and BCL2 in module 1 was indicative of a particular association with the NF-κB signalling pathway. JUN, TNF, NFKB1, FOS, and BCL2 exhibited notable interactions among themselves in the PPI network. Several regulatory relationships (such as JUN → TNF/FOS, FOS → NFKB1 and NFKB1 → BCL2/TNF) were also found in the regulatory network. Thus, DSSM exerts effects against cardiovascular diseases by targeting JUN, TNF, NFKB1, FOS, and BCL2.

Inhibition of estrogen related receptor α attenuates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by regulating RhoA/p27Kip1 and β-Catenin/Wnt4 signaling pathway

RhoA/p27Kip1 and β-Catenin/Wnt4 signaling processes play central roles in proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). ERRα, a member of orphan nuclear receptors, is a potent prognostic factor in breast, ovarian, colon and other types of tumors. However, biological significance of ERRα in VSMCs as well as the molecular mechanisms remains largely unknown. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate whether ERRα is involved in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo. The specific ERRα inverse agonist XCT790 (or ERRα shRNA) resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation and phenotypic switch in cultured rat aortic SMCs (RASMCs). Furthermore, cycle progression, cell cycle protein transcription as well as hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) in RASMCs were prevented by downregulation of ERRα. Transwell assay demonstrated that migratory capacity of RASMCs was also inhibited the treatment of XCT790 (or ERRα shRNA). At the molecular levels, RhoA/p27Kip1 and β-Catenin/Wnt4 signaling pathways are involved in ERRα-mediated RASMCs growth and migration. Finally, inhibition of ERRα significantly attenuated neointimal formation in rat artery after balloon injury. These results help to further understand vascular remodeling and suggest that ERRα might be a potential target for the treatment of vascular proliferative diseases.

Lipopolysaccharide induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation: A new potential therapeutic target for proliferative vascular diseases

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation is involved in vascular atherosclerosis and restenosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes VSMCs proliferation, but the signalling pathways which are involved are not completely understood. The purpose of this review was to summarize the existing knowledge of the role and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling VSMCs proliferation stimulated by LPS and mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathways. Moreover, the potential inhibitors of TLR4 signalling for VSMCs proliferation in proliferative vascular diseases are discussed.

DL0805-2, a novel indazole derivative, relaxes angiotensin II-induced contractions of rat aortic rings by inhibiting Rho kinase and calcium fluxes

AIM

DL0805-2 [N-(1H-indazol-5-yl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl) pyrrolidine-3-carboxamide] is a DL0805 derivative with more potent vasorelaxant activity and lower toxicity. This study was conducted to investigate the vasorelaxant mechanisms of DL0805-2 on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings in vitro.

METHODS

Rat thoracic aortic rings and rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were pretreated with DL0805-2, and then stimulated with Ang II. The tension of the aortic rings was measured through an isometric force transducer. Ang II-induced protein phosphorylation, ROS production and F-actin formation were assessed with Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations were detected with Fluo-3 AM.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1-100 μmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited the constrictions of the aortic rings induced by a single dose of Ang II (10(-7) mol/L) or accumulative addition of Ang II (10(-10)-10(-7) mol/L). The vasodilatory effect of DL0805-2 was independent of endothelium. In the aortic rings, pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1, 3, and 10 μmol/L) suppressed Ang II-induced Ca(2+) influx and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, and Ang II-induced phosphorylation of two substrates of Rho kinase (MLC and MYPT1). In VSMCs, pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1, 3, and 10 μmol/L) also suppressed Ang II-induced Ca(2+) fluxes and phosphorylation of MLC and MYPT1. In addition, pretreatment with DL0805-2 attenuated ROS production and F-actin formation in the cells.

CONCLUSION

DL0805-2 exerts a vasodilatory action in rat aortic rings through inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway and calcium fluxes.

Salvia miltiorrhiza: Traditional medicinal uses, chemistry, and pharmacology

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) is a very popular medicinal plant that has been extensively applied for many years to treat various diseases, especially coronary heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, either alone or in combination with other Chinese plant-based medicines. Although a large number of studies on SM have been performed, they are scattered across a variety of publications. The present review is an up-to-date summary of the published scientific information about the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, side effects, and drug interactions with SM, in order to lay the foundation for further investigations and better utilization of SM. SM contains diverse chemical components including diterpenoid quinones, hydrophilic phenolic acids, and essential oils. Many pharmacological studies have been done on SM during the last 30 years, focusing on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, and the antioxidative, neuroprotective, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. The research results strongly support the notion that SM has beneficial therapeutic properties and has a potential of being an effective adaptogenic remedy.

