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Johnson-Martínez JP, Diener C, Levine AE, Wilmanski T, Suskind DL, Ralevski A, Hadlock J, Magis AT, Hood L, Rappaport N, Gibbons SM. Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101646. [PMID: 39019013 PMCID: PMC11293344 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Bowel movement frequency (BMF) directly impacts the gut microbiota and is linked to diseases like chronic kidney disease or dementia. In particular, prior work has shown that constipation is associated with an ecosystem-wide switch from fiber fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production to more detrimental protein fermentation and toxin production. Here, we analyze multi-omic data from generally healthy adults to see how BMF affects their molecular phenotypes, in a pre-disease context. Results show differential abundances of gut microbial genera, blood metabolites, and variation in lifestyle factors across BMF categories. These differences relate to inflammation, heart health, liver function, and kidney function. Causal mediation analysis indicates that the association between lower BMF and reduced kidney function is partially mediated by the microbially derived toxin 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS). This result, in a generally healthy context, suggests that the accumulation of microbiota-derived toxins associated with abnormal BMF precede organ damage and may be drivers of chronic, aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P Johnson-Martínez
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Christian Diener
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anne E Levine
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Hadlock
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
| | | | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Phenome Health, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Phenomic Health, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Noa Rappaport
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Phenome Health, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Phenomic Health, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Sean M Gibbons
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; eScience Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Li JJ, Chen ZH, Liu CJ, Kang YS, Tu XP, Liang H, Shi W, Zhang FX. The phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity of Forsythiae Fructus: An updated systematic review. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 222:114096. [PMID: 38641141 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Forsythiae Fructus (FF), the dried fruit of F. suspensa, is commonly used to treat fever, inflammation, etc in China or other Asian countries. FF is usually used as the core herb in traditional Chinese medicine preparations for the treatment of influenza, such as Shuang-huang-lian oral liquid and Yin-qiao powder, etc. Since the wide application and core role of FF, its research progress was summarized in terms of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity. Meanwhile, the anti-influenza substances and mechanism of FF were emphasized. Till now, a total of 290 chemical components are identified in F. suspensa, and among them, 248 components were isolated and identified from FF, including 42 phenylethanoid glycosides, 48 lignans, 59 terpenoids, 14 flavonoids, 3 steroids, 24 cyclohexyl ethanol derivatives, 14 alkaloids, 26 organic acids, and 18 other types. FF and their pure compounds have the pharmacological activities of anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. Inhibition of TLR7, RIG-I, MAVS, NF-κB, MyD88 signaling pathway were the reported anti-influenza mechanisms of FF and phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans are the main active groups. However, the bioavailability of phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans of FF in vivo was low, which needed to be improved. Simultaneously, the un-elucidated compounds and anti-influenza substances of FF strongly needed to be explored. The current quality control of FF was only about forsythoside A and phillyrin, more active components should be taken into consideration. Moreover, there are no reports of toxicity of FF yet, but the toxicity of FF should be not neglected in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Zi-Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Cheng-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yu-Shuo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Xin-Pu Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Feng-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
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3
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Rajendran K, Krishnan UM. Mechanistic insights and emerging therapeutic stratagems for Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102309. [PMID: 38615895 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102309] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder has affected over 30 million individuals globally and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming decades. Current therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective as they focus on a single target. Development of an effective drug therapy requires a deep understanding of the various factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. Aging and genetic factors exert a major influence on the development of AD. Other factors like post-viral infections, iron overload, gut dysbiosis, and vascular dysfunction also exacerbate the onset and progression of AD. Further, post-translational modifications in tau, DRP1, CREB, and p65 proteins increase the disease severity through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and differential interaction of amyloid beta with different receptors leading to impaired intracellular signalling. With advancements in neuroscience tools, new inter-relations that aggravate AD are being discovered including pre-existing diseases and exposure to other pathogens. Simultaneously, new therapeutic strategies involving modulation of gene expression through targeted delivery or modulation with light, harnessing the immune response to promote clearance of amyloid deposits, introduction of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to replace the destroyed neurons, exploring new therapeutic molecules from plant, marine and biological sources delivered in the free state or through nanoparticles and use of non-pharmacological interventions like music, transcranial stimulation and yoga. Polypharmacology approaches involving combination of therapeutic agents are also under active investigation for superior therapeutic outcomes. This review elaborates on various disease-causing factors, their underlying mechanisms, the inter-play between different disease-causing players, and emerging therapeutic options including those under clinical trials, for treatment of AD. The challenges involved in AD therapy and the way forward have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India.
