1
|
Li N, Li C, Zheng A, Liu W, Shi Y, Jiang M, Xiao Y, Qiu Z, Qiu Y, Jia A. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation reveals the source of bitterness in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Runchang-Tongbian. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5929. [PMID: 38881323 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The Runchang-Tongbian (RCTB) formula is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of four herbs, namely Cannabis Fructus (Huomaren), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and Aurantii Fructus (Zhiqiao). It is widely used clinically because of its beneficial effect on constipation. However, its strong bitter taste leads to poor patient compliance. The bitter components of TCM compounds are complex and numerous, and inhibiting the bitter taste of TCM has become a major clinical challenge. Here, we use ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify 59 chemical components in the TCM compound RCTB formula. Next, four bitter taste receptors, TAS2R39, TAS2R14, TAS2R7, and TAS2R5, which are tightly bound to the compounds in RCTB, were screened as molecular docking receptors using the BitterX database. The top-three-scoring receptor-small-molecule complexes for each of the four receptors were selected for molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, seven bitter components were identified, namely six flavonoids (rhoifolin, naringin, poncirin, diosmin, didymin, and narirutin) and one phenylpropanoid (purpureaside C). Thus, we proposed a new method for identifying the bitter components in TCM compounds, which provides a theoretical reference for bitter taste inhibition in TCM compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Aizhu Zheng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Weipeng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Mengcheng Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yusheng Xiao
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ailing Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu M, Wang Y, Han J, Sun Y, Wang S, Yang B, Wang Q, Kuang H. Artesunate Exerts Organ- and Tissue-Protective Effects by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis: A Review of Evidence and Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:686. [PMID: 38929125 PMCID: PMC11200509 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The human body comprises numerous organs and tissues operating in synchrony, it facilitates metabolism, circulation, and overall organismal function. Consequently, the well-being of our organs and tissues significantly influences our overall health. In recent years, research on the protective effects of artesunate (AS) on various organ functions, including the heart, liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and others has witnessed significant advancements. Findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that AS may emerge as a newfound guardian against organ damage. Its protective mechanisms primarily entail the inhibition of inflammatory factors and affect anti-fibrotic, anti-aging, immune-enhancing, modulation of stem cells, apoptosis, metabolic homeostasis, and autophagy properties. Moreover, AS is attracting a high level of interest because of its obvious antioxidant activities, including the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways, inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen species, and interfering with the expression of genes and proteins associated with oxidative stress. This review comprehensively outlines the recent strides made by AS in alleviating organismal injuries stemming from various causes and protecting organs, aiming to serve as a reference for further in-depth research and utilization of AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Jianwei Han
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yanping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510024, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luo M, Wang C, Guo J, Wen K, Yang C, Ni K, Liu L, Pan Y, Li J, Deng L. High Stretch Modulates cAMP/ATP Level in Association with Purine Metabolism via miRNA-mRNA Interactions in Cultured Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells. Cells 2024; 13:110. [PMID: 38247802 PMCID: PMC10813996 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
High stretch (>10% strain) of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) due to mechanical ventilation (MV) is postulated to contribute to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that ASMCs may respond to high stretch via regulatory miRNA-mRNA interactions, and thus we aimed to identify high stretch-responsive cellular events and related regulating miRNA-mRNA interactions in cultured human ASMCs with/without high stretch. RNA-Seq analysis of whole genome-wide miRNAs revealed 12 miRNAs differentially expressed (DE) in response to high stretch (7 up and 5 down, fold change >2), which target 283 DE-mRNAs as identified by a parallel mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The KEGG and GO analysis further indicated that purine metabolism was the first enriched event in the cells during high stretch, which was linked to miR-370-5p-PDE4D/AK7. Since PDE4D/AK7 have been previously linked to cAMP/ATP metabolism in lung diseases and now to miR-370-5p in ASMCs, we thus evaluated the effect of high stretch on the cAMP/ATP level inside ASMCs. The results demonstrated that high stretch modulated the cAMP/ATP levels inside ASMCs, which could be largely abolished by miR-370-5p mimics. Together, these findings indicate that miR-370-5p-PDE4D/AK7 mediated high stretch-induced modulation of cAMP and ATP synthesis inside ASMCs. Furthermore, such interactive miRNA-mRNA pairs may provide new insights for the discovery of effective biomarkers/therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of VILI and other MV-associated respiratory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Luo
