1
|
Zhang X, Wu D, Zhang L, Zhang H, Yang L, Wei L, Mei H, Luo L, Jiang Z, Huang C. Predicting the potential mechanism of radix chimonanthi pracecocis in treating osteoarthritis by network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118231. [PMID: 38718891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix Chimonanthi Pracecocis (RCP), also known as Tiekuaizi, widely used by the Miao community in Guizhou, exhibits diverse biological activities and holds promise for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is a lack of contemporary pharmacological research in this area. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the potential of targets and mechanisms of RCP in the treatment of OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical components of RCP were identified using UPLC-MS/MS, and active components were determined based on the Lipinski rule. RCP and OA-related targets were retrieved from public databases such as TCMSP and GeneCards. Network pharmacology approaches were employed to identify key genes. The limma package (version 3.40.2) in R 4.3.2 was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OA and healthy individuals in GSE82107. DEGs were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and receiver operating characteristic analysis in GraphPad Prism 9.5.1. Additionally, molecular docking (SYBYL2.1.1) was used to analyze the binding interactions between the active components and target proteins. Finally, we established a papain-induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model and treated it with RCP aqueous extract by gavage. We validated relevant indicators using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Seven active components and 53 targets were identified. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses confirmed the significant role of RCP in the regulation of pyroptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was identified as a key gene involved in the main biological functions. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Praecoxin, Isofraxidin, Esculin, and Naringenin can bind to the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) (T-Score >5). Additionally, Praecoxin can bind to HIF-1α (T-Score >5). In vivo experiments demonstrated that RCP significantly affects the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is regulated by the HIF-1α pathway. RCP inhibited pyroptosis and reduced synovial inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the efficacy of RCP aqueous extract in the treatment of OA and identified seven active components (esculin, dihydrokaempferol, naringenin, praecoxin, carnosol, hydroxyvalerenic acid, isofraxidin) that may play an anti-pyroptosis role in the treatment of OA by downregulating the expression of HIF-1α and NLRP3 inflammasome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Dongwen Wu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lukai Zhang
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan District Chinese Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 311200, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Li Wei
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Huimin Mei
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liying Luo
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Zong Jiang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China; Anshun Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anshun, 561000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Q, Wu C, Tan X, Li C, Liu Y, Hu S. Homocysteine Facilitates the Formation of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Through Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Mechanisms. Metab Syndr Relat Disord 2024; 22:365-371. [PMID: 38422209 DOI: 10.1089/met.2023.0293] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) was considered a significant risk factor in the development and progression of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), which involves a combination of inflammatory and noninflammatory mechanisms. However, epidemiological surveys have presented conflicting results. In this study, we aim to offer an epidemiological viewpoint on how elevated Hcy impacts CAS and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured to assess the inflammatory status. The estimation of CAS events was performed by assessing carotid intima-media thickness using Doppler ultrasonography. Univariate analysis was conducted to investigate the variations in biochemical parameters among three groups: normal, carotid atherosclerotic thickening (CAT), and carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) formation. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the progression of CAT and CAP. In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent factors that correlated with hsCRP levels. Results: The study encompassed 3897 participants, with 2992 (76.8%) being males and 905 (23.2%) being females. The incidence of CAT and CAP rose with higher Hcy levels, with an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.04 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.69-2.40] for CAT and 2.68 (95% CI 2.32-3.05) for CAP. After adjusting for gender, age, and blood markers, the OR for CAT and CAP decreased, with an overall OR of 1.05 (95% CI 0.81-1.28) and OR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.02-1.46), respectively. CAP risk independently increased when Hcy level exceeded 19.7 μmol/L (P = 0.030), but not CAT risk (P = 0.299). The impact of hsCRP on CAS events is similar to that of Hcy, and a multiple linear analysis found a significant independent correlation between hsCRP and Hcy (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated Hcy levels can facilitate the formation of CAP through both inflammatory and noninflammatory processes, but it does not independently influence CAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunxi Wu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Tan
- Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Can Li
- Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Shixia Hu
- Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khojali WMA, Khalifa NE, Alshammari F, Afsar S, Aboshouk NAM, Khalifa AAS, Enrera JA, Elafandy NM, Abdalla RAH, Ali OHH, Syed RU, Nagaraju P. Pyroptosis-related non-coding RNAs emerging players in atherosclerosis pathology. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 255:155219. [PMID: 38401375 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Globally, atherosclerosis a persistent inflammatory condition of the artery walls continues to be the primary cause of cardiovascular illness and death. The ncRNAs are important regulators of important signalling pathways that affect pyroptosis and the inflammatory environment in atherosclerotic plaques. Comprehending the complex interaction between pyroptosis and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offers fresh perspectives on putative therapeutic targets for ameliorating cardiovascular problems linked to atherosclerosis. The discovery of particular non-coding RNA signatures linked to the advancement of atherosclerosis could lead to the creation of novel biomarkers for risk assessment and customised treatment approaches. A thorough investigation of the regulatory networks regulated by these non-coding RNAs has been made possible by the combination of cutting-edge molecular methods and bioinformatics tools. Studying pyroptosis-related ncRNAs in detail appears to be a promising way to advance our understanding of disease pathophysiology and develop focused therapeutic methods as we work to unravel the complex molecular tapestry of atherosclerosis. This review explores the emerging significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of pyroptosis and their consequential impact on atherosclerosis pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weam M A Khojali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman 14415, Republic of the Sudan
| | - Nasrin E Khalifa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Republic of the Sudan
| | - Farhan Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - S Afsar
- Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh 517502, India.
| | - Nayla Ahmed Mohammed Aboshouk
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amna Abakar Suleiman Khalifa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jerlyn Apatan Enrera
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nancy Mohammad Elafandy
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Randa Abdeen Husien Abdalla
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Hafiz Haj Ali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahamat Unissa Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Potnuri Nagaraju
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Mandesh Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research Center, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Al-Jipouri A, Eritja À, Bozic M. Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:485. [PMID: 38203656 PMCID: PMC10779093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from various cell types that have emerged as powerful new therapeutic option for a variety of diseases. EVs are involved in the transmission of biological signals between cells and in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, highlighting them as potential novel targets/platforms for therapeutics intervention and/or delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new aspects of EVs' biogenesis, biodistribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as safety/compatibility of both unmodified and engineered EVs upon administration in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of essential physiological and pathological roles of EVs in different organs and organ systems. We provide an overview regarding application of EVs as therapeutic targets, therapeutics, and drug delivery platforms. We also explore various approaches implemented over the years to improve the dosage of specific EV products for different administration routes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al-Jipouri
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Àuria Eritja
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Milica Bozic
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Du Y, Wu L, Wang L, Reiter RJ, Lip GYH, Ren J. Extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases: From pathophysiology to diagnosis and therapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 74:40-55. [PMID: 37798169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.09.006] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), encompassing exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies (ABs), are cell-derived heterogeneous nanoparticles with a pivotal role in intercellular communication. EVs are enclosed by a lipid-bilayer membrane to escape enzymatic degradation. EVs contain various functional molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and metabolites) which can be transferred from donor cells to recipient cells. EVs provide many advantages including accessibility, modifiability and easy storage, stability, biocompatibility, heterogeneity and they readily penetrate through biological barriers, making EVs ideal and promising candidates for diagnosis/prognosis biomarkers and therapeutic tools. Recently, EVs were implicated in both physiological and pathophysiological settings of cardiovascular system through regulation of cell-cell communication. Numerous studies have reported a role for EVs in the pathophysiological progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and have evaluated the utility of EVs for the diagnosis/prognosis and therapeutics of CVDs. In this review, we summarize the biology of EVs, evaluate the perceived biological function of EVs in different CVDs along with a consideration of recent progress for the application of EVs in diagnosis/prognosis and therapies of CVDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Du
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Litao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
An C, Sun F, Liu C, Huang S, Xu T, Zhang C, Ge S. IQGAP1 promotes mitochondrial damage and activation of the mtDNA sensor cGAS-STING pathway to induce endothelial cell pyroptosis leading to atherosclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110795. [PMID: 37597406 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most common cardiovascular disease and has limited therapeutic options. IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is an important scaffolding protein regulating mitochondrial function influencing endothelial cell activity. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial damage can lead to leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm to activate the DNA sensor cGAS-STING to mediate pyroptosis. However, whether IQGAP1 induces NLRP3-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis by regulating mitochondrial function and activating the DNA sensor cGAS-STING, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In vivo, ApoE-/- C57BL/J and Ldlr-/- C57BL/J mice were pre-injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) by the tail vein to specifically silence IQGAP1 expression and were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. IQGAP1 knockdown reduced mtDNA release and decreased the expression of DNA receptors and pyroptosis-related molecules as determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro, palmitic acid (0.3 mmol/L) was incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for 24 h. Overexpression of IQGAP1 in HUVECs, flow cytometry, and mitochondrial superoxide staining revealed increased levels of ROS. Moreover, the mitochondrial tracker with dsDNA co-localization showed the release of mtDNA into the cytoplasm increased, which activated the DNA receptor cGAS-STING. Protein blotting and TUNEL staining revealed that IQGAP1 promoted NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, cGAS or STING small-molecule inhibitors RU.521 or C-176 reverse IQGAP1-promoted HUVECs from undergoing NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggest that IQGAP1 promotes oxidative stress and mtDNA release, activates the DNA sensor cGAS-STING, and leads to NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. The present study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying AS and identifies new pharmacological targets for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng An
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Shaojun Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Chengxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
| | - Shenglin Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu Z, Yin J, Tang Z, Hu T, Wang Z, Chen Y, Liu T, Zhang W. Non-coding RNAs are key players and promising therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237941. [PMID: 37719883 PMCID: PMC10502512 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in humans. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most common CVD and a major cause of many CVD-related fatalities. AS has numerous risk factors and complex pathogenesis, and while it has long been a research focus, most mechanisms underlying its progression remain unknown. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an important focus in epigenetics studies and are critical biological regulators that form a complex network of gene regulation. Abnormal ncRNA expression disrupts the normal function of tissues or cells, leading to disease development. A large body of evidence suggests that ncRNAs are involved in all stages of atherosclerosis, from initiation to progression, and that some are significantly differentially expressed during AS development, suggesting that they may be powerful markers for screening AS or potential treatment targets. Here, we review the role of ncRNAs in AS development and recent developments in the use of ncRNAs for AS-targeted therapy, providing evidence for ncRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhun Yu
- School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - JinZhu Yin
- Cardiology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - ZhiTong Tang
- Department of Massage, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Internal Medicine of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - ZhuoEr Wang
- School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Cardiology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Tianjia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Orthopedics Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|