Tectorigenin inhibits inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in allergic asthma model of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs

Silencing SMAD4 inhibits inflammation and ferroptosis in asthma by blocking the IL-17A signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway is crucial in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), a key mediator of TGF-β, its roles and underlying mechanisms in asthma remain unclear.

METHODS

The in vivo and in vitro roles of SMAD4 in asthma were investigated through an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model and an interleukin-13 (IL-13)-induced cell model. The molecular mechanism of SMAD4 influenced asthma was examined using transcriptome sequencing, followed by feedback experiments involving recombinant human interleukin 17 A (rhIL-17 A), an IL-17 A signaling pathway activator.

RESULTS

SMAD4 was highly expressed in the asthma models. SMAD4 silencing alleviated damage to lung tissue and decreased inflammatory infiltration. Expression levels of Caspase-3, IgG, and inflammatory factors were reduced after silencing SMAD4. Silencing SMAD4 suppressed ferroptosis. Silencing SMAD4 also enhanced IL-13-induced BEAS-2B cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. Furthermore. IL-17 A signaling pathway was promoted in the asthma models, as evidenced by elevated IL-17RA, IL-17 A, and Act1 protein levels. SMAD4 silencing inhibited the expression levels of these IL-17 A pathway-associated proteins. Moreover, rhIL-17 A treatment notably reversed the impacts of SMAD4 silencing on asthma in the IL-13-induced cell model and OVA-induced mouse model, indicating that silencing SMAD4 inhibited inflammation and ferroptosis in asthma by blocking the IL-17 A signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Silencing SMAD4 prevents inflammation and ferroptosis in asthma by inhibiting the IL-17 pathway, which provides a novel potential approach for asthma therapy.

Tectorigenin Reduces Dabie bandavirus-Induced Cytokine Storm by Regulating Toll-Like Receptor 7/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a severe emerging infectious disease caused by Dabie bandavirus (DBV). Tectorigenin has been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory effect. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of tectorigenin on DBV-induced cytokine storm. Effects of tectorigenin on cytokines in DBV-infected THP-1 cells and plasma samples of Type I interferon receptor (IFNAR)-/- mice infected with DBV were detected. The changes in body weight and survival time of mice were recorded. The liver, spleen, kidney, and lymph node tissues were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining. We demonstrated that tectorigenin reduced the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in both DBV-infected THP-1 cells and plasma samples of IFNAR-/- mice infected with DBV. Tectorigenin attenuated DBV-induced histopathological changes in mice. Mechanistically, tectorigenin attenuated DBV-induced phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa-B kinase alpha/beta (IKKα/β) of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and might function by downregulation of Toll-like receptor. The result of this study suggested that tectorigenin exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro and could serve as a novel potential therapeutic strategy for SFTS.

Comprehensive review of potential drugs with anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs, which leads to impaired lung function and reduced quality of life. The prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form of pulmonary fibrosis, is generally poor. The median survival for patients with IPF is estimated to be around 3-5 years from the time of diagnosis. Currently, there are two approved drugs (Pirfenidone and Nintedanib) for the treatment of IPF. However, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are not able to reverse or cure pulmonary fibrosis. There is a need for new pharmacological interventions that can slow or halt disease progression and cure pulmonary fibrosis. This review aims to provide an updated overview of current and future drug interventions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and to summarize possible targets of potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs, providing theoretical support for further clinical combination therapy or the development of new drugs.

Studying of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tectorigenin in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice models

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is an important respiratory system problem characterized by airway inflammation, breathlessness, and bronchoconstriction. Allergic asthma and its outcomes are triggered by type 2 allergic immune responses. Tectorigenin is a methoxy-isoflavone with anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of tectorigenin on the pathophysiology of allergic asthma in an animal model.

METHODS

Asthmatic mice were treated with tectorigenin. Then airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil percentage, levels of interleukin (IL)-33, IL-25, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, total and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and lung histopathology were evaluated.

RESULT

Tectorigenin significantly (P 〈 0.05) reduced eosinophil infiltration (41 ± 7%) in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum IL-5 level (41 ± 5, pg/mL), and bronchial and vascular inflammation (scores of 1.3 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.3, respectively) but had no significant effects on AHR, serum levels of IL-33, -25, -13, and -4 (403 ± 24, 56 ± 7, 154 ± 11, and 89 ± 6 pg/mL, respectively), total and OVA-specific IgE (2684 ± 265 and 264 ± 19 ng/mL, respectively), goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus production.

