Matrine inhibits itching by lowering the activity of calcium channel

Matrine Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Apoptosis

Matrine is a Sophora alkaloid that exerts antitumor effects on a variety of diseases, but few studies have investigated the role of matrine in sepsis-induced myocardial injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of matrine on septic myocardial injury and the potential mechanisms. Network pharmacology approaches were used to predict the targets of matrine in the treatment of sepsis-induced myocardial injury. A mouse sepsis-induced myocardial injury model was established to determine the effect of matrine. Mouse cardiac function was evaluated by ultrasonography, and cardiac morphology and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were evaluated by HE and TUNEL staining. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring ROS levels and MDA and SOD activity. Bax, Bcl2, GPX4, ACSL4, PI3K, and AKT protein levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Bioinformatics analysis identified that the potential therapeutic effect of matrine on sepsis-induced myocardial injury is closely related to ferroptosis and apoptosis regulation and showed significant involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, the matrine group showed improved myocardial function, morphology, and apoptosis ratio and alleviated oxidative stress compared with the LPS group, whereas 25 mg/kg matrine exerted the optimal inhibitory effect. Matrine alleviated LPS-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and apoptosis, resulting in upregulation of Bax/Bcl2 and GPX4 expression and downregulation of ferroptosis marker protein (ACSL4) expression, as shown by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Moreover, matrine increased PI3K/AKT pathway-related molecule expression and thus modulated ferroptosis and apoptosis. Matrine regulates PI3K/AKT pathway activity to inhibit apoptosis and ferroptosis and thereby alleviates sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

Sophorolipid inhibits histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity

Biosurfactants are attracting much interest due to their potential application as therapeutic agents in the medical and cosmetic field. Previous studies have demonstrated that biosurfactant such as sophorolipid (SL) exhibits immunomodulatory effects. In this article, we found the potential of sophorolipid for inhibiting histamine-induced itch and preliminarily explored its molecular basis. First, behavioral tests indicated that SL can remit the histamine-induced scratching behaviors of mice. Second, SL can suppress the the calcium influx induced by histamine, HTMT and VUF8430 in HaCaT cells. RT-PCR analysis showed that the histamine-induced upregulation of mRNA levels of phospholipase Cγ1, 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and protein kinase Cα can be inhibted by SL, suggesting that SL may impede the PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activated by histamine. In further tests, the capsaicin-induced calcium influx can also be inhibited by SL. The immunofluorescence and molecular docking analysis indicated that SL acts as an inhibitor of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) activation to decrease calcium influx against stimuli. In summary, these results revealed that SL may inhibit histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity. This paper indicates that SL can be a useful treatment for histamine-dependent itch.

Chemical diversity, biological activities and Traditional uses of and important Chinese herb Sophora

BACKGROUND

Sophora flavescens Aiton (SF), also known as Kushen (Chinese:), has been an important species in Chinese medicine since the Qin and Han dynasties. It is also recognized as a plant resource suitable for the globalization of Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been used in various ethnic medical systems in East Asia, especially in China, to kill insects and dispel dampness. Sophora flavescens is commonly used for clearing heat-clearing, killing worms, and diuretic. Nowdays, accumulating studies demonstrated its anticancer and cardioprotection.

OBJECTIVE OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to systematically review information on the genus, pharmacological and toxicological significance, chemical composition and biological activity of Sophora flavescens. To promoting its development and application. To summarize recent findings regarding to the metabolism, pharmacological/toxicological effects of Sophora flavescens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online academic databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CNKI) were searched using search terms of "Sophora flavescens Aiton", "Ku shen", "Pharmacology", "Active ingredient", "Toxicology" and combinations to include published studies of Sophora flavescens Aiton primarily from 1970-2021. Several critical previous studies beyond this period were also included and other related terms.

CONCLUSION

Sophora flavescens has a broad spectrum of biological activities associated with Sophora flavescens has been considered a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine. However, there is a lack of in-depth studies on the medicinal uses of Sophora flavescens. Moreover, further studies on single chemical components should be conducted based on the diversity of chemical structures, significant biological activities and clinical applications. The discovery of its bioactive molecules and multi-component interactions would be of great importance for the clinical application of Sophora flavescens spp. Detailed pharmacological and toxicological studies on the classic prescriptions of Sophora flavescens are also needed. It is more beneficial to the wide application of SF plant and facilitates the worldwide promotion of modern Chinese medicine. However, an increasing number of reports indicate that the administration of Sophora flavescens has serious adverse effects. Its main toxic effects are neurotoxicity and acute toxicity, which have caused widespread concern worldwide. In addition, the alkaloids of Sophora flavescens are distributed in the heart, liver, stomach and large intestine. They are excreted from the body through gluconeogenesis, which is the mode of action of certain therapeutic mechanisms of action such as anticancer. The detailed metabolic study of alkaloids and other components of Sophora flavescens in vivo needs to be further investigated. It is important to improve the pharmacological effects and reduce the toxicity of Sophora flavescens. For this purpose, structural modification of active components of Sophora flavescens or combination with other drugs is very essential.

