Treatment Effects of Ischemic Stroke by Berberine, Baicalin, and Jasminoidin from Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) Explored by an Integrated Metabolomics Approach

The neuroprotective effect of Chinese herbal medicine for cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through regulating mitophagy

The incidence of ischemic stroke has been increasing annually with an unfavorable prognosis. Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury can exacerbate nerve damage. Effective mitochondrial quality control including mitochondrial fission, fusion and autophagy, is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several studies have revealed the critical role of mitophagy in Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Cerebral ischemia and hypoxia induce mitophagy, and mitophagy exhibits positive and negative effects in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine can alleviate Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and serve as a neuroprotective agent by inhibiting or promoting mitophagy-mediated pathways. This review focuses on the mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy-related pathways, as well as the role of mitophagy in ischemia reperfusion injury. Additionally, it discusses the therapeutic potential and benefits of Chinese herbal monomers and decoctions in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Neuroprotective effects of methanolic extract from Chuanxiong Rhizoma in mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischemic stroke: suppression of astrocyte- and microglia-related inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

In traditional Asian medicine, dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong Rhizoma [CR]) have long been used to treat pain disorders that affect the head and face such as headaches. Furthermore, they have been used primarily for blood circulation improvement or as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a methanol extract of CR (CRex) on ischemic stroke in mice caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were given a 1.5-h transient MCAO (MCAO control and CRex groups); CRex was administered in the mice of the CRex group at 1,000-3,000 mg/kg either once (single dose) or twice (twice dose) before MCAO. The mechanism behind the neuroprotective effects of CRex was examined using the following techniques: brain infarction volume, edema, neurological deficit, novel object recognition test (NORT), forepaw grip strength, and immuno-fluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Pretreating the mice with CRex once at 1,000 or 3,000 mg/kg and twice at 1,000 mg/kg 1 h before MCAO, brought about a significantly decrease in the infarction volumes. Furthermore, pretreating mice with CRex once at 3,000 mg/kg 1 h before MCAO significantly suppressed the reduction of forepaw grip strength of MCAO-induced mice. In the MCAO-induced group, preadministration of CRex inhibited the reduction in the discrimination ratio brought on by MCAO in a similar manner. CRex exhibited these effects by suppressing the activation of astrocytes and microglia, which regulated the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes a novel development for the treatment of ischemic stroke and provides evidence favoring the use of L. chuanxiong rhizomes against ischemic stroke.

Monochasma savatieri Franch. protects against acute lung injury via α7nAChR-TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway based on integrated pharmacology analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatments. Monochasma savatieri Franch. (LRC) is commonly used clinically to treat wind-heat cold, bronchitis, acute pneumonia and acute gastroenteritis. However, its role in the treatment of ALI and its mechanism of action are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to demonstrate the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of LRC extract, and provide important therapeutic strategies and theoretical basis for ALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a research paradigm of integrated pharmacology combining histopathological analysis, network pharmacology, metabolomics, and biochemical assays was used to elucidate the mechanisms underlaying the effects of LRC extract on LPS-induced ALI in BALB/c mice.

RESULTS

The research findings demonstrated that LRC extract significantly alleviated pathological damage in lung tissues and inhibited apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells, and the main active components were luteolin, isoacteoside, and aucubin. Lung tissue metabolomic and immunohistochemical methods confirmed that LRC extract could restore metabolic disorders in ALI mice by correcting energy metabolism imbalance, activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that LRC extract inhibited the occurrence and development of ALI inflammation by promoting the synthesis of antioxidant metabolites, balancing energy metabolism, activating CAP and suppressing the α7nAChR-TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. In addition, our study provided an innovative research model for exploring the effective ingredients and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the protective effects of LRC extract in LPS-induced ALI mice.

Jasminoidin reduces ischemic stroke injury by regulating microglia polarization via PASK-EEF1A1 axis

Jasminoidin (JAS) can alleviate ischemic stroke (IS) injury, but its molecular mechanism remains undefined. The polarization of microglia affects IS process. This research is powered to probe whether the molecular mechanism of JAS for IS treatment is coupled with microglia polarization. IS modeling in mice was accomplished by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and model mice were injected with 25 and 50 mg/mL JAS, followed by determination of infarct volume, brain water content, and histological changes in mouse brains. The microglia modeling was performed by 1-h oxygen-glucose deprivation and 24-h reoxygenation. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced microglia were treated with JAS and transfected with Per-Arnt-Sim kinase (PASK)-overexpressing plasmid, subsequent to which cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level were determined. The mRNA or protein expressions of examined genes in microglia and brain tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. MCAO-induced massive infarction, edema, and injury in mouse brain tissues, upregulated interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), FcγRIIB (CD32), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), PASK, p-eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 (EEF1A1), and p-EEF1A1/EEF1A1 levels, but downregulated mannose receptor 1 (CD206), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and EEF1A1 expressions, which was reversed by JAS. OGD/R treatment decreased microglial viability as well as expressions of CD206, Arg-1, IL-10, and EEF1A1, yet increased cytotoxicity and levels of IL-1β, CD32, TNF-α, PASK, p-EEF1A1, and p-EEF1A1/EEF1A1, which was reversed by JAS. PASK overexpression reversed the effects of JAS on microglia. JAS reduces IS injury by regulating microglia polarization via PASK-EEF1A1 axis.

System analysis of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang and their key active ingredients for overcoming CML resistance by suppression of leukemia stem cells

BACKGROUND

BCR-ABL1-based resistance to imatinib, mainly resulting from BCR-ABL1 mutations, is largely solved after second- and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are discovered. Nonetheless, imatinib resistance without BCR-ABL1 mutations, including intrinsic resistance induced by stem cells within chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), remains the major clinical challenge for many patients.

