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Song Z, Li W, He Q, Xie X, Wang X, Guo J. Natural products - Dawn of keloid treatment. Fitoterapia 2024; 175:105918. [PMID: 38554887 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105918] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Keloids are prevalent pathological scars, often leading to cosmetic deformities and hindering joint mobility.They cause discomfort, including burning and itching, while gradually expanding and potentially posing a risk of cancer.Developing effective drugs and treatments for keloids has been a persistent challenge in the medical field. Natural products are an important source of innovative drugs and a breakthrough for many knotty disease.Herein, keywords of "natural, plant, compound, extract" were combined with "keloid" and searched in PubMed and Google Scholar, respectively. A total of 32 natural products as well as 9 extracts possessing the potential for treating keloids were ultimately identified.Current research in this field faces a significant challenge due to the lack of suitable animal models, resulting in a predominant reliance on in vitro studies.In vivo and clinical studies are notably scarce as a result.Moreover, there is a notable deficiency in research focusing on the role of nutrients in keloid formation and treatment.The appropriate dosage form (oral, topical, injectable) is crucial for the development of natural product drugs. Finally, the conclusion was hereby made that natural products, when used as adjuncts to other treatments, hold significant potential in the management of keloids.By summarizing the natural products and elucidating their mechanisms in keloid treatment, the present study aims to stimulate further discoveries and research in drug development for effectively addressing this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhou Song
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Wenquan Li
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Qingying He
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Xurui Wang
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Dermatological, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610036, China.
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Boo YC. Insights into How Plant-Derived Extracts and Compounds Can Help in the Prevention and Treatment of Keloid Disease: Established and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1235. [PMID: 38279232 PMCID: PMC10816582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021235] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Keloid is a disease in which fibroblasts abnormally proliferate and synthesize excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, including collagen and fibronectin, during the healing process of skin wounds, causing larger scars that exceed the boundaries of the original wound. Currently, surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiation, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, pressure therapy, silicone gel sheeting, and pharmacotherapy are used alone or in combinations to treat this disease, but the outcomes are usually unsatisfactory. The purpose of this review is to examine whether natural products can help treat keloid disease. I introduce well-established therapeutic targets for this disease and various other emerging therapeutic targets that have been proposed based on the phenotypic difference between keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs) and normal epidermal fibroblasts (NFs). We then present recent studies on the biological effects of various plant-derived extracts and compounds on KFs and NFs. Associated ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies are also presented. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms of action of the plant-derived extracts and compounds, the pros and cons, and the future tasks for natural product-based therapy for keloid disease, as compared with existing other therapies. Extracts of Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Aneilema keisak, Galla Chinensis, Lycium chinense, Physalis angulate, Allium sepa, and Camellia sinensis appear to modulate cell proliferation, migration, and/or extracellular matrix (ECM) production in KFs, supporting their therapeutic potential. Various phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, and other plant-derived compounds could modulate different cell signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of keloids. For now, many studies are limited to in vitro experiments; additional research and development are needed to proceed to clinical trials. Many emerging therapeutic targets could accelerate the discovery of plant-derived substances for the prevention and treatment of keloid disease. I hope that this review will bridge past, present, and future research on this subject and provide insight into new therapeutic targets and pharmaceuticals, aiming for effective keloid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Qi W, Xiao X, Tong J, Guo N. Progress in the clinical treatment of keloids. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1284109. [PMID: 38046417 PMCID: PMC10690427 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1284109] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloid is a pathological scar that is higher than the skin surface following skin damage. Its lesion range often extends beyond the original damage boundary and does not naturally subside over time. Its pathogenesis is very complex, currently the main causes include fibroblast excessive proliferation, collagen and extracellular matrix (Extracellular matrix, ECM) excessive deposition, excessive angiogenesis, and so on. The traditional treatment method primarily involves surgical intervention, but it is associated with a high recurrence rate post-surgery. Consequently, many treatment methods are derived according to the different clinical characteristics of keloid. This paper will review the therapeutic progress in recent years from surgical treatment, physiotherapy, drug therapy, and biological therapy, with the goal of offering valuable insights for the clinical treatment of keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Tong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nengqiang Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhang J, Liu L, Li X, Shen X, Yang G, Deng Y, Hu Z, Zhang J, Lu Y. 5-ALA-PDT induced ferroptosis in keloid fibroblasts via ROS, accompanied by downregulation of xCT, GPX4. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023:103612. [PMID: 37220842 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Keloids display many cancerous properties, including uncontrolled and invasive growth, high rates of recurrence as well as similar bioenergetics. 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) is an effective treatment that performs cytotoxic effects by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is linked to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Herein, we explored underlying mechanisms of 5-ALA-PDT against keloids. We identified that 5-ALA-PDT led to elevated levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in keloid fibroblasts, accompanied by downregulation of xCT and GPX4, which are associated with anti-oxidation effects and ferroptosis inhibition. These results may indicate that 5-ALA-PDT treatment increases ROS while inhibiting xCT and GPX4, thus promoting lipid peroxidation to induce ferroptosis in keloid fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiheng Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Shen
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guihong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yumeng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengwei Hu
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junbo Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yuangang Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Zhu W, Dong C. Poly-L-Lactic acid increases collagen gene expression and synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblast (Hs68) through the TGF-β/Smad pathway. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:1213-1219. [PMID: 36575891 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a synthetic polymer which possesses biocompatible and biodegradable properties, and is widely used in the clinical filler material. This study focuses on the potential role of PLLA on the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts and its mechanism. METHODS The dermal fibroblast Hs60 was treated with different concentration of PLLA. RT-qPCR was conducted for the determination of mRNA levels of collagen type I (COL1) alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL1 alpha 2 (COL1A2), elastin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2. Procollagen Type I C-peptide (PIP) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) Kit assay was carried out to analyze procollagen production. Western Blot was employed to examine the effect of PLLA and transforming frown factor (TGF-β) receptor-specific inhibitor (SB431542) on protein levels of COL1A1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway related proteins. RESULTS With the increase of PLLA concentration, the production of procollagen gradually increased, and both protein and mRNA levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 gradually increased (p < 0.001). Elevated PLLA concentrations increased elastin, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels and attenuated MMP-1 expression. PLLA increased TGF-β levels in a dose-dependently manner. p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 protein levels were also increased by PLLA, but the influences were reversed by SB431542 (p < 0.001). Similarly, increased levels of COL1A1, COL1A2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 caused by PLLA were significantly inhibited by SB431542, whereas MMP-1 was typically elevated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Poly-L-Lactic Acid promotes the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The findings may lay a foundation for clinical material applications of PLLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Zhu
