Resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response in hPDLSCs via the NRF2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways and promotes osteogenic differentiation

Traditional Chinese medicine treats ulcerative colitis by regulating gut microbiota, signaling pathway and cytokine: Future novel method option for pharmacotherapy

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease with intestinal tract as the main site. The pathogenic of UC has not yet been clarified, and multiple mechanisms can lead to the pathogenesis of UC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers an opportunity for UC treatment. TCM has become the preferred treatment for UC with characteristics of multiple targets, multiple pathways and high safety. This review attempted to summarize the characteristics of TCM (compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, and active ingredients) for UC treatment and discussed their pathogenesis based on analyzing the UC-related gut microbiota, signaling pathway and cytokine. In order to provide more systematic and diverse reference for TCM in the prevention and treatment of UC, and provide theoretical reference for clinical treatment of UC.

Materials and methods

The information was acquired from different databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. We then focused on the recent research progress in UC treatment by TCM. Finally, the deficiencies and future perspectives are proposed.

Results

Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the compound prescriptions (strengthening spleen, clearing heat and removing dampness, clearing heat and removing toxin), single Chinese herbs (replenishing Qi, clearing heat, tonifying blood, etc.), and active ingredients (alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, etc.) have an efficiency in UC treatment by regulating gut microbiota, signaling pathway and cytokine.

Conclusions

TCM can achieve its purpose of UC prevention and treatment by acting in multiple ways, and TCM deserves further research and development in this field.

Resveratrol Improves Cognitive Function in Post-stroke Depression Rats by Repressing Inflammatory Reactions and Oxidative Stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent mental health issue, and resveratrol (RES) has been implicated in its management. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of RES on PSD. A PSD rat model was established through middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic unpredictable mild stress. Rats received RES via gavage, and depressive behaviors were evaluated through various measures. Cerebral infarction areas and brain tissue pathology were assessed using TTC and H&E staining. Levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-10), neurotransmitters (ACH/DA/5-HT/BDNF), and oxidative stress-related indicators (SOD/GSH-Px/MDA), along with the total Nrf2/C-Nrf2/N-Nrf2/HO-1 proteins, were analyzed. The role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was investigated by co-treating rats with RES and either an Nrf2 pathway specific inhibitor (ML385) or activator (dimethyl fumarate). PSD rats exhibited depressive behaviors, disrupted neurotransmitter levels, and oxidative stress markers. RES treatment effectively alleviated these symptoms and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PSD rat brain tissues. Co-administration of ML385 attenuated the beneficial effects of RES in PSD rats. Altogether, RES mitigates depressive behaviors, improves cognitive dysfunction, and reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in PSD rats. These effects are mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suggesting RES as a potential therapeutic agent for PSD-related cognitive impairment.

The Genetic Aspects of Periodontitis Pathogenesis and the Regenerative Properties of Stem Cells

Periodontitis (PD) is a prevalent and chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis, and it is associated with the presence of specific pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Dysbiosis and dysregulated immune responses ultimately lead to chronic inflammation as well as tooth and alveolar bone loss. Multiple studies have demonstrated that genetic polymorphisms may increase the susceptibility to PD. Furthermore, gene expression is modulated by various epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, or the activity of non-coding RNA. These processes can also be induced by PD-associated pathogens. In this review, we try to summarize the genetic processes that are implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Furthermore, we discuss the use of these mechanisms in diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. Importantly, novel treatment methods that could promote tissue regeneration are greatly needed in PD. In this paper, we also demonstrate current evidence on the potential use of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to stimulate tissue regeneration and suppress inflammation. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PD, as well as the impact of PD-associated bacteria and stem cells in these processes, may enhance future research and ultimately improve long-term treatment outcomes.