Lithospermic acid attenuates 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine-induced neurotoxicity by blocking neuronal apoptotic and neuroinflammatory pathways

Background

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorders after Alzheimer’s disease. The main cause of the disease is the massive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation are thought to be the key contributors to the neuronal degeneration.

Results

Both CATH.a cells and ICR mice were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridin (MPP⁺) to induce neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were also used to analyse neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and aberrant neurogenesis in vivo. The experiment in CATH.a cells showed that the treatment of MPP⁺ impaired intake of cell membrane and activated caspase system, suggesting that the neurotoxic mechanisms of MPP⁺ might include both necrosis and apoptosis. Pretreatment of lithospermic acid might prevent these toxicities. Lithospermic acid possesses specific inhibitory effect on caspase 3. In mitochondria, MPP⁺ caused mitochondrial depolarization and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via increasing expression of chaperone protein, GRP-78. All the effects mentioned above were reduced by lithospermic acid. In animal model, the immunohistochemistry of mice brain sections revealed that MPP⁺ decreased the amount of dopaminergic neurons, enhanced microglia activation, promoted astrogliosis in both substantia nigra and hippocampus, and MPP⁺ provoked the aberrant neurogenesis in hippocampus. Lithospermic acid significantly attenuates all of these effects induced by MPP⁺.

Conclusions

Lithospermic acid is a potential candidate drug for the novel therapeutic intervention on Parkinson’s disease.

Inhibitory effects of 2,3,4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside on angiotensin II-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of 2,3,4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from the root of Polygonum multiflorum, on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced proliferation of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and to identify the potential mechanism.

METHODS

Cell proliferation and cell cycle were determined by cell counting, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression and flow cytometry. Levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mitogenic extracellular kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) and Src in VSMCs were measured by Western blot. The expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc mRNA were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by fluorescence assay.

RESULTS

TSG significantly inhibited Ang II-induced VSMCs proliferation and arrested cells in the G /S checkpoint (P<0.05 or P<0.01). TSG decreased the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, MEK1/2 and Src in VSMCs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). TSG also suppressed c-fos, c-jun and c-myc mRNA expression <0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, the intracellular ROS was reduced by TSG (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TSG inhibited Ang II-induced VSMCs proliferation. Its antiproliferative effect might be associated with down-regulation of intracellular ROS, followed by the suppression of the Src-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signal pathway, and hence, blocking cell cycle progression.

Sodium tanshinone IIA silate inhibits high glucose-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells may perform a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. AMPK additionally exerts several salutary effects on vascular function and improves vascular abnormalities. The current study sought to determine whether sodium tanshinone IIA silate (STS) has an inhibitory effect on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration under high glucose conditions mimicking diabetes without dyslipidemia, and establish the underlying mechanism. In this study, STS promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at T172 in VSMCs. VSMC proliferation was enhanced under high glucose (25 mM glucose, HG) versus normal glucose conditions (5.5 mM glucose, NG), and this increase was inhibited significantly by STS treatment. We utilized western blotting analysis to evaluate the effects of STS on cell-cycle regulatory proteins and found that STS increased the expression of p53 and the Cdk inhibitor, p21, subsequent decreased the expression of cell cycle-associated protein, cyclin D1. We further observed that STS arrested cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase. Additionally, expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-2, translocation of NF-κB, as well as VSMC migration were suppressed in the presence of STS. Notably, Compound C (CC), a specific inhibitor of AMPK, as well as AMPK siRNA blocked STS-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation and migration. We further evaluated its potential for activating AMPK in aortas in animal models of type 2 diabetes and found that Oral administration of STS for 10 days resulted in activation of AMPK in aortas from ob/ob or db/db mice. In conclusion, STS inhibits high glucose-induced VSMC proliferation and migration, possibly through AMPK activation. The growth suppression effect may be attributable to activation of AMPK-p53-p21 signaling, and the inhibitory effect on migration to the AMPK/NF-κB signaling axis.

