Isatis indigotica induces hepatocellular cancer cell death via caspase-independent apoptosis-inducing factor translocation apoptotic pathway in vitro and in vivo

Effects of dietary supplementation with Radix Isatidis polysaccharide on egg quality, immune function, and intestinal health in hens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing laying hen diets with Radix Isatidis Polysaccharide (RIPS) on egg quality, immune function, and intestinal health. The research was conducted using 288 Hyland Brown hens, which were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control (without RIPS), low dose (200 g/t), medium dose (500 g/t), and high dose (1000 g/t) of RIPS. Each dietary treatment was administered to eight replicates of nine hens for nine weeks. The results revealed that RIPS inclusion in diets significantly improved egg quality parameters such as egg shape index, yolk color, haugh unit, and protein height (P < 0.05). Additionally, RIPS supplementation enhanced immune function as evidenced by an alteration in serum biochemical parameters, an increase in the spleen index, and a decrease in the liver index. Further, an evaluation of intestinal health showed that RIPS fortified the intestinal barrier, thus increasing the population of beneficial intestinal bacteria and reducing the abundance of harmful ones. Such mechanisms promoted intestinal health, digestion, and nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to enhanced egg quality. In conclusion, supplementing laying hen diets with RIPS has been demonstrated to improve egg quality by boosting immunity and optimizing intestinal digestion and absorption.

Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Studies Predict Potential Anti-ADAR2 Inhibitors: Implications for the Treatment of Cancer, Neurological, Immunological and Infectious Diseases

Altered RNA editing has been linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability, in addition to depression, schizophrenia, some cancers, viral infections and autoimmune disorders. The human ADAR2 is a potential therapeutic target for managing these various disorders due to its crucial role in adenosine to inosine editing. This study applied consensus scoring to rank potential ADAR2 inhibitors after performing molecular docking with AutoDock Vina and Glide (Maestro), using a library of 35,161 compounds obtained from traditional Chinese medicine. A total of 47 compounds were predicted to be good binders of the human ADAR2 and had insignificant toxicity concerns. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, including the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) procedure, also emphasized the binding of the shortlisted compounds. The potential compounds had plausible binding free energies ranging from −81.304 to −1068.26 kJ/mol from the MM/PBSA calculations. ZINC000085511995, a naphthoquinone had more negative binding free energy (−1068.26 kJ/mol) than inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP) [−873.873 kJ/mol], an agonist and a strong binder of ADAR2. The potential displacement of IHP by ZINC000085511995 in the IHP binding site of ADAR2 could be explored for possible deactivation of ADAR2. Bayesian-based biological activity prediction corroborates the neuropharmacological, antineoplastic and antiviral activity of the potential lead compounds. All the potential lead compounds, except ZINC000014612330 and ZINC000013462928, were predicted to be inhibitors of various deaminases. The potential lead compounds also had probability of activity (Pa) > 0.442 and probability of inactivity (Pi) < 0.116 values for treating acute neurologic disorders, except for ZINC000085996580 and ZINC000013462928. Pursuing these compounds for their anti-ADAR2 activities holds a promising future, especially against neurological disorders, some cancers and viral infections caused by RNA viruses. Molecular interaction, hydrogen bond and per-residue decomposition analyses predicted Arg400, Arg401, Lys519, Trp687, Glu689, and Lys690 as hot-spot residues in the ADAR2 IHP binding site. Most of the top compounds were observed to have naphthoquinone, indole, furanocoumarin or benzofuran moieties. Serotonin and tryptophan, which are beneficial in digestive regulation, improving sleep cycle and mood, are indole derivatives. These chemical series may have the potential to treat neurological disorders, prion diseases, some cancers, specific viral infections, metabolic disorders and eating disorders through the disruption of ADAR2 pathways. A total of nine potential lead compounds were shortlisted as plausible modulators of ADAR2.

Design, synthesis, and cytotoxic activities of isaindigotone derivatives as potential anti-gastric cancer agents

A series of novel derivatives of isaindigotone, which comes from the root of isaits indinatca Fort, were synthesised (Compound 1-26). Four human gastrointestinal cancer cells (HCT116, PANC-1, SMMC-7721, and AGS) were employed to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity. Among them, Compound 6 displayed the most effective inhibitory activity on AGS cells with an IC₅₀ (50% inhibitory concentration) value of 2.2 μM. The potential mechanism study suggested that Compound 6 induced apoptosis in AGS cells. The collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in AGS cells was proved. In docking analysis, good affinity interaction between Compound 6 and AKT1 was discovered. Treatment of AGS cells with Compound 6 also resulted in significant suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. The collapse of MMP and suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway may be responsible for induction of apoptosis. This derivative Compound 6 could be useful as an underlying anti-tumour agent for treatment of gastric cancer.

A Systemic Review for Ethnopharmacological Studies on Isatis indigotica Fortune: Bioactive Compounds and their Therapeutic Insights

Isatis indigotica Fortune is