Protective effects of total flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum rhizoma against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in vivo and in vitro

Kaempferol from Alpinia officinarum hance induces G2/M cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum), a perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, has been used to treat various ailments, such as stomach pain, abdominal pain, emesis, and digestive system cancers. A. officinarum is extensively cultivated in the Qiongzhong and Baisha regions of Hainan, and it holds substantial therapeutic value for the local Li people of Hainan. Kaempferol, a flavonoid derived from A. officinarum, has demonstrated anticancer properties in various experimental and biological studies. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which it exerts its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects remain to be comprehensively delineated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This investigation aims to elucidate the anti-HCC effects of kaempferol derived from A. officinarum and to delve into its underlying mechanistic pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify active compounds in A. officinarum. HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells were used to study the anti-HCC effect of kaempferol from A. officinarum. The cytotoxicity and proliferation of kaempferol and A. officinarum were measured using CCK-8 and EDU staining. Wound-healing assays and three-dimensional tumor spheroid models were further used to evaluate migration and the anti-HCC activity of kaempferol. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of proteins and genes associated with the cell cycle checkpoints. Finally, bioinformatics was used to analyze the relationship between the differential expression of core targets in the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway and a poor prognosis in clinical HCC samples.

RESULTS

UPLC-MS/MS was employed to detect five active compounds in A. officinarum, such as kaempferol. The CCK-8 and EDU assays showed that kaempferol and A. officinarum significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. A wound-healing assay revealed that kaempferol remarkably inhibited the migration of HCC cells. Kaempferol significantly suppressed the growth of tumor spheroids. In addition, kaempferol markedly induced G2/M arrest and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Mechanically, kaempferol significantly reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, CCNB1, MPS1, KNL1, and Bub1. Additionally, the combination of kaempferol and the ATM inhibitor KU55933 had a more significant anti-HCC effect. The results of bioinformatics showed that ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, and KNL1 were highly expressed in patients with HCC and cancer tissues, indicating that these genes have certain value in the clinical diagnosis of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results revealed that kaempferol from A. officinarum inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway in HCC cells. In summary, our research presents an innovative supplementary strategy for HCC treatment.

The active components and potential mechanisms of Wuji Wan in the treatment of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer: An integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wuji Wan (WJW) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can be found in the "Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary" that has been employed in treating gastric discomfort, burning epigastric pain, and gastric reflux for hundreds of years and has shown promise for treating gastric ulcers (GUs). However, the active components and mechanism of action against GUs remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore the active components of WJW and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved in treating GUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, cell viability was measured by a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the efficacy of WJW-containing serum in vitro. The gastric ulcer index, ulcer inhibition rate, hematoxylin and staining (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJW in vivo. Subsequently, the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on in vitro and in vivo samples. Additionally, UPLC-Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS was used to analyze the components that were absorbed into the blood of WJW and its metabolites. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were subsequently used to identify the targets and pathways. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT‒qPCR) and Western blotting were used to verify the mRNA and protein levels of the key targets and pathways. Finally, the active components were identified by molecular docking to verify the binding stability of the components and key targets.

RESULTS

WJW-containing serum ameliorated ethanol-induced damage in GES-1 cells and promoted cell healing. WJW-containing serum reduced IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and LDH levels while increasing IL-10, SOD, and T-AOC levels in the cells. Moreover, WJW treatment resulted in decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and increased IL-10, SOD, PGE2, and NO levels in GUs rats. In addition, eight components of WJW were absorbed into the blood. The network pharmacology results revealed 192 common targets for blood entry components and GUs, and KEGG analysis revealed that apoptosis signaling pathways were the main pathways involved in WJW activity against GUs. Metabolomic screening was used to identify 13 differential metabolites. There were 23 common targets for blood entry components, GUs, and differential metabolites, with the key targets TNF (TNF-α), AKT1, PTGS2 (COX2) and MAPK1. WJW significantly inhibited the expression of Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-α, COX2, and p-p44/42 MAPK while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and p-AKT1. Molecular docking revealed that the active components of WJW for the treatment of GUs are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin.

CONCLUSIONS

WJW treatment reduces inflammation and oxidative stress injury and inhibits apoptosis signaling pathways. The main active components are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. In this paper, we provide a new strategy for exploring the active components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of diseases based on target mechanisms.

Enhanced Kidney Damage Induced by Increasing Nonylphenol Doses: Impact on Autophagy-Related Proteins and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Rats

Nonylphenol (NP) is an organic pollutant and endocrine disruptor chemical that has harmful effects on the environment and living organisms. This study looked at whether kidney tissues subjected to increasing doses of nonylphenol generated alterations in histopathologic, pro-inflammatory, and autophagic markers. Fifty rats were divided into five groups of ten each: group I: healthy group, II: control (corn oil), group III: 25 μl/kg NP, group IV: 50 μl/kg NP, group V: 75 μl/kg NP. The kidney tissue samples were obtained for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. The histological deteriorations observed in all NP groups included tubular epithelial cell degeneration, inflammation areas, and hemorrhage. The immunohistochemical investigations showed that NP significantly elevated the autophagy markers (Beclin-1, LC3/2, p62), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), HIF-1α, and eNOS in group III, IV and V compared with group I and II. The biochemical analysis also revealed that pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) increased in correlation with the NP doses, but only IL-1β reached statistical significance in NP treated rats kidney tissue. The biochemical findings have been confirmed by the histological studies. The damage to renal tissue caused by NP exposure may worsen it by increasing inflammatory and autophagic markers.

Licorice flavonoid ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by suppressing apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Licorice is the dry roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., which was first recorded in Shengnong's herbal classic. Licorice flavonoid (LF) is the main compound isolated from licorice with an indispensable action in treating gastric ulcer (GU). However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate and further elucidate the mechanisms of LF against ethanol-induced GU using an integrated approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-GU effects of LF were evaluated in an ethanol-induced gastric injury rat model. Then, the metabolomics approach was applied to explore the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways. Next, the network pharmacology combined with metabolomics strategy was employed to predict the targets and pathways of LF for GU. Finally, these predictions were validated by molecular docking, RT-qPCR, and western blotting.

RESULTS

LF had a positive impact on gastric injury and regulated the expression of GU-related factors. Upon serum metabolomics analysis, 25 metabolic biomarkers of LF in GU treatment were identified, which were primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and other related processes. Subsequently, a "components-targets-metabolites" network was constructed, revealing six key targets (HSP90AA1, AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, ESR1, PIK3CA) that may be associated with GU treatment. More importantly, KEGG analysis highlighted the importance of the PI3K/AKT pathway including key targets, as a critical route through which LF exerted its anti-GU effects. Molecular docking analyses confirmed that the core components of LF exhibited a strong affinity for key targets. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blotting results indicated that LF could reverse the expression of these targets, activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, and ultimately reduce apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LF exerted a gastroprotective effect against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol, and the therapeutic mechanism may involve improving metabolism and suppressing apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT pathway.

Apium extract alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats via modulating the VEGF and IK-κB/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway: insights from in silico and in vivo investigations

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulcers represent a worldwide health problem, characterized by erosions that affect the mucous membrane of the stomach and may even reach the muscular layer, leading to serious complications. Numerous natural products have been assessed as anti-ulcerogenic agents, and have been considered as new approaches for treatment or prevention of gastric ulcers. The present research investigated the preventive benefits of Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae), known as celery, seed extract towards indomethacin-induced ulceration of the stomach in rats.

METHODS

Metabolomic profiling, employing liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS), was implemented with the aim of investigating the chemical profile of the seeds. Histopathological analysis of gastric tissues, as well as assessment of numerous inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators, confirmed the in vivo evaluation.

RESULTS

The prior treatment with A. graveolens seed extract resulted in a substantial reduction in the ulcer index when compared to the indomethacin group, indicating an improvement in stomach mucosal injury. Moreover, the gastroprotective effect was demonstrated through examination of the oxidative stress biomarkers which was significantly attenuated upon pre-treatment with A. graveolens seed extract. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a fundamental angiogenic factor that stimulates angiogenesis, was markedly inhibited by indomethacin. A. graveolens seed extract restored this diminished level of VEGF. The dramatic reductions in NF-κB protein levels indicate a considerable attenuation of the indomethacin-induced IKκB/NF-κB p65 signaling cascade. These activities were also correlated to the tentatively featured secondary metabolites including, phenolic acids, coumarins and flavonoids, previously evidenced to exert potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. According to our network pharmacology study, the identified metabolites annotated 379 unique genes, among which only 17 genes were related to gastric ulcer. The PTGS2, MMP2 and PTGS1 were the top annotated genes related to gastric ulcer. The top biological pathway was the VEGF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

A. graveolens seed extract possesses significant anti-ulcer activity, similar to famotidine, against gastric lesions induced by indomethacin in rats. It is worth highlighting that the extract overcomes the negative effects of conventional chemical anti-secretory drugs because it does not lower stomach acidity.

