Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuates the expression of inflammatory cytokines in acute soft tissue injury

Novel Hydrogel Adjuvant of Chinese Medicine External Preparations for Accelerated Healing of Deep Soft Tissue Injuries

Traditional Chinese medicine external prescriptions have displayed excellent clinical effects for treating deep soft tissue injuries. However, the effects cannot be fully utilized due to the limitations of their dosage forms and usage methods. It is still a challenge to develop a satisfactory adjuvant of traditional Chinese medicine external prescriptions. Herein, a hydrogel adjuvant was prepared based on gallic acid coupled ε-poly-l-lysine and partially oxidized hyaluronic acid. The resulting adjuvant shows great physicochemical properties, low hemolysis rate (still much less than 5% at 5 mg/mL), excellent antibacterial ability (about 95% at 2 mg/mL), strong antioxidant ability (1.687 ± 0.085 mmol FeSO4/(g hydrogel) at 1 mg/mL), as well as outstanding biocompatibility. A clinically used Chinese medicine external preparation was selected as an example to investigate the effectiveness of the adjuvant in treating deep soft tissue injuries. The results show that the prescription can be evenly dispersed in the adjuvant. Moreover, the introduction of the prescription has not significantly changed these advanced properties of the adjuvant. Importantly, the hydrogel adjuvant significantly improves the effectiveness of the prescription in treating deep soft tissue injuries. This work offers an alternative approach to the development of a new-type adjuvant of Chinese medicine external preparations and also provides a new strategy for the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and hydrogel to treat clinical diseases.

Betulin Accelerated the Functional Recovery of Injured Muscle in a Mouse Model of Muscle Contusion

Muscle contusion is an injury to muscle fibers and connective tissues. It commonly happens in impact events, and could result in pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diclofenac is one of commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain and inflammation after injury. However, it can potentially cause some side effects including gastrointestinal complications and allergy. Betulin is a lupine-type pentacyclic triterpenoid. It is showed to have valuable pharmacological effects, but the physiological effect of betulin on muscle contusion has not been reported. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of betulin on muscle contusion that produced by the drop-mass method in mice. C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to control (no injury), only drop-mass injury (Injury), diclofenac treatment (Injury+diclofenac), and betulin treatment (Injury+betulin) groups. Injury was executed on the gastrocnemius of the right hind limb, and then phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), diclofenac, or betulin were oral gavage administrated respectively for 7 days. Results revealed that betulin significantly restored motor functions based on locomotor activity assessments, rota-rod test, and footprints analysis. Betulin also attenuated serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels after muscle injury. Neutrophil infiltration was alleviated and desmin levels were increased after betulin treatment. Our data demonstrated that betulin attenuated muscle damage, alleviated inflammatory response, improved muscle regeneration, and restored motor functions after muscle contusion. Altogether, betulin may be a potential compound to accelerate the repair of injured muscle.

Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on MSCs against senescence induced by d-galactose

Objective

To examine the protective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by d-galactose (d-gal) in vitro, and investigate the potential mechanism involved.

Methods

Grouping experiment, Normal control (NC) group: conventional culture with complete medium; Senescence group: MSCs were cultured for 48 h with complete medium containing 10 g/L d-gal; HSYA group: on the basis of senescence induction, HSYA with the suitable concentration was used to protect MSCs. The key experimental indices associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cell senescence, proliferation and apoptosis were measured through chemical colorimetry, β-galactosidase staining, EdU incorporation and flow cytometry, respectively. The relative quantity (RQ) of proteins related closely to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and NF-κB signaling were measured by Western blotting.

Results

As compared with Senescence group, treatment with HSYA (120 mg/L) effectively ameliorated the adverse situation of MSCs. Oxidation stress and inflammation along with d-Gal induction was dramatically alleviated in MSCs; The β-Gal-positive staining indicated that MSC senescence was significantly mitigated; The proliferative capability of MSCs was significantly increased by up-regulating PCNA and inhibiting p16 expression; The anti-apoptotic effect on MSCs was exerted by down-regulating the RQ of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax; The activity of NF-κB signaling in MSCs was notably suppressed through inhibiting phosphorylation of IKKβ and p65.

Conclusion

HSYA (120 mg/L) significantly delayed the d-Gal-induced senescence process in MSCs through attenuating inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress, and suppressing the activity of NF-κB signaling.

