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Zhang S, Zhang Y, Wen Z, Yang Y, Bu T, Wei R, Chen Y, Ni Q. Jinkui Shenqi pills ameliorate diabetes by regulating hypothalamic insulin resistance and POMC/AgRP expression and activity. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155297. [PMID: 38342019 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the imbalance of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)/agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the hypothalamus holds potential insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes. Jinkui Shenqi pills (JSP), a prevalent traditional Chinese medicine, regulate hypothalamic function and treat diabetes. PURPOSE To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of JSP and explore the probable mechanism in treating diabetes. METHODS A type 2 diabetes mouse model was used to investigate the pharmacodynamics of JSP. The glucose-lowering efficacy of JSP was assessed through various metrics including body weight, food consumption, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin levels, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). To elucidate the modulatory effects of JSP on hypothalamic mechanisms, we quantified the expression and activity of POMC and AgRP and assessed the insulin-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase A (AKT)/forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) pathway in diabetic mice via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, primary hypothalamic neurons were exposed to high glucose and palmitic acid levels to induce insulin resistance, and the influence of JSP on POMC/AgRP protein expression and activation was evaluated by PI3K protein inhibition using western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Medium- and high-dose JSP treatment effectively inhibited appetite, resulting in a steady declining trend in body weight, FBG, and OGTT results in diabetic mice (p < 0.05). These JSP groups also had significantly increased insulin levels (p < 0.05). Importantly, the medium-dose group exhibited notable protection of hypothalamic neuronal and synaptic structures, leading to augmentation of dendritic length and branching (p < 0.05). Furthermore, low-, medium-, and high-dose JSP groups exhibited increased phosphorylated (p) INSR, PI3K, pPI3K, AKT, and pAKT expression, as well as decreased FOXO1 and increased pFOXO1 expression, indicating improved hypothalamic insulin resistance in diabetic mice (p < 0.05). Treatment with 10% JSP-enriched serum produced a marked elevation of both expression and activation of POMC (p < 0.05), with a concurrent reduction in AgRP expression and activation within primary hypothalamic neurons (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, these effects could be attributed to the regulatory dynamics of PI3K activity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that JSP can ameliorate diabetes by regulating POMC/AgRP expression and activity. The insulin-mediated PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway plays an important regulatory role in this intricate process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yueying Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhige Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Tianjie Bu
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Ruoyu Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Fifth Hospital of Xingtai, Hebei, 054000, China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Qing Ni
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Jiang Q, Jiang WJ, Yang CX, Zhang RX, Sun W, Guo DD, Wu JF, Guo B, Wang XR, Bi HS. Inhibitory Effect of Jinkui Shenqi Pills on Glucocorticoid-Enhanced Axial Length Elongation in Experimentally Myopic Guinea Pigs. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:989-997. [PMID: 37171548 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the underlying mechanism of inhibition by Jinkui Shenqi Pills (JKSQP) on glucocorticoid-enhanced axial length elongation in experimental lens-induced myopia (LIM) guinea pigs. METHODS Sixty 2-week old male guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups with 15 guinea pigs in each group, according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software: control, LIM, saline and JKSQP groups. The control group includes animals with no treatment, while the guinea pigs in the other 3 groups received lens-induced myopization on the right eyes throughout the experiment (for 8 weeks). The saline and JKSQP groups were given daily intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg hydrocortisone for 2 consecutive weeks at the same time, and then orally administered either saline or JKSQP [13.5 g/(kg•d) for 6 consecutive weeks. Body weight, anal temperature and animal appearance were observed and recorded to evaluate the GC-associated symptoms. The ocular parameters, including refraction and axial length, were measured by streak retinoscopy and A-scan ultrasonography, respectively. The levels of plasma hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), including free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, estradiol and testosterone, were measured by radioimmunoassay, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the mRNA and protein expressions of retinal amphiregulin (AREG) was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS JKSQP effectively increased body weight and anal temperature, improved animal appearance and suppressed axial length elongation in glucocorticoid-enhanced myopic guinea pigs with normalization of 4 HPAA-associated plasma hormones (all P<0.05). The plasma level of cAMP was significantly increased, whereas the plasma level of cGMP and the mRNA and protein expressions of retinal AREG were decreased after treatment with JKSQP (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION JKSQP exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on axial length elongation with decreased expression of AREG in the retina, and normalized 4 HPAA-associated plasma hormones and the expression of cAMP and cGMP in GC-enhanced myopic guinea pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Wen-Jun Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Disease, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Cheng-Xiu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Rui-Xue Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Da-Dong Guo
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Disease, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xing-Rong Wang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Bi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China.