PURPOSE

To study the key active ingredients and corresponding target proteins in Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) against BCR-ABL1-independent CML resistance to therapeutics, and then explore its mechanism of against CML drug resistance.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity of HLJDT and its active ingredients in BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib resistance cells was analyzed through MTT assay. The cloning ability was measured through soft agar assay. Monitoring therapeutic effect on Xenografted mice CML model by in vivo imaging technology and mice survival time. Predicting the potential target protein binding sites by the technology of photocrosslinking sensor chip, molecular space simulation docking, and use Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology . Flow cytometry to detect the ratio of stem progenitor cells (CD34+). Constructing bone marrow transplantation mice CML leukemia model, detect the effects on leukemia stem cells LSK (Lin-\ Sca-1+ \C-kit+) self-renewal.

RESULTS

Treatment with HLJDT, berberine and baicalein inhibited cell viability and colony formation of BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib-resistant cells in vitro while prolonging survival in mouse with CML xenografts and transplatation CML-like mouse models in vivo. JAK2 and MCL1were identified as targets of berberine and baicalein. JAK2 and MCL1 are involved in multi-leukemia stem cell-related pathways. Moreover, the ratio of CD34+ cells in resistant CML cells is higher than in treatment-sensitive CML cells. Treatment with BBR or baicalein partially suppressed CML leukemic stem cells (LSCs) self-renewal in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

From the above, we concluded that HLJDT and its key active ingredients (BBR and baicalein) allowed to overcome imatinib resistance with BCR-ABL1 independent by eradication of LSCs by targeting the JAK2 and MCL1 protein levels. Our results lay the foundation for applying HLJDT in patients with TKI-resistant CML.

Pivotal regulatory roles of traditional Chinese medicine in ischemic stroke via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many studies have demonstrated the powerful neuroprotection abilities of multiple traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) against NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated ischemic cerebral injury. These TCMs may be in the form of TCM prescriptions, Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts, and TCM monomers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aimed to analyze and summarize the existing knowledge on the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS). We also summarized the mechanism of action of the various TCMs on the NLRP3 inflammasome, which may provide new insights for the management of IS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed recently published articles by setting the keywords "NLRP3 inflammasome" and "traditional Chinese medicines" along with "ischemic stroke"; "NLRP3 inflammasome" and "ischemic stroke" along with "natural products" and so on in Pubmed and GeenMedical.

RESULTS

According to recent studies, 16 TCM prescriptions (officially authorized products and clinically effective TCM prescriptions), 7 Chinese herbal extracts, and 29 TCM monomers show protective effects against IS through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic, and anti-mitochondrial autophagy effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we analyzed studies on the involvement of NLRP3 in IS therapy. Further, we comprehensively and systematically summarized the current knowledge to provide a reference for the further application of TCMs in the treatment of IS.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction attenuates cognitive dysfunction of rats with type 2 diabetes by regulating autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional Chinese formula that is efficacious in treating diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetic encephalopathy; the underlying mechanisms of HLJDD in diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of HLJDD on cognitive function, and the possible underlying mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a rat model of cognitive impairment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve active ingredients in HLJDD were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. An animal model of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM was induced via a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, T2DM, metformin (0.34 g/kg/day), and HLJDD groups (3, 1.5, and 0.75 g/kg/day). All treatments were intragastrically administrated for nine continuous weeks after the development of T2DM. Body weight, food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid levels were measured. Spatial learning and memory of the rats were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining were performed to evaluate neuronal morphology and vitality. Glutathione, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured to determine the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the synaptic morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons. IL-1β levels in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid were determined. The protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, mature IL-1β, ATG7, P62, LC3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

HLJDD attenuated cognitive dysfunction in rats with T2DM as shown by the decreased escape latency, increased times crossing the platform and time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test (P < 0.05), improvement in hippocampal histopathological changes, and an elevated level of cell vitality. HLJDD treatment also reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, ameliorated oxidative stress, and downregulated IL-1β expression in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid (P < 0.05). Moreover, HLJDD enhanced BDNF, ATG7, and LC3 protein expression and significantly inhibited the expression of P62, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and mature IL-1β in the hippocampal CA1 region (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results further confirmed that the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 and P62 in the hippocampus decreased after HLJDD intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HLJDD ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in T2DM rats. The neuroprotective effect is exerted via the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, upregulation of autophagy, and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Tanshinone I inhibits metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inducing BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy and reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the most common malignancy of the female lower genital tract. Tanshinone I (Tan I) is one of the crucial lipid-soluble components of red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza). While its mode of action against cervical cancer is unclear.

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to explore the role of Tan I on cervical cancer in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Effects of Tan I on cervical cancer cells viability, migration and mitochondrial function were investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and Fluorescence laser confocal microscope assays respectively. The potential mechanism of Tan I was uncovered by an integrative approach combining RNA profiling and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolic analysis, molecular docking and Western blot.

