Quercetin Improves Mitochondrial Function and Inflammation in H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in the Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cell by Regulating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Network pharmacological prediction of the mechanism of action of Shen-Zhu-Lian-Bai Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise globally. Shen-Zhu-Lian-Bai decoction (SZLBD) can relieve the clinical symptoms of UC. This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of SZLBD in the treatment of UC. The key treatment targets of SZLBD for UC were obtained based on the online database, and combined with the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, PPI network was constructed and visualized. The GEO database was utilized to validate the expression levels of core targets in UC. Metascape database GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the docking of core compounds with key targets. RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of key targets in HCoEpiC cells for verification. After screening, 67 targets shared by SZLBD and UC were obtained. It is predicted that IL-6, IL-1B, and AKT1 might be the key targets of SZLBD in the treatment of UC. Quercetin was the main active ingredient. GEO results showed that the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1B and AKT1 were higher in the UC group compared to the control group. GO and KEGG analyses showed that these targets were related to apoptosis and inflammation. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that the AKT1 gene, a key target of quercetin, had the highest affinity of -9.2 kcal/mol. Cell experiments found that quercetin could affect the expression of IL-6, IL-1B, and AKT1. This study preliminarily explored and verified the mechanism of action of SZLBD in the treatment of UC, which provides a theoretical basis for subsequent in vivo mechanism studies.

Exploring the mechanism of Astragali radix for promoting osteogenic differentiation based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

The present study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict the active ingredients and mechanisms of action of Astragalus radix (AR) to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), and cell experiments were conducted for verification. First, network pharmacology was used to predict the effective components, targets, and mechanisms of action of AR to promote osteogenic differentiation. The effective components and corresponding target proteins of AR, and the target proteins of osteogenic differentiation were collected through the database. The intersection targets of the two were used for the construction and analysis of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Oncology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes, and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted. Next, molecular docking technology was carried out to verify the interaction between the active ingredient and the target protein, and to select the appropriate effective active ingredient. Finally, the results of network pharmacology analysis were verified by in vitro experiments. A total of 95 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of AR and osteogenic differentiation targets. PPI network analysis indicated that RAC-α-serine-threonine-protein kinase (Akt1) was considered to be the most reliable target for AR to regulate osteogenic differentiation. GO enrichment analysis included 21 biological processes, 21 cellular components and 100 molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the class I phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-serine-threonine kinase (Akt) signaling pathway may play an important role in promoting osteogenic differentiation. The results of molecular docking showed that quercetin's performance was improved compared with that of kaempferol. In vitro experiments showed that quercetin promoted the expression of osteogenic marker proteins (including collagen I, Runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteopontin) in BMSCs and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AR acted on Akt1 targets through its main active component quercetin, and promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Pharmacological targeting of gastric mucosal barrier with traditional Chinese medications for repairing gastric mucosal injury

Introduction: The gastric mucosa (GM) is the first barrier and vital interface in the stomach that protects the host from hydrochloric acid in gastric juice and defends against exogenous insults to gastric tissues. The use of traditional Chinese medications (TCMs) for the treatment of gastric mucosal injury (GMI) has long-standing history and a good curative effect. Whereas there are poor overall reports on the intrinsic mechanisms of these TCM preparations that pharmacology uses to protect body from GMI, which is crucial to treating this disease. These existing reviews have deficiencies that limit the clinical application and development of both customary prescriptions and new drugs. Methods: Further basic and translational studies must be done to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of influence of these TCM preparations. Moreover, well-designed and well-conducted experiences and clinical trials are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents. Therefore, this paper presents a focused overview of currently published literature to assess how TCMs action that facilitates the cures for GMI. It offers a whole train of current state of pharmacological evidence, identifies the pharmacological mechanisms of TCMs on GM, and highlights that remarkable capacity of TCMs to restore GM after damage. Results: These TCMs preparations promote the repair of multicomponent targets such as the gastric mucus, epithelial layer, blood flow (GMBF) and lamina propria barrier. Summary: Overall, this study has summarized the essential regulatory mechanisms and pharmacological efficacy of TCMs on new and productive therapeutic targets. Discussion: This review provides an avenue for studying various drugs with potentially promising effects on mucosal integrity, as well as subsequent pharmacological studies, clinical applications, and new drug development.