Protective Effect of Berberine on Acute Gastric Ulcer by Promotion of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle-Mediated Arachidonic Acid Metabolism

Background and Objective

Peptic ulcer is a high incidence gastrointestinal disease in China. Berberine (BBR) is a natural product isolated from the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis Franch that has protective effects in digestive diseases. We aimed to evaluate the ability of BBR to attenuate acute gastric ulcer induced by one-time administration of ethanol in the rat.

Methods

Tissue pathological morphology, macroscopic score, ulcer healing rate, and serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) were used to determine the efficacy of BBR and evaluated to identify the optimal dosage. Subsequently, transcriptome and metabolome sequencing were conducted in Control, Model, and optimal dosage groups to explore the pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanism of action of the drug. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as those of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to verify the results of transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses.

Results

BBR significantly improved the pathological morphology of gastric ulcers, increased the macroscopic score and healing rate, decreased serum levels of NO, IL-6, and PGE2, and increased serum levels of IL-10, thus effectively alleviating gastric ulcer severity. Transcriptome results showed that the therapeutic effect of BBR was mainly mediated by the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway at the gene level, which is closely associated with inflammation and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The differentially accumulated metabolite prostaglandin E1, which is a negative regulator of ROS, was significantly up-regulated after BBR administration. The validation results indicated that BBR pretreatment increased SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities, while reducing levels of the oxidative products MDA and MPO.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that BBR exerts a protective effect on acute gastric ulcer by promoting tricarboxylic acid cycle-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism.

Alpinia officinarum Hance extract ameliorates diabetic gastroparesis by regulating SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and rebalancing gut microbiota

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Alpinia officinarum Hance (AOH) is one of the most commonly used both as a food and folk medicines, which is rich in diarylheptanoids and flavonoids. The gastroprotection and hypoglycemic effect make AOH has great potential in developing of anti-DGP complementary medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms of AOH that act against DGP are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects, the potential molecular mechanism, and the changes of gut microbiota of AOH in DGP. The 5 components of the AOH were analyzed, and the potential signaling pathway of AOH improving DGP was predicted by molecular docking. Subsequently, DGP rat model was constructed using high-fat-irregular-diet, AOH intervention significantly reduced blood glucose levels, increased gastrointestinal propulsion rate, and improved gastric histological morphology in DGP rats. Meanwhile, AOH has been shown to regulate the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and rebalance the gut microbiota, which may be closely related to its role in improving DGP. Taken together, AOH may play a protective role on DGP through multiple mechanisms, which might pave the road for development and utilization of AOH.

Licorice flavonoid alleviates gastric ulcers by producing changes in gut microbiota and promoting mucus cell regeneration

Licorice flavonoid (LF) is the main component of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a "medicine food homology" herbal medicine, which has anti-digestive ulcer activity, but the mechanism in anti-gastric ulcer (GU) remains to be elucidated. In this study, we manifested that LF increased the viability of human gastric mucosal epithelial (GES-1) cells, attenuated ethanol (EtOH)-induced manifestations, reduced histological injury, suppressed inflammation, and restored gastric mucosal barrier in GU rats. After LF therapy, the EtOH-induced gut dysbiosis was partly modulated, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyric acid, propionic acid, and valeric acid were found in higher concentrations. We discovered that the majority of genera that increased in the GU group had a negative correlation with SCFAs in the intestinal tract. In addition, LF-upregulated SCFAs boosted mucus secretion in the gastric epithelium and the expression of mucoprotein (MUC) 5AC and MUC6, particularly the MUC5AC in the gastric foveola. Moreover, LF triggered the EGFR/ERK signal pathway which promoted gastric mucus cell regeneration. Therefore, the findings indicated that LF could inhibit inflammation, promote mucosal barrier repair and angiogenesis, regulate gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism; more importantly, promote epithelial proliferation via activation of the EGFR/ERK pathway, exerting a protective and regenerative effect on the gastric mucosa.