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (L.D.); Tel.: +86-136-1611-9565 (M.L.); +86-136-8520-7009 (L.D.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China (K.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang M, Lin J, Zhang J, Zhao R, Wan J, Nong Y. Artesunate inhibits airway remodeling in asthma via the MAPK signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145188. [PMID: 36998616 PMCID: PMC10043319 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Artesunate (ART), is a semi-synthetic water-soluble artemisinin derivative extracted from the plant Artemisia annua, which is often used to treating malaria. In vivo and in vitro studies suggested it may help decrease inflammation and attenuate airway remodeling in asthma. However, its underlying mechanism of action is not elucidated yet. Herein, an attempt is made to investigate the ART molecular mechanism in treating asthma.Methods: The BALB/c female mice sensitized via ovalbumin (OVA) have been utilized to establish the asthma model, followed by carrying out ART interventions. Lung inflammation scores by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), goblet cell hyperplasia grade by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and collagen fibers deposition by Masson trichrome staining have been utilized for evaluating how ART affected asthma. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) function analyses. Hub clusters were found by Cytoscape MCODE. Subsequently, Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) verified the mRNA expression profiles of DEGs. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blots have validated the relevant genes and potential pathways.Results: ART considerably attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus secretion, and collagen fibers deposition. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the ART played a protective role via various pathways including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as one of them. Moreover, ART could alleviate the overexpression of found in inflammatory zone 1(FIZZ1) as revealed by IHC and Western blot analyses. ART attenuated OVA-induced asthma by downregulating phosphorylated p38 MAPK.Conclusion: ART exerted a protective function in a multitarget and multi-pathway on asthma. FIZZ1 was a possible target for asthma airway remodeling. The MARK pathway was one of the key pathways by which ART protected against asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medicine College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jiangtao Lin,
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiheng Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxuan Wan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Nong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Talmon M, Pollastro F, Fresu LG. The Complex Journey of the Calcium Regulation Downstream of TAS2R Activation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223638. [PMID: 36429066 PMCID: PMC9688576 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) have recently arisen as a potential drug target for asthma due to their localization in airway cells. These receptors are expressed in all cell types of the respiratory system comprising epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells; however, the expression pattern of the subtypes is different in each cell type and, accordingly, so is their role, for example, anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator. The most challenging aspect in studying TAS2Rs has been the identification of the downstream signaling cascades. Indeed, TAS2R activation leads to canonical IP3-dependent calcium release from the ER, but, alongside, there are other mechanisms that differ according to the histological localization. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the cytosolic calcium modulation downstream of TAS2R activation in the epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells of the airway system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang J, Li Y, Wan J, Zhang M, Li C, Lin J. Artesunate: A review of its therapeutic insights in respiratory diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154259. [PMID: 35849970 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate, as a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative of sesquiterpene lactone, is widely used in clinical antimalarial treatment due to its endoperoxide group. Recent studies have found that artesunate may have multiple pharmacological effects, indicating its significant therapeutic potential in multiple respiratory diseases. PURPOSE This review aims to summarize proven and potential therapeutic effects of artesunate in common respiratory disorders. STUDY DESIGN This review summarizes the pharmacological properties of artesunate and then interprets the function of artesunate in various respiratory diseases in detail, such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung injury, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, coronavirus disease 2019, etc., on different target cells and receptors according to completed and ongoing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies (including clinical trials). METHODS Literature was searched in electronic databases, including Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI with the primary keywords of 