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Yang G, Liu Y, Hu Y, Yuan Y, Qin Y, Li Q, Ma S. Bio-soft matter derived from traditional Chinese medicine: Characterizations of hierarchical structure, assembly mechanism, and beyond. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100943. [PMID: 39005842 PMCID: PMC11246065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional explorations on bio-soft matter such as micelles, vesicles, nanoparticles, aggregates or polymers derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new topic in the field of TCM. The discovery of such cross-scaled bio-soft matter may provide a unique perspective for unraveling the new effective material basis of TCM as well as developing innovative medicine and biomaterials. Despite the rapid rise of TCM-derived bio-soft matter, their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism must be unambiguously probed for a further in-depth understanding of their pharmacological activity. In this review, the current emerged TCM-derived bio-soft matter assembled from either small molecules or macromolecules is introduced, and particularly the unambiguous elucidation of their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism with combined electron microscopic and spectroscopic techniques is depicted. The pros and cons of each technique are also discussed. The future challenges and perspective of TCM-derived bio-soft matter are outlined, particularly the requirement for their precise in situ structural determination is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiya Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yuying Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yunan Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Quan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shuangcheng Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
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He X, Tang B, Zou P, Song Z, Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Xiao R. m6A RNA methylation: The latent string-puller in fibrosis. Life Sci 2024; 346:122644. [PMID: 38614300 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological phenomenon characterized by the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues. Fibrosis is a universally age-related disease involving that many organs and is the final stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases, which often threaten the patient's health. Undoubtedly, fibrosis has become a serious economic and health burden worldwide, However, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is complex. Further, the key molecules still remain to be unraveled. Hence, so far, there have been no effective treatments designed against the key targets of fibrosis. The methylation modification on the nitrogen atom at position 6 of adenine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in mammals. There is increasing evidence that m6A is actively involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This review aims to highlight m6A-associated mechanisms and functions in several organic fibrosis, which implies that m6A is universal and critical for fibrosis and summarize the outlook of m6A in the treatment of fibrosis. This may light up the unknown aspects of this condition for researchers interested to explore fibrosis further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan He
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zehong Song
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan.
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Zhu Y, Lai Y. Pharmacological properties and derivatives of saikosaponins-a review of recent studies. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023:7194607. [PMID: 37307427 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Saikosaponins (SSs) constitute a class of medicinal monomers characterised by a triterpene tricyclic structure. Despite their potential therapeutic effects for various pathological conditions, the underlying mechanisms of their actions have not been systematically analysed. Here, we mainly review the important anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral mechanisms underlying SS actions. METHODS Information from multiple scientific databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was collected between 2018 and 2023. The search term used was saikosaponin. KEY FINDINGS Numerous studies have shown that Saikosaponin A exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid metabolism. Moreover, saikosaponin D exerts antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and the antiviral mechanisms of SSs, especially against SARS-CoV-2, have been partially revealed. Interestingly, an increasing body of experimental evidence suggests that SSs show the potential for use as anti-addiction, anxiolytic, and antidepressant treatments, and therefore, the related molecular mechanisms warrant further study. CONCLUSIONS An increasing amount of data have indicated diverse SS pharmacological properties, indicating crucial clues for future studies and the production of novel saikosaponin-based anti-inflammatory, efficacious anticancer, and anti-novel-coronavirus agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Zhu
- Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Reparative Efficacy of Liposome-Encapsulated Oleanolic Acid against Liver Inflammation Induced by Fine Ambient Particulate Matter and Alcohol in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051108. [PMID: 35631694 PMCID: PMC9148131 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a severe problem and is associated with health issues including liver diseases. Workers performing manual labor tend to be alcohol consumers during work, where they are also exposed to PM2.5. Long-term PM2.5 exposure can increase oxidative stress, leading to inflammation. Whether long-term exposure to air pollution and alcohol synergistically increases liver fibrosis risk warrants investigation. Oleanolic acid (OA)—a triterpenoid—has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but its low water solubility and cytotoxicity impair its potential applications. In this study, we fabricated liposomal OA nanoparticles (Lipo-OAs); then, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect on exposed cells and the ameliorative effect of Lipo-OAs on PM2.5 and alcohol-induced liver fibrosis in mice. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of PM2.5 for hepatic stellate cells was 900 μg/mL; at a concentration of ≥600 μg/mL, PM2.5 significantly increased interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production. OA encapsulation in Lipo-OAs, 353 ± 140 nm in diameter with 79% encapsulation efficiency, significantly reduced OA cytotoxicity. Lipo-OAs treatment significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase levels; histologically, it alleviated steatosis and improved Ishak’s modified HAI score. In conclusion, Lipo-OAs have potential anti-inflammatory and reparative effects for PM2.5 and alcohol-induced liver injury treatment.
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Bhattacharya S, Saindane D, Prajapati BG. Liposomal Drug Delivery And Its Potential Impact On Cancer Research. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:2671-2683. [PMID: 35440318 DOI: 10.2174/1871520622666220418141640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Liposomes are one of the most versatile drug carriers due to their functional properties, such as higher biocompatibility, the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic products, and higher biodegradability. Liposomes are a better and more significant nanocarrier for cancer therapy. The key to developing a better cancer-targeted nanocarrier is the development of targeted liposomes using various approaches. Several traditional and novel liposome preparation methods are briefly discussed in this mini-review. The current state of liposome targeting, active and passive liposome targeting in cancer therapy, ligand directed targeting (antibody, aptamer, and protein/peptide-mediated targeting), and other miscellaneous approaches such as stimuli-responsive liposome-based targeting, autophagy inhibition mediated targeting, and curcumin loaded liposomal targeting are all discussed within. All of this gathered and compiled information will shed new light on liposome targeting strategies in cancer treatment and will pique the interest of aspiring researchers and academicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankha Bhattacharya
- School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405
| | - Dnyanesh Saindane
- School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405
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Wu YC, Wu GX, Chen KW, Shiu LY, Kumar S, Liu GS, Kuo SM. Transplantation of 3D adipose-derived stem cell/hepatocyte spheroids alleviates chronic hepatic damage in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1227. [PMID: 35075209 PMCID: PMC8786881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis refers to irreversible liver damage where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, resulting in impaired liver function. There is no cure and current treatments only prevent further liver damage; thus, novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Here, we report a new approach that enables the formation of self-assembled 3D spheroids of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and murine hepatocytes (AML12) via reconstituted collagen fibers. Compared with the spheroids formed in the commercially available EZSHERE dish, the collagen fiber-based ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids offer a notable benefit in structure formation and paracrine factor secretion. To test the regenerative capability of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids, a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis was employed. The transplantation of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids show an improvement in liver function and ameliorates pathological liver cirrhosis in TAA-treated rats. In summary, our data show collagen fiber-based self-assembled 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids to possess the excellent regenerative capacity in response to TAA-induced liver injury, promising an alternative therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chiuan Wu
- Hualien Armed Forced General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Ministry of National Defense-Medical Affairs Bureau Medical Planning Division, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Guan Xuan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan Wei Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yen Shiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Cell Therapy Center, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Satheesh Kumar
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shyh Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Saikosaponin D Inhibits the Proliferation and Promotes the Apoptosis of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inducing Autophagosome Formation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5451758. [PMID: 34457023 PMCID: PMC8390134 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5451758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of saikosaponin D (SSd) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cell line and determine the key pathway that mediates SSd's function. Methods Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 kit. The EdU kit and flow cytometry were used to examine cell proliferation. The Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining kit and flow cytometry were used to examine cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis was performed to analyze the expression levels of LC3, Ki67, cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl2. Autophagosome formation was detected by LC3-GFP adenovirus transfection. Results SSd inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cells. SSd treatment increased the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and Bax but reduced that of Ki67 and Bcl2. The same concentration of SSd barely influenced the growth of normal rat liver BRL-3A cells. SSd upregulated LC3-II expression and induced autophagosome formation. Autophagy agonist rapamycin had the same effect as SSd and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine could neutralize the effect of SSd in acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cells. Conclusions SSd could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells by inducing autophagosome formation.
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Wang S, Tang C, Zhao H, Shen P, Lin C, Zhu Y, Han D. Network Pharmacological Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Mechanisms of Action of Si-Ni-San Against Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:656115. [PMID: 34276360 PMCID: PMC8281251 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.656115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Si-Ni-San (SNS), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has potency against liver diseases, such as hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of action of SNS against liver fibrosis remain largely unclear. Methods: A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model was adopted for the first time to investigate the beneficial effects of SNS on liver fibrosis. The potential mechanisms of action of SNS were explored using the network pharmacology-based strategy and validated with the aid of diverse assays. Results: SNS treatment reduced collagen and ECM deposition, downregulated fibrosis-related factor (hyaluronic acid and laminin) contents in serum, maintained the morphological structure of liver tissue, and improved liver function in the liver fibrosis model. Based on network pharmacology results, apoptosis, inflammation and angiogenesis, together with the associated pathways (including VEGF, TNF, caspase, PPAR-γ and NF-κB), were identified as the mechanisms underlying the effects of SNS on liver fibrosis. Further in vivo experiments validated the significant mitigatory effects of SNS on inflammatory infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine contents (IFNγ, IL-1β and TGF-β1) in liver tissues of mice with liver fibrosis. SNS suppressed pathologic neovascularization as well as levels of VEGFR1, VEGF and VEGFR2 in liver tissues. SNS treatment additionally inhibited hepatic parenchyma cell apoptosis in liver tissues of mice with liver fibrosis and regulated apoptin expression while protecting L02 cells against apoptosis induced by TNF-α and Act D in vitro. Activation of hepatic stellate cells was suppressed and the balance between MMP13 and TIMP1 maintained in vitro by SNS. These activities may be associated with SNS-induced NF-κB suppression and PPAR-γ activation. Conclusion: SNS effectively impedes liver fibrosis progression through alleviating inflammation, ECM accumulation, aberrant angiogenesis and apoptosis of hepatic parenchymal cells along with inhibiting activation of hepatic stellate cells through effects on multiple targets and may thus serve as a novel therapeutic regimen for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siliang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiliang Shen
- School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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Enhancement of Rotator Cuff Healing with Farnesol-Impregnated Gellan Gum/Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Membranes in a Rabbit Model. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070944. [PMID: 34202556 PMCID: PMC8309098 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most rotator cuff (RC) tears occur at the bone–tendon interface and cause disability and pain. Farnesol, a sesquiterpene compound, can exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and promote collagen synthesis. In this rabbit model, either commercial SurgiWrap membrane or hydrogel membranes containing various compositions of gellan gum, hyaluronic acid, and farnesol (hereafter GHF membranes) were applied to the tear site, and the repair of the cuff was examined 2 and 3 weeks afterward. The designed membranes swelled rapidly and adsorbed onto the tear site more readily and closely than the SurgiWrap membrane. The membranes degraded slowly and functioned as both a barrier and a vehicle of slow farnesol release during the repair period. Farnesol enhanced collagen production in myoblasts and tenocytes, and interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels were modulated. Gross observations and histological examinations indicated that the GHF membranes impregnated with 4 mM farnesol resulted in superior RC repair. In sum, the slow release of farnesol from hydrogel membranes can be beneficial in the repair of RC injuries.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Depression: Effects on the Neuroendocrine-Immune Network. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010065. [PMID: 33466877 PMCID: PMC7830381 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems are two critical biological systems in the pathogenesis of depression. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the activation of the neuroinflammatory response of the immune system and hyperactivity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis of the neuroendocrine system commonly coexist in patients with depression and that these two systems bidirectionally regulate one another through neural, immunological, and humoral intersystem interactions. The neuroendocrine-immune network poses difficulties associated with the development of antidepressant agents directed toward these biological systems for the effective treatment of depression. On the other hand, multidrug and multitarget Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has great potential to assist in the development of novel medications for the systematic pharmacotherapy of depression. In this narrative essay, we conclusively analyze the mechanisms of action of CHM antidepressant constituents and formulas, specifically through the modulation of the neuroendocrine-immune network, by reviewing recent preclinical studies conducted using depressive animal models. Some CHM herbal constituents and formulas are highlighted as examples, and their mechanisms of action at both the molecular and systems levels are discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the crosstalk of these two biological systems and the systems pharmacology approach for understanding the system-wide mechanism of action of CHM on the neuroendocrine-immune network in depression treatment. The holistic, multidrug, and multitarget nature of CHM represents an excellent example of systems medicine in the effective treatment of depression.
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