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Wang Y, Tan Q, Pan M, Yu J, Wu S, Tu W, Li M, Jiang S. Minimally invasive vagus nerve stimulation modulates mast cell degranulation via the microbiota-gut-brain axis to ameliorate blood-brain barrier and intestinal barrier damage following ischemic stroke. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112030. [PMID: 38603861 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112030] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) play a significant role in various diseases, and their activation and degranulation can trigger inflammatory responses and barrier damage. Several studies have indicated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) exerts ameliorates neurological injury, and regulates gut MC degranulation. However, there is limited research on the modulatory effect of VNS on MCs in both the gut and brain in brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in this process. We aim to develop a minimally invasive, targeted and convenient VNS approach to assess the impact of VNS and to clarify the relationship between VNS and MCs on the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. We utilized middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/r) to induce brain I/R injury. After the experiment, the motor function and neurofunctional impairments of the rats were detected, and the gastrointestinal function, blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intestinal barrier damage, and systemic and local inflammation were evaluated by Nissl, TTC staining, Evans blue, immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy, western blot assays, ELISA, and fecal 16S rRNA sequencing methods. Our research confirmed that our minimally invasive VNS method is a novel approach for stimulating the vagus nerve. VNS alleviated motor deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunction while also suppressing intestinal and neuroinflammation. Additionally, VNS ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis in rats. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that VNS reduces chymase secretion by modulating MCs degranulation and improves intestinal and BBB damage. Our results showed that VNS treatment can alleviate the damage of BBB and colonic barrier after cerebral I/R by modulating mast cell degranulation, and alleviates systemic inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China
| | - Qianqian Tan
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China
| | - Mingdong Pan
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jiaying Yu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China
| | - Shaoqi Wu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Intelligent Rehabilitation Research Center, International Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, China.
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Johnson-Martínez JP, Diener C, Levine AE, Wilmanski T, Suskind DL, Ralevski A, Hadlock J, Magis AT, Hood L, Rappaport N, Gibbons SM. Generally-healthy individuals with aberrant bowel movement frequencies show enrichment for microbially-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced kidney function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.04.531100. [PMID: 36945445 PMCID: PMC10028848 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.04.531100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Bowel movement frequency (BMF) has been linked to changes in the composition of the human gut microbiome and to many chronic conditions, like metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other intestinal pathologies like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Lower BMF (constipation) can lead to compromised intestinal barrier integrity and a switch from saccharolytic to proteolytic fermentation within the microbiota, giving rise to microbially-derived toxins that may make their way into circulation and cause damage to organ systems. However, the connections between BMF, gut microbial metabolism, and the early-stage development and progression of chronic disease remain underexplored. Here, we examined the phenotypic impact of BMF variation in a cohort of generally-healthy, community dwelling adults with detailed clinical, lifestyle, and multi-omic data. We showed significant differences in microbially-derived blood plasma metabolites, gut bacterial genera, clinical chemistries, and lifestyle factors across BMF groups that have been linked to inflammation, cardiometabolic health, liver function, and CKD severity and progression. We found that the higher plasma levels of 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS), a microbially-derived metabolite associated with constipation, was in turn negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of kidney function. Causal mediation analysis revealed that the effect of BMF on eGFR was significantly mediated by 3-IS. Finally, we identify self-reported diet, lifestyle, and psychological factors associated with BMF variation, which indicate several common-sense strategies for mitigating constipation and diarrhea. Overall, we suggest that aberrant BMF is an underappreciated risk factor in the development of chronic diseases, even in otherwise healthy populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Johnson-Martínez
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Anne E. Levine
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Phenome Health, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Noa Rappaport
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sean M. Gibbons
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- eScience Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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6
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Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Liu Q, Cong S, Dou B, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Acupuncture modulates the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease: current evidence, challenges, and future opportunities. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1334735. [PMID: 38495110 PMCID: PMC10940355 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1334735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, one of the most severe and common neurodegenerative diseases, has no effective cure. Therefore it is crucial to explore novel and effective therapeutic targets. The gut microbiota - brain axis has been found to play a role in Alzheimer's disease by regulating the neuro-immune and endocrine systems. At the same time, acupuncture can modulate the gut microbiota and may impact the course of Alzheimer's disease. In this Review, we discuss recent studies on the role of acupuncture on the gut microbiota as well current challenges and future opportunities of acupuncture as potential treatment for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qidi Liu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Zhang J, Cong S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: a new strategy for Alzheimer's disease intervention through the brain-gut-microbiota axis? Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1334887. [PMID: 38476661 PMCID: PMC10927744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1334887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify-most of the time probably in a non-physiological way-the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Linna Wu
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Zhang L, Lang F, Feng J, Wang J. Review of the therapeutic potential of Forsythiae Fructus on the central nervous system: Active ingredients and mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117275. [PMID: 37797873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine has gained significant attention in recent years owing to its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway advantages in treating various diseases. Forsythiae Fructus, derived from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is one such traditional Chinese medicine with numerous in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Forsythiae Fructus contains more than 200 chemical constituents, with forsythiaside, forsythiaside A, forsythiaside B, isoforsythiaside, forsythin, and phillyrin being the most active ingredients. Forsythiae Fructus exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating various pathways, including oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, NF-κB signaling, 2-AG, Nrf2 signaling, acetylcholinesterase, PI3K-Akt signaling, ferroptosis, gut-brain axis, TLR4 signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and PPARγ signaling pathway. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to highlight the potential therapeutic effects of Forsythiae Fructus on the central nervous system and summarize the current knowledge on the active ingredients of Forsythiae Fructus and their effects on different pathways involved in neuroprotection. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated, local dissertations and books) up until June 2023 using key terms such as Forsythia suspensa, Forsythiae Fructus, forsythiaside, isoforsythiaside, forsythin, phillyrin, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, aging, and herpes simplex virus encephalitis. RESULTS Our findings indicate that Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients own therapeutic effects on the central nervous system by modulating various pathways, including oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, NF-κB signaling, 2-AG, Nrf2 signaling, acetylcholinesterase, PI3K-Akt signaling, ferroptosis, the gut-brain axis, TLR4 signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and PPARγ signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients have demonstrated promising neuroprotective properties. Future in vivo and clinical studies of Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients should be conducted to establish precise dosage and standard guidelines for a more effective application in the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Fenglong Lang
- Department of Neurology, Fushun Central Hospital, Fushun, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Mishra A, Krishnamurthy S. Recent advancements in the role of phytochemicals and medicinal plants in prophylaxis and management of Alzheimer's disease. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 27:1357-1369. [PMID: 39386232 PMCID: PMC11459346 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2024.77760.16826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Medicinal plants and phytochemicals are some of the major sources in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is no FDA-approved drug to target AD pathology directly. Full cognitive restoration and management of psychosis-like symptoms are still to be achieved. Being comparatively safer with fewer side effects, medicinal plants have been among the major areas of interest to be researched. Several mechanistic pathways are involved in AD including anticholinesterase activity, glutamate toxicity, free radicals generation, Amyloid β (Aβ) toxicity, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various phytochemicals such as paenol, andrographolide, isoquercitrin, flavonoids, and saponins obtained from different plant sources, various medicinal plants like Spirulina maxima, Salicornia europaea, Curcuma longa, Citrus Junos Tanaka, Cassiae semen, Centella asiatica as well as various traditional medicinal plants of China, Asia, Europe, Turkey, and Iran have been found effective against one or more of these targets. Large numbers of clinical trials are under process to evaluate the role of different phytoconstituents in AD management. Out of 143 agents under clinical trials, 119 have been categorized as disease-modifying agents. The present review extensively covers the recent advancements in the usage of phytochemicals and medicinal plants in various experimental AD models. It involves clinical trials and other research works divided into three sections, including those performed in vitro, in vivo, and in humans mainly from the last five years along with disease markers and mechanistic pathways involved. However, phytochemicals should be explored further in order to achieve neurorestoration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226031, U.P., India
