Protective effects of astragaloside IV against ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation are regulated/mediated by T-bet/GATA-3

Astragaloside IV targeting autophagy of T cells improves inflammation of asthma

Astragaloside IV (AST) has been confirmed to have antiasthmatic effects. However, the underline mechanism is unclear. The study aimed to explore the treatment mechanism of AST based on autophagy of memory T cells. AST treatment significantly decreased the number of T effector cells in asthma mice blood and the nude mice that received AST-treated TCMs had relieved inflammation compared with the untreated group; meanwhile, we found that AST significantly decreased the autophagy level and inhibited OX40/OX40L signal pathway of lymphocytes. The results highlighted that AST regulated autophagy to inhibit differentiation of effector T-cell phenotype.

Research progress on the mechanism of astragaloside IV in the treatment of asthma

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease, and its treatment is a core problem and challenge in clinical practice. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the first-line therapy for the treatment of asthma. Local and systemic adverse reactions caused by GCs create obstacles to the treatment of asthma. Therefore, the research target is to find a new, safe, and effective therapeutic medicine at present. Natural products are an important source for treating asthma with low cost and low toxicity. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mongholicus Bunge. Previous studies have indicated that AS-IV plays a therapeutic role in the treatment of asthma by inhibiting airway inflammation and remodeling the airway, and by regulating immunity and neuroendocrine function (Fig. 1) . It has a variety of biological characteristics such as multi-target intervention, high safety, and good curative effect. This article reviews the specific mechanism of AS-IV for the treatment of asthma to provide references for subsequent research.

Janus kinase/signal transducers and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and its role in Lung inflammatory disease

A key signaling channel for the signal transduction of several crucial cytokines implicated in sepsis is the JAK/STAT system. Once cytokines attach to the proper receptors, JAK kinases linked to them are activated and can selectively phosphorylate STATs. Activated STATs subsequently go to the nucleus, where they play a key role in the transcription of the target genes. Various biological activities use the JAK/STAT pathway, including hematopoiesis, immunological modulation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. Inflammatory lung illnesses affect people worldwide and are a serious public health concern. Numerous common respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory distress syndrome, are strongly influenced by inflammation. Microorganism infections or the destruction or demise of host cells are the causes of inflammation and the factors that perpetuate it. This review discusses the main elements of severe lung inflammation and how the JAK/STAT signaling pathway is essential for lung inflammation.

Astragaloside IV suppresses inflammatory response via suppression of NF-κB, and MAPK signalling in human bronchial epithelial cells

CONTEXT

Astragaloside IV isolated from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), which was reported to have anti-tumor, anti-asthma, and suppressed cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether astragaloside IV reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in BEAS-2B cells.

METHODS

BEAS-2B cells treated with astragaloside IV, and then stimulated with TNF-α or TNF-α/IL-4. The levels of cytokine and chemokine were analysed with ELISA and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Astragaloside IV significantly inhibited the levels of CCL5, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-8. Astragaloside IV also reduced ICAM-1 expression for blocked THP-1 monocyte adhesion to BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, astragaloside IV attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPK, and reduced the translocation of p65 into the nucleus. Astragaloside IV could increase the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 for promoting the oxidant protective effect.

CONCLUSION

Aastragaloside IV has an anti-inflammatory and oxidative effect via regulated NF-κB, MAPK and HO-1/Nrf2 signalling pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Topical Dosage Formulation of Lyophilized Philadelphus coronarius L. Leaf and Flower: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Assessment of the Plant

Philadelphus coronarius is a versatile plant and its use in folk medicine has a long tradition; however, scientifically, the medical utilization of the herb is a less explored research field. The aim of our study was to identify and determine the quantity of the bioactive compounds of both the leaf and the flower and prepare a lyophilized product of them, from which medical ointments were formulated, since the topical application of P. coronarius has also not been studied. In vitro drug release, texture analysis and biocompatibility experiments were carried out, as well as the investigation of microbiological, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to our results the composition and the selected excipients of the ointments have a great impact on the drug release, texture and bioavailability of the preparation. During the microbiological testing, the P. coronarius leaf was effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but it did not significantly decrease IL-4 production when it was tested on HaCaT cells. P. coronarius is a promising herb, and its topical application in antimicrobial therapy can be a useful addition to modern medical therapy.