Gastric protective effect of Alpinia officinarum flavonoids: mediating TLR4/NF-κB and TRPV1 signalling pathways and gastric mucosal healing

CONTEXT

Our previous studies have found that total flavonoid of Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) (F.AOH) had protective effects on gastric ulcer (GU).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective mechanism of F.AOH on acetic acid-induced chronic GUs in rats and ethanol-induced GES-1 cells damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo: Gastric damage was induced in SD rats by administering acetic acid after oral treatment with F-AOH at 54, 27 and 13.5 mg/kg (2 weeks of continuous gavage). After a comprehensive evaluation of rats' serum and gastric tissue-related indicators, gene transcriptome sequencing, qPCR and Western blotting were used to investigate the mechanism further. In vivo: GES-1 cells were incubated with F-AOH (8, 4 and 2 μg/mL) for 16 h and treated with 7% ethanol for 4 h. Transwell and flow cytometry were employed to detect migration and apoptosis of cells.

RESULTS

F.AOH effectively reduced the area of GUs in rats (from 11.2 ± 1.89 to 2.19 ± 0.95), reversing ethanol-induced cells apoptosis (from 23 ± 1.3 to 8.11 ± 0.93%). It also inhibited the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and iNOS proteins, decreasing the levels of TNF-α IL-6 in serum, improving oxidative stress levels and increasing the expression of Bcl-2/Bax dimer genes. In addition, 4005 differentially expressed genes between the acetic acid model and the drug groups. Through experimental verification, F.AOH can inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway and TRPV1 receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

F.AOH, as an effective gastric protective plant component, had potential therapeutic value in anti-inflammatory pain and antioxidative stress gastrointestinal diseases.

Immune function, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and their clinical significance in patients with gastric ulcers complicated with depression

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common digestive tract disease, and medical records of GU combined with depression are increasingly common. Currently, the risk factors and pathogenesis of GU complicated with depression remain unclear. Low immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels may also be significant risk factors. Therefore, this study explored the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels in patients with GU combined with depression.

AIM

To explore the immune function, gastrointestinal hormone level, and clinical significance of patients with GU combined with depression.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 300 patients with GU combined with depression admitted to Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 as the study subjects. According to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score, patients were divided into mild-to-moderate (n = 210) and heavy (n = 90) groups. Basic data, immune function indices [immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, IgG, serum CD4+ and CD8+ percentage, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio], and gastrointestinal hormone indices [serum gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK), and motilin (MTL) levels] were collected. The basic data of the two groups were compared, and the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone indices were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the severity of GU complicated with depression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to analyze the value of the immune function index, gastrointestinal hormone index, and combined index in predicting the severity of GU complicated with depression.

RESULTS

There were no marked differences in sex, age, body mass index, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, or sleep disorders between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups (P > 0.05). There was a marked difference in the family history of depression between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in serum IgA and IgM levels and serum CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratios between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that IgA, IgM, GAS, and CCK serum levels influenced the severity of GU with depression (P < 0.05). The AUC of the ROC curve for serum IgA level predicting GU with depression severity was 0.808 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.760-0.857], the AUC of the serum IgM level was 0.757 (95%CI: 0.700-0.814), the AUC of the serum GAS level was 0.853 (95%CI: 0.810-0.897), the AUC of the serum CCK level was 0.762 (95%CI: 0.709-0.822), the AUC of immune function (IgA, IgM) and gastrointestinal hormone levels (GAS, CCK) for the prediction of GU with depression severity was 0.958 (95%CI: 0.933-0.976).

CONCLUSION

Important factors influencing GU complicated with depression are serum IgA, IgM, GAS, and CCK indicators. They can be used as indicators to predict the severity of GU complicated with depression.

Gastroprotective effect of dapagliflozin in ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats: Crosstalk between HMGB1/RAGE/PTX3 and TLR4/MyD88/VEGF/PDGF signaling pathways

Alcohol abuse may lead to the development of gastric mucosal lesions. Dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, is clinically used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, studies showed protective effect of DAPA under various experimental conditions by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. The effect of DAPA on experimental gastric ulcer has not been studied yet. Therefore, we attempted to investigate DAPA's protective effect against ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric lesions. Fifty-six (8-week-old) male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. DAPA (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day; p.o.) was given for seven days, plus a single dose of absolute EtOH (5 ml/kg) on day 8. According to hematoxylin and eosin, and Alcian blue staining of gastric tissue sections, titratable acidity, and macroscopic assessments, DAPA high dose (10 mg/kg) was the most protective, with lesser ulcerations, and higher mucin, relative to the lower two doses and the standard treatment omeprazole (OME). In rats pre-treated with DAPA high dose, colorimetric and ELISA analyses revealed significantly decreased oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory, and apoptosis indices and increased levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western blot analysis revealed reduced pentraxin-3 (PTX3), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression. These results were comparable in DAPA (10 mg/kg) and OME pre-treated groups. Overall, DAPA exerted a dose-dependent protective effect against EtOH-induced gastric injury. Gastroprotective effects of DAPA (10 mg/kg) may be associated with influencing HMGB1/RAGE/PTX3 and TLR4/MyD88/VEGF/PDGF pathways.