RESULTS

Tan I significantly inhibited the growth and colony formation of HeLa and SiHa cells. It induced apoptosis and cell cycle S phase arrest at low (12.5-25 μM) but not high (50 μM) concentrations. It also altered the HeLa cell ultrastructure, decreased the membrane potential and increased the total mitochondrial content. Further, Tan I induced autophagic flux and the colocalization of mitochondria with lysosomes, led to decreased adhesion, invasion, and migration of cervical cancer cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Tan I altered the RNA profile and signal processing in HeLa cells. Tan I significantly impacted "central carbon metabolism in cancer" and "mitophagy-animal" processes. A global metabolic analysis identified 25 metabolites affected by Tan I treatment in HeLa cells. Changes in the metabolic profile indicated that Tan I affected such processes as protein digestion and absorption, central carbon metabolism in cancer, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, Tan I significantly induced the expression of mitophagy-related proteins BNIP3, NIX and Optineurin and the conversion from LC3-I to LC3-II, inhibited the NDP52 and P62 level in a concentration-dependent manner. While CQ further increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and the expression of P62. Moreover, Tan I interacted with BNIP3 and NIX through hydrogen bond. Tan I induce mitophagy could be prevented by BNIP3 and NIX siRNA transfection.

CONCLUSION

Tan I induced the BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy, and reprogrammed the mitochondrial metabolism in cervical cancer cells, thus inhibiting metastasis.

Novel mechanistic insight on the neuroprotective effect of berberine: The role of PPARδ for antioxidant action

Cerebral ischemic stroke ranks the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in lifetime all around the world, urgently necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in stroke pathogenesis and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are prominent targets for ROS management. Although recent research has shown antioxidant effect of berberine (BBR), little is known regarding its effect upon ROS-PPARs signaling in stroke. The aim of this study is to explore whether BBR could target on ROS-PPARs pathway to ameliorate middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced stroke. Herein, we report that BBR is able to scavenge ROS in oxidation-damaged C17.2 neural stem cells and stroked mice. PPARδ, rather than PPARα or PPARγ, is involved in the anti-ROS effect of BBR, as evidenced by the siRNA transfection and specific antagonist treatment data. Further, we have found BBR could upregulate NF-E2 related factor-1/2 (NRF1/2) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) following a PPARδ-dependent manner. Mechanistic study has revealed that BBR acts as a potent ligand (Kd = 290 ± 92 nM) to activate PPARδ and initiates the transcriptional regulation functions, thus promoting the expression of PPARδ, NRF1, NRF2 and NQO1. Collectively, our results indicate that BBR confers neuroprotective effects by activating PPARδ to scavenge ROS, providing a novel mechanistic insight for the antioxidant action of BBR.

Therapeutic Efficacies of Berberine against Neurological Disorders: An Update of Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms

Neurological disorders are ranked as the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, underscoring an urgent necessity to develop novel pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is a well-known phytochemical isolated from a number of medicinal herbs. BBR has attracted much interest for its broad range of pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing neurological disorders. The discoveries in basic and clinical studies of the effects of BBR on neurological disorders in the last decade have provided novel evidence to support the potential therapeutical efficacies of BBR in treating neurological diseases. In this review, we summarized the pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of BBR against neurological disorders in the last decade. We also emphasized the major pathways modulated by BBR, which provides firm evidence for BBR as a promising drug candidate for neurological disorders.

Exploring the Potential Targets and Mechanisms of Huang Lian Jie Du Decoction in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2; previously known as 2019-nCoV) emerged in Wuhan, China, and caused many infections and deaths. At present, there are no specific drugs for the etiology and treatment of COVID-19. A combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine is proposed to treat COVID-19, in which Huang Lian Jie Du decoction (HLJDD) is recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 in many provinces in China and has been widely used in the clinic. This study explored the potential targets of HLJDD in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology.

Methods

First, the chemical composition and targets of HLJDD and COVID-19-related targets were obtained through the TCMSP, UniProt, GeneCards and OMIM databases. Second, HLJDD target and HLJDD-COVID-19 target networks were constructed via the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the HLJDD-COVID-19 targets was applied via the DAVID database.

Results

Our study identified a total of 67 active ingredients of HLJDD and 204 targets of HLJDD. A total of 502 COVID-19-related targets were obtained, of which 47 were intersecting targets of HLJDD and COVID-19. A total of 179 GO terms and 77 KEGG terms, including the TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway and HIF-1 signaling pathway, were identified.

Conclusion

The present study explored the potential targets and signaling pathways of HLJDD during the treatment of COVID-19, which may provide a basis for the research and development of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.

Exploring the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Huzhang-Shanzha Herb Pair against Coronary Heart Disease by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) seriously affects human health, and its pathogenesis is closely related to atherosclerosis. The Huzhang (the root of Polygonum cuspidatum)–Shanzha (the fruit of Crataegus sp.), a classic herb pair, has been widely used for the treatment of CHD. In recent years, Huzhang–Shanzha herb pair (HSHP) was found to have a wide range of effects in CHD; however, its therapeutic specific mechanisms remain to be further explored. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of HSHP in the treatment of CHD using a network pharmacology analysis approach.

Methods

The Batman-TCM database was used to explore bioactive compounds and corresponding targets of HSHP. CHD disease targets were extracted from Genecards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING web platform and Cytoscape software. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were carried out on the Metascape web platform. Finally, molecular docking of the active components was assessed to verify the potential targets of HSHP to treat CHD by the AutoDock Vina and PyMOL software.

Results

Totally, 243 active components and 2459 corresponding targets of LDP were screened out. Eighty-five common targets of HSHP and CHD were identified. The results of the network analysis showed that resveratrol, anthranone, emodin, and ursolic acid could be defined as four therapeutic components. TNF, ESR1, NFКB1, PPARG, INS, TP53, NFКBIA, AR, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, PTGS2, and NR3C1 might be the 12 key targets. These targets were mainly involved in the regulation of biological processes, such as inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. Enrichment analysis showed that the identified genes were mainly involved in fluid shear force, insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and lipid metabolism pathways to contribute to CHD. This suggests that resveratrol, anthranone, emodin, and ursolic acid from HSHP can be the main therapeutic components of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Using network pharmacology, we provide new clues on the potential mechanism of action of HSHP in the treatment of CHD, which may be closely related to the fluid shear force, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response.