Active ingredients from Chinese medicine plants as therapeutic strategies for asthma: Overview and challenges

Although considerable advance has been made in diagnosing and treating, asthma is still a serious public health challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective therapy of complementary and alternative medicine. More and more scientific evidences support the use of TCM for asthma treatment, and active ingredients from Chinese medicine plants are becoming a hot issue.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the frontier knowledge on the function and underlying mechanisms of the active ingredients in asthma treatments and provide a fully integrated, reliable reference for exploring innovative treatments for asthma.

METHODS

The cited literature was obtained from the PubMed and CNIK databases (up to September 2020). Experimental studies on the active ingredients of Chinese medicine and their therapeutic mechanisms were identified. The key words used in the literature retrieval were "asthma" and "traditional Chinese medicine" or "Chinese herbal medicine". The literature on the active ingredients was then screened manually.

RESULTS

We summarized the effect of these active ingredients on asthma, primarily including the effect through which these ingredients can regulate the immunologic equilibrium mechanism by acting on a number of signalling pathways, such as Notch, JAK-STAT-MAPK, adiponectin-iNOS-NF-κB, PGD2-CRTH2, PI3K/AKT, Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1, T-bet/Gata-3 and Foxp3-RORγt, thereby regulating the progression of asthma.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients from Chinese medicine have multilevel effects on asthma by regulating the immunologic equilibrium mechanism or signalling pathways, giving them great clinical value. However, the safety and functional mechanism of these ingredients still must be further determined.

Cycloastragenol protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteogenic differentiation inhibition by activating telomerase

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) that is mainly featured as low bone density and increased risk of fracture is prone to occur with the administration of excessive glucocorticoids. Cycloastragenol (CAG) has been verified to be a small molecule that activates telomerase. Studied showed that up-regulated telomerase was associated with promoting osteogeneic differentiation, so we explored whether CAG could promote osteogenic differentiation to protect against GIOP and telomerase would be the target that CAG exerted its function. Our results demonstrated that CAG prominently increased the ALP activity, mineralization, mRNA of runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, collagen type I in both MC3T3-E1 cells and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. CAG up-regulated telomerase reverse transcriptase and the protective effect of CAG was blocked by telomerase inhibitor TMPyP4. Moreover, CAG improved bone mineralization in DEX-induced bone damage in a zebrafish larvea model. Therefore, the study showed that CAG could alleviate the osteogenic differentiation inhibition induced by DEX in vitro and in vivo, and CAG might be considered as a candidate drug for the treatment of GIOP.

Efficacy of Shenqi Pollen Capsules for High-Altitude Deacclimatization Syndrome via Suppression of the Reoxygenation Injury and Inflammatory Response

High-altitude deacclimatization syndrome (HADAS) is involved in hypoxia-reoxygenation injury and inflammatory response, induced a series of symptoms, and has emerged as a severe public health issue. Here, we investigated the mechanism as well as potential means to prevent HADAS using Shenqi pollen capsules (SPCs) in subjects with HADAS in a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. All subjects were at the same high altitude (3650 m) for 4-8 months before returning to lower altitudes. Subjects (n = 288) in 20 clusters were diagnosed with mild or moderate HADAS on the third day of the study. We randomly allocated 20 clusters of subjects (1 : 1) to receive SPCs or a placebo for 7 weeks, and they were then followed up to the 14^th week. The primary endpoints were subjects' HADAS scores recorded during the 14 weeks of follow-up. Compared with the placebo, SPC treatment significantly decreased the subjects' HADAS scores and reduced the incidence of symptom persistence. SPC therapy also reduced the serum levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH, IL-17A, TNF-α, and miR-155 and elevated IL-10 and miR-21 levels. We thus demonstrate that SPCs effectively ameliorated HADAS symptoms in these subjects via suppression of the hypoxia-reoxygenation injury and inflammatory response.

Advanced Molecular Knowledge of Therapeutic Drugs and Natural Products Focusing on Inflammatory Cytokines in Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory disease worldwide. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune system and the inflammatory response to asthma. Abnormal cytokine expression may lead to the development of asthma, which may contribute to pathologies of this disease. As cytokines exhibit pleiotropy and redundancy characteristics, we summarized them according to their biologic activity in asthma development. We classified cytokines in three stages as follows: Group 1 cytokines for the epithelial environment stage, Group 2 cytokines for the Th2 polarization stage, and Group 3 cytokines for the tissue damage stage. The recent cytokine-targeting therapy for clinical use (anti-cytokine antibody/anti-cytokine receptor antibody) and traditional medicinal herbs (pure compounds, single herb, or natural formula) have been discussed in this review. Studies of the Group 2 anti-cytokine/anti-cytokine receptor therapies are more prominent than the studies of the other two groups. Anti-cytokine antibodies/anti-cytokine receptor antibodies for clinical use can be applied for patients who did not respond to standard treatments. For traditional medicinal herbs, anti-asthmatic bioactive compounds derived from medicinal herbs can be divided into five classes: alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, and terpenoids. However, the exact pathways targeted by these natural compounds need to be clarified. Using relevant knowledge to develop more comprehensive strategies may provide appropriate treatment for patients with asthma in the future.

