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Fu W, Cao Y, Liu J, Huang C, Shu K, Zhu N. Xinfeng Capsule Inhibits Pyroptosis and Ameliorates Myocardial Injury in Rats with Adjuvant Arthritis via the GAS5/miR-21/TLR4 Axis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2421-2433. [PMID: 38915862 PMCID: PMC11195676 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s456783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study probed the mechanism of action of Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) in myocardial injury in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) via the growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5)/microRNA-21 (miR-21)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) axis. Methods Rats were injected with Freund's complete adjuvant to establish a rat model of AA. Then, some modeled rats were given normal saline or drugs only, and some modeled rats were injected with adeno-associated viruses or necrosulfonamide (NSA; a pyroptosis inhibitor) before drug administration. Toe swelling and arthritis index (AI) were calculated. Pathological and morphological changes in synovial and myocardial tissues were analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin staining, and pyroptotic vesicles and the ultrastructural changes of myocardial tissues were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured in myocardial tissues, accompanied by the examination of GAS5, miR-21, TLR4, nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) p65, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in myocardial tissues. Results After AA modeling, rats presented with significantly increased toe swelling and AI scores, synovial and myocardial tissue damage, elevated pyroptotic vesicles, and markedly enhanced serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α, accompanied by significantly diminished GAS5 expression, substantially augmented miR-21, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression, greatly increased LDH release in myocardial tissues. XFC treatment significantly declined toe swelling, AI scores, synovial and myocardial tissue damage, and the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α in AA rats. Additionally, XFC treatment markedly elevated GAS5 expression and substantially lowered LDH release and miR-21, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression in myocardial tissues of AA rats. Moreover, the above effects of XFC in AA rats were further promoted by GAS5 overexpression or NSA treatment. Conclusion XFC alleviated myocardial injury in AA rats by regulating the GAS5/miR-21/TLR4 axis and inhibiting pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlan Fu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunxiang Cao
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanbing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiyan Shu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nanfei Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, People’s Republic of China
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Mao L, Liu L, Li J, Yang X, Xu X, Liu M, Zhang Y, Wei W, Chen J. Ginsenoside compound K plays an anti-inflammatory effect without inducing glucose metabolism disorder in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. Food Funct 2024; 15:6475-6487. [PMID: 38804652 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo01460j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) possesses a glucocorticoid (GC)-like structure and functions as an agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects through GR activation. However, it remains unclear whether GCK leads to hyperglycemia, which is a known adverse reaction associated with classical GCs. In this study, we have successfully demonstrated that GCK exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis without impacting gluconeogenesis and pentose phosphate pathways, thus avoiding any glucose metabolism disorders. By employing the GR mutant plasmid, we have identified the binding site between GCK and GR as GRM560T, which differs from the binding site shared by dexamethasone (DEX) and GR. Notably, compared to DEX, GCK induces distinct levels of phosphorylation at S211 on GR upon binding to activate steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC1)-a co-factor responsible for mediating anti-inflammatory effects-while not engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-an associated coactivator involved in gluconeogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Lili Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xingyue Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xiujin Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Mengxue Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yanqiu Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Assim Haq S, Paudwal G, Banjare N, Iqbal Andrabi N, Wazir P, Nandi U, Ahmed Z, Gupta PN. Sustained release polymer and surfactant based solid dispersion of andrographolide exhibited improved solubility, dissolution, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activity. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123786. [PMID: 38185339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123786] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Andrographolide (AD) is a potent natural product with a wide range of pharmacological activities. However, it has low oral bioavailability due to poor solubility and dissolution rate. Solid dispersion (SD) is a promising technique to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of such molecules. In this study, SD formulation of AD was prepared using Kollidon-SR (KSR) and Poloxamer-407 (P-407) as carriers. SD was prepared using the solvent evaporation method and evaluated for the modulation of solubility of AD. The developed SD formulation was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, dissolution rate, yield, drug content, stability, flowability, and pharmacokinetic profile of SD were evaluated. The compatibility of SD with the Caco-2 cells and its impact on the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated efflux was also investigated. Furthermore, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and adjuvant-induced arthritic model were used to evaluate the efficacy of SD. The results showed that SD3 (AD + KSR + P-407, 1:6:8) exhibited the highest solubility and dissolution rate, and significantly improved pharmacokinetic profile compared to native AD. SD3 was found to be stable during storage and displayed excellent yield, drug content, and flowability. This formulation was found to be compatible with the Caco-2 cells and retarded the efflux of P-gp substrate. SD3 also demonstrated substantially better efficacy than native AD in terms of paw edema inhibition (carrageenan-induced paw edema, Wistar rats), and overall improvement of disease condition (in terms of paw edema, arthritic score, AST, ALT, cytokines, radiological changes, and histopathology) in arthritic Wistar rats. In conclusion, SD3 exhibited improved solubility, dissolution rate, pharmacokinetic profile, and pharmacological activity than native AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Assim Haq
