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Chen Z, Ding W, Yang X, Lu T, Liu Y. Isoliquiritigenin, a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117059. [PMID: 37604329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice is a medicinal herb with a 2000-year history of applications in traditional Chinese medicine. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a bioactive chalcone compound isolated from licorice. It has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its excellent anti-inflammatory activity. AIM OF THE STUDY This study is to provide a comprehensive summary of the anti-inflammatory activity of ISL and the underlying molecular mechanisms, and discuss new insights for its potential clinical applications as an anti-inflammation agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined literatures published in the past twenty years from PubMed, Research Gate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SciFinder, with single or combined key words of "isoliquiritigenin", "inflammation", and "anti-inflammatory". RESULTS ISL elicits its anti-inflammatory activity by mediating various cellular processes. It inhibits the upstream of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and activates the nuclear factor erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In addition, it suppresses the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway and restrains the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. CONCLUSIONS Current studies indicate a great therapeutical potential of ISL as a drug candidate for treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics, biosafety, and bioavailability of ISL remain to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tiangong Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Zhang Z, Deng S, Shi Q. Isoliquiritigenin attenuates high glucose-induced proliferation, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition in glomerular mesangial cells by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:123-131. [PMID: 37368032 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on high glucose (HG)-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and inflammation, and the underlying mechanisms. Mouse GMCs (SV40-MES-13) were cultured in HG medium, with or without ISL. The proliferation of GMCs was determined by MTT assay. The production of proinflammatory cytokines was detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), TGF-β1, collagen IV, and fibronectin was measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. The phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was examined by western blot. Next, JAK2 inhibitor AG490 was applied to HG-exposed GMCs. The levels of JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and pro-fibrotic markers were analyzed by western blot, and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β was evaluated by ELISA. GMCs were treated with HG, HG plus ISL or HG plus ISL, and recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) which is a JAK2 activator. The levels of JAK2/STAT3 activation, ECM formation, and proinflammatory cytokines secretion were determined by western blot and ELISA, respectively. In mouse GMCs, ISL successfully repressed HG-induced hyperproliferation; production of TNF-α and IL-1β; expression of CTGF, TGF-β1, collagen IV, and fibronectin; and activation of JAK2/STAT3. Similar to ISL, AG490 was able to reverse the inflammation and ECM generation caused by HG. Moreover, rIL-6 impeded the amelioration of ISL on HG-induced adverse effects. Our study demonstrated that ISL displayed preventive effects on HG-exposed GMCs through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway and provided an insight into the application of ISL for diabetic nephropathy (DN) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyuan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shufen Deng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiwen Shi
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Hung SY, Chen JL, Tu YK, Tsai HY, Lu PH, Jou IM, Mbuyisa L, Lin MW. Isoliquiritigenin inhibits apoptosis and ameliorates oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis chondrocytes through the Nrf2/HO-1-mediated pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116006. [PMID: 38091640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition known for its irreversible destructive impact on the joints. Chondrocytes play a pivotal role in the production and maintenance of the cartilage matrix. However, the presence of inflammatory cytokines can hinder chondrocyte proliferation and promote apoptosis. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid, potentially exerts protective effects against various inflammatory diseases. However, its specific role in regulating the nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in chondrocytes in RA remains unclear. To investigate this, this study used human chondrocytes and Sprague-Dawley rats to construct in vitro and in vivo RA models, respectively. The study findings reveal that cytokines markedly induced oxidative stress, the activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, ISL treatment significantly mitigated these effects. Moreover, Nrf2 or HO-1 inhibitors reversed the protective effects of ISL, attenuated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator-1α, and promoted chondrocyte apoptosis. This finding indicates that ISL primarily targets the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in RA chondrocytes. Moreover, ISL treatment led to improved behavior scores, reduced paw thickness, and mitigated joint damage as well as ameliorated oxidative stress in skeletal muscles in an RA rat model. In conclusion, this study highlights the pivotal role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the protective effects of ISL and demonstrates the potential of ISL as a treatment option for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ya Hung
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Division of Surgery, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Lung Chen
- Department of Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Kun Tu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital/ E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital/ E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - I-Ming Jou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Lulekiwe Mbuyisa
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lin
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital/ E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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4