The effect of astragaloside IV on JAK2-STAT6 signalling pathway in mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease of the airway; the incidence and prevalence of asthma remain high worldwide. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the main active constituent of Astragalus membranaceus. Accumulating evidence suggests that AS-IV possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic ability, but the potential molecular mechanism is required to further clarify. In this study, the anti-asthmatic effects of AS-IV on mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation were analysed. We analysed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), numbers of inflammatory cells, inflammation situation in lung tissue and cytokines level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) between OVA-induced mice with and without AS-IV treatment. Moreover, we explored the possible signalling pathway behind the anti-asthmatic effects. Our results revealed that AS-IV treatment ameliorates airway inflammation and AHR in an OVA-induced asthma model. Besides, AS-IV treatment inhibits the interleukin (IL)-4, -5 and -13 production, and further study indicated that AS-IV treatment downregulates the expression level of p-JAK2/p-STAT6 proteins. Taken together, the present study suggested that the inhibitory effects of AS-IV on asthma therapy are at least partially involved in inhibiting the JAK2/STAT6 signalling pathway.

Protective effects of astragaloside IV on IL-8-treated diaphragmatic muscle cells

The diaphragmatic fatigue that results from airflow obstruction is associated with the severe morbidity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities in various cell types. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of AS-IV in diaphragmatic muscle cells. Diaphragmatic muscle cells extracted from neonatal rats were treated with a series of AS-IV concentrations (5, 10 or 20 mg/l) and the AKT inhibitor GSK690693 in the presence of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Cell proliferation and AKT phosphorylation were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 and western blot assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. Caspase activity and concentrations of proinflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and IL-8) were assessed using a caspase colorimetric assay and ELISA, respectively. IL-8 treatment resulted in decreased rates of cell proliferation and increased rates of AKT phosphorylation, cell apoptosis, caspase 3/9 activity, ROS production and proinflammatory factor production. AS-IV and GSK690693 treatment reversed the effects of IL-8. The effects of AS-IV were dose-dependent. The present results suggested that AS-IV is a candidate for the treatment of diaphragmatic fatigue due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity.

Involvement of T-Helper 9 Activation in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis

Background

We aimed to investigate the role of T-Helper (TH) 9 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice.

Material/Methods

An AR model was produced in BALB/c mice, and the viral encoding interleukin (IL)-9 silencing sequence was used to reduce IL-9 expression. The experiment was divided into a control group, an AR group, an IL-9 shRNA+AR group, and a vector+AR group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect pathological changes. The cytokine expression was detected by ELISA method. Cellular typing was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

Cells in the control group were regularly arranged, with clear layers and no congestion, edema, or necrosis observable. By contrast, in the AR model group and the vector treatment group, nasal mucosa showed clear hyperemia and edema in upper tissues and infiltration of inflammatory cells, which were ameliorated by IL-9 silencing. Compared with the control group, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was significantly down-regulated, while IL-4, IL-17, and IL-9 were significantly elevated in the AR model group. TH1 cells in nasal mucosa, lymph, nasal lavage, spleen, and peripheral blood were significantly reduced, while TH2, TH9, TH17, and Treg cells were significantly elevated in the AR group compared with the control group. Importantly, all these changes in AR model were ameliorated by IL-9 silencing.

Conclusions

AR is related to the changes of cytokines in TH1, TH2, TH9, TH17, and Treg, which are improved by IL-9 silencing. Activation of TH9 cells is involved in the pathogenesis of AR.

