Licorice Pretreatment Protects Against Brain Damage Induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Mice

Design, Synthesis, and Antirheumatoid Arthritis Mechanism of TLR4 Inhibitors

A total of 12 carbonyl compounds were synthesized, their lipopolysaccharide induced inhibition, and activity of RAW264.7 cells was evaluated. The most active compound 3k inhibited RAW264.7 cells with IC50 value of 1.02 ± 0.08 μM. Compound 3k significantly inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in supernatant for RAW264.7 cells. In vivo collagen-induced arthritis model tests administered orally, compound 3k showed effects similar to those of methotrexate in the positive control group. The preliminary mechanism study showed that compound 3k had an effect on abnormal expression for TLR4, TNF-α, NF-κB protein, and genes related to inflammation signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells. Meanwhile, compound 3k showed a good affinity for the TLR4 receptor in molecular docking simulation. Therefore, compound 3k may be a promising lead compound for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A Comprehensive Review of Licorice: The Preparation, Chemical Composition, Bioactivities and Its Applications

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a medicinal and food homologue of perennial plants derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family. In recent years, the comprehensive utilization of licorice resources has attracted people's attention. It is widely utilized to treat diseases, health food products, food production, and other industrial applications. Furthermore, numerous bioactive components of licorice are found using advanced extraction processes, which mainly include polyphenols (flavonoids, dihydrostilbenes, benzofurans, and coumarin), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and volatile oils, all of which have been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological characteristics, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressive, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antisex hormone, skin effects, anticariogenic, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Thereby, all of these compounds promote the development of novel and more effective licorice-derived products. This paper reviews the progress of research on extraction techniques, chemical composition, bioactivities, and applications of licorice to provide a reference for further development and application of licorice in different areas.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Linggui Zhugan decoction in stroke: Insights from network pharmacology and single-cell transcriptomics analysis

Linggui Zhugan decoction (LZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in managing poststroke cognitive impairment and hemiplegia. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain incompletely elucidated. The active ingredients and target proteins of LZD were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database, which is specifically designed for traditional Chinese medicine research. The stroke-related genes were obtained from publicly available databases. Protein-protein interaction, enrichment analysis, and single-cell data analysis were conducted to identify key cells, targets, and pathways. Molecular docking was employed to assess the binding affinity between key components and targets. Network pharmacology analysis identified 190 active ingredients and 248 targets in LZD. These targets were significantly enriched in processes and pathways such as cellular response to lipid, orexin receptor pathway, and were significantly associated with Cerebral infarction and Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Intersection analysis with 2035 stroke-related genes revealed 144 potential targets, which exhibited 2870 interactions and were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT single pathway, MAPK single pathway, and tumor necrosis factor single pathway. Gene set variation analysis showed that the targets of LZD exhibited higher enrichment scores in microglia, M2 macrophages, endothelial cells, and neutrophils, while lower enrichment scores were observed in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding affinity between key active ingredients and targets. Network pharmacology and single-cell sequencing analysis elucidated the key cells, pathways, targets, and components involved in the therapeutic mechanism of LZD for the treatment of stroke.

Design, synthesis and anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of target TLR4 inhibitors

A series of 1-(2-oxocyclohexyl)butane-1, 3-dione derivatives were designed and synthesized as TLR4 inhibitors by modifying the core structure of the lead compound ((6, 8-dioxo-1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl) carbamate)). In vitro, compound 3p significantly inhibited the proliferation of rat synovial cells, inhibited the proliferation of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibited TLR4 activity, with IC50 values of 1.21 ± 0.09 μM, 0.73 ± 0.05 μM and 0.43 ± 0.03 μM, respectively, which was superior to the positive control methotrexate. In vivo anti-rheumatoid arthritis evaluation, compound 3p can significantly inhibit the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, so as to achieve the therapeutic purpose. In the preliminary mechanism study, compound 3p has obvious regulatory effects on the abnormal increase of TLR4, JAK2 and STAT3 protein and gene expression related to inflammatory signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, this study aims to develop more effective candidates for rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of natural products on skin inflammation caused by abnormal hormones secreted by the adrenal gland

The cortex of adrenal gland produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgen. The medulla of adrenal gland secrets catecholamines. These hormones play an important role in regulating blood pressure, metabolism, and homeostasis of glucose or electrolytes. Hypersecretion or hyposecretion by the adrenal gland will cause a complex cascade of hormone effects and lead to diseases, including Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, and congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia. Skin is the largest organ of body. It provides protection and acts as a barrier against external damage factors like infectious organisms, chemicals, and allergens. Endocrinologic disorders often induce cutaneous abnormalities. According to the previous evidences, natural products have the potential properties for attenuating skin disorders and improving dermatologic symptoms by inhibiting inflammation through MAPK or PI3K/AKT-dependent NF-κB pathways. The natural products may also promote skin wound healing by inhibiting the production of matrix metalloproteinase-9. We systematically searched the relevant articles from databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases, to review the effects of natural products on skin disorders. This article summarized the effects of natural products on skin inflammation caused by abnormal hormone secreted by adrenal gland. And the published papers indicated that natural products might be a potential source for treating skin diseases.

A mechanistic review of pharmacological activities of homeopathic medicine licorice against neural diseases

The use of medicinal plants has grown in popularity in recent decades because, as natural ingredients, they have fewer adverse effects and are more effective than synthetic alternatives. As a small perennial herb, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) has been investigated for its therapeutic efficacy against neural disorders mainly ischemic stroke as well as the neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease which has been attributed to its HMGB inhibitory function, reactive oxygen scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of current review is to review the evidence for the pharmacological effects of licorice and its vital active components on neurological disorders and the underlying signaling networks. We reviewed Papers published from 2000.1.1 up to 2 January 2023 in web of science, Google Scholar and PubMed data bases using key words including "Licorice," "Glycyrrhiza glabra L.," "Glycyrrhizic acid," "brain," "neurodegenerative disease," "Alzheimer's," and "Parkinson" were used to search in title/abstracts. Licorice extract and/or its active components can be used safely in therapeutic doses for optimizing the management of a multiple neurodegenerative disorders, and hampering the extent of neural tissue injury and neurologic deficits subsequent to cerebrovascular accidents.

Amelioration of Brain Damage after Treatment with the Methanolic Extract of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Mice

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in Asian countries. GR was the most frequently used medicine among stroke patients in Donguibogam, the most representative book in Korean medicine. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of the GR methanolic extract (GRex) on an ischemic stroke mice model. Ischemic stroke was induced by a 90 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and GRex was administered to mice with oral gavage after reperfusion of MCA blood flow. The MCAO-induced edema and infarction volume was measured, and behavioral changes were evaluated by a novel object recognition test (NORT). Immunofluorescence stains and Western blotting identified underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of GRex. GRex post-treatment in mice with MCAO showed potent effects in reducing cerebral edema and infarction at 125 mg/kg but no effects when the dosage was much lower or higher than 125 mg/kg. GRex inhibited the decrease of spontaneous motor activity and novel object recognition functions. The neuroprotective effects of GRex on ischemic stroke were due to its regulation of inflammation-related neuronal cells, such as microglia and astrocytes.

Neuroprotective effect of Geijigadaehwang-tang against trimethyltin-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration: An in vitro and in vivo study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Patients with dementia are diagnosed with deficiency patterns and interior patterns in traditional Chinese medicine due to decreased physical strength, mental atrophy including cognitive function, and decreased motor function in the gastrointestinal tract. Since "greater yin symptom" in Shanghanlun has been interpreted as interior, deficiency, and cold pattern in traditional Chinese medicine, it is necessary to determine whether Geijigadaehwang-tang (GDT) has therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative diseases and the underlying mechanism if it has such effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Trimethyltin (TMT), a neurotoxic organotin compound, has been used to induce several neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of GDT for TMT-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and seizures and to determine the mechanisms involved at the molecular level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main components of GDT were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. TMT was used to induce neurotoxicity in microglial BV-2 cells and C57BL6 mice. GDT was administered at various doses to determine its neuroprotective and seizure inhibition effects. The inhibitory effects of GDT on TMT-induced apoptosis, inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress pathways were determined in the mouse hippocampal tissues.