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Yuan Hsieh DJ, Islam MN, Kuo WW, Shibu MA, Lai CH, Lin PY, Lin SZ, Chen MYC, Huang CY. A combination of isoliquiritigenin with Artemisia argyi and Ohwia caudata water extracts attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathways in SD rats with doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:3026-3042. [PMID: 37661764 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Ohwia caudata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi (Leguminosae) also called as "Evergreen shrub" and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (Compositae) also named as "Chinese mugwort" those two-leaf extracts frequently used as herbal medicine, especially in south east Asia and eastern Asia. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used as effective chemotherapeutic drugs in anticancer therapy around the world. However, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are seen in patients who receive DOX therapy, with the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiac toxicity remaining unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocytes have been shown to play crucial roles in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL, 10 mg/kg) is a bioactive flavonoid compound with protective effects against inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. Here, in this study, our aim is to find out the Artemisia argyi (AA) and Ohwia caudata (OC) leaf extract combination with Isoliquiritigenin in potentiating and complementing effect against chemo drug side effect to ameliorate cardiac damage and improve the cardiac function. In this study, we showed that a combination of low (AA 300 mg/kg; OC 100 mg/kg) and high-dose(AA 600 mg/kg; OC 300 mg/kg) AA and OC water extract with ISL activated the cell survival-related AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in DOX-treated cardiac tissue leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant markers SOD, HO-1, and Keap-1 and regulated mitochondrial dysfunction through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the water extract of AA and OC with ISL inhibited the inflammatory response genes IL-6 and IL-1β, possibly through the NFκB/AKT/PI3K/p38α/NRLP3 signaling pathways. The water extract of AA and OC with ISL could be a potential herbal drug treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory disease, and apoptosis, which can lead to sudden heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jine Yuan Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Md Nazmul Islam
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondria Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Biotechnology Industry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Chin-Hu Lai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Force General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
- National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Yu Lin
- Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Michael Yu-Chih Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondria Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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Wu X, Wei J, Yi Y, Gong Q, Gao J. Activation of Nrf2 signaling: A key molecular mechanism of protection against cardiovascular diseases by natural products. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1057918. [PMID: 36569290 PMCID: PMC9772885 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1057918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of cardiac and vascular disorders including myocardial ischemia, congenital heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. Despite considerable progress in prophylaxis and treatment options, CVDs remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and impose an extremely high socioeconomic burden. Oxidative stress (OS) caused by disequilibrium in the generation of reactive oxygen species plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CVDs. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor of endogenous antioxidant defense systems against OS, is considered an ideal therapeutic target for management of CVDs. Increasingly, natural products have emerged as a potential source of Nrf2 activators with cardioprotective properties and may therefore provide a novel therapeutic tool for CVD. Here, we present an updated comprehensive summary of naturally occurring products with cardioprotective properties that exert their effects by suppression of OS through activation of Nrf2 signaling, with the aim of providing useful insights for the development of therapeutic strategies exploiting natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jiajia Wei
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qihai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianmei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,*Correspondence: Jianmei Gao,
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Paeoniflorin Protects H9c2 Cardiomyocytes against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Induced Injury via Regulating the AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7667770. [PMID: 36276847 PMCID: PMC9584672 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7667770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR) injury contributes to the exacerbation of heart disease by causing cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and even sudden death. Studies have found that paeoniflorin (PF) has a protective effect on coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the mechanism of PF in MIR has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional role of PF in H9c2 cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Here, PF treatment enhanced cell viability in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. In H9c2 cells, PF treatment reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H/R. In H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells, PF also increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, PF protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced apoptosis, as demonstrated by increased Bcl-2 expression, decreased Bax expression, and decreased caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, PF increased the levels of p-AMPK and nuclear Nrf2 expression in response to H/R stimulation. AMPK inhibition, on the other hand, abolished the PF-mediated increase in Nrf2 signaling and the cardiac-protective effect in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. These data suggest that PF protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis through modulating the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings support the therapeutic potential of PF in myocardial I/R damage.