- Department of Medical Cosmetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chengzhi Dong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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An Q, Wu M, Yang C, Feng Y, Xu X, Su H, Zhang G. Salviae miltiorrhiza against human lung cancer: A review of its mechanism (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:139. [PMID: 36845955 PMCID: PMC9947574 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the commonest malignant tumors in the world today, causing millions of mortalities every year. New methods to treat lung cancer are urgently needed. Salviae miltiorrhiza Bunge is a common Chinese medicine, often used for promoting blood circulation. In the past 20 years, Salviae miltiorrhiza has made significant progress in the treatment of lung cancer and is considered to be one of the most promising methods to fight against the disease. A great amount of research has shown that the mechanism of Salviae miltiorrhiza against human lung cancer mainly includes inhibiting the proliferation of lung cancer cells, promoting lung cancer cell apoptosis, inducing cell autophagy, regulating immunity and resisting angiogenesis. Research has shown that Salviae miltiorrhiza has certain effects on the resistance to chemotherapy drugs. The present review discussed the status and prospects of Salviae miltiorrhiza against human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Chuqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yewen Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Hang Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Traditional Chinese Medicine ‘Preventing Disease’ Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Guangji Zhang, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 526 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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He Y, Zhang S, Bao W, Xue Y, Yin B, Cheng X, Zhang Z, Jia C. An improved explants culture method: Sustainable isolation of keloid fibroblasts with primary characteristics. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:7131-7139. [PMID: 36170348 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keloid (KD) is a complex fibroproliferative disease, but the exact mechanisms underlying keloid pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. The primary keloid fibroblasts (KFs) culture in vitro has always been a fundamental measure to study the pathogenesis of keloid. However, the traditional primary culture methods have some limitations, such as a long culture cycle, low specimen utilization rate and so on. AIMS Improve the keloid explants culture method sts. MATERIALS & METHODS We proposed an improved new "explants multiple culture method"-reusing keloid explants for primary culture and harvesting the primary KFs in specific culture times. Meanwhile, the purity, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, extracellular matrix synthesis, and some fibrosis and inflammation-related proteins of KFs obtained from the first, fifth, and tenth explants cultures were detected. RESULTS The results showed that the culture cycle of this new method (Cell Isolation: 2.67 ± 0.86 days, Explants removal: 8.83 ± 0.79 days, Cell Passage: 15.17 ± 1.39 days) was significantly shorter than that of the traditional method (Cell Isolation: 8.67 ± 1.84 days, Explants removal: 17.67 ± 2.17 days, Cell Passage: 22.67 ± 1.84 days). No significant difference was observed between the phenotypes of the fibroblasts obtained from the first explants culture and cultures less than 10 times (p > 0.05). DISSCUSSION Taken together, this study provides an effective method for the primary culture of KFs with a higher specimen utilization rate and shorter culture cycle. CONCLUSION This method breaks through the limitation of traditional explants culture requiring a large number of keloid specimens and provides a rich source of KFs for the study of keloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Wu Bao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi Xue
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bin Yin
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xialin Cheng
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chiyu Jia
- Department of Burns and Plastic and Wound Repair Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Zuo B, Zuo L, Du XQ, Yuan S, Xuan C, Zhang YD, Chen ZW, Cao WF. Yiqi Huayu decoction alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting senescence. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1033919. [PMID: 36386126 PMCID: PMC9649452 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1033919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Overview: In treating pulmonary fibrosis (PF), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has received much attention, but its mechanism is unclear. The pharmacological mechanisms of TCM can be explored through network pharmacology. However, due to its virtual screening properties, it still needs to be verified by in vitro or in vivo experiments. Therefore, we investigated the anti-PF mechanism of Yiqi Huayu Decoction (YHD) by combining network pharmacology with in vivo experiments. Methods: Firstly, we used classical bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat model of PF and administrated fibrotic rats with YHD (low-, medium-, and high-dose). We comprehensively assessed the treatment effect of YHD according to body weight, lung coefficient, lung function, and histopathologic examination. Second, we predict the potential targets by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology. In brief, we obtained the chemical ingredients of YHD based on the UHPLC-MS/MS and TCMSP database. We collected drug targets from TCMSP, HERB, and Swiss target prediction databases based on active ingredients. Disease targets were acquired from drug libraries, Genecards, HERB, and TTD databases. The intersecting targets of drugs and disease were screened out. The STRING database can obtain protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub target proteins. Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) clustering analysis combined with enrichment analysis can explore the possible biological mechanisms of YHD. Enrichment analyses were conducted through the R package and the David database, including the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Reactome. Then, we further validated the target genes and target proteins predicted by network pharmacology. Protein and gene expression detection by immunohistochemistry, Western blot (WB), and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR). Results: The results showed that high-dose YHD effectively attenuated BLM-induced lung injury and fibrosis in rats, as evidenced by improved lung function, relief of inflammatory response, and reduced collagen deposition. We screened nine core targets and cellular senescence pathways by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis and network pharmacology. We subsequently validated key targets of cellular senescence signaling pathways. WB and rt-qPCR indicated that high-dose YHD decreased protein and gene expression of senescence-related markers, including p53 (TP53), p21 (CDKN1A), and p16 (CDKN2A). Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are upstream triggers of the senescence program. The senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), containing interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), can further exacerbate the progression of senescence. High-dose YHD inhibited ROS production in lung tissue and consistently reduced the SASPs expression in serum. Conclusion: Our study suggests that YHD improves lung pathological injury and lung function in PF rats. This protective effect may be related to the ability of YHD to inhibit cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zuo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zuo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu-Qin Du
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Su Yuan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Xuan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Fu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Fu Cao,
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Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals the Cellular and Genetic Heterogeneity of Skin Scar to Verify the Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism of Action of Dispel-Scar Ointment in Hypertrophic Scar Inhibition. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7331164. [PMID: 35722137 PMCID: PMC9200508 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7331164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scarring (HS), caused by excessive fibrosis of injured skin, imposes a psychological burden and creates a source of distress that impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. However, the gold standard for HS treatment has not yet been determined due to the complicated and difficult nature of the routines and procedures involved. Previous studies have indicated that the topical application of certain active components found in traditional Chinese medicines shows potential as a therapeutic alternative for scars. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed to determine cellular heterogeneity and identify marker genes and mechanisms associated with HS. It was found that fibroblasts comprise the largest proportion of HS cell types. The marker genes that were highly expressed in fibroblasts were extracellular matrix (ECM)-related, whereas ECM-receptor interactions and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathway were also found to be active. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which was applied to identify the molecular compounds of Dispel-Scar Ointment (DSO), revealed 74 effective chemical components belonging to 14 types of constituents, such as flavonoids, tanshinones, salvianolic acids, glycosides, and phthalides. Furthermore, in vivo studies using rat scar models showed that the topical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ligusticum chuanxiong, peach kernel, safflower, and motherwort exerted beneficial effects on fibroblasts. DSO promoted scar maturation and reduced scar areas, its efficacy being similar to that of topically applied silicone. Functional studies using immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that DSO may target the TGF-β/Smad pathway to inhibit collagen synthesis and promote ECM remodelling. However, further in vitro mechanistic research and single-drug prescription studies may be required to identify the specific effective compound or active ingredient of DSO, which would provide more substantial evidence regarding the potential therapeutic value of traditional herbs in HS.
