Protective effects of scutellarin and breviscapine on brain and heart ischemia in rats

Mechanism of scutellarin inhibition of astrocyte activation to type A1 after ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of scutellarin on the activation of astrocytes into the A1 type following cerebral ischemia and to explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

In vivo, a mouse middle cerebral artery wire embolism model was established to observe the regulation of astrocyte activation to A1 type by scutellarin, and the effects on neurological function and brain infarct volume. In vitro, primary astrocytes were cultured to establish an oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the mRNA and protein expression of C3, a specific marker of A1-type astrocytes pretreated with scutellarin, were examined. The neurons were cultured in vitro to detect the toxic effects of ischemia-hypoxia-activated A1 astrocyte secretion products on neurons, and to observe whether scutellarin could reduce the neurotoxicity of A1 astrocytes. To validate the signaling pathway-related proteins regulated by scutellarin on C3 expression in astrocytes.

RESULTS

The results showed that scutellarin treatment reduced the volume of cerebral infarcts and attenuated neurological deficits in mice caused by middle cerebral artery embolism. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that treatment with scutellarin down-regulated middle cerebral artery embolism and OGD/R up-regulated A1-type astrocyte marker C3. The secretory products of ischemia-hypoxia-activated A1-type astrocytes were toxic to neurons and induced an increase in neuronal apoptosis, and astrocytes treated with scutellarin reduced the toxic effects on neurons. Further study revealed that scutellarin inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and thus inhibited the activation of astrocytes to A1 type.

Quantitative proteomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the response mechanism of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to o-coumaric acid stress

O-coumaric acid (OCA), as a significant phenolic allelochemical found in hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), that can hinder the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly the growth of alfalfa roots. Nonetheless, the mechanism by which OCA inhibits alfalfa root growth remains unclear. In this study, a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based quantitative proteomics analysis was carried out to identify differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) under OCA treatment. The findings indicated that 680 proteins were DAPs in comparison to the control group. Of those, 333 proteins were up-regulated while 347 proteins were down-regulated. The enrichment analysis unveiled the significance of these DAPs in multiple biological and molecular processes, particularly in ribosome, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. The majority of DAPs reside in the cytoplasm (36.62%), nucleus (20.59%) and extracellular space (14.12%). In addition, phenylalanine deaminase was identified as a potential chemical-induced regulation target associated with plant lignin formation. DAPs were mainly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, which were related to plant root size. Using the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS technique and database, a total of 87 flavonoid metabolites were discovered. The metabolites were predominantly enriched for biosynthesizing naringenin chalcone, which was linked to plant lignin formation, aligning with the enrichment outcomes of DAPs. Consequently, it was deduced that OCA impacted the structure of cell walls by mediating the synthesis of lignin in alfalfa roots, subsequently inducing wilt. Furthermore, a range of proteins have been identified as potential candidates for the breeding of alfalfa strains with enhanced stress tolerance.

Neuroprotective strategies for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: Current status and challenges

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a prominent contributor to both immediate mortality and long-term impairment in newborns. The elusive nature of the underlying mechanisms responsible for neonatal HIBD presents a significant obstacle in the effective clinical application of numerous pharmaceutical interventions. This comprehensive review aims to concentrate on the potential neuroprotective agents that have demonstrated efficacy in addressing various pathogenic factors associated with neonatal HIBD, encompassing oxidative stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the precise molecular pathways by which these drugs elicit neuroprotective effects in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBD). Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neonatal HIBD in animal experiments, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the feasibility of clinical translation and establishing a solid theoretical foundation for the clinical management of neonatal HIBD.

Identification of m6A methylation-related genes in cerebral ischaemia‒reperfusion of Breviscapus therapy based on bioinformatics methods

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischaemia‒reperfusion (I/R) frequently causes late-onset neuronal damage. Breviscapine promotes autophagy in microvascular endothelial cells in I/R and can inhibit oxidative damage and apoptosis. However, the mediation mechanism of breviscapine on neuronal cell death is unclear.

METHODS

First, transcriptome sequencing was performed on three groups of mice: the neuronal normal group (Control group), the oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation group (OGD/R group) and the breviscapine administration group (Therapy group). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the OGD/R and control groups and between the Therapy and OGD/R groups were obtained by the limma package. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-related DEGs were selected by Pearson correlation analysis. Then, prediction and confirmation of drug targets were performed by Swiss Target Prediction and UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) database, and key genes were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis between m6A-related DEGs and drug target genes. Next, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were used to obtain the pathways of key genes. Finally, a circRNA-miRNA‒mRNA network was constructed based on the mRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs.

RESULTS

A total of 2250 DEGs between the OGD/R and control groups and 757 DEGs between the Therapy and OGD/R groups were selected by differential analysis. A total of 7 m6A-related DEGs, including Arl4d, Gm10653, Gm1113, Kcns3, Olfml2a, Stk26 and Tfcp2l1, were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis. Four key genes (Tfcp2l1, Kcns3, Olfml2a and Arl4d) were acquired, and GSEA showed that these key genes significantly participated in DNA repair, e2f targets and the g2m checkpoint. IPA revealed that Tfcp2l1 played a significant role in human embryonic stem cell pluripotency. The circRNA-miRNA‒mRNA network showed that mmu_circ_0001258 regulated Tfcp2l1 by mmu-miR-301b-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, four key genes, Tfcp2l1, Kcns3, Olfml2a and Arl4d, significantly associated with the treatment of OGD/R by breviscapine were identified, which provides a theoretical basis for clinical trials.

Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Natural Compounds in Diet-Associated Hepatic Inflammation

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and are increasingly emerging as a global health problem. Such disorders can lead to liver damage, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of infiltrating immune cells. These are some of the common features of ALD progression in ASH (alcoholic steatohepatitis) and NAFLD to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Hepatic steatosis, followed by fibrosis, lead to a continuous progression accompanied by angiogenesis. This process creates hypoxia, which activates vascular factors, initiating pathological angiogenesis and further fibrosis. This forms a vicious cycle of ongoing damage and progression. This condition further exacerbates liver injury and may contribute to the development of comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that anti-angiogenic therapy may have beneficial effects on these hepatic disorders and their exacerbation. Therefore, there is a great interest to deepen the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of natural anti-angiogenic products that could both prevent and control liver diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of major natural anti-angiogenic compounds against steatohepatitis and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of liver inflammation caused by an imbalanced diet.

Scutellarein treats neuroblastoma by regulating the expression of multiple targets

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scutellarein on the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells and the underlying mechanism. Six cell lines were used with drug intervention. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to select the best, namely, SH-SY5Y, and then its IC50 value was determined. To further investigate the mechanism of scutellarin affecting SH-SY5Y proliferation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of 11 factors. Scutellarin administration with 300 μM significantly reduced the number of SH-SY5Y, especially on the 3rd day of exposure to scutellarin. The IC50 value of scutellarin in SH-SY5Y cells was determined to be 117.8 μM. But the practical results showed that 300 μM was the optimal concentration of scutellarin. qRT-PCR further detected upregulated maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), oncogene c-Fos (c-FOS), and c-jun and downregulated M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), non-SMC Condensin I Complex Subunit H (NCAPH), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and TGF-α, suggesting that scutellarin with 300 μM volume inhibited the survival of SH-SY5Y by regulating the expression of these 8 factors. Scutellarin could be a novel drug for the treatment of neuroblastoma, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulated levels of MEG3, c-FOS, and c-jun and downregulated the expression of PKM2, NCAPH, EGFR, TGF-β1, and TGF-α.

