Gut microbiota and metabolomics unveil the mechanisms of Lomatogonium rotatum in ameliorating visceral fat and serum lipids in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Lomatogonium rotatum (LR) is a folk medicinal herb traditionally used as a lipid-lowering and anti-obesity agent; but its pharmacological mechanism is unclear. In this study, we assessed the alterations of LR on gut microbes and serum metabolites in obese mice and their associated mechanisms of modulation on visceral fat and serum lipid by integrating gut microbiota and metabolomics analyses. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to generate obesity and were then given LR and Orlistat orally at different doses (0.18, 0.9, 1.8 g/kg for LR and 0.048 g/kg for Orlistat) for a duration of 9 weeks. The impact of LR on weight loss was assessed through the examination of fat deposition, serum lipid indices, liver indices, and HE pathohistology. The effects of LR on gut microbiota and serum metabolites in obese mice were then investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics, and correlation analysis was performed. LR significantly reduced body weight, feed intake, Lee's index, visceral fat accumulation, serum TG, TC, AST and ALT, and elevated serum HDL levels in obese mice. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the LR intervention remodeled microbial diversity and composition, increased the relative abundance of gut microbes Bacteroidetes and Porphyromonadaceae in HFD-induced obese mice, and decreased the Deferribacteres, Firmicutes and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Correlation analyses showed that LR regulation of L-tyrosine and hesperetin metabolism, as well as alterations in the metabolic pathways of Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, were associated with the changes in abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Porphyromonadaceae and Deferribacteres. Our study demonstrated that LR has lipid lowering and visceral fat reduction effects and its function may be closely related to the improvement of the gut microbiota and its associated metabolites.

Serum tsncRNAs reveals novel potential therapeutic targets of Salvianolic Acid B on atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Salvianolic Acid B (SalB) has been proven to delay the progression of atherosclerosis. The therapeutic mechanisms of this compound are unclear. A novel class of short non-coding RNAs, pre-transfer RNA and mature transfer RNA (tsncRNAs) may regulate gene expression. TsncRNAs-sequencing revealed novel therapeutic targets for SalB. This is the first study focusing on tsncRNAs to treat atherosclerosis using SalB.

PURPOSE

To explore the potential mechanism of SalB treating atherosclerosis through tsncRNAs.

METHODS

Five groups of mice were created at random: control group (CON), atherosclerosis model group (MOD), SalB with high dose-treated group (SABH), SalB with low dose-treated group (SABL), and Simvastatin-treated group (ST). Aortic sinus plaque, body weight and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. The Illumina NextSeq equipment was used to do expression profiling of tsncRNAs from serum. The targets of tsncRNAs were then predicted using tRNAscan and TargetScan. The KEGG pathway and GO analysis were utilized to forecast the bioinformatics analysis. Potential tsncRNAs and associated mRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

tRF-Glu-CTC-014 and tRF-Gly-GCC-074 were markedly increased by SalB with high dose treatment and validated with quantitative real-time PCR. Two mRNAs SRF and Arrb related to tRF-Glu-CTC-014 changed consistently. GO analysis revealed that the altered target genes of the selected tsncRNAs were most enriched in protein binding and cellular process. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that altered target genes of tsncRNAs were most enriched in MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

SalB can promote the expression of tRF-Glu-CTC-014 to treat atherosclerosis.

Salvianolic acid B improves diabetic skin wound repair through Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy

Diabetic skin wound is a disturbing and rapidly evolving clinical issue. Here, we investigated how salvianolic acid B (Sal B) affected the diabetic wound healing process. Following Sal B administration, histopathological damage was investigated by H&E and Masson staining, and CD34, apoptosis and mitophagy markers were measured by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Migration, proliferation, and mitochondrial function of high glucose (HG) -induced HMEC-1 cells were measured. The effects of si-Parkin on endothelial cell migration, apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy were examined. Sal B alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and promoted angiogenesis in skin wound tissue. Apoptosis and mitophagy were ameliorated by Sal B in diabetic skin wound tissues and HG-induced HMEC-1 cells. Parkin inhibition impaired the migratorypromoted cell apoptosis and inhibited mitophagy of HMEC-1 cells. This finding demonstrated that Sal B promoted diabetic skin wound repair via Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, improved our understanding of the diabetic wound healing process.

Tangzhiping Decoction Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Exerts Protective Effects Against White Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Prediabetic Mice

Background

Prediabetes, characterized by a series of metabolic abnormalities, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Tangzhiping (TZP), a clinically validated traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat impaired glucose tolerance. However, the underlying mechanism of TZP in intervening prediabetes is not fully elucidated.

Purpose

The current study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of TZP against prediabetes mice and explore its potential mechanism.

Methods

After establishing a prediabetic animal model through 12 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, mice were subjected to TZP for 8 weeks. Various parameters related to body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity were measured. Histopathological examinations observed adipose cell size and liver lipid deposition. The Sable Promethion system assessed energy metabolism activity. Transcriptomic analysis of Epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) identified enriched pathways and genes. The key genes in the enriched pathways were identified through RT-PCR.