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Disease, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Jinan, 250002, China.
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Zhu WT, Li CH, Dai TT, Song QQ, Chen Y, Han ZL, Sun NX, Wang DL. Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on oxidative stress in COPD via the AhR / CYP1A1 and Nrf2 / NQO1 pathways and the underlying mechanism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154774. [PMID: 36996530 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death globally. Oxidative stress affects various molecular mechanisms and is the main driving factor of COPD. Ally isothiocyanate (AITC) is an effective component of Semen Sinapis Albae, which has favorable effects for the treatment of COPD, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE This study aimed to elucidate the antioxidant effect of AITC on COPD and its molecular mechanism, and preliminarily determine the role of AhR in the progression of COPD. STUDY DESIGN The COPD rat model was established by smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. Different doses of AITC, positive control drug acetylcysteine, AhR inhibitor alpha-naphthoflavone, and agonist beta-naphthoflavone were administered by gavage. Human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were used in an in vitro model to explore the molecular mechanisms of AITC. METHODS The effects of AITC on lung function and oxidative stress in rats were evaluated in vivo using the respiratory function test, white blood cell count, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological staining. The changes in protein expression in the lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of AITC. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reactive oxygen species probing, and flow cytometry were used to determine the antioxidant effect of AITC. RESULTS AITC can improve the lung function of rats with COPD, restore lung tissue structure, improve oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit lung cell apoptosis. AITC reversed the upregulation of AhR and CYP1A1 and the down-regulation of Nrf2 and NQO1 in the lung tissues of rats with COPD. CSE stimulation can increase the expressions of AhR and CYP1A1 and decrease the expressions of Nrf2 and NQO1 in 16HBE cells, leading to severe oxidative stress and inflammatory response and, ultimately, apoptosis. AITC inhibited AhR and CYP1A1 expressions, induced Nrf2 and NQO1 expressions, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and improved CSE-induced toxicological effects. CONCLUSION AITC may improve lung oxidative stress by inhibiting the AhR / CYP1A1 and activating the Nrf2 / NQO1 pathways, thereby delaying the pathological progression of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Chen-Hui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Ting-Ting Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Qi-Qi Song
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Zhi-Li Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Nian-Xia Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Dian-Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
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Zhou BW, Liu HM, Jia XH. The Role and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Asthma: Overview and Progress. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917256. [PMID: 35910345 PMCID: PMC9335520 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma as an individual disease has blighted human health for thousands of years and is still a vital global health challenge at present. Though getting much progress in the utilization of antibiotics, mucolytics, and especially the combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β-agonists (LABA), we are confused about the management of asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling, which directly threatens the quality of life for chronic patients. The blind addition of ICS will not benefit the remission of cough, wheeze, or sputum, but to increase the risk of side effects. Thus, it is necessary to explore an effective therapy to modulate asthmatic inflammation and airway remodeling. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has justified its anti-asthma effect in clinical practice but its underlying mechanism and specific role in asthma are still unknown. Some animal studies demonstrated that the classic formula, direct exacts, and natural compounds isolated from TCM could significantly alleviate airway structural alterations and exhibit the anti-inflammatory effects. By investigating these findings and data, we will discuss the possible pathomechanism underlined airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma and the unique role of TCM in the treatment of asthma through regulating different signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-wen Zhou
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hua-man Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-hua Jia
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xin-hua Jia,