CONCLUSION

Tectorigenin could control inflammation and the secretion of inflammatory mediators of asthma, so it can be regarded as a potential antiasthma treatment with the ability to control eosinophilia-related problems.

Tectorigenin inhibits oxidative stress by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in Th2-mediated allergic asthmatic mice

Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway condition and one of the most common non-communicable illnesses worldwide. Tectorigenin (Tec) is an isoflavonoid found in plants that possesses significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory abilities. Nevertheless, the antioxidative properties of Tec have not yet been documented in allergic asthma. In this study, we created an asthmatic BALB/c mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and used it to assess the efficacy of Tec as a possible therapy agent. Tec decreased the serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG1 secretion levels. The total number of cells and the distribution of inflammatory cells decreased significantly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), with weakened inflammatory reaction in pulmonary tissues. Additionally, Tec regulated the T helper 1(Th1)/Th2 balance by increasing the expression of Th1- related factors (interleukin (IL)-12 and T-bet) and decreasing the expression of Th2-related factors (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and GATA binding protein 3. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-1β were also inhibited by Tec. Tec also dramatically increased antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) concentrations while lowering the intensity of the indicators of oxidative stress such as reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in BALF. Finally, Tec effectively activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and prevented the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The results of the current study show that Tec may be useful in relieving the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses associated with asthma.

Phytochemicals as treatment for allergic asthma: Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease caused by the immune system's reaction to allergens, inflammation and narrowing of the airways, and the production of more than normal mucus. One of the main reasons is an increased production of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs that leads to the appearance of symptoms of asthma, including inflammation and shortness of breath. On the other hand, it has been proven that phytochemicals with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be useful in improving allergic asthma.

PURPOSE

Common chemical treatments for allergic asthma include corticosteroids, which have many side effects and temporarily relieve symptoms but are not a cure. Therefore, taking the help of natural compounds to improve the quality of life of asthmatic patients can be a valuable issue that has been evaluated in the present review.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane) with the keywords: allergic asthma, phytochemical, plant, and herb were evaluated. The primary result was 5307 articles. Non-English, repetitive, and review articles were deleted from the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Finally, after carefully reading the articles, 102 were included in the study (2006-2022). The results of this review state that phytochemicals suppress the inflammatory pathways via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines production/secretion, genes, and proteins involved in the inflammation process, reducing oxidative stress indicators and symptoms of allergic asthma, such as cough and mucus production in the lungs.

CONCLUSION

With their antioxidant effects, this study concluded that phytochemicals suppress cytokines and other inflammatory indicators and thus can be considered an adjunctive treatment for improving allergic asthma.

Tectorigenin: A Review of Its Sources, Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics

Tectorigenin is a well-known natural flavonoid aglycone and an active component that exists in numerous plants. Growing evidence suggests that tectorigenin has multiple pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective. These pharmacological properties provide the basis for the treatment of many kinds of illnesses, including several types of cancer, diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, etc. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary and review of the sources, extraction and synthesis, pharmacological effects, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and delivery strategy aspects of tectorigenin. Tectorigenin may exert certain cytotoxicity, which is related to the administration time and concentration. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main metabolic pathways in rats for tectorigenin are glucuronidation, sulfation, demethylation and methoxylation, but that it exhibits poor bioavailability. From our perspective, further research on tectorigenin should cover: exploring the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of action; finding an appropriate concentration to balance pharmacological effects and toxicity; attempting diversified delivery strategies to improve the bioavailability; and structural modification to obtain tectorigenin derivatives with higher pharmacological activity.

Natural plant resource flavonoids as potential therapeutic drugs for pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is an enduring and advancing pulmonary interstitial disease caused by multiple factors that ultimately lead to structural changes in normal lung tissue. Currently, pulmonary fibrosis is a global disease with a high degree of heterogeneity and mortality rate. Nitidine and pirfenidone have been approved for treating pulmonary fibrosis, and the quest for effective therapeutic drugs remains unabated. In recent years, the anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties of natural flavonoids have garnered heightened attention, although further research is needed. In this paper, the resources, structural characteristics, anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties and mechanisms of natural flavonoids were reviewed. We hope to provide potential opportunities for the application of flavonoids in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis.

