1
|
Ming Z, Ruishi X, Linyi X, Yonggang Y, Haoming L, Xintian L. The gut-liver axis in fatty liver disease: role played by natural products. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1365294. [PMID: 38686320 PMCID: PMC11056694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1365294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by fatty degeneration of the liver, mainly classified as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), has become a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. The gut-liver axis is the bidirectional relationship between the gut and its microbiota and its liver. The liver can communicate with the gut through the bile ducts, while the portal vein transports the products of the gut flora to the liver. The intestinal flora and its metabolites directly and indirectly regulate hepatic gene expression, leading to an imbalance in the gut-liver axis and thus contributing to the development of liver disease. Utilizing natural products for the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases is a prevalent practice, and it is anticipated to represent the forthcoming trend in the development of drugs for combating NAFLD/ALD. This paper discusses the mechanism of the enterohepatic axis in fatty liver, summarizes the important role of plant metabolites in natural products in fatty liver treatment by regulating the enterohepatic axis, and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of new drugs and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Ming
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xie Ruishi
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Linyi
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | | | - Luo Haoming
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lan Xintian
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ye B, Wang Q, Ye Q, Wang D, Wang Z, Dong Z, Zou J. Effects of different combinations of koumine and gelsemine on growth performance, intestinal health, and transcriptome of Cyprinus carpio. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133130. [PMID: 38086301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133130] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Koumine (KM) and gelsemine (GS) have shown significant benefits in livestock production, but their potential in aquaculture remains largely unexplored. This study examined the impact of different KM and GS combinations as feed additives on C. carpio (90 fish per group, initial weight 1.95 ± 0.08 g). KM and GS were introduced in ratios of 2:2 (mg/kg), 2:1 (mg/kg), and 2:0.67 (mg/kg) over a 10-week aquaculture experiment. The results demonstrate that the 2:1 (mg/kg) group increases the villus length, muscular layer thickness, crude protein, and crude fat content. Regarding fatty acid content, KM and GS enhance the levels of various fatty acids, including the total saturated fatty acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid. Additionally, KM and GS improve the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. The 2:1 (mg/kg) group significantly elevates the enzymatic activities of SOD, MDA, CAT and upregulates the expression of immune-related genes such as toll-like receptor 2, transforming growth factor β, and glutathione S-transferase. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that KM and GS may have potential benefits for nutrient utilization and immune regulation in C. carpio. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the use of KM and GS as feed additives in aquaculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ye
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiujie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516007, China
| | - Dongjie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenlu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zaijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Jixing Zou
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
You J, Xu D, Zhang C, Chen Y, Huang S, Bian H, Lv J, Chen D, Su L, Yin H, Li Y, Wang Y. Koumine inhibits RANKL-induced ubiquitination and NF-κB activation to prevent ovariectomy and aging-induced bone loss. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:100-114. [PMID: 38031891 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone remodeling disease characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. Osteoclasts are the primary therapeutic targets for treating bone destruction. Koumine (KM), the most bioactive component in Gelsemium alkaloids, exhibits antitumor, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. However, the effects of bone loss have not been well studied. This study conducted in vitro and in vivo verification experiments on KM. The results showed that KM inhibited bone resorption and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive (TRAP+) osteoclasts development by mature osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, KM prevented OVX-induced OP in vivo and potentially inhibited ubiquitination, a process closely related to various biological activities, including protein interaction, transcription, and transmembrane signal transduction regulation, especially within the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Previous studies have demonstrated that several proteins ubiquitination promotes osteoclastogenesis, our study indicated that KM inhibits early NF-κB activation and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand induced ubiquitination, a critical factor in osteoclast differentiation. In conclusion, our research suggests that KM holds potential as an effective therapeutic agent for OP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiongming You
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dingjun Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Song Huang