Results

Our data revealed that the administration of TZP reduced body weight and fat mass in a prediabetes mouse model. TZP normalized the glucose and insulin levels, improved insulin resistance, and decreased plasma TC and FFA. The alleviation of adipose tissue hypertrophy and lipid deposition by TZP was demonstrated through pathological examination. Indirect calorimetry measurements indicated a potential increase in VO2 and EE levels with TZP. The results of EWAT transcription showed that TZP reversed pathways and genes related to inflammation and catabolic metabolism. RT-PCR demonstrated that the mRNA expression of inflammation and lipolysis, including Tlr2, Ccr5, Ccl9, Itgb2, Lipe, Pnpla2, Cdo1, Ces1d, Echs1, and Acad11, were changed by TZP treatment.

Conclusion

TZP effectively alleviates obesity, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. The effect of TZP might be associated with the regulation of gene expression in dysfunctional adipose tissue.

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med 2024; 22(4): 413-445.

Exploiting the beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis L. extracts in human health and assessing their activity as potent functional regulators of food microbiota

Salvia officinalis L. has attracted scientific and industrial interest due to its pharmacological properties. However, its detailed phytochemical profile and its correlation with beneficial effects in the human microbiome and oxidative stress remained elusive. To unveil this, S. officinalis was collected from the region of Epirus and its molecular identity was verified with DNA barcoding. Phytochemical profile for both aqueous and ethanol-based extracts was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 103 phytochemicals were determined. The effect of S. officinalis extracts as functional regulators of food microbiota by stimulating the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains and by suppressing evolution of pathogenic bacteria was verified. Furthermore, we recorded that both extracts exhibited a significant cellular protection against H2O2-induced DNA damage. Finally, both extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effect towards LDL oxidation. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of S. officinalis on its phytochemical components as also its potential impact in human microbiome and oxidative stress.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates diabetic nephropathy through alleviating ADORA2B, NALP3 in flammasome, and NFκB activity

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. This study is aimed at investigating the role and mechanisms of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in diabetic nephropathy. High glucose (HG)-induced human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were treated with Sal B, BAY-60-6583 (agonist of adenosine 2B receptor), or PSB-603 (antagonist of adenosine 2B receptor) for 24 h. Adenosine A2b receptor (ADORA2B), NACHT, leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin (PYD) domains-containing protein 3 (NALP3), and nuclear factor Kappa B (NFκB) expressions, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined. Following 6 weeks of Sal B treatment, db/db mice blood and kidney tissue were harvested for biochemical detection with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's, periodic acid schiff (PAS), and Sirius red staining and detection of ADORA2B, NALP3, NFκB, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activity. NFκB, NALP3, and ADORA2B were found to be downregulated in Sal B treated HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose (HG), accompanied by elevated levels of MMPs and reduced intracellular ROS production. Sal B-treated diabetic mice had the improvement in body weight, water intake, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and liver and kidney function. Altogether, Sal B attenuates HG-induced kidney tubule cell injury and diabetic nephropathy in diabetic mice, providing clues to other novel mechanisms by which Sal B is beneficial in diabetic nephropathy.

Prospect of research on anti-atherosclerosis effect of main components of traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue Huatan recipe through gut microbiota: A review

The incidence and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases are on the rise globally, posing a severe threat to human health. Atherosclerosis (AS) is considered a multi-factorial inflammatory disease and the main pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as the leading cause of death. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can induce and exacerbate inflammatory reactions, accelerate metabolic disorders and immune function decline, and affect the progression and prognosis of AS-related diseases. The Chinese herbal medicine clinicians frequently utilize Yiqi Huoxue Huatan recipe, an effective therapeutic approach for the management of AS. This article reviews the correlation between the main components of Yiqi Huoxue Huatan recipe and the gut microbiota and AS to provide new directions and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Jiangtang Decoction Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Disease Through the Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of Jiangtang decoction (JTD) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and its association with alterations in the gut microbiota.

Methods

Using a diabetic mouse model (KK-Ay mice), daily administration of JTD for eight weeks was undertaken. Weekly measurements of body weight and blood glucose were performed, while kidney function, uremic toxins, inflammation factors, and fecal microbiota composition were assessed upon sacrifice. Ultra-structural analysis of kidney tissue was conducted to observe the pathological changes.

Results

The study findings demonstrated that JTD improve metabolism, kidney function, uremic toxins and inflammation, while also exerting a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota. Specifically, the genera Rikenella, Lachnoclostridium, and unclassified_c_Bacilli exhibited significantly increased abundance following JTD treatment, accompanied by reduced abundance of norank_f_Lachnospiraceae compared to the model group. Importantly, Rikenella and unclassified_c_Bacilli demonstrated negative correlations with urine protein levels. Lachnoclostridium and norank_f_Lachnospiraceae were positively associated with creatinine (Cr), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and interleukin (IL)-6. Moreover, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae exhibited positive associations with various indicators of DKD severity, including weight, blood glucose, urea nitrogen (UN), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and IL-17A production.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that JTD possess the ability to modulate the abundance of Rikenella, Lachnoclostridium, unclassified_c_Bacilli and norank_f_Lachnospiraceae within the gut microbiota. This modulation, in turn, influenced metabolic processes, kidney function, uremic toxin accumulation, and inflammation, ultimately contributing to the amelioration of DKD.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits atherosclerosis and TNF-α-induced inflammation by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is critical in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis (AS). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on AS and to explore the molecular mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS

In vivo studies, LDLR-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks to establish an AS model to evaluate the protective effect of Sal B on the development of AS. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined in the blood serum. En face and cross section lipid deposits were measured and quantified with Oil Red O staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to quantify atherosclerotic plaque size and collagen fiber content in aortic root sections. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in aortic root using dihydroethylenediamine (DHE) staining. Apoptosis rate was determined by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to detect the expression of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). To further investigate the protective effect of Sal B, we used TNF-α induced HUVECs inflammation model. We examined cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content, and ROS production. The transcription of NF-κB was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β were detected by RT-PCR. Pyroptosis related proteins were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The change in the weight of the mice over time was an indication that Sal B had an effect on weight gain.

IN VIVO STUDIES

we were able to show that the serum lipids TC, TG and LDL-C were increased in the model group and that the treatment with Sal B reduced the levels of serum lipids. Histological staining showed that the LDLR-/- mice had a large amount of foam cell deposition accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in theMOD group. The pathological abnormalities were significantly improved by Sal B treatment. ROS release and apoptosis were significantly increased after HFD in aortic root, which was attenuated by Sal B. IF results showed that the expression of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 was significantly increased in the MOD group and significantly decreased in the Sal B group, suggesting that Sal B may act through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. And in vitro studies: inflammatory damage of HUEVCs was induced by TNF-α, and Sal B treatmented significantly increased cell viability and reduced LDH release. It was also found that Sal B inhibited ROS level increase after TNF-α-induced HUEVCs. Activation of NF-κB p65 by TNF-α stimulation, NF-κB p65 is transferred to the nucleus. Sal B treatment could reverse this effect. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that Sal B affected NF-κB transcription and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and could significantly inhibit TNF-α-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These results suggest that Sal B may participate in antiatherosclerotic and inflammatory responses through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that Sal B ameliorates the development of AS lesions in HFD-induced LDLR-/- mice. Furthermore, under TNF-α conditions, Sal B reduced ROS release and reversed nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and inhibited atherosclerosis and inflammation by modulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

From-Toilet-to-Freezer: A Review on Requirements for an Automatic Protocol to Collect and Store Human Fecal Samples for Research Purposes

The composition, viability and metabolic functionality of intestinal microbiota play an important role in human health and disease. Studies on intestinal microbiota are often based on fecal samples, because these can be sampled in a non-invasive way, although procedures for sampling, processing and storage vary. This review presents factors to consider when developing an automated protocol for sampling, processing and storing fecal samples: donor inclusion criteria, urine-feces separation in smart toilets, homogenization, aliquoting, usage or type of buffer to dissolve and store fecal material, temperature and time for processing and storage and quality control. The lack of standardization and low-throughput of state-of-the-art fecal collection procedures promote a more automated protocol. Based on this review, an automated protocol is proposed. Fecal samples should be collected and immediately processed under anaerobic conditions at either room temperature (RT) for a maximum of 4 h or at 4 °C for no more than 24 h. Upon homogenization, preferably in the absence of added solvent to allow addition of a buffer of choice at a later stage, aliquots obtained should be stored at either -20 °C for up to a few months or -80 °C for a longer period-up to 2 years. Protocols for quality control should characterize microbial composition and viability as well as metabolic functionality.

Salvianolic Acid B: A Review of Pharmacological Effects, Safety, Combination Therapy, New Dosage Forms, and Novel Drug Delivery Routes

Salvianolic acid B is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., family Labiatae). It is a water-soluble, weakly acidic drug that has demonstrated antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects on various organs and tissues such as the lung, heart, kidney, intestine, bone, liver, and skin and protective effects in diseases such as depression and spinal cord injury. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of salvianolic acid B are mainly related to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti- or pro-apoptotic, anti- or pro-autophagy, anti-fibrotic, and metabolism-regulating functions. Salvianolic acid B can regulate various signaling pathways, cells, and molecules to achieve maximum therapeutic effects. This review summarizes the safety profile, combination therapy potential, and new dosage forms and delivery routes of salvianolic acid B. Although significant research progress has been made, more in-depth pharmacological studies are warranted to identify the mechanism of action, related signaling pathways, more suitable combination drugs, more effective dosage forms, and novel routes of administration of salvianolic acid B.

An Integrative Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Uncover the Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Formula in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin formula (ZGJTSXF) in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by an integrative strategy combining serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology analysis, and experimental validation.

Methods

An Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS) method was constructed to identify compounds in rat serum after oral administration of ZGJTSXF. A component-target network between the targets of ZGJTSXF ingredients and DCM was established using Cytoscape. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed to deduce ZGJTSXF-associated targets and pathways. The DCM model mice were treated with ZGJTSXF, and the predicted important signaling pathways were verified using quantitative PCR and Western blot.