Scutellarin Alleviates Ischemic Brain Injury in the Acute Phase by Affecting the Activity of Neurotransmitters in Neurons

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a common neuron loss disease that is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain. In order to enhance the CIS outcome, both identifying the treatment target of ischemic brain damage in the acute phase and developing effective therapies are urgently needed. Scutellarin had been found to be beneficial to ischemic injuries and has been shown to have potent effects in clinical application on both stroke and myocardial infarction. However, whether scutellarin improves ischemic brain damage in the acute phase remains unknown. In this study, the protective effects of scutellarin on ischemic brain damage in the acute phase (within 12 h) were illustrated. In middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) modeling rats, the Z-Longa score was significantly down-regulated by 25% and 23.1%, and the brain infarct size was reduced by 26.95 ± 0.03% and 25.63 ± 0.02% when responding to high-dose and low-dose scutellarin treatments, respectively. H&E and TUNEL staining results indicated that the neuron loss of the ischemic region was improved under scutellarin treatment. In order to investigate the mechanism of scutellarin's effects on ischemic brain damage in the acute phase, changes in proteins and metabolites were analyzed. The suppression of scutellarin on the glutamate-inducing excitatory amino acid toxicity was strongly indicated in the study of both proteomics and metabolomics. A molecular docking experiment presented strong interactions between scutellarin and glutamate receptors, which score much higher than those of memantine. Further, by performing a parallel reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (PRM-MS) study on both the cortex and hippocampus tissue of the ischemic region, we screened the scutellarin-regulating molecules that are involved in both the release and transportation of neurotransmitters. It was found that the aberrant levels of glutamate receptors, including EAAT2, GRIN1, GRIN2B, and GRM1, as well as of other glutamatergic pathway-involving proteins, including CAMKK2, PSD95, and nNOS, were significantly regulated in the ischemic cortex. In the hippocampus, EAAT2, GRIN1, nNOS, and CAM were significantly regulated. Taken together, scutellarin exerts potent effects on ischemic brain damage in the acute phase by regulating the activity of neurotransmitters and reducing the toxicity of excitatory amino acids in in neurons.

Scutellarin ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion injury‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction via inhibition of the cGAS‑STING pathway

Ischemic heart disease is a common cardiovascular disease. Scutellarin (SCU) exhibits protective effects in ischemic cardiomyocytes; however, to the best of our knowledge, the protective mechanism of SCU remains unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the protective effect of SCU on cardiomyocytes after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanism. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with SCU (20 mg/kg) for 7 days before establishing the heart I/R injury model. Cardiac function was detected using small animal echocardiography, apoptotic cells were visualized using TUNEL staining, the myocardial infarct area was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and the protein levels of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. In in vitro experiments, H9c2 cells were pretreated with SCU, RU.521 (cGAS inhibitor) and H-151 (STING inhibitor), before cell hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. The viability of H9c2 cells was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the rate of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the protein expression levels of cGAS, STING, Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. It was revealed that SCU ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of the cGAS-STING and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathways in I/R-injured mice. It was also observed that SCU significantly increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Furthermore, H/R increased the expression levels of cGAS, STING and cleaved Caspase-3, and decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, which could be reversed by treatment with SCU, RU.521 and H-151. The present study demonstrated that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of the activation of the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway to mediate I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction, which could be ameliorated by SCU treatment.

Scutellarin Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Inhibiting Myocardial Fibrosis, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Rats

The anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent, but its clinical use is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Scutellarin (SCU), a natural polyphenolic flavonoid, is used as a cardioprotective agent for infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study investigated the beneficial effect of SCU on DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity. Rats were injected intraperitoneally (i. p.) with DOX (2.5 mg/kg) twice a week for four weeks and then allowed to rest for two weeks to establish the chronic cardiotoxicity animal model. A dose of 10 mg/kg/day SCU was injected i. p. daily for six weeks to attenuate cardiotoxicity. SCU attenuated DOX-induced elevated oxidative stress levels and cardiac troponin T (cTnT), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS), elevated isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), electrophysiology and histopathological alterations. In addition, SCU significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiac fibrosis and reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, SCU also prevented against DOX-induced apoptosis and autophagy as evidenced by upregulation of Bcl-2, downregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, inhibited the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These results revealed that the cardioprotective effect of SCU on DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity may be attributed to reducing oxidative stress, myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and autophagy.

Scutellarin alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via MAPK/NF-κB pathways in rats

Neuroinflammation contributes to the progression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. Scutellarin (SL) is a glucuronide flavonoid that has apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. It is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanism as a neuroprotective against ischemic brain injury is unknown. The purpose of the study was to examine the role and mechanism of SL in preventing I/R damage in a rat model. SL (40 and 80 mg/kg) was given to the rats for 14 days before the ischemic stroke. SL administration prevented I/R mediated brain injury, and neuronal apoptosis. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, IL-6, and IL-1β and nitric oxide were modulated by SL. SL suppressed the p65 and p38 expressions in particular. The findings show that SL protects rats from cerebral damage caused by I/R through the nuclear factor kappa-B p65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Thus, SL protected the brain of rats from ischemic injury by inhibiting the inflammatory process.

Dengzhan Shengmai capsule versus Aspirin in the treatment of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: A single-centre, non-inferiority, prospective, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is an effective antiplatelet agent for the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. However, the high risk of bleeding events associated with the drug makes it necessary to seek a safer alternative, with similar or more efficacy than aspirin. Dengzhan Shengmai (DZSM) capsules have been widely used to treat carotid atherosclerosis, and if proven to be non-inferior to aspirin, it may be preferable over the latter for carotid atherosclerosis treatment due to its numerous advantages. We conducted a randomised trial to test the non-inferiority of DZSM to aspirin for the treatment of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

METHODS

We performed a single-centre, prospective, open-label, randomised non-inferiority trial. Patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either DZSM capsules or aspirin. The follow-up period was 12 months. The primary outcome was the mean change in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Secondary outcomes included ischaemic events, rate of lumen stenosis, lipid levels, and plaque scores, length, counts, and vulnerability. Adverse events and laboratory test results were recorded as safety outcomes. The non-inferiority of DZSM was demonstrated when the lower limit of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval (CI) of the difference in IMT between groups was more than -0.06 mm (margin of non-inferiority). This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CHiCTR1900021365).