Circulating Exosomal MicroRNA Profiles Associated with Acute Soft Tissue Injury

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the circulating exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profiles associated with acute soft tissue injury.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, a total of 12 rats were randomly divided into control group and model group (n=6 for each group). The rats in the model group were used to establish an acute soft tissue injury following the mechanical injury of the leg. The exosomes from the peripheral blood of all the rats were isolated and then characterized by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyser (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot. Next, the exosomal miRNAs in the control and model groups were sequenced, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified using the DESeq algorithm. Functional analyses were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway databases. Finally, quantitative reverse-transcription polymersa chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of the DE-miRNAs.

Results

TEM, NTA and western blot results showed that the exosomes were approximately 100 nm in size and exhibited cup-shaped morphology. A total of 628 miRNAs were obtained by sequencing. After that, 28 DE miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, including seven down-regulated miRNAs and 21 up-regulated miRNAs. These DE-miRNAs were linked to 7539 target genes with GO. Also, KEGG analyses demonstrated that these genes were enriched for phosphorylation, VEGF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, the consistency rate between the qRT-PCR and sequencing results was 83.33%, which showed a high relative reliability of the sequencing results.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that these 28 exosomal miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of acute soft tissue injury, by one of critical biological processes (BP), phosphorylation. The findings provide valuable clues by utilizing exosomes as therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of acute soft tissue injury.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A acutely attenuates blood-brain barrier permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in traumatic brain injury in rats1

Purpose:

To investigate the therapeutic benefits of Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on blood-brain barrier (BBB) vulnerability after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and identify its potential action of mechanisms on TBIinduced injuries.

Methods:

The rat TBI model was performed by using a controlled cortical impact device. The BBB permeability induced by TBI was measured through Evans Blue dye superflux and western blotting or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for tight junctional proteins (TJPs). The post-TBI changes in oxidative stress markers, inflammatory response and neuron apoptosis in brain tissue were also tested.

Results:

Herein, the results showed that HSYA acutely attenuated BBB permeability via increasing the production of the TJPs, including occludin, claudin-1 and zonula occludens protein 24 h after TBI. Additionally, HSYA could suppress the secretion of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and also concurrently down-regulate the expression of inflammation-related Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B (TLR4/NF-kB) protein. These HSYA challenged changes were accompanied by the decreased TBI induced oxidative stress markers and inhibited the expression of apoptosis proteins Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9.

Conclusions:

Taken together, all findings suggested that HSYA (30 mg/kg) are against TBI through improving the integrity in BBB, which are associated with the antioxidant, anti-inflammation and antiapoptosis via the probable mechanism of down-regulation of the TLR4/NF-kB pathway, and its in-detail protective mechanisms are under study.

Decoction of Heat-Clearing, Detoxifying and Blood Stasis Removing Relieves Acute Soft Tissue Injury via Modulating MiR-26b-5p/COX2 Axis to Inhibit Inflammation

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, a heat-clearing and detoxifying decoction is beneficial to alleviation of inflammation-related diseases. The objective of this study is to uncover the effect and mechanism of heat-clearing, detoxifying and blood stasis removing decoction (HDBD) on the treatment of acute soft tissue injury (STI) which is characterized with excessive inflammatory cascade at the onset. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with hammer beating served as the in vivo models of acute STI. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used for histopathology assessment. The levels of inflammatory factors, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-αumTNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1t and IL-6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human dermal microvascular endothelium cell line HMEC-1 and rat vascular endothelium cell line RAOEC were used to explore the mechanism in vitro. Luciferase gene reporter assay was applied to determine the relationship between miR-26b-5p and COX2. The results showed that HDBD intervention significantly reduced the temperature difference between the healthy side and affected side of rats with hammer beating, together with the decreased levels of COX2, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and the increased level of miR-26b-5p. In mechanism, miR-26b-5p targeted COX2 and decreased its expression, leading to significant decreases in the levels of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 in RAOEC and HMEC-1 cells. In addition, miR-26b-5p inhibition impaired the effects of HDBD on the suppression of PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in vitro. In conclusion, this study revealed that HDBD relieved acute STI via modulating miR-26b-5p/COX2 axis to inhibit inflammation.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome and Activating Autophagy

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a serious threat to human health. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main water-soluble ingredient extracted from Carthami flos (Carthamus tinctorius L.), has therapeutic potential for treating MI/R injury. However, the mechanisms of HSYA−mediated protection from MI/R injury are incompletely understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of HSYA during MI/R. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to left anterior descending artery ligation for 30 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion with or without HSYA treatment. The protective effect of HSYA was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, and myocardial enzymes detections. Serum levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, were detected using ELISA kits. The expression of NLRP3 and other related proteins in the myocardium was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The expression of autophagy-related proteins, including Atg5, BECN1, P62, and LC3B, was detected by western blot to evaluate the effect of HSYA on autophagy. Results showed that HSYA decreased the myocardial infarct size and attenuated the cardiac dysfunction in rats after I/R. In addition, HSYA inhibited myocardial apoptosis compared with the I/R group, decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in rat serum, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and induced autophagy. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that HSYA can activate AMPK to improve autophagy and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting the mTOR pathway. This work provides strong data supporting for the clinical applications of HSYA in MI/R injury.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived-exosomes as a new therapeutic strategy for acute soft tissue injury