RESULTS

GDT contained emodin, chrysophanol, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, 6-gingerol, and liquiritin apioside. In microglial BV-2 cells treated with TMT, GDT showed dose-dependent neuroprotective effects. Oral administration of GDT five times for 2.5 days before and after TMT injection inhibited seizures at doses of 180 and 540 mg/kg and inhibited neuronal death in the hippocampus. In hippocampal tissues extracted from mice, GDT inhibited the protein expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3, and phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB/total-NFκB ratio. Additionally, GDT inhibited the messenger RNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, interleukin-1β, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1.

CONCLUSION

This study's results imply that GDT might have neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative diseases through neuronal death inhibition and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Study on the Mechanism of Üstikuddus Sherbiti in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Diseases: Based on Network Pharmacology

This paper aims to study the potential biological mechanism of Üstikuddus Sherbiti (ÜS) in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases (ICVD) by the network pharmacology method. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to obtain effective constituents of ÜS by screening eligible oral utilization, drug similarity, and blood-brain barrier permeability threshold. By drug target prediction and stroke treatment target mining, 2 target data sets were analyzed to find intersection targets and the corresponding constituents were used as active constituents. An active constituent target network and an effective constituent target network were constructed by using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Degree parameters of the effective constituent target network were analyzed to find important effective constituents and targets. Through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, potential signaling pathways of ÜS in ischemic stroke were found out. AutoDock was used for molecular docking verification. A total of 90 active constituents of ÜS were screened out. There were 10 active constituents against ICVD, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin, and 10 important targets for anticerebral ischemia, namely, PIK3CA, APP, PIK3R1, MAPK1, MAPK3, AKT1, PRKCD, Fyn, RAC1, and NF-κB1. Based on the protein interaction network, the important targets of ÜS were significantly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, Ras signaling pathway, etc. ÜS in ICVD has characteristics like multiple targets, multiple approaches, and multiple pathways. Results of molecular docking showed that the active components in ICVD had a good binding ability with the key targets. Its main biological mechanism may be related to the PI3K-Akt and Ras-MAPK centered signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated that ÜS exerted the effect of treating ICVD by regulating multiple targets and multiple channels with multiple components through the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Xiaoxuming Decoction Regulates Vascular Function by Modulating G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Molecular Docking Study

Xiaoxuming decoction (XXMD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) that is used for the treatment of stroke in China. Stroke injury damages the cerebral vasculature and disrupts the autoregulation of vasoconstriction and vasodilatation, which is crucial for maintaining constant cerebral blood flow (CBF). It has been reported that XXMD exerts a positive effect on cerebral circulation in animal models of stroke. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of XXMD on vascular tone, and the interactions among the multiple components of XXMD, remain unclear. In this study, XXMD was found to induce relaxation of the basilar artery rings of rats precontracted by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner. The modulation of vascular tone and the process of cerebral ischemia are mediated via the interactions between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their ligands, including 5-HT, angiotensin II (Ang II), and urotensin II (UII). Thus, the potential synergistic effects of the different components of XXMD on the regulation of vasoconstriction and vasodilation were further investigated by molecular docking based on network pharmacology. We constructed and analyzed a database comprising 963 compounds of XXMD and studied the interactions between five vascular GPCRs (5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR), 5-HT1B receptor (5-HT1BR), Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), beta 2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR), and UII receptor (UTR)) and the various herbal constituents of XXMD using molecular docking. By constructing and analyzing the compound-target networks of XXMD, we found that Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Paeoniae Radix Alba were the three major herbs that contained a large number of compounds with high docking scores. We additionally observed that several constituents of XXMD, including gallotannin, liquiritin apioside, nariutin, 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose, folic acid, and ginsenoside Rb1, targeted multiple vascular GPCRs. Moreover, the interactions between the components of XXMD and the targets related to vascular tone constituted the comprehensive cerebrovascular regulatory function of XXMD and provided a material basis of the vasoregulatory function of XXMD. The study reports the contributions of various components of XXMD to the regulatory effects on vascular tone and provides scientific evidence for the multicomponent and multitargeting characteristics of XXMD.

Serum Levels of B-cell Lymphoma-2 Anti-Apoptotic Protein and Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction Mortality

INTRODUCTION AND GOAL

There is scarce and contradictory data on B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), member of the Bcl-2 antiapoptotic molecules family of intrinsic apoptosis pathway, in ischemic stroke patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between blood Bcl2 concentrations and mortality of ischemic stroke patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five Intensive Care Units participated in this prospective and observational study of patients with severe malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI). Severe MMCAI was diagnosed when acute infarction was present in 50% or more of said region and with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 9 points. Serum samples were collected at the time of MMCAI diagnosis.

FINDINGS

Higher serum Bcl2 concentrations (p = 0.001), lower platelet count (p = 0.01) and lower GCS (p = 0.002) were found in non-survivors (n = 28) than in MMCAI survivors (n = 28). Serum Bcl2 levels had an area under the curve for mortality prediction of 75% (95% CI = 62%-88%; p < 0.001). Patients with serum Bcl2 levels > 43.6 ng/mL had higher mortality rate according to Kaplan-Meier analysis (Hazard ratio=10.0; 95% CI = 3.4-29.5; p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed an association between serum Bcl2 and mortality at 30 days (OR = 1.041; 95% CI = 1.006-1.077; p = 0.02) controlling for GCS and platelet count.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports for the first time the higher blood Bcl2 concentrations in non-surviving ischemic stroke patients than in survivors and the association between elevated blood Bcl2 and mortality in ischemic stroke patients.

Design, synthesis and anti-rheumatoid arthritis evaluation of double-ring conjugated enones

Four series of double-ring conjugated enones were designed, synthesized and studied for the inhibition of synovial cell activity through the modification of Dysodensiol K core structure, double-ring, double-bond and double-carbonyl groups. For in vitro synovial cell assay of rats, compound 151 and 168 exhibited good inhibitory activities, with IC₅₀ values of 2.71 ± 0.18 and 2.68 ± 0.16 μM respectively. At the same time, the LDH release and LD₅₀ test results revealed that the target compounds were low cytotoxicity and acute toxicity. For in vivo CIA model test through the oral administration, compounds 151 and 168 were exhibited similar effect to positive control group methotrexate.

Liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Attenuating Rheumatoid Arthritis via Reducing Inflammation, Suppressing Angiogenesis, and Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathway

Among the various treatments, induction of synoviocyte apoptosis by natural products during a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathological condition can be considered to have vast potential. However, it is unclear that liquiritin, a kind of natural flavonoid extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, induced the apoptosis of the synovial membrane and its molecular mechanism. In this study, interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-RA-FLS cells were incubated with different concentrations of liquiritin. An MTT assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, JC-1 staining, and Western blot were used to check the viability, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential changes, and the expression of related proteins, respectively. In vivo, a TUNEL assay and HE staining of tissue were used for histopathological evaluation. Our results showed that liquiritin significantly inhibited the proliferation of IL-1β-induced-RA-FLS, promoted nuclear DNA fragmentation, and changed the mitochondrial membrane potential to accelerate cell apoptosis. Liquiritin downregulated the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and inhibited the VEGF expression and phosphorylation of JNK and P38. Moreover, liquiritin improved the clinical score of rheumatism, inflammatory infiltration, and angiogenesis and induced apoptosis of the synovial tissue in vivo. Hence, liquiritin ameliorates RA by reducing inflammation, blocking MAPK signaling, and restraining angiogenesis.