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Wang H, Tian Y, Zhang Q, Liu W, Meng L, Jiang X, Xin Y. Essential role of Nrf2 in sulforaphane-induced protection against angiotensin II-induced aortic injury. Life Sci 2022; 306:120780. [PMID: 35839861 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the primary factors underlying angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced aortic damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important antioxidative stress factor. Sulforaphane (SFN), which is naturally found in cruciferous vegetables, is an Nrf2 agonist that is safe for oral administration. Here, we aimed to explore the potential of SFN in protecting against Ang II-induced aortic damage by upregulating Nrf2 expression via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β)/Fyn pathway. MAIN METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J and Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice were injected with Ang II to induce aortic inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiac remodeling (increased fibrosis and wall thickness). SFN treatment prevented aortic damage via Nrf2 activation in the WT mice. However, the protective effect of SFN on Ang II-induced aortic damage and upregulation of genes downstream of Nrf2 were not observed in Nrf2-KO mice. SFN induced the upregulation of aortic Nrf2 and inhibited the accumulation of ERK, GSK-3β, and Fyn in the nuclei. SIGNIFICANCE These results revealed that Nrf2 plays a central role in protecting against Ang II-induced aortic injury. Furthermore, SFN prevented Ang II-induced aortic damage by activating Nrf2 through the ERK/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Qihe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Wenyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Xin Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Sun J, Zhang Q, Yang G, Li Y, Fu Y, Zheng Y, Jiang X. The licorice flavonoid isoliquiritigenin attenuates Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced inflammation through Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115368. [PMID: 35589023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Glycyrrhiza is a small perennial herb that has been traditionally used to treat many diseases across the world. Licorice (Gancao in Chinese) is the dried root and rhizome of G. glabra, G. uralensis or G. inflata. Licorice plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is the most frequently used in Chinese herbal formulas. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid extracted from licorice, and has been evaluated for its various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activities. Excessive and persistent inflammation in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is not conducive to the elimination of Mtb, but contributes to serious pulmonary dysfunction. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ISL in the Mtb infection. METHODS In vitro models of Mtb-infected macrophages were established. Murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells and primary peritoneal macrophages were used in this study. Cell viability was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The effects of ISL on the secretion levels of interleukin -1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), and interleukin -6 (IL-6) were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were measured by the real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Western blot was used to assess the effects of ISL on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence assays was used to detected the translocation of phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB. RESULTS It was revealed that ISL inhibited the secretion of IL-1β and the activation of pore-forming protein (gasdermin D, GSDMD) by suppressing the activation of NLPR3 inflammasome induced by Mtb infection. ISL was also shown to have promising inhibitory effects on inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX2. Regarding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ISL, it was found that ISL exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION ISL reduced Mtb-induced inflammation through the Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. ISL might be used as a potential adjuvant drug to treat tuberculosis by adjusting host immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Sun
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China; Department of Inspection and Quarantine, School of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guizhen Yang
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yinhong Li
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan Fu
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yuejuan Zheng
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Xin Jiang
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, PR China.
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Awad EM, Ahmed ASF, El-Daly M, Amin AH, El-Tahawy NFG, Wagdy A, Hollenberg MD, Taye A. Dihydromyricetin protects against high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction: Role of HIF-1α/ROR2/NF-κB. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113308. [PMID: 35752009 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid isolated from vine tea with anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated for its ability to prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by hyperglycaemia. METHODS Vasoconstrictor (phenylephrine-PE) and vasodilator (acetylcholine-ACh) responses were monitored for female rat aorta rings maintained in a bioassay organ bath for 3 h at 37 °C in either low (LG: 10 mM) or high (HG: 40 mM, to mimic hyperglycaemia) glucose-Krebs buffer in the absence or presence of 50 µM DHM. Tissues recovered from the organ bath at 3 h were fixed and analyzed for morphological changes and their expression of eNOS, iNOS, HIF-1α, GLUT1, ROR2 tyrosine kinase, NF-κB, TNF-α, Bax, Bcl2, caspase-3, and forindices of increased oxidative stress. KEY FINDINGS HG-incubated tissues showed increased PE-stimulated contractile response and decreased ACh-mediated endothelial vasodilation. DHM prevented both of these changes. Besides, HG incubation increased the immunoreactivity to iNOS, HIF-1α, GLUT1, ROR2, NF-κB, TNF-α, Bax, and active caspase-3, and decreased the expression of eNOS and Bcl2. Hyperglycaemia-like conditions also increased the indices of oxidative/nitrosative stress. These HG-induced changes, which were accompanied by an increase in tissue adventitial thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, were all prevented by DHM. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate an anti-inflammatory protective action of DHM to preserve vascular function in the setting of hyperglycaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Awad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Al-Shaimaa F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud El-Daly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa F G El-Tahawy
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - AlShimaa Wagdy
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ashraf Taye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