Anti-Stroke Chinese Herbal Medicines Inhibit Abnormal Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Processing in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs), as an important and integral part of a larger system of medicine practiced in China, called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been used in stroke therapy for centuries. A large body of studies suggest that some Chinese herbs can help reverse cognitive impairment in stroke patients, while whether these herbs also exert therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease remains to be seen.

OBJECTIVE

To address this issue, we selected four types of CHMs that are commonly prescribed for stroke treatment in clinical practice, namely DengZhanXiXin (D1), TongLuoJiuNao (T2), QingKaiLing (Q3), and HuangQinGan (H4), and tested their effects on amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) processing in vitro.

METHODS

AβPP, β-secretase (BACE1), and 99-amino acid C-terminal fragment of AβPP (C99) stably transfected cells were used for the tests of AβPP processing. The production of Aβ, activity of BACE1, neprilysin (NEP), and γ-secretase were assessed by ELISA, RT-PCR, and western blot.

RESULTS

By upregulating BACE1 activity, D1 increased Aβ production whereas decreased the ratio of Aβ 42/Aβ 40; by downregulating BACE1 activity and modulating the expression of γ-secretase, T2 decreased Aβ production and the ratio of Aβ 42/Aβ 40; by downregulating BACE1 activity, Q3 decreased Aβ production; H4 did not change Aβ production due to the simultaneously downregulation of BACE1 and NEP activity.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that these four anti-stroke CHMs regulate AβPP processing through different mechanisms. Particularly, T2 with relatively simple components and prominent effect on AβPP processing may be a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.

Anti-inflammatory efficacy of Berberine Nanomicelle for improvement of cerebral ischemia: formulation, characterization and evaluation in bilateral common carotid artery occlusion rat model

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR) is a plant alkaloid that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects with low oral bioavailability. In this study, micelle formulation of BBR was investigated to improve therapeutic efficacy and examined its effect on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in cerebral ischemia in the animal model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nano formulation was prepared by thin-film hydration method, and characterized by particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy, and drug release in Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) and Simulated Intestine Fluid (SIF). Then, Wistar rats were pretreated with the drug (100 mg/kg) and nano-drug (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg) for 14 days. Then, on the fourteenth day, stroke induction was accomplished by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion (BCCAO); after that, Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin - 1 Beta (IL-1ß), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in the supernatant of the whole brain, then the anti-inflammatory effect of BBR formulations was examined.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Micelles were successfully formed with appropriate characteristics and smaller sizes than 20 nm. The Poly Dispersity Index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy of micelles was 0.227, - 22 mV, 81%, respectively. Also, the stability of nano micelles was higher in SGF as compared to SIF. Our outcomes of TNF-a, IL-1B, and MDA evaluation show a significant ameliorating effect of the Berberine (BBR) and BBR-loaded micelles in pretreated groups.

CONCLUSION

Our experimental data show that pretreated groups in different doses (nano BBR 100, 75, 50 mg/kg, and BBR 100 mg/kg) successfully showed decreased levels of the inflammatory factors in cerebral ischemia compared with the stroke group and pretreated group with nano BBR in the dose of 25 mg/kg. Nano BBR formulation with a lower dose can be a better candidate than conventional BBR formulation to reduce oxidative and inflammatory factors in cerebral ischemia. Therefore, BBR-loaded micelle formulation could be a promising protective agent on cerebral ischemia.

Application of Metabolomics to the Discovery of Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke in the Murine Model: a Comparison with the Clinical Results

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of IS remains unknown, and methods for early prediction and diagnosis of IS are lacking. Metabolomics can be applied to biomarker discovery and mechanism exploration of IS by exploring metabolic alterations. In this review, 62 IS metabolomics studies in the murine model published from January 2006 to December 2020 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed. Twenty metabolites (e.g., lysine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, lactate, serine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, and glutathione) were reported consistently in more than two-third murine studies. The disturbance of metabolic pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; and citrate cycle, may be implicated in the development of IS by influencing the biological processes such as energy failure, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and glutamate toxicity. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model exhibit both common and distinct metabolic patterns. Furthermore, five metabolites (proline, serine, LysoPC (16:0), uric acid, glutamate) in the blood sample and 7 metabolic pathways (e.g., alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism) are shared in animal and clinical studies. The potential biomarkers and related pathways of IS in the murine model may facilitate the biomarker discovery for early diagnosis of IS and the development of novel therapeutic targets.

The emerging possibility of the use of geniposide in the treatment of cerebral diseases: a review

With the advanced discoveries in the field of pathogenesis, a series of cerebral diseases, such as cerebral ischaemia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, have been found to have multiple signalling targets in the microenvironment. Only a few existing agents have been shown to have curative effects due to this specific circumstance. In recent decades, active ingredients isolated from natural plants have been shown to be crucial for original drug development. Geniposide, mainly extracted from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, is representative of these natural products. Geniposide demonstrates various biological activities in the treatment of cerebral, cardiovascular, hepatic, tumorous, and other diseases. The multiple protective effects of geniposide on the brain have especially drawn increasing attention. Thus, this article specifically reviews the characteristics of current models of cerebral ischaemia and illustrates the possible effects of geniposide and its pathogenetic mechanisms on these models. Geniposide has been shown to significantly reduce the area of cerebral infarction and alleviate neuronal damage and necrosis mainly by inhibiting inflammatory signals, including NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Neuronal protection was also involved in activating the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/catenin pathways. Geniposide was able to increase autophagy and inhibit apoptosis by regulating the function of mTOR in treating Alzheimer's disease. Geniposide has also been shown to act as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist to reduce amyloid plaques and inhibit oxidative stress to alleviate memory impairment as well as synaptic loss. Moreover, geniposide has been shown to exert antidepressant effects primarily by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Detailed explorations have shown that the biological activities of inhibiting inflammatory cytokine secretion, alleviating oxidative stress, and suppressing mitochondrial damage are also involved in the mechanism of action of geniposide. Therefore, geniposide is a promising agent awaiting further exploration for the treatment of cerebral diseases via various phenotypes or signalling pathways.