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Meng Z, Chen H, Deng C, Meng S. Potential cellular endocrinology mechanisms underlying the effects of Chinese herbal medicine therapy on asthma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:916328. [PMID: 36051395 PMCID: PMC9424672 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.916328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a complex syndrome with polygenetic tendency and multiple phenotypes, which has variable expiratory airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms that vary over time and in intensity. In recent years, continuous industrial development has seriously impacted the climate and air quality at a global scale. It has been verified that climate change can induce asthma in predisposed individuals and that atmospheric pollution can exacerbate asthma severity. At present, a subset of patients is resistant to the drug therapy for asthma. Hence, it is urgent to find new ideas for asthma prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss the prescription, composition, formulation, and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomer, traditional Chinese medicine monomer complex, single herbs, and traditional Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of asthma. We also discuss the effects of Chinese herbal medicine on asthma from the perspective of cellular endocrinology in the past decade, emphasizing on the roles as intracellular and extracellular messengers of three substances-hormones, substances secreted by pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, and neuroendocrine-related signaling protein-which provide the theoretical basis for clinical application and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Meng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Huize Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chujun Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengxi Meng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shengxi Meng,
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Hu H, Chen T, Liu W, Shen Y, Li Q, Zhou Y, Ye B, Wu D. Differentiation of Yin, Yang and Stasis Syndromes in Severe Aplastic Anemia Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Their Correlation with Iron Metabolism, cAMP/cGMP, 17-OH-CS and Thyroxine. J Blood Med 2021; 12:975-989. [PMID: 34803418 PMCID: PMC8598128 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s332171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To better understanding and differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) and their correlation with iron metabolism, cAMP/cGMP, 17-OH-CS and thyroxine. Methods Eighteen patients with SAA who underwent HSCT were enrolled. The syndrome was evaluated before conditioning and days after stem cell reinfusion (−10d, −1d, +7d, +30d, +60d, and +90d). The correlation of TCM syndrome (Yin, Yang, and stasis) to cyclic nucleotides, 17-OH-CS, thyroxine, and iron metabolism were analyzed and compared to data from normal subjects. Results More “Yin deficiency” (n=11, 11/18) syndrome was observed before HSCT, and nearly 61% was complicated with “blood stasis”. After conditioning, the proportion of “kidney Yin and Yang deficiency” increased to 61.6%. Fourteen days after HSCT, the syndrome developed into “Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency,” and the stasis score decreased. On +90day, majority patients were diagnosed with “Kidney Yang Deficiency” (35.7%) or “Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency” (28.6%), and 88.9% were diagnosed without stasis. The correlation analysis showed that cGMP might represent “Deficient Yang” as well as low total triiodothyronine (T3) and free T3 (FT3). There was also a positive relation between labile plasma iron (LPI), hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and “Yin deficiency”, and the last two factors, along with marrow nitric oxide synthase were also positively related to “Stasis” syndrome. Conclusion During HSCT, the syndrome evolved from “kidney Yin and Yang deficiency” to “kidney Yang deficiency” or “spleen–kidney Yang deficiency”, and the “stasis” along with “Yin deficiency” syndromes were quickly relieved within 90 days. The changes of cyclic nucleotides, 17-OH-CS, thyroxine, and iron metabolism indexes can be applied for better differentiation of TCM syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijin Hu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiaoshan Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiping Shen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiushuang Li
