Berberine Reduces Rat Intestinal Tight Junction Injury Induced by Ischemia–Reperfusion Associated with the Suppression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthesis

Berberine decreases S100B generation to regulate gut vascular barrier permeability in mice with burn injury

Context: Berberine (BBR) can regulate enteric glial cells (EGCs) and the gut vascular barrier (GVB).Objective: To explore whether BBR regulates GVB permeability via the S100B pathway.Materials and methods: GVB hyperpermeability in C57BL/6J mice was induced by burns or S100B enema. BBR (25 or 50 mg/kg/d, 3 d) was gavaged preburn. S100B monoclonal antibody (S100BmAb) was i.v. injected postburn. Mouse intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (MIMECs) were treated with S100B, S100B plus BBR, or Z-IETD-FMK. GVB permeability was assayed by FITC-dextran, S100B by ELISA, caspase-8, β-catenin, occludin and PV-1 by immunoblot.Results: Burns elevated S100B in serum and in colonic mucosa to a peak (147.00 ± 4.95 ng/mL and 160.30 ± 8.50 ng/mg, respectively) at 36 h postburn, but BBR decreased burns-induced S100B in serum (126.20 ± 6.30 or 90.60 ± 3.78 ng/mL) and in mucosa (125.80 ± 12.40 or 91.20 ± 8.54 ng/mg). Burns raised GVB permeability (serum FITC-dextran 111.40 ± 8.56 pg/mL) at 48 h postburn, but BBR reduced GVB permeability (serum FITC-dextran 89.20 ± 6.98 or 68.60 ± 5.50 ng/mL). S100B enema (1 μM) aggravated burns-raised GVB permeability (142.80 ± 8.07 pg/mL) and PV-1, but the effect of S100B was antagonized by BBR. Z-IETD-FMK (5 μM) increased S100B-induced permeability to FITC-dextran (205.80 ± 9.70 to 263.80 ± 11.04 AUs) while reducing β-catenin in MIMECs. BBR (5 μM) reduced S100B-induced permeability (104.20 ± 9.65 AUs) and increased caspase-8, β-catenin and occludin.Discussion and conclusion: BBR decreases burns-induced GVB hyperpermeability via modulating S100B/caspase-8/β-catenin pathway and may involve EGCs.

Qingchang Mixture Prevents the Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury through TLR4/NF-kB Pathway

OBJECT

This study aims to determine the protective effect and molecular responses of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

METHODS

The rat intestinal IR model was prepared. The intestinal ischemic injury was evaluated by HE staining, biochemical assay and western blot. In addition, a human hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) in vitro model was prepared using intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6). The viability and apoptosis of IEC-6 cells were measured by CCK8 and apoptosis detection. TAK242 or PDTC was used as a small molecule inhibitor of TLR4 or NF-κB, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the IR group, the pretreatment of the Qingchang mixture reduced the morphological damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and barrier function damage of the small intestine tissue. IR significantly increased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, while the pretreatment of the Qingchang mixture inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. Furthermore, the pretreatment of Qingchang mixture, TAK242, or PDTC effectively improved the viability and hindered apoptosis of the HR-induced IEC-6 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture prevents intestinal IR injury through TLR4/NF-kB pathway.

Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Mass Spectrometry (DIA-MS) for Quantitative Analysis of Human Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (II/R) injury is a complex pathologic process, which is of great significance to unravel the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology. Our study represented a comprehensive proteomic analysis in the human intestine with ischemia-reperfusion injury. The proteomics analysis measured a total of 5,230 proteins, and 417 differently expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between II/R and control samples. GO and KEGG analysis demonstrated that the 290 upregulated DEPs in II/R were significantly involved in immune-related biological process and tight junction, focal adhesion, and cAMP signaling pathway, whereas the 127 downregulated DEPs in II/R were enriched in lipid metabolic process and metabolic pathway. Furthermore, we screened out 20 hub proteins from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network according to the degree of connectivity, and six clusters were identified. Combined with the result of KEGG analysis, 6 from the 20 hub proteins, ACTB, CAV1, FLNA, MYLK, ACTN1, and MYL9, were identified as the key proteins in the progress of II/R injury. According to the previous studies, FLNA and MYL9 were selected as the novel disease-related proteins for the first time. In conclusion, this study extended our understanding of the alteration in the human intestine during ischemia and reperfusion and highlighted the potential role of FLNA and MYL9 in the progress of II/R injury, which need to be further studied.

Old targets, new strategy: Apigenin-7-O-β-d-(-6″-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside prevents endothelial ferroptosis and alleviates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury through HO-1 and MAO-B inhibition

With the increasing morbidity and mortality, intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IIRI) has attracted more and more attention, but there is no efficient therapeutics at present. Apigenin-7-O-β-D-(-6″-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (APG) is a new flavonoid glycoside isolated from Clematis tangutica that has strong antioxidant abilities in previous studies. However, the pharmacodynamic function and mechanism of APG on IIRI remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of APG on IIRI both in vivo and in vitro and identify the potential molecular mechanism. We found that APG could significantly improve intestinal edema and increase Chiu's score. MST analysis suggested that APG could specifically bind to heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and monoamine oxidase b (MAO-B). Simultaneously, APG could attenuate ROS generation and Fe²⁺ accumulation, maintain mitochondria function thus inhibit ferroptosis with a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we used siRNA silencing technology to confirm that knocking down both HO-1 and MAO-B had a positive effect on intestine. In addition, we found the HO-1 and MAO-B inhibitors also could reduce endothelial cell loss and protect vascular endothelial after reperfusion. We demonstrate that APG plays a protective role on decreasing activation of HO-1 and MAO-B, attenuating IIRI-induced ROS generation and Fe²⁺ accumulation, maintaining mitochondria function thus inhibiting ferroptosis.

Berberine Ameliorates Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy in PC12 Cells

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which berberine protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) PC12 model was established. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the toxicity of berberine and the viability of PC12 cells. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were used to observe the nuclear morphology, and changes of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were employed to detect autophagy-related proteins [microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), P62/SQSTM-1, Beclin-1] and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related markers [glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3]. The GFP-RFP-LC3 adenovirus was used to assay the change of autophagic flux. Our results showed that berberine could increase the viability of PC12 cells, decrease the concentrations of ROS after OGD/R treatment, and suppress OGD/R-induced ER stress and autophagy. Moreover, the results revealed the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in the induction of autophagy, and berberine could activate the phosphorylation of mTOR and thus mitigate autophagy. In conclusion, our study suggested that berberine may protect against OGD/R-induced apoptosis by regulating ER stress and autophagy, and it holds promises in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Hydrogen-rich saline protects intestinal epithelial tight junction barrier in rats with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis pathway

AIM

To investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier in rats with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IIRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 each): Sham group, I/R group, HRS group and 4-PBA group. After 45 min of ischemia and 6 h of reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed to collect serum and ileum for detection. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the morphology of small intestine. The serum expression levels of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Imunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect key proteins in intestinal epithelial TJs, ERS, and ERS-induced apoptosis, including occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-3. Data was presented as mean ± SEM and compared using one-way ANOVA. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Compared with rats in the I/R group, the Chiu score of ileum damage in the HRS group and 4-PBA group were lower. The levels of serum IFABP, TNF-α, and IL-1β were statistically significant among the groups. Increased expression of TJ proteins occludin and ZO-1 by reducing various parameters of ERS and ERS-induced apoptosis evidenced by down-regulation of the protein levels of GRP78, XBP1, CHOP and caspase-3 were shown in the HRS and 4-PBA groups.

CONCLUSION

HRS had potential protective effects on intestinal barrier in IIRI rats. This study suggested that inhibition of excessive ERS and ERS-induced apoptosis by HRS may reduce intestinal epithelial cells damage and maintain the integrity of intestinal epithelial TJ barrier in rats with IIRI.

Protective Role of mTOR in Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Involvement of Inflammation and Autophagy

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is a common phenomenon after liver resection and transplantation, which often results in liver graft dysfunction such as delayed graft function and primary nonfunction. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which coordinates cell growth and metabolism through sensing environmental inputs under physiological or pathological conditions, involved in the pathophysiological process of IR injury. In this review, we mainly present current evidence of the beneficial role of mTOR in modulating inflammation and autophagy under liver IR to provide some evidence for the potential therapies for liver IR injury.

Berberine protects steatotic donor undergoing liver transplantation via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy

Steatotic livers are more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury, and increase the risk of primary graft non-function after liver transplantation. The protective effects of berberine have been described in various liver pathological models. However, it is unknown if berberine exerts its beneficial action in steatotic donors undergoing liver transplantation. In the present study, male Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce moderate steatotic liver. Then orthotropic liver transplantation was constructed. Berberine (200 mg/kg/d) was given intragastrically one week before liver transplantation. Thapsigargin (TG) (0.2 mg/kg) was administrated intravenously 24 h before liver transplantation. Liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine were detected by biochemical or histopathological analysis. The morphology of autophagosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of CHOP, BIP, the phosphorylation of PERK, LC3-II/I, Beclin-1, and p62 were determined by Western blot assay. The co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker (KDEL) and autophagic protein (LC3B) was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. The level of reticulophagy hallmark (FAM134B) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with HFD + LT group, berberine ameliorated hepatocellular damage, decreased the oxidative stress level and inflammatory cytokine release. Simultaneously, berberine inhibited the expression of both endoplasmic reticulum stress parameters and autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, the co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker and LC3B was also reduced in HFD + BBR + LT group. berberine down-regulated the level of FAM134B. TG reversed the beneficial effects of berberine. Our study revealed that berberine exerts protective effects on steatotic livers undergoing transplantation by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy.

Impact statement

Berberine is isolated from traditional Chinese medicine plants and has dramatically therapeutic potential against inflammation, diarrhea, and diabetes. But the benefits of BBR on steatotic grafts after liver transplantation remain poorly understood. Our findings might help explain the mechanism of berberine in protecting steatotic livers undergoing transplantation and give advantageous insights that berberine has potential as a suitable candidate for preventing hepatic injury after steatotic liver transplantation by inhibiting ER stress-mediated reticulophagy.

Berberine protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury: A review of evidence from animal models and clinical studies

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality and has seriously negative social and economic influences. Unfortunately, few effective therapeutic strategies are available to improve its outcome. Berberine is a natural medicine possessing multiple beneficial biological activities. Emerging evidence indicates that berberine has potential protective effects against I/R injury in brain, heart, kidney, liver, intestine and testis. However, up-to-date review focusing on the beneficial role of berberine against I/R injury is not yet available. In this paper, results from animal models and clinical studies are concisely presented and its mechanisms are discussed. We found that berberine ameliorates I/R injury in animal models via its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, berberine also attenuates I/R injury by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and promoting autophagy. Additionally, regulation of periphery immune system may also contributes to the beneficial effect of berberine against I/R injury. Although clinical evidence is limited, the current studies indicate that berberine may attenuate I/R injury via inhibiting excessive inflammatory response in patients. Collectively, berberine might be used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the management of I/R injury.

Berberine-loaded Janus gold mesoporous silica nanocarriers for chemo/radio/photothermal therapy of liver cancer and radiation-induced injury inhibition

Background: The combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy serves as a common therapeutic strategy in clinics. However, it is unsatisfactory due to its poor therapeutic efficiency and severe side-effects originating from chemotherapy-exerted systemic toxicity as well as radiation-induced injury. Purpose: Hence, Berberine (Ber), an isoquinolin alkaloid with low toxicity and protective effects against radiotherapy, was used as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for chemo-radiotherapy of liver cancer. Patients and methods: We preloaded Ber into folic acid targeting Janus gold mesoporous silica nanocarriers (FA-JGMSNs) for overcoming the poor bioavailability of Ber. Furthermore, FA-JGMSNs were not only employed as radiosensitizers for expanding radiotherapeutic effect, but also used as photothermal agents for supplementing chemo-radiotherapeutic effect by local photothermal therapy. Results: In vitro and in vivo experiemtal results demonstrated the highly efficient anti-tumor effect, good biosafety as well as the effective protection of normal tissue of this nanoplatform. Conclusion: Based on its superb performance, we believe our work provided a feasible strategy for triple-therapies of liver cancer.

Therapeutic potential of natural plant products and their metabolites in preventing radiation enteropathy resulting from abdominal or pelvic irradiation

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury or radiation enteropathy is an imminent risk during radiation therapy of abdominal or pelvic tumors. Despite remarkable technological advancements in image-guided radiation delivery techniques, the risk of intestinal injury after radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic cancers has not been completely eliminated. The irradiated intestine undergoes varying degrees of adverse structural and functional changes, which can result in transient or long-term complications. The risk of development of enteropathy depends on dose, fractionation, and quality of radiation. Moreover, the patients' medical condition, age, inter-individual sensitivity to radiation and size of the treatment area are also risk factors of radiation enteropathy. Therefore, strategies are needed to prevent radiotherapy-induced undesirable alteration in the gastrointestinal tract. Many natural plant products, by virtue of their plethora of biological activities, alleviate the adverse effects of radiation-induced injury. The current review discusses potential roles and possible mechanisms of natural plant products in suppressing radiation enteropathy. Natural plant products have the potential to suppress intestinal radiation toxicity.

JinQi Jiangtang Tablet Regulates Gut Microbiota and Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mice

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota modulates the barrier function and host inflammatory state in metabolic disease. JinQi Jiangtang (JQJT) tablets are a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes. However, the low bioavailability of its chemical compositions makes it hard to explain the pharmacological mechanisms.

METHOD

Diabetic mice were orally treated with JQJT tablets for 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose and the level of HbA1c were measured, and ITT were conducted to determine the insulin improvement effect of JQJT tablets. The regulation effect on gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq platform. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids was measured by HS-GC/MS. D-LA leakage experiment and PAS staining were used to check the function of the gut barrier. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines were determined by using an ELISA kit.

RESULTS

This study showed that JQJT tablets downregulated fasting blood glucose and HbA1c and regulated gut microbiota. JQJT tablet-treated groups exhibited a more sensitive reaction after a small-dose injection of short-acting insulin. T2DM mice treated with JQJT tablets showed a higher abundance of Akkermansia spp. and lower abundance of Desulfovibrio. JQJT tablets increased the concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid; in particular, butyric acid was significantly increased with respect to the MOD group. Gut mucosal barrier function experiment showed that the level of D-LA was obviously decreased in JQJT tablet-treated groups compared with the model group and the number of goblet cells was significantly increased by JQJT tablet treatment. JQJT tablets could also reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, which were related to insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that JQJT tablets could improve T2DM insulin resistance, regulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of SCFAs. The mechanism was related to increasing the gut barrier function and reducing the host inflammatory reaction.

Jiao-Tai-Wan Improves Cognitive Dysfunctions through Cholinergic Pathway in Scopolamine-Treated Mice

Cognitive dysfunction is characterized as the gradual loss of learning ability and cognitive function, as well as memory impairment. Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a Chinese medicine prescription including Coptis chinensis and cinnamon, is mainly used for the treatment of insomnia, while the effect of JTW in improving cognitive function has not been reported. In this study, we employed a scopolamine- (SCOP-) treated learning and memory deficit model to explore whether JTW could alleviate cognitive dysfunction. In behavioral experiments, Morris water maze, Y-maze, fearing condition test, and novel object discrimination test were conducted. Results showed that oral administration of JTW (2.1 g/kg, 4.2 g/kg, and 8.4 g/kg) can effectively promote the ability of spatial recognition, learning and memory, and the memory ability of fresh things of SCOP-treated mice. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was effectively decreased; the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and concentration of acetylcholine (Ach) were improved after JTW treatment in both hippocampus and cortex of SCOP-treated mice. JTW effectively ameliorated oxidative stress because of decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, JTW promotes the expressions of neurotrophic factors including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both hippocampus and cortex. Nissl's staining shows that the neuroprotective effect of JTW was very effective. To sum up, JTW might be a promising candidate for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Integration of microRNA-mRNA profiles and pathway analysis of plant isoquinoline alkaloid berberine in SGC-7901 gastric cancers cells

Purpose

Berberine (BBR) is a traditional Chinese medicine normally used for gastroenteritis, and recent research found that it could fight against tumors. In this study, we focused on integrating miRNA sequencing and RNA sequencing of SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells treated by BBR to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

WST-1 assay and flow cytometry were used to check the effects of BBR on SGC-7901. miRNA sequencing and RNA sequencing were used to establish the miRNA and mRNA profiles of BBR-treated SGC-7901.

Results

The results showed that BBR could inhibit the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and induce G1 arrest in cell cycle phase and apoptosis. A total of 1,960 upregulated genes and 4,837 downregulated genes were identified in the RNA sequencing and 347 upregulated and 93 downregulated miRNAs in the miRNA sequencing. A total of 78 novel miRNAs were also found. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the genes were related to pathways in cancer and metabolism. We also analyzed the miRNA–mRNA network of genes grouped into cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation, metabolism, cell junction, acetylization process, TGF-β pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

BBR could inhibit the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and induce apoptosis. Integrated analysis of microRNA–mRNA profiles is a promising approach to validate gene expression patterns associated with malignant phenotype and study the mechanisms of anticancer.

Effects and mechanisms of compound Chinese medicine and major ingredients on microcirculatory dysfunction and organ injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion

Microcirculation dysfunction and organ injury after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) result from a complex pathologic process consisting of multiple links, with metabolism impairment in the ischemia phase and oxidative stress in the reperfusion phase as initiators, and any treatment targeting a single link is insufficient to cope with this. Compound Chinese medicine (CCM) has been applied in clinics in China and some Asian nations for >2000years. Studies over the past decades revealed the protective and therapeutic effect of CCMs and major ingredients on I/R-induced microcirculatory dysfunction and tissue injury in the heart, brain, liver, intestine, and so on. CCM contains diverse bioactive components with potential for energy metabolism regulation; antioxidant effect; inhibiting inflammatory cytokines release; adhesion molecule expression in leukocyte, platelet, and vascular endothelial cells; and the protection of thrombosis, albumin leakage, and mast cell degranulation. This review covers the major works with respect to the effects and underlying mechanisms of CCM and its ingredients on microcirculatory dysfunction and organ injury after I/R, providing novel ideas for dealing with this threat.

Berberine induces pacemaker potential inhibition via cGMP-dependent ATP-sensitive K+ channels by stimulating mu/delta opioid receptors in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal from mouse small intestine

Berberine is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells of the gastrointestinal tract, which are responsible for the production of gut movements. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of berberine on pacemaker potentials (PPs) in cultured ICC clusters from the mouse small intestine, and sought to identify the receptors involved and the underlying mechanisms of action. All experiments were performed on cultured ICCs, and a whole‑cell patch‑clamp configuration was used to record PPs from ICC clusters (current clamp mode). Under current clamp mode, berberine was shown to decrease the amplitude and frequency of PPs. However, these effects were suppressed by treatment with glibenclamide, a specific ATP‑sensitive K+ channel blocker. Nor‑binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (a kappa opioid receptor antagonist) did not suppress berberine‑induced PP inhibition, whereas ICI 174,864 (a delta opioid receptor antagonist) and CTOP (a mu opioid receptor antagonist) did suppress the inhibitory effects of berberine. Pretreatment with SQ‑22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor) or with KT‑5720 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) did not suppress the effects of berberine; however, pretreatment with 1H‑[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3‑a] quinoxalin‑1‑one (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor) or KT‑5823 [a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor] did. In addition, berberine stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in ICCs. These observations indicate that berberine may inhibit the pacemaker activity of ICC clusters via ATP‑sensitive K+ channels and the cGMP‑PKG‑dependent pathway by stimulating mu and delta opioid receptors. Therefore, berberine may provide a basis for the development of novel agents for the treatment of GI motility dysfunction.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACTION FROM GASTRODIA ELATA BLUME ON BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER IN FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION

Background:

Damage of the blood brain barrier (BBB) during the process of cerebral ischemic injury is a key factor which influences the therapeutic efficacy to the cerebral ischemic injury. The present study was designed to verify the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extraction from Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) on the BBB by developing a model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

Material and methods:

MCAO/R model in rats was developed through a thread embolism method. The neurological scales, the moisture and the evans blue (EB) contents of brains were detected. Meanwhile, the release of nitric oxide (NO) and activities of NO synthase (NOS) in brain tissues were measured. Western blotting analyses were also performed to assess the protein expressions of AQP-4, Occludin and Claudin-5 in brain tissue.

Results:

After rats were pretreated with different concentrations of EtOAc extractions from GEB, the neurologic scores, the EB contents in the brain tissues and the moisture of the brains were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the release of NO, the activities of nNOS and iNOS were notably inhibited. Furthemore, the protein expression of AQP-4 was markedly decreased, but the protein expressions of -5 and Occludin were significantly increased.

Conclusion:

the EtOAc extracts of GEB may decrease the permeability of BBB when focal cerebral ischemia occurs. The inhibition of the NOS pathways, the attenuation of the protein expression of AQP-4 and the enhancement of the expressions of the tight junction proteins may contribute to the protective effects of the EtOAc extracts from GEB on BBB.

Novel Application of Natural Anisole Compounds as Enhancers for Transdermal Delivery of Ligustrazine

To improve the transdermal delivery of ligustrazine, Foeniculum vulgare food origin anisole compounds were employed as promoters. Transdermal fluxes of ligustrazine were determined by Franz-type diffusion cells. Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra were used to detect the biophysical changes of the stratum corneum and to explore the mechanism of permeation enhancement. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to monitor the morphological changes of the skin. Among the three anisoles, anisic acid increased the penetration flux of ligustrazine significantly. The ligustrazine flux with anisic acid (11.9 μg/cm(2)/h) was higher than that any other group (p < 0.05). Spectra observations revealed that these anisole enhancers were able to disturb and extract the stratum corneum lipids. In addition, apparent density was used to describe the desquamation extent of the scutella. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the permeation enhancement of ligustrazine, including disturbing and extracting stratum corneum lipid, forming a competitive hydrogen bond. All data suggested that anisole compounds could be a group of safe and active penetration enhancers for transdermal delivery of ligustrazine.

Paeoniflorin, a Monoterpene Glycoside, Protects the Brain from Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Inhibition of Apoptosis

Paeoniflorin (PF) is a principal bioactive component, which exhibits many pharmacological effects, including protection against ischemic injury. This paper aimed to investigate the protective effect of PF both in vivo and in vitro. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed on male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat for 2 h, and different doses of PF or vehicle were administered 2 h after reperfusion. Rats were sacrificed after 7 days treatment of PF/vehicle. PF treatment for 7 days ameliorated MCAO-induced neurological deficit and decreased the infarct area. Further study demonstrated that PF inhibited the over-activation of astrocytes and apoptosis of neurons, and PF promoted up-regulation of neuronal specific marker neuron-specific nuclear (NeuN) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) in brain. Moreover, NMDA-induced neuron apoptosis was employed. The in vitro study revealed that PF treatment protected against NMDA-induced cell apoptosis and neuronal loss via up-regulation of neuronal specific marker NeuN, MAP-2 and Bcl-2 and the down-regulation Bax. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that PF produces its protective effect by inhibiting the over-activation of astrocytes, apoptosis of neurons and up-regulation of neuronal specific marker NeuN, MAP-2, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and down-regulation Bax. Our study reveals that PF may be a potential neuroprotective agent for stroke and can provide basic data for clinical use.

Berberine attenuates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by suppressing the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid originally isolated from the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis (Huanglian), exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Since myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with an excessive immune response, the current study was conducted to investigate the impact of BBR on myocardial I/R injury, a common disorder in clinical settings. Preconditioning of Sprague-Dawley rats with BBR (100 mg/kg/day, by gavage) for 14 days prior to the induction of I/R significantly attenuated myocardial I/R injury as manifested by a reduction in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and the amelioration of myocardial histological changes. These effects were found to be associated with the suppression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway and the subsequent reduction of the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the serum and myocardial tissue. These results indicate that BBR has the potential be an effective alternative therapy for the prevention and treatment of myocardial I/R injury in clinical practice.

High-fat enteral nutrition reduces intestinal mucosal barrier damage after peritoneal air exposure

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal air exposure is needed in open abdominal surgery, but long-time exposure could induce intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction followed by many postoperative complications. High-fat enteral nutrition can ameliorate intestinal injury and improve intestinal function in many gastrointestinal diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of high-fat enteral nutrition on intestinal mucosal barrier after peritoneal air exposure and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Male adult rats were administrated saline, low-fat or high-fat enteral nutrition via gavage before and after peritoneal air exposure for 3 h. Rats undergoing anesthesia without laparotomy received saline as control. Twenty four hours after surgery, samples were collected to assess intestinal mucosal barrier changes in serum D-lactate levels, intestinal permeability, intestinal tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin levels, and intestinal histopathology. The levels of malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase in the ileum tissue were also measured to assess the status of intestinal oxidative stress.

RESULTS

High-fat enteral nutrition significantly decreased the serum D-lactate level and increased the intestinal tight junction protein ZO-1 level when compared to the group treated with low-fat enteral nutrition (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, histopathologic findings showed that the intestinal mucosal injury assessed by the Chiu's score and the intestinal epithelial tight junction were also improved much more in the high-fat enteral nutrition-treated group (P < 0.05). In addition, the intestinal malondialdehyde level was lower, and the intestinal superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the high-fat enteral nutrition-treated group than that in the low-fat enteral nutrition-treated group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that high-fat enteral nutrition could reduce intestinal mucosal barrier damage after peritoneal air exposure, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with its antioxidative action. Perioperative administration of high-fat enteral nutrition may be a promising intervention to preserve intestinal mucosal barrier function in open abdominal surgery.

Organ-Protective Effects of Red Wine Extract, Resveratrol, in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Reperfusion Injury

Resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from red wine, possesses potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, including the reduction of free radicals and proinflammatory mediators overproduction, the alteration of the expression of adhesion molecules, and the inhibition of neutrophil function. A growing body of evidence indicates that resveratrol plays an important role in reducing organ damage following ischemia- and hemorrhage-induced reperfusion injury. Such protective phenomenon is reported to be implicated in decreasing the formation and reaction of reactive oxygen species and pro-nflammatory cytokines, as well as the mediation of a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, including the nitric oxide synthase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, deacetylase sirtuin 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha, hemeoxygenase-1, and estrogen receptor-related pathways. Reperfusion injury is a complex pathophysiological process that involves multiple factors and pathways. The resveratrol is an effective reactive oxygen species scavenger that exhibits an antioxidative property. In this review, the organ-protective effects of resveratrol in oxidative stress-related reperfusion injury will be discussed.

Apocynum venetum Leaf Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress

Apocynum venetum, a Chinese medicinal herb, is reported to be neuroprotective. However, whether Apocynum venetum leaf extract (AVLE) protects against ischemic myocardium remains elusive. Our present study was aimed to observe the effects of AVLE preconditioning on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury and to investigate the possible mechanisms. Rats were treated with AVLE (500 mg/kg/d, o.g.) or distilled water once daily for one week. Afterward, all the animals were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. AVLE preconditioning for one week significantly improved cardiac function following MI/R. Meanwhile, AVLE reduced infarct size, plasma creatine kinase (CK)/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and myocardial apoptosis at the end of reperfusion in rat hearts. Moreover, AVLE preconditioning significantly inhibited superoxide generation, gp91phox expression, malonaldialdehyde formation and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in I/R hearts. Furthermore, AVLE treatment increased Akt and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylations in I/R rat heart. Either the Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin or the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 blocked AVLE-stimulated anti-oxidative effects and cardioprotection. Our study demonstrated for the first time that AVLE reduces oxidative stress and exerts cardioprotection against MI/R injury in rats.

The squid ink polysaccharides protect tight junctions and adherens junctions from chemotherapeutic injury in the small intestinal epithelium of mice

Gastrointestinal mucositis and infection by chemotherapy treatment are associated with alterations in the functioning of the intestinal barrier, due to the potential damage induced by anticancer drugs on the epithelial tight junctions and adheren junction. We aimed to study the protective effect of dietary polysaccharides on chemotherapy-induced injury in the epithelial cells. In the current study, using mice that were intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg cyclophosphamide for 2 days, we reveal that polysaccharides from the ink of Ommastrephes bartrami (OBP) enhanced the mRNA and protein expression levels of Occludin, zonulae occluden (ZO)-1, and E-cadherin. Immunohistochemistry staining of ZO-1 and E-cadherin confirmed the increase in the mRNA and protein levels. OBP also remarkably enhanced the mRNA expression of other tight junction proteins, ZO-2, ZO-3, claudin-2, and cingulin. Our results may have important implications in host defense, especially the immunopotentiation function of OBP on the cyclophosphamide-induced epithelial cell injury, as well as intestinal disorders involving inflammation and infection.