| | - Sairam Krishnamurthy
- Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, U.P., India
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Gupta R, Advani D, Yadav D, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Dissecting the Relationship Between Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6476-6529. [PMID: 37458987 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are two common causes of death in elderly people, which includes progressive neuronal cell death and behavioral changes. NDDs include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease, characterized by cognitive defects and memory impairment, whereas NPDs include depression, seizures, migraine headaches, eating disorders, addictions, palsies, major depressive disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia, characterized by behavioral changes. Mounting evidence demonstrated that NDDs and NPDs share an overlapping mechanism, which includes post-translational modifications, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and signaling events. Mounting evidence demonstrated that various drug molecules, namely, natural compounds, repurposed drugs, multitarget directed ligands, and RNAs, have been potentially implemented as therapeutic agents against NDDs and NPDs. Herein, we highlighted the overlapping mechanism, the role of anxiety/stress-releasing factors, cytosol-to-nucleus signaling, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of NDDs and NPDs. We summarize the therapeutic application of natural compounds, repurposed drugs, and multitarget-directed ligands as therapeutic agents. Lastly, we briefly described the application of RNA interferences as therapeutic agents in the pathogenesis of NDDs and NPDs. Neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases both share a common signaling molecule and molecular phenomenon, namely, pro-inflammatory cytokines, γCaMKII and MAPK/ERK, chemokine receptors, BBB permeability, and the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Studies have demonstrated that any alterations in the signaling mentioned above molecules and molecular phenomena lead to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Dia Advani
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Divya Yadav
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi, Delhi, 110042, India.
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Deng C, Chen H, Meng Z, Meng S. Roles of traditional chinese medicine regulating neuroendocrinology on AD treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:955618. [PMID: 36213283 PMCID: PMC9533021 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.955618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in recent years. Studies have shown that in addition to some genetic abnormalities, the majority of AD patients has a history of long-term exposure to risk factors. Neuroendocrine related risk factors have been proved to be strongly associated with AD. Long-term hormone disorder can have a direct detrimental effect on the brain by producing an AD-like pathology and result in cognitive decline by impairing neuronal metabolism, plasticity and survival. Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) may regulate the complex process of endocrine disorders, and improve metabolic abnormalities, as well as the resulting neuroinflammation and oxidative damage through a variety of pathways. TCM has unique therapeutic advantages in treating early intervention of AD-related neuroendocrine disorders and preventing cognitive decline. This paper reviewed the relationship between neuroendocrine and AD as well as the related TCM treatment and its mechanism. The advantages of TCM intervention on endocrine disorders and some pending problems was also discussed, and new insights for TCM treatment of dementia in the future was provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huize Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Meng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shengxi Meng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Ferulic acid and vinpocetine intake improves memory function by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic animals with induced Alzheimer's disease. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Metabolomics Study Suggests the Mechanism of Different Types of Tieguanyin (Oolong) Tea in Alleviating Alzheimer’s Disease in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050466. [PMID: 35629970 PMCID: PMC9142883 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that three types of Tieguanyin tea (Tgy-Q, Tgy-N and Tgy-C) extracts could alleviate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a mouse model among which Tgy-C was more effective. In this study, APP/PS1 transgenic mice were used to investigate the metabolomic changes in the feces of mice treated with Tieguanyin tea extracts. Results showed that the profile of fecal metabolites was obviously changed in AD mice. Metabolomics analysis found the effects of Tgy-C, especially its decreasing effect on the fecal metabolites in AD mice—132 of the 155 differential metabolites were decreased. KEGG enrichment revealed that differential metabolites could participate in functional pathways including protein digestion and absorption, biosynthesis of amino acids and ABC transporters. Further comparisons of the metabolites between groups showed that although Tgy-N and Tgy-Q exerted a decreasing effect on the fecal metabolites, Tgy-C was more effective. Moreover, correlation analysis found that the levels of the fecal metabolites were highly correlated with the contents of functional components in tea extracts. Finally, 16S rDNA sequencing presented that Tieguanyin extracts modified the gut microbiota by targeting diverse bacteria. In this study, we investigated the differences of three types of Tieguanyin tea extracts on the fecal metabolites as well as the bacterial community of the gut microbiota in AD mice. The identified differential metabolites and the changed intestinal bacteria might provide potential diagnostic biomarkers for the occurrence and progression of AD.
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