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Gourav Paudwal
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Nagma Banjare
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Nusrit Iqbal Andrabi
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Priya Wazir
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Zabeer Ahmed
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Prem N Gupta
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Yang M, Mao L, Yang X, Xu X, Tang C, Wei W, Chen J. Ginsenoside compound K exerts anti-inflammatory effects through transcriptional activation and transcriptional inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111080. [PMID: 37883815 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111080] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been considered as its potential target. But the mechanism by which GCK exerts its anti-inflammatory effects after GR activation remains unclear. In this study, molecular docking, isothermal titration calorimetry, siRNA of GR and GRA458T mutation were used to confirm the anti-inflammatory mechanism of GCK targeting GR in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The results showed that the key binding sites of GR and GCK were identified as ASN564, MET560 and ASN638, with binding levels at the μm level. In addition, the inhibitory effect of GCK on the proliferation of FLS and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β) were mediated by transcriptional activation of GR, but on the migration, invasion, and TNF-α secretion of FLS were mediated by transcriptional inhibition of GR. These actions exert anti-inflammatory effects through indirect and direct inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity, respectively. In conclusion, this study elucidates that GCK can directly bind to and activate GR. Furthermore, after activation, GR mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of GCK through two mechanisms: transcriptional activation and transcriptional inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lijuan Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xingyue Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiujin Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Caihong Tang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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5
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Li Z, Han S, Cui G, Xue B, Li J, Man Y, Zhang H, Teng L. Oral liposomes encapsulating ginsenoside compound K for rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Int J Pharm 2023; 643:123247. [PMID: 37467813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) can efficiently treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to its immune and anti-inflammatory functions. However, GCK exists some shortcomings such as poor aqueous solubility, low permeability to the intestinal cell membrane, and serious P-gp efflux, thus limiting its application. In order to solve these problems, a folic acid-targeted drug delivery system based on liposomes (FA-LP-GCK) was developed. The prepared FA-LP-GCK had a uniform size distribution and spherical structure, the particle size was 249.13 ± 1.40 nm. Meanwhile, they had high encapsulation efficiency (93.33 ± 0.05 %). FA-LP-GCK also presented good stability in artificial gastric juice, so they can be absorbed into the intestine and enter the blood circulation. The activated RAW 264.7 cells were chosen to evaluate the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake capacity of FA-LP-GCK. FA-LP-GCK showed stronger growth inhibition and cellular uptake ability against activated macrophages. Finally, the efficacy of FA-LP-GCK in vivo was evaluated in the adjuvant arthritis rat model. The results showed that FA-LP-GCK can significantly reduce joint swelling. Furthermore, it can significantly inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve synovial hyperplasia of joints and pathological changes in the spleen. Therefore, FA-LP-GCK may be a potential therapeutic approach for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Songren Han
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Guilin Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Beilin Xue
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yuhong Man
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Lesheng Teng
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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6
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Javed M, Saleem A, Akhtar MF. Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, arrests arthritis through modulation of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers in Wistar rats. Inflammopharmacology 2023:10.1007/s10787-023-01244-7. [PMID: 37188832 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Diosgenin (DGN) is a well-known steroidal sapogenin that is obtained from the hydrolysis of dioscin. The current research aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of DGN alone and in combination with methotrexate (MTX). The in-vitro antioxidant, and anti-arthritic potential was assessed by protein denaturation and Human red blood cell membrane stabilization assays. The in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect was examined by carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema methods. The arthritis was induced in Wistar rats by inoculation of 0.1 ml Complete Freund's adjuvant in the left hind paw at day 1. The arthritic animals received MTX 1 mg/kg as standard, DGN at 5, 10, 20 mg/kg, and a combination treatment (DGN 20 mg/kg + MTX) was administered orally from 8 to 28th day while normal and disease control received normal saline. DGN at 1600 μg/ml exhibited the highest in-vitro activities in contrast to other tested concentrations. DGN at 20 mg/kg exhibited the maximum (p < 0.05-0.0001) inhibition of inflammation in carrageenan and xyleneinduced edema models. Treatment with DGN and MTX alone and in combination significantly reduced the paw diameter, body weight, arthritic index, and pain. It restored altered blood parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in contrast to the diseased control rats. DGN profoundly (P < 0.0001) downregulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-ĸβ, and COX-2 while upregulated IL-4 and -10 in treated rats. The combination of DGN with MTX showed the highest therapeutic efficacy than individual therapy, so it can be used as an adjunct for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Javed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
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7
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Choi S, Kim T. Compound K-An immunomodulator of macrophages in inflammation. Life Sci 2023; 323:121700. [PMID: 37068708 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from ginseng. This review discusses the function of CK as a potential ligand of the glucocorticoid receptor and a regulator of macrophage inflammatory responses. We provide findings on the ability of CK to inhibit the activation of M1 macrophages and promote the activation and differentiation of M2 macrophages. In addition, the effect of inhibiting the inflammasome response was collected. We summarized the evidences that CK is effective in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sepsis associated encephalopathy, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes. These findings suggest the potential of CK as a therapeutic agent that can resolve inflammation and restore homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Choi
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taesoo Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
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Dogra A, Kour D, Bhardwaj M, Dhiman S, Kumar A, Vij B, Kumar A, Nandi U. Glabridin Plays Dual Action to Augment the Efficacy and Attenuate the Hepatotoxicity of Methotrexate in Arthritic Rats. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:34341-34351. [PMID: 36188236 PMCID: PMC9520544 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glabridin is chemically an isoflavane class of natural phenols and is found mainly in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. It has several beneficial pharmacological actions for the management of inflammatory disorders as well as can counteract drug-induced toxic effects. On the other hand, methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, its treatment is associated with major side effects like hepatotoxicity. In the quest to explore a suitable combination therapy that can improve the efficacy and reduce the hepatotoxicity of MTX, we hypothesized that glabridin might serve the purpose for which there is no literature precedent to date. We explored the antiarthritic efficacy of MTX in the presence or the absence of glabridin using Mycobacterium-induced arthritic model in rats. The results of reduction in paw swelling, inhibition of serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and improvement in the bone joints from radiological and histopathological findings suggest that glabridin can substantially augment the antiarthritic efficacy of MTX. Further, results of concomitant glabridin treatment with MTX in the experimental time frame demonstrate that glabridin could considerably prevent the MTX-induced hepatic alteration in serum biochemical markers (SGPT and SGOT) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione reduced (GSH)). Moreover, glabridin showed a marked effect in impeding the regulation of NF-κB/IκBα and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways in the hepatic tissues. The results of simultaneous administration of glabridin with MTX in the rat model indicate that glabridin had no pronounced effect of causing severe alteration in the pharmacokinetic behavior of MTX. In summary, glabridin can significantly potentiate the antiarthritic efficacy of MTX and can also minimize its hepatotoxicity via the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress. Further research should be performed to develop glabridin as a phytotherapeutics for the improved efficacy and better tolerability of MTX at the reduced dose level of MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Dogra
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Dilpreet Kour
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mahir Bhardwaj
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sumit Dhiman
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Natural
Product and Medicinal Chemistry (NPMC) Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Bhavna Vij
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- PK-PD
Toxicology (PPT) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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Liu X, Wang Z, Qian H, Tao W, Zhang Y, Hu C, Mao W, Guo Q. Natural medicines of targeted rheumatoid arthritis and its action mechanism. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945129. [PMID: 35979373 PMCID: PMC9376257 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving joints, with clinical manifestations of joint inflammation, bone damage and cartilage destruction, joint dysfunction and deformity, and extra-articular organ damage. As an important source of new drug molecules, natural medicines have many advantages, such as a wide range of biological effects and small toxic and side effects. They have become a hot spot for the vast number of researchers to study various diseases and develop therapeutic drugs. In recent years, the research of natural medicines in the treatment of RA has made remarkable achievements. These natural medicines mainly include flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides and terpenes. Among them, resveratrol, icariin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsenoside, sinomenine, paeoniflorin, triptolide and paeoniflorin are star natural medicines for the treatment of RA. Its mechanism of treating RA mainly involves these aspects: anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, immune regulation, pro-apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, inhibition of fibroblast-like synovial cell proliferation, migration and invasion. This review summarizes natural medicines with potential therapeutic effects on RA and briefly discusses their mechanisms of action against RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Qian
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, China
| | - Wenhua Tao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Chunyan Hu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Weiwei Mao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qi Guo
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Guo,
