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Bouabdallah S, Brinza I, Boiangiu RS, Ibrahim MH, Honceriu I, Al-Maktoum A, Cioanca O, Hancianu M, Amin A, Ben-Attia M, Hritcu L. The Effect of a Tribulus-Based Formulation in Alleviating Cholinergic System Impairment and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Loss in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio): Insights from Molecular Docking and In Vitro/In Vivo Approaches. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:200. [PMID: 38399415 PMCID: PMC10891926 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (Tt) has been recently gaining attention for its pharmacological value, including its neuroprotective activities. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of a Tribulus terrestris extract in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and brain oxidative stress. SCOP, an anticholinergic drug, was employed to replicate fundamental aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models. The fish were treated with ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) from Tt (1, 3, and 6 mg/L) for 15 days. SCOP (100 µM) was administered 30 min before behavioral tests were conducted. Molecular interactions of the major compounds identified via UPLC-PDA/MS in Tt fractions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were explored via molecular docking analyses. Terrestrosin C, protodioscin, rutin, and saponin C exhibited the most stable binding. The spatial memory performance was assessed using the Y-maze test, and memory recognition was examined using a novel object recognition (NOR) test. Tt extract treatment reversed the altered locomotion patterns that were caused by SCOP administration. Biochemical analyses also verified Tt's role in inhibiting AChE, improving antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing oxidative stress markers. The present findings pave the way for future application of Tt as a natural alternative to treat cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Bouabdallah
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement (LR01/ES14), Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Zarzouna 7021, Tunisia;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Ion Brinza
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Razvan Stefan Boiangiu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Mona H. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azha University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Iasmina Honceriu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Amna Al-Maktoum
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Oana Cioanca
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Hancianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Amr Amin
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mossadok Ben-Attia
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement (LR01/ES14), Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Zarzouna 7021, Tunisia;
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
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Chen G, Jiang N, Zheng J, Hu H, Yang H, Lin A, Hu B, Liu H. Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 241:124386. [PMID: 37054858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two homogeneous polysaccharides (APS-A1 and APS-B1) were isolated from Astragalus membranaceus by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Their chemical structures were characterized by molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, infrared spectrum, methylation analysis, and NMR. The results revealed that APS-A1 (2.62 × 106 Da) was a 1,4-α-D-Glcp backbone with a 1,4,6-α-D-Glcp branch every ten residues. APS-B1 (4.95 × 106 Da) was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, and arabinose (75.24:17.27:19.35). Its backbone consisted of 1,4-α-D-Glcp, 1,4,6-α-D-Glcp, 1,5-α-L-Araf and the sidechains composed of 1,6-α-D-Galp and T-α/β-Glcp. Bioactivity assays showed that APS-A1 and APS-B1 had potential anti-inflammatory activity. They could inhibit the production of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB and MAPK (ERK, JNK) pathways. These results suggested that the two polysaccharides could be potential anti-inflammatory supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Chen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, PR China; Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Junping Zheng
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Haiming Hu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Huabing Yang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Aizhen Lin
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, PR China; Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Baifei Hu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
| | - Hongtao Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
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Shan Y, Cui J, Kang X, Tang W, Lu Y, Gao Y, Chen L. Aquaporin-8 overexpression is involved in vascular structure and function changes in placentas of gestational diabetes mellitus patients. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1473-1486. [DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
To study the role and mechanism of aquaporin-8 (AQP8) in placental vascular development in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were utilized to analyze the histopathological changes in placentas in GDM patients. Transwell, CCK-8, and tube formation assays were performed to examine cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation. AQP8, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression levels were investigated. Relative to the control group, the placentas in the GDM group showed morphological changes, the number of microvessels in the placental villi arterioles was significantly higher, and the area of microvessels in the arterioles of placental villi was significantly lower. The expression levels of VCAM-1, TNF-α, VEGF-A, and AQP8 in the GDM placentas and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by high glucose were significantly higher than those in the control group, and AQP8 was located in placental endothelial cells. Overexpression of glucose and AQP8 inhibited tube formation, migration, and proliferation in HUVECs. High glucose levels can induce dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells and lead to pathological changes in the placental vascular structure in GDM. AQP8 overexpression in placental GDM can inhibit endothelial cell behavior, cause endothelial cell dysfunction, and further participate in the occurrence and development of GDM placental vascular lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxing Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
| | - Jiawen Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Qingpu , Shanghai , 201700 , China
| | - Xinyi Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
| | - Weichun Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
| | - Yiling Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University , No. 6 North Road, Haierxiang, Chongchuan District , Nantong , Jiangsu, 226001 , China
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Boiangiu RS, Bagci E, Dumitru G, Hritcu L, Todirascu-Ciornea E. Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. Essential Oil Improved Brain Function via Cholinergic Modulation and Antioxidant Effects in the Scopolamine-Induced Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Model. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1096. [PMID: 35448824 PMCID: PMC9030736 DOI: 10.3390/plants11081096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. is a medicinal plant that displays antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective properties. The effect of A. purpurascens essential oil (APO) on memory impairments and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish (Danio rerio) treated with scopolamine (Sco), as well as the underlying mechanism involved, were investigated in this study. Exposure to Sco (100 μM) resulted in anxiety in zebrafish, as assessed by the novel tank diving test (NTT), whereas spatial memory and novelty response dysfunctions, as evidenced by the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR), were noticed. When zebrafish were given Sco and simultaneously given APO (25 and 150 μL/L, once daily for 13 days), the deficits were averted. An increase in brain antioxidant enzymes, a reduction of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were linked to this impact. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced in the brains of APO-treated zebrafish. The main detected components in the APO composition were β-phellandrene (33.80%), sabinene (6.80%), α-pinene (5.30%), germacrene-D (4.50%), α-phellandrene (4.20%), and p-cymene (3.80%) based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations. Our findings show that APO's beneficial effect in a zebrafish model of Sco-induced memory impairment is mediated through multiple mechanisms, including the restoration of cholinergic system function and the improvement of the brain antioxidant state. As a result, APO could be employed as a potential source of bioactive molecules with useful biological properties and medicinal uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Stefan Boiangiu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
| | - Eyup Bagci
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey;
| | - Gabriela Dumitru
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
| | - Elena Todirascu-Ciornea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
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Network pharmacology-based investigation of potential targets of astragalus membranaceous-angelica sinensis compound acting on diabetic nephropathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19496. [PMID: 34593896 PMCID: PMC8484574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98925-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanism of the Astragalus membranaceous (AM)-Angelica sinensis (AS) compound in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) we used network pharmacology and molecular docking. Screen the components and targets of the AM-AS compound in the TCMSP and the BATMAN-TCM, and establish a component-target interaction network by Cytoscape 3.7.2. After searching relevant targets of DN in related databases, the common targets of the AM-AS compound and DN were obtained by comparison. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through David database. Molecular docking was performed by PyMoL2.3.0 and AutoDock Vina software. After screening, 142 main targets of the AM-AS compound in the treatment of DN have been identified. Target network was established and the topology of PPI network was analyzed. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis shows that these targets are related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, etc. Molecular docking shows that the target proteins have good combinations with the main active components of the AM-AS compound. AM-AS compound may treat DN by acting on VEGFA, TP53, IL-6, TNF, MARK1, etc., and regulate apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose, and lipid metabolism processes. The in vivo study results suggest that AM-AS compound can significantly reduce the FBG level of diabetic rats, increase the level of INS, improve renal functions, reduce urinary proteins, inhibit glycogen deposition, granulocyte infiltration and collagen fiber proliferation in renal tissue, and restrain the progress of DN. In vivo study combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking methods provides new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatments of DN.
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