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Wang ZH, Sun XY, Zhang JJ, Giampieri F, Jiang CJ, Feng TT, Wang ZW, Chen RY, Battino M, Zhou Y. A six-herb Chinese medicine composition ointment as a promising candidate for treatment of hypertrophic scars. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2021; 13:210-220. [PMID: 36117509 PMCID: PMC9476741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the anti-hypertrophic scar effect of the six-herb Chinese medicine composition (SCMC) ointment on the rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models. Methods The optimal formulation of SCMC ointment matrix was screened by the orthogonal designs and a series of evaluation tests. The SCMC ointment was prepared through emulsifying method. The rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models were established and used to investigate the anti-hypertrophic scar effect of SCMC ointment. Results Our results demonstrated that all the quality control indications of the SCMC ointment met the requirements. Anti-hypertrophic scar activity results showed that all the rabbit ear scar tissues appeared different degrees of shrink and fading, and took an unobvious but palpable shift from hard to soft texture with the low, middle and high concentration SCMC ointments treatments in vivo. Additionally, on 21st day the scar area and thickness in different concentrations of SCMC ointment groups were significantly reduced than control group, in a concentration-dependent manner. The immunohistochemical results also indicated that the SCMC ointment had good anti-hypertrophic scar properties and could inhibit hypertrophic scar formation. Conclusion The SCMC ointment could improve the blood circulation condition of hypertrophic scar tissues. Our research has demonstrated the Chinese medicine composition ointment with good anti-hypertrophic scar properties that could be used to treat hypertrophic scars. Meanwhile, it provides a theoretical basis for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-hua Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
- Nano-drug Technology Research Center of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xue-yan Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiao-jiao Zhang
- Nano-drug Technology Research Center of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- School of Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cheng-ju Jiang
- QianDongNan Vocational & Technical College for Nationalities, Kaili 556000, China
| | - Ting-ting Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhi-wei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
- Nano-drug Technology Research Center of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Rong-yi Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy.
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy.
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Astragali Radix Contributes to the Inhibition of Liver Fibrosis via High-Mobility Group Box 1-Mediated Inflammatory Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5574010. [PMID: 33790974 PMCID: PMC7984916 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astragali Radix (AR), the dried root of Astragali Radix membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragali Radix membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacological action and explore the potential mechanism of AR on liver fibrosis. Rats were administered with carbon tetrachloride for eight weeks, followed by oral treatment with AR for six weeks. The efficacy was confirmed by measuring liver function and liver fibrosis levels. The underlying mechanisms were explored by detecting the expression of related proteins. AR significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), collagen IV (COL-IV), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and precollagen type III (PCIII). In addition, AR inhibited the deposition of collagen and the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Those data strongly demonstrated that AR alleviated liver fibrosis by CCl4. In order to illustrate the potential inflammatory, the mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were detected. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to further verify the expression of type I collagen. Finally, the expression of key proteins in the inflammatory signaling pathway was detected. AR significantly reduced the expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), TLR4, Myd88, RAGE, and NF-κ B p65 genes and proteins. In addition, western blotting showed AR decreased the protein expression of RAGE, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-c-Jun. Taken together, our data reveal that AR significantly inhibits liver fibrosis by intervening in the HMGB1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway and secretion signaling pathway. This study will provide valuable references for the in-depth research and development of Astragali Radix against liver fibrosis.
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Zhou BY, Wang WB, Wu XL, Zhang WJ, Zhou GD, Gao Z, Liu W. Nintedanib inhibits keloid fibroblast functions by blocking the phosphorylation of multiple kinases and enhancing receptor internalization. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1234-1245. [PMID: 32327724 PMCID: PMC7608201 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloid is a benign skin tumor characterized by its cell hyperproliferative activity, invasion into normal skin, uncontrolled growth, overproduction and deposition of extracellular matrices and high recurrence rate after various therapies. Nintedanib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting VEGF, PDGF, FGF, and TGF-β receptors with proved efficacy in anti-angiogenesis and in treating various types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the effects of nintedanib on keloid fibroblasts in both in vitro and ex vivo models. Keloid fibroblasts were prepared from 54 keloid scar samples in active stages collected from 49 patients. We found that nintedanib (1−4 μM) dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and inhibited migration and invasion of keloid fibroblasts. The drug also significantly inhibited the gene and protein expression of collagen I (COL-1) and III (COL-3), fibronectin (FN), and connective growth factor (CTGF), as well as the gene expression of other pathological factors, such as alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), FK506-binding protein 10 (FKBP10), and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) in keloid fibroblasts. Furthermore, nintedanib treatment significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK, STAT3, and Smad, enhanced endocytosis of various growth factor receptors. Using an ex vivo tissue explant model, we showed that nintedanib significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and collagen production. The drug also significantly disrupted microvessel structure ex vivo. In summary, our results demonstrate that nintedanib is likely to become a potential targeted drug for keloid systemic therapy.
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13
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Limandjaja GC, Niessen FB, Scheper RJ, Gibbs S. The Keloid Disorder: Heterogeneity, Histopathology, Mechanisms and Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:360. [PMID: 32528951 PMCID: PMC7264387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloids constitute an abnormal fibroproliferative wound healing response in which raised scar tissue grows excessively and invasively beyond the original wound borders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of several important themes in keloid research: namely keloid histopathology, heterogeneity, pathogenesis, and model systems. Although keloidal collagen versus nodules and α-SMA-immunoreactivity have been considered pathognomonic for keloids versus hypertrophic scars, conflicting results have been reported which will be discussed together with other histopathological keloid characteristics. Importantly, histopathological keloid abnormalities are also present in the keloid epidermis. Heterogeneity between and within keloids exists which is often not considered when interpreting results and may explain discrepancies between studies. At least two distinct keloid phenotypes exist, the superficial-spreading/flat keloids and the bulging/raised keloids. Within keloids, the periphery is often seen as the actively growing margin compared to the more quiescent center, although the opposite has also been reported. Interestingly, the normal skin directly surrounding keloids also shows partial keloid characteristics. Keloids are most likely to occur after an inciting stimulus such as (minor and disproportionate) dermal injury or an inflammatory process (environmental factors) at a keloid-prone anatomical site (topological factors) in a genetically predisposed individual (patient-related factors). The specific cellular abnormalities these various patient, topological and environmental factors generate to ultimately result in keloid scar formation are discussed. Existing keloid models can largely be divided into in vivo and in vitro systems including a number of subdivisions: human/animal, explant/culture, homotypic/heterotypic culture, direct/indirect co-culture, and 3D/monolayer culture. As skin physiology, immunology and wound healing is markedly different in animals and since keloids are exclusive to humans, there is a need for relevant human in vitro models. Of these, the direct co-culture systems that generate full thickness keloid equivalents appear the most promising and will be key to further advance keloid research on its pathogenesis and thereby ultimately advance keloid treatment. Finally, the recent change in keloid nomenclature will be discussed, which has moved away from identifying keloids solely as abnormal scars with a purely cosmetic association toward understanding keloids for the fibroproliferative disorder that they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Limandjaja
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank B Niessen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rik J Scheper
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Wang D, Li R, Wei S, Gao S, Xu Z, Liu H, Wang R, Li H, Cai H, Wang J, Zhao Y. Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology exploration reveals the modulatory properties of Astragali Radix extract in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Chin Med 2019; 14:30. [PMID: 31467589 PMCID: PMC6712842 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Astragali Radix (AR) is widely-used for improving liver fibrosis, but, the mechanism of action has not been systematically explained. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of AR intervention in liver fibrosis based on comprehensive metabolomics combined with network pharmacology approach. Materials and methods UPLC–Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics technique was used to explore the specific metabolites and possible pathways of AR affecting the pathological process of liver fibrosis. Network pharmacology analysis was introduced to explore the key targets of AR regarding the mechanisms on liver fibrosis. Results AR significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST and AKP in serum, and improved pathological characteristics. Metabolomics analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of AR was mainly related to the regulation of nine metabolites, including sphingosine, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1a, LysoPC (O-18:0), 3-dehydrosphinganine, 5,6-epoxy-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, leukotriene C4, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, LysoPC (18:1 (9Z)) and 2-acetyl-1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Pathway analysis indicated that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis was related to arachidonic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Validation of the key targets by network pharmacology analysis of potential metabolic markers showed that AR significantly down-regulated the expression of CYP1B1 and up-regulated the expression of CYP1A2 and PCYT1A. Conclusion Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology was used for the first time to clarify that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis, which is related to the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and ether lipid metabolism by modulating the expression of CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and PCYT1A. And the integrated approach can provide new strategies and ideas for the study of molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- 1Provincial and State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of System Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137 China.,2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- 3Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Shizhang Wei
