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Jiang J, Sheng Y, Zheng Z, Qin F, Jiang B. Agrimonolide mitigated DSS-induced colitis by modulating the balance between Treg and Th17 cells through the suppression of the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33803. [PMID: 39071599 PMCID: PMC11283111 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of agrimonolide (AM) on mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and elucidate its protective mechanisms. Methods A 3 % DSS solution was used to induce colitis, and intragastric administration of AM at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg was performed. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate inflammatory responses and mucosal integrity in the colon. Inflammatory factors were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportions of T helper cell 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) was analyzed through RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Proteins associated with the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 pathways were examined via RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the impact of AM on Treg and Th17 cell differentiation was investigated in vitro. Results Pre-treatment with AM significantly alleviated colon inflammation in mice, as evidenced by reduced body weight loss, shorter colon length, lower disease activity index (DAI) score, and decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) content. Notably, AM pre-treatment attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6, in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Additionally, AM pre-treatment significantly enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), thereby preserving gut barrier function. Moreover, we observed that AM administration decreased the ratio of Th17 cells while increasing the frequency of colonic Treg cells, thus modulating the Th17/Treg balance both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, in the AM-treated group, the expression of Notch-1, Jagged1, delta like 4 (DLL4), phospho-janus kinases 2 (p-JAK2)/JAK2, and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/STAT3 in colonic tissue was reduced compared to the DSS group. Remarkably, the therapeutic effects of AM in colitis mice were blocked by a Notch activator. Conclusion These findings underscore the effectiveness of AM in alleviating symptoms and pathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice by rebalancing Th17/Treg cell homeostasis through modulation of the Notch and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. These insights into AM's mechanisms of action offer potential avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, PR China
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Sheng
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fuhao Qin
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
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Zhu J, Wang H, Aisikaer M, Yisimayili Z, Yang T, Zhou W, Zhao J, Yunusi K, Aximujiang K. L.acidophilus HSCC LA042 and HKL suspension ameliorate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by improving the intestinal barrier inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and pathogenic bacteria. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33053. [PMID: 39027449 PMCID: PMC11254534 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative Colitis(UC) is a chronic intestinal inflammation affecting the intestines, yet its underlying causes remain unclear. In recent decades, the global prevalence of UC has been on the rise, leading to an increasing demand for therapeutic drugs with minimal side effects. Huan Kui Le (HKL), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has demonstrated promising efficacy when combined with Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lac.) for UC intervention. However, the precise therapeutic mechanism of this combination remains unknown. The study focused on understanding the mechanisms of UC by examining the effects of Lac. and HKL (LH) treatment. The outcomes discovered that the disruption of gut microbiota, triggered by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays a crucial role in UC development. This disruption exacerbates UC symptoms by causing disturbances in inflammatory cytokines and mucosal permeability. We investigated the dynamic changes following the application of this treatment using 16S rRNA sequencing, HE, WB, IHC, and ELISA. Compared with the UC group, LH treatment reduced colon pathological injury, improved colon length, and decreased IL-1 β serum levels. Furthermore, it restored the expression of TJs and preserved mucosal barrier integrity. LH treatment also mitigated colon injury by attenuating the expression of pyroptosis-related genes and proteins, such as NLRP3 and Caspase-1. Additionally, LH treatment altered the gut microbiota's microecology, characterized by a reduction in pathogenic bacteria abundance like Escherichia-shigella and an increase in beneficial bacteria abundance like Akkermansia and Erysipelatoclostridium. Overall, our findings indicate that LH therapy may be associated with intestinal barrier repair, inflammasome inhibition, and gut microbiota regulation, suggesting its potential as a UC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hanming Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Muaitaer Aisikaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | | | - Tongtong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kurexi Yunusi
- Uygur Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830017, China
| | - Kasimujiang Aximujiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Disease, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, China
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E L, Li W, Hu Y, Deng L, Yao J, Zhou X. Methyl cinnamate protects against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1806-1818. [PMID: 37654075 PMCID: PMC10686792 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023124] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective and non-toxic therapeutic agents are lacking for the prevention and treatment of colitis. Previous studies found that methyl cinnamate (MC), extracted from galangal ( Alpinia officinarum Hance), has anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether MC is effective as anti-colitis therapy remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic effects of MC on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and further explore its potential mechanism of action. MC treatment relieves symptoms associated with DSS-induced colitis, including the recovery of DSS-induced weight loss, decreases the disease activity index score, and increases the colon length without toxic side effects. MC treatment protects the integrity of the intestinal barrier in mice with DSS-induced colitis and inhibits the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the MAPK signaling pathway is found to be closely related to the treatment with MC of colitis. Western blot analysis show that phosphorylation of the p38 protein in colon tissues treated with MC is markedly reduced and phosphorylation levels of the p38, JNK and ERK proteins are significantly decreased in RAW 264.7 cells treated with MC, indicating that the mechanism of MC in treating DSS-induced colitis could be achieved by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, 16S RNA sequencing analysis show that MC can improve intestinal microbial dysbiosis in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Altogether, these findings suggest that MC may be a novel therapeutic candidate with anti-colitis efficacy. Furthermore, MC treatment relieves the symptoms of colitis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway and improving the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilin E
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wenjie Li
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SAR 999078China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-Pattern Research CenterSchool of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jianping Yao
- The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xingwang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
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Direito R, Barbalho SM, Figueira ME, Minniti G, de Carvalho GM, de Oliveira Zanuso B, de Oliveira Dos Santos AR, de Góes Corrêa N, Rodrigues VD, de Alvares Goulart R, Guiguer EL, Araújo AC, Bosso H, Fornari Laurindo L. Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Metabolites 2023; 13:728. [PMID: 37367886 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term "microbiota" pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Direito
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical & Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduardo Figueira
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical & Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Giulia Minniti
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Magno de Carvalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara de Oliveira Zanuso
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Rita de Oliveira Dos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália de Góes Corrêa
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victória Dogani Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Alvares Goulart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen Landgraf Guiguer
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique Bosso
- Medical Department, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yan J, Lu A, Kun J, Wang B, Miao Y, Chen Y, Ho CT, Meng Q, Tong H. Characterization of triterpenoids as possible bitter-tasting compounds in teas infected with bird’s eye spot disease. Food Res Int 2023; 167:112643. [PMID: 37087235 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Tea infected with bird's eye spot disease generally imparts a long-lasting bitter taste, which is unacceptable to most consumers. This study has comprehensively evaluated the taste profiles of infected and healthy teas and investigated their known bitter compounds previously reported in tea. Quantification analyses and calculation of dose-over-threshold (DoT) factors revealed that no obvious difference was visualized in catechins, caffeine, bitter amino acids, and flavonols and their glycosides between infected and healthy tea samples, which was also verified by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Therefore, these known bitter compounds have been ruled out as critical contributors to the long-lasting bitterness of infected teas. Furthermore, Gel permeation chromatography, sensory analysis, and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS were employed and identified 13 substances from the target bitter fractions, including caffeine, ten triterpenoids, and two oxylipins. The higher triterpenoid levels were supposed to be the reason causing the long-lasting bitterness. This study has provided a research direction for the molecular basis of the long-lasting bitterness of infected tea leaves with bird's eye spot disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingna Yan
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Anxia Lu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin 644000, China
| | - Jirui Kun
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bei Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Food Quality & Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yiwen Miao
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yingjuan Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chi-Tang Ho
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Qing Meng
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Huarong Tong
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Modified Sanmiaosan in Treating Ulcerative Colitis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2556521. [PMID: 35966251 PMCID: PMC9371879 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2556521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Modified Sanmiaosan is an effective cure in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study revealed the pharmacological mechanisms of Modified Sanmiaosan acting on ulcerative colitis through a pharmacology approach. Materials and Methods The active compounds and the targets of Modified Sanmiaosan were selected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database according to the absorption and metabolism. The UC-related therapeutic targets were collected from the PharmGKB database, the GeneCards database, the GADA database, and the OMIM database. The networks of “drug-component-target-disease” and “herbal-component-target” were constructed by the Cytoscape software. Protein–protein interaction network was generated by the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed by the R software. Molecular docking technology was used to identify the affinity and activity between active compounds and targets. Results The 80 effective ingredients of MSM were collected. A total of 5180 UC-related genes and the 153 key targets of MSM and UC-related were obtained. JUN, Akt1, and MAPK1 were identified as the “hub targets” involved in the effects of Modified Sanmiaosan on ulcerative colitis. Hub targets were mainly involved in inflammatory response and oxidative stress. As the results of GO analysis, biological processes such as DNA-binding transcription and RNA polymerization may participate in the treatment process; KEGG pathway analysis showed that hub targets were mainly involved in IL-17 signal pathway and TNF signal pathway of ulcerative colitis. The high affinity and activity of the active compounds and targets were verified through molecular docking. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the active ingredients in Modified Sanmiaosan reduce inflammatory response by TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways to treat ulcerative colitis. Anti-inflammation and immune regulation may be the main mechanism of Modified Sanmiaosan in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study not only provide new insights into the development of a natural therapy for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis but also proves a feasible method for discovering potential activated compounds from Chinese herbs.
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Plant-derived tormentic acid alters the gut microbiota of the silkworm (Bombyx mori). Sci Rep 2022; 12:13005. [PMID: 35906393 PMCID: PMC9338012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17478-4] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, phytochemicals have started to attract more attention due to their contribution to health and bioactivity. Microorganisms in the intestines of organisms contribute to the processing, function, and biotransformation of these substances. The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is one of the organisms used for the biotransformation of phytochemicals due to its controlled reproduction and liability to microbial manipulation. In this study, a bioactive compound, tormentic acid (TA), extracted from Sarcopoterium spinosum was used in the silkworm diet, and the alterations of intestinal microbiota of the silkworm were assessed. To do this, silkworms were fed on a diet with various tormentic acid content, and 16S metagenomic analysis was performed to determine the alterations in the gut microbiota profile of these organisms. Diet with different TA content did not cause a change in the bacterial diversity of the samples. A more detailed comparison between different feeding groups indicated increased abundance of bacteria associated with health, i.e., Intestinibacter spp., Flavonifractor spp., Senegalimassilia spp., through the utilization of bioactive substances such as flavonoids. In conclusion, it might be said that using TA as a supplementary product might help ameliorate the infected gut, promote the healthy gut, and relieve the undesirable effects of medicines on the gastrointestinal system.
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Li C, Wang M, Chen X, Chen W. Taraxasterol ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced murine colitis via improving intestinal barrier and modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:340-349. [PMID: 35538040 PMCID: PMC9827818 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022019] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Taraxasterol (TAX) has been proven to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of TAX on intestinal barrier and the diversity, structure, and function of gut microbiota have yet to be elucidated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Our objectives are to evaluate the effect of TAX on intestinal barrier and its impact on gut microbiota. Herein, immunofluorescence analysis is conducted to determine the expressions of tight junction (ZO-1) and mucin (Mucin-2) proteins. The abundance, diversity, and function of fecal colonies are investigated by using 16S rDNA sequencing, and the influence of TAX on the gut microbiota in mice is also analyzed. Our results suggest that TAX attenuates the symptoms in DSS-induced colitis mice by reducing the DAI score, increasing colon length, alleviating histopathological damage of colon tissues, and improving intestinal barrier. 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal samples indicates that TAX intervention has a regulatory effect on DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis at different taxonomic levels. TAX increases microbial diversity that is reduced by DSS. It normalizes the relative abundance of and the ratio of /. In addition, treatment with TAX has a better effect on the function of metabolisms, such as nucleotide, lipid, and bile acid metabolism. These findings suggest that TAX may be a good candidate for the remission of colitis, which is related to improving intestinal barrier and modulating gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan250014China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan250014China
| | - Xiqi Chen
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan250014China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of GastroenterologyShuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China,Correspondence address. Tel: +86-18217789965; E-mail:
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Promising Antiviral Activity of Agrimonia pilosa Phytochemicals against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Supported with In Vivo Mice Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121313. [PMID: 34959713 PMCID: PMC8709118 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has focused the entire world’s attention toward searching for a potential remedy for this disease. Thus, we investigated the antiviral activity of Agrimonia pilosa ethanol extract (APEE) against SARS-CoV-2 and it exhibited a potent antiviral activity with IC50 of 1.1 ± 0.03 µg/mL. Its mechanism of action was elucidated, and it exhibited a virucidal activity and an inhibition of viral adsorption. Moreover, it presented an immunomodulatory activity as it decreased the upregulation of gene expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical fingerprint of APEE was conducted using LC-ESI-MS/MS technique for the first time. We detected 81 compounds and most of them belong to the flavonoid and coumarin classes. Interestingly, isoflavonoids, procyanidins, and anthocyanins were detected for the first time in A. pilosa. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was evidenced in DPPH (IC50 62.80 µg/mL) and ABTS (201.49 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/mg) radical scavenging, FRAP (60.84 mg TE/mg), and ORAC (306.54 mg TE/g) assays. Furthermore, the protective effect of APEE was investigated in Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Lung W/D ratio, serum IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, HO-1, Caspase-1, caspase-3, TLR-4 expression, TAC, NO, MPO activity, and histopathological examination of lung tissues were assessed. APEE induced a marked downregulation in all inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, and TLR-4 expression. In addition, it alleviated all histopathological abnormalities confirming the beneficial effects of APEE in ALI. Therefore, APEE could be a potential source for therapeutic compounds that could be investigated, in future preclinical and clinical trials, in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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