'artesunate', 'pharmacology', 'pharmacokinetics', 'respiratory disorders', 'lung', 'pulmonary', and secondary search terms of 'Artemisia annua L.', 'artemisinin', 'asthma', 'chronic obstructive lung disease', 'lung injury', 'lung cancer', 'pulmonary fibrosis', 'COVID-19' and 'virus' in English and Chinese. All experiments were included. Reviews and irrelevant studies to the therapeutic effects of artesunate on respiratory diseases were excluded. Information was sort out according to study design, subject, intervention, and outcome. RESULTS Artesunate is promising to treat multiple common respiratory disorders via various mechanisms, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-hyperresponsiveness, anti-proliferation, airway remodeling reverse, induction of cell death, cell cycle arrest, etc. CONCLUSION: Artesunate has great potential to treat various respiratory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Jingxuan Wan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China; Peking University China‑Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wen K, Ni K, Guo J, Bu B, Liu L, Pan Y, Li J, Luo M, Deng L. MircroRNA Let-7a-5p in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells is Most Responsive to High Stretch in Association With Cell Mechanics Modulation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:830406. [PMID: 35399286 PMCID: PMC8990250 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.830406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: High stretch (strain >10%) can alter the biomechanical behaviors of airway smooth muscle cells which may play important roles in diverse lung diseases such as asthma and ventilator-induced lung injury. However, the underlying modulation mechanisms for high stretch-induced mechanobiological responses in ASMCs are not fully understood. Here, we hypothesize that ASMCs respond to high stretch with increased expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that may in turn modulate the biomechanical behaviors of the cells. Thus, this study aimed to identify the miRNA in cultured ASMCs that is most responsive to high stretch, and subsequently investigate in these cells whether the miRNA expression level is associated with the modulation of cell biomechanics. Methods: MiRNAs related to inflammatory airway diseases were obtained via bioinformatics data mining, and then tested with cultured ASMCs for their expression variations in response to a cyclic high stretch (13% strain) simulating in vivo ventilator-imposed strain on airways. Subsequently, we transfected cultured ASMCs with mimics and inhibitors of the miRNA that is most responsive to the high stretch, followed by evaluation of the cells in terms of morphology, stiffness, traction force, and mRNA expression of cytoskeleton/focal adhesion-related molecules. Results: 29 miRNAs were identified to be related to inflammatory airway diseases, among which let-7a-5p was the most responsive to high stretch. Transfection of cultured human ASMCs with let-7a-5p mimics or inhibitors led to an increase or decrease in aspect ratio, stiffness, traction force, migration, stress fiber distribution, mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), myosin light chain kinase, some subfamily members of integrin and talin. Direct binding between let-7a-5p and ItgαV was also verified in classical model cell line by using dual-luciferase assays. Conclusion: We demonstrated that high stretch indeed enhanced the expression of let-7a-5p in ASMCs, which in turn led to changes in the cells’ morphology and biomechanical behaviors together with modulation of molecules associated with cytoskeletal structure and focal adhesion. These findings suggest that let-7a-5p regulation is an alternative mechanism for high stretch-induced effect on mechanobiology of ASMCs, which may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of high stretch-related lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingzhi Luo
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Luo, ; Linhong Deng,
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren R, Guo J, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Chen L, Xiong W. The role of Ca 2+ /Calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathway in osteoblastogenesis. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13122. [PMID: 34523757 PMCID: PMC8560623 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone remodelling process is closely related to bone health. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts participate in the bone remodelling process under the regulation of various factors inside and outside. Excessive activation of osteoclasts or lack of function of osteoblasts will cause occurrence and development of multiple bone‐related diseases. Ca2+/Calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathway regulates the growth and development of many types of cells, such as cardiomyocyte differentiation, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, myogenesis, bone development and regeneration, etc. Some evidences indicate that this signalling pathway plays an extremely important role in bone formation and bone pathophysiologic changes. This review discusses the role of Ca2+/Calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathway in the process of osteogenic differentiation, as well as the influence of regulating each component in this signalling pathway on the differentiation and function of osteoblasts, whereby the relationship between Ca2+/Calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathway and osteoblastogenesis could be deeper understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranyue Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiachao Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yangmengfan Chen
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Siegfried Weller Research Institute, BG Trauma Center Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yayun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liangxi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xun Q, Kuang J, Yang Q, Wang W, Zhu G. GLCCI1 reduces collagen deposition and airway hyper-responsiveness in a mouse asthma model through binding with WD repeat domain 45B. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6573-6583. [PMID: 34050597 PMCID: PMC8278071 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a serious public health problem worldwide, without effective therapeutic methods. Our previous study indicated that glucocorticoid‐induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) knockout reduces the sensitivity to glucocorticoid in asthmatic mouse. Here, we explored the role and action mechanism of GLCCI1 in asthma development. In ovalbumin‐sensitized mice, airway resistance and tissue damage increased, the production of inflammatory cytokines were up‐regulated, GLCCI1 expression was reduced and autophagy was activated. Increasing of GLCCI1 inhibited human and mouse airway epithelial cell (AEC) autophagy, while decreasing of GLCCI1 promoted autophagy. Furthermore, we found that GLCCI1 bound with WD repeat domain 45B (WDR45B) and inhibited its expression. Increasing of WDR45B partly reversed the inhibition of GLCCI1 to autophagy‐related proteins expression and autophagosome formation in vitro. Increasing of WDR45B in vivo reversed the improvement of GLCCI1 on airway remodelling in asthma and the inhibition to autophagy level in lung tissues. Overall, our data showed that GLCCI1 improved airway remodelling in ovalbumin‐sensitized mice through inhibiting autophagy via combination with WDR45B and inhibiting its expression. Our results proved a new idea for asthma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiufen Xun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiulong Kuang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Guofeng Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pan K, Lu J, Song Y. Artesunate ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway remodelling via PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Respir Res 2021; 22:91. [PMID: 33757521 PMCID: PMC7989207 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodelling is the major pathological feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and leads to poorly reversible airway obstruction. Current pharmacological interventions are ineffective in controlling airway remodelling. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of artesunate in preventing and treating airway remodelling and the underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS A COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. After 12 weeks of artesunate treatment, pathological changes in the lung tissues of COPD rats were examined by ELISA and histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. A lung functional experiment was also carried out to elucidate the effects of artesunate. Human bronchial smooth muscle (HBSM) cells were used to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Artesunate treatment inhibited CS-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced airway remodelling by inhibiting α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cyclin D1 expression. PPAR-γ was upregulated and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling was inactivated by artesunate treatment in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, PPAR-γ knockdown by siRNA transfection abolished artesunate-mediated inhibition of HBSM cell proliferation by activiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway and downregulating the expression of α-SMA and cyclin D1 in HBSM cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that artesunate could be used to treat airway remodelling by regulating PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad signalling in the context of COPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunming Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juanjuan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yun Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cheong DHJ, Tan DWS, Wong FWS, Tran T. Anti-malarial drug, artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104901. [PMID: 32405226 PMCID: PMC7217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are sesquiterpene lactones with a peroxide moiety that are isolated from the herb Artemisia annua. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of fever and chills, and has been recently approved for the treatment of malaria due to its endoperoxidase properties. Progressively, research has found that artemisinins displayed multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation, viral infections, and cell and tumour proliferation, making it effective against diseases. Moreover, it has displayed a relatively safe toxicity profile. The use of artemisinins against different respiratory diseases has been investigated in lung cancer models and inflammatory-driven respiratory disorders. These studies revealed the ability of artemisinins in attenuating proliferation, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis, and in inducing apoptosis. Artemisinins can regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote cell cycle arrest, drive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce Bak or Bax-dependent or independent apoptosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of the effects of artemisinins in relation to respiratory diseases to identify gaps that need to be filled in the course of repurposing artemisinins for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, we postulate whether artemisinins can also be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 given its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Daniel W S Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Fred W S Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Luo M, Yu P, Ni K, Jin Y, Liu L, Li J, Pan Y, Deng L. Sanguinarine Rapidly Relaxes Rat Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Dependent on TAS2R Signaling. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 43:1027-1034. [PMID: 32404582 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Excessive contraction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a hallmark feature of asthma. Intriguing, the activation of bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) in ASMCs can relax ASMCs. However, there is a lack of potent TAS2R agonists that can be used in asthma therapies since those tested agonists cannot relax ASMCs at the dose below a few hundred micromolar. Considering that sanguinarine (SA) is a bitter substance often used in small doses for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine, the present study was to determine the rapid relaxation effect of SA on ASMCs and to reveal the underlying mechanisms associated with TAS2R signaling. Here, cell stiffness, traction force, calcium signaling, cAMP levels, and the mRNA expression were evaluated by using optical magnetic twisting cytometry, traction force microscopy, Fluo-4/AM labeling, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative (q)RT-PCR, respectively. We found that 0.5 µM SA immediately decreased cell stiffness and traction force, which is comparable with the effect of 5 µM isoproterenol. In addition, 0.5 µM SA immediately increased intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and decreased the mRNA expression of contractile proteins such as calponin and α-smooth muscle actin after the treatment for 24 h. Furthermore, SA-mediated decrease in cell stiffness/traction force and increase in [Ca2+]i were significantly blunted by inhibiting the TAS2Rs signaling. These findings establish the rapid relaxation effect of SA at low concentration (<1 µM) on cultured ASMCs depending on TAS2R signaling, indicating that SA might be developed as a useful bronchodilator in asthma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Luo
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Peili Yu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Kai Ni
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Yang Jin
- Key Lab of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University
| | - Lei Liu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Jingjing Li
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Yan Pan
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Luo M, Ni K, Jin Y, Yu Z, Deng L. Toward the Identification of Extra-Oral TAS2R Agonists as Drug Agents for Muscle Relaxation Therapies via Bioinformatics-Aided Screening of Bitter Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Front Physiol 2019; 10:861. [PMID: 31379593 PMCID: PMC6647893 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances have been made in the past decade in mapping the distributions and the physiological functions of extra-oral bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in non-gustatory tissues. In particular, it has been found that TAS2Rs are expressed in various muscle tissues and activation of TAS2Rs can lead to muscle cell relaxation, which suggests that TAS2Rs may be important new targets in muscle relaxation therapy for various muscle-related diseases. So far, however, there is a lack of potent extra-oral TAS2R agonists that can be used as novel drug agents in muscle relaxation therapies. Interestingly, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often characterizes a drug’s property in terms of five distinct flavors (bitter, sweet, sour, salty, and pungent) according to its taste and function, and commonly regards “bitterness” as an intrinsic property of “good medicine.” In addition, many bitter flavored TCM are known in practice to cause muscle relaxation after long term use, and in lab experiments the compounds identified from some bitter flavored TCM do activate TAS2Rs and thus relax muscle cells. Therefore, it is highly possible to discover very useful extra-oral TAS2R agonists for muscle relaxation therapies among the abundant bitter compounds used in bitter flavored TCM. With this perspective, we reviewed in literature the distribution of TAS2Rs in different muscle systems with a focus on the map of bitter flavored TCM which can regulate muscle contractility and related functional chemical components. We also reviewed the recently established databases of TCM chemical components and the bioinformatics software which can be used for high-throughput screening and data mining of the chemical components associated with bitter flavored TCM. All together, we aim to present a knowledge-based approach and technological platform for identification or discovery of extra-oral TAS2R agonists that can be used as novel drug agents for muscle relaxation therapies through screening and evaluation of chemical compounds used in bitter flavored TCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Luo
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | - Kai Ni
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zifan Yu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|