DPHB, a diarylheptane from Alpinia officinarum Hance, ameliorates insulin resistance: A network pharmacology and in vitro study

(4E)-7-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one (DPHB) derived from A. officinarum Hance has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin resistance (IR) effects. We explored the molecular mechanism of DPHB ameliorating IR through network pharmacological prediction and in vitro analysis. The PI3K/AKT and TNF signaling pathways are the core pathways for DPHB to exert anti-IR, and the key proteins of this pathway were confirmed by molecular docking. In the IR-3T3-L1 adipocyte model, DPHB significantly promoted glucose uptake and the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation. In addition, DPHB significantly improved lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and the mRNA expression of key adipokines [such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)]. DPHB inhibited the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB), as well as promoted the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated PI3K, and phosphorylated AKT. More interestingly, validation of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 revealed that these changes were dependent on the activation of PI3K. Our cumulative findings thereby validate the potential of DPHB to alleviate and treat IR and the related diseases by regulating the PI3K/AKT and TNF-α signaling pathways.

Mechanism of nonylphenol induced gastric inflammation through NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Studies have found that the intake of environmental endocrine disruptors was positively correlated with the occurrence of gastric diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether nonylphenol (NP) exposure can induce gastric inflammation and whether its mechanism was related to NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. In vivo, male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (12 rats/group): control group (corn oil), NP low (0.4mg/kg), medium (4mg/kg), and high (40mg/kg) dose groups. After 33 weeks of NP chronic exposure, it was found pathological changes in gastric tissues, increase the release of inflammatory factors, and effects expressions of genes related to the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. In vitro, the GES-1 cell experiments, which included four groups: control (0 µmol/L NP), L (2.5 µmol/L NP), M (40 µmol/L NP), and H (60 µmol/L NP), confirmed that NP increased the release of inflammatory factors in the cells, and up-regulated the expression of proteins related to NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, when pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium (PDTC) blocked the NF-κB signaling pathway, it was found that the expression of related proteins in the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway was decreased, and the release of inflammatory factors in GES-1 cells caused by NP was also attenuated. The results of this study indicated that NP can induce inflammation in the stomach in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism was related to the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. These findings provided a new perspective on the mechanism of inflammatory response induced by exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors. Also, these findings indicated that therapeutic strategies for the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be new methods to treat inflammatory diseases.

4'-Methylflavanone Glycosides Obtained Using Biotransformation in the Entomopathogenic Filamentous Fungi Cultures as Potential Anticarcinogenic, Antimicrobial, and Hepatoprotective Agents

Flavonoid compounds exhibit numerous biological activities and significantly impact human health. The presence of methyl or glucosyl moieties attached to the flavonoid core remarkably modifies their physicochemical properties and improves intestinal absorption. Combined chemical and biotechnological methods can be applied to obtain such derivatives. In the presented study, 4'-methylflavanone was synthesized and biotransformed in the cultures of three strains of entomopathogenic filamentous fungi, i.e., Isaria fumosorosea KCH J2, Beauveria bassiana KCH J1.5, and Isaria farinosa KCH J2.1. The microbial transformation products in the culture of I. fumosorosea KCH J2, flavanone 4'-methylene-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside, 2-phenyl-(4'-hydroxymethyl)-4-hydroxychromane, and flavanone 4'-carboxylic acid were obtained. Biotransformation of 4'-methylflavanone in the culture of B. bassiana KCH J1.5 resulted in the formation of one main product, i.e., flavanone 4'-methylene-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. In the case of I. farinosa KCH J2.6 as a biocatalyst, three products, i.e., flavanone 4'-methylene-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside, flavanone 4'-carboxylic acid, and 4'-hydroxymethylflavanone 4-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside were obtained. The Swiss-ADME online simulations confirmed the increase in water solubility of 4'-methylflavanone glycosides and analyses performed using the Way2Drug Pass Online prediction tool indicated that flavanone 4'-methylene-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 4'-hydroxymethylflavanone 4-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside, which had not been previously reported in the literature, are promising anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective agents.