Localization of Aristolochic Acid in Mouse Kidney Tissues by Immunohistochemistry Using an Anti-AA-I and AA-II Monoclonal Antibody

Aristolochic acids (AAs) are found in herbal medicines of Aristolochiaceae plants, including Aristolochia and Asarum species. AAs are associated with a rapidly progressive interstitial nephritis, which is called aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). However, the in-situ localization of AAs in the target organ, the kidney, has not been investigated yet. In the present study, the accumulation of aristolochic acid I (AA-I) in mouse kidney was revealed by immunoperoxidase light microscopy as well as colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) based on an anti-AA-I and AA-II monoclonal antibody (mAb). Male BALB/c mice were treated with 1.25 or 2.50 mg kg-1 of AA-I per day for 5 days. Paraffin sections and ultra-thin sections of kidney tissue were respectively prepared. Under light microscopy, the apical surface of proximal tubules was strongly stained for AA-I, whereas no obvious immunostaining was found in the distal tubules and glomerulus, which remained relatively intact. Under electron microscopy, epithelial cells of the proximal tubules, distal tubules and collecting tubules were broken to various degrees. Gold labeling in the proximal and distal tubules was stronger than that in the collecting tubules. In renal tubules, immunogold signals of AA-I tended to accumulate in the mitochondria and peroxisomes, though the signals could be observed all over the cell. Gold signals were also found in the erythrocytes of glomeruli. The MAb against AA-I and AA-II provides a clue for the identification of proteins or factors which might interact with AA-I and thus induce targeted damage of kidney.

Traditional Chinese medicine: a treasured natural resource of anticancer drug research and development

To discover and develop novel natural compounds, active ingredients, single herbs and combination formulas or prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with therapeutic selectivity that can preferentially kill cancer cells and inhibit the amplification of cancer without significant toxicity is an important area in cancer therapy. A lot of valuable TCMs were applied as alternative or complementary medicines in the United States and Europe. But these TCMs, as one of the main natural resources, were widely used to research and develop new drugs in Asia. In TCMs, some specific herbs, animals, minerals and combination formulas were recorded and exploited due to their active ingredients and specific natural compounds with antitumor activities. The article focused on the antitumor properties of natural compounds and combination formulas or prescriptions in TCMs, described its influence on tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and revealed its mechanisms of antitumor and inhibitory action. Among the nature compounds, triptolide, berberine, matrine, oxymatrine, kurarinone and deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) with specific molecular structures have been separated, purified, and evaluated their antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo. Cancer is a multifactorial and multistep disease, so the treatment effect of combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs involving multi-targets and multi-signal pathways on tumor may be superior than that of agents targeting a single molecular target alone. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang and Yanshu injection, as well known combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs, have shown an excellent therapeutic effect on cancer.

Effects of berberine in the gastrointestinal tract - a review of actions and therapeutic implications

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present in several plant species, including Coptis sp. and Berberis sp. In traditional medicine, extracts of berberine are used in the treatment of diarrhea of different origins. Recent studies have shown that berberine and its derivatives have significant biological effects on gastrointestinal (GI) and other functions and may become therapeutics for the treatment of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory conditions. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the actions of berberine in the GI tract. Binding and target sites, activated intracellular pathways, as well as the absorption and metabolism of berberine are discussed. Effects that may be useful in future clinical treatment, like antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects are critically reviewed and potential clinical applications are presented in detail.

Berberine exerts an anticonvulsant effect and ameliorates memory impairment and oxidative stress in a pilocarpine-induced epilepsy model in the rat

Though new antiepileptic drugs are emerging, approximately a third of epileptic patients still suffer from recurrent convulsions and cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, we tested whether berberine (Ber), a vegetable drug, has an anticonvulsant property and attenuates memory impairment in a pilocarpine (Pilo)-induced epilepsy model in rats. The rats were injected with 400 mg/kg Pilo to induce convulsions, and Ber 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg were administrated by the intragastric route once daily 7 days before Pilo injection until the experiment was over. Convulsions were observed after Pilo injection. For the rats that developed status epilepticus (SE), malondialdehyde, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity in the hippocampus were measured 24 hours after SE. The rats received the Morris water-maze test 2 weeks after SE, and then were killed for fluoro-jade B staining to detect the degenerating neurons. We found Ber delayed latency to the first seizure and the time to develop SE in a dose-dependent manner. Malondialdehyde levels were decreased, while glutathione and catalase activity were strengthened in Ber-injected SE rats. In the Morris water-maze test, Ber decreased escape latency compared to saline-treated SE rats. Additionally, Ber reduced the number of fluoro-jade B-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. Our data suggest that Ber exerts anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects on Pilo-induced epilepsy in rats. Simultaneously, Ber attenuates memory impairment. The beneficial effect may be partly due to mitigation of the oxidative stress burden.