- 1Provincial and State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of System Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137 China.,2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Sijia Gao
- 1Provincial and State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of System Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137 China.,2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- 1Provincial and State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of System Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137 China.,2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Honghong Liu
- 4Integrative Medical Center, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- 5Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Haotian Li
- 2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Huadan Cai
- 2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Jian Wang
- 1Provincial and State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of System Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137 China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- 2Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039 China
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15
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Bufei Qingyu Granules Inhibit the Development of Systemic Sclerosis via Notch-1/Jagged-2 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6709278. [PMID: 31354856 PMCID: PMC6633870 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6709278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder, mainly characterized by skin sclerosis. In this study, Bufei Qingyu Granules (BQG), a Chinese herbal formula, was used to treat SSc. To better understand the effects and molecular mechanisms of BQG, we successfully established a Bleomycin- (BLM-) induced SSc mouse model, and the mice were treated by BQG. Meanwhile, transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted on those samples. As a result, we visually showed that BQG ameliorated the overall health of mice, including body weight, spleen, and thymus index. Thus, it also significantly alleviated inflammation presented by Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (Cxcl2), vasculopathy characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibrotic changes elaborated by not only pathological images, but also the hydroxyproline (HYP) content. After testing by transcriptomic analysis, Cxcl2, Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (Snap25), and Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, and subunit J2 (Eif3j2) which were differentially expressed genes, were verified, so that the data were credible. We further found that BQG could regulate Notch signaling pathway by significantly decreasing both mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch-1 and Jagged-2. Hence, this study demonstrated that BQG could ameliorate the sclerotic skin in mice model involved in inflammation, vascular changes, and fibrosis effects, which was partly mediated by Notch signaling pathway.
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16
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Huang J, Tu T, Wang W, Gao Z, Zhou G, Zhang W, Wu X, Liu W. Aligned topography mediated cell elongation reverses pathological phenotype of
in vitro
cultured keloid fibroblasts. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:1366-1378. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Tu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Guangdong Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, National Tissue Engineering Center of ChinaShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai People's Republic of China
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17
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Tang M, Bian W, Cheng L, Zhang L, Jin R, Wang W, Zhang Y. Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in vitro via the TGF‑β/Smad and ERK signaling pathways. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:1487-1499. [PMID: 29328420 PMCID: PMC5819908 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of therapeutic options exists for the treatment of keloids, all of which have their own strengths; however, a high risk of side-effects and frequent recurrence remains. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify improved therapeutic approaches or drugs for the treatment of keloids. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been reported to exert numerous antitumor effects, thus indicating that Rg3 may be a potential therapeutic agent that targets keloids. The present study determined the effects of Rg3 on human keloid fibroblasts (KFs) in vitro, and further explored the associated molecular and cellular mechanisms. Keloid scar specimens were obtained from patients, aged between 22 and 35 years, without systemic diseases and primary cells were isolated from keloid tissues. In each assay, KFs were divided into three groups and were cultured in medium with or without various concentrations of Rg3 (50 or 100 μg/ml). Cell viability assay, flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell migration assay, immunofluorescence staining, western blot analysis, Transwell cell invasion assay and immunohistochemical analysis were used to analyze the KFs and keloid explant cultures. The results of the present study demonstrated that Rg3 was able to exert an inhibitory effect on the transforming growth factor-β/Smad and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways in KFs. The proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and collagen synthesis of KFs were markedly suppressed following treatment with Rg3. Furthermore, the results of an ex vivo assay indicated that Rg3 inhibited angiogenesis and reduced collagen accumulation in keloids. Significant statistical differences existed between the control and Rg3-treated groups (P<0.05). All of these experimental results suggested that Rg3 may serve as a reliable drug for the treatment of patients with keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Tang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Bian
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Liying Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yuguang Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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18
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Wu X, Bian D, Dou Y, Gong Z, Tan Q, Xia Y, Dai Y. Asiaticoside hinders the invasive growth of keloid fibroblasts through inhibition of the GDF-9/MAPK/Smad pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017; 31. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 People's Republic of China
| | - Difei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 People's Republic of China
| | - Yannong Dou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhunan Gong
- Center for New Drug Research & Development, College of Life Science; Nanjing Normal University; Nanjing 210024 People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Tan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital; Medical School of Nanjing University; Nanjing 210008 People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 210009 People's Republic of China
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Wang M, Deng Y, Shao F, Liu M, Pang Y, Li C, Lu S. ARGONAUTE Genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza: Identification, Characterization, and Genetic Transformation. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1640:173-189. [PMID: 28608342 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7165-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Small RNA-mediated gene silencing is a vital regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes that requires ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Therefore, it is important to characterize S. miltiorrhiza AGO family genes as they may be involved in multiple metabolic pathways. This chapter introduces the detailed protocol for SmAGO gene prediction and molecular cloning. In addition, an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method for S. miltiorrhiza is presented. These methodologies can be used to functionally study SmAGO genes as well as other genes of interest in S. miltiorrhiza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meizhen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuxing Deng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fenjuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yongqi Pang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Caili Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shanfa Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No.151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis Through the Downregulation of Survivin in Keloid Fibroblasts. Ann Plast Surg 2016; 76:180-6. [PMID: 26101974 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000000544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Keloids are considered benign dermal fibroproliferative tumors. Keloid fibroblasts (KFs) persistently proliferate and fail to undergo apoptosis, and no treatment is completely effective against these lesions. Tanshinone IIA induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of various tumor cell types. In this study, we investigated the effect of tanshinone IIA on the regulation of proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in KFs, and investigated potential mechanisms involved in the effects. First, KFs and normal skin fibroblasts (NSFs) were treated with various concentrations of tanshinone IIA. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to assess the proliferative activity of KFs and NSFs, and flow cytometry was used to investigate the cell cycle and apoptosis in KFs. We found that the proliferation of all tanshinone IIA-treated KFs was significantly decreased after treatment for 72 hours (P < 0.001). Also, NSFs treated with tanshinone IIA did not exhibit noticeable effects compared with KFs. In addition, the percentages of G0/G1 cells in all tanshinone IIA-treated KFs were significantly increased after treatment for 72 hours (P < 0.001). And the percentages of cells undergoing early apoptosis in all tanshinone IIA-treated KFs were significantly increased after treatment for 120 hours (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the apoptosis antibody array kit and Western blot analysis revealed that tanshinone IIA decreased survivin expression in KFs (P < 0.001). In conclusion, tanshinone IIA downregulates survivin and deactivates KFs, thus suggesting that tanshinone IIA could serve as a potential clinical keloid treatment.