RESULTS

From 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019, 150 patients were enrolled, and there was no statistical difference in demographics between the groups. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the decrease in IMT(_∆IMT) was 0.216 ± 0.160 and 0.225 ± 0.149 mm in the DZSM and aspirin groups, respectively. The one-sided 97.5% CI for the difference between _∆IMTs was (-0.0593, +∞). The non-inferiority of DZSM was demonstrated (P_{non-inferiority} = 0.0234). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ischaemic events between the groups (P = 1.0). The DZSM group had significantly reduced plaque scores (P < 0.0001), length (P < 0.0001), and counts (P < 0.0001), and improved plaque vulnerability (P < 0.0001). The DZSM group also had reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P < 0.0001). Finally, the DZSM group had a lower incidence of total adverse events (14.7% vs. 28%, P = 0.046), especially gastrointestinal discomfort (5.3% vs. 16%, P = 0.034). Although there was no significant difference in bleeding events (0 vs. 5.3%, P = 0.120), the DZSM group tended to have a lower incidence.

CONCLUSION

This trial demonstrated that DZSM was not inferior, in efficacy, to aspirin in treating carotid atherosclerotic plaques, and was found to be superior to aspirin in terms of safety. This study provides a new approach for treating carotid plaques, especially in aspirin-intolerant patients.

Chemoprotective Effect of Scutellarin against Gastric Cancer in Rats: An in vitro and in vivo Study

This study evaluated the chemoprotective effect of scutellarin (SC) in vitro and in vivo against gastric carcinogenesis in rats and celllines and examined the underlying mechanism. Gastric cancer celllines (AGS) was used for the in vitro study and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) profile, histone deacetylase (HDAC) assay, cell cycle & apoptosis ratio and antioxidant parameters were measured. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was used to induce gastric carcinogenesis in rats and the rats received the different doses of SC (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg). The body weight and tumor incidence were measured at regular time intervals. The antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokines were estimated. The finding of data showed that the drug was effective against AGS cell line. Supplementation of scutellarin revealed an upregulation in body weight compared with the MNNG group rats. Moreover, it also reduced the incidence of tumor. It also altered the significant DNA density, LDH content, mucus content and acidity. Scutellarin treated rats showed improved activity in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant profile and reversed the content of cytokines compared with MNNG induced gastric cancer group rats. This research reveals the chemoprotective property of the scutellarin and highlights the promising role of drug by alteration of inflammatory pathway by minimizing its adverse effect.

FTY720 Attenuates Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Through the PI3K/AKT/eNOS and NF-B Pathways in Rats

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a major complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) have become increasingly recognized as key pathogenic contributors to brain injury in this condition. We aimed to examine the role of FTY720 in CVS after SAH. Endovascular perforation was used to establish an SAH model. Seventy-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, sham + FTY720, SAH + saline, and two SAH + FTY720 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) groups. The results showed that FTY720 treatment in both the surgery and nonsurgery groups decreased the counts of leukocytes and lymphocytes 72 hours after SAH. TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta) in both the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the hippocampus were decreased, and the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) pathway was inhibited. The levels of apoptotic proteins were downregulated. FTY720 promoted NO generation by activating the PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway. CVS and neurological deficits in the SAH rats were ameliorated after FTY720 treatment. Compared with the sham-only animals, FTY720 treatment in the nonsurgery group did not increase mortality. These results indicated that FTY720 could alleviate CVS due to its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptosis effects and the promotion of NO generation. FTY720 may be effective in the clinical treatment of SAH patients.

Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Breviscapine Nanosuspension and Its Freeze-Dried Powder

As a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV drug, breviscapine (Bre) has low solubility in water, poor chemical stability, a short biological half-life and rapid removal from plasma. This paper prepared a Bre nanosuspension (Bre-NS) by an ultrasound-assisted anti-solvent precipitation method. Characterization of Bre-NS was studied using a Box–Behnken design concerning drug concentration in DMSO, an anti-solvent-to-solvent ratio, and sonication time. Under the optimized conditions of 170 mg/mL for the drug concentration, a 1:60 solvent-to-anti-solvent ratio, and a 9 min sonication time, the particle size of Bre-NS was 303.7 ± 7.3 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.178 ± 0.015, and the zeta potential was −31.10 ± 0.26 mV. Combined with the results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the findings indicated that the crystal form and chemical structure of Bre-NS did not change during the entire process. The optimized formulation displayed good stability, increased solubility, and better in vitro release. Therefore, the results of this study can be a reference for the delivery system design of insoluble active components and effective parts in traditional Chinese medicine.

Intravenous Administration of Scutellarin Nanoparticles Augments the Protective Effect against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

This study investigates the protective effect of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with scutellarin (SCU), a flavone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicineErigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., in reducing cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo. The focal cerebral I/R injury model was established by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 1 h in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Our SCU-PLGA NPs exhibited an extended in vitro release profile and prolonged blood circulation in rats with cerebral ischemia. More importantly, when administered intravenously once a day for 3 days, SCU-PLGA NPs increased the SCU level in the ischemic brain, compared to free SCU, resulting in a significant reduction of the cerebral infarct volume after cerebral I/R. Furthermore, SCU-PLGA NPs reversed the histopathological changes caused by cerebral I/R injury, as well as attenuated cell apoptosis in the brain tissue, as confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL staining. Our findings have revealed that our injectable SCU-PLGA NPs provide promising protective effects against cerebral I/R injury, which could be used in combination with the existing conventional thrombolytic therapies to improve stroke management.

Scutellarin attenuates doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy in H9c2 cells, cardiac fibroblasts and HUVECs

Studies on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity have mainly focused on cardiomyocytes (CMs), but it is unclear whether there are differences in the toxicity degree of DOX to CMs, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We used H9c2 cells, rat primary isolated CFs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to systematically research the cytotoxicity of DOX. Scutellarin (SCU) is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that exerts a cardioprotective effect. In the present study, we explored the protective effects of SCU on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells, CFs and HUVECs. The results showed that DOX decreased cell viability and increased the apoptosis rate, whereas DOX had a greater killing effect on H9c2 cells compared to CFs and HUVECs. DOX significantly elevated oxidative stress, but the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in H9c2 cells were higher after DOX treatment. In all three cell types, DOX induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, it activated apoptosis by activation of Bax/ Bcl-2 and it induced autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/ mTOR pathway. Pretreatment with different concentrations of SCU reversed these phenomena in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results revealed that there were slight differences in DOX-induced cytotoxicity among H9c2 cells, CFs and HUVECs. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effect of SCU may be attributed to attenuation of DOX-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy.

Metanil yellow promotes oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and apoptosis in the cerebellar cortex of adult male rat with possible protective effect of scutellarin: A histological and immunohistochemical study

Metanil yellow is a food dye that has harmful impacts on different body systems. Scutellarin has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the current research was to study the effect of chronic administration of metanil yellow on the cerebellar cortex of rats and to evaluate the protective effect of scutellarin. Forty adult male rats were allocated into four groups: group I acted as control, group II was administrated scutellarin (100 mg/kg/day), group III was administrated metanil yellow (200 mg/kg/day), and group IV was administrated scutellarin and metanil yellow as in group II and group III. The agents were administered via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Metanil yellow induced a significant rise in the malondialdehyde coupled with a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The Purkinje cells were irregular and shrunken with condensed nuclei. A significant elevation in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cleaved caspase-3 as well as a significant reduction of synaptophysin expression were revealed in comparison with the control group. Interestingly, few changes were noticed in rats given metanil yellow concomitant with scutellarin. In conclusion, scutellarin could protect against metanil yellow-induced alterations in the cerebellar cortex by reducing oxidative stress and minimizing gliosis.