Oriental traditional herbal Medicine--Puerariae Flos: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: ) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Chinese: ). It has a long history of thousands of years in China for awakening the spleen, clearing the lungs, relieving alcohol.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to report the up-to-date research progress in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, metabolism and therapeutic application of PF, so as to provide a strong basis for future clinical treatment and scientific research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on PF was collected from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books) by using the keyword "Puerariae".

RESULTS

Briefly, phytochemical research report has isolated 39 flavonoids, 19 saponins and 25 volatile oils from PF. Flavonoids and saponins are the most important bioactive compounds, and most of the quality control studies focus on these two types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed their significant biological activities in relieving alcoholism, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation, which provides theoretical support for the traditional use.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive analysis showed that pharmacological activity of most purified compounds from PF had not been reported. Kakkalide, tectoridin and their deglycosylated metabolites (irisolidone and tectorigenin) has been focused on excessively due to their higher content and better activities. This leads to low development and resources waste. Interestingly, PF made a breakthrough in the field of food. Many kinds of fat-lowering foods such as PILLBOX Onaka have been popular in Japan market, which received extensive attention. Therefore, we suggest that future research can be paid attention on the development of the plant's function in the field of food and medicine, as well as the transformation from experimental to clinical.

Paraquat-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in rats improved by Curcuma longa ethanolic extract, curcumin and a PPAR agonist

The effect of Curcuma longa (Cl) ethanolic extract, nano-curcumin (Cu) and a PPARγ activator, pioglitazone on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress was examined in the present study. Control rats were exposed to normal saline and PQ groups to 27 and 54 mg/m³ (PQ-L and PQ-H) aerosols. Nine other PQ-H groups were treated with Curcuma longa (Cl, 150 and 600 mg/kg/day), nano-curcumin (Cu, 2 and 8 mg/kg/day), pioglitazone (Pio, 5 and 10 mg/kg), low dose of Pio + Cl and Cu and dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day) for 16 days after PQ exposure period (n = 8). Total and differential WBC counts, malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α levels were increased but thiol, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were decreased in the blood in the both PQ groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with Dexa and both doses of Cl, Cu, and Pio improved all measured variables compared to the PQ-H group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The improvements of most variables in the treated group with low dose of Pio + Cl and Cu were higher than the effects of three agents alone. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled PQ were improved by Cl, Cu and Pio. In addition, a synergic effect between Pio with those of Cl and Cu was shown, suggesting PPARγ mediated effects of the plant and its derivative Cu.

mmu-microRNA-92a-3p attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Cpeb4-mediated Smad2/3 signaling pathway

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disorder, in which the mechanism of mmu-microRNA (miR)-92a-3p is not elucidated clearly. The present work was proposed to disclose mmu-miR-92a-3p-focused mechanism in PF with cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 4 (Cpeb4)/Smad2/3 axis. PF was induced in mice by the intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM). Then, the BLM-treated mice were injected with mmu-miR-92a-3p- and/or Cpeb4-related adenovirus vectors. mmu-miR-92a-3p, Cpeb4, and Smad2/3 expression in lung tissues were examined. Alveolar cell apoptosis and collagen deposition in lung tissues and inflammatory factors in serum were observed. The interaction between mmu-miR-92a-3p and Cpeb4 was explored. Lowly expressed mmu-miR-92a-3p and highly expressed Cpeb4 and Smad2/3 were manifested in BLM-induced PF mice. BLM-induced PF mice exhibited enhanced inflammation, alveolar cell apoptosis, and collagen deposition, which would be attenuated by upregulating mmu-miR-92a-3p or downregulating Cpeb4. mmu-miR-92a-3p targeted Cpeb4. Upregulating mmu-miR-92a-3p or downregulating Cpeb4 inactivated the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in BLM-induced PF mice. It is elaborated that mmu-miR-92a-3p attenuates the process of PF by modulating Cpeb4-mediated Smad2/3 signaling pathway, renewing the molecular mechanism of PF.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Remodelling Potential of Ethanol Extract Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa in Combination of Asthma and Coal Dust Models

BACKGROUND

Combination of asthma and coal dust is a chronic and recurring airway disease related to inflammation cell activation. The Rhodomyrtus tomentosa flowering plants native to South Kalimantan exhibit a broad therapeutic potential, like anti-inflammatory and anti-remodelling properties. This study aims to analyze the effect of ethanol extract of R. tomentosa leaves (EERTL) nebulizer on the number of inflammatory cells and histomorphometry of lung tissue in a mice-like model of a combination of asthma and coal dust.

METHODS

The 24 BALB/c mice were divided into four treatment groups (n= 6 per group), were sensitized with normal saline (K), OVA + coal dust (P1), OVA + coal dust + salbutamol (P2), and OVA + coal dust + EERTL (P3). Eosinophil cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, epithelial thickness, smooth muscle, fibrosis subepithelial bronchioles, and the number of goblet cells as indicators of anti-inflammatory and anti-remodelling airways.

RESULTS

The number of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes cells are given salbutamol or EERTL was significantly lower than the OVA-sensitized and coal dust exposure group only. There are meaningful differences in the average thickness of the epithelium, smooth muscle, and subepithelial fibrosis of bronchiolus. The histopathology picture of goblet cells showed an increase in the number and size (hyperplasia) in OVA-sensitized and coal dust exposure compared to another group.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the EERTL nebulizer could reduce inflammatory cells and remodelling process from bronchoalveolar lavage in the mice combination of asthma and coal dust models.

Tectorigenin protects against unilateral ureteral obstruction by inhibiting Smad3-mediated ferroptosis and fibrosis

Renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury and fibrosis are the key factors of the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Here, we reported that tectorigenin is effectively protected against obstructive nephropathy established by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). In vivo, tectorigenin administration significantly alleviated the deteriorations of renal functions including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Meanwhile, results from the histology suggested that renal injury characterized by tubular cell damage and fibrosis lesions of kidneys in UUO group were markedly attenuated following tectorigenin treatment. Mechanistically, we found that tectorigenin treatment greatly inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation, and the transcription and protein level of Nox4, a newly identified direct downstream molecule of Smad3 and a modulator of ferroptosis, while it indirectly restored the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4, a negative regulator of ferroptosis. Consistent with in vivo studies, treatment with tectorigenin also suppressed the ferroptosis induced by erastin/RSL3 and fibrosis stimulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in primary renal TECs. What is more, treatment with ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, also impeded TGF-β1 stimulated the profibrotic effects in TECs, indicating that tectorigenin may relieve fibrosis by inhibiting ferroptosis in TECs. In addition, tectorigenin treatment exhibited a similar tendency, which inhibited Smad3 activation, and the docking analysis revealed that tectorigenin docked well into the Smad3 binding cavity with strong binding affinity (-7.9 kcal/mol). Thus, this study deciphers the protective effect of tectorigenin against obstructive nephropathy through inhibiting Smad3-mediated ferroptosis and fibrosis.

Potential therapeutic interventions of plant-derived isoflavones against acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that possibly leads to high morbidity and mortality as no therapy exists. Several natural ingredients with negligible adverse effects have recently been investigated to possibly inhibit the inflammatory pathways associated with ALI at the molecular level. Isoflavones, as phytoestrogenic compounds, are naturally occurring bioactive compounds that represent the most abundant category of plant polyphenols (Leguminosae family). A broad range of therapeutic activities of isoflavones, including antioxidants, chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antibacterial potentials, have been extensively documented in the literature. Our review exclusively focuses on the possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant role of botanicals'-derived isoflavones against ALI and their immunomodulatory effect in experimentally induced ALI. Despite the limited scope covering their molecular mechanisms, isoflavones substantially contributed to protecting from ALI via inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myd88/NF-κB pathway and subsequent cytokines, chemokines, and adherent proteins. Nonetheless, future research is suggested to fill the gap in elucidating the protective roles of isoflavones to alleviate ALI concerning antioxidant potentials, inhibition of the inflammatory pathways, and associated molecular mechanisms.