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El-Sherbiny M, El-Shafey M, Said E, Shaker GA, El-Dosoky M, Ebrahim HA, Abed SY, Ibraheem KM, Mohsen Faheem A, AlMutawa M, Alatawi B, Elsherbiny NM. Dapagliflozin, Liraglutide, and Their Combination Attenuate Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Hepato-Renal Injury—Insight into Oxidative Injury/Inflammation/Apoptosis Modulation. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050764. [PMID: 35629430 PMCID: PMC9144980 DOI: 10.3390/life12050764] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aim to explore the beneficial therapeutic impacts of dapagliflozin (Dapa), a highly potent, reversible, and selective sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, and liraglutide (Lira), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, as hypoglycaemic agents for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as their combination against DM-induced complications, including hepato-renal injury. Indeed, the progression of DM was found to be associated with significant hepatic and renal injury, as confirmed by the elevated biochemical indices of hepatic and renal functions, as well as histopathological examination. Dapa, Lira, and their combination effectively attenuated DM-induced hepatic and renal injury, as confirmed by the recovery of hepatic and renal functional biomarkers. The administration of both drugs significantly reduced the tissue contents of MDA and restored the contents of GSH and catalase activity. Moreover, NF-κB and TNF-α expression at the protein and gene levels was significantly reduced in the liver and the kidney. This was in parallel with the significant reduction in the caspase-3 content in the liver and the kidney, as well as suppressed cleaved caspase-3 expression in the hepatic and renal specimens, as confirmed by immune–histochemical analysis. Notably, the combined Dapa/Lira treatment demonstrated an additive superior hepato-renal protective impact compared with the use of either drug alone. Thus, it appears that Dapa and Lira, through the coordinated modulation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic signalling, confer a significant hepato-renal protective impact against DM-induced complications and tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, P.O. Box 71666, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia; (M.E.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed El-Shafey
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- Physiological Sciences Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Said
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura 7723730, Egypt
| | - Gehan Ahmed Shaker
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed El-Dosoky
- Department of Neuroscience Technology, College of Applied Medical Science in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Jubail 34221, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hasnaa Ali Ebrahim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sally Yussef Abed
- Department of Respiratory Care, College of Applied Medical Science in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Jubail 35811, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khalid M. Ibraheem
- Department of Anaesthesia Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Jubail 35811, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Mohsen Faheem
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Muntazar AlMutawa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, P.O. Box 71666, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia; (M.E.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Bayader Alatawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nehal M. Elsherbiny
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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Yao D, Shi B, Wang S, Bao L, Tan M, Shen H, Zhang Z, Pan X, Yang Y, Wu Y, Gong K. Isoliquiritigenin Ameliorates Ischemia-Induced Myocardial Injury via Modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Mice. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:1273-1287. [PMID: 35517984 PMCID: PMC9064455 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s362754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction play critical roles in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid monomer extracted from licorice, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cancer studies. Here, we tested the effect and underlying mechanisms of ISL on ischemia-induced myocardial injury in a mouse AMI model. Methods Adult C57BL/6 mice were pre-treated by intraperitoneal injection of ISL and/or a specific nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor ML385 for 3 days, respectively. Then, the AMI model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Myocardial oxidative stress status, inflammatory response, cardiac function and infarction size were assessed after 7th day of surgery. Results Compared with sham group, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in AMI group were significantly increased. However, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level were dramatically decreased. ISL treatment significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, improved cardiac function, inhibited the production of ROS and MDA and reduced the consumption of SOD and GSH-Px. Interestingly, ISL could significantly increase nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) level in the infarcted myocardium and reduce the oxidative stress after AMI. Also, ISL treatment dramatically inhibited the activation of myocardial NF-κB pathway and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the AMI group. However, the administration of ML385 not only suppressed the Nrf2/HO-1 activation, the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects induced by ISL, but also attenuated the beneficial role of ISL on reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function in the mouse with AMI. Conclusion The results suggested that activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway has an essential role in ISL-induced cardiac protection by alleviating myocardial oxidative stress and inflammation response in mice with AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshan Yao
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Shi
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, People's Republic of China
| | - Sichuan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuxiang Bao
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tan
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Pan
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaizheng Gong
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine for the Control of Geriatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
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LC/ESI/TOF-MS Characterization, Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth Extract in Diabetic Rats. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072208. [PMID: 35408607 PMCID: PMC9000756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the attenuative effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract from Mitragyna speciosa (MSE) against diabetes-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors were examined. In addition, UPLC/ESI/TOF-MS analysis was performed to identify the phytochemical nature of MSE. DM was induced using a combination of high fructose/streptozotocin, and the diabetic rats were treated with MSE (50 and 200 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. After treatment, the animals were subjected to a forced swim test, open field test and elevated plus-maze tests. Additionally, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the brain tissues of the rats. UPLC/ESI/TOF-MS analysis revealed that MSE is abundantly rich in polyphenolic constituents, notably flavonoid and phenolic glycosides. Behavioral tests and biochemical analyses indicated that diabetic rats showed significantly increased anxiety and depressive-like behavioral deficits, brain oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Treatment with MSE (50 and 200 mg/kg) significantly attenuated increased blood glucose level, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in diabetic rats. Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes activities were markedly increased in MSE-treated animals, while TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines were notably suppressed. Taken together, these results suggested that MSE has potentials as antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects and improves the brain oxido-inflammatory status in diabetic rats.
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