Acid-base combination principles for preparation of anti-acne dissolving microneedles loaded with azelaic acid and matrine

To overcome the poor solubility, skin irritation, and low permeability of azelaic acid (AZA) existed on the marketed formulations, a co-drug principle via matrine (MAT) was adopted to prepare anti-acne dissolving microneedles (DMNs). The formula was optimized according to the solubility and antibacterial activity of novel ionic salt. The results indicated solubilization of AZA could be achieved at a molar ratio between AZA and MAT was 1:1. Meanwhile, synergistic antibacterial and anti-irritative properties were acquired. The matrix materials were composed of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and trehalose. And drug loadings of AZA and MAT in DMNs were 201.88 ± 4.81 µg and 259.71 ± 1.72 µg, respectively. After insertion into porcine skin for 10 h, the cumulative permeability of AZA and MAT were 68.16% ± 3.79% and 57.37 ± 5.17%, respectively, while just 4.13 ± 0.39% (p < 0.01) was detected for commercially available AZA gel. In vitro antibacterial experiment, bacteriostatic rates of DMNs were all above 95% for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. Besides, DMNs exhibited no cytotoxicity and skin irritation. In conclusion, combination between AZA and MAT addressed shortcomings of AZA, and made it easier, safer, and more effective in acne treatment.

Chitosan/Hyaluronic acid/Alginate and an assorted polymers loaded with honey, plant, and marine compounds for progressive wound healing-Know-how

Biomaterials are being extensively used in regenerative medicine including tissue engineering applications, as these enhance tissue development, repair, and help in the process of angiogenesis. Wound healing is a crucial biological process of regeneration of ruptured tissue after getting injury to the skin and other soft tissue in humans and animals. Besides, the accumulation of microbial biofilms around the wound surface can increase the risk and physically obstruct the wound healing activity, and may even lead to amputation. Hence, in both acute and chronic wounds, prominent biomaterials are required for wound healing along with antimicrobial agents. This review comprehensively addresses the antimicrobial and wound healing effects of chitosan, chitin, cellulose acetate, hyaluronic acid, pullulan, bacterial cellulose, fibrin, alginate, etc. based wound dressing biomaterials fabricated with natural resources such as honey, plant bioactive compounds, and marine-based polymers. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, bioactive compounds derived from honey, plants, and marine resources are commonly used in biomedical and tissue engineering applications. Different types of polymer-based biomaterials including hydrogel, film, scaffold, nanofiber, and sponge dressings fabricated with bioactive agents including honey, curcumin, tannin, quercetin, andrographolide, gelatin, carrageenan, etc., can exhibit significant wound healing process in, diabetic wounds, diabetic ulcers, and burns, and help in cartilage repair along with good biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects. Among the reviewed biomaterials, carbohydrate polymers such as chitosan-based biomaterials are prominent and widely used for wound healing applications followed by hyaluronic acid and alginate-based biomaterials loaded with honey, plant, and marine compounds. This review first provides an overview of the vast natural resources used to formulate different biomaterials for the treatment of antimicrobial, acute, and chronic wound healing processes.

Matrine: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Dogel ebs" was known as Sophora flavescens Ait., which has been widely utilized in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Mongolian herbal medicine for thousands of years. Shen Nong's Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing in Chinese pinyin) recorded that it is bitter in taste and cold in nature with the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, insecticide, diuresis. Due to its extensive application in the fields of ethnopharmacological utilization, the pharmaceutical researches of Sophora flavescens Ait.s keeps deepening. Modern pharmacological studies have exhibited that matrine, which is rich in this traditional herbal medicine, mediates its main biological properties.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed at summarizing the latest and comprehensive information of matrine on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches to explore the therapeutic potential of this natural ingredient. In addition, outlooks and perspective for possible future researches that related are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Related information concerning matrine was gathered from the internet database of Google scholar, Pubmed, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library with the keywords including "matrine", "pharmacology", "toxicology" and "pharmacokinetics", "clinical application", etc. RESULTS: Based on literatures, matrine has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, detoxification and so on. Nevertheless, there are still some doubts about it due to the toxicity and questionable bioavailability that does exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Future researches directions probably include elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity and accurately tracing the in vivo behavior of its drug delivery system. Without doubt, integration of toxicity and efficiency and structure modification based on it are also pivotal methods to enhance pharmacological activity and bioavailability.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Chronic Itch-Evoked Novel Object Recognition-Related Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice

The high incidence of patients with chronic itch highlights the importance of fundamental research. Recent advances in the interface of gut microbiota have shed new light into exploring this phenomenon. However, it is unknown whether gut microbiota plays a role in chronic itch in rodents with or without cognitive dysfunction. In this study, the role of gut microbiota in diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-evoked chronic itch was investigated in mice and hierarchical cluster analysis of novel object recognition test (ORT) results were used to classify DCP-evoked itch model in mice with or without cognitive dysfunction (CD)-like phenotype and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was used to compare gut bacterial composition between CD (Susceptible) and Non-CD phenotypes (Unsusceptible) in chronic itch mice. Results showed that the microbiota composition was significantly altered by DCP-evoked chronic itch and chronic itch induced novel object recognition-related CD. However, abnormal gut microbiota composition induced by chronic itch may not be correlated with novel object recognition-related CD.

Synergistic interaction between matrine and paracetamol in the acetic acid writhing test in mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic interaction between matrine and paracetamol in an acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice. Fifty percent effective dose (ED₅₀) values of the individual drugs were determined, and the different proportions of matrine and paracetamol were assayed using the isobolographic method. Our study demonstrated that both of matrine and paracetamol dose-dependently inhibited the writhing response evoked by acetic acid, and the ED₅₀ values and their 95% confidence intervals against these tonic pain were 21.10 (17.86-24.92) mg/kg and 61.30 (50.71-74.10) mg/kg for matrine and paracetamol, respectively. At the fixed ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1, the experimental ED₅₀ values of matrine and paracetamol combinations and their 95% confidence intervals were 10.52 (5.14-21.55) mg/kg, 9.13 (4.46-18.70) mg/kg and 4.98 (4.17-5.95) mg/kg, respectively, their theoretical ED₅₀ values and 95% confidence intervals were 41.20 (36.31-46.74) mg/kg, 51.25 (44.19-59.44) mg/kg and 31.15 (27.25-35.60) mg/kg, and the experimental ED₅₀ values of matrine and paracetamol combination were significantly lower than their calculated theoretical ED₅₀ values (all P < 0.01), as revealed by isobolographic analysis. Furthermore, the experimental regression line was also significantly different from the calculated additive equal-effect line over the range of the tested doses (all P < 0.01). Our results suggest that the combination of matrine with paracetamol exerts analgesic synergistic interactions in a mouse acetic acid-induced writhing model, thereby offering a possible therapeutic alternative for the clinical management of inflammatory pain.

Therapeutic effectiveness of Lishi Oral Liquid combined with levocetirizine in treating atopic dermatitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Lishi Oral Liquid (LOL), a Chinese herbs formula, combined with levocetirizine, an antihistamine drug, in patients with damp-heat atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients diagnosed with damp-heat atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to Lishi Oral Liquid group and control group at the ratio of 1:1. Patients were given one Lishi Oral Liquid or placebo three times per day. Both groups were treated with allantoin and vitamin E cream by topical use and levocetirizine by oral administration. Patients were followed up at the second and fourth week. The primary outcome was the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). The secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results: After two weeks of treatment, there were statistical differences in SCORAD between these two groups ([Formula: see text]), whereas VAS and DLQI showed no statistical differences. There were significant differences in SCORAD and VAS between two groups at the end of four weeks of treatment ([Formula: see text]). However, no significant differences were observed in DLQI after four weeks of treatment. No serious adverse event was found during this clinical trial.

Conclusion: LOL combined with levocetirizine is effective and safe for damp-heat AD treatment.

Altered expression of itch‑related mediators in the lower cervical spinal cord in mouse models of two types of chronic itch

In this study, we focused on several itch-related molecules and receptors in the spinal cord with the goal of clarifying the specific mediators that regulate itch sensation. We investigated the involvement of serotonin receptors, opioid receptors, glia cell markers and chemokines (ligands and receptors) in models of acetone/ether/water (AEW)- and diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-induced chronic itch. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we examined the expression profiles of these mediators in the lower cervical spinal cord (C5-8) of two models of chronic itch. We found that the gene expression levels of opioid receptor mu 1 (Oprm1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (Htr1a) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (Htr6) were upregulated. Among the chemokines, the expression levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand (Ccl)21, Cxcl3 and Cxcl16 and their receptors, Ccr7, Cxcr2 and Cxcr6, were simultaneously upregulated in the spinal cords of the mice in both models of chronic itch. By contrast, the expression levels of Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4 and Ccl22 were downregulated. These findings indicate that multiple mediators, such as chemokines in the spinal cord, are altered and may be central candidates in further research into the mechanisms involved in the development of chronic itch.