Tectorigenin attenuates cognitive impairments in mice with chronic cerebral ischemia by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

This study aims to explore the effect of Tectorigenin in chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI)-induced cognitive impairment mice model. Cognitive impairment, hippocampal tissue histopathology, and myelin density in CCI mice were detected. HT22 cells were used to induce oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. Cell viability and apoptosis of transfected HT22 cells and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway-related factor levels in hippocampal tissue and OGD/R models were detected. CCI caused cognitive impairment, hippocampal damage, and decreased myelin density in mice while promoting interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, p-p65, NLRP3, and ASC levels. Tectorigenin reversed the effects of CCI in mice and reversed the promoting effects of OGD/R on apoptosis and TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related factors levels, while overexpressed TLR4 reversed the effects of Tectorigenin in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Tectorigenin alleviated cognitive impairment in CCI mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Polyphenolic Profiling of Green Waste Determined by UPLC-HDMSE

Valorising green waste will greatly enhance and promote the sustainable management of this large volume resource. One potential way to achieve this is the extraction of high value human health promoting chemicals (e.g., polyphenols) from this material. Our primary aim was to identify the main polyphenols present in four contrasting green waste feedstocks, namely Smyrnium olusatrum, Urtica dioica, Allium ursinum and Ulex europaeus, using UPLC-HDMSE. Polyphenol-rich Camellia sinensis (green tea) was used as a reference material. Samples were extracted and analysed by UPLC-HDMSE, which was followed by data processing using Progenesis QI and EZ Info. A total of 77 high scoring polyphenolic compounds with reported benefits to human health were tentatively identified in the samples, with abundances varying across the plant types; A. ursinum was seen to be the least abundant in respect to the polyphenols identified, whereas U. europaeus was the most abundant. Important components with a diverse range of bioactivity, such as procyanidins, (−)-epigallocatechin, naringenin, eriodictyol and iso-liquiritigenin, were observed, plus a number of phytoestrogens such as daidzein, glycitin and genistein. This research provides a route to valorise green waste through the creation of nutritional supplements which may aid in the prevention of disease.

Tectorigenin attenuates the OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell damage through regulation of the PI3K/AKT and the PPARγ/NF-κB pathways

Tectorigenin (TEC) is an effective compound that derived from many plants, such as Iris unguicularis, Belamcanda chinensis and Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. Evidence suggested that TEC has anti-tumor, anti-oxidant activity, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, there has some evidence indicated that TEC is a potential anti-stroke compound; however, its specific roles and associated mechanism have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant activity and anti-apoptosis effects of TEC on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT-22 cells, and clarified the relevant mechanisms. Here, we observed that TEC significantly promoted cell survival, impeded cell apoptosis, inhibited ROS and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α production in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Moreover, TEC activated PI3K/AKT signal pathway, increased PPARγ expression and inhibited NF-κB pathway activation in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Further studies indicated that PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 activated NF-κB pathway after TEC treatment in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Also, PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002, PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and NF-κB activator LPS both reversed the effects of TEC on OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell biology. Taken together, this research confirmed that TEC benefit to HT-22 cell survival and against OGD/R damage through the PI3K/AKT and PPARγ/NF-κB pathways. These results indicated that TEC might be an effective compound in the treatment for ischemic brain injury.

Tectorigenin regulates migration, invasion, and apoptosis in dexamethasone-induced human airway epithelial cells through up-regulating miR-222-3p

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can effectively control airway inflammation, but can also cause airway epithelial injury. Tectorigenin, a type of isoflavone isolated from various medicinal plants, has hypolipidemic activity, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate whether Tectorigenin can repair GCs-induced airway epithelial injury. Airway epithelial cell line (9HTE cells) were treated with dexamethasone (Dex), Tectorigenin, or further transfected, then cell viability, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8), wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expressions of potential miRNAs related to the effect of Tectorigenin were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of poptosis-related proteins Bcl-2-associated protein-X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Cleaved Caspase-3, and related to Mitorgen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway serine/threonine kinase (Raf1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Dex inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion by promoting Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 expressions (p <.001) and by inhibiting the expressions of Bcl-2 and miR-222-3p (p <.001). Then, 10 μmol/L Tectorigenin itself did not affect cell viability but could inhibit the effect of Dex on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Tectorigenin up-regulated the expressions of miR-222-3p, Bcl-2, p-Raf1, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 (p <.01), but down-regulated the expressions of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 (p <.05) in Dex-induced cells. MiR-222-3p inhibitor reversed the antagonistic effect of Tectorigenin on Dex. The study demonstrates that Tectorigenin inhibits apoptosis of Dex-induced 9HTE cells by up-regulating the expression of miR-222-3p, which involves with the MAPK pathway.