Chinese Herbal Formula, Modified Danggui Buxue Tang, Attenuates Apoptosis of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Immune-Mediated Aplastic Anemia Mouse Model. J Immunol Res. 2017;2017:9786972. [PMID: 28951880 PMCID: PMC5603747 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9786972]

Exploring the mechanism by which Angelica sinensis improves haematopoietic function in aplastic anaemia

Angelica sinensis (AS) can improve the haematopoietic function, but the treatment mechanism is unknown. Transfusion dependency was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional-hazard model in AS treated apalstic anemia (AA) patients. After that, the AA GEO database was analysed, the up differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AA were combined with AS targets for the intersection of targets. After the AA mouse model was established, the effect of AS was confirmed by haematopoietic function tests. The same experiment plus mitochondrial apoptotic pathway tests in vivo were performed in Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP)-treated mice, the key ingredient in AS. For in vitro experiment, bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) were tested. Clinical data confirmed that the level of transfusion dependency and IL17A were lower in AS-users compared to non-AS users (p < 0.001). The intersection of targets between AA and AS most concentrated on inflammation and apoptosis. Then, the same effect was found in AS treated AA mice model. In both in vivo and in vitro tests, ASP demonstrated the ability to mitigate P38/MAPK-induced Bax-associated mitochondrial apoptosis, while also reducing the levels of activated Th17 cells and alleviating abnormal cytokine levels. So, the protective effect of AS and ASP on hematopoietic function lies in their ability to prevent apoptosis.

Traditional Chinese medicine for treating aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a bone marrow failure disease caused by T cell hyperfunction. Although the overall response rate has been improved by immunosuppressive therapy (IST) plus Eltrombopag, 30% of patients have either no response or relapse. We therefore attempted to find other ways to improve the outcomes of AA patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has the advantages of low cost, reasonable effects, and few side effects. More and more clinical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine has a beneficial role in treating AA patients. This article reviews the potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine or its active ingredients in the treatment of AA. These include improving the bone marrow microenvironment, regulating immunity, and affecting the fate of hematopoietic stem cells. This provides useful information for further treatment of AA with integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the development of new treatment strategies.

Combination treatment of Danggui Buxue Decoction and endothelial progenitor cells can enhance angiogenesis in rats with focal cerebral ischemia and hyperlipidemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used for treating clinical anemia for more than 800 years. This prescription has been utilized for nourishing "Qi" and enriching "Blood" for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Meanwhile, DBD has the role of improving angiogenesis and promoting the neuroprotective functions. Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was suboptimal to treat the focal cerebral ischemia (FCI). Thus, it's may be a novel strategy of DBD combined with EPCs transplantation for the FCI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the mechanistic effects of DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation to improve behavioral function of the FCI and hyperlipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used rats with hyperlipidemia to develop a FCI model using photo-thrombosis, and treated the DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation. We adopted the Modified Neurological Severity Score to evaluate the neurological deficit, undertook the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining to calculate the total infarct volume. We carried out the RT-qPCR, Immunohistochemical analyses, TUNEL, ELISA, and Western blotting to measure the gene and protein levels which related to anti-apoptosis mechanisms and angiogenesis.

RESULTS

Administration of DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation was found to improve behavioral function, reducing the infarct volume and decrease the level of total-cholesterole (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Treatment of DBD plus EPCs increased the mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, fibroblastic growth factor-2, and angiopoietin-1 and decreased the apoptosis of endothelial cells by activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 associated death promoter (PI3K/Akt/BAD) pathway and promoting activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, which induced angiogenesis directly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided that DBD administration combined with EPCs transplantation promoted reconstruction of nervous function. This was achieved by enhancing expression of the growth factors related to anti-apoptosis mechanisms and angiogenesis thanks to regulation of the PI3K/Akt/BAD and ERK signaling pathways, and might be relate to the lowering of TC and LDL-C levels.

The Latest Research Advances of Danggui Buxue Tang as an Effective Prescription for Various Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is composed of Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix in a weight ratio of 5:1. The recipe of the decoction is simple, and DBT has been widely used in the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome for more than 800 years in China. Studies on its chemical constituents show that saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids, and polysaccharides are the main components of DBT. Many techniques such as third-generation sequencing, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and HPLC-MS have been used for the quality control of DBT. DBT has a wide range of biological activities, including blood enhancement, antagonizing diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular protection, immunity stimulation, estrogen-like effect, and antifibrosis, among others. In this paper, we summarize the recent research advances of DBT in terms of its components, pharmacological activities, and possible mechanisms of action as well as provide suggestions for further research.

Coptisine Alleviates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder, which can be associated with psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This study investigated the efficacy and the mechanism of action of a natural compound coptisine using imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mice. Coptisine reduced the severity of psoriasis-like skin lesions, decreased epidermal hyperplasia and the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-22. Furthermore, coptisine improved IMQ-induced anxiety in mice by increasing the number of entries and time in open arms in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Coptisine also lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in the prefrontal cortex of psoriasis mice. HaCaT keratinocytes and BV2 microglial cells were used to investigate the effects of coptisine in vitro. In M5-treated HaCaT cells, coptisine decreased the production of IL-6, MIP-3α/CCL20, IP-10/CXCL10, and ICAM-1 and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. In LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, coptisine reduced the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings suggest that coptisine might be a potential candidate for psoriasis treatment by improving both disease severity and psychological comorbidities.

Stanozolol and Danazol Have Different Effects on Hematopoiesis in the Murine Model of Immune-Mediated Bone Marrow Failure

Background: Stanozolol and danazol are widely used in the treatment of aplastic anemia; however, their mechanisms of action are unclear.

Methods: Bone marrow mononuclear cells from 10 patients newly diagnosed with aplastic anemia and 10 healthy volunteers were collected and cultured together with stanozolol, danazol, or blank control separately for marrow colony assays. K562 cell lines that had been incubated with stanozolol, danazol, or blank control were tested for erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation. Meanwhile, CB6F1/Crl mice were injected with 1 × 10⁶ C57BL/6 donor-originated lymphocytes after irradiation with 5 Gy total body irradiation to establish a model for immune-mediated bone marrow failure (aplastic anemia mouse model). Mice with aplastic anemia were treated with cyclosporin A monotherapy, cyclosporin A in combination with stanozolol, and cyclosporin A in combination with danazol for 30 days. Peripheral blood cell counts once a week and bone marrow colony assays at the end of 1 month were performed. The proportion of T cell subsets, level of inflammatory factors, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin were detected before and after treatment. The levels of erythropoietin receptors on bone marrow mononuclear cells after treatment were tested using western blotting.

Results: In the ex vivo experiments, the number of burst-forming units-erythroid; colony-forming units-granulocyte and macrophage; and colony-forming units-granulocyte, erythrocyte, monocyte, and megakaryocyte in the patients with aplastic anemia were significantly lower than that in the normal controls (P < 0.05). However, the number of colonies and mean fluorescence intensity of CD235a or CD41 expression in the harvested cultured cells were not significantly different among the different treatment groups in the patients with aplastic anemia, normal controls, and K562 cell lines. These results show that stanozolol and danazol produce no direct hematopoiesis-stimulating effects on progenitor cells. In the in vivo experiment, the mice with aplastic anemia treated with cyclosporin A and danazol exhibited the most rapid recovery of platelet; the platelet count returned to normal levels after 3 weeks of treatment, which was at least 1 week earlier than in the other groups. In contrast, mice treated with cyclosporin A and stanozolol exhibited the highest hemoglobin level at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Bone marrow colony assays at 30 days showed that the number of burst-forming units-erythroid was the highest in mice treated with cyclosporin A and stanozolol, while the number of colony-forming units-granulocyte and macrophage was the highest in those treated with cyclosporin A and danazol. Compared to cyclosporin A monotherapy, additional stanozolol and danazol can both increase the level of regulatory T cells and upregulate interleukin-10, inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05). However, IL-2 was more effectively reduced by danazol than by stanozolol (P < 0.05). The cyclosporin A- and stanozolol-treated mice showed higher serum erythropoietin (corrected by hemoglobin level) and higher erythropoietin receptor levels in bone marrow mononuclear cells than the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Neither stanozolol nor danazol directly stimulated hematopoiesis in vitro. However, in vivo, stanozolol may exhibit an advantage in improving erythropoiesis, while danazol may induce stronger effects on platelets. Both danazol and stanozolol exhibited immunosuppressive roles. Stanozolol could enhance the secretion of erythropoietin and expression of erythropoietin receptor in bone marrow mononuclear cells.