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Wang W, Qu M, Xu L, Wu X, Gao Z, Gu T, Zhang W, Ding X, Liu W, Chen YL. Sorafenib exerts an anti-keloid activity by antagonizing TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:1181-1194. [PMID: 27339758 PMCID: PMC5052317 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Keloid disease is characterized by hyperproliferation of responsive fibroblasts with vigorously continuous synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Although the process by which keloids develop is poorly understood, most theories of the etiology are referred to fibroblast dysfunction. A central event in dermal repair is the release of growth factors in response to skin injury, which leads to the dysregulation of several crucial pathways that initiate the activation of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and promote ECM accumulation. Hence, strategies aimed at reducing the production of these cytokines and/or disrupting their intracellular signal transduction have potential clinical significance for curing keloid. As the first oral multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib blocks a number of intracellular signaling pathways which are also pivotal for keloid pathogenesis. Therefore, evaluation of the effects of sorafenib on keloid disease seems timely and pertinent. In this study, we reported the identification of sorafenib that antagonized TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways in primary KFs. Impressively, treatment with sorafenib inhibited KF cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and simultaneously reduced collagen production in KFs. Furthermore, we present ex vivo evidence that sorafenib induced the arrest of KF migration, the inhibition of angiogenesis, and the reduction of collagen accumulation. These preclinical observations suggest that sorafenib deserves systematic exploration as a candidate agent for the future treatment of keloids. Key message The intracellular TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways is blocked by sorafenib. Sorafenib inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and ECM deposition in keloid fibroblasts. Sorafenib reduces KF migration and concomitantly angiogenesis in keloid explants. Sorafenib is a promising agent for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00109-016-1430-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Qu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Xu
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Gu
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue-Lei Chen
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China.
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Effects of chlorhexidine, essential oils and herbal medicines (Salvia, Chamomile, Calendula) on human fibroblast in vitro. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 41:125-31. [PMID: 27536196 PMCID: PMC4967643 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2016.59739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiseptic rinses have been successfully used in inflammatory states of the gums and oral cavity mucosa. Antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine, essential oils and some herbs are well documented. Reaction of host tissue to these substances has much poorer documentation. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of chlorhexidine (CHX), essential oil (EO: thymol, 0.064%; eucalyptol, 0.092%; methyl salicylate, 0.060%; menthol, 0.042%) mouth rinses and salvia, chamomile and calendula brews on fibroblast biology in vitro. The human fibroblast CCD16 line cells were cultured in incubation media which contained the examined substances. After 24 and 48 hours, the cell morphology, relative growth and apoptosis were evaluated. Exposure of fibroblasts to CHX, EO or salvia caused various changes in cell morphology. Cells cultured for 48 hours with CHX revealed a noticeably elongated shape of while cells cultured in high EO concentration or with salvia were considerably smaller and contracted with fewer projections. Chlorhexidine, EO and salvia reduced the fibroblast proliferation rate and stimulated cell death. Both reactions to EO were dose dependent. Cells exposure to chamomile or calendula brews did not change morphology or proliferation of fibroblasts. The results of this in vitro study showed that in contrast to chamomile and calendula, the brews of EO, CHX or salvia had a negative influence on fibroblast biology.
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Boye A, Yang Y, Asenso J, Wei W. Anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic Chinese herbal medicines: A mechanistic overview. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESEARCH 2016; 5:278-89. [PMID: 27366355 PMCID: PMC4927134 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160530032814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is an integral component of complementary/alternative medicine and it is increasingly becoming the preferred therapeutic modality for the treatment of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has attested to the popularity and efficacy of indigenous herbal therapies including CHM as a first line of treatment for some diseases including liver disorders. However, the WHO and drug discovery experts have always recommended that use of indigenous herbal remedies must go hand-in-hand with the requisite mechanistic elucidation so as to constitute a system of verification of efficacy within the ethnobotanical context of use. Although many CHM experts have advanced knowledge on CHM, nonetheless, more enlightenment is needed, particularly mechanisms of action of CHMs on fibro-hepato-carcinogenesis. We, herein, provide in-depth mechanisms of the action of CHMs which have demonstrated anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic effects, in pre-clinical and clinical studies as published in PubMed and other major scientific databases. Specifically, the review brings out the important signaling pathways, and their downstream targets which are modulated at multi-level by various anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Boye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - James Asenso
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Effect of Xinfeng capsule on nuclear factor Kappa B/tumor necrosis factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta 1/Smads pathways in rats with cardiac injuries induced by adjuvant arthritis. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2016; 36:92-100. [PMID: 26946625 DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(16)30014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of Xinfeng capsule (XFC) on cardiac function in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) and explore the mechanism of these effects. METHODS Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC), model control (MC), methotrexate (MTX) and XFC groups of equal size. In all groups except for the NC group, 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) was intracutaneously injected in the right rear vola pedis to induce inflammation. Drugs were applied beginning 19 days after induction of inflammation. Normal saline was administered to the NC and MC groups and 1 mg/ 100 g MTX (weekly) and 0.12 g/100 g XFC (daily) to the MTX and XFC groups, respectively. Rats were sacrificed after 30 day of treatment. Toe swelling degree (TSD), arthritis index (Al), cardiac function and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads pathway proteins were measured. RESULTS In the MC group, TSD and Al were greatly increased, while parameters of cardiac function were decreased and morphological analysis showed myocardial cell damage. Expression of TNF-α, NF-KB, Smad2, P-Smad2, Smad4 and TGF-β1 proteins were elevated in cardiac tissue, while Smad7 expression was decreased. TSD and Al values closely correlated to parameters of cardiac function and to levels of proteins in the NF-κB/TNF-α and TGF-β1/Smads pathways. Certain correlations were identified among TGF-β1 and NF-KB, Smad2, P-Smad2 and Smad4. With XFC intervention, both TSD and Al were decreased and parameters of cardiac function and ultrastructure of myocardial cells improved. Expressions of NF-κB, Smad2, and Smad4 proteins were greatly decreased and Smad7 expression was elevated, as compared with levels in the MC and MTX groups. CONCLUSION XFC regulates expression of proteins in the NF-KB/TNF-α and TGF-β1/Smads pathways, decreases immune complex deposition in cardiac tissue and improves cardiac function in AA rats via upregulation of Smad7.