Scutellarin ameliorates neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy associated with GAP43-dependent signaling pathway

Background

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) refers to the perinatal asphyxia caused by the cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury. The current study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy of Scutellarin (Scu) administration on neurological impairments induced by hypoxic-ischemic injury and exploring the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Primary cortical neurons were cultured and subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), and then treated with Scu administration. The growth status of neurons was observed by immunofluorescence staining of TUJ1 and TUNEL. Besides, the mRNA level of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) in OGD neurons with Scu treatment was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). To further verify the role of GAP43 in Scu treatment, GAP43 siRNA and knockout were applied in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, behavioral evaluations were performed to elucidate the function of GAP43 in the Scu-ameliorated long-term neurological impairments caused by HI insult. The underlying biological mechanism of Scu treatment was further elucidated via network pharmacological analysis. Finally, the interactive genes with GAP43 were identified by Gene MANIA and further validated by qRT-PCR.

Results

Our data demonstrated that Scu treatment increased the number of neurons and axon growth, and suppressed cell apoptosis in vitro. And the expression of GAP43 was downregulated after OGD, but reversed by Scu administration. Besides, GAP43 silencing aggravated the Scu-ameliorated neuronal death and axonal damage. Meanwhile, GAP43 knockout enlarged brain infarct area and deteriorated the cognitive and motor dysfunctions of HI rats. Further, network pharmacological analysis revealed the drug targets of Scu participated in such biological processes as neuronal death and regulation of neuronal death, and apoptosis-related pathways. GAP43 exhibited close relationship with PTN, JAK2 and STAT3, and GAP43 silencing upregulated the levels of PTN, JAK2 and STAT3.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings revealed Scu treatment attenuated long-term neurological impairments after HI by suppressing neuronal death and enhancing neurite elongation through GAP43-dependent pathway. The crucial role of Scutellarin in neuroprotection provided a novel possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of neonatal HIE.

Graphic abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00517-z.

Combined Scutellarin and C18H17NO6 Imperils the Survival of Glioma: Partly Associated With the Repression of PSEN1/PI3K-AKT Signaling Axis

Glioma, the most common intracranial tumor, harbors great harm. Since the treatment for it has reached the bottleneck stage, the development of new drugs becomes a trend. Therefore, we focus on the effect of scutellarin (SCU) and its combination with C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ (abbreviated as combination) on glioma and its possible mechanism in this study. Firstly, SCU and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ both suppressed the proliferation of U251 and LN229 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ augmented the inhibition effect of SCU on U251 and LN229 cells in vitro. Moreover, there was an interactive effect between them. Secondly, SCU and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ decreased U251 cells in G2 phase and LN229 cells in G2 and S phases but increased U251 cells in S phase, respectively. Meanwhile, the combination could further reduce U251 cells in G2 phase and LN229 cells in G2 and S phases. Thirdly, SCU and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ both induced the apoptosis of U251 and LN229. The combination further increased the apoptosis rate of both cells compared with the two drugs alone. Furthermore, SCU and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ both inhibited the lateral and vertical migration of both cells, which was further repressed by the combination. More importantly, the effect of SCU and the combination was better than positive control-temozolomide, and the toxicity was low. Additionally, SCU and C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ could suppress the growth of glioma in vivo, and the effect of the combination was better. Finally, SCU and the combination upregulated the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) level but inactivated the phosphatidylinositol 3−kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, we concluded that scutellarin and its combination with C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ suppressed the proliferation/growth and migration and induced the apoptosis of glioma, in which the mechanism might be associated with the repression of PSEN1/PI3K-AKT signaling axis.

Oral Scutellarin Treatment Ameliorates Retinal Thinning and Visual Deficits in Experimental Glaucoma

Purpose: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, yet glaucoma can continue to progress despite controlled IOP. Thus, development of glaucoma neurotherapeutics remains an unmet need. Scutellarin is a flavonoid that can exert neuroprotective effects in the eye and brain. Here, we investigated the neurobehavioral effects of scutellarin treatment in a chronic IOP elevation model. Methods: Ten adult C57BL/6J mice were unilaterally injected with an optically clear hydrogel into the anterior chamber to obstruct aqueous outflow and induce chronic IOP elevation. Eight other mice received unilateral intracameral injection of phosphate-buffered saline only. Another eight mice with hydrogel-induced unilateral chronic IOP elevation also received daily oral gavage of 300 mg/kg scutellarin. Tonometry, optical coherence tomography, and optokinetics were performed longitudinally for 4 weeks to monitor the IOP, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, total retinal thickness, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity of both eyes in all three groups. Results: Intracameral hydrogel injection resulted in unilateral chronic IOP elevation with no significant inter-eye IOP difference between scutellarin treatment and untreated groups. Upon scutellarin treatment, the hydrogel-injected eyes showed less retinal thinning and reduced visual behavioral deficits when compared to the untreated, hydrogel-injected eyes. No significant difference in retinal thickness or optokinetic measures was found in the contralateral, non-treated eyes over time or between all groups. Conclusion: Using the non-invasive measuring platform, oral scutellarin treatment appeared to preserve retinal structure and visual function upon chronic IOP elevation in mice. Scutellarin may be a novel neurotherapeutic agent for glaucoma treatment.

Application of Amino Acids in the Structural Modification of Natural Products: A Review

Natural products and their derivatives are important sources for drug discovery; however, they usually have poor solubility and low activity and require structural modification. Amino acids are highly soluble in water and have a wide range of activities. The introduction of amino acids into natural products is expected to improve the performance of these products and minimize their adverse effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the application of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products and provides a theoretical basis for the structural modification of natural products in the future. The articles were divided into six types based on the backbone structures of the natural products, and the related applications of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products were discussed in detail.

Scutellarin ameliorates the stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by regulating neurotransmitters

Anxiety disorders are a common frequently psychiatric symptom in patients that lead to disruption of daily life. Scutellarin (Scu) is the main component of Erigeron breviscapus, which has been used as a neuroprotective agent against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. However, the potential effect of Scu on the stress-related neuropsychological disorders has not been clarified. In this study, Anxiety-like behavior was induced by acute restraint stress in mice. Scu were injected intraperitoneally (twice daily, 3 days). Results showed that Scu exhibited good protective activity on mice by decreasing transmitter release levels. Restraint stress caused significant anxiety like behavior in mice. Treatment of Scu could significantly improve the moving time of open arms in Elevated Plus Maze and central time on open field test. Scu treatment suppressed action potential firing frequency, restored excessive presynaptic quantal release, and down-regulated glutamatergic receptor expression levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of stressed mice. GABA_A Rα1 and GABA_A γ₂ expression in the brain PFC tissues of mice were nearly abrogated by Scu treatment. In stress-induced anxiety mice, stress can increase the frequency of mini excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC), which can be reversed by Scu treatment. Therefore, Scu has a potent anxiolytic activity and may be valuable for the treatment of stress-induced anxiety disorders.