Astragaloside IV attenuates penicillin-induced epilepsy via inhibiting activation of the MAPK signaling pathway

Astrocytes perform several functions in the brain and spinal cord. Penicillin is commonly used for establishment of experimental epilepsy models. Previous studies have demonstrated that astragaloside IV (3-o-β-d-xylopyranosyl-6-o-β-d-glucopyranosyl-cycloastragenol; AS‑IV) has comprehensive pharmacological functions on the attenuation of inflammation. In the present study, primary astrocyte cell cultures were divided into three groups: Control group, penicillin (2,500 µM) treatment group (epilepsy model), and penicillin+AS‑IV (20, 40, 80 and 160 µmol/l) treatment group. The expression levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin‑1β and tumor necrosis factor‑α, were determined in the groups using western blot and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. The levels of members of the phosphorylated‑mitogen‑activated protein kinase (p‑MAPK) family, including p‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase 1/2, p‑extracellular signal‑regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p‑p38, were determined using western blot analysis. Cell viability of the astrocytes was detected using a 3‑(4,5‑dimethyl‑2‑thiazolyl)‑2,5‑diphenyl‑2‑H‑tetrazolium bromide assay and cell proliferation was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. The results revealed that AS‑IV significantly suppressed the expression of penicillin‑induced inflammatory factors in the astrocytes at the transcriptional and translational levels, and occurred in a dose‑dependent manner. The penicillin‑induced increase in the protein levels of the the p‑MAPK family were notably decreased by AS‑IV. In addition, the penicillin‑induced downregulation of primary astrocyte viability/cell proliferation was significantly reversed by the administration of AS‑IV. From these results, it was concluded that AS‑IV suppressed the penicillin‑induced upregulation of inflammatory factors and p‑MAPK in astrocytes, ultimately attenuating epilepsy.

Neuroprotective effects of astragaloside IV on Parkinson disease models of mice and primary astrocytes

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Inflammation and neural degeneration are implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has been verified to attenuate inflammation. The current study aimed to investigate the role of AS-IV in PD and the possible molecular mechanisms. Pole, traction and swim tests were performed to examine the effects of AS-IV on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-generated behavioral deficiencies in vivo. Meanwhile, as for in vitro experiments, the influence of AS-IV on cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the effects of AS-IV on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridnium ion (MPP+)-induced cell viability changes were tested using MTT assays, cell apoptosis rates were assessed using an Annexin-V Fluorescein isothiocyanate kit, and the expression levels of phosphorylated-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and caspase-3 activity were assessed using western blot analysis. Behavioral tests showed that pretreatment of AS-IV significantly alleviated MPTP-generated behavioral deficiencies in vivo. Meanwhile, AS-IV remarkably rescued MPP+-induced cell viability reduction, increase in cell apoptosis rate, and upregulation of p-JNK, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity in vitro. In conclusion, AS-IV may be a promising neuroprotective agent for PD.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunostimulatory Activities of Astragalosides

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge (Huang-Qi) is a well-known herbal medicine with tonic property and has been widely used to treat cancer and other immune disorders in China and Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Accumulating evidence suggests that Huang-Qi possesses both immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory/immune-regulatory effects clinically, leaving the mechanism elusive. Recently, we discovered that Astragaloside (ASI), a major active component of Huang-Qi, is able to increase CD45 phosphatase activity. In this paper, we reviewed the recent progress of ASIs in immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, including the induction of T-cell activation, regulation of effector/regulatory T-cell balance, enhancement of CD45 phosphatase activity, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and, NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway. Finally, we hypothesized that inducing interferon-[Formula: see text] (IFN-[Formula: see text]) activity by activating CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) may be involved in the protective role of ASI in two contrary immune-associated diseases. These pharmacological properties highlight the traditional uses of Astragalus and provide a new direction for subsequent research and the clinical application of this traditional herbal.

Protective effects of astragaloside IV against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis are mediated by T-box protein expressed in T cells/GATA-3 and forkhead box protein 3/retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt

3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-cycloastragenol, or Astragaloside IV (AST), is one of the major active ingredients isolated from Astragalus membranaceous with distinct pharmacological effects, and possesses anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and antifibrotic properties. However, the effects of AST on allergic rhinitis remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to examine the effects of AST on immunoglobulin (Ig) E‑mediated allergic reactions in vivo, by using a mouse model of allergic rhinitis established via repetitive sensitization and intranasal challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). Intragastric administration of AST (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (DEX; 3 mg/kg) significantly alleviated the inflammatory response, nasal symptoms and mucosa remodeling, and decreased the serum levels of OVA‑specific IgE in allergic mice. Furthermore, treatment with AST or DEX significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of the transcription factor GATA‑3 and retinoic acid receptor‑related orphan nuclear receptor (ROR)γt in tissue samples isolated from the spleen and nasal mucosa of mice with allergic rhinitis. Conversely, mRNA and protein expression levels of T‑box protein expressed in T cells (T‑bet) and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) were upregulated in the spleen and nasal mucosa of mice with allergic rhinitis following treatment with AST or DEX, and spleen protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 followed a similar trend. In addition, treatment with AST was associated with fewer adverse events compared with treatment with DEX. The present results suggested that treatment with AST may attenuate OVA‑induced allergic rhinitis via regulating the expression of the transcription factors GATA‑3, RORγt, T‑bet and Foxp3, which commit T helper cells to the Th1 phenotype. Therefore, AST may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis.