Danggui Buxue Tang Rescues Folliculogenesis and Ovarian Cell Apoptosis in Rats with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common female endocrine disease that is closely linked to ovarian function. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine that is helpful for rescuing ovarian function. However, the mechanism by which DBT rescues ovarian function remains unclear. This study explored the molecular mechanism of DBT with respect to apoptosis and related signals in ovarian cells. The quality control of DBT was performed by HPLC. After DBT intervention in the POI rat model, serum AMH/FSH/LH/E₂ levels were detected by ELISA, follicles at various developmental stages were observed by HE staining, apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, and the expression profiles of Bcl-2 family proteins and key proteins in the Jak2/Foxo3a signaling pathway were evaluated by western blot. The results demonstrated that DBT could encourage the development of primary/secondary/antral follicles and increase the secretion of AMH. Moreover, DBT might inhibit Foxo3a by upregulating Jak2, thereby mediating Bcl-2 family activities and inhibiting apoptosis in ovarian cells. In conclusion, DBT promotes follicular development and rescues ovarian function by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins to inhibit cell apoptosis, which could be related to the Jak2/Foxo3a signaling pathway.

Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang by affecting plasma concentration of active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the function of supporting Qi and enriching blood. Antibiotics can cause Gut microbiota disorder and affect efficacy of DBT.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the manner in which Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, antibiotics were used to destroy gut microbiota. The changes of DBT efficacy were detected to verify the effect of gut microbiota on DBT efficacy. The changes of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA sequencing, and UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the plasma concentration of active ingredients. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between gut microbiota, blood components and drug efficacy, and to explore the role of gut microbiota in the efficacy of DBT.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficacy in the DBT group was significantly improved compared with the control group (p<0.05). Compared with DBT group, the efficacy in antibiotic DBT treatment (ABXDBT) group was significantly reduced, 194 plasma metabolites and 18 DBT blood components were significantly altered in ABXDBT group, and 11 DBT blood components such as caffeic acid and formononetin were significantly decreased. Correlation analysis showed that 6 DBT blood components were related with the decrease of efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the above 6 DBT blood components participated in the hematopoietic regulation through PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides and other intestinal bacteria were related to the absorption of DBT active ingredients. The drug metabolic pathway of gut microbiota was significantly decreased after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota such as Bacteroides affects the efficacy of DBT by affecting the metabolism and absorption of DBT active ingredients such as caffeic acid and formononetin.

Danggui Buxue Decoction in the Treatment of Metastatic Colon Cancer: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Purpose

This study aimed to reveal Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) candidate targets and mechanisms in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer (MCC), using network pharmacology-based analyses and experimental validation.

Methods

Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database query and text mining were used to screen active compounds in DBD, and the Swiss target prediction platform was applied to predict compound-related target proteins. Targets likely associated with MCC were determined using GeneCards and OMIM databases. Targets common to DBD and MCC were obtained from the Venn platform; subsequently, Cytoscape was used to construct drug-compound-target-disease and protein-protein interaction networks. The hub gene was determined by R, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on common targets to elucidate biological processes and signaling pathways involved in DBD against MCC. Finally, the metastatic colon cancer mouse model was used to detect the levels of expression of protein Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, and Cleaved caspase3 by Western blot.

Results

A total of 28 active compounds and 61 common targets were predicted. The main compounds were quercetin, hederagenin, jaranol, methylnissolin, formononetin, calycosin, kaempferol, 3.9-di-O-methylnissolin, 24-propylcholesterol, and 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, present in Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, HQ). In addition, beta-sitosterol, ferulic acid, and stigmasterol, present in Angelica sinensis (Danggui, DG), were detected. JUN, PTSG2, EGFR, ESR1and, CASP3 genes were the top 5 hub genes in the PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that apoptosis played a major role in the biological processes and signaling pathways involved. Moreover, the in vivo experiment revealed that DBD inhibited MCC by up-regulating the expression of Bax, Caspase3, and Cleaved caspase3, and by down-regulating the expression of Bcl2.

Conclusion

This study revealed candidate DBD targets and mechanisms in the treatment of MCC, using network pharmacology-based analyses and experimental validation. The present findings provide a reference for tumor treatment during the perioperative period.