Metabolism and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Erigeron breviscapus

BACKGROUND

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. is a plant species in the Compositae family. More than ten types of compounds-such as flavonoids, caffeinate esters, and volatile oils-have been identified in Erigeron breviscapus; however, it remains unknown as to which compounds are associated with clinical efficacy. In recent years, flavonoids and phenolic acids have been considered as the main effective components of Erigeron breviscapus. The metabolism and mechanisms of these compounds in vivo have been extensively studied to improve our understanding of the drug.

METHODS

In the present review, we summarize the relationships among these compounds, their metabolites, and their pharmacodynamics. Many methods have been implemented to improve the separation and bioavailability of these compounds from Erigeron breviscapus.

RESULTS

In China, Erigeron breviscapus has been used for many years. In recent years, through the study of its metabolism and the mechanisms of its effective components, the effects of Erigeron breviscapus in the treatment of various diseases have been extensively studied. Findings have indicated that Erigeron breviscapus improves cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function and that one of its ingredients, scutellarin, has potential value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetic vascular complications, and other conditions. In addition, phenolic acid compounds and their metabolites also play an important role in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and improving blood lipids.

CONCLUSION

Erigeron breviscapus plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular diseases, neuroprotection, and cancer through many different mechanisms of action. Further investigation of its efficacious components and metabolites may provide more possibilities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of novel drugs.

Effect of Sutellarin on Neurogenesis in Neonatal Hypoxia–Ischemia Rat Model: Potential Mechanisms of Action

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Scutellarin (SCU) on neurite growth and neurological functional recovery in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) rats. Primary cortical neurons were cultured to detect the effect of SCU on cell viability of neurons under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Double immunofluorescence staining of Tuj1 and TUNEL then observed the neurite growth and cell apoptosis in vitro,and double immunofluorescence staining of NEUN and TUNEL was performed to examine the neuronal apoptosis and cell apoptosis in brain tissues after HI in vivo. Pharmacological efficacy of SCU was also evaluated in HI rats by neurobehavioral tests, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining. Astrocytes and microglia expression in damaged brain tissues were detected by immunostaining of GFAP and Iba1. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were applied to investigate the genetic expression changes and the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins in the injured cortex and hippocampus after HI. We found that SCU administration preserved cell viability, promoted neurite outgrowth and suppressed apoptosis of neurons subjected to OGD both in vitroand in vivo. Meanwhile, 20 mg/kg SCU treatment improved neurological functions and decreased the expression of astrocytes and microglia in the cortex and hippocampus of HI rats. Additionally, SCU treatment depressed the elevated levels of autophagy-related proteins and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in both cortex and hippocampus. This study demonstrated the potential therapeutic efficacy of SCU by enhancing neurogenesis and restoring long-term neurological dysfunctions, which might be associated with p75NTR depletion in HI rats.

Research Progress of Herbal Medicines on Drug Metabolizing Enzymes: Consideration Based on Toxicology

The clinical application of herbal medicines is increasing, but there is still a lack of comprehensive safety data and in-depth research into mechanisms of action. The composition of herbal medicines is complex, with each herb containing a variety of chemical components. Each of these components may affect the activity of metabolizing enzymes, which may lead to herb-drug interactions. It has been reported that the combined use of herbs and drugs can produce some unexpected interactions. Therefore, this study reviews the progress of research on safety issues caused by the effects of herbs on metabolizing enzymes with reference to six categories of drugs, including antithrombotic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, statins lipid-lowering drugs, immunosuppressants, and antineoplastic drugs. Understanding the effects of herbs on the activity of metabolizing enzymes could help avoid the toxicity and adverse drug reactions resulting from the co-administration of herbs and drugs, and help doctors to reduce the risk of prescription incompatibility.

Breviscapine Alleviates Cognitive Impairments Induced by Transient Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties in a Rat Model

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury is a common phenomenon of stroke, and the effective treatment for I/R-induced brain tissue damage is limited. Breviscapine has been widely used in China as herbal medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years and has been demonstrated to possess potent cardiovascular pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of breviscapine on cerebral I/R-induced injury. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was applied in our study. The cerebral I/R rats received multiple injections of breviscapine. All rats were subject to neurological behavior tests by open field test and Morris water maze test. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels were determined by ELISA and colorimetric analysis, respectively. We demonstrated that administration of breviscapine dose-dependently ameliorated cerebral I/R-induced injury and improved the neurological performance of cerebral I/R rats. Further studies illustrated that breviscapine treatment effectively attenuated inflammatory cytokine expression, reduced oxidative stress, and pro-apoptosis protein expression and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling and microglia in the I/R injury tissues. Breviscapine may serve as a single drug or a promising adjuvant that can be used in conjunction with other medicine for the treatment of cerebral I/R-induced injury.

Microglia mediated neuroinflammation - signaling regulation and therapeutic considerations with special reference to some natural compounds

Neuroinflammation plays a central role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral ischemic injury etc. In this connection, microglia, the key players in the central nervous system, mediate the inflammatory response process. In brain injuries, activated microglia can clear the cellular debris and invading pathogens and release neurotrophic factors; however, prolonged microglia activation may cause neuronal death through excessive release of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of microglia activation to design an effective therapeutic strategy to alleviate neuronal injury. Recent studies have shown that some natural compounds and herbal extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that may suppress microglial activation and ameliorate neuroinflammation and hence are neuroprotective. In this review, we will update some of the common signaling pathways that regulate microglia activation. Among the various signaling pathways, the Notch-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) have been reported to exacerbate microglia mediated neuroinflammation that is implicated in different neuropathological diseases. The search for natural compounds or agents, specifically those derived from natural herbal extracts such as Gastrodin, scutellarin, RG1 etc. has been the focus of many of our recent studies because they have been found to regulate microglia activation. The pharmacological effects of these agents and their potential mechanisms for regulating microglia activation are systematically reviewed here for a fuller understanding of their biochemical action and therapeutic potential for treatment of microglia mediated neuropathological diseases.

Revealing the Common Mechanisms of Scutellarin in Angina Pectoris and Ischemic Stroke Treatment via a Network Pharmacology Approach

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the shared mechanisms of scutellarin in angina pectoris (AP) and ischemic stroke (IS) treatment.

METHODS

A network pharmacology approach was used to detect the potential mechanisms of scutellarin in AP and IS treatment by target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) data collection, network construction, network analysis, and enrichment analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation was employed to analyze the interaction between scutellarin and core targets.

RESULTS

Two networks were established, including a disease-target network and a PPI network of scutellarin targets against AP and IS. Network analysis showed that 14 targets, namely, AKT1, VEGFA, JUN, ALB, MTOR, ESR1, MAPK8, HSP90AA1, NOS3, SERPINE1, FGA, F2, FOXO3, and STAT1, might be the therapeutic targets of scutellarin in AP and IS. Among them, NOS3 and F2 were recognized as the core targets. Additionally, molecular docking simulation confifirmed that scutellarin exhibited a relatively high potential for binding to the active sites of NOS3 and F2. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that scutellarin might exert a therapeutic role in both AP and IS by regulating several important pathways, such as coagulation cascades, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and estrogen signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The shared underlying mechanisms of scutellarin on AP and IS treatment might be strongly associated with its vasorelaxant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects as well as its effect on improving lipid metabolism.

Anti-colorectal cancer effects of scutellarin revealed by genomic and proteomic analysis

Background

Colorectal cancer, one of the most common digestive tumors with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, currently lacks effective therapies available to improve the prognosis. This study was aimed to investigate the potency of Scutellarin against colorectal cancers, and explore the related mechanism via genomic and proteomic analysis.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to detect the viability of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines treated with Scutellarin. The apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cells after Scutellarin administration was determined by TUNEL staining and Caspase 3/7 activity. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The wound healing and transwell invasion test detected the role of Scutellarin in migration and invasion of HCT-116 and RKO cells. Meanwhile, the energy metabolism and growth of tumor tissues in vivo at day 28 were observed by PET-CT after Scutellarin administration with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg into 4-week-old nude mice. Blood routine and liver functions were also detected to evaluate the side effect of Scutellarin. Furthermore, the disease and function classifications which the differentially expressed genes and proteins involved after Scutellarin treatment were determined by genomic and proteomic analysis respectively.

Results

The Scutellarin inhibited the migration and increased apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines. Besides, Scutellarin treatment substantially decreased the growth and volume of colorectal tumors in nude mice without side effects on the blood routine and liver function. The differentially expressed genes in RKO cells after Scutellarin administration were mainly enriched in cell death and survival, organismal injury and abnormalities, and cancer. In addition, forty-seven upregulated and twenty-nine downregulated proteins were identified. Functional clustering analysis exhibited enriched biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions and related pathways of these proteins in cellular metabolic. Then protein–protein interactions analysis showed the regulatory relationship among these differentially expressed proteins.

Conclusions

Taken together, the present findings revealed that Scutellarin exerted significant antitumor effect with no side effects in the blood and liver by regulating various important molecules in tumor proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis.

Redox-neutral photochemical Heck-type arylation of vinylphenols activated by visible light

Disclosed herein is a photochemical Heck-type arylation of vinylphenols with non-activated aryl and heteroaryl halides under visible light irradiation. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that the colored vinylphenolate anions acted as a strong reducing photoactivator to directly activate (hetero)aryl halides without the need for any sacrificial reductants. The photochemically generated aryl radicals coupled with another molecule of vinylphenol to afford the Heck-type arylation product in a regiospecific and stereoselective manner. The developed photochemical arylation protocol showed exceptional functional group tolerance and was successfully applied in the challenging late-stage modification of natural products without any protection-deprotection procedures.

Therapeutic potential of IKK-β inhibitors from natural phenolics for inflammation in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is a chronic disease with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. Previous studies have suggested that preventing inflammation serves an efficient role in protection against cardiovascular diseases. Modulation of IKK-β activity can be used to treat and control CVDs associated with chronic inflammation, which targets the phosphorylation of IκB following the release of the RelA complex, and then translocates to the nucleus, eventually triggering the transcription of several genes that induce chemokines, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Most importantly, the IκB kinase (IKK) complex is involved in transcriptional activation by phosphorylating the inhibitory molecule IkBα, enabling activation of NF-κB. Phenolic compounds possess cardioprotective potential that may be related to modulating inflammatory responses involved in CVDs. The SystemsDock analysis was used to explore whether 38 active compounds inhibit IKK-β activity based on literature. Docking results showed that the top docking score of three chemical compounds were icariin, salvianolic acid B, and plantainoside D in all compounds. Icariin, salvianolic acid B, and plantainoside D are the most promising IKKβ inhibitors. These phytochemicals could be helpful to find the lead compounds on designing and developing novel cardioprotective agents.

Genome-wide identification and expression profile of the MADS-box gene family in Erigeron breviscapus

The MADS-box gene family encodes transcription factors with many biological functions that extensively regulate plant growth, development and reproduction. Erigeron breviscapus is a medicinal herb used widely in traditional Chinese medicine, and is believed to improve blood circulation and ameliorate platelet coagulation. In order to gain a detailed understanding of how transcription factor expression may regulate the growth of this potentially important medicinal plant, a genome-wide analysis of the MADS-box gene family of E. breviscapus is needed. In the present study, 44 MADS-box genes were identified in E. breviscapus and categorized into five subgroups (MIKC, Mα, Mβ, Mγ and Mδ) according to their phylogenetic relationships with the Arabidopsis MADS-box genes. Additionally, the functional domain, subcellular location and motif compositions of the E. breviscapus MADS-box gene products were characterized. The expression levels for each of the E. breviscapus MADS-box (EbMADS) genes were analyzed in flower, leaf, stem and root organs, and showed that the majority of EbMADS genes were expressed in flowers. Meanwhile, some MADS genes were found to express high levels in leaf, stem and root, indicating that the MADS-box genes are involved in various aspects of the physiological and developmental processes of the E. breviscapus. The results from gene expression analysis under different pollination treatments revealed that the MADS-box genes were highly expressed after non-pollinated treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study describes the first genome-wide analysis of the E. breviscapus MADS-box gene family, and the results provide valuable information for understanding of the classification, cloning and putative functions of the MADS-box family.

In vitro and in vivo activities of flavonoids – apigenin, baicalin, chrysin, scutellarin – in regulation of hypertension – a review for their possible effects in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Flavonoids and their conjugates are the most important group of natural chemical compounds in drug discovery and development. The search for pharmacological activity and new mechanisms of activity of these chemical compounds, which may inhibit mediators of inflammation and influence the structure and function of endothelial cells, can be an interesting pharmacological strategy for the prevention and adjunctive treatments of hypertension, especially induced by pregnancy. Because cardiovascular diseases have multi-factorial pathogenesis these natural chemical compounds with wide spectrum of biological activities are the most interesting source of new drugs. Extracts from one of the most popular plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi could be a very interesting source of flavonoids because of its exact content in quercetin, apigenin, chrysin and scutellarin as well as in baicalin. These flavonoids exert vasoprotective properties and many activities such as: anti-oxidative via several pathways, anti-in-flammatory, anti-ischaemic, cardioprotective and anti-hypertensive. However, there is lack of summaries of results of studies in context of potential and future application of flavonoids with determined composition and activity. Our review aims to provide a literature survey of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo pharmacological studies of selected flavonoids (apigenin, chrysin and scutellarin, baicalin) in various models of hypertension carried out in 2008–2018.

C18H17NO6 and Its Combination with Scutellarin Suppress the Proliferation and Induce the Apoptosis of Human Glioma Cells via Upregulation of Fas-Associated Factor 1 Expression

Background

Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor and the patients are prone to poor prognosis. Due to limited treatments, new drug exploration has become a general trend. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the new drugs C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ and its combination with Scutellarin on glioma cells and the underlying mechanism.