Wei-Tong-Xin ameliorated cisplatin-induced mitophagy and apoptosis in gastric antral mucosa by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wei-Tong-Xin (WTX) originated from the famous ancient Chinese formula "Wan Ying Yuan", recorded in the ancient Chinese medicine book "Zhong Zang Jing" by Hua Tuo. As "Jun" drugs, Dahuang and Muxiang have the effects of clearing heat and expelling fire, reducing food retention, regulating Qi and relieving pain. As "Chen" drug, Qianniuzi has the effect of assisting "Jun" drugs. Zhuyazao and Gancao, as "Zuo-Shi" drugs, can reduce toxicity and modulate the medicinal properties of other herbs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of WTX on the oxidative stress of gastric antrum mucosa in mice with cisplatin (CIS)-induced dyspepsia.

MATERIALS

AND.

METHODS

A variety of experimental methods, including western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo, WTX restored the number and function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), accompanied by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, WTX inhibited the activation of Parkin-dependent mitophagy and apoptosis. In vitro, WTX activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and inactivated mitophagy in GES-1 cells. To explore the role of Nrf2 in WTX's improvement of CIS-induced cell damage, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was used in cell experiments. We found that ML385 counteracted the regulation of WTX on mitophagy and apoptosis. Finally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, was applied in our experiments, and the results suggested that WTX suppressed the CIS-induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The above results, for the first time, indicated that WTX inhibited mitophagy and apoptosis of gastric antral mucosal cells induced by CIS through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Protocatechuic acid and quercetin attenuate ETEC-caused IPEC-1 cell inflammation and injury associated with inhibition of necroptosis and pyroptosis signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Necroptosis and pyroptosis are newly identified forms of programmed cell death, which play a vital role in development of many gastrointestinal disorders. Although plant polyphenols have been reported to protect intestinal health, it is still unclear whether there is a beneficial role of plant polyphenols in modulating necroptosis and pyroptosis in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-1) infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. This research was conducted to explore whether plant polyphenols including protocatechuic acid (PCA) and quercetin (Que), attenuated inflammation and injury of IPEC-1 caused by ETEC K88 through regulating necroptosis and pyroptosis signaling pathways.

METHODS

IPEC-1 cells were treated with PCA (40 μmol/L) or Que (10 μmol/L) in the presence or absence of ETEC K88.

RESULTS

PCA and Que decreased ETEC K88 adhesion and endotoxin level (P < 0.05) in cell supernatant. PCA and Que increased cell number (P < 0.001) and decreased lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) activity (P < 0.05) in cell supernatant after ETEC infection. PCA and Que improved transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) (P < 0.001) and reduced fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (FD4) flux (P < 0.001), and enhanced membrane protein abundance of occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1 (P < 0.05), and rescued distribution of these tight junction proteins (P < 0.05) after ETEC infection. PCA and Que also declined cell necrosis ratio (P < 0.05). PCA and Que reduced mRNA abundance and concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 (P < 0.001), and down-regulated gene expression of toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signals (P < 0.001) after ETEC infection. PCA and Que down-regulated protein abundance of total receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (t-RIP1), phosphorylated-RIP1 (p-RIP1), p-RIP1/t-RIP1, t-RIP3, p-RIP3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), p-MLKL, dynamin- related protein 1 (DRP1), phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) (P < 0.05) after ETEC infection. Moreover, PCA and Que reduced protein abundance of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), nod-like receptors family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), gasdermin D (GSDMD) and caspase-1 (P < 0.05) after ETEC infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, our data suggest that PCA and Que are capable of attenuating ETEC-caused intestinal inflammation and damage via inhibiting necroptosis and pyroptosis signaling pathways.

Quercetin alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice by reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress and pyroptosis in granulosa cells

BACKGROUND

Exposure to cyclophosphamide (CTX) induces premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its antioxidant activity is correlated with POI. However, the mechanism underlying its protective role in CTX-induced ovarian dysfunction is unclear. This study aimed to explore whether quercetin can protect ovarian reserves by activating mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibiting pyroptosis.

METHODS

Thirty-six female C57BL/6 mice were randomly subdivided into six groups. Except for the control group, all groups were injected with 90 mg/kg CTX to establish a POI model and further treated with coenzyme 10 or various doses of quercetin. The mice were sacrificed 48 h after 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin was injected four weeks after treatments. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect serum hormone expression and light and transmission electron microscopy to assess ovarian tissue morphology and mitochondria. Additionally, we tested oxidant and antioxidant levels in ovarian tissues and mitochondrial function in granulosa cells (GCs). The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and pyroptosis-related proteins and mRNA was analyzed using western blotting and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Quercetin elevated serum anti-Müllerian hormone, estradiol, and progesterone levels, decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels, and alleviated ovarian pathology. It reduced the mitochondrial DNA content and mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, it upregulated ATP levels and the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), mitochondrial transcription factor A, and superoxide dismutase 2. In addition, it suppressed NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3, caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and gasdermin D levels in the GCs of POI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin protected the ovarian reserve from CTX-induced ovarian damage by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and activating mitochondrial biogenesis via the PGC1-α pathway. Moreover, quercetin may improve ovarian functions by downregulating pyroptosis in the CTX-induced POI model. Thus, quercetin can be considered a potential agent for treating POI.

Overexpression of Laminin 5γ2 Chain Correlates with Tumor Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Poor Prognosis in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor. Laminin 5γ2 chain (LAMC2) was reported to be associated with tumorigenesis. This study explored the role of LAMC2 on LSCC progression by regulating the integrinβ1/FAK/Src/AKT pathway.

Methods

The level of LAMC2 in 46 LSCC patients was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Then the relationship between LAMC2 expression and LSCC malignancy as well as prognosis was analyzed, and the effect of LAMC2 expression on LSCC patient survival was also analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Afterwards, the LSCC cells were transfected with LAMC2 overexpression and knockdown vectors, the effect of LAMC2 on LSCC cell viability, proliferation ability, cell cycle, cell migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related biomarkers and integrin β1/FAK/Src/AKT signaling-related proteins was detected by western blot. Moreover, the effect of LAMC2 on LSCC tumor growth was evaluated by in vivo xenograft experiments and western blot.

Results

LAMC2 was expressed at high level in LSCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. LAMC2 overexpression increased TU177 cell viability, proliferation ability, promoted cell cycle, cell migration, and invasion capacity. The expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and integrinβ1/FAK/Src/AKT related proteins was increased, while the expression of E-cadherin protein was decreased. When the LAMC2 knockdown in AMC-HN-8 cells had opposite effects. Furthermore, shLAMC2 decreased tumor volume and the expression of LAMC2, Ki-67 and integrinβ1, but increased the expression of E-cadherin in LSCC tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that LAMC2 was overexpressed in LSCC and correlated with poor prognosis. LAMC2 knockdown inhibited LSCC progression by regulating the integrinβ1/FAK/Src/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, LAMC2 could be a target for LSCC therapy.

Baicalin Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Lung Injury by Inhibiting the CysLTs/CysLT1 Signaling Pathway

Objective

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication of radiotherapy for thoracic tumors. This study investigated the alleviating effect of baicalin (BA) on RILI and its possible mechanism.

Methods

RILI model was established by chest irradiation (IR) of C57BL/6 mice for 16 weeks. Different concentrations of BA were administered, and dexamethasone (DXM) was used as a positive control. Then, the lung pathological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining. The levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CysLT, LTC4, and LTE4 were measured by ELISA. The CysLT1 expression was detected by qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Type II AEC cells were pretreated with LTD-4 to establish the RILI cell model and intervened with different concentrations of BA. Then, the collagen I protein level was measured by ELISA. The CysLT1 and α-SMA expression were detected by qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot.

Results

BA could effectively improve lung histopathological changes and pulmonary fibrosis. In vivo, BA could inhibit the levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and reduce the levels of CysLT, LTC4, and LTE4. In vitro, different concentrations of LTD4 could reduce the viability of type II AEC cells, which could be reversed by the administration of different concentrations of BA. In addition, BA could reduce CysLT1 mRNA, as well as CysLT1 and α-SMA protein levels in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

BA attenuated lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the CysLTs/CysLT1 pathway, thereby protecting against RILI.

A study of the therapeutic mechanism of Jakyakgamcho-Tang about functional dyspepsia through network pharmacology research

Herbal medicines have traditionally been used as an effective digestive medicine. However, compared to the effectiveness of Herbal medicines, the treatment mechanism has not been fully identified. To solve this problem, a system-level treatment mechanism of Jakyakgamcho-Tang (JGT), which is used for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), was identified through a network pharmacology study. The two components, paeoniae radix alba and licorice constituting JGT were analyzed based on broad information on chemical and pharmacological properties, confirming 84 active chemical compounds and 84 FD-related targets. The JGT target confirmed the relationship with the regulation of various biological movements as follows: cellular behaviors of muscle and cytokine, calcium ion concentration and homeostasis, calcium- and cytokine-mediated signalings, drug, inflammatory response, neuronal cells, oxidative stress and response to chemical. And the target is enriched in variety FD-related signaling as follows: MAPK, Toll-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, PI3K-Akt, Apoptosis and TNF signaling pathway. These data give a new approach to identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the digestive effect of JGT.