Pharmacokinetics of depside salts from Salvia miltiorrhiza in healthy Chinese volunteers: A randomized, open-label, single-dose study

BACKGROUND

Depside salts from Salvia miltiorrhiza, with active components of lithospermic acid B (LSB), rosmarinic acid (RA), and lithospermic acid (LA), are a multicomponent drug marketed in China for the treatment of coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of LSB, RA, and LA in human plasma and urine, and to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of depside salts from S miltiorrhiza in healthy Chinese volunteers.

METHODS

A randomized, open-label, single-dose study was conducted in healthy Chinese volunteers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single intravenous infusion of 100 or 200 mg of depside salts from S miltiorrhiza. Blood was collected through a venous cannula prior to study drug administration (0 min) and at 10, 20, 30, 60, 65, 70, 80, and 90 minutes and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after study drug administration. Urine samples were taken before study drug administration (0) and at 0 to 12 and 12 to 24 hours after study drug administration. LSB, RA, and LA concentrations in serum and urine were analyzed by an LC-MS/MS method. Tolerability was determined by clinical assessment; vital signs (ie, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature) monitoring at baseline and at the end of the study, clinical laboratory tests (ie, hematology, blood biochemistry, hepatic function, renal function, urinalysis), 12-lead ECG measurements, and physical examinations at baseline and after completion of the study.

RESULTS

Twelve Chinese volunteers (6 males, 6 females; mean [SD] age, 25.2 [3.8] years; mean height, 165.7 [8.9] cm; mean body mass index, 21.6 [2.5] kg/m(2)) were enrolled in the study. Peak plasma concentrations of LSB, RA and LA were observed at 0.3 to 1 hour following the 1-hour intravenous infusion, with respective mean (SD) Cmax of 4925 (1861), 174 (61), and 361 (101) ng/mL for the 100-mg dose and 10,285 (2259), 308 (77), and 674 (85) ng/mL for the 200-mg dose. The AUClast values for LSB, RA, and LA were 4537 (1265), 129 (28), and 1229 (330) ng/mL/h, respectively, for the 100-mg dose and 10,426 (2589), 260 (53), and 2792 (729) ng/mL/h for the 200-mg dose. No significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters was observed between male and female subjects. Three metabolites were found in the plasma with low concentrations. The urinary excretion recoveries of LSB, RA, and LA were 0.58% (0.42%), 25.21% (20.61%), and 10.02% (7.72%) for the 100-mg dose and 0.38% (0.18%), 20.11% (10.50%), and 6.34% (3.20%) for the 200-mg dose. No adverse events were reported by the subjects or found by the investigators in the analysis of vital signs, 12-lead ECG measurements, physical examinations, or clinical laboratory tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Following single intravenous infusion of 100 or 200 mg of depside salts from S miltiorrhiza to healthy Chinese subjects, no statistical differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed between males and females. The 2 doses of depside salts from S miltiorrhiza were clinically well tolerated during the study.

Therapeutic effects of water soluble danshen extracts on atherosclerosis

Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine with many beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for the antiatherogenic effect of water soluble Danshen extracts (DEs). Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with DE. To evaluate the effects of DE in vivo, carotid balloon injury and tail vein thrombosis were induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and iliac artery stent was induced in New Zealand white rabbits. The inhibitory action of DE on platelet aggregation was confirmed with an impedance aggregometer. DE inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species, and the migration and proliferation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB stimulated VSMCs. Furthermore, DE prevented inflammation and apoptosis in HUVECs. Both effects of DE were reconfirmed in both rat models. DE treatment attenuated platelet aggregation in both in vivo and ex vivo conditions. Pretreatment with DE prevented tail vein thrombosis, which is normally induced by κ-carrageenan injection. Lastly, DE-treated rabbits showed decreased in-stent restenosis of stented iliac arteries. These results suggest that water soluble DE modulates key atherogenic events in VSMCs, endothelial cells, and platelets in both in vitro and in vivo conditions.

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen) inhibit atherogenic events: a study of the combination effects of the 2-herb formula

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen) are principle herbs of Chinese herbal formulae which have long been used to treat cardiovascular diseases.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study validated the anti-atherogenic effects of three extracts, Danshen alone (DE), Gegen alone (GE) as well as DGE and interpreted their combination effects statistically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-atherogenic effects of the three extracts were studied in three assays with regards to inflammation, foam cell formation and vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) proliferation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production model, macrophage foam cell formation model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced vSMC proliferation model, respectively. The combination effects of DGE were statistically analyzed using combination index (CI) and fixed-ratio experimental design.

RESULTS

The anti-atherogenic effects of the three extracts including anti-inflammation, anti-foam cell formation and anti-vSMC proliferation were demonstrated in this study. Their combination effects in anti-inflammation, anti-foam cell formation and anti-vSMC proliferation were found to be synergistic, additive and antagonistic, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided scientific support for the combination use of DGE on atherosclerosis and presented one of the first applications of statistical interpretations of the combination effects of the 2-herb formula.

Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-lithospermic acid

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-lithospermic acid, a potent anti-HIV agent, has been accomplished in a convergent manner in nine steps. The synthesis features an enantioselective intramolecular oxa-Michael addition catalyzed by a quinidine derivative, a hypervalent iodine-mediated rearrangement of chromanone to dihydrobenzofuran, an enantioselective α-oxyamination, and an intermolecular C-H olefination.

Pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salt and its active components

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional medical herb known as danshen, has been widely used in China to improve blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, and treat coronary heart disease. S miltiorrhiza depside salt is a novel drug recently developed at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica; it contains magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) and its analogs, rosmarinic acid (RA) and lithospermic acid (LA), as active components. The drug has been used in the clinic to improve blood circulation and treat coronary heart disease. The pharmacological effects of the depside salt from S miltiorrhiza and its components have been extensively investigated. Experimental studies have demonstrated that magnesium lithospermate B possesses a variety of biological activities, especially protective effects in the cardiovascular system such as attenuation of atherosclerosis and protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid also show beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of the active components of S miltiorrhiza depside salt, based on published works and our own observations.

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Radix herbal formula mediates anti-atherosclerosis by modulating key atherogenic events both in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen) and Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen) are principal herbs have long been used in combination for treating cardiovascular disease.

AIMS OF STUDY

Danshen and Gegen in the ratio of 7:3 (DGW) have significantly reduced the carotid intimal-media thickening (IMT) in patients in our previous clinical study. In the present study, we have demonstrated the mechanisms on IMT reduction by investigating its key processes on both vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) and endothelial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-proliferative effects of DGW on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced vSMC proliferation were studied by cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, p-ERK and cyclin D expression level. The anti-migratory effect of DGW was investigated by using transwell apparatus. For human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC), the inhibitory effects of DGW on TNF-alpha induced cell adhesion, cell adhesion molecules expression, MCP-1 and IL-6 production were investigated.

RESULTS

DGW significantly inhibited A7r5 proliferation and exhibited G1/S cell cycle arrest by suppressing both p-ERK and cyclin D expression. Moreover, DGW showed anti-migratory effect against PDGF-induced A7r5 migration. In addition, DGW inhibited the cell adhesion as well as the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, the production of MCP-1 but not IL-6 in TNF-α stimulated HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided strong scientific evidence on IMT reduction in patients by modulating the key atherogenic events in both vSMC and endothelial cells.

Hypoxia stimulates the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in human vascular smooth muscle cells via HIF-1alpha dependent pathway

Background

Hypoxia plays an important role in vascular remodeling and directly affects vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) functions. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a well known proinflammatory factor, and recent evidence suggests an important role of MIF in the progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis. However, the potential link between hypoxia and MIF in VSMC has not been investigated. The current study was designed to test whether hypoxia could regulate MIF expression in human VSMC. The effect of modulating MIF expression on hypoxia-induced VSMC proliferation and migration was also investigated at the same time.

Results

Expression of MIF mRNA and protein was up-regulated as early as 2 hours in cultured human VSMCs after exposed to moderate hypoxia condition (3% O₂). The up-regulation of MIF expression appears to be dependent on hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α(HIF-1α) since knockdown of HIF-1α inhibits the hypoxia induction of MIF gene and protein expression. The hypoxia induced expression of MIF was attenuated by antioxidant treatment as well as by inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Under moderate hypoxia conditions (3% O₂), both cell proliferation and cell migration were increased in VSMC cells. Blocking the MIF by specific small interference RNA to MIF (MIF-shRNA) resulted in the suppression of proliferation and migration of VSMCs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that in VSMCs, hypoxia increased MIF gene expression and protein production. The hypoxia-induced HIF-1α activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ERK activation might be involved in this response. Both MIF and HIF-1α mediated the hypoxia response of vascular smooth muscle cells, including cell migration and proliferation.