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Boye A, Wu C, Jiang Y, Wang J, Wu J, Yang X, Yang Y. Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts modulate MAPK-regulated TGF-β/Smad signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma by multi-target mechanism. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 169:219-228. [PMID: 25934513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) are two important Chinese herbs with a long history of extensive ethnobotanical usage in the treatment of liver-related diseases over many centuries. Presently, these two herbs are being used either as a single herbal formulation or a composite formula for the treatment of liver related conditions. In response, recent studies on these two herbs have focused on elucidating their mechanisms of action, particularly with regards to their anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects. Previously, we have reported that Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE), a synergized composite extract from Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza ameliorates liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by modulating the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Meanwhile, MAPK activation and MAPK-dependent linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and their preferential nuclear import are crucial for overall oncogenic role of TGF-β/Smad signaling in HCC. To elucidate further, we studied the effect of CASE on the MAPK pathway and how it affects MAPK-dependent regulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling using both cell and animal models of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used immunofluorescence and western blot techniques to monitor effect of CASE on the activation of the MAPKs (pERK, pJNK and pp38) in TGF-β1-stimulated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), HepG2 cells and also diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in rats. Also phosphorylation and subcellular distribution of pSmad2/3, Smad4 and Imp7/8 in TGF-β1-stimulated HSC and HepG2 cells were monitored. The expression of pERK, pJNK, pp38 and PAI-1 gene were monitored by using western blot technique. The effect of CASE on domain-specific phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and their subcellular distribution, and the expression of Smad4 and its subcellular distribution in TGF-β1-stimulated HSCs and HepG2 cells were evaluated by using immunofluorescence technique. And the expression of Imp7/8 and their subcellular distribution were assessed by both immunofluorescence and western blot techniques, while PAI-1 gene expression was assessed by western blot RESULTS In vitro, CASE in a concentration-dependent manner increased the expression of pp38 but decreased the expression of pERK and pJNK; however, in vivo, CASE in a dose dependent manner decreased the expression of pERK, pJNK as well as pp38. Also, CASE concentration dependently inhibited pSmad2C/L, pSmad3L, Smad4, Imp7/8 and their nuclear import; it had no effect on pSmad3C in HepG2 cells; significantly decreased PAI-1 gene expression in both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS CASE blocked MAPK activation, MAPK-dependent linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3, Smad4 expression, Imp7 expression and their nuclear import leading to significant down-regulation of PAI-1 gene expression; further highlighting the multi-target anti-HCC effect of CASE and its potential drug candidature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Boye
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaochuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Comparative analysis of the Dicer-like gene family reveals loss of miR162 target site in SmDCL1 from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9891. [PMID: 25970825 PMCID: PMC4429486 DOI: 10.1038/srep09891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
DCL1, the core component for miRNA biogenesis, is itself regulated by miR162 in Arabidopsis. MiRNA-mediated feedback regulation of AtDCL1 is important to maintain the proper level of DCL1 transcripts. However, it is unknown whether the miRNA-mediated regulation of DCL1 is conserved among plants. We analyzed the SmDCL gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza, an emerging model plant for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies, using a comprehensive approach integrating genome-wide prediction, molecular cloning, gene expression profiling, and posttranscriptional regulation analysis. A total of five SmDCLs were identified. Comparative analysis of SmDCLs and AtDCLs showed an apparent enlargement of SmDCL introns in S. miltiorrhiza. The absence of miR162 in S. miltiorrhiza and the loss of miR162 target site in SmDCL1 were unexpectedly found. Further analysis showed that the miR162 target site was not present in DCL1 from ancient plants and was gained during plant evolution. The gained miR162 target site might be lost in a few modern plants through nucleotide mutations. Our results provide evidence for the gain and loss of miR162 and its target sites in Dicer-like genes during evolution. The data is useful for understanding the evolution of miRNA-mediated feedback regulation of DCLs in plants.
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Jiang Y, Wu C, Boye A, Wu J, Wang J, Yang X, Yang Y. MAPK inhibitors modulate Smad2/3/4 complex cyto-nuclear translocation in myofibroblasts via Imp7/8 mediation. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 406:255-62. [PMID: 25968067 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-dependent linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and subsequent formation of Smad2/3/4 complex and its nuclear translocation are crucial for dysregulated transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-β/Smad signaling in liver fibrosis. Abrogation of this critical step of TGF-β/Smad signaling leading to liver fibrosis could provide new insights for future therapy, but the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In pursuit, we investigated the subcellular expression and nuclear trafficking of the rate limiting Smad2/3/4 complex in exogenous TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblasts (MFBs) using three MAPK-specific inhibitors. Our results showed that exogenous TGF-β1 stimulation of MFBs produced both increased protein expression and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated (p)-Smad2C/L, oncogenic pSmad3L, Smad4, importin7/8 (Imp7/8), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 (Protein and mRNA), while decreased Smad7 protein expression. However, the MAPK-specific inhibitors differentially reversed these observations; for instance, ERK-specific inhibitor blocked the expression and nuclear translocation of pSmad2C/L, while both JNK and p38-specific inhibitors blocked the expression and nuclear translocation of pSmad2C/L and oncogenic pSmad3L. The MAPK-specific inhibitors had no significant effect on the total protein expression of Smad4, but rather significantly blocked its nuclear translocation. All the MAPK-specific inhibitors restored Smad7 expression and also decreased Imp7/8 and PAI-1 (Protein and mRNA) expression. Evidently, the MAPK-specific inhibitors blocked Smad2/3/4 complex formation via restoration of inhibitory Smad7 expression and blockade of Smad3L phosphorylation, while they blocked nuclear translocation of Smad2/3/4 complex through inhibition of Imp7/8 leading to decreased PAI-1 (Protein and mRNA) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
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Zhang Y, Wang H, Cui L, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Chu X, Liu Z, Zhang J, Chu L. Continuing treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza injection attenuates myocardial fibrosis in chronic iron-overloaded mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124061. [PMID: 25850001 PMCID: PMC4388639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron overload cardiomyopathy results from iron accumulation in the myocardium that is closely linked to iron-mediated myocardial fibrosis. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM, also known as Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been widely used for hundreds of years to treat cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated the effect and potential mechanism of SM on myocardial fibrosis induced by chronic iron overload (CIO) in mice. Kunming male mice (8 weeks old) were randomized to six groups of 10 animals each: control (CONT), CIO, low-dose SM (L-SM), high-dose SM (H-SM), verapamil (VRP) and deferoxamine (DFO) groups. Normal saline was injected in the CONT group. Mice in the other five groups were treated with iron dextran at 50 mg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 7 weeks, and those in the latter four groups also received corresponding daily treatments, including 3 g/kg or 6 g/kg of SM, 100 mg/kg of VRP, or 100 mg/kg of DFO. The iron deposition was estimated histologically using Prussian blue staining. Myocardial fibrosis was determined by Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline (Hyp) quantitative assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and protein expression levels of type I collagen (COL I), type I collagen (COL III), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were analyzed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of SM against iron-overloaded fibrosis. Treatment of chronic iron-overloaded mice with SM dose-dependently reduced iron deposition levels, fibrotic area percentage, Hyp content, expression levels of COL I and COL III, as well as upregulated the expression of TGF- β1 and MMP-9 proteins in the heart. Moreover, SM treatment decreased MDA content and increased SOD activity. In conclusion, SM exerted activities against cardiac fibrosis induced by CIO, which may be attributed to its inhibition of iron deposition, as well as collagen metabolism and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lijing Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xi Chu
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhenyi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- * E-mail:
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Unahabhokha T, Sucontphunt A, Nimmannit U, Chanvorachote P, Yongsanguanchai N, Pongrakhananon V. Molecular signalings in keloid disease and current therapeutic approaches from natural based compounds. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 53:457-463. [PMID: 25331681 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2014.918157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Keloid is an excessive dermal scar occurring in response to skin injuries. Several therapeutic strategies have been proposed to ease the aggressiveness of keloid scarring. Even though the principle mechanism underlying the disease propagation still remains unidentified, several signaling pathways were highly focused as plausible pathways involving keloid formation, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and integrin pathways. Natural compounds containing multiple bioeffective properties such as quercetin, asiaticoside, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. (Leguminosae), and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. (Lamiaceae) extracts, curcuminoids, oxymatrine, madecassoside, and Aneilema keisak Hassk. (Commelinaceae) are claimed as candidates for therapeutic treatment against keloid disorder. OBJECTIVE This review investigates current mechanisms regarding keloid formation and provides scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of natural compounds. METHODS This review obtained and analyzed a number of literature data items from various databases including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO). RESULT Several phytochemical compounds are able to suppress keloid scar development through manipulating various components in the complex signaling cascades. CONCLUSION The present review may be helpful to future studies that further examine the molecular mechanism of keloid etiology as well as investigate the anti-keloid property in natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitita Unahabhokha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Industrial, Pharmaceutical Technology , Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok , Thailand
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Zhang X, Ma Y, You T, Tian X, Zhang H, Zhu Q, Zhang W. Roles of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in pathogenesis and development of gluteal muscle contracture. Connect Tissue Res 2015; 56:9-17. [PMID: 25207745 PMCID: PMC4438420 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2014.964400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a chronic fibrotic disease of gluteal muscles which is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-βs have been shown to play an important role in the progression of GMC. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. We sought to explore the expression of TGF-β/Smad pathway proteins and their downstream targets in gluteal muscle contracture disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression levels of collagens type I/III, TGF-β1, Smad2/3/4/7 and PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1) in gluteal muscle contraction (GMC) patients were measured using immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. RESULTS The expressions of collagens type I/III and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in the contraction band compared with unaffected muscle. In addition, R-Smad phosphorylation and Smad4 protein expression in the contraction band were also elevated, while the expression of Smad7 was significantly decreased in the fibrotic muscle of the GMC patients compared to the unaffected adjacent muscle. The protein and mRNA levels of PAI-1 were also remarkably increased in the contraction band compared with adjacent muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated that the expression levels of TGF-β1 and PAI-1 were higher in contraction band than those in the adjacent muscle. CONCLUSION Our data confirm the stimulating effects of the TGF-β/Smad pathway in gluteal muscle contracture disease and reveal the internal changes of TGF-β/Smad pathway proteins and their corresponding targets in gluteal muscle contracture patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shen Zhen Hospital, ShenZhen, China
| | - Yukun Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tian You
- Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shen Zhen Hospital, ShenZhen, China
| | - Xiaopeng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglei Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shen Zhen Hospital, ShenZhen, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Orthopaedics Hong Kong University, Shen Zhen Hospital, ShenZhen, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shen Zhen Hospital, ShenZhen, China,Correspondence: Wentao Zhang, Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, No. 1120, Lianhua, 518036 ShenZhen, China. Tel: 075583923333-6135(6137). E-mail:
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Wu C, Jiang J, Boye A, Jiang Y, Yang Y. Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract suppresses rabbits' hypertrophic scar by modulating the TGF-β/Smad signal. Dermatology 2014; 229:363-8. [PMID: 25171116 DOI: 10.1159/000365784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar is a fibro-proliferative disease. Our previous studies demonstrate that compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE) inhibits proliferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of CASE on hypertrophic scar. METHODS Rabbits were divided into the control, model and three dosage groups of CASE (0.94, 1.88, 3.76%). An animal model of hypertrophic scar was established and treated with CASE ointment or ointment base. The histopathological detection by hematoxylin & eosin and Masson's trichrome staining and protein expression of scars by Western blot were performed. RESULTS The hydroxyproline content was decreased under CASE treatment. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) protein expression increased in the model group while it decreased under CASE treatment. The elevated expression of Smad4 protein was decreased under CASE treatment. Additionally, CASE promoted Smad7 protein expression. CONCLUSION CASE could inhibit formation of hypertrophic scar by modulating TGF-β/Smad signal and may be useful for the treatment of hyperplastic scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Li Z, Zhang L, He W, Zhu C, Yang J, Sheng M. Astragalus membranaceus inhibits peritoneal fibrosis via monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) pathway in rats submitted to peritoneal dialysis. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:12959-71. [PMID: 25054320 PMCID: PMC4139885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150712959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) contribute to the development of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), which is associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in many diseases. The goal of this study was to determine the anti-fibrotic effects of Astragalus on the PF response to PD. A rat model of PD was induced using standard PD fluid, and PF was verified by HE and Masson’s staining, as well as through the expression of fibroblast surface protein (FSP) and collagen III. The expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, F4/80 (macrophage/monocyte marker in rat), TGF-β1 and the downstream proteins phospho-SMAD 2/3 in dialyzed peritoneal tissue treated with or without Astragalus was evaluated using immunohistochemistry analysis. Overall correlations between MCP-1 and TGF-β1 staining were analyzed using both the Spearman and Pearson methods. The results showed that Astragalus could inhibit the recruitment and activation of monocytes/macrophages, thereby reducing the production of TGF-β1 in the dialyzed peritoneal membrane. PF was also significantly decreased following treatment with Astragalus. MCP-1 expression had a strong positive correlation with TGF-β1 sensitivity, suggesting that the anti-fibrotic function of Astragalus was mediated by MCP-1 and the TGF-β1 pathway. Our results indicate that Astragalus could be a useful agent against PD-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Weiming He
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Changle Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Jinsong Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Meixiao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baixia Hanzhong Road 155, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Hu X, Rui W, Wu C, He S, Jiang J, Zhang X, Yang Y. Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts suppress hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1284-91. [PMID: 24329763 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Previous studies showed Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE), extract from Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorhiza, significantly suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats induced by diethylinitrosamine (DEN), and in vitro experiments further demonstrated that CASE's anti-HepG2 cell invasion is associated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We hypothesized that CASE's suppression of HCC is modulated by TGF-β/Smad signaling, and we conducted this in vivo study to test this hypothesis. METHODS Rats were divided into the normal control, the DEN group, and three CASE (60, 120, and 240 mg/kg) treatment groups. The expression of phosphorylation(p) Smad both at C-terminal and linker region, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and Smad4 and Smad7 of liver tissues were measured and compared across the five groups. RESULTS The positive staining of pSmad2L and pSmad3L increased both in hepatoma nodule areas and adjacent relatively normal liver tissues in rats treated with DEN, while the positive staining of pSmad2C and pSmad3C increased only in relatively normal liver tissues adjacent to hepatoma tissues. The elevated expression of pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3L, Smad4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 proteins were suppressed by CASE in a dose-dependent manner. CASE treatment also significantly reduced the intranuclear amounts of pSmad2L and pSmad3L, and upregulated the elevation of pSmad3C positive cells and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION The results suggest that CASE significantly suppresses HCC progression by mediating TGF-β/Smad signaling, especially by modulating Smad3 phosphorylation both at the C-terminal and linker region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangpeng Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Shao F, Lu S. Identification, molecular cloning and expression analysis of five RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95117. [PMID: 24733018 PMCID: PMC3986363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRs) act