Results

We identified 78 compounds in serum of medicated rats, which mainly included flavonoids, small peptides, nucleosides, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenanthrenequinones, iridoids, phenols, and saponins. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that ZGJTSXF may regulate targets including ALB, TNF, AKT1, GAPDH, VEGFA, EGFR, SRC, CASP3, MAPK3, JUN, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the treatment of DCM. ZGJTSXF administration improved blood sugar levels, heart function, and cardiac morphological changes in DCM mice. Notably, ZGJTSXF inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis, which was associated with restored PI3K/Akt signaling and upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins expression.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results proposed the material basis and possible mechanisms of ZGJTSXF in treating DCM, which is related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and apoptosis inhibition. These findings shed new light in developing ZGJTSXF-based therapeutics in treating DCM.

Radix paeoniae alba polysaccharide attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal injury by regulating gut microbiota

Accumulating evidence indicated that oxidative stress is closely related to inflammation and the progression of multiple chronic diseases, which seriously threaten the host health. Currently, multiple plant-derived polysaccharides have been demonstrated to ameliorate the negative effects of oxidative stress on the host, but the potential protective effect of radix paeoniae alba polysaccharide (RPAP) on host have not been well characterized. Here, we investigated whether different doses of RPAP administration could alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury and gut microbial dysbiosis in mice. Results indicated that RPAP administration effectively alleviated LPS-induced intestinal damage in dose dependent. Additionally, amplicon sequencing showed that RPAP administration reversed the significant decrease in gut microbial diversity caused by LPS exposure and restored the alpha-diversity indices to normal levels. Microbial taxonomic investigation also indicated that LPS exposure resulted in significant changes in the gut microbial composition, characterized by a decrease in the abundances of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Alistipes, Bacillus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, etc.) and an increase in the contents of pathogenic bacteria (Klebsiella, Helicobacter, Enterococcus, etc.). However, RPAP administration, especially in high doses, could improve the composition of the gut microbiota by altering the abundance of some bacteria. Taken together, this study demonstrated that RPAP administration could ameliorate LPS-induced intestinal injury by regulating gut microbiota. Meanwhile, this also provides the basis for the popularization and application of RPAP and alleviating oxidative stress from the perspective of gut microbiota.

Jiedu Yizhi Formula Improves Cognitive Function by Regulating the Gut Dysbiosis and TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the neuroprotective mechanism of JDYZF in treating AD from the perspective of inflammation and intestinal microflora.

METHODS

A total of 24 APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into four groups: model (n = 6), JDYZF low-dose (n = 6), JDYZF high-dose (n = 6), and positive drug (n = 6), six C57 mice were used as the control group. The body weights and diets of all mice were examined daily. After 8 weeks of administration, the learning and memory of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The histopathological changes of hippocampus, liver and kidney in mice were observed by HE staining after being euthanized. The expression of p-tau in hippocampus tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. After that, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to investigate the relationship between JDYZF and intestinal microbiota. Finally, a comparison of TLR4, p65, p-p65, iκB, p-iκB, and IL-1β protein expression in the hippocampus tissue of mice in each group was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that APP/PS1 mice taking JDYZF orally were generally in good condition. Compared with the control group, JDYZF significantly improved learning and memory ability in ethology. Histology showed that JDYZF improved the hippocampal structure of mice and inhibited the deposition of p-tau. JDYZF treatment could regulate the gut microbiota of APP/PS1 mice by increasing the richness of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Actinobacteria and reducing that of Alistipes and Muribaculaceae. It also significantly inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the brain. In addition, no obvious toxic reactions were found in the liver and kidney of APP/PS1 mice after taking JDYZF for 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that JDYZF improved cognitive ability and alleviated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in APP/PS1 mice, and the modulating the gut microbiota presented here may help illuminate its activation mechanism.

The potential of the gut microbiome for identifying Alzheimer's disease diagnostic biomarkers and future therapies

Being isolated from the peripheral system by the blood-brain barrier, the brain has long been considered a completely impervious tissue. However, recent findings show that the gut microbiome (GM) influences gastrointestinal and brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite several hypotheses, such as neuroinflammation, tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and oxidative stress, being proposed to explain the origin and progression of AD, the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Epigenetic, molecular, and pathological studies suggest that GM influences AD development and have endeavored to find predictive, sensitive, non-invasive, and accurate biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and monitoring of progression. Given the growing interest in the involvement of GM in AD, current research endeavors to identify prospective gut biomarkers for both preclinical and clinical diagnoses, as well as targeted therapy techniques. Here, we discuss the most recent findings on gut changes in AD, microbiome-based biomarkers, prospective clinical diagnostic uses, and targeted therapy approaches. Furthermore, we addressed herbal components, which could provide a new venue for AD diagnostic and therapy research.

Adzuki Bean MY59 Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis in High-Fat-Fed Mice via the Downregulation of Lipocalin-2

Adzuki bean is well known as a potential functional food that improves metabolic complications from obesity and diabetes. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been implicated to have an important role in obesity and diabetes. However, the protective roles of adzuki bean MY59 extract (ABE) on insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ABE on LCN2 expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. ABE reduced HFD-induced fat mass and improved insulin resistance. In addition to hepatic steatosis, HFD-fed mice showed many apoptotic cells and neutrophils in the epididymal fat pads. However, these findings were significantly reduced by ABE supplementation. In particular, we found that increased LCN2 proteins from serum, epididymal fat pads, and liver in HFD-fed mice are significantly reduced by ABE. Furthermore, ABE reduced increased heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase-1 expressions in adipose tissue and liver in HFD-fed mice. We found that hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 expression in HFD-fed mice was also reduced by ABE. Thus, these findings indicate that ABE feeding could improve insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis by decreasing LCN2-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice.

Effect of natural polyphenols in Chinese herbal medicine on obesity and diabetes: Interactions among gut microbiota, metabolism, and immunity

With global prevalence, metabolic diseases, represented by obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have a huge burden on human health and medical expenses. It is estimated that obese population has doubled in recent 40 years, and population with diabetes will increase 1.5 times in next 25 years, which has inspired the pursuit of economical and effective prevention and treatment methods. Natural polyphenols are emerging as a class of natural bioactive compounds with potential beneficial effects on the alleviation of obesity and T2DM. In this review, we investigated the network interaction mechanism of "gut microbial disturbance, metabolic disorder, and immune imbalance" in both obesity and T2DM and systemically summarized their multiple targets in the treatment of obesity and T2DM, including enrichment of the beneficial gut microbiota (genera Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus) and upregulation of the levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites [short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)] and bile acids (BAs). Moreover, we explored their effect on host glucolipid metabolism, the AMPK pathway, and immune modulation via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory immune cells (M1-like Mϕs, Th1, and Th17 cells); proliferation, recruitment, differentiation, and function; and related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and MCP-1). We hope to provide evidence to promote the clinical application of natural polyphenols in the management of obesity and T2DM.

Effects of salvianolic acid A on intestinal microbiota and lipid metabolism disorders in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is the main water-soluble component isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. This study explored the influences of SalA on intestinal microbiota composition and lipid metabolism in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The 6-week-old male ZDF rats were treated with distilled water (N = 10) and low dose (SalA 0.5 mg/kg/d, N = 10), medium dose (SalA 1 mg/kg/d, N = 10), and high dose (SalA 2 mg/kg/d, N = 10) of SalA, with the male Zucker lean normoglycemic rats of the same week age as controls (given distilled water, N = 10). The blood glucose, body weight, and food intake of rats were examined. After 7 and 8 weeks of continuous administration, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed, respectively. Serum fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) were determined. Liver tissues were stained using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Small intestinal tissues were stained using HE and immunohistochemistry. The tight junction proteins (ZO-1/Occludin/Claudin-1) and serum levels of LPS/TNF-α/IL-6 were evaluated. SalA reduced insulin resistance, liver injury, serum FFA, liver TC and TG levels in ZDF rats, and improved lipid metabolism. After SalA treatment, intestinal microbiota richness and diversity of ZDF rats were promoted. SalA retained the homeostasis of intestinal core microbiota. SalA reduced intestinal epithelial barrier damage, LPS, and inflammatory cytokines in ZDF rats. Overall, SalA can sustain intestinal microbiota balance and improve the lipid metabolism of ZDF rats.

Regulation of the intestinal flora: A potential mechanism of natural medicines in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus comprises a group of heterogeneous disorders, which are usually subdivided into type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the onset of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes primarily involves autoimmune insulin deficiency. In comparison, type 2 diabetes is contributed by the pathological state of insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. In recent years, significant differences were found in the abundance of microflora, intestinal barrier, and intestinal metabolites in diabetic subjects when compared to normal subjects. To further understand the relationship between diabetes mellitus and intestinal flora, this paper summarizes the interaction mechanism between diabetes mellitus and intestinal flora. Furthermore, the natural compounds found to treat diabetes through intestinal flora were classified and summarized. This review is expected to provide a valuable resource for the development of new diabetic drugs and the applications of natural compounds.

(20R)-Panaxadiol as a Natural Active Component with Anti-Obesity Effects on ob/ob Mice via Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Obesity is an important cause of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver and atherosclerosis. The use of ingredients extracted from traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss is now receiving more and more attention. Ginseng has been recorded since ancient times for the treatment of diabetes. The (20R)-Panaxadiol (PD) belongs to the ginseng diol type compounds, which are moderately bioavailable and may remain in the intestinal tract for a longer period of time. This study investigated the potential positive effect of PD in ob/ob mice and evaluated its effect against obesity. The ob/ob mice were administered PD for ten weeks. Our study showed that PD could improve obesity, glucose tolerance disorder, as well as gut dysbiosis. Panaxadiol decreased ob/ob mice’s Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B). Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the fecal microbiota suggested that PD changed the composition of the gut microbiota in ob/ob mice and modulated specific bacteria such as lactobacillus, prevotellace and so on. Moreover, PD improved the intestinal wall integrity. In conclusion, our results suggest that (20R)-Panaxadiol, as an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb ginseng, may improve obesity to some extent via improving gut microbiota

De novo Biosynthesis of Salvianolic Acid B in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Engineered with the Rosmarinic Acid Biosynthetic Pathway