Danggui Buxue Decoction Ameliorates Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Improving Inflammation and Rebuilding Intestinal Mucosal Barrier

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether Danggui Buxue decoction (DGBX) can improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating immunity and promoting intestinal mucosal repair.

Method

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce the IBD model. Drugs (DGBX or saline) were administered to mice, which were randomly divided into three groups (control, model, and experimental groups). Hematoxylin and eosin staining of intestinal tissues was conducted to observe for morphological changes. Changes in cytokines and immune cells in the intestinal tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to assess the status of the intestinal mucosal repair.

Results

This study found that treatment with DGBX can effectively improve the inflammatory state and pathological structure of the IBD model. DGBX not only can significantly change the composition of intestinal mucosal immune cells and promote the regression of inflammation but also significantly increase the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and promote the rapid repair of intestinal mucosal barrier injury compared with the model group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Taking these results, DGBX shows promising protective effects on IBD by regulating immunity and promoting intestinal mucosal repair.

Study on the Fingerprints and Quality Evaluation of Angelica Sinensis Radix by HPLC Coupled With Chemometrics Based on Traditional Decoction Process of ACPTCM

Objective

To establish a HPLC fingerprints evaluation method for Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR) based on traditional decoction process of Ancient Classical Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACPTCM).

Methods

The fingerprints of 10 batches of ASR were further evaluated by chemometrics methods. The similarity analyzed with "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2004A," and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed by SPSS (version 22.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

There were 12 common peaks, and the similarity degrees of 10 batches of samples were more than 0.923 and showed that all the samples from different origins were of good consistency. The samples were divided into 4 clusters by HCA. The results of PCA showed that the 3 factors were chosen, the quality of samples could be evaluated basically. The comprehensive score results show that the ASR with Lot.Nos.DG-18007, DG-18008 in Weiyuan County, Gansu and DG-18009 produced in Minle County, Gansu Province rank among the top 3 in all samples.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the combination of HPLC chromatographic fingerprint and chemometrics offers an efficient and reliable approach for quality evaluation of ASR from different sources as Ancient Classical Prescriptions ingredients.

Furostanol Saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Promote the Expansion of Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Trillium tschonoskii is a medicinal plant known to biosynthesize steroidal saponins. A phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of T. tschonoskii led to the isolation of nine new furostanol saponins (1-9) and 11 known analogues (10-20). Five of these new compounds were shown to have hydroxy groups at the C-5 and C-6 positions, while two possess a rare aglycone containing carbonyl groups at the C-16 and C-22 positions as well as a Δ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ double bond, and the others have conjugated double bonds in the E-ring or have different sugar chains at the C-3 position. All the isolates were tested for their effect on the expansion of human cord blood (CB) CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. It was found that CB CD34⁺ cells treated with compounds 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 19 showed increased numbers of rigorously phenotype-defined hematopoietic stem cells. Notably, compounds 9, 10, 13, and 14 demonstrated an enhanced ability to increase the percentages and numbers of CB CD34⁺CD38^- cells and multipotential progenitors. The present study is the first to report that furostanol saponins from T. tschonoskii rhizomes can promote hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion.

Coptidis alkaloids extracted from Coptis chinensis Franch attenuate IFN-γ-induced destruction of bone marrow cells