Method

U251 and LN229 cells were administrated with C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ and its combination with Scutellarin. The proliferation ability of glioma cells was determined by cell counting kit-8, plate clone formation assay, and EdU incorporation assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis detection were detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, TUNEL assay was also used for cell apoptosis analysis. Then, the transfer ability of cells was achieved through wound healing assay. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and western bolt analysis were used to detect the mRNA expression and protein expression, respectively. Lastly, immunofluorescence was for the purity identification of astrocyte.

Result

The results showed that, with the increasing dose of C₁₈H₁₇NO₆, the cell inhibition rate, the cells in G1 phase, and the apoptosis rate were gradually increased, but the clone number, proliferation rate, and the cells in G2 and S phases were gradually decreased in comparison with control group. However, with the increase of C₁₈H₁₇NO₆, the transferred rate of U251 and LN229 was not significantly augmented, expect that on U251 in C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ 5 μM group. In addition, Scutellarin 200 μM has little effect on proliferation, with the inhibition rate 10-20% and proliferation rate except U251 in Scutellarin 200 μM group similar to that in control group. Moreover, compared to control group, Scutellarin 300 μM increased the U251 cells in G2 and S phases and the apoptosis rate of LN229 but decreased the LN229 cells in G2 and S phases. Besides, in Scutellarin 200 μM group, the transfer ability of LN229 was inhibited, but not in U251. Furthermore, if C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ was combined with Scutellarin 200/300μM, the proliferation and transferred ability were suppressed and the apoptosis was elevated in LN229 cell in comparison with C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ alone. Dramatically, the combined effect on U251 was the exact opposite. Importantly, there was little toxicity on astrocyte under the dose of C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ and Scutellarin in the study. In molecular level, the mRNA and protein expression of Fas-associated factor 1 (FAF1) expression in U251 and LN229 were upregulated by C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ and its combination with Scutellarin, especially the protein expression.

Conclusion

C₁₈H₁₇NO₆ could efficiently suppress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in glioma cells, and its combination with Scutellarin had a promoting effect, in which the underlying mechanism referred to the upregulation of Fas-associated factor 1.

Effect of Breviscapine on Recovery of Viable Myocardium and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Chronic Total Occlusion Patients After Revascularization: Rationale and Design for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND How to speed the recovery of viable myocardium in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients after revascularization is still an unsolved problem. Breviscapine is widely used in cardiovascular diseases. However, there has been no study focused on the effect of breviscapine on viable myocardium recovery and left ventricular remodeling after CTO revascularization. MATERIAL AND METHODS We propose to recruit 78 consecutive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with CTO during a period of 12 months. They will be randomly assigned to receive either breviscapine (40 mg) or placebo in the following 12 months. Blood tests, electrocardiogram, and Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) will be collected at baseline and the follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Low-dose dobutamine MRI will be applied for the assessment of viable myocardium, microcirculation perfusion, and left ventricular remodeling, and the concentrations of angiogenic cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) will be investigated at baseline and at 1- and 12-month follow-up. The recovery of viable myocardium after revascularization in CTO patients was the primary endpoint. Improvement of microcirculation perfusion, left ventricular remodeling, peripheral concentrations of VEGF and bFGF as well as MACE will be the secondary endpoints. RESULTS Breviscapine treatment obviously improve the recovery of viable myocardium, myocardial microcirculation perfusion, and left ventricular remodeling after revascularization in CTO patients, and reduce the occurrence of MACE. We also will determine if breviscapine increases the peripheral blood angiogenic cytokine concentrations of VEGF and bFGF. CONCLUSIONS This study will aim to demonstrate the effect of breviscapine on the recovery of viable myocardium and left ventricular remodeling in CTO patients after revascularization.

Scutellarin Enhances Antitumor Effects and Attenuates the Toxicity of Bleomycin in H22 Ascites Tumor-Bearing Mice

Bleomycin (BLM) is a broad spectrum anti-tumor drug and inducing pulmonary fibrosis. As an anti-tumor drug without immunosuppression, it is urgent to find a drug that reduces the side effects of BLM. Scutellarin (SCU), a flavone extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, has anti-inflammatory activity and ability to inhibit tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. However, the combined role of SCU and BLM treatment in tumor is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect and related mechanisms of BLM combined with SCU in the treatment of tumor through in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments showed that BLM combined with SCU in the treatment of mice bearing H22 ascites tumor prolonged the survival time, alleviated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, reduced the production of TNF-α; IL-6, and the levels of MDA and MPO. BLM combined with SCU increased the apoptotic rate of H22 ascites cells and the levels of cleaved-caspases-3 and -8. Furthermore, BLM combined with SCU increased the protein expression of p53 and gene expression of miR-29b, and decreased the expression of TGF-β1. In vitro experiment results showed that BLM combined with SCU inhibited the viability of H22 cells and MRC-5 cells, promoted H22 cell apoptosis, up-regulated the protein expression of p53 and down-regulated the protein expression of α-SMA and collagen-I in MRC-5 cells. These experimental results suggested that SCU could enhance the anti-tumor effect of BLM and reduce BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, indicating SCU as a potential adjuvant for BLM in the future.

Scutellarin suppresses neuroinflammation via the inhibition of the AKT/NF-κB and p38/JNK pathway in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells

In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that scutellarin (SCU) exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and inhibits microglia activation. This study investigated the anti-neuroinflammation molecular mechanisms exerted by scutellarin in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. The results showed that production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS mRNA were inhibited by scutellarin, which was independent of cytotoxicity as assessed by a CCK8 assay. Western blot analysis indicated that NF-κB-p65 phosphorylation was suppressed by scutellarin via inhibition of IκB degradation and IKKβ activation, which coincided with blockage of nuclear translocation of NF-κB as shown by immunofluorescent staining. Consistent with the inhibition of NF-κB, scutellarin inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and AKT without affecting phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or PI3K in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Overall, the present study suggests that scutellarin inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators via inhibition of the IKK-dependent NF-κB and p38/JNK signaling pathway, which inhibits microglia activation and exerts anti-inflammation, indicating its potential therapeutic effect for neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.

Scutellarin Mitigates Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity and Improves Behavior Impairments in AD Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) within extracellular spaces of the brain. Aggregation of Aβ has been shown to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity resulting in cognitive dysfunction. In this study, we use models of cerebral Aβ amyloidosis to investigate anti-amyloidogenic effects of scutellarin in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that scutellarin, through binding to Aβ42, efficiently inhibits oligomerization as well as fibril formation and reduces Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal toxicity in cell line SH-SY5Y. After nine months of treatment in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice, scutellarin significantly improves behavior, reduces soluble and insoluble Aβ levels in the brain and plasma, decreases Aβ plaque associated gliosis and levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, attenuates neuroinflammation, displays anti-amyloidogenic effects, and highlights the beneficial effects of intervention on development or progression of AD-like neuropathology.

Pharmacological Effects of Scutellarin, An Active Component of Genus Scutellaria and Erigeron: A Systematic Review

Flavonoid compound scutellarin (Scu) is quite frequently met in the plant kingdom, particularly in the genus Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) and Erigeron (Asteraceae). The extract of the herb of Erigeron breviscapus, containing this component in high amount, has been used for many years in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, studies have made great progress on the usefulness of Scu for treating various diseases by testing its mechanism of action. They support the traditional use of Scu rich plant in heart and cerebral ischemia. Scu can potentially be applied in Alzheimer's disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, vascular complications of diabetes and as an inhibitor of certain carcinomas. Various methods were designed to improve its isolation from plant material, solubility, absorption and bioavailability. On the basis of recent studies, it is suggested that Scu could be a promising candidate for new natural drug and deserves particular attention in further research and development.

Rational Basis for Nutraceuticals in the Treatment of Glaucoma

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons degeneration and death. Primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), the most common type, is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), however other factors have been recognized to partecipate to the patogenesis of the optic neuropathy. IOP-independent mechanisms that contribute to the glaucoma-related neurodegeneration include oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and impaired ocular blood flow. The involvement of several and diverse factors is one of the reasons for the progression of glaucoma observed even under efficient IOP control with the currently available drugs.

METHODS

Current research and online content related to the potential of nutritional supplements for limiting retinal damage and improving RGC survival is reviewed.

RESULTS

Recent studies have suggested a link between dietary factors and glaucoma risk. Particularly, some nutrients have proven capable of lowering IOP, increase circulation to the optic nerve, modulate excitotoxicity and promote RGC survival. However, the lack of clinical trials limit their current therapeutic use. The appropriate use of nutraceuticals that may be able to modify the risk of glaucoma may provide insight into glaucoma pathogenesis and decrease the need for, and therefore the side effects from, conventional therapies.

CONCLUSION

The effects of nutrients with anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties are of great interest and nutraceuticals may offer some therapeutic potential although a further rigorous evaluation of nutraceuticals in the treatment of glaucoma is needed to determine their safety and efficacy.

Dengzhanxixin injection for cerebral infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

No systematic review has been published in English of Dengzhanxixin (DZXX) injection for cerebral infarction. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects and safety of DZXX injection for cerebral infarction.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched from their inception. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to DZXX for cerebral infarction in English or Chinese without restrictions on the publication status were included. Neurological deficit, quality of life, and response rates were analyzed. Adverse events were also investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty-three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2291 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that DZXX injection plus routine western therapy was better than routine western therapy alone for reducing neurologic deficit (MD -2.86, 95% CI -3.87 to -1.86), for improving quality of life (MD 9.48, 95% CI 8.34-10.63), and for improving response rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15-1.25). No serious adverse drug events (ADE) were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

DZXX injection may have a potential therapeutic effect for cerebral infarction in reducing neurologic deficit, improving life quality and response rates. However, we could not draw any definitive conclusions due to the insufficient evidences. More high-quality trials are needed to provide more strong evidence and to assess the safety of DZXX injection.

Perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine in pancreas protection for acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases. AP is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but it lacks specific and effective therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine modalities worldwide for the treatment of AP. The current evidence from basic research and clinical studies has shown that TCM has good therapeutic effects on AP. This review summarizes the widely used formulas, single herbs and monomers that are used to treat AP and the potential underlying mechanisms of TCM. Because of the abundance, low cost, and safety of TCM as well as its ability to target various aspects of the pathogenesis, TCM provides potential clinical benefits and a new avenue with tremendous potential for the future treatment of AP.

Therapeutic Effects of Breviscapine in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Breviscapine is a crude extract of several flavonoids of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., containing more than 85% of scutellarin, which has been traditionally used in China as an activating blood circulation medicine to improve cerebral blood supply. Accumulating evidence from various in vivo and in vitro studies has shown that breviscapine exerts a broad range of cardiovascular pharmacological effects, including vasodilation, protection against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), anti-inflammation, anticoagulation, antithrombosis, endothelial protection, myocardial protection, reduction of smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, anticardiac remodeling, antiarrhythmia, blood lipid reduction, and improvement of erectile dysfunction. In addition, several clinical studies have reported that breviscapine could be used in conjunction with Western medicine for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidaemia, viral myocarditis, chronic heart failure, and pulmonary heart disease. However, the protective effects of breviscapine on CVDs based on experimental studies along with its underlying mechanisms have not been reviewed systematically. This paper reviewed the underlying pharmacological mechanisms in the cardioprotective effects of breviscapine and elucidated its clinical applications.

Experimental Paper. Intrapopulation variability of flavonoid content in roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)

Introduction: Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) is an important medicinal plant, indigenous to Asia. Due to a wide range of pharmacological activities, its roots has been used for ages in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recently, the species has become an object of interest of Western medicine, as well. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the variability of Baikal skullcap population originated from Mongolia and cultivated in Poland, in terms of content and composition of flavonoids in the roots. Methods: The objects of the study were 15 individual plants, selected within examined population and cloned in order to obtain a sufficient amount of raw material. The total content of flavonoids in roots was determined according to Polish Pharmacopeia 6th. The qualitative analysis of flavonoids was carried out using HPLC, Shimadzu chromatograph. Results: The dry mass of roots ranged from 25.88 to 56.14 g × plant-1. The total content of flavonoids (expressed as a quercetin equivalent) varied between 0.17 and 0.52% dry matter (DM). Nine compounds were detected within the group, with oroxylin A 7-Oglucuronide (346.90-1063.00 mg × 100 g-1 DM) as a dominant, which differentiated investigated clones at the highest degree (CV=0.27). Baicalin (391.40-942.00 mg × 100 g-1 DM), wogonoside (324.00-641.10 mg × 100 g-1 DM) and hesperetine 7-O-glucoside (163.00-346.32 mg × 100 g-1 DM) were also present in a considerable amounts. Clone 7 was distinguished by the highest content of all investigated compounds, except wogonin and oroxylin A 7-O-glucuronide. Conclusions: Results obtained in present study show a high variability within Baical skullcap investigated population in respect of flavonoid compounds detected in roots. Thus, the results may be used in future investigations concerning the selection and breeding of this species.

Scutellarin may alleviate cognitive deficits in a mouse model of hypoxia by promoting proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells

Objective(s):

Scutellarin, a flavonoid extracted from the medicinal herb Erigeron breviscapus Hand-Mazz, protects neurons from damage and inhibits glial activation. Here we examined whether scutellarin may also protect neurons from hypoxia-induced damage.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were exposed to hypoxia for 7 days and then administered scutellarin (50 mg/kg/d) or vehicle for 30 days Cognitive impairment in the two groups was assessed using the Morris water maze test, cell proliferation in the hippocampus was compared using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry, and hippocampal levels of nestin and neuronal class III β-tubulin (Tuj-1) were measured using Western blotting. These results were validated in vitro by treating cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) with scutellarin (30 μM).

Results:

Treating mice with scutellarin shortened escape times and increased the number of platform crossings, it increased the number of BrdU-positive proliferating cells in the hippocampus, and it up-regulated expression of nestin and Tuj-1. Treating NSC cultures with scutellarin increased the number of proliferating cells and the proportion of cells differentiating into neurons instead of astrocytes. The increase in NSC proliferation was associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, while neuronal differentiation was associated with altered expression of differentiation-related genes.

Conclusion:

Scutellarin may alleviate cognitive impairment in a mouse model of hypoxia by promo-ting proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs.