Role of licochalcone A in VEGF-induced proliferation of human airway smooth muscle cells: implications for asthma

Impact of obesity on airway remodeling in asthma: pathophysiological insights and clinical implications

The prevalence of obesity among asthma patients has surged in recent years, posing a significant risk factor for uncontrolled asthma. Beyond its impact on asthma severity and patients' quality of life, obesity is associated with reduced lung function, increased asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, heightened airway hyperresponsiveness, and elevated asthma-related mortality. Obesity may lead to metabolic dysfunction and immune dysregulation, fostering chronic inflammation characterized by increased pro-inflammatory mediators and adipocytokines, elevated reactive oxygen species, and reduced antioxidant activity. This chronic inflammation holds the potential to induce airway remodeling in individuals with asthma and obesity. Airway remodeling encompasses structural and pathological changes, involving alterations in the airway's epithelial and subepithelial layers, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle, and changes in airway vascularity. In individuals with asthma and obesity, airway remodeling may underlie heightened airway hyperresponsiveness and increased asthma severity, ultimately contributing to the development of persistent airflow limitation, declining lung function, and a potential increase in asthma-related mortality. Despite efforts to address the impact of obesity on asthma outcomes, the intricate mechanisms linking obesity to asthma pathophysiology, particularly concerning airway remodeling, remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review discusses current research investigating the influence of obesity on airway remodeling, to enhance our understanding of obesity's role in the context of asthma airway remodeling.

Vascular endothelial growth factor induces the migration of human airway smooth muscle cells by activating the RhoA/ROCK pathway

BACKGROUND

Airway remodeling due to increased airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) mass, likely due to enhanced proliferation, hypertrophy, and migration, has been proven to be highly correlated with decreased lung function in asthma patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates vascular and extravascular remodeling and inflammation and has been proven to be involved in the progression of asthma. Previous studies have focused on the effects of VEGF on ASMC proliferation, but few researchers have focused on the effects of VEGF on human ASMC migration. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of VEGF on the migration of ASMCs and its related signaling pathway mechanism to provide evidence for the treatment of airway remodeling.

METHODS

We examined the effects of VEGF induction on ASMC migration and explored the mechanisms involved in ASMC migration.

RESULTS

We found by wound healing and Transwell assays that VEGF promoted ASMC migration. Through the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment, we found that VEGF had no significant effect on the proliferation of ASMCs, which excluded the involvement of cell proliferation in the process of wound healing. Moreover, a cellular immunofluorescence assay showed that VEGF promoted F-actin reorganization, and Western blotting showed that VEGF improved RhoA activation and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit-1 (MYPT1) and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in ASMCs. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 significantly attenuated the effects of VEGF on MYPT1/MLC activation and cell migration.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results suggest that the promigratory function of VEGF activates the RhoA/ROCK pathway, induces F-actin reorganization, improves the migration of ASMCs, and provides a better rationale for targeting the RhoA/ROCK pathway for therapeutic approaches in airway remodeling.

Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long-COVID-19 complications: A comprehensive review

Human race is preparing for the upsurge and aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic complicated by novel variants, new waves, variable mortality rate, and post-COVID complications. Despite use of repurposed drugs, symptomatic treatments and licensing of multiple vaccines, the daily number of cases and rate of transmission are significant. Culinary spices and herbs have been historically used in pandemic and non-pandemic times to reduce respiratory viral burden. Specific food items and culinary spices can boost the levels of protective immunity and also offer therapeutic benefits against impervious bugs via well-known as well as less-known but scientifically testable mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the phytochemicals profile of Ayurvedic herbs and inferred from the clinical trials/observational studies to provide a focused and succinct perspective on the relevance of "food-based" traditional decoction to moderate COVID-19 disease and long-COVID via modulation of immunity and reinstatement of homeostasis. We also underscore the druggable targets in pathogenesis of COVID-19 which are relevant to the ongoing clinical trials using spices and herbs. This information will provide a strong scientific rationale for standardization of the traditional herbs-based therapies and adopting the use of herbs, spices, and their formulations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-COVID symptoms, and COVID-19 disease progression.

The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma.

Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone a exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Glycyrrhizae (GL), a herbal medicine that is widely available, has shown advantages for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has been shown to play a key role in the progression of inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of TLR4 in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of GL extract and its active constituent on acute lung injury (ALI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of inflammation produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established in C57BL/6 mice and macrophages derived from THP-1. To screen the active components of GL, molecular docking was used. Molecular dynamics and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) were used to study the interaction of a specific drug with the TLR4-MD2 complex. TLR4 was overexpressed by adenovirus to confirm TLR4 involvement in the anti-inflammatory activities of GL and the chosen chemical.

RESULTS

We observed that GL extract significantly reduced both LPS-induced ALI and the production of pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, GL inhibited the binding of Alexa 488-labeled LPS (LPS-488) to the membrane of THP-1 derived macrophages. GL drastically reduce on the expression of TLR4 and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-B (NF-κB). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that Licochalcone A (LicoA) docked into the LPS binding site of TLR4-MD2 complex. MD2-LicoA binding conformation was found to be stable using molecular dynamic simulations. SPRi indicated that LicoA bound to TLR4-MD2 recombinant protein with a KD of 3.87 × 10^-7 M. LicoA dose-dependently reduced LPS-488 binding to the cell membrane. LicoA was found to significantly inhibit LPS-induced lung damage and inflammation. Furthermore, LicoA inhibited TLR4 expression, MAPK and NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of GL and LicoA on LPS-induced inflammation and TLR4 signaling activation were partly eliminated by TLR4 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings imply that GL and LicoA exert inhibitory effects on inflammation by targeting the TLR4 directly.

Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review

Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.

Active ingredients from Chinese medicine plants as therapeutic strategies for asthma: Overview and challenges

Although considerable advance has been made in diagnosing and treating, asthma is still a serious public health challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective therapy of complementary and alternative medicine. More and more scientific evidences support the use of TCM for asthma treatment, and active ingredients from Chinese medicine plants are becoming a hot issue.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the frontier knowledge on the function and underlying mechanisms of the active ingredients in asthma treatments and provide a fully integrated, reliable reference for exploring innovative treatments for asthma.

METHODS

The cited literature was obtained from the PubMed and CNIK databases (up to September 2020). Experimental studies on the active ingredients of Chinese medicine and their therapeutic mechanisms were identified. The key words used in the literature retrieval were "asthma" and "traditional Chinese medicine" or "Chinese herbal medicine". The literature on the active ingredients was then screened manually.

RESULTS

We summarized the effect of these active ingredients on asthma, primarily including the effect through which these ingredients can regulate the immunologic equilibrium mechanism by acting on a number of signalling pathways, such as Notch, JAK-STAT-MAPK, adiponectin-iNOS-NF-κB, PGD2-CRTH2, PI3K/AKT, Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1, T-bet/Gata-3 and Foxp3-RORγt, thereby regulating the progression of asthma.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients from Chinese medicine have multilevel effects on asthma by regulating the immunologic equilibrium mechanism or signalling pathways, giving them great clinical value. However, the safety and functional mechanism of these ingredients still must be further determined.

Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Q-Marker with One Single Reference in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) studies, it is difficult to choose evaluation markers for the strict quality control of herbs. A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with metabolomics for simultaneous quantitative analysis of quality markers (Q-markers) in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch was established, which could not only ensure the quality and batch-to-batch consistency of TCMs, but also achieve a quantitative analysis of multi-components by the single reference standard. Based on the construction of chromatographic profiles by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC-Q-Exactive/MS methods, different multivariate analyses were employed. Seven quantitative indices were selected as the Q-markers, and a reliable quantification method was established. The quantitative method was acceptable with good linearity with correlation coefficients >0.9993 and satisfactory repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 0.05%), precision (RSD < 0.24%), reproducibility (RSD < 0.97%), stability (RSD < 2.52%) and recoveries (96.96%-98.52%, RSD < 3.24%), and no significant differences were observed between the external standard method and the new method as determined by calculating standard method difference. Overall, the study suggests that the simultaneous quantitative analysis of main Q-marker in G. uralensis Fisch with one single marker can be considered good quality criteria for performing quality control of G. uralensis Fisch.

Licochalcone A induces apoptotic cell death via JNK/p38 activation in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Licochalcone A is widely studied in different fields and possesses antiasthmatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer properties. Its antimalignancy activity on renal, liver, lung, and oral cancer has been explored. However, limited studies have been conducted on the inhibitory effects of licochalcone A in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. We determined cell viability using MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptotic cell death were measured via flow cytometry. Caspase activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase-related proteins in nasopharyngeal cancer cells in response to licochalcone A were identified by Western blot analysis. Results indicated that licochalcone A reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis, as evidenced by the upregulation of caspase-8 and caspase-9, caspase-3 activation, and cleaved-poly ADP-ribose polymerase expression. Treatment with licochalcone A significantly increases ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2 activation. Co-administration of a JNK inhibitor (JNK-IN-8) or p38 inhibitor (SB203580) abolishes the activation of caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3 protein expression during licochalcone A treatment. These findings indicate that licochalcone A exerts a cytostatic effect through apoptosis by targeting the JNK/p38 pathway in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Therefore, licochalcone A is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of human nasopharyngeal cancer cells.

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula ameliorates airway remodeling in murine chronic asthma by modulating airway inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula (BSYQF) could suppress chronic airway inflammation according to previous studies. However, there is relatively little direct experimental evidence to evaluate the effects of BSYQF treatment on airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in airway inflammation and airway remodeling in chronic asthma. BSYQF which includes various of chemical components having antioxidant effects, could be beneficial in attenuating airway remodeling in chronic asthma. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of BSYQF treatment on airway remodeling and investigate its potential mechanisms in chronic asthma. To develop the murine models of chronic asthma, BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged to ovalbumin for 8 weeks. BSYQF (5, 10, 20 g raw herbs/kg body weight) or tiotropium bromide (0.1 mM) were administered orally and intranasal instillation, respectively. The effect of BSYQF on pulmonary inflammation and remodeling was evaluated. The parameters of oxidative stress in the lung were analyzed. BSYQF treatment reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), Th2 response including IL-4, IL-13, and OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), airway inflammation and airway remodeling including smooth muscle thickening and peribronchial collagen deposition. As for oxidative stress, BSYQF treatment reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), but increased significantly glutathione (GSH) /Oxidized glutathione(GSSH) ratios in the lung, restored mitochondrial ultrastructural changes of bronchial epithelia and ATP levels in the lung. In summary, this study suggested that BSYQF treatment ameliorated airway remodeling and alleviated asthmatic features in chronic asthma models. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of BSYQF may explain why BSYQF has effects on preventing airway remodeling.

CNOT2 promotes proliferation and angiogenesis via VEGF signaling in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Here the underlying role of CNOT2, a subunit of CCR4-NOT complex, was elucidated in cancer progression. CNOT2 was overexpressed in HIT-T15, ASPC-1, BXPC-3, PC-3, LNCaP, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, which was confirmed by Tissue array in various human tumor tissues. Also, CNOT2 depletion suppressed proliferation and colony formation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Of note, microarray revealed decreased expression of CNOT2, VEGF-A, HIF2 alpha (<0.5 fold) and increased expression of UMOD1, LOC727847, MMP4, hCG and other genes (>2.0 fold) in CNOT2 depleted MDA-MB-231 cells compared to untreated control. Consistently, downregulation of VEGF, CNOT2 and HIF2 alpha was verified in CNOT2 depleted MDA-MB-231 cells by RT-qPCR. Additionally, CNOT2 depletion inhibited VEGF induced tube formation in HUVECs and reduced neovascularization in CAM assay. Furthermore, the growth of CNOT2 depleted MDA-MB-231 cells was significantly reduced in Balb/c nude mice along with decreased expression of VEGF and PCNA by immunohistochemistry compared to untreated control group. Overall, our findings provide evidences that CNOT2 promotes proliferation and angiogenesis via VEGF signaling in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells as a potent molecular target for breast cancer treatment.