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Si M, Ma Z, Zhang J, Li X, Li R, Wang C, Jia H, Luo S. Qingluoyin granules protect against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats via downregulating the CXCL12/CXCR4-NF-κB signalling pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1441-1451. [PMID: 34693865 PMCID: PMC8547818 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1991386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Qingluoyin (QLY) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used in treating human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for years in China. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effect of QLY granules on adjuvant arthritis (AA) and the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce the AA model. After the onset of arthritis, rats received intragastric administrations of the QLY granules (1.35, 2.70, and 5.40 g/kg) or Tripterygium glycosides (TG) tablets (positive drug, 10 mg/kg) for 14 d. After 28 d immunization, the symptoms, inflammatory parameters and molecular mechanisms were investigated. RESULTS In the QLY granule (1.35, 2.70, and 5.40 g/kg) therapy groups, the arthritis index decreased to 6.30 ± 2.06, 5.80 ± 1.55, 5.30 ± 1.16 compared with the model (9.00 ± 3.01), paw swelling decreased to 1.56 ± 0.40, 1.28 ± 0.38, 1.12 ± 0.41 mL compared with the model (2.22 ± 0.73 mL). QLY granules (1.35, 2.70 and 5.40 g/kg) significantly reduced the thymus and the spleen indexes, inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated the pathological changes of joints compared with the model group. Furthermore, the treatment of QLY granules (2.70 and 5.40 g/kg) markedly inhibited CXCL12, CXCR4 (in spleen and synovium) and p-NF-κB p65 (in synovium) protein expression of AA rats. CONCLUSIONS QLY granules have obvious therapeutic effects on AA rats, which may be associated with downregulating the CXCL12/CXCR4-NF-κB signalling pathway. QLY granules can be used as a candidate for the treatment of RA, which deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Si
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zheng Ma
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Li
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huiyu Jia
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shengyong Luo
- Anhui Academy of Medical Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhu Y, Sun Y, Zhang S, Li C, Zhao Y, Zhao B, Li G. Xinmai 'an extract enhances the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension via inhibiting MAPK signalling pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:594-605. [PMID: 34010580 PMCID: PMC8143608 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1917629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Xinmai 'an tablet has been used to improve myocardial blood supply. Recently, some compounds from its formula have shown that they can treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of Xinmai 'an extract (XMA) on PAH and further tests the co-therapeutic enhancement with sildenafil (SIL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were subjected to stimulation with SIL (12.5 μM) and XMA (250 μg/mL) for 48 h. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped into eight groups (n = 8 per group): (I) control group received saline; (II) MCT group received MCT (60 mg/kg); (III) SIL-Low group received MCT + SIL at 10 mg/kg/day; (IV) SIL-high group received MCT + SIL at 30 mg/kg/day; (V) XMA-High group received MCT + XMA at 251.6 mg/kg/day; (VI) SIL (Low)+XMA (Low) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 62.9 mg/kg/day; (VII) SIL (Low)+XMA (Medium) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 125.8 mg/kg/day; (VIII) SIL (Low)+XMA (High) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 251.6 mg/kg/day. Both XMA and SIL were given by gavage and were maintained daily for 2 weeks. RESULTS XMA could improve SIL's efficacy in the treatment of PAH by decreasing cell viability more effectively at non-cytotoxic concentrations (250 μg/mL) and reducing Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP) in PAH rat. Potential mechanisms might at least in part be through activating the MAPK signalling pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The combination of XMA and SIL can improve the efficacy of pulmonary hypertension and reduce the dosage of SIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabin Sun
- Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shichang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuyuan Li
- Office of the General Manager, Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boxin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Katturajan R, S V, Rasool M, Evan Prince S. Molecular toxicity of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis treatment: A novel perspective and therapeutic implications. Toxicology 2021; 461:152909. [PMID: 34453959 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory systematic complication which is a chronic disorder that severely affects bones and joints and results in the quality of life impairment. Methotrexate (MTX), an FDA-approved drug has maintained the standard of care for treating patients affected with RA. The mechanism of MTX includes the inhibition of purine and pyrimidine synthesis, suppression of polyamine accumulation, promotion of adenosine release, adhesion of the inflammatory molecules, and controlling of cytokine cascade in RA. The recommended dose for RA patients is 5-25 mg of MTX per week, depending on the severity of the disease but MTX has proven to be cytotoxic with side effects affecting various tissues when treating RA patients even with low doses over a prolonged period of time. The mechanism of such toxicity is not entirely understood. This review strives to understand it by correlating the different pathways, including MTX in folate metabolism, Sirt1/Nrf2/γ-gcs, and γ-gcs/CaSR-TNF-α/NF-kB signaling. In addition to this, the importance of targeted therapy combination with MTX on RA treatment and combinations approved from the clinical trials are also briefly discussed. Overall, this review elucidates the various MTX molecular mechanisms and toxicity at the molecular level, the limitations, and the scope for future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayalakshmi S
- Department of English, School of Social Sciences and Languages, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahabookhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Ginsenoside compound K- a potential drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 166:105498. [PMID: 33609698 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, if prescription of effective delayed, the articular disturbances may lead to disability. Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) is the main degradation product of oral ginsenosides in the human intestine. Numerous researches in vitro and in vivo have recorded the anti-arthritic effect of GCK, we discuss the mechanisms from the following three aspects, including anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and bone-protective, respectively, in this review, and the anti-arthritic mechanism of GCK may be related to the effect on TNF-α-TNFR2, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and β-arrestin1/2. We also describe the anti-anemia effect of GCK to open the possibility that GCK can be used as an effective disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
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