as key components of the small RNA biogenesis pathways and play significant roles in post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and antiviral defense. However, there is no information about the RDR gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza, an emerging model medicinal plant with great economic value. Through genome-wide predication and subsequent molecular cloning, five full-length S. miltiorrhiza RDR genes, termed SmRDR1–SmRDR5, were identified. The length of SmRDR cDNAs varies between 3,262 (SmRDR5) and 4,130 bp (SmRDR3). The intron number of SmRDR genes varies from 3 (SmRDR1, SmRDR3 and SmRDR4) to 17 (SmRDR5). All of the deduced SmRDR protein sequences contain the conserved RdRp domain. Moreover, SmRDR2 and SmRDR4 have an additional RRM domain. Based on the phylogenetic tree constructed with sixteen RDRs from Arabidopsis, rice and S. miltiorrhiza, plant RDRs may be divided into four groups (RDR1–RDR4). The RDR1 group contains an AtRDR and an OsRDR, while includes two SmRDRs. On the contrary, the RDR3 group contains three AtRDRs and two OsRDRs, but has only one SmRDR. SmRDRs were differentially expressed in flowers, leaves, stems and roots of S. miltiorrhiza and responsive to methyl jasmonate treatment and cucumber mosaic virus infection. The results suggest the involvement of RDRs in S. miltiorrhiza development and response to abiotic and biotic stresses. It provides a foundation for further studying the regulation and biological functions of SmRDRs and the biogenesis pathways of small RNAs in S. miltiorrhiza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenjuan Shao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shanfa Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Qi Z, Liu M, Liu Y, Zhang M, Yang G. Tetramethoxychalcone, a chalcone derivative, suppresses proliferation, blocks cell cycle progression, and induces apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106206. [PMID: 25180593 PMCID: PMC4152132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antitumor functions of a synthetic chalcone derivative 4,3',4',5'- tetramethoxychalcone (TMOC) in ovarian cancer cells. We found that TMOC inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of cisplatin sensitive cell line A2780 and resistant cell line A2780/CDDP, as well as ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Treatment of A2780 cells with TMOC resulted in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through the down-regulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4, and the up-regulation of p16, p21 and p27 proteins. We demonstrated that TMOC might induce cell apoptosis through suppressing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, but enhancing the expression of Bax and the cleavage of PARP-1. Treatment of TMOC also reduced the invasion and migration of A2780 cells. Finally, we found that TMOC inhibited the constitutive activation of STAT3 signaling pathway and induced the expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN regardless of the p53 status in cell lines. These data suggest that TMOC may be developed as a potential chemotherapeutic agent to effectively treat certain cancers including ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Qi
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiqin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (GY)
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Central Laboratory, the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (GY)
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Rui W, Xie L, Liu X, He S, Wu C, Zhang X, Zhang L, Yang Y. Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting fibrosis and PAI-1 mRNA transcription. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 151:198-209. [PMID: 24247078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used for centuries in China to treat liver diseases. Previous studies have shown that these herbs and their extracts inhibit the development of liver fibrosis and the proliferation and invasion of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Further study of their pharmacological effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is needed. To investigate the effects of Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract (CASE) on diethylinitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male rats were divided into five groups, with the first group serving as normal control, the second group receiving 0.2% DEN solution five times a week for 14 weeks, and the third to fifth group receiving the same DEN as in the second group together with CASE at the doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg per day for 16 weeks, respectively. Hepatoma incidence, serum enzymes levels, degree of fibrosis and hydroxyproline content were evaluated and compared across the five groups to determine CASE's suppression of fibrosis and HCC progression. In addition, an in vitro experiment using HepG2 cells was conduct to verify CASE's effect on the transcription of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA. RESULTS CASE treatment significantly reduced the incidence and multiplicity of DEN-induced HCC development in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly suppressed the elevation of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, hyaluronic acid, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin, and significantly lessened the depression of serum total protein in DEN-induced HCC rats. CASE treatment also significantly suppressed the elevated expression of GST-P and α-SMA. The in vitro experiment confirmed that CASE inhibits the transcription of PAI-1 mRNA in HepG2 cells induced by TGF-β1 in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS CASE suppresses DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting fibrosis and PAI-1 mRNA transcription, suggesting its potential clinical application in preventing and treating human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Rui
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Care Hospital of Anhui Province, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Therapeutics Research Centre, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Shufang He
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Linjie Zhang
- Department of immunology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Bian D, Zhang J, Wu X, Dou Y, Yang Y, Tan Q, Xia Y, Gong Z, Dai Y. Asiatic acid isolated from Centella asiatica inhibits TGF-β1-induced collagen expression in human keloid fibroblasts via PPAR-γ activation. Int J Biol Sci 2013; 9:1032-42. [PMID: 24250248 PMCID: PMC3831116 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloids are fibroproliferative disorders characterized by exuberant extracellular matrix deposition and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway plays a pivotal role in keloid pathogenesis. Centella asiatica extract has been applied in scar management for ages. As one of its major components, asiatic acid (AA) has been recently reported to inhibit liver fibrosis by blocking TGF-β/Smad pathway. However, its effect on keloid remains unknown. In order to investigate the effects of AA on cell proliferation, invasion and collagen synthesis, normal and keloid fibroblasts were exposed to TGF-β1 with or without AA. Relevant experiments including 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, Transwell invasion assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA interference assay were conducted. As a result, keloid fibroblasts showed higher responsiveness to TGF-β1 stimulation than normal fibroblasts in terms of invasion and collagen synthesis. AA could suppress TGF-β1-induced expression of collagen type I, inhibit Smad 2/3 phosphorylation and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression, while elevate Smad 7 protein level. Noteworthy, the effects of AA on keloid fibroblasts could be abrogated by PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 and by silencing of PPAR-γ. The present study demonstrated that AA inhibited TGF-β1-induced collagen and PAI-1 expression in keloid fibroblasts through PPAR-γ activation, which suggested that AA was one of the active constituents of C. asiatica responsible for keloid management, and could be included in the arsenal for combating against keloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Difei Bian
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Shao F, Lu S. Genome-wide identification, molecular cloning, expression profiling and posttranscriptional regulation analysis of the Argonaute gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza, an emerging model medicinal plant. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:512. [PMID: 23889895 PMCID: PMC3750313 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Argonaute (AGO) is the core component of RNA-induced silencing complex. The AGO gene family has been analyzed in various plant species; however, there is no report about AGOs in the well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza. Results Through a genome-wide analysis, we identified ten SmAGO genes in S. miltiorrhiza. Full-length cDNAs of all SmAGOs were subsequently cloned and sequenced. These SmAGOs were characterized using a comprehensive approach. Sequence features, gene structures and conserved domains were analyzed by the comparison of SmAGOs and AtAGOs. Phylogenetic relationships among AGO proteins from S. miltiorrhiza, Arabidopsis and rice were revealed. The expression levels of SmAGO genes in various tissues of S. miltiorrhiza were investigated. The results implied that some SmAGOs, such as SmAGO1, SmAGO2, SmAGO3, SmAGO7 and SmAGO10, probably played similar roles as their counterparts in Arabidopsis; whereas the others could be more species-specialized. It suggests the conservation and diversity of AGOs in plants. Additionally, we identified a total of 24 hairpin structures, representing six miRNA gene families, to be miRNA precursors. Using the modified 5′-RACE method, we confirmed that SmAGO1 and SmAGO2 were targeted by S. miltiorrhiza miR168a/b and miR403, respectively. It suggests the conservation of AGO1-miR168 and AGO2-miR403 regulatory modules in S. miltiorrhiza and Arabidopsis. Conclusions This is the first attempt to explore SmAGOs and miRNAs in S. miltiorrhiza. The results provide useful information for further elucidation of gene silencing pathways in S. miltiorrhiza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenjuan Shao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
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