Sepia officinalis ink mitigates gastric ulcer via modulation of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory pathways

Background

Sepia officinalis ink is a bioactive secondary metabolite rich in melanin granules, which has a wide range of nutritional and therapeutic values and also has been used to prevent various gastrointestinal disorders. Gastric ulcer, the most common gastrointestinal disease, is characterized by severe gastric mucosa damage, and its prevention is currently one of the main goals of clinical and experimental studies. Thus, the present study was focused on evaluating the potential gastroprotective efficacy of Sepia officinalis ink extract (SOIE) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Results

The current results revealed that SOIE administration at the two selected doses improved significantly gastric mucosa integrity as indicated by the significant (P < 0.05) amelioration in gastric secretion indices (pH and volume) and the marked decrease in the ulcer index. Moreover, SOIE could counteract the gastric oxidative stress induced by ethanol via a marked decline in malondialdehyde content as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increment in glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase and glutathione-s-transferase). Additionally, SOIE treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in gastric nitric oxide content. Respecting morphological and histopathological studies, SOIE treatment at 200 mg/kg body weight caused marked healing of gastric lesions as indicated by no hemorrhagic bands or injuries observed as well as significantly reduced severity score of ulcer.

Conclusions

SOIE could be used as a promising alternative antiulcerogenic compound to treat severe gastric lesions.

Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Alpinia officinarum on nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Alpinia officinarum Hance, commonly known as lesser galangal, is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) traditionally used for many decades to treat inflammation, pain, stomach ache and cold. In the present study, the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. officinarum (AO) were investigated in the nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into following six groups: Group I was normal control rats. Group II: normal diabetic control, Group III: Diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), IV, V and VI: Diabetic rats treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg AO hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage for 28 days, respectively. At the end of treatment, biochemical analysis, histological study, phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity tests were carried out.

RESULTS

The results show significant reduction in blood glucose, serum lipid profiles, and liver enzyme levels in diabetic rats compared with diabetic control in AO treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AO extract had significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemia effects in addition to hepatoprotective effect in type II diabetic rats.

Vasodilatory Effect of Alpinia officinarum Extract in Rat Mesenteric Arteries

Background: Alpinia officinarum (A. officinarum) is known to exhibit a beneficial effect for anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. However, no sufficient research data are available on the cardiovascular effect of A. officinarum. Thus, in this study, we investigate whether A. officinarum extract has direct effects on vascular reactivity. Methods: To examine whether A. officinarum extract affects vascular functionality, we measured isometric tension in rat mesenteric resistance arteries using a wire myograph. After arteries were pre-contracted with high-K⁺ (70 mM), phenylephrine (5 µM), or U46619 (1 µM), A. officinarum extract was treated. Results: A. officinarum extract induced vasodilation in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was endothelium independent. To further investigate the mechanism, we incubated arteries in a Ca²⁺-free and high-K⁺ solution, followed by the cumulative addition of CaCl₂ (0.01–2.5 mM) with or without A. officinarum extract (30 µg/mL). Pre-treatment of A. officinarum extract reduced the contractile responses induced by cumulative administration of Ca²⁺, which suggests that extracellular Ca²⁺ influx was inhibited by the treatment of A. officinarum extract. These results were associated with a reduction in phosphorylated MLC₂₀ in VSMCs treated with A. officinarum extract. Furthermore, eucalyptol, an active compound of A. officinarum extract, had a similar effect as A. officinarum extract, which causes vasodilation in mesenteric resistance arteries. Conclusion: A. officinarum extract and its active compound eucalyptol induce concentration-dependent vasodilation in mesenteric resistance arteries. These results suggest that administration of A. officinarum extract could exert beneficial effects to treat high blood pressure.

Characterization of Alpinia officinarum Hance polysaccharide and its immune modulatory activity in mice

This study aimed to verify the regulating effect of a novel water-soluble polysaccharide (AOHP) extracted from Alpinia officinarum Hance on mouse immunity and to characterize its structure feature. The cellulose...