The study aimed to investigate the role of exosomes derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) in acute soft tissue injury and its related mechanisms. Exosomes were isolated from rBMSCs and characterized by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyser (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blot. Twenty four rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): control group, strike group, rBMSCs group, and rBMSCs-exo group. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphology. Real-time quantification PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to analyse the expression of IL-1A, IL-12A, COL11A1, COL4A4, and Wnt4. NTA, TEM and western blot results showed that exosomes isolated from rBMSCs were cup-shaped morphology with a size of about 100 nm. HE staining showed that there was severe soft tissue inflammation in strike group, and the symptoms were alleviated after rBMSCs and rBMSCs-exo treatment. RT-qPCR and western blot indicated that in the strike group, the expression levels of IL-1A and IL-12A were significantly increased, and their expressions were decreased markedly by exosomes treatment. In addition, after treatment, the expression levels of COL11A1 and Wnt4 were up-regulated, while the expression of COL4A4 was down-regulated. Exosomes isolated from rBMSCs could improve acute soft tissue injury, and may be used as a new therapeutic strategy acute soft tissue injury. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Acute soft tissue injury is a common clinical exercise injury, which has a significant impact on people's health and work ability. Exosomes have been attracting increasing attention as a media of cell-to-cell communication. This study showed that exosomes isolated from rBMSCs could improve acute soft tissue injury by inhibiting inflammatory response, regulating the levels of COL11A1 and COL4A4, and up-regulating the expression of Wnt4. These will provide a new therapy strategy of acute soft tissue injury, and improve our understanding of the occurrence and development in acute soft tissue injury.

Protective Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Contusion Induced Muscle Injury

Muscle injuries frequently occur in contact sports events. The current treatment options for soft tissue injuries remain suboptimal and often result in delayed or incomplete recovery of damaged muscles. Resveratrol (RES) is a phenolic phytochemical, well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of RES supplementation on inflammation and regeneration in skeletal muscle after a contusion injury, in comparison to a conventional treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). After one week of acclimation, forty eight -week-old male ICR mice were randomly divided into the five groups (n=8 per group): 1) normal control (NC), 2) mass-drop injury without any treatment (mass-drop injury, MDI), 3) post-injury NSAID treatment (MDI+ 10mg/kg NSAID), 4) post-injury RES supplementation (MDI+ 25mg/kg/day RES) and 5) post-injury treatment with RES and NSAID (MDI + resveratrol+ NSAID). After muscle contusion injury of the left gastrocnemius muscle, RES or NSAID were orally administered post-injury once a day for 7 days. Results showed that the MDI group had significantly higher serum uric acid (UA), CREA (creatinine), LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) and creatine kinase (CK) than the normal control group. Treatment with resveratrol reduced muscle damage as evidenced by the significantly decreased serum levels of UA, CREA, LDH and CK after contusion-induced muscle injuries in mice. In addition, RES and RES + NSAID groups promoted muscle satellite cell regeneration with increase in desmin protein after injury. Our results suggest that resveratrol combined with NSAID potentially improve muscle recovery and may be a potential candidate for further development as an effective clinical treatment for muscle repair.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in a Guinea Pig Model by Attenuateing the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Signal Transduction