- Center of Clinical Evaluation and Analysis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Baodong Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dijiong Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Guifu Dihuang Pills Ameliorated Mucus Hypersecretion by Suppressing Muc5ac Expression and Inactivating the ERK-SP1 Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide/Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9539218. [PMID: 34777538 PMCID: PMC8580658 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9539218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mucus hypersecretion is a hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with increasing sputum production and declining pulmonary function. Therefore, reducing mucus secretion can be a new therapeutic opportunity for preventing COPD. The Guifu Dihuang pill (GFDHP) is a classical Chinese medicine and has been used as an immunoregulator for treatment of kidney yang deficiency syndrome, including hypothyroidism, adrenocortical hypofunction, chronic bronchitis, and COPD, for more than 2000 years. However, the protective effects and mechanisms of GFDHP against mucus hypersecretion in COPD remain obscure. The aim of the present study was to explore the inhibitory effects of GFDHP on lipopolysaccharide/cigarette smoke- (LPS/CS-) induced Mucin5ac (Muc5ac) overproduction and airway goblet cell hyperplasia in mice. The mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups: control, model, GFDHP-L, GFDHP-M, GFDHP-H, and dexamethasone. The mice were given LPS twice through intranasal inhalation and then exposed to CS daily for 6 weeks. Three doses of GFDHP were orally administered daily during the last 3 weeks of the experiment. Pulmonary function was examined with an EMKA pulmonary system, and pulmonary hyperpermeability and lung damage were evaluated with an in vivo imaging system. Inflammatory cells and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected with a cell count analyzer and though ELISA analysis, respectively. Lung pathological changes and airway goblet cell hyperplasia were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue periodic acid Schiff staining. The protein expression levels of Muc5ac and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-specificity protein1 (SP1) signaling pathway were measured with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that GFDHP improved pulmonary function and suppressed mouse pulmonary hyperpermeability and edema. GFDHP suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine release in BALF, thereby elevating pulmonary function. It ameliorated lung pathological changes and airway goblet cell hyperplasia, and suppressed expression levels of Muc5ac mRNA and protein and phospho-ERK and SP1 levels in the lung tissues of the COPD mice. In conclusion, GFDHP inhibited mucus hypersecretion induced by LPS/CS by suppressing the activation of the ERK-SP1 pathway.
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LI F, ZHANG X, AMEER K, EUN JB. Protective Effect of Victory Onion (Allium victorialis L.) Extract on Reproductive System Injury in Male Rats. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.30220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kashif AMEER
- Graduate School of Chonnam National University, South Korea
| | - Jong-Bang EUN
- Graduate School of Chonnam National University, South Korea
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Jingui Shenqi Pills Regulate Bone-Fat Balance in Murine Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis with Kidney Yang Deficiency. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1517596. [PMID: 32963560 PMCID: PMC7492893 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1517596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Jingui Shenqi Pills (JGSQP) have been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, used primarily as a treatment for kidney yang deficiency (KYD). In vitro analyses of JGSQP revealed strong induction of osteogenic differentiation and inhibition of adipogenic differentiation in bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. However, the mechanisms by which JGSQP regulate the bone-fat balance in murine ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis with KYD have not been reported. Materials and Methods. Two-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into three groups: those receiving a sham operation (Sham); those undergoing bilateral ovariectomy and selection of KYD syndrome (Model); and those subjected to both bilateral ovariectomy and KYD syndrome selection for 8 weeks, followed by JGSQP treatment for 4 weeks (JGSQP). In the Sham and Model groups, mice were given the same dose of distilled water orally for 4 weeks. Animals from all three groups were euthanised at the 12th week. Vertebral microarchitecture and histomorphology were examined by micro-CT and H&E staining, respectively. In addition, we examined the mRNA expression of Akt, Wnt10b, Osterix (Osx), Fndc5, PPARγ, and Fabp4, as well as the protein of AKT, phosphorylation-AKT (p-AKT), BMP2, COL1A1, and FNDC5. Results. JGSQP treatment improved bone microarchitecture and mitigated histomorphological damage relative to the Model group. The osteoblast number (Ob.N/BS) and area (Ob.S/BS) were increased, whereas adipocyte number (adipocyte/tissue area) and area (adipocyte area/tissue area) were decreased in the JGSQP group. JGSQP treatment reduced the mRNA expression of Akt and adipogenesis-related genes (Fndc5, PPARγ, and Fabp4) while promoting osteogenesis-related genes (Wnt10b and Osx) mRNA expression. Additionally, the expression of p-AKT, BMP2, and COL1A1 proteins was increased and FNDC5 protein expression was decreased after JGSQP treatment. Conclusions. JGSQP treatment reversed murine ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis with KYD by controlling bone-fat balance via AKT pathway.
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Effect of Hirsutella sinensis Fungus on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Lewis Rats with Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:5952612. [PMID: 32565866 PMCID: PMC7256706 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5952612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) is a classic syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, which is mainly caused by damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hirsutella sinensis fungus (HSF), an artificial substitute of Cordyceps sinensis, has been widely used in TCM. However, the effects and the possible mechanism of HSF on the HPA axis and corresponding KYDS have not yet been investigated. In this study, Lewis rats were used as a spontaneous KYDS model. HSF was intragastrically administered to the Lewis rats at two doses: low dose (1 g/kg) and high dose (2 g/kg). Body weight, temperature, and behavioral tests including grip strength, open field, and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to evaluate the KYDS symptoms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of circulating adrenocortisol (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In addition, mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 10 (IL-10), CRH, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). The Lewis rats were indicated to have KYDS symptoms and HSF treatment ameliorated these symptoms via enhancement of the HPA axis function, which was evidenced by the increased levels of CRH, ACTH, and CORT in serum and 17-OHCS in urine. HSF also significantly improved the expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2, secreted by Th1 cells, which might accelerate the activation of the immune system related to the HPA axis function. Thus, we conclude that HSF can alleviate KYDS symptoms in Lewis rats by regulating the HPA axis through accelerated immune system activation.
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Liu K, Liu H, Li Z, Li W, Li L. In vitro dissolution study on inclusion complex of piperine with ethylenediamine-β-cyclodextrin. J INCL PHENOM MACRO 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10847-020-00980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Zhao L, Ayu A, Pan W, Huang ZQ. The effect of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes in a kidney-yang deficiency syndrome model. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_38_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Kao ST, Wang SD, Lin CC, Lin LJ. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, a traditional Chinese medicine, alleviated allergic airway hypersensitivity and inflammatory cell infiltration in a chronic asthma mouse model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 227:181-190. [PMID: 30172058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Asia, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (JGSQW) has been used for hundreds of years to treat asthma. AIM OF THE STUDY The traditional Chinese medicine JGSQW is composed of Rehmannia glutinosa, Dioscorea opposita, Cornus officinalis, Poria cocos, Paeonia suffruticosa, Alisma orientalis, Aconitum carmichaelii and Cinnamomum cassia. However, the immunological mechanism underlying the effect of JGSQW treatment on asthma remains unclear. This study examined whether JGSQW has the potential to reduce asthma symptoms in mice with chronic asthma induced by recurrent Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) stimulation, as well as its immunoregulatory mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The airways of BALB/c mice were stimulated with Der p (i.t.) once per week (50 μL, 1 mg/mL) for 6 consecutive weeks, and the mice were fed JGSQW (1 g/kg) 30 min prior to the Der p stimulation. Three days after the last stimulation, the mice were sacrificed to evaluate the airway remodelling, infiltration of inflammatory cells, lung histological features, and total IgE in the blood. Additionally, after A549 cells were treated with JGSQW, loganin, or paeoniflorin for 30 min, 10 ng/mL IL-1β was added to stimulate the A549 cells to evaluate the effect of the medicine on the ICAM-1 gene expression after IL-1β stimulation. RESULTS JGSQW significantly reduced the Der p-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells into airways and decreased the total IgE and Der p-specific IgG1 in serum. Collagen assays and histopathological examinations showed that JGSQW reduced lung airway remodelling. Additionally, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunohistochemical staining verified that JGSQW inhibited the NF-kB expression in airway epithelial cell nuclei. JGSQW, loganin, and paeoniflorin inhibited the ICAM-1 gene expression caused by the IL-1β stimulation of A549 cells, and loganin and paeoniflorin had the maximum inhibitory effect when mixed according to the combination of doses in JGSQW. CONCLUSION These results indicated that in the chronic asthma mouse model, JGSQW inhibits the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways and airway remodelling and exhibits specific immunoregulatory effects. JGSQW with certain doses of loganin and paeoniflorin inhibited ICAM-1 gene expression in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shung-Te Kao
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Shulhn-Der Wang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Che Lin
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Jen Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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