Coptidis alkaloids are the primary active components of Coptis chinensis Franch. Clinical and pharmacodynamic studies have confirmed that Coptidis alkaloids have multiple therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor effects, and they are usually used to treat various inflammatory disorders and related diseases. Mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) were isolated from BALB/c mice. Immune-mediated destruction of BMCs was induced by interferon (IFN) -γ. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/ mass spectrometry was used to analyze the ingredients of the aqueous extract from Coptis chinensis Franch. The results confirmed that Coptidis alkaloids were the predominant ingredients in the aqueous extract from Coptis chinensis. The functional mechanism of Coptidis alkaloids in inhibiting immune-mediated destruction of BMCs was studied in vitro. After Coptidis alkaloid treatment, the percentages of apoptotic BMCs and the proliferation and differentiation of helper T (Th) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells were measured by flow cytometry. The expression and distribution of T-bet in BMCs were observed by immunofluorescence. Western blotting analysis was used to assay the expression of key molecules in the Fas apoptosis and Jak/Stats signaling pathways in BMCs. We identified five alkaloids in the aqueous extract of Coptis chinensis. The apoptotic ratios of BMCs induced by IFN-γ were decreased significantly after Coptidis alkaloid treatment. The levels of key molecules (Fas, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-8) in Fas apoptosis signaling pathways also decreased significantly after treatment with low concentrations of Coptidis alkaloids. Coptidis alkaloids were also found to inhibit the proliferation of Th1 and Th17 cells and induce the differentiation of Th2 and Treg cells; further, the distribution of T-bet in BMCs was decreased significantly. In addition, the levels of Stat-1, phospho-Stat-1 and phospho-Stat-3 were also reduced after Coptidis alkaloid treatment. These results indicate that Coptidis alkaloids extracted by water decoction from Coptis chinensis Franch could inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes, attenuate the apoptosis of BMCs, and suppress the immune-mediated destruction of the BMCs induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Qingyi decoction protects against myocardial injuries induced by severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

We studied the protective effects of Qingyi decoction (QYD) (a Traditional Chinese Medicine) against severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-induced myocardial infarction (MI).

AIM

To study the function and mechanism of QYD in the treatment of myocardial injuries induced by SAP.

METHODS

Ultrasonic cardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and apoptosis staining techniques were used to determine the effects of QYD following SAP-induced MI in Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

Our SAP model showed severe myocardial histological abnormalities and marked differences in the symptoms, mortality rate, and ultrasonic cardiography outputs among the different groups compared to the control. The expression of serum cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, amyloid β, and tumor necrosis factor-α] were significantly higher in the SAP versus QYD treated group (P < 0.05 for all). STIM1 and Orai1 expression in myocardial tissue extracts were significantly decreased post QYD gavage (P < 0.001). There was no significant histological difference between the 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate inhibitor and QYD groups. The SAP group had a significantly higher apoptosis index score compared to the QYD group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

QYD conferred cardio-protection against SAP-induced MI by regulating myocardial-associated protein expression (STIM1 and Orai1).

The combination of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis attenuates the IFN-γ-induced immune destruction of hematopoiesis in bone marrow cells

BACKGROUND

Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis are two herbs that compose Danggui Buxue Tang (an herbal formula for treatment of anemia diseases). In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism and effective targets to immune destruction of bone marrow (BM) cells treated with Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis or a combination of two agents. The potential synergic advantages of two herbs should also be explored.

METHODS

The constituents of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometer system BM cells were separated from limbs of BALB/c mice, and immune destruction was induced with IFN-γ. The percentages of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CD3⁺ T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The distribution of T-bet and changes in the combination of SAP and SLAM in BM cells were observed by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to assay the expression of key molecules of the eIF2 signaling pathway in BM cells.

RESULTS

Seven constituents of Radix Astragali and six constituents of Radix Angelicae Sinensis were identified. The percentages of HSCs increased significantly after treatment with Radix Angelicae Sinensis, especially at high concentrations. The percentages of CD3⁺ T cells were significantly decreased after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. However, the synergistic function of two-herb combinations was superior to that of the individual herbs alone. The distribution of T-bet in BM cells was decreased significantly after Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. The number of SLAM/SAP double-stained cells was increased significantly after Radix Astragali treatment at low concentrations. The phosphorylation levels of eIF2α were also reduced after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis could intervene in the immunologic balance of T lymphocytes, inhibit the apoptosis of BM cells induced by immune attack, restore the balance of the T cell immune response network and recover the hematopoietic function of HSCs. The synergistic effects of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were superior to those of each herb alone.

Danggui Buxue Tang promotes the adhesion and migration of bone marrow stromal cells via the focal adhesion pathway in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang has been used in China to treat clinical anemia for more than 800 years. However, there is no scientific report on its effect on bone marrow stromal cells.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we aimed to explore the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang on bone marrow stromal cell adhesion and migration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bone marrow stromal cells were used as a model to evaluate the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang on the adhesion and migration of bone marrow stromal cells. RNA-sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to detect and confirm the expression of genes related to the focal adhesion pathway before and after drug delivery.

RESULTS

Danggui Buxue Tang significantly increased the number of bone marrow stromal cells. After 12 days of 16 mg/mL Danggui Buxue Tang treatment, bone marrow stromal cells were significantly increased (by 0.527 ± 0.008 fold; p < 0.001) as compared to the control group (0.180 ± 0.019). The effect was not due to enhanced cell proliferation, as there was no difference in the cell cycle (p > 0.05). The adhesion area of a single cell was doubled by Danggui Buxue Tang treatment (p < 0.001), and the time required for cell adhesion to a Petri dish was shortened. Thus, Danggui Buxue Tang increases the number of bone marrow stromal cells by promoting adhesion. Danggui Buxue Tang also significantly promoted bone marrow stromal cell migration (p <  0.001). Transcript analysis revealed that the focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were activated. Expression analysis confirmed that the gene and protein expression of focal adhesion-related factors were upregulated.

CONCLUSION

Danggui Buxue Tangaffects bone marrow stromal cell adhesion and migration by enhancing the focal adhesion pathway in vitro, and bone marrow stromal cells are a target of DBT-regulated hematopoiesis, and the active ingredients of DBT involved in the effects require further investigation.

Remission of Microscopic Polyangiitis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Report

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic disease described as necrotizing vasculitis that affects capillaries, venules and arterioles. Hormone-based immunosuppression therapy is the common treatment, but with severe side effects. Hence, non-hormone or low-hormone therapies may be another option. Here we report a case of a MPA patient, who was first diagnosed MPA at the age of 56, experienced a number of recurrences from 63 to 70 that were successfully controlled by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) alone or with low-dose hormone.

Sarcodon imbricatus polysaccharides improve mouse hematopoietic function after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via G-CSF mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Sarcodon imbricatus, a rare medicinal and edible fungus, has various pharmacological bioactivities. We investigated the effects of S. imbricatus polysaccharides (SIPS) on hematopoietic function and identified the underlying mechanisms using in vitro experiments with CHRF, K562, and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and in vivo experiments with a mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic dysfunction. We found that SIPS induced proliferation and differentiation of CHRF and K562 cells and upregulated the expression of hematopoietic-related proteins, including p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK1p90), c-Myc, and ETS transcription factor, in the two cell lines. After 28 days of treatment, SIPS enhanced the bodyweight and thymus indices of the mice, alleviated enlargement of the spleen and liver, and contributed to the recovery of peripheral blood to normal levels. More importantly, the percentages of B lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells or hematopoietic progenitor cells were significantly elevated in bone marrow. Based on an antibody chip analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, SIPS were found to successfully regulate 12 cytokines to healthy levels in serum and spleen. The cytokines included the following: interleukins 1Ra, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon⁻γ, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), C-C motif chemokine1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein⁻1. Moreover, SIPS upregulated the phosphorylation levels of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the spleen, and similar results were validated in CHRF cells, K562 cells, and BMMNCs. The data indicate that SIPS activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, possibly by interactions among multiple cytokines, particularly G-CSF. We found that SIPS was remarkably beneficial to the bone marrow hematopoietic system, and we anticipate that it could improve myelosuppression induced by long-term radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Approach to Explain Possible Action Mechanisms of Xin-Sheng-Hua Granule for Treating Anemia

As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, Xin-Sheng-Hua Granule (XSHG) has been applied in China for more than 30 years to treat postpartum diseases, especially anemia. However, underlying therapeutic mechanisms of XSHG for anemia were still unclear. In this study, plasma metabolomics profiling with UHPLC-QTOF/MS and multivariate data method was firstly analyzed to discover the potential regulation mechanisms of XSHG on anemia rats induced by bleeding from the orbit. Afterward, the compound-target-pathway network of XSHG was constructed by the use of network pharmacology, thus anemia-relevant signaling pathways were dissected. Finally, the crucial targets in the shared pathways of metabolomics and network pharmacology were experimentally validated by ELISA and Western Blot analysis. The results showed that XSHG could exert excellent effects on anemia probably through regulating coenzyme A biosynthesis, sphingolipids metabolism and HIF-1α pathways, which was reflected by the increased levels of EPOR, F2, COASY, as well as the reduced protein expression of HIF-1α, SPHK1, and S1PR1. Our work successfully explained the polypharmcological mechanisms underlying the efficiency of XSHG on treating anemia, and meanwhile, it probed into the potential treatment strategies for anemia from TCM prescription.