Salvianolic acid B (SAB), also named lithospermic acid B, belongs to a class of water-soluble phenolic acids, originating from plants such as Salvia miltiorrhiza. SAB exhibits a variety of biological activities and has been clinically used to treat cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and also has great potential as a health care product and medicine for other disorders. However, its biosynthetic pathway has not been completely elucidated. Here, we report the de novo biosynthesis of SAB in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered with the heterologous rosmarinic acid (RA) biosynthetic pathway. The created pathway contains seven genes divided into three modules on separate plasmids, pRS424-FjTAL-Sm4CL2, pRS425-SmTAT-SmHPPR or pRS425-SmTAT-CbHPPR, and pRS426-SmRAS-CbCYP-CbCPR. These three modules were cotransformed into S. cerevisiae, resulting in the recombinant strains YW-44 and YW-45. Incubation of the recombinant strains in a basic medium without supplementing any substrates yielded 34 and 30 μg/L of SAB. The findings in this study indicate that the created heterologous RA pathway cooperates with the native metabolism of S. cerevisiae to enable the de novo biosynthesis of SAB. This provides a novel insight into a biosynthesis mechanism of SAB and also lays the foundation for the production of SAB using microbial cell factories.

Dissection of the potential anti-diabetes mechanism of salvianolic acid B by metabolite profiling and network pharmacology

RATIONALE

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), the Q-marker in Salvia miltiorrhiza, was proved to present an obvious anti-diabetes effect when treated as a food intake. Until now, the metabolism feature, tissue distribution and anti-diabetes mechanism of Sal B have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

The metabolites of Sal B in rats were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The potential anti-diabetes mechanism of Sal B was predicted by network pharmacology.

RESULTS

A total of 31 metabolites were characterized in rats after ingestion of Sal B at a dosage of 40 mg/kg, including 1 in plasma, 19 in urine, 31 in feces, 0 in heart, 0 in liver, 0 in spleen, 1 in lung, 1 in kidney and 0 in brain. Among them, 18 metabolites were reported for the first time. Phase I reactions of hydrolysis, hydrogenation, dehydroxylation, hydroxylation, decarboxylation and isomerization, and phase II reactions of methylation were found in Sal B. Notably, decarboxylation and dehydroxylation were revealed in Sal B for the first time. The pharmacology network results showed that Sal B and its metabolites could regulate ALB, PLG, ACE, CASP3, MMP9, MMP2, MTOR, etc. The above targets were involved in insulin signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolism feature of Sal B in vivo was systematically revealed, and its anti-diabetes mechanism for further pharmacological validations was predicted based on metabolite profiling and network pharmacology for the first time.

The Main Anthocyanin Monomer from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Fruit Mediates Obesity via Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Improving the Intestinal Barrier

Anthocyanins have been shown to exert certain antiobesity properties, but the specific relationship between anthocyanin-induced beneficial effects and the gut microbiota remains unclear. Petunidin-3-O-[rhamnopyranosyl-(trans-p-coumaroyl)]-5-O-(β-D-glucopyranoside) (P3G) is the main anthocyanin monomer from the fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murray. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the antiobesity and remodeling effects of P3G on gut microbiota through a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model and a fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. P3G was found to reduce body weight gain, fat accumulation, and liver steatosis in HFD-induced obese mice. Moreover, supplementation with P3G alleviated the HFD-induced imbalance in gut microbiota composition, and transferring the P3G-regulated gut microbiota to recipient mice provided comparable protection against obesity. This is the first time evidence is provided that P3G has an antiobesity effect by changing the intestinal microbiota. Our present data highlight a link between P3G intervention and enhancement in gut barrier integrity. This may be a promising option for obesity prevention.

Lactobacillus plantarum ZJUFB2 Prevents High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Association With Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

Lactobacillus plantarum ZJUFB2 is a novel probiotic isolate derived from Chinese traditional sourdough that possesses promising probiotics properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of L. plantarum ZJUFB2 (B2) on insulin sensitivity using mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) as well as to explore the involved mechanisms. Purposely, male C57BL/6 mice continuously received an intervention of B2 (~10⁹ CFU/day) for 16 weeks. The results showed that B2 treatment remarkably ameliorated insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in HFD-fed mice. The B2 intervention significantly decreased the hepatic lipid accumulation, serum low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, and lipopolysaccharides, and regulated the bile acids levels as well as liver mRNA expression involved in lipid metabolism. Moreover, the B2 intervention significantly changed the gut microbiota, specifically, showed a lower abundance of obesity-related and inflammation-associated microbes, e.g., Ruminococcus and Mogibacteriaceae. Furthermore, it exhibited a higher abundance of short-chain fatty acids and bile salt hydrolas-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and F16 compared with the HFD group. The findings of this study suggested that B2 is a novel probiotic, effective in preventing insulin resistance by improving the gut microbiota and bile acids.

GuanXinNing Tablet Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease via Improving Gut Microbiota, Host Metabolites, and Neuronal Apoptosis in Rabbits

Based on accumulating evidence, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is related to hypercholesterolemia, gut microbiota, and host metabolites. GuanXinNing Tablet (GXN) is an oral compound preparation composed of two Chinese herbs, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., both of which exert neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, the effect of GXN on AD is unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether GXN alters cholesterol, amyloid-beta (Aβ), gut microbiota, serum metabolites, oxidative stress, neuronal metabolism activities, and apoptosis in an AD model rabbit fed a 2% cholesterol diet. Our results suggested that the GXN treatment significantly reduced cholesterol levels and Aβ deposition and improved memory and behaviors in AD rabbits. The 16S rRNA analysis showed that GXN ameliorated the changes in the gut microbiota, decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and improved the abundances of Akkermansia and dgA-11_gut_group. ¹H-NMR metabolomics found that GXN regulated 12 different serum metabolites, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and glutamate (Glu). In addition, the ¹H-MRS examination showed that GXN remarkably increased N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and Glu levels while reducing myo-inositol (mI) and choline (Cho) levels in AD rabbits, consequently enhancing neuronal metabolism activities. Furthermore, GXN significantly inhibited oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that GXN attenuates AD via improving gut microbiota, host metabolites, and neuronal apoptosis.

Gut microbiota: a potential target for traditional Chinese medicine intervention in coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common ischaemic heart disease whose pathological mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Single target drugs, such as antiplatelet aggregation, coronary artery dilation and lipid-lowering medicines, can relieve some symptoms clinically but cannot effectively prevent and treat CHD. Accumulating evidence has revealed that alterations in GM composition, diversity, and richness are associated with the risk of CHD. The metabolites of the gut microbiota (GM), including trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs), affect human physiology by activating numerous signalling pathways. Due to the advantage of multiple components and multiple targets, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can intervene in CHD by regulating the composition of the GM, reducing TMAO, increasing SCFAs and other CHD interventions. We have searched PubMed, Web of science, Google Scholar Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), with the use of the keywords "gut microbiota, gut flora, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, coronary heart disease". This review investigated the relationship between GM and CHD, as well as the intervention of TCM in CHD and GM, and aims to provide valuable insights for the treatments of CHD by TCM.

Adzuki Bean Alleviates Obesity and Insulin Resistance Induced by a High-Fat Diet and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

Adzuki bean consumption has many health benefits, but its effects on obesity and regulating gut microbiota imbalances induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) have not been thoroughly studied. Mice were fed a low-fat diet, a HFD, and a HFD supplemented with 15% adzuki bean (HFD-AB) for 12 weeks. Adzuki bean supplementation significantly reduced obesity, lipid accumulation, and serum lipid and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels induced by HFD. It also mitigated liver function damage and hepatic steatosis. In particular, adzuki bean supplementation improved glucose homeostasis by increasing insulin sensitivity. In addition, it significantly reversed HFD-induced gut microbiota imbalances. Adzuki bean significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B); enriched the occurrence of Bifidobacterium, Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcus_1, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Alloprevotella, Muribaculum, Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Lachnoclostridium; and returned HFD-dependent taxa (Desulfovibrionaceae, Bilophila, Ruminiclostridium_9, Blautia, and Ruminiclostridium) back to normal status. PICRUSt2 analysis showed that the changes in gut microbiota induced by adzuki bean supplementation may be associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, sulfur, and cysteine and methionine; and LPS biosynthesis; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation.

Phytochemicals: Targeting Mitophagy to Treat Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders include metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. Due to unhealthy lifestyles such as high-calorie diet, sedentary and physical inactivity, the prevalence of metabolic disorders poses a huge challenge to global human health, which is the leading cause of global human death. Mitochondrion is the major site of adenosine triphosphate synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation and ROS production. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction-related oxidative stress and inflammation is involved in the development of metabolic disorders. Mitophagy, a catabolic process, selectively degrades damaged or superfluous mitochondria to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and preserve mitochondrial function. It is considered to be one of the major mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial quality control. Growing evidence shows that mitophagy can prevent and treat metabolic disorders through suppressing mitochondrial dysfunction-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. In the past decade, in order to expand the range of pharmaceutical options, more and more phytochemicals have been proven to have therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders. Many of these phytochemicals have been proved to activate mitophagy to ameliorate metabolic disorders. Given the ongoing epidemic of metabolic disorders, it is of great significance to explore the contribution and underlying mechanisms of mitophagy in metabolic disorders, and to understand the effects and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals on the treatment of metabolic disorders. Here, we investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic disorders and discuss the potential of targeting mitophagy with phytochemicals for the treatment of metabolic disorders, with a view to providing a direction for finding phytochemicals that target mitophagy to prevent or treat metabolic disorders.

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza aerial parts on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzymes in rabbits

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza (S.m.) aerial parts as an alternative ingredient on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzymes in growing rabbits.

Methods

Treatments included five tested diets: a control (basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet +enramycin at 5 mg/kg), and S.m. aerial parts powder added at 3.0%, 6.0%, and 9.0% of feed using 300 growing rabbits.

Results

The diets with S.m. aerial parts addition at 9.0% decreased (p<0.05) feed/gain compared to the control, but there were no differences in feed intake and body weight gain. In contrast with the control, the addition of antibiotic increased (p<0.05) digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, energy, fiber, and ash. The herb addition did not cause differences in the digestibility of most nutrients compared to the antibiotic, but fiber digestibility of the herb at 6.0% and 9.0% was lower (p<0.05) than that of the antibiotic. Moreover, the antibiotic and the herb also similarly increased (p<0.05) the activities of duodenal α-amylase, maltase, lipase, and trypsin, compared to the control, and the herb at 6.0% and 9.0% showed a greater (p<0.05) activity of elastase than the dose 3.0%.