Metabolomics and metabolites in ischemic stroke

Stroke is a major reason for disability and the second highest cause of death in the world. When a patient is admitted to a hospital, it is necessary to identify the type of stroke, and the likelihood for development of a recurrent stroke, vascular dementia, and depression. These factors could be determined using different biomarkers. Metabolomics is a very promising strategy for identification of biomarkers. The advantage of metabolomics, in contrast to other analytical techniques, resides in providing low molecular weight metabolite profiles, rather than individual molecule profiles. Technically, this approach is based on mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Furthermore, variations in metabolite concentrations during brain ischemia could alter the principal neuronal functions. Different markers associated with ischemic stroke in the brain have been identified including those contributing to risk, acute onset, and severity of this pathology. In the brain, experimental studies using the ischemia/reperfusion model (IRI) have shown an impaired energy and amino acid metabolism and confirmed their principal roles. Literature data provide a good basis for identifying markers of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke and understanding metabolic mechanisms of these diseases. This opens an avenue for the successful use of identified markers along with metabolomics technologies to develop fast and reliable diagnostic tools for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

AMPK and its Activator Berberine in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are heterogeneous diseases associated with either acute or progressive neurodegeneration, causing the loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system (CNS), showing high morbidity and mortality, and there are only a few effective therapies. Here, we summarized that the energy sensor adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and its agonist berberine can combat the common underlying pathological events of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial disorder, glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis, autophagy disorder, and disruption of neurovascular units. The abovementioned effects of berberine may primarily depend on activating AMPK and its downstream targets, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). It is hoped that this review will provide a strong basis for further scientific exploration and development of berberine's therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration.

Therapeutic effectiveness of a single exercise session combined with WalkAide functional electrical stimulation in post-stroke patients: a crossover design study

A growing body of evidence has suggested that the imbalance of epigenetic markers and oxidative stress appears to be involved in the pathophysiology and progression of stroke. Thus, strategies that modulate these biomarkers might be considered targets for neuroprotection and novel therapeutic opportunities for these patients. Physical exercise has been reported to induce changes in these epigenetic markers and improve clinical outcomes in different populations. However, little is reported on this in post-stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single exercise session with WalkAide functional electrical stimulation (FES) on cognitive performance, clinical functional parameters, oxidative stress and epigenetic modulation in post-stroke individuals. In this crossover design study, 12 post-stroke individuals aged 54–72 years of either sexes were included and subjected to a single session of exercise (45 minutes) without WalkAide functional electrical stimulation (EXE alone group), followed by another single session of exercise (45 minutes) with WalkAide functional electrical stimulation (EXE + FES group). The clinical functional outcome measures, cognitive performance and blood collections for biomarker measurements were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After intervention, higher Berg Balance Scale scores were obtained in the EXE + FES group than in the EXE alone group. There was no significant difference in the Timed Up and Go test results post-intervention between EXE alone and EXE + FES groups. After intervention, a better cognitive performance was found in both groups compared with before the intervention. After intervention, the Timed Up and Go test scores were higher in the EXE + FES group than in the EXE alone group. In addition, the intervention induced lower levels of lipid peroxidation. After intervention, carbonyl level was lower, superoxide dismutase activity and superoxide dismutase/catalase activity ratio were higher in the EXE + FES group, compared with the EXE group alone. In each group, both histone deacetylase (HDAC2) and histone acetyltransferase activities were increased after intervention compared with before the intervention. These findings suggest that a single exercise session with WalkAide FES is more effective on balance ability and cognitive performance compared with conventional exercise alone in post-stroke patients. This is likely to be related to the regulation of oxidative stress markers. The present study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Methodist University Center-IPA (approval No. 2.423.376) on December 7, 2017 and registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials—ReBEC (RBR-9phj2q) on February 11, 2019.

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of baicalin in cerebrovascular and neurological disorders

Inflammatory responses play an extraordinary role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular and neurological disorders. Baicalin is one of the important flavonoids, which is extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Recently, numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that baicalin has salutary effects for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory and has been demonstrated to exert beneficial therapeutic properties in cerebrovascular and neurological diseases. In this review, we aim to discuss that baicalin exerts anti-inflammatory effects through multiple pathways and targets, thus affecting the production of a variety of inflammatory cytokines and neuroprotective process of neurological diseases; furthermore, the related targets of the anti-inflammatory effects of baicalin were analyzed via using the tools of network pharmacology, to provide theoretical basis and innovative ideas for the future clinical application of baicalin.