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is an effective ingredient of the Chinese herb Carthamus tinctorius L. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of HSYA on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in guinea pigs, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We established a guinea pig asthma model by intraperitoneal injection and atomized administration OVA. Guinea pigs were injected intraperitoneally with HSYA (50, 75, 112.5 mg/kg) once daily from days 2 to 22 before OVA administration. We examined biomarkers including lung function, pulmonary histopathology, immunoglobulin E (IgE), Th1/Th2 relative inflammatory mediators, and related pathways. Pathological changes in lung tissues were detected by hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Phosphorylation levels of JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, ERK MAPK, and inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα) were detected by western blot. plasma levels of total IgE, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and interleukin (IL)-3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-γ were detected by ELISA and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HSYA significantly reduced airway resistance, improved dynamic lung compliance, and attenuated the pathologic changes. HSYA also inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK MAPK, p38 MAPK, ERK MAPK, and IκBα, and inhibited the OVA-induced elevations of IgE, PAF, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and the decreases in TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-3. These findings suggest that HSYA has a protective effect on OVA-induced asthma through inhibiting the Th1/Th2 cell imbalance and inhibiting activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Hydroxyl safflower yellow A regulates the tumor immune microenvironment to produce an anticancer effect in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious threat to human health. Chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin are widely used in cancer treatment, but can cause severe side effects. Hydroxyl safflower yellow A (HSYA) is a water-soluble chalcone glycoside substance extracted from safflowers (Carthamus tinctorius L.) that has been reported to inhibit tumor growth with few side effects. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial for the proliferation and invasiveness of tumor cells, and it is mediated by forkhead box P3-positive (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γ (RORγ)-expressing Th17 cells. FOXP3+ Tregs inhibit immunoreaction and FOXP3 is a key indicator of Tregs. RORγ isoform 2, also known as RORγt, is an important transcription factor in Th17 cells that may promote cancer progression. In the present study, the antitumor effect of HSYA on HCC was investigated, as well as its impact on the tumor immune microenvironment. Following the establishment of a mouse model for HCC, hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe histological changes in liver tumors, and the spleen and thymus were weighed to calculate the spleen and thymus indexes. The proportion of FOXP3+ Tregs in the spleen was determined by flow cytometry, and expression levels of Foxp3 and Rorγt were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The results of the present study showed that cisplatin inhibited tumor growth, caused weight loss and reduced the immunoreactivity of the mice. HSYA inhibited tumor growth without causing significant weight loss. The proportion of FOXP3-expressing Tregs in the spleen and the expression of Foxp3 and Rorγt mRNA decreased following treatment with certain doses of HSYA. In conclusion, HSYA inhibited tumor growth without detrimental effects on the weight of the mice, indicating that HSYA may be suitable as a novel therapy for HCC patients.

Screening of blood-activating active components from Danshen-Honghua herbal pair by spectrum-effect relationship analysis

BACKGROUND

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza, DS) and Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius, HH) are commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for activating blood and removing stasis, and DS-HH (DH) herbal pair had potential synergistic effects on promoting blood circulation. Therefore, it is essential to make clear the active components of this herbal pair for better understanding their potential synergistic effects.

PURPOSE

To comprehensively evaluate the activity of DH herbal pair on physiological coagulation system of rats, and seek their potential active components by spectrum-effect relationship analysis.

METHODS

The water extracts of DH herbal pair with different proportions (DS: HH = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 1:5 and 1:3) were prepared. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups: blank group, model group, model + 1:1 (DH) group, model + 2:1 group, model + 3:1 group, model + 5:1 group, model + 1:5 group and model + 1:3 group. The intragastric administration was performed for eight times with 12 h intervals. SC40 semi-automatic coagulation analyzer was employed to determine coagulation indices. Meanwhile, HPLC and LC-MS were applied for chemical analyses of DH extracts. Finally, the active ingredients were screened by spectrum-effect relationship analysis and the activities of major predicted compounds were validated in vitro.

RESULTS

Different proportions of DH extracts could significantly prolong thrombin time (TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), increase prothrombin time (PT) and decrease fibrinogen (FIB) content, reduced whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV), decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood (ESR) compared with model group. Furthermore, fifteen highly related components were screened out by the spectrum-effect relationship and LC-MS analysis, of which caffeic acid, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and lithospermate acid had significant blood-activing effect by prolong APTT and decrease FIB content at high (0.6 mM), medium (0.3 mM) and low (0.15 mM) (except lithospermate acid) concentrations in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

DH herbal pair showed strong blood-activating effect on blood stasis rat through regulating the parameters involved in haemorheology and plasma coagulation system. Four active compounds, caffeic acid, salvianolic acid B, hydroxysafflor yellow A and lithospermate acid predicted by spectrum-effect relationship analysis had good blood-activating effect. Therefore, spectrum-effect relationship analysis is an effective approach for seeking active components in herbal pairs.

Beneficial effects of combined administration of Clopidogrel and Aspirin on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, cardiac function, and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A comparative study

OBJECTIVE

Both Aspirin and Clopidogrel are considered as effective drugs in decreasing ischemic events, which potentially contribute to a promising application regarding the cardiovascular events. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin to determine the influence among inflammatory factors, cardiac function, and treatment outcome of patients suffering from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Hebei province of China.

METHODS

To compare the efficacy of this combination therapy with a single Aspirin treatment, we experimented in 68 patients with the administration of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin as well as another 68 patients administered only with Aspirin. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression of inflammatory factors, thereby evaluating the effect on inflammation. In addition, a series of indexes related to cardiac function and renal function were monitored by use of a color Doppler ultrasound and an automatic biochemical analyzer, respectively. Myocardial injury-related indicators were detected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed so we could identify potential risk factors. In addition, both postoperative hemorrhages and cardiac events were observed to evaluate the treatment outcome of patients with STEMI.

RESULTS

Initially, the treatment outcome revealed a better efficacy in patients treated with the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin, with the patients also showing more obviously alleviated myocardial injury, better cardiac and renal functions with lower serum levels of inflammatory factors. The lower incidence of postinfarction angina, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death also provide evidence that patients showed a better outcome after treatment with both Clopidogrel and Aspirin.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the combination therapy of Clopidogrel and Aspirin provided a better improvement on both the cardiac function and outcome of STEMI patients in the Hebei province of China, with reduced inflammation as well.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for a Broad Spectrum of Diseases

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is one of the major bioactive and water-soluble compounds isolated from Carthami Flos, the flower of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). As a natural pigment with favorable medical use, HSYA has gained extensive attention due to broad and effective pharmacological activities since first isolation in 1993. In clinic, the safflor yellow injection which mainly contains about 80% HSYA was approved by the China State Food and Drug Administration and used to treat cardiac diseases such as angina pectoris. In basic pharmacology, HSYA has been proved to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological effects that include, but not limited to, cardiovascular effect, neuroprotection, liver and lung protection, antitumor activity, metabolism regulation, and endothelium cell protection. Although a great number of studies have been carried out to prove the pharmacological effects and corresponding mechanisms of HYSA, a systemic review of HYSA has not yet been seen. Here, we provide a comprehensive summarization of the pharmacological effects of HYSA. Together with special attention to mechanisms of actions, this review can serve as the basis for further researches and developments of this medicinal compound.

Oral hydroxysafflor yellow A reduces obesity in mice by modulating the gut microbiota and serum metabolism

Given the high and increasing prevalence of obesity, the safe and effective treatment of obesity would be beneficial. Here, we examined whether oral hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an active compound from the dried florets of Carthamus tinctorius L., can reduce high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 J mice. Our results showed that the average body weight of HF group treated by HSYA was significantly lower than that of the HF group (P < 0.01). HSYA also reduced fat accumulation, ameliorated insulin resistance, restored glucose homeostasis, reduced inflammation, enhanced intestinal integrity, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in HF diet-fed mice. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in fecal samples demonstrated that HSYA reversed HF diet induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. Particularly, HSYA increased the relative abundances of genera Akkermansia and Romboutsia, as well as SCFAs-producing bacteria, including genera Butyricimonas and Alloprevotella, whereas it decreased the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of HF diet-fed mice. Additionally, serum metabolomics analysis revealed that HSYA increased lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs), L-carnitine and sphingomyelin, and decreased phosphatidylcholines in mice fed a HF diet, as compared to HF group. These changed metabolites were mainly linked with the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. Spearman's correlation analysis further revealed that Firmicutes was positively while Bacteroidetes and Akkermansia were negatively correlated with body weight, fasting serum glucose and insulin. Moreover, Akkermansia and Butyricimonas had positive correlations with lysoPCs, suggestive of the role of gut microbiota in serum metabolites. Our findings suggest HSYA may be a potential therapeutic drug for obesity and the gut microbiota may be potential territory for targeting of HSYA.

Protective cerebrovascular effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on ischemic stroke

The purpose of the present work was designed to explore protective cerebrovascular effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), and provide preclinical efficacy and mechanism data for its possible application in patients with cerebral ischemia. The protective effect of HSYA on ischemic stroke was evaluated by infarct sizes and neurological scores in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Cerebrovascular permeability was detected by Evans blue dye leakage in MCAO rats. Cerebral blood flow, as well as blood pressure and heart rate were monitored using flow probes in Beagle dogs. Basilar artery tension isolated from Beagle dogs was evaluated with an MPA 2000 data-acquisition system. Coagulation-related function was also judged, including rabbit platelet aggregation by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and platelet-aggregating factor (PAF), rabbit blood viscosity by a blood viscometer, and thrombus formation by rat arterial-venous shunts. Results showed that HSYA treatment significantly decreased the infarct sizes, neurological scores and cerebrovascular permeability in rats with MCAO. However, cerebral blood flow, blood pressure and heart rate were not affected by HSYA. In vitro, HSYA had a strong effect on cerebrovascular vasodilatation, and significantly decreased platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and thrombogenesis. Besides well-known anti-coagulation effects, HSYA protects against ischemic stroke by dilating cerebral vessels and improving cerebrovascular permeability.