Commiphora myrrh Supplementation Protects and Cures Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Alterations of Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Gastric ulceration is a multifactorial disease defined as a defect in the gastric wall that extends through the muscularis mucosae into the deeper layers of the wall. The most common cause of gastric ulceration is alcohol consumption. In the current study, rats were gavaged by ethanol to investigate the protective (before ethanol) and curative (after ethanol) ability of Commiphora myrrh (myrrh) oil and extract against gastric ulcer oxidative alterations induced by ethanol. Myrrh significantly improved ulcer index, histomorphology, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) impaired by ethanol. In addition, myrrh improved the antioxidant potential of gastric mucosa through enhancement of nuclear factor related to erythroid 2 (Nrf2), total glutathione (GSH), reduced GSH, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), along with significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Amelioration of gastric oxidative stress by myrrh enables gastric mucosa to counteract the ethanol’s inflammatory and apoptotic processes leading to improved gastric proliferation and healing. Interestingly, myrrh extract showed better protective and curative effects than myrrh oil against gastric ulceration.

Chemical Constituents and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Activity of Essential Oils of Alpinia officinarum (Zingiberaceae), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae), and Their Herbal Pair

The essential oil (EO) of the herbal pair (HP), Alpinia officinarum-Cyperus rotundus (HP G-X) has been conventionally used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for 'warming the stomach' and relieving pain. However, its pharmacologically active compounds, as well as the mechanism of its anti-gastric ulcer properties remain unclear. In this study, the EOs obtained from HP G-X and its corresponding single herbs were analyzed using GC/MS. A total of 74, 56, and 85 compounds were detected in A. officinarum (GLJ), C. rotundus (XF), and HP G-X, accounting for 93.2 %, 89.5 %, and 92.0 % of the total content, respectively. GLJ mainly contains 1,8-cineol (22.0 %) and α-terpineol (11.8 %), whereas cyperenone (22.4 %) and cyperene (12.3 %) were the major constituents in XF. These four compounds were also detected in the HP G-X with relatively high composition as 11.8 %, 5.5 %, 11.8 %, and 10.6 %, respectively. Although no new compounds were detected in HP G-X, the relative concentration of some compounds increased, while others decreased or even disappeared. HP G-X showed the lowest toxicity (TC₅₀ >800 μg/mL) against human gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) and had the best protective effect against ethanol-induced GES-1 cell damage compared to the individual herbs. In vitro studies demonstrated that HP G-X and the corresponding single herbs significantly reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. In addition, in vivo investigations indicated that HP G-X can protect the gastric mucosa of mice from ethanol-induced damage by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and providing analgesia. It can also inhibit the expression of NF-κBp65, COX-2, and TRPV1 protein, reduce the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α, and relieve heat-induced pain. This study further substantiated the traditional application of HP G-X against gastric ulcers through both in vivo and in vitro investigations.

Antitumor activity of flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum hance on gastric cancer

Introduction: To investigate antitumor activity and mechanism of flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum Hance against gastric cancer. Methods: Transplanted mouse fore-stomach carcinoma (MFC) tumor mice were divided into six groups: control group, model group, low dose (20 mg/kg), middle dose (40 mg/kg), and high dose (80 mg/kg) groups of TFAO and 5-Fu group. Mice were treated with TFAO or 5-Fu for 14 days, except those of control and model group. Tumor inhibitory rate, spleen, and thymus index were calculated. Contents of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in serum were detected. Effect of galangin on BGC-823 cell growth was detected. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were measured. Enzyme activity of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 was detected. Western blot was used to detect STAT3, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, CyclinB1, and CyclinD1 protein expression in BGC-823 cell. Results: Compared with model group, tumor weight of mice decreased significantly ( p < .01) in 5-Fu group, low dose, middle dose, and high dose group of TFAO; thymus index of mice decreased significantly ( p < .05) in 5-Fu group; and spleen index decreased significantly ( p < .05) in low dose and middle dose groups of TFAO. Compared with model group, levels of PCNA, MMP-9, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum of mice decreased obviously ( p < .01) in all administration groups; levels of VEGF in serum of mice decreased obviously ( p < .01) in low dose and high dose group of TFAO and 5-Fu group; and levels of IL-17 in serum of mice decreased significantly ( p < .01) in low-dose and middle-dose groups of TFAO and 5-Fu group. Galangin could inhibit BGC-823 cell growth; accelerate apoptosis; block cell cycle; increase cell Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 enzyme activity; upregulate expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax; and downregulate expression of STAT3, CyclinB1, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2 protein. Conclusion: Flavonoids from A. officinarum showed antitumor activity in gastric cancer. Mechanisms may be associated with inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, and cancer-associated inflammation.