Role of the neurovascular unit in the process of cerebral ischemic injury

Cerebral ischemic injury exhibits both high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional research of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury has focused on separate analyses of the involved cell types. In recent years, the neurovascular unit (NVU) mechanism of cerebral ischemic injury has been proposed in modern medicine. Hence, more effective strategies for the treatment of cerebral ischemic injury may be provided through comprehensive analysis of brain cells and the extracellular matrix. However, recent studies that have investigated the function of the NVU in cerebral ischemic injury have been insufficient. In addition, the metabolism and energy conversion of the NVU depend on interactions among multiple cell types, which make it difficult to identify the unique contribution of each cell type. Therefore, in the present review, we comprehensively summarize the regulatory effects and recovery mechanisms of four major cell types (i.e., astrocytes, microglia, brain-microvascular endothelial cells, and neurons) in the NVU under cerebral ischemic injury, as well as discuss the interactions among these cell types in the NVU. Furthermore, we discuss the common signaling pathways and signaling factors that mediate cerebral ischemic injury in the NVU, which may help to provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive elucidation of cerebral ischemic injury.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in various traditional systems of medicine and as a food supplement. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a coloring agent and as medicinal remedy for common diseases and conditions like wounds, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin and eye ailments, and cancer. Over the years, goldenseal has become a popular food supplement in the USA and other regions. The rhizome of this plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, muscular debility, nervous prostration, constipation, skin and eye infections, cancer, among others. Berberine is one of the most bioactive alkaloid that has been identified in different parts of goldenseal. The goldenseal extract containing berberine showed numerous therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, neuroprotective (anti-Alzheimer's disease), cardioprotective, and gastrointestinal protective. Various research finding suggest the health promoting effects of goldenseal components and their extracts. However, few studies have also suggested the possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and phototoxic activities of goldenseal extract and its alkaloids. Thus, large randomized, double-blind clinical studies need to be conducted on goldenseal supplements and their main alkaloids to provide more evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the pharmaceutical activity, clinical efficacy and safety of these products. Thus, it is very important to review the scientific information about goldenseal to understand about the current scenario.

Baicalin combats glutamate excitotoxicity via protecting glutamine synthetase from ROS-induced 20S proteasomal degradation

Background

Many neuroprotective approaches targeting neurons in animal models fail to provide benefits for the treatment of ischemic stroke in clinic and glial cells have become the targets in some basic studies. Baicalin has neuroprotective effects but the mechanisms related to glial cells are not revealed. This study investigated whether and how baicalin can combat excitotoxicity via protecting the functions of astrocytes in early stage of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult by focusing on glutamine synthetase (GS).

Experimental approach

The role of baicalin was explored in primary astrocytes exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R).

Key results

Mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activation led to an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via reverse electron transport (RET) under conditions of OGD/R or I/R, which increased the carbonylation and proteasomal degradation of GS in astrocytes. Treatment of baicalin decreased the oxidative stress mediated by SDH and reduced the subsequent loss of GS. This effect increased the glutamate disposal by astrocytes and protected neurons from excitotoxicity in response to I/R insults.

Conclusions and implications

Baicalin inactivated SDH to suppress ROS production and protected GS protein stability against oxidative stress, contributing to the improvement of the glutamate disposal and decrease in excitotoxicity. These results suggest that protection of GS stability in astrocytes might be an effective strategy to prevent neuronal injury in acute ischemic stroke.

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SDH activation induced the excessive ROS production during early reperfusion.

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Activated SDH-induced GS degradation by 20S proteasome impaired glutamate disposal.

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Baicalin inactivated SDH, decreased GS loss and suppressed excitotoxicity.

Therapeutic targets of oxidative/nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke: Applications for natural product efficacy with omics and systemic biology

Oxidative/nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation are critical pathological processes in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and their intimate interactions mediate neuronal damage, blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) during ischemic stroke. We review current progress towards understanding the interactions of oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory responses in ischemic brain injury. The interactions between reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and innate immune receptors such as TLR2/4, NOD-like receptor, RAGE, and scavenger receptors are crucial pathological mechanisms that amplify brain damage during cerebral ischemic injury. Furthermore, we review the current progress of omics and systematic biology approaches for studying complex network regulations related to oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in the pathology of ischemic stroke. Targeting oxidative/nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke treatment. We then review recent advances in discovering compounds from medicinal herbs with the bioactivities of simultaneously regulating oxidative/nitrosative stress and pro-inflammatory molecules for minimizing ischemic brain injury. These compounds include sesamin, baicalin, salvianolic acid A, 6-paradol, silymarin, apocynin, 3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-thione, (-)-epicatechin, rutin, Dl-3-N-butylphthalide, and naringin. We finally summarize recent developments of the omics and systematic biology approaches for exploring the molecular mechanisms and active compounds of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulae with the properties of antioxidant and anti-inflammation for neuroprotection. The comprehensive omics and systematic biology approaches provide powerful tools for exploring therapeutic principles of TCM formulae and developing precision medicine for stroke treatment.

Mechanisms of Berberine for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis Based on Network Pharmacology

Atherosclerosis is a common metabolic disease characterized by lipid metabolic disorder. The processes of atherosclerosis include endothelial dysfunction, new endothelial layer formation, lipid sediment, foam cell formation, plaque formation, and plaque burst. Owing to the adverse effects of first-line medications, it is urgent to discover new medications to deal with atherosclerosis. Berberine is one of the most promising natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine. However, the panoramic mechanism of berberine against atherosclerosis has not been discovered clearly. In this study, we used network pharmacology to investigate the interaction between berberine and atherosclerosis. We identified potential targets related to berberine and atherosclerosis from several databases. A total of 31 and 331 putative targets for berberine and atherosclerosis were identified, respectively. Then, we constructed berberine and atherosclerosis targets with PPI data. Berberine targets network with PPI data had 3204 nodes and 79437 edges. Atherosclerosis targets network with PPI data had 5451 nodes and 130891 edges. Furthermore, we merged the two PPI networks and obtained the core PPI network from the merged PPI network. The core PPI network had 132 nodes and 3339 edges. At last, we performed functional enrichment analyses including GO and KEGG pathway analysis in David database. GO analysis indicated that the biological processes were correlated with G1/S transition of mitotic cells cycle. KEGG pathway analysis found that the pathways directly associated with berberine against atherosclerosis were cell cycle, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. After combining the results in context with the available treatments for atherosclerosis, we considered that berberine inhibited inflammation and cell proliferation in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Our study provided a valid theoretical foundation for future research.

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction: a review on phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic investigations

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese prescription constituted by Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, Cortex Phellodendri and Fructus Gradeniae, has notable characteristics of dissipating heat and detoxification, interfering with tumors, hepatic diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory or allergic processes, cerebral diseases and microbial infections. Based on the wide clinical applications, accumulating investigations about HLJDD focused on several aspects: (1) chemical analysis to explore the underlying substrates responsible for the therapeutic effects; (2) further determination of pharmacological actions and the possible mechanisms of the whole prescription and of those representative ingredients to provide scientific evidence for traditional clinical applications and to demonstrate the intriguing molecular targets for specific pathological processes; (3) pharmacokinetic feature studies of single or all components of HLJDD to reveal the chemical basis and synergistic actions contributing to the pharmacological and clinically therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarized the main achievements of phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of HLJDD and its herbal or pharmacologically active chemicals, as well as our understanding which further reveals the significance of HLJDD clinically.

Therapeutic effect of n-butanol fraction of Huang-lian-Jie-du Decoction on ulcerative colitis and its regulation on intestinal flora in colitis mice

Huang-lian-Jie-du Decoction (HLJDD) is a classical prescription for clearing away heat and detoxification. In order to screen the effective fraction of HLJDD in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice and explore its effects on intestinal flora in UC mice, we prepared different polar fractions of HLJDD by system solvent extraction method. Subsequently, the contents of 13 active compounds in different polar fractions of HLJDD were determined by HPLC. Further, the UC model induced by dextran sodium sulfate was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different polar fractions of HLJDD. Finally, cecal contents were used for sequencing and analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The results showed that the yield of HLJDD-n-butanol (HLJDD-NBA) fraction was the highest, and the content or proportion of 13 active compounds in HLJDD-NBA fraction were the most similar to HLJDD. In addition, in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments showed that HLJDD-NBA intervention not only significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of UC mice and ameliorated the pathological damage of colon tissue, but also showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects (p < 0.05), which were comparable to HLJDD (p > 0.05). Moreover, both HLDD and HLJDD-NBA treatments can restore the intestinal flora homeostasis of UC mice by inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogens and preventing the decrease of beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, they can also significantly correct the dysfunction of intestinal flora in UC mice. In conclusion, we proved that HLJDD-NBA fraction is an effective fraction of HLJDD in treating UC in mice, and it can maintain the intestinal flora homeostasis of UC mice, which increases our understanding of the mechanism of HLJDD in treating UC and lays a foundation for the development of new anti-ulcer drugs.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Ameliorates Acute Ulcerative Colitis in Mice via Regulating NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways and Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function

Evidence shows that intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury of mucosal barrier are closely related to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Huang-lian-Jie-du Decoction (HLJDD) is a well-known prescription of traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities, which may be used to treat UC. However, its therapeutic effect and mechanism are still unclear. In this study, the UC model of BABL/c mice were established by DSS [3.5% (w/v)], and HLJDD was given orally for treatment at the same time. During the experiment, the clinical symptoms of mice were scored by disease activity index (DAI). Besides, the effects of HLJDD on immune function, oxidative stress, colon NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathway, and intestinal mucosal barrier function in UC mice were also investigated. The results showed that HLJDD could alleviate body weight loss and DAI score of UC mice, inhibit colonic shortening and relieve colonic pathological damage, and reduce plasma and colon MPO levels. In addition, HLJDD treatment significantly up-regulated plasma IL-10, down-regulated TNF-α and IL-1β levels, and inhibited the expression of NF-κB p65, p-IκKα/β, and p-IκBα proteins in the colon. Moreover, NO and MDA levels in colon tissues were significantly reduced after HLJDD treatment, while GSH, SOD levels and Nrf2, Keap1 protein expression levels were remarkably elevated. Additionally, HLJDD also protected intestinal mucosa by increasing the secretion of mucin and the expression of ZO-1 and occludin in colonic mucosa. These results indicate that HLJDD could effectively alleviate DSS-induced mice UC by suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway, activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and enhancing intestinal barrier function.

Intermodule Coupling Analysis of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction on Stroke

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD) is a "Fangji" made up of well-designed Chinese herb array and widely used to treat ischemic stroke. Here we aimed to investigate pharmacological mechanism by introducing an inter-module analysis to identify an overarching view of target profile and action mode of HLJDD. Stroke-related genes were obtained from OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man). And the potential target proteins of HLJDD were identified according to TCMsp (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform). The two sets of molecules related to stroke and HLJDD were respectively imported into STRING database to construct the stroke network and HLJDD network, which were dissected into modules through MCODE, respectively. We analyzed the inter-module connectivity by quantify "coupling score" (CS) between HLJDD-modules (H-modules) and stroke-modules (S-module) to explore the pharmacological acting pattern of HLJDD on stroke. A total of 267 stroke-related proteins and 15 S-modules, 335 HLJDD putative targeting proteins, and 13 H-modules were identified, respectively. HLJDD directly targeted 28 proteins in stroke network, majority (16, 57.14%) of which were in S-modules 1 and 4. According to the modular map based on inter-module CS analysis, H-modules 1, 2, and 8 densely connected with S-modules 1, 3, and 4 to constitute a module-to-module bridgeness, and the enriched pathways of this bridgeness with top significance were TNF signaling pathway, HIF signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, through this bridgeness, H-modules 2 and 4 cooperatively work together to regulate mitochondrial apoptosis against the ischemia injury. Finally, the core protein in H-module 4 account for mitochondrial apoptosis was validated by an in vivo experiment. This study has developed an integrative approach by inter-modular analysis for elucidating the "shotgun-like" pharmacological mechanism of HLJDD for stroke.

1H NMR-Based Metabolomics Reveals Refined-Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (BBG) as a Potential Ischemic Stroke Treatment Drug With Efficacy and a Favorable Therapeutic Window

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to treat ischemic stroke. However, the complexity of its chemical composition makes quality control difficult. Berberine, baicalin, and geniposide are the three main ingredients in HLJDD. Here, a formula of BBG comprised of berberine, baicalin, and geniposide, known as Refined-Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction, was investigated for its efficacy, therapeutic window, and mechanisms of action. BBG was assessed on two major types of ischemic stroke, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and continuous ischemia injury, respectively. BBG showed efficacy comparable to HLJDD in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury within 5 h after injury initiation but did poorly in treating continuous ischemia injury. BBG exhibited neuroprotective effects on cerebral I/R injury by regaining the balance in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism, inflammation, and nucleic acid metabolism. These results suggested that BBG could be a good alternative to HLJDD, with high efficacy and a long therapeutic window, which shows great potential for drug development to treat stroke.

Berberine in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) are the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent necessity to develop new pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is an eminent component of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years. Recently, BBR has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CVMD. Recent discoveries of basic, translational and clinical studies have identified many novel molecular targets of BBR (such as AMPK, SIRT1, LDLR, PCSK9, and PTP1B) and provided novel evidences supporting the promising therapeutic potential of BBR to combat CVMD. Thus, this review provides a timely overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic application of BBR in CVMD, and underlines recent pharmacological advances which validate BBR as a promising lead drug against CVMD.

Hwangryunhaedok-Tang Exerts Neuropreventive Effect on Memory Impairment by Reducing Cholinergic System Dysfunction and Inflammatory Response in a Vascular Dementia Rat Model

Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) is a traditional oriental herbal formula used in Asian countries for treating inflammatory diseases and controlling fever. Our present study aimed to determine whether HRT has therapeutic effects for patients with vascular dementia (VaD) using a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) rat model and assessing spatial memory impairment and activation of neuroinflammation. BCCAO was performed in male Sprague Dawley rats to induce VaD, and oral HRT was administered daily for 30 d. Our data showed that HRT ameliorated BCCAO-induced memory and cognitive impairment in behavioral tests. In addition, HRT reversed cholinergic dysfunction and neuronal damage in the hippocampus of BCCAO rats. Furthermore, HRT attenuated microglial activation and reduced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) induced by BCCAO. Simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of HRT using index compounds from the herbal composition revealed that both HRT ethanol extract and commercial HRT granules primarily comprise geniposide, baicalin, and berberine. Our study showed that HRT administration resulted in the prevention of neuronal injury induced by BCCAO through improvement of cholinergic dysfunction and inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses, suggesting that HRT may have potential as a treatment for VaD.

Systems biology approaches in the study of Chinese herbal formulae

Systems biology is an academic field that attempts to integrate different levels of information to understand how biological systems function. It is the study of the composition of all components of a biological system and their interactions under specific conditions. The core of systems biology is holistic and systematic research, which is different from the manner of thinking and research of all other branches of biology to date. Chinese herbal formulae (CHF) are the main form of Chinese medicine and are composed of single Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) with pharmacological and pharmacodynamic compatibility. When single CHMs are combined into CHF, the result is different from the original effect of a single drug and can be better adapted to more diseases with complex symptoms. CHF represent a complex system with multiple components, targets and effects. Therefore, the use of systems biology is conducive to revealing the complex characteristics of CHF. With the rapid development of omics technologies, systems biology has been widely and increasingly applied to the study of the basis of the pharmacological substances, action targets and mechanisms of CHF. To meet the challenges of multiomics synthesis-intensive studies and system dynamics research in CHF, this paper reviews the common techniques of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics and their applications in research on CHF.

Metabolomic Assessment of Acute Cholestatic Injuries Induced by Thioacetamide and by Bile Duct Ligation, and the Protective Effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction, a traditional Chinese formula, has been reported to protect liver from various injuries. Two cholestasis models of rats induced by thioacetamide and by bile duct ligation were established and treated with Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-based urinary metabolic profiles were analyzed by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and univariate analysis to excavate differential metabolites associated with the injuries of the two models and the treatment effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction. The two cholestatic models shared common metabolic features of excessive fatty acid oxidation, insufficient glutathione regeneration and disturbed gut flora, with specific characteristics of inhibited urea cycle and DNA damage in thioacetamide-intoxicated model, and perturbed Kreb's cycle and inhibited branched chain amino acid oxidation in bile duct ligation model. With good treatment effects, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction could regain the balance of the disturbed metabolic status common in the two cholestasis injuries, e.g., unbalanced redox system and disturbed gut flora; and perturbed urea cycle in thioacetamide-intoxicated model and energy crisis (disturbed Kreb's cycle and oxidation of branched chain amino acid) in bile duct ligation model, respectively.