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Down-Regulating Cytokines, CCR5 and p-ERK, and Elevating Anti-Oxidative Ability

Background

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has been shown to prevent ischemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rat models of ischemia and reperfusion. However, the effects of AS-IV on AKI during sepsis and endotoxinemia is unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of AS-IV on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI.

Material/Methods

Adult male CD-1 mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n=8/group): control group: mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with normal saline; LPS group (10 mg/kg, i.p.); low-dose AS-IV (25 mg/kg; gavage for 7 days) + LPS (i.p., 1 hour after last gavage) group; medial-dose AS-IV (50 mg/kg) + LPS group; high-dose AS-IV (100 mg/kg) + LPS group; high-dose AS-IV alone (100 mg/kg; gavage for 7 days) group. Blood samples were collected at 24 hours after LPS injection, and plasma uric acid and BUN were measured with colorimetric detection kits. The concentration of plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin 1β, renal p-extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and urinary albumin were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of CCR5 in renal tissue was evaluated by PCR and Western blotting. Concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in renal tissue were also measured.

Results

AS-IV decreased LPS-stimulated production of blood TNF-α and IL-6, LPS-induced the expression of CCR5, and activation of ERK in the kidneys in a rodent model of endotoxinemia. AS-IV attenuated LPS-caused decreased GSH and increased ROS. It also attenuated LPS-induced increases in plasma uric acid, BUN, and urinary albumin.

Conclusions

AS-IV protects against AKI during bacterial endotoxinemia by attenuating expression of cytokines, CCR5, and p-ERK, and elevating anti-oxidative ability.

Astragaloside IV attenuates inflammatory reaction via activating immune function of regulatory T-cells inhibited by HMGB1 in mice

CONTEXT

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a highly abundant protein that can promote the pathogenesis of inflammatory. Some experiments have demonstrated a vital role for HMGB1 to modulate the immune function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Astragaloside IV (AST IV), an extract from Astragalus membranaceus Moench (Leguminosae), has been shown to exert potent cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. It is still unclear whether AST IV has a latent effect on the proinflammatory ability of HMGB1 with subsequent activation of Tregs in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

This research explores the antagonism of different doses of AST IV on the immunologic function of Tregs mediated by HMGB1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse models (BALB/c) were constructed by which normal saline or AST IV was administered i.p. at 2, 4 and 6 days after the administration i.p. of 20 μg recombinate HMGB1. Spleen was used to procure Treg and CD4 ⁺ CD25^- T-cells which were co-cultured with Treg. Cell phenotypes of Tregs(Foxp3) were examined, and the cytokine levels in supernatants and the proliferation of T-cells were assayed. Gene expression was measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

(1) The expression levels of Foxp3 in Treg on post-stimulus days (PSD) 1-7 were significantly decreased in the HMGB1 group in comparison to those in the control group mice (p < 0.01). The Foxp3 expression was markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner in the AST group as compared with those in the HMGB1 group (p < 0.0 1-0.05). The same results were found in the contents of cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) released into supernatants by Treg. (2) When CD4 ⁺ CD25^- T-cells were co-cultured with Treg stimulated by HMGB1, the cell proliferation and the levels of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) in supernatant were markedly increased as compared with those in the HMGB1 group. The level of IL-4 was markedly decreased as compared with that in the HMGB1 group. The same results were found when CD4 ⁺ CD25^- T-cells were co-cultured with Treg in the NS group. Compared with those in the NS group, the contrary results were shown in a dose-dependent manner in the AST group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results showed that AST IV has a therapeutic effect on inflammation promoted by HMGB1, and it should be studied as a new drug for the treatment of sepsis.

Macrolactins from Marine-Derived Bacillus subtilis B5 Bacteria as Inhibitors of Inducible Nitric Oxide and Cytokines Expression

In order to find new natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, chemical investigation of a 3000-meter deep-sea sediment derived bacteria Bacillus subtilis B5 was carried out. A new macrolactin derivative was isolated and identified as 7,13-epoxyl-macrolactin A (1). Owing to the existence of the epoxy ring, 1 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of inducible nitric oxide and cytokines, compared with previously isolated known macrolactins (2-5). Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis showed that the new compound significantly inhibited the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated that the new compound reduced the mRNA expression level of IL-1β in a concentration-dependent manner.

