Effects of the Total Saponins fromDioscorea nipponicaon Immunoregulation in Aplastic Anemia Mice

Dioscin alleviates aplastic anemia through regulatory T cells promotion

Objectives: Aplastic anemia (AA) is one of the immune-mediated bone marrow failure disorders caused by multiple factors, including the inability of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) to negatively regulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Dioscin is a natural steroid saponin that has a similar structure to steroid hormones. The purpose of this study is to look into the effect of Dioscin on the functions of CD4 + CD25+ Tregs in the AA mouse model and explore its underlying mechanism.Methods: To begin with, bone marrow failure was induced through total body irradiation and allogeneic lymphocyte infusion using male Balb/c mice. After 14 consecutive days of Dioscin orally administrated, the AA mouse model was tested for complete blood counts, HE Staining of the femur, Foxp3, IL-10 and TGF-β. Then CD4 + CD25+ Tregs were isolated from splenic lymphocytes of the AA mouse model, Tregs and the biomarkers and cytokines of Tregs were measured after 24 h of Dioscin intervention treatment in vitro.Results: Dioscin promotes the expression of Foxp3, IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β, indicating its Tregs-promoting properties. Mechanistically, the administration of Dioscin resulted in the alteration of CD152, CD357, Perforin and CD73 on the surface of Tregs, and restored the expression of Foxp3.Conclusion: Dioscin markedly attenuated bone marrow failure, and promoted Tregs differentiation, suggesting the maintenance of theimmune balance effect of Dioscin. Dioscin attenuates pancytopenia and bone marrow failure via its Tregs promotion properties.

The genus Dioscorea L. (Dioscoreaceae), a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Dioscorea, a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, comprises approximately 600 species and is widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions such as Asia, South Africa, and North America. The traditional medicinal uses of Dioscorea have been documented in Asian and African pharmacological systems. In Asia, this genus is traditionally used to treat respiratory illnesses, rheumatism, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and other conditions. In Africa, this genus has been used to treat human immunodeficiency virus and ring worms. However, the traditional medicinal practices in North America rarely mention the use of this genus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this review is to comprehensively review the genus Dioscorea, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. The research also aims to highlight the valuable bioactive compounds within Dioscorea and emphasize the need for further investigations into acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors to contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search for available information on Dioscorea was conducted using scientific databases, including PubMed, ISI-WOS, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as recent academic publications from reputable publishers and other literature sources. The search was not limited by language and spanned the literature published between 1950 and 2022.

RESULTS

This article provides a comprehensive review of the Dioscorea genus, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. Extensive research has been conducted on this genus, resulting in the isolation and examination of over 1000 compounds, including steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, to determine their biological activities. These activities include anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. However, some studies have indicated the potential toxicity of high doses of Dioscorea, highlighting the need for further investigations to assess the safety of this genus. Additionally, this review explores potential avenues for future research and discusses the challenges associated with a comprehensive understanding of the Dioscorea genus.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the existing literature, it can be concluded that Dioscorea is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that have the potential to treat various disorders. Future research should prioritize the investigation of acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the Dioscorea genus, emphasizing its potential to enable a deeper exploration of the biological activity mechanisms of these plants and contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals.

UPLC-Q TOF-MS-Based metabolomics and anti-myocardial ischemia activity of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma from different geographical origins

The dried rhizome of Dioscorea nipponica Makino ("Chuanshanlong" in Chinese) is a medicinal herb with multiple major producing areas. The main objective of this study was the comparative profiling of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (DNR) from various geographical origins. A hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9c2 cell injury model was established, and the antimyocardial ischemia activity of DNR samples from different origins was detected using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The result showed that the antimyocardial ischemia potential of DNR samples from the Heilongjiang province was higher than that of the other studied samples. Subsequently, a plant metabolomics technique utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q TOF-MS) was used to determine the differences in DNR samples from various geographical origins. Forty compounds, including steroidal saponins, free fatty acids, and organic acids, were tentatively identified based on UPLC-Q TOF-MS fragmentation pathways and via comparison with available reference standards. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed to estimate the differences in DNR samples from different origins. Five compounds were significantly up-regulated and correlated with antimyocardial ischemia in DNR samples from Heilongjiang province. Molecular docking was used to discern the interactions of key markers with the active sites of the target protein. The findings signified that UPLC-Q TOF-MS metabolomics coupled with molecular docking is a powerful tool to rapidly identify the quality control characteristics of DNR samples and their products. The research provides a direction for the rational utilization of DNR.

Dioscin Regulating Bone Marrow Apoptosis in Aplastic Anemia

Background

Aplastic anemia (AA), a disease of bone marrow failure, is caused by CD8⁺T mediated apoptosis of hematopoietic cells. However, traditional immunosuppressive therapy (IST) has severe liver and kidney toxicity and even cannot achieve the expected therapeutic effect in some patients.

Purpose

Our study is aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of dioscin (DNS) for treating AA.

Methods

Briefly, we established and evaluated the AA mouse model, DNS and positive control drugs were used for intervention treatment. After 14 days of intervention, femoral bone marrow pathology, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) apoptosis rate, bone marrow CD34+ cell surface Fas (CD95) expression and Fas signaling pathway key proteins were detected.

Results

After the establishment of the AA mouse model, the number of peripheral blood cells including granulocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and reticulocytes in the AA group model was significantly decreased compared with the group control (P < 0.01). The degree of bone marrow hyperplasia in the sternum and femur is extremely low. After different drug interventions, compared with the group model, the number of peripheral blood cells in the AA mice rebounded significantly in group DNS (P < 0.01). Not only that the apoptosis rate of BM-MCs decreased (P < 0.01), meanwhile, the CD95 molecule expressed on the CD34+ bone marrow cells had a significant decline (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the key proteins of Fas signaling pathway was also significantly decreased (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

DNS recovered the peripheral pancytopenia and bone marrow failure in AA mice. DNS reduced the key protein of Fas signaling pathway level to inhibit apoptosis of bone marrow cells to treat AA.

Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment

Anemia, characterized by a decrease of the hemoglobin level in the blood and a reduction in carrying capacity of oxygen, is a major public health problem which affects people of all ages. The methods used to treat anemia are blood transfusion and oral administration of iron-based supplements, but these treatments are associated with a number of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, which limit its long-term use. In addition, oral iron supplements are poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract, due to overexpression of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that plays a central role in iron homeostasis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the literature on biologically active compounds and plant extracts used in the treatment of various types of anemia. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the use of these compounds and plant extracts, in order to explore their therapeutic potential. The advantage of using them is that they are available from natural resources and can be used as main, alternative, or adjuvant therapies in many diseases, such as various types of anemia.

Dioscin alleviates hashimoto's thyroiditis by regulating the SUMOylation of IRF4 to promote CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ treg cell differentiation

Dioscin has been used as a treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) in China. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the modes of action of dioscin have not been elucidated. In this study, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to identify the proportions of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells and the expression of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) in HT patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). A pTg-induced rat model of HT was established by injection of 100 μg pTg. Then, the model rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5): control (NC), model (HT) and dioscin treatment. After oral administration of dioscin each day for two weeks, CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells were analysed by flow cytometry, and the protein expression levels of SENP1, Foxp3, SUMO-1 and SUMO-2/3 were measured by Western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to identify the SUMOylation of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4). The results showed that the proportions of CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells and the expression of Foxp3 were significantly decreased in HT patients, but the expression of SENP1 was enhanced compared to healthy controls (HCs). However, compared to the pTg-induced HT rat group, the expression of Foxp3, SUMO-1, and SUMO-2/3 and the proportions of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells were increased, whereas the expression of SENP1 was decreased, in the dioscin-treated group. Furthermore, the SUMOylation of IRF4 was increased after SENP1 was knocked down. The results of our study indicate that dioscin can promote the differentiation of the CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells and subsequently upregulate the SUMOylation of IRF4 by downregulating SENP1 expression.

Hemostasis and uterine contraction promoting effect of the extract from drugs in the Zi-Yin-Tiao-Jing granule, a traditional Chinese compound preparation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zi-Yin-Tiao-Jing granule (ZG) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation for perimenopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding. It is made from 9 Chinese crude drugs based on a modified traditional Chinese prescription recorded in Fu Qingzhu Nvke as Guben Zhibeng Tang.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the hemostasis and uterine contraction promoting effect of quality controlled ZG extract on animals as a preclinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ZG extract was quality controlled by determining the contents of asperosaponin Ⅵ and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the contents of total tannins, total saponins and total flavonoids with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV). Bleeding time, clotting time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB) content were assayed to test the hemostasis effect of ZG extract on sixty healthy female Kunming mice. In addition, ten healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to test the effect of ZG extract on uterine contractions in vitro with the BL-420 Biological Function Experiment System.

RESULTS

The ZG extract contained 0.81mgg^-1 asperosaponin Ⅵ, 0.15mgg^-1 TSG, 1.98mgg^-1 total tannins, 1.83mgg^-1 total saponins, and 4.09mgg^-1 total flavonoids. Compared with placebo, the ZG extract shortened the bleeding time at a dosage of 1.2gkg^-1 and 2.4gkg^-1, and shortened the clotting time at 0.6gkg^-1, 1.2gkg^-1 and 2.4gkg^-1 in mice (P < 0.01). It also decurtated the APTT at a dosage of 0.6gkg^-1 (P < 0.05) and raised the content of FIB in the plasma at a dosage of 2.4gkg^-1 (P < 0.05). However, the PT showed no changes after the administration of ZG extract (P > 0.05). In addition, ZG extract at the doses of 1.8mgmL^-1, 3.6mgmL^-1, and 5.4mgmL^-1 increased the amplitude and motoricity of uterine contractions of rats (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) but maintained the frequency as unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZG extract was quality controllable by assaying for asperosaponin Ⅵ, TSG, total tannins, total saponins and total flavonoids. It could promote the hemostasis of mice in vivo, as well as the uterine contractions of rats in vitro. Therefore, it may be a promising preparation for clinical treatment of perimenopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Astragalus Polysaccharides Attenuate Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been shown to possess a variety of biological activities including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation functions in a number of diseases. However, their function in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is still unknown. Rats received APS (200[Formula: see text]mg/kg once two days) for 2 weeks after being injected with monocrotaline (MCT; 60[Formula: see text]mg/kg). The pulmonary hemodynamic index, right ventricular hypertrophy, and lung morphological features of the rat models were examined, as well as the NO/eNOS ratio of wet lung and dry lung weight and MPO. A qRT-PCR and p-I[Formula: see text]B was used to assess IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6 and TNF-[Formula: see text] and WB was used to detect the total I[Formula: see text]B. Based on these measurements, it was found that APS reversed the MCT-induced increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (from 32.731[Formula: see text]mmHg to 26.707[Formula: see text]mmHg), decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (from 289.021[Formula: see text]mmHg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] min/L to 246.351[Formula: see text]mmHg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min/L), and reduced right ventricular hypertrophy (from 289.021[Formula: see text]mmHg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min/L to 246.351 mmHg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min/L) ([Formula: see text]0.05). In terms of pulmonary artery remodeling, the WT% and WA% decreased with the addition of APS. In addition, it was found that APS promoted the synthesis of eNOS and the secretion of NO, promoting vasodilation and APS decreased the MCT-induced elevation of MPO, IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6 and TNF-[Formula: see text], reducing inflammation. Furthermore, APS was able to inhibit the activation of pho-I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]. In couclusion, APS ameliorates MCT-induced pulmonary artery hypertension by inhibiting pulmonary arterial remodeling partially via eNOS/NO and NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathways.