Huanglian-Wendan Decoction Inhibits NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Liver and Brain of Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Huanglian Wendan Decoction Improves Insomnia in Rats by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway Through Gut Microbiota-Mediated SCFAs and Affecting Microglia Polarization

Insomnia is a typical type of sleep disorder. Huanglian Wendan Decoction (HWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the effects of regulating Qi, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, calming the mind, and relieving irritation. This study aims to investigate the effect of HWD on insomnia in rats and its mechanism. Para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia in rats was used for in vivo experiments and then treated with HWD. Behavioral tests, Western blot, real-time PCR, immunofluorescent staining, 16S rRNA sequencing were conducted. The content of SCFAs was determined by GC-MS. Acetic acid-pretreated rat hippocampal nerve cells were used for in vitro experiments. The results showed that HWD significantly improved the learning memory ability, decreased sleep latency, and prolonged sleep duration in insomniac rats. HWD reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels and increased IL-10 and Foxp3 levels. HWD also promoted the polarization of macrophages from M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. In addition, HWD increased the expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus. Administration of the TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) confirmed the mechanism by which HWD activates BDNF/TrkB signaling to ameliorate insomnia. Furthermore, HWD restored gut microbiota richness and diversity and promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in insomniac rats. In vitro experiments confirmed that the acetic acid-treated SCFA group could activate the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in neuronal cells, further promoting neuronal cell growth. In conclusion, HWD alleviated insomnia by maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis, promoting SCFA production, reducing neuroinflammatory response and microglia activation, and activating BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

Potential Plausible Role of Stem Cell for Treating Depressive Disorder: a Retrospective Review

Depression poses a significant threat to global physical and mental health, impacting around 3.8% of the population with a rising incidence. Current treatment options primarily involve medication and psychological support, yet their effectiveness remains limited, contributing to high relapse rates. There is an urgent need for innovative and more efficacious treatment modalities. Stem cell therapy, a promising avenue in regenerative medicine for a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions, has recently garnered attention for its potential application in depression. While much of this work remains preclinical, it has demonstrated considerable promise. Identified mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of stem cell therapy encompass the stimulation of neurotrophic factors, immune function modulation, and augmented monoamine levels. Nonetheless, these pathways and other undiscovered mechanisms necessitate further investigation. Depression fundamentally manifests as a neurodegenerative disorder. Given stem cell therapy's success in addressing a range of neurodegenerative pathologies, it opens the door to explore its application in depression treatment. This exploration may include repairing damaged nerves directly or indirectly and inhibiting neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, significant challenges must be overcome before stem cell therapies can be applied clinically. Successful resolution of these issues will ultimately determine the feasibility of incorporating stem cell therapies into the clinical landscape. This narrative review provides insights into the progress of research, potential avenues for exploration, and the prevailing challenges in the implementation of stem cell therapy for treatment of depression.

Research status of pathogenesis of anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention and Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common clinical disease. Currently, conventional pharmacotherapy primarily involves the administration of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications in conjunction with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and other cardiovascular drugs. However, challenges such as drug dependence, adverse reactions and related concerns persist in the treatment of this disease. Numerous pertinent studies have demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy and distinctive advantages in managing post-PCI anxiety or depression.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review attempted to summarize the characteristics of TCM for treating anxiety or depression after PCI, including single Chinese herbs, Chinese medicine monomers, compound TCM prescriptions, TCM patented drugs, and other TCM-related treatment methods, focusing on the analysis of the relevant mechanism of TCM treatment of this disease.

METHODS

By searching the literature on treating anxiety or depression after PCI with TCM in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and other relevant databases, this review focuses on the latest research progress of TCM treatment of this disease.

RESULTS

In the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI, TCM exerts significant pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety or anti-depression, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and neuroprotection, mainly by regulating the levels of related inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitter levels, and related signaling pathways. TCM has a good clinical effect in treating anxiety or depression after PCI with individualized treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM has terrific potential and good prospects in the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI. The main direction of future exploration is the study of the mechanism related to Chinese medicine monomers and the large sample clinical study related to compound TCM prescriptions.

Therapeutic effect of Wendan Decoction combined with mosapride on gastroesophageal reflux disease after esophageal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common complication of esophageal cancer surgery that can affect quality of life and increase the risk of esophageal stricture and anastomotic leakage. Wendan Decoction (WDD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Mosapride, a prokinetic agent, functions as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 agonist, enhancing gastrointestinal motility.

AIM

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of WDD combined with mosapride on GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.

METHODS

Eighty patients with GERD were randomly divided into treatment (receiving WDD combined with mosapride) and control (receiving mosapride alone) groups. The treatment was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023. The primary outcome was improved GERD symptoms as measured using the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ). The secondary outcomes were improved esophageal motility (measured using esophageal manometry), gastric emptying (measured using gastric scintigraphy), and quality of life [measured via the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey].

RESULTS

The treatment group showed a notably reduced RDQ score and improved esophageal motility parameters, such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure, peristaltic amplitude, and peristaltic velocity compared to the control group. The treatment group showed significantly higher gastric emptying rates and SF-36 scores (in both physical and mental domains) compared to the control group. No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

WDD combined with mosapride is an effective and safe therapy for GERD after esophageal cancer surgery. It can improve GERD symptoms, esophageal motility, gastric emptying, and the quality of life of patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Clinical efficacy and metabolomics study of Wendan Decoction in the treatment of phlegm-dampness obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wendan Decoction (WDD) is one of the classic traditional Chinese prescriptions that has been used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and so on. The therapeutic effects and mechanism of WDD remain to be explored, especially from the perspective of metabolomics, oxidative stress and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic and metabolic regulatory effects and the underlying mechanism of WDD in OSAHS with T2DM patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All included patients were from Rudong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. Both groups received lifestyle interventions; at the same time, all of them were administered metformin (1500 mg/day) and dapagliflozin (10 mg/day), and the treatment group was administered WDD orally. All patients were treated for two months. Before and after treatment, the changes in clinical symptoms and signs of the two groups of patients were evaluated, and the detection indicators such as body mass index (BMI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSaO2), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), percentage of total sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% (TST90), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h post-load glucose(2h-PG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)，hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood lipid levels, as well as the adverse reactions and compliance of the patients were observed and detection of serum metabolites in patients to screen out specific biomarkers. The serum metabolic profile of WDD in OSAHS with T2DM patients was explored using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q Orbitrap HRMS).

RESULTS

After treatment with WDD for 8 weeks, biochemical indicators, including BMI, FPG, 2h-PG, blood lipid, FINS, HbA1c, AHI, ESS, LSaO2, TST90, and HOMA-IR, were significantly improved. Serum metabolomic analysis showed that metabolites were differentially expressed before and after WDD-treated patients. Metabolomics results revealed that WDD regulated the biomarkers, such as DL-arginine, guaiacol sulfate, azelaic acid, phloroglucinol, uracil, L-tyrosine, cascarillin, Cortisol and L-alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolites were associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The study based on clinical research and metabolomics indicated that WDD can improve OSAHS with T2DM through multiple targets and pathways, and it may be a useful alternative therapy for the treatment of OSAHS with T2DM patients.

Chinese Materia Medica in Treating Depression: The Role of Intestinal Microenvironment

Depression is a highly heterogeneous mental illness. Drug treatment is currently the main therapeutic strategy used in the clinic, but its efficacy is limited by the modulation of a single target, slow onset, and side effects. The gut-brain axis is of increasing interest because intestinal microenvironment disorders increase susceptibility to depression. In turn, depression affects intestinal microenvironment homeostasis by altering intestinal tissue structure, flora abundance and metabolism, hormone secretion, neurotransmitter transmission, and immune balance. Depression falls into the category of "stagnation syndrome" according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which further specifies that "the heart governs the spirit and is exterior-interior with the small intestine". However, the exact mechanisms of the means by which the disordered intestinal microenvironment affects depression are still unclear. Here, we present an overview of how the Chinese materia medica (CMM) protects against depression by repairing intestinal microenvironment homeostasis. We review the past five years of research progress in classical antidepressant TCM formulae and single CMMs on regulating the intestinal microenvironment for the treatment of depression. We then analyze and clarify the multitarget functions of CMM in repairing intestinal homeostasis and aim to provide a new theoretical basis for CMM clinical application in the treatment of depression.

Interaction of Bmal1 and eIF2α/ATF4 pathway was involved in Shuxie compound alleviation of circadian rhythm disturbance-induced hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shuxie Compound (SX) combines the composition and efficacy of Suanzaoren decoction and Huanglian Wendan decoction. It can soothe the liver, regulate the qi, nourish the blood and calm the mind. It is used in the clinical treatment of sleep disorder with liver stagnation. Modern studies have proved that circadian rhythm disorder (CRD) can cause sleep deprivation and liver damage, which can be effectively ameliorated by traditional Chinese medicine to soothe the liver stagnation. However, the mechanism of SX is unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to demonstrate the impact of SX on CRD in vivo, and confirm the molecular mechanisms of SX in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The quality of SX and drug-containing serum was controlled by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, which were used in vivo and in vitro experiments, respectively. In vivo, a light deprivation mouse model was used. In vitro, a stable knockdown Bmal1 cell line was used to explore SX mechanism.

RESULTS

Low-dose SX (SXL) could restore (1) circadian activity pattern, (2) 24-h basal metabolic pattern, (3) liver injury, and (4) Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in CRD mice. CRD decreased the liver Bmal1 protein at ZT15, which was reversed by SXL treatment. Besides, SXL decreased the mRNA expression of Grp78/ATF4/Chop and the protein expression of ATF4/Chop at ZT11. In vitro experiments, SX reduced the protein expression of thapsigargin (tg)-induced p-eIF2α/ATF4 pathway and increase the viability of AML12 cells by increasing the expression of Bmal1 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

SXL relieved CRD-induced ER stress and improve cell viability by up-regulating the expression of Bmal1 protein in the liver and then inhibiting the protein expression of p-eIF2α/ATF4.

Utilization patterns and prescription characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine among patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Taiwan

Background: Few studies have investigated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilization patterns for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), despite the potential benefits of exploring TCM utilization patterns in optimizing TCM management. This study aimed to evaluate TCM utilization patterns and clinical features for IBS patterns in Taiwan. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study using claim data from the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2012 and 2018. Patients newly diagnosed with IBS and aged over 20 years were included. The TCM utilization patterns and characteristics, including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) treatment types and prescription patterns, were evaluated. Results: A total of 73,306 patients newly diagnosed with IBS used TCM for IBS at least once. Females used TCM for IBS more than males (female-to-male ratio = 1.89: 1). The age distribution showed a peak at 30-39 years (27.29%), followed by 40-49 years (20.74%) and 20-29 years (20.71%). Patients who received Western medications for IBS had a lower tendency to seek TCM. CHM was the most commonly used TCM modality (98.22%), with Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san being the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula and Bai-zhu being the most frequently prescribed single Chinese herb. Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of TCM usage patterns for IBS, particularly CHM prescriptions. Further research is needed to investigate commonly used TCM formulas and individual herbs.

Plausible Role of Stem Cell Types for Treating and Understanding the Pathophysiology of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), colloquially known as depression, is a debilitating condition affecting an estimated 3.8% of the population globally, of which 5.0% are adults and 5.7% are above the age of 60. MDD is differentiated from common mood changes and short-lived emotional responses due to subtle alterations in gray and white matter, including the frontal lobe, hippocampus, temporal lobe, thalamus, striatum, and amygdala. It can be detrimental to a person’s overall health if it occurs with moderate or severe intensity. It can render a person suffering terribly to perform inadequately in their personal, professional, and social lives. Depression, at its peak, can lead to suicidal thoughts and ideation. Antidepressants manage clinical depression and function by modulating the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Patients with MDD positively respond to antidepressants, but 10–30% do not recuperate or have a partial response accompanied by poor life quality, suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, and an increased relapse rate. Recent research shows that mesenchymal stem cells and iPSCs may be responsible for lowering depression by producing more neurons with increased cortical connections. This narrative review discusses the plausible functions of various stem cell types in treating and understanding depression pathophysiology.

Metabolic profile and potential mechanisms of Wendan decoction on coronary heart disease by ultra-high-performance quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry combined with network pharmacology analysis

Wendan decoction, a well-known classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been widely used in the clinical application of coronary heart disease for thousands of years. However, due to a lack of research on the overall metabolism of Wendan decoction, the bioavailable components responsible for the therapeutic effects remain unclear, hindering the revelation of its mechanisms against coronary heart disease. Consequently, an efficient joint research pattern combined with characterization of the metabolic profile and network pharmacology analysis was proposed. As a result, a total of 172 Wendan decoction-related xenobiotics (57 prototypes and 115 metabolites) were detected based on the exploration of the typical metabolic pathways of representative pure compounds in vivo, describing their multi-component metabolic characteristics comprehensively. Subsequently, an integrated network of "herbs-bioavailable compounds-coronary heart disease targets-pathways-therapeutic effects" was constructed, and its seven compounds were finally screened out as the key components acting on five main targets of coronary heart disease. Overall, this work not only provided a crucial biological foundation for interpreting the effective components and action mechanisms of Wendan decoction on coronary heart disease but also showed a reference value for revealing the bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Shugan Jieyu Capsule in Post-Stroke Depression Treatment: From Molecules to Systems

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common non-cognitive neuropsychiatric complication after stroke, and about a third of patients with stroke have depression. Although a great deal of effort has been made to treat PSD, the efficacy thereof has not been satisfactory, due to the complex pathological mechanism underlying PSD. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, PSD is considered to be a combination of “stroke” and “Yu Zheng.” The holistic, multi-drug, and multi-objective nature of TCM is consistent with the treatment concept of systems medicine for PSD. TCM has a very long history of being used to treat depression, and various TCM prescriptions have been clinically proven to be effective in improving depression. Among the numerous prescriptions for treating depression, Shugan Jieyu capsule (SG) is one of the classic prescriptions. Additionally, clinical studies have increasingly confirmed that using SG alone or in combination with Western medicine can significantly improve the psychiatric symptoms of PSD patients. Here, we reviewed the mechanism of antidepressant action of SG and its targets in PSD pathologic systems. This review provides further insights into the pharmacological mechanism, drug interaction, and clinical application of TCM prescriptions, as well as a basis for the development of new drugs to treat PSD.

Menhaden fish oil attenuates postpartum depression in rat model via inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome driven inflammatory pathway

Background and aim

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a familiar problem which is associated with about 10–20% of women after child delivery. Fish oil (FO) has a therapeutic potentials to many diseases including mood disorders. However, there is paucity of data on the effects of FO supplementation on PPD rat model. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the potentials of FO in ameliorating depressive-like behaviors in PPD rat by evaluating the involvement of NLRP3-inflammasome.

Experimental procedure

Thirty six virgin adult female rats (n = 6) were randomly divided into six groups; Group 1–3 were normal control (NC), Sham (SHAM) and ovariectomized group (OVX) respectively whereas group 4–6 were PPD rats forced-fed once daily with distilled water (PPD), fish oil (PPD + FO; 9 g/kg) and Fluoxetine (PPD + FLX; 15 mg/kg) respectively from postpartum day 1 and continued for 10 consecutive days. Rats behaviors were evaluated on postpartum day 10 through open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST), followed by biochemical analysis of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins pathway in their brain and determination of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Results

PPD-induced rats exhibited high immobility and low swimming time in FST with increased inflammatory status; NLR, IL-1β and NFкB/NLRP3/caspase-1 activity in their hippocampus. However, administration of FO or fluoxetine reversed the aforementioned abnormalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 10 days supplementation with FO ameliorated the depressive-like behaviors in PPD rats by targeting the NFкB/NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β activity. This has shed light on the potential of NLRP3 as a therapeutic target in treatment of PPD in rats.

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Pioneer study on 10 days effect of Menhaden fish oil in post partum depression rat model.

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Menhaden fish oil attenuates post partum depression in rat model.

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Menhanden fish oil acted through NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.

Huanglian decoction suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by reducing CCNB1 expression

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in human populations worldwide. Huanglian decoction is one of the most important Chinese medicine formulas, with the potential to treat cancer.

AIM

To investigate the role and mechanism of Huanglian decoction on HCC cells.

METHODS

To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we downloaded gene expression profile data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE45436) databases. We obtained phytochemicals of the four herbs of Huanglian decoction from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. We also established a regulatory network of DEGs and drug target genes and subsequently analyzed key genes using bioinformatics approaches. Furthermore, we conducted in vitro experiments to explore the effect of Huanglian decoction and to verify the predictions. In particular, the CCNB1 gene was knocked down to verify the primary target of this decoction. Through the identification of the expression levels of key proteins, we determined the primary mechanism of Huanglian decoction in HCC.

RESULTS

Based on the results of the network pharmacological analysis, we revealed 5 bioactive compounds in Huanglian decoction that act on HCC. In addition, a protein-protein interaction network analysis of the target genes of these five compounds as well as expression and prognosis analyses were performed in tumors. CCNB1 was confirmed to be the primary gene that may be highly expressed in tumors and was significantly associated with a worse prognosis. We also noted that CCNB1 may serve as an independent prognostic indicator in HCC. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Huanglian decoction significantly inhibited the growth, migration, and invasiveness of HCC cells and induced cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. Further analysis showed that the decoction may inhibit the growth of HCC cells by downregulating the CCNB1 expression level. After Huanglian decoction treatment, the expression levels of Bax, caspase 3, caspase 9, p21 and p53 in HCC cells were increased, while the expression of CDK1 and CCNB1 was significantly decreased. The p53 signaling pathway was also found to play an important role in this process.

CONCLUSION

Huanglian decoction has a significant inhibitory effect on HCC cells. CCNB1 is a potential therapeutic target in HCC. Further analysis showed that Huanglian decoction can inhibit HCC cell growth by downregulating the expression of CCNB1 to activate the p53 signaling pathway.

Characterization of chemical profile and quantification of major representative components of Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula

Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of six herbal medicines, has been widely used in clinical treatments for thousands of years due to the expectorant effects. However, the chemical basis of Wendan decoction remains unclear, which hinders the elucidation of the scientific connotation and mechanism of its effective components. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry method was first developed for characterization of its chemical profile, and a total of 142 chemical components including flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, pungent phytochemicals, and other types were detected, among which 41 components were definitively identified with authentic standards. Furthermore, 14 major representative components were simultaneously quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector, indicating that the content levels of flavonoids were the most abundant in Wendan decoction. In summary, this study established sensitive and practical methods to systematically characterize chemical profile for the first time and simultaneous quantify representative components of Wendan decoction. These findings above would provide a solid chemical basis for disclosure of potential effective components by further in vivo disposal study, and promote therapeutic mechanism researches of Wendan decoction.

Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 Prevents Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in Acute Liver Injury Induced by D-Gal/LPS in Mice

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide (D-Gal/LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice.

Methods

We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of LP-KSFY06 in vitro, detailed the effects of LP-KSFY06 on the organ index, liver function index, biochemical index, cytokines, and related genes, and noted the accompanying pathological changes.

Results

The results clearly showed that LP-KSFY06 can remove 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline −6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals in vitro. The analysis of the organ index and pathology demonstrated that LP-KSFY06 significantly prevented ALI. Biochemical and molecular biological analysis showed that LP-KSFY06 prevented a decrease in the antioxidant-related levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and also prevented an increase in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. LP-KSFY06 upregulated the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). These oxidative and inflammatory indicators were consistent with the results of gene detections. Furthermore, we determined that LP-KSFY06 downregulated Keap1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), IL-18, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14 or p38), upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), B-cell inhibitor-α (IκB-α), and thioredoxin (Trx) mRNA expression. These may be related to the regulation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and NLRP3/NF-κB pathways.

Conclusion

LP-KSFY06 is an effective multifunctional Lactobacillus with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ability that can prevent D-gal/LPS-induced ALI in mice and assist in maintaining health.

Network pharmacological systems study of Huang-Lian-Tang in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis and its recurrence and mortality rates are high. At present, there is no effective clinical method to control its progression and recurrence. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a high status not only in China, but also in the world. Certain drugs are also used in the clinical treatment of tumor diseases. In clinical practice, Huang-Lian-Tang (HLT) has proven efficacy in treating brain diseases and preventing tumor recurrence. However, the mechanisms of action have remained elusive. The present study explored the potential mechanisms of HLT in the treatment of gliomas based on network pharmacology. First, information on the composition of HLT was obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, and the composition and targets of the chemical substances contained in the herbs were analyzed. Subsequently, a pharmacological interaction network for HLT was built. Furthermore, the expressed genes of patients with GBM were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database and screened. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed for both sets of data and they were combined with a topology method for analysis. Finally, the screened genes were subjected to enrichment analysis and pathway analysis. A total of 386 candidate targets and 7 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were screened, which were mainly associated with amino acid metabolism. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and KEGG signal pathway analysis indicated that these targets are involved in anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, multicellular biological processes and other physiological and pathological processes related to the occurrence and development of GBM. In conclusion, the present results indicated that the mechanisms of action of HLT against GBM involve multiple targets and signaling pathways that are related to tumorigenesis and progression. The present study not only provided a novel theoretical basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat tumors but also novel ideas for the treatment of GBM.

Astragalin Exerted Antidepressant-like Action through SIRT1 Signaling Modulated NLRP3 Inflammasome Deactivation

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapies. Astragalin (AST) is a bioactive flavonoid that possesses an anti-inflammatory property. However, the antidepressant action of astragalin has not been addressed. In this study, we explored the antidepressant effects of astragalin and its underlying mechanism. Our results showed that AST significantly improved the behavioral defects in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model, promoted SIRT1 expression, and decreased the protein levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved capase-1, cleaved IL-1β and cleaved gasdermin D in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry revealed AST mitigated CUMS-induced microglia overactivation. In vitro, AST profoundly increased the cell viability in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) treated BV2 cells, with upregulated SIRT1 expression and downregulated protein levels of nuclear NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved capase-1, and cleaved gasdermin D. Declined cleavage of gasdermin D was observed after AST administration in immunocytochemistry. Nevertheless, the in vivo and in vitro effects of AST were compromised by SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. These results indicated that AST possessed an antidepressant property, which was dependent on SIRT1 signaling modulated NLRP3 inflammasome deactivation.

HS-GC-IMS-Based metabonomics study of Baihe Jizihuang Tang in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) obtained from the feces of a Baihe Jizihuang Tang (BHT)-treated rat depression model. Rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the differences in VOCs were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), NIST software, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Eleven biomarkers were identified on the basis of VOC migration time, and their relative peak intensities were analyzed. A metabonomic model was established using multivariate statistical analysis. The study demonstrated the metabonomics of CUMS rats and the intervention effect of BHT and also highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jingfang for the clinical treatment of complex diseases, which was in line with the holistic and systemic approaches of TCM. This study augments the use of metabonomics based on HS-GC-IMS in research studies. Using this method, there is no need to pre-process samples by extraction or derivatization, and the VOC component of the sample can be detected directly and rapidly. In conclusion, this study establishes a simple, convenient, and fast technique, which can help identify clinical biomarkers for rapid medical diagnosis.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect against CMS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice via regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways

Increasing studies show that inflammatory processes may be involved in depressive disorders. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) modulates tissue microglial M1 phenotypic changes to the M2 phenotype, which is implicated in protection against inflammatory diseases. We have reported that the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) display anti-inflammatory activity. In this study we explored whether the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of ADSCs was related to Nrf2. ADSCs were isolated from mouse fat pads and intravenously administered to chronic mild stress (CMS)-exposed C57BL/6 mice at the dose of 1 × 10⁶ once a week for 3 weeks. We showed that ADSC administration significantly remedied CMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swim test accompanied by suppressing microglial activation and the expression of inflammatory factors including MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, ADSC administration promoted both the expression of BDNF and TrkB, and promoted Nrf2/HO-1 signaling but suppressed TLR4/NF-κB signaling in brain tissue. In order to elucidate the role of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in ADSC-caused neuroprotection, Nrf2-modified ADSCs were cocultured with BV2 microglial cells, then exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Downregulation of Nrf2 in ADSCs decreased the protective effects of ADSCs against LPS-induced microglial activation and M1 polarization. Nrf2 overexpression in ADSCs markedly suppressed LPS-induced TLR4 and NF-κB expression in microglial cells. These results suggest a possible antidepressive mechanism correlated with microglial polarization for anti-inflammatory agents, which may provide a new microglia-targeted strategy for depression therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Wendan Decoction for Acute Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objectives: Despite the remarkable advances in critical care management of acute brain injury for the past 20 years, the prognoses remain poor. However, numerous reports indicate the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy in stroke rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of integrated TCM (Wendan decoction [WDD]) in patients with acute brain injury as a combination therapy in the early stages. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: Single-center study. Subjects: Sixty patients diagnosed with acute brain injury were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups, equally, and 41 patients completed the study. Interventions: All patients were treated by conventional neurologic intensive care. The 23 patients in the intervention group were administered with an integrated WDD in the early stages three times daily; combination treatment was initiated within 14 days and lasted >1 month. Outcome measures: Duration of ventilator use, intensive care unit stays, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, motor response, the best muscle power, disability rating scale (DRS) scores, modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores, and the mortality rate for the first month. The other outcome measures were GCS scores, motor response, the best muscle power, DRS, mRS, and Barthel index (BI) scores 6 months later. Results: There was no mortality in the intervention group, but the rate was 39% in the control group for first month. Comparisons between groups showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in GCS, DRS, mRS, and BI scores, indicating improvements in the intervention group after 6 months. Conclusions: In the early stages of acute brain injury, combination treatment with WDD was found to be safe. Furthermore, this treatment may improve neurologic functional outcomes after 6 months.

Optimization of food deprivation and sucrose preference test in SD rat model undergoing chronic unpredictable mild stress

BACKGROUND

The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression. However, there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing. The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test (SPT) for the CUMS model.

METHODS

We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours (8:00-8:00+), food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime (8:00-20:00) and food deprivation for 12 hours at night (20:00-8:00+). Next, we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations, and used body weight measurement, SPT, forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test to verify the success of the modeling. In the SPT, consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.

RESULTS

Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime (8:00-20:00) had no effect on body weight, while 12 hours of food deprivation at night (20:00-8:00+) and 24 hours of food deprivation (8:00-8:00+) significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats. When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model, sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime (8:00-20:00) may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model. Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.

Suppressive Effect of Huzhentongfeng on Experimental Gouty Arthritis: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Background

Huzhentongfeng (HZTF) is an extract from four Chinese medical herbs for treating gout. This study aims to evaluate its antigout activity and preliminary explore its mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

The rats were intragastrically administered with HZTF for 5 days and then injected 0.1 ml (10 mg) of MSU crystals to their joints for generating a gout model to analyze the paw volume and histopathology of joint synovial tissues of rats with different doses. We also investigated the antioxidant capacity of HZTF in vitro using indication including lipid peroxidation, DPPH^·, and ABTS⁺ radical-scavenging capacity; besides, we used qRT-PCR to measure the effect of HZTF on interleukin (IL)-1β, caspase-1, NLRP3, and NQO1 expression in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in MSU crystal-induced THP-1 monocytes. Confocal microscopy analysis was used to observe the dimerization of ASC adapter proteins. In addition, we also established quality standard of HZTF by using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Results

HZTF could significantly suppress the paw swelling and neutrophil infiltration induced by MSU intra-articular injection in rats compared with the control group. HZTF also showed inhibition effects of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) secretion at 25.00 and 50.00 μg/ml in MSU-induced THP-1 cells but showed no effects of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression in MSU-induced THP-1 cells. Furthermore, confocal microscopy analysis showed that HZTF could prevent the oligomerization of ASC. Moreover, HZTF also showed effects in cell-free and cell-base tests of antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion

The results prove that HZTF possessed the potential preventive effect against gout arthritis, and the effect may be attributed to its preventing effect on neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines secretion such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α which were caused by the activation of inflammasome.

The influence of adrenergic blockade in rats with apical periodontitis under chronic stress conditions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of chronic stress and adrenergic blockade in a rat model of apical periodontitis.

METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar rats were submitted to an animal model of periapical lesion and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8): no stress (NS); stress + saline solution (SS); stress + β-adrenergic blocker (Sβ); stress + α-adrenergic blocker (Sα). The SS, Sβ and Sα groups were submitted to an animal model of chronic stress for 28 days and received daily injections of saline solution, propranolol (β adrenergic blocker) and phentolamine (α adrenergic blocker), respectively. After 28 days the animals were euthanized and the following analyses were carried out: a) serum corticosterone levels through Radioimmunoassay; b) measurement of serum levels of IL-1B, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); c) volume of periapical bone resorption by micro-computed tomography; d) histomorphometric analysis by staining with hematoxylin and eosin; e) expression of β-AR, α-AR, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) by immunohistochemistry; f) tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; g) ex-vivo cytokine release followed by the stimulation with LPS in superfusion system, by ELISA.

RESULTS

SS group displayed significantly higher corticosterone levels than NS group (non-stressed). Higher IL-1β serum level was observed in the NS group (p < .05); compared to all stressed groups. Other cytokines were present in similar amounts in the serum of all groups. All groups presented similar periapical lesions. All groups presented moderate inflammatory infiltrate, without statistically significant differences between them. No differences were observed regarding β-AR, α-AR, Rank-L and OPG expression. The number of TRAP-positive cells was significantly decreased in the groups that received daily injections of adrenergic blockers. The IL-1β release followed LPS stimulation was significantly suppressed when the superfusion media contained propranolol (p < .05). Perfusion containing phentolamine induced a greater release of IL-10. TGF-β was significantly suppressed by phentolamine perfusion in the NS group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic stress can significantly change the inflammatory cytokines release. Rank-L/OPG system and periapical lesion volume were not affected following the current method applied. The administration of adrenergic blockers was not able to modulate the inflammatory response but presented effectivity in reducing the number of osteoclasts in the periapical region.

Andrographolide Exerts Significant Antidepressant-Like Effects Involving the Hippocampal BDNF System in Mice

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder is a worldwide neuropsychiatric disorder associated with various symptoms, but current antidepressants used in clinical practice have various side effects and high failure rates. Andrographolide is the main bioactive ingredient of Andrographis paniculata and exhibits numerous pharmacological actions. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of andrographolide in male C57BL/6J mice.

METHODS

The antidepressant-like effects of andrographolide in mice were explored in a forced swim test, tail suspension test, and chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were further performed to assess the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress and andrographolide on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling cascade and hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, a pharmacological inhibitor (K252a) and a lentiviral-short hairpin RNA (LV-TrkB-shRNA) were used to clarify the antidepressant-like mechanism of andrographolide.

RESULTS

Andrographolide exhibited antidepressant-like potential in the forced swim test and tail suspension test without influencing the locomotor activity of mice. Repeated andrographolide treatment not only produced significant antidepressant-like effects in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model but also prevented the decreasing effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress on hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling and neurogenesis in mice. Importantly, blockade of the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor system by K252a and TrkB-shRNA fully abolished the antidepressant-like effects of andrographolide in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Andrographolide exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice via promoting the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling cascade.