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Huihui Bian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dagui Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Innovation Center of Degenerative Bone & Joint Disease, Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhong X, Lv M, Ma M, Huang Q, Hu R, Li J, Yi J, Sun J, Zhou X. State of CD8 + T cells in progression from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma: From pathogenesis to immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115131. [PMID: 37429231 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115131] [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] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as the fastest growing potential cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NASH has been demonstrated to establish a tumor-prone liver microenvironment where both innate and adaptive immune systems are involved. As the most typical anti-tumor effector, the cell function of CD8+ T cells is remodeled by chronic inflammation, metabolic alteration, lipid toxicity and oxidative stress in the liver microenvironment along the NASH to HCC transition. Unexpectedly, NASH may blunt the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy against HCC due to the dysregulated CD8+ T cells. Growing evidence has supported that NASH is likely to facilitate the state transition of CD8+ T cells with changes in cell motility, effector function, metabolic reprogramming and gene transcription according to single-cell sequencing. However, the mechanistic insight of CD8+ T cell states in the NASH-driven HCC is not comprehensive. Herein, we focus on the characterization of state phenotypes of CD8+ T cells with both functional and metabolic signatures in NASH-driven fibrosis and HCC. The NASH-specific CD8+ T cells are speculated to mainly have a dualist effect, where its aberrant activated phenotype sustains chronic inflammation in NASH but subsequently triggers its exhaustion in HCC. As the exploration of CD8+ T cells on the distribution and phenotypic shifts will provide a new direction for the intervention strategies against HCC, we also discuss the implications for targeting different phenotypes of CD8+ T cells, shedding light on the personalized immunotherapy for NASH-driven HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - MengQing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinyu Yi
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Liver Disease, the fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin YR, Zheng FT, Xiong BJ, Chen ZH, Chen ST, Fang CN, Yu CX, Yang J. Koumine alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by regulating macrophage polarization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116474. [PMID: 37031823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The imbalance between M1-and M2-polarized macrophages is one of the major pathophysiological changes in RA. Therefore, targeted macrophage polarization may be an effective therapy for RA. Koumine, an alkaloid monomer with the highest content and low toxicity in Gelsemium elegans Benth., has the effect of treating RA by playing an immunomodulatory role by influencing various immune cells. However, whether koumine affects macrophage polarization in RA and the associated molecular mechanisms remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of the anti-RA effect of koumine on macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of koumine on macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. We first explored the effects of koumine on AIA rats and detected the levels of M1/M2 macrophage polarization markers in the spleen by western blotting. Then, we explored the regulatory effect of koumine on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro. Finally, we verified the effects of koumine on macrophage polarization in CIA mice. RESULTS We found that koumine alleviated symptoms, including relieving pain, reducing joint redness and swelling in AIA rats and restoring the M1/M2 macrophage balance in vivo. Interestingly, koumine had an inhibitory effect on both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in vitro, but it had a stronger inhibitory effect on M1 macrophage. In a mixed polarization experiment, koumine mainly inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and had an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, we found that koumine had therapeutic effects on CIA mice, regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that koumine regulates macrophage polarization through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This may be one of the important mechanisms of its anti-RA effect, which provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the possible clinical application of koumine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Rong Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Feng-Ting Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Ze-Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Function, Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Shi-Ting Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chao-Nan Fang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu J, Ding M, Bai J, Luo R, Liu R, Qu J, Li X. Decoding the role of immune T cells: A new territory for improvement of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. IMETA 2023; 2:e76. [PMID: 38868343 PMCID: PMC10989916 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new emerging concept and is associated with metabolic dysfunction, generally replacing the name of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to heterogeneous liver condition and inaccuracies in definition. The prevalence of MAFLD is rising by year due to dietary changes, metabolic disorders, and no approved therapy, affecting a quarter of the global population and representing a major economic problem that burdens healthcare systems. Currently, in addition to the common causative factors like insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity, the role of immune cells, especially T cells, played in MAFLD is increasingly being emphasized by global scholars. Based on the diverse classification and pathophysiological effects of immune T cells, we comprehensively analyzed their bidirectional regulatory effects on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment and MAFLD progression. This interaction between MAFLD and T cells was also associated with hepatic-intestinal immune crosstalk and gut microbiota homeostasis. Moreover, we pointed out several T-cell-based therapeutic approaches including but not limited to adoptive transfer of T cells, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy, especially for natural products and Chinese herbal prescriptions. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the important role of T cells played in MAFLD progression and corresponding therapeutic options and provides a potential reference for further drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jinzhao Bai
- School of Chinese Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ranyi Luo
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jiaorong Qu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koumine ameliorates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice: involvement of the Nrf2, NF-κB pathways, and gut microbiota. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109573. [PMID: 36527886 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gelsemiumelegans(Gardner. & Chapm.) Benth. has long been considered a traditional Chinese medicine effective against rheumatoid pain, cancer, cirrhosis, and skin diseases. Koumine (KM), the most abundant alkaloid in G.elegans Benth., demonstrates a variety of biological effects, including antitumor, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, the relatively low toxicity of KM makes it a promising drug candidate. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of KM and its possible mechanisms using a concanavalin A (Con A)-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) model in mice. Mice were orally administered different doses of KM for 14 d before Con A tail vein injections. The effects of KM on serum biochemical markers and liver histopathology were then evaluated 12 h after Con A exposure. The Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways and alterations in gut microbiota were determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the underlying mechanisms of KM exposure. KM pretreatment dose-dependently decreased serum liver injury markers (Alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and cytokine levels (Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), as well as the liver pathological damage triggered by Con A. Furthermore, the results of the multi-technique analysis indicated that KM activated the Nrf2 pathway, upregulated the expression of anti-oxidation factors HO-1 and Nrf2, and downregulated the expression of Keap1. Moreover, the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited. Interestingly, pre-treatment with KM also significantly improved the composition of the gut microbiota probably because it increases the richness of probiotics. Our findings suggest that KM pretreatment could attenuate Con A-induced AIH, the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, and that gut microbiota are involved in the process of the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of KM as an effective agent against AIH.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang D, Wang Q, Zuo Z, Dong Z, He J, Ye X, Tang H, Zou J. Koumine induces apoptosis in Cyprinus carpio liver cells by regulating JAK-STAT and p53 signaling pathways. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 132:108475. [PMID: 36496140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.108475] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Koumine is an alkaloid with significant anti-anxiety, anticancer cell proliferation, and analgesic activities, and our previous studies have shown that koumine can be used as an immunostimulant in aquaculture, but the molecular mechanism of its effect remains unclear. We fed a basal diet with 0, 0.2, 2, and 20 mg/kg koumine to C. carpio for 10 weeks, and comprehensive studies of the histological and biochemical parameters and transcriptomes of the four groups were performed. Histological results indicated that the number of apoptotic cells in the liver increased with increasing koumine concentration. Compared with those of the control group, the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels of the treatment group increased to varying degrees. In total, 100.11 GB of clean data, 4774 DEGs, and 138 differentially expressed genes were obtained from the transcriptome data. Differentially expressed genes were classified into 187 signalling pathways, and the circadian rhythm signalling pathway, the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, the p53 signalling pathway and the PPAR signalling pathway were the top enriched pathways. The qRT-PCR results confirmed that the key genes ifnar1, socs3l, epoa, ghra, cMyc, mcl-1, shisa4, and gtse1 involved in balancing cell proliferation and apoptosis were enriched in these pathways. We discovered that the JAK-STAT and p53 pathways are important targets of koumine. Such information contributes to a better understanding of the potential mechanism by which koumine regulates hepatic immunity as well as to lays the theoretical foundation for its application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Qiujie Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Zhiheng Zuo
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Zaijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, 214081, China.
| | - Jiayang He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Xiangchen Ye
- Aquatic Species Introduction and Breeding Centre of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Huijuan Tang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Jixing Zou
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jin GL, Liu HP, Huang YX, Zeng QQ, Chen JX, Lan XB, Xin ZM, Xiong BJ, Yue RC, Yu CX. Koumine regulates macrophage M1/M2 polarization via TSPO, alleviating sepsis-associated liver injury in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154484. [PMID: 36215787 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translocator protein (TSPO) is an 18-kDa transmembrane protein found primarily in the mitochondrial outer membrane, and it is implicated in inflammatory responses, such as cytokine release. Koumine (KM) is an indole alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans Benth. It has been reported to be a high-affinity ligand of TSPO and to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in our recent studies. However, the protective effect of KM on sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) and its mechanisms are unknown. PURPOSE To explore the role of TSPO in SALI and then further explore the protective effect and mechanism of KM on SALI. METHODS The effect of KM on the survival rate of septic mice was confirmed in mouse models of caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. The protective effect of KM on CLP-induced SALI was comprehensively evaluated by observing the morphology of the mouse liver and measuring liver injury markers. The serum cytokine content was detected in mice by flow cytometry. Macrophage polarization in the liver was examined using western blotting. TSPO knockout mice were used to explore the role of TSPO in sepsis liver injury and verify the protective effect of KM on sepsis liver injury through TSPO. RESULTS KM significantly improved the survival rate of both LPS- and CLP-induced sepsis in mice. KM has a significant liver protective effect on CLP-induced sepsis in mice. KM treatment ameliorated liver ischaemia, improved liver pathological injuries, and decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines in serum. Western blotting results showed that KM inhibited M1 polarization of macrophages and promoted M2 polarization. In TSPO knockout mice, we found that TSPO knockout can improve the survival rate of septic mice, ameliorate liver ischaemia, improve liver pathological injuries, and decrease the levels of ALT, AST, and LDH. In addition, TSPO knockout inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophages in the liver of septic mice and promotes M2 polarization and the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, in TSPO knockout septic mice, these protective effects of KM were no longer effective. CONCLUSIONS We report for the first time that TSPO plays a critical role in sepsis-associated liver injury by regulating the polarization of liver macrophages and reducing the inflammatory response. KM, a TSPO ligand, is a potentially desirable candidate for the treatment of SALI that may regulate macrophage M1/M2 polarization through TSPO in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hai-Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Xin Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qing-Quan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jin-Xing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lan
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Pharmaceuticals Creation and Generic Medicine Research, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Xin
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bo-Jun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rong-Cai Yue
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang J, Lin YR, Xiong BJ, Chen ZH, Luo YF, Xu Y, Su YP, Huang HH, Yu CX. Regulation effect of koumine on T-helper cell polarization in rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 937:175387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
11
|
Lin Y, Liu Q, Chen Z, Zheng F, Huang H, Yu C, Yang J. The immunomodulatory effect of koumine on B cells under dependent and independent responses by T cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 914:174690. [PMID: 34890543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated activation of polyclonal B cells and production of pathogenic antibodies are involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, targeted B cell therapy is effective against RA. Gelsemium elegans (Gardn. & Champ.) Benth., a toxic plant widely distributed in Southeast Asia, has been used for treating rheumatoid pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity, skin ulcers, and cancers for many years in traditional Chinese medicine. Koumine, an alkaloid monomer from Gelsemium elegans Benth., exerts therapeutic effects against RA. However, whether koumine affects B cells remains unknown. In this study, the effect of koumine on B cells under T cell-independent (TI) and T cell-dependent (TD) immune responses is investigated in vitro and in vivo. Mouse primary B cells were obtained by immunomagnetic bead sorting, and immunomodulatory effects of koumine on the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of B cells were determined in TI and TD models induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anti-CD40 antibodies in vitro, respectively. The humoral immune responses of TI and TD were established using NP-AECM-FICOLL and NP-CGG in C57BL/6J mice, respectively. We found that koumine inhibited B cell differentiation in the TI model and inhibited B cell activation and proliferation in the TD model in vitro. Koumine also inhibited antibody secretion in TI immune response, TD initial immune response, and in TD secondary immune response. Our results reveal that koumine has a direct and indirect immune regulatory effect on B cells, showing that it can directly inhibit the differentiation and secretion of autoantibodies after abnormal activation of B cells, and indirectly inhibit the activation and proliferation of TD B cells to reduce the secretion of antibodies. It may be an important mechanism for its anti-RA effect in mice, providing a rationale and laboratory data support for the application of koumine in anti-human RA therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Function, Basic Medical Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Fengting Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Huihui Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Changxi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mao T, Yang R, Luo Y, He K. Crucial role of T cells in NAFLD-related disease: A review and prospect. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1051076. [PMID: 36457551 PMCID: PMC9705593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1051076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a series of hepatic manifestations, starting with liver steatosis and potentially evolving towards nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its incidence is increasing worldwide. Several factors including metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity contribute to the liver inflammation. Several immune cell-mediated inflammatory processes are involved in NAFLD in which T cells play a crucial part in the progression of the disease. In this review, we focus on the role of different subsets of both conventional and unconventional T cells in pathogenesis of NAFLD. Factors regarding inflammation and potential therapeutic approaches targeting immune cells in NASH are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Kang He, ; Yi Luo,
| | - Kang He
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Kang He, ; Yi Luo,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yue R, Liu H, Huang Y, Wang J, Shi D, Su Y, Luo Y, Cai P, Jin G, Yu C. Sempervirine Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:806091. [PMID: 34950042 PMCID: PMC8689006 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) Benth., recognized as a toxic plant, has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer for many years. In the present study, we aim to obtain the anti-tumor effects of alkaloids of G. elegans and their active components in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the potential mechanism was also further investigated. We demonstrated that sempervirine induced HCC cells apoptosis and the apoptosis was associated with cell cycle arrest during the G1 phase, up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and CDK2. Furthermore, sempervirine inhibited HCC tumor growth and enhances the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib in vivo. In addition, inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was found to be involved in sempervirine-induced HCC proliferation. The present study demonstrated that alkaloids of G. elegans were a valuable source of active compounds with anti-tumor activity. Our findings justified that the active compound sempervirine inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCC by regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongcai Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haiping Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yaxin Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanping Su
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yufei Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ping Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guilin Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Changxi Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomicsto Comprehensively Evaluate the Metabolic Effects of Gelsemium elegans on Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051192. [PMID: 33919302 PMCID: PMC8143298 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some naturalphytogenic feed additives, which contain several active compounds, have been shown to be effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is a whole grass in the family Loganiaceae. It is a known toxic plant widely distributed in China and has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for many years to treat neuropathic pain, rheumatoid pain, inflammation, skin ulcers, and cancer. However, G. elegans not only is nontoxic to animals such as pigs and sheep but also has an obvious growth-promoting effect. To our knowledge, the internal mechanism of the influence of G. elegans on the animal body is still unclear. The goal of this work is to evaluate the metabolic consequences of feeding piglets G. elegans for 45 days based on the combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics. According to growth measurement and evaluation, compared with piglets fed a complete diet, adding 20 g/kg G. elegans powder to the basal diet of piglets significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio. Results of the liver transcriptome suggest that glycine and cysteine-related regulatory pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway, were extensively altered in G. elegans-induced piglets. Plasma metabolomics identified 21 and 18 differential metabolites (p < 0.05) in the plasma of piglets in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively, between G. elegans exposure and complete diet groups. The concentrations of glycine and its derivatives and N-acetylcysteine were higher in the G. elegans exposure group than in the complete diet group.This study demonstrated that G. elegans could be an alternative to antibiotics that improves the immune function of piglets, and the latent mechanism of G. elegans may be related to various signaling pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and the PPAR signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
15
|
Que W, Chen M, Yang L, Zhang B, Zhao Z, Liu M, Cheng Y, Qiu H. A network pharmacology-based investigation on the bioactive ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Gelsemium elegans Benth against colorectal cancer. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:99. [PMID: 33743701 PMCID: PMC7981997 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Gelsemium elegans Benth (GEB) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for treatment for gastrointestinal cancer, including CRC. However, the underlying active ingredients and mechanism remain unknown. This study aims to explore the active components and the functional mechanisms of GEB in treating CRC by network pharmacology-based approaches. METHODS Candidate compounds of GEB were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine@Taiwan, Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database, Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and published literature. Potentially active targets of compounds in GEB were retrieved from SwissTargetPrediction databases. Keywords "colorectal cancer", "rectal cancer" and "colon cancer" were used as keywords to search for related targets of CRC from the GeneCards database, then the overlapped targets of compounds and CRC were further intersected with CRC related genes from the TCGA database. The Cytoscape was applied to construct a graph of visualized compound-target and pathway networks. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed by using STRING database. The DAVID tool was applied to carry out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis of final targets. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interaction between compounds and targets. AutoDockTools was used to construct docking grid box for each target. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed by Autodock Vina and Gromacs software, respectively. RESULTS Fifty-three bioactive compounds were successfully identified, corresponding to 136 targets that were screened out for the treatment of CRC. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that GEB exerted its pharmacological effects against CRC via modulating multiple pathways, such as pathways in cancer, cell cycle, and colorectal cancer. Molecular docking analysis showed that the representative compounds had good affinity with the key targets. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the best hit molecules formed a stable protein-ligand complex. CONCLUSION This network pharmacology study revealed the multiple ingredients, targets, and pathways synergistically involved in the anti-CRC effect of GEB, which will enhance our understanding of the potential molecular mechanism of GEB in treatment for CRC and lay a foundation for further experimental research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wancai Que
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Maohua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bingqing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhichang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Maobai Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongqiang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xin Quan Rd, Gulou, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Luo Y, Xiong B, Liu H, Chen Z, Huang H, Yu C, Yang J. Koumine Suppresses IL-1β Secretion and Attenuates Inflammation Associated With Blocking ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 Axis in Macrophages. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:622074. [PMID: 33542692 PMCID: PMC7851739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.622074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Koumine (KM), one of the primary constituents of Gelsemium elegans, has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, but whether KM impacts the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of KM on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the underlying mechanisms both in vitro using macrophages stimulated with LPS plus ATP, nigericin or monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and in vivo using an MSU-induced peritonitis model. We found that KM dose-dependently inhibited IL-1β secretion in macrophages after NLRP3 inflammasome activators stimulation. Furthermore, KM treatment efficiently attenuated the infiltration of neutrophils and suppressed IL-1β production in mice with MSU-induced peritonitis. These results indicated that KM inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and consistent with this finding, KM effectively inhibited caspase-1 activation, mature IL-1β secretion, NLRP3 formation and pro-IL-1β expression in LPS-primed macrophages treated with ATP, nigericin or MSU. The mechanistic study showed that, KM exerted a potent inhibitory effect on the NLRP3 priming step, which decreased the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65, the nuclear localization of p65, and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, the assembly of NLRP3 was also interrupted by KM. KM blocked apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) speck formation and its oligomerization and hampered the NLRP3-ASC interaction. This suppression was attributed to the ability of KM to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In support of this finding, the inhibitory effect of KM on ROS production was completely counteracted by H2O2, an ROS promoter. Our results provide the first indication that KM exerts an inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation associated with blocking the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signal axis. KM might have potential clinical application in the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bojun Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Experimental Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huihui Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Changxi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luo Y, Lin H. Inflammation initiates a vicious cycle between obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 9:59-73. [PMID: 33332766 PMCID: PMC7860600 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Low‐level of chronic inflammation activation is characteristic of obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to obesity and is an emerging health problem, it originates from abnormal accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, and sometimes causes inflammatory reactions that could contribute to cirrhosis and liver cancer, thus its pathogenesis needs to be clarified for more treatment options. Once NAFLD is established, it contributes to systemic inflammation, the low‐grade inflammation is continuously maintained during NAFLD causing impaired resolution of inflammation in obesity, which subsequently exacerbates its severity. This study focuses on the effects of obesity‐induced inflammations, which are the underlying causes of the disease progression and development of more severe inflammatory and fibrotic stages. Understanding the relationship between obesity and NAFLD could help in establishing attractive therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers in obesity‐induced inflammation response and provides new approaches for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Sciences, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Schools of Basic Sciences, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ye LX, Xu Y, Zhang SH, Cao DX, Chen LF, Su YP, Huang HH, Yu CX. Orally Administered Koumine Persists Longer in the Plasma of Aged Rats Than That of Adult Rats as Assessed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1113. [PMID: 32792950 PMCID: PMC7385321 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging leads to changes in nearly all pharmacokinetic phases. Koumine (KM), an alkaloid derived from Gelsemium elegans Benth., is effective against age-associated chronic diseases, but its dose proportionality following oral administration in aged individuals remains unknown. Herein, we established and validated a simple method that requires low sample volumes to determine KM concentration in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 7 mg·kg−1 KM was ~12-fold and ~24-fold higher than that of 0.28 mg·kg−1 KM in adult and aged rats, respectively (P < 0.01). Time to reach Cmax (Tmax) for 7 mg·kg−1 KM was 4-fold longer in aged rats (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of 7 mg·kg−1 KM was >17-fold and >43-fold higher than those of 0.28 mg·kg−1 KM in adult and aged rats, respectively (P < 0.01). The half-life (t1/2) of 7 mg·kg−1 KM was over 4-fold longer than that of 0.28 mg·kg−1 KM in adult rats (P < 0.01). The t1/2 of 1.4 and 7 mg·kg−1 KM were 1.5~2-fold longer, than that of 0.28 mg·kg−1 KM in aged rats (P < 0.05). The clearance rate of 7 mg·kg−1 KM was significantly lower in aged than in adult rats (P < 0.05). For 7.0 mg·kg−1 KM, the Cmax in aged rats was higher than in adult rats during the Tmax period (P < 0.05). In aged rats, the AUC for KM was >2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05) and the t1/2 was >60% longer than in adult rats (P < 0.05). These results help interpret the pharmacokinetics of KM in aging-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiang Ye
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shui-Hua Zhang
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Xuan Cao
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling-Fan Chen
- Fujian Center for Safety Evaluation of New Drug, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ping Su
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui-Hui Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|