Brucine alleviates neuropathic pain in mice via reducing the current of the sodium channel

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is grown extensively in South Asian. The dried seed of this plant, nux vomica, has been clinically used in Chinese medicine for relieving rheumatic pain, reducing swelling and treating cancer. Brucine, the second abundant alkaloid constituent of nux vomica, shows excellent clinical therapeutic effect, especially in relieving pain, but mechanism of brucine in relieving pain is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the analgesic effect of brucine, reveal the molecular mechanism of brucine analgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antinociceptive effects of brucine were assessed in acute and chronic pain mice model. Electrophysiological experiments were used to evaluate the effects of brucine on neuronal activity and sodium channel function.

RESULTS

In acute pain models, brucine significantly inhibits response induced by nociceptive heat and mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, thermal hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia were also alleviated by brucine treatment in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. Sodium channel plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain. Electrophysiological results show that brucine inhibits the excitability of DRG neurons directly, the number of action potential (AP) was significantly reduced after brucine treatment, and this kind of inhibition is due to brucine inhibits both tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTXs) and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTXr) sodium channel.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, brucine is a novel drug candidate in treating acute and chronic pain diseases, which might be attributed to inhibition the excitability of sodium channel directly.

Semisynthesis of Matrinic Acid/Alcohol/Ester Derivatives, Their Pesticidal Activities, and Investigation of Mechanisms of Action against Tetranychus cinnabarinus

To discover new natural-product-based potential pesticides, 85 matrinic acid/alcohol/ester derivatives were synthesized by structural modifications of a quinolizidine alkaloid matrine. N-(4-Methyl)benzylmatrinyl n-decylate (76) and N-(2-chloro)benzylmatrinyl n-undecylate (86) exhibited greater than seven-fold more pronounced acaricidal activity than matrine against Tetranychus cinnabarinus; N-(2-chloro)benzylmatrinyl benzoate (80) showed the most promising insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata. The carboxyl group of matrinic acids and introduction of n-decyl/ n-undecylcarbonyl into matrinic alcohols were important for the acaricidal activity; introduction of alkyloxy into the carboxyl of matrinic acids and introduction of the electron-withdrawing groups on the N-benzyl of matrinic esters were necessary for the insecticidal activity. Through RT-PCR and qRT-PCR analysis, it was shown that the lactam ring of matrine was vital for action on VGSC; opening the lactam ring of matrine and the alkylcarbonyl of side-chain were two important factors for acting with α1, α2, and α4 nAChR subunits; α1, α2, α4, and β3 subunits may be the target of action of compound 86 against T. cinnabarinus.

Matrine induces apoptosis in multiple colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro and inhibits tumour growth with minimum side effects in vivo via Bcl-2 and caspase-3

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that colorectal cancer (CRC) was the third most common cancer in men and the second in women, worldwide. Our previous meta-analysis found Sophora flavescens increased tumour response rate in randomised controlled trials of CRC. We hypothesised that its principal constituent matrine had exerted anti-tumour effects.

PURPOSE

To elucidate its mechanisms of action we investigated the dose-related anti-tumour effects of matrine on four human CRC cell-lines: LS174T, Caco-2, SW1116 and RKO. In a LS174T xenografted tumour model in nude mice we assessed the effects of matrine and oxaliplatin on tumour volume, weight and morphology. Computer simulated dockings for target proteins were also conducted.

METHODS AND DESIGN

Cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay respectively. Western blot was performed to examine the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the cells. The xenograft model and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the effect of matrine in vivo. Oxaliplatin was set as positive control. Molecular docking was performed to predict the binding modes of matrine and oxaliplatin with target proteins using CDOCKER algorithm.

RESULTS

Matrine inhibited proliferation of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Matrine induced cell-cycle arrest at G1/G0 phase, induced apoptosis and reduced expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 while up-regulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the four CRC cells. In vivo, matrine significantly inhibited tumour growth without side effects on physical health compared to the negative (vehicle) control group. Mice in the oxaliplatin group lost vigour, became frail and lost weight. Expression of Bcl-2 in tumour tissue was lower and Bax expression was higher in the matrine-treated groups compared to the negative control. In computer-simulated docking, matrine successfully docked into active sites of Bcl-2 and caspase-3.

CONCLUSION

Matrine inhibited growth of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. A molecular mechanism was apoptosis induction via effects on Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3. Moreover, matrine showed minimum side effects and may provide a candidate for the development of new therapies for colorectal cancer.