Conclusion

The obtained data indicate that S.m. aerial parts can be a potential forage in rabbit’s diet at 9.0% with a beneficial regulation on nutrition and digestion.

Effects of salvianolic acid B on glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rodents: Meta-analysis

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a herb which has been widely used in China. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is an aqueous bioactive component derived from Danshen. Here, we aimed to estimate the effect of SalB on glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rats and mice. We searched four databases until November 2020. The outcome measures were fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). Twenty-four studies involving 547 animals were included. The meta-analysis showed effects of SalB on decreasing the level of FBG, TC, TG, LDLc, and increasing the level of HDLc compared with the control group. In conclusion, the result showed that SalB may regulate the glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rats or mice, and may be a potential agent for treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

Canonical transient receptor potential channels and their modulators: biology, pharmacology and therapeutic potentials

Canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) are nonselective, high calcium permeability cationic channels. The TRPCs family includes TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, and TRPC7. These channels are widely expressed in the cardiovascular and nervous systems and exist in many other human tissues and cell types, playing several crucial roles in the human physiological and pathological processes. Hence, the emergence of TRPCs modulators can help investigate these channels’ applications in health and disease. It is worth noting that the TRPCs subfamilies have structural and functional similarities, which presents a significant difficulty in screening and discovering of TRPCs modulators. In the past few years, only a limited number of selective modulators of TRPCs were detected; thus, additional research on more potent and more selective TRPCs modulators is needed. The present review focuses on the striking desired therapeutic effects of TRPCs modulators, which provides intel on the structural modification of TRPCs modulators and further pharmacological research. Importantly, TRPCs modulators can significantly facilitate future studies of TRPCs and TRPCs related diseases.

Cloudy Apple Juice Fermented by Lactobacillus Prevents Obesity via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Protecting Intestinal Tract Health

Obesity and hyperglycemia are two serious chronic diseases that are increasing in incidence worldwide. This research aimed to develop a fermented cloudy apple juice with good hyperglycemia intervention activities. Here, cloudy apple juice (CAJ), cloudy apple juice rich in polyphenols (CAJP) and fermented cloudy apple juice rich in polyphenols (FCAJP) were prepared sequentially, and then the effects of the three apple juices on weight, lipid level, gut microbiota composition and intestinal tract health were evaluated for obese mice induced by a high-fat diet. The research findings revealed that the FCAJP showed potential to inhibit the weight gain of mice, reduce fat accumulation, and regulate the blood lipid levels of obese mice by decreasing the ratio of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidotas, improving the Sobs, Ace, and Chao indexes of the gut microbiota and protecting intestinal tract health. In addition, the FCAJP augmented the abundance of Akkermansia and Bacteroides, which were positively related to SCFAs in cecal contents. This study inferred that FCAJP could be developed as a healthy food for preventing obesity and hyperglycemia.

Ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and their combination modulate gut microbiota and improve glucolipid metabolism in high-fat diet induced obese mice

Background

To observe the effect of ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and their combination on glucolipid metabolism and structural changes of gut microbiota.

Methods

Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed 45% high-fat diet to induce obesity. The obese mice were randomly divided into four groups, Con group as model control, ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) group, salvianolic acid B (SalB) group and ginsenoside Rb1+ salvianolic acid B (Rb1SalB) group. Mice in Rb1, SalB and Rb1SalB group were treated by gavage with ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and the combination of the two ingredients, respectively. While mice in Con group were given the same amount of sterile water. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured every 2 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the 4th and 8th week of drug intervention. At the end of the experiment, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acid content as well as glycated hemoglobin were measured and feces were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results

Both ginsenoside Rb1 and Rb1SalB combination decreased body weight significantly (P < 0.05). Ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and their combination alleviated fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and blood lipid profiles effectively (P < 0.05, compared with the corresponding indicators in Con group). Oral glucose tolerance test results at the 8th week showed that glucose tolerance was significantly improved in all three treatment groups. Ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and their combination reduced the overall diversity of gut microbiota in feces and changed the microbial composition of the obese mice. LDA effect size (LefSe) analysis revealed the key indicator taxa corresponding to the treatment.

Conclusion

Ginsenoside Rb1, salvianolic acid B and their combination could lower blood glucose and lipid level, and improve glucose tolerance of obese mice. The above effect may be at least partially through modulation of gut microbial composition.

Juglone, a novel activator of ferroptosis, induces cell death in endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells

Ferroptosis is a novel iron-dependent cell death pathway mainly caused by an abnormal redox state and associated with various diseases including cancer. Recently, much attention has been paid to natural compounds that are involved in its activation and inhibition. This is the first ever study to demonstrate the role of juglone isolated from Carya cathayensis green peel in inducing autophagy and inhibiting endometrial cancer (EC) cell migration. Subsequently, Fe2+ accumulation, lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, the upregulation of HMOX1, and heme degradation to Fe2+ were reported. Juglone was involved in inducing autophagy and inhibiting cell migration and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which are the new hallmarks of cancer treatment. Collectively, our data indicate that juglone as a functional food ingredient induces the programmed cell death of EC cells by activating oxidative stress and suggest a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment and prevention of EC.