Herbal Medicines for Asthmatic Inflammation: From Basic Researches to Clinical Applications

Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders, associated with reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. This disease has a significant impact on individuals, their families, and society. Standardized therapeutics such as inhaled corticosteroid in combination with long acting β2 agonist have been applied for asthma control; however, complementary and alternative medicines, especially herbal medicines, are still widely used all over the world. A growing body of literature suggests that various herbals or related products might be effective in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. In this review, we summarize recent advances about the mechanistic studies of herbal medicines on allergic airway inflammation in animal models and their potential application into clinic for asthma control.

Association of rat thoracic aorta dilatation by astragaloside IV with the generation of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors and nitric oxide, and the blockade of Ca2+ channels

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the roles of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs) and nitric oxide (NO) in mediating the vasodilatation response to astragaloside IV and the effects of astragaloside IV on voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels and receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channels in rat thoracic aortic rings precontracted with potassium chloride (KCl; 60 mM) or phenylephrine (PHE; 1 µM). The results showed that astragaloside IV (1×10⁻⁴-3×10⁻¹ g/l) concentration-dependently relaxed the contraction induced by KCl (10–90 mM) or PHE (1×10⁻⁹-3×10⁻⁵ µM) and inhibited concentration-contraction curves for the two vasoconstrictors in the aortic rings. Preincubation with N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 µM) significantly attenuated astragaloside IV-induced relaxation in the endothelium-intact and -denuded arterial rings precontracted with PHE. Astragaloside IV, following preincubation with L-NAME (100 µM) plus indomethacin (10 µM), exerted vasodilatation, which was depressed by tetraethtylamine (1 mM) and propargylglycine (100 µM), but not by carbenoxolone (10 µM), catalase (500 U/ml) or proadifen hydrochloride (10 µM). The action mode of astragaloside IV was evident in comparison to nifedipine. Inhibition of PHE-induced contraction by astragaloside IV (100 mg/l) was more potent compared to inhibition of KCl-induced contraction, while inhibition of KCl-induced contraction by nifedipine (100 mg/l) was more potent compared to inhibition of PHE-induced contraction by nifedipine (100 mg/l). In addition, the combination of astragaloside IV and nifedipine exhibited synergistic and additive inhibitory effects on contraction evoked by KCl, which was similar to PHE. In conclusion, astragaloside IV, as a Ca²⁺ antagonist, relaxes the vessels through the blockade of superior receptor-operated Ca²⁺ and inferior voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, which modulate NO from vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, and EDHFs including K⁺ and hydrogen sulfide.

Astragalus injection attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via down-regulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lungs

OBJECTIVES

Inhibition of Notch signalling is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate the antifibrosis effects and possible mechanism of astragalus injection (AI) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

METHODS

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg) in male SD rats. All rats received daily intraperitoneally administration of dexamethasone (DEX, 3 mg/kg), astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) or saline 1 day after bleomycin instillation daily for 28 days. Histological changes in the lung were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle protein (α-SMA) was assayed by immunohistochemical (IHC). The mRNA and protein level of Jagged1, Notch1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was analysed by qPCR and Western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

BLM-induced severe alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis; together with significant elevation of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1. Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) administration notably attenuated the degree of alveolitis and lung fibrosis, and markedly reduced the elevated levels of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1 in lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) may exert protective effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via downregulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lung.

Recent Advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Kidney Disease

Because current treatment options for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited, many patients seek out alternative therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is a lack of evidence from large clinical trials to support the use of traditional medicines in patients with CKD. Many active components of traditional medicine formulas are undetermined and their toxicities are unknown. Therefore, there is a need for research to identify active compounds from traditional medicines and understand the mechanisms of action of these compounds, as well as their potential toxicity, and subsequently perform well-designed, randomized, controlled, clinical trials to study the efficacy and safety of their use in patients with CKD. Significant progress has been made in this field within the last several years. Many active compounds have been identified by applying sophisticated techniques such as mass spectrometry, and more mechanistic studies of these compounds have been performed using both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, several well-designed, large, randomized, clinical trials have recently been published. We summarize these recent advances in the field of traditional medicines as they apply to CKD. In addition, current barriers for further research are also discussed. Due to the ongoing research in this field, we believe that stronger evidence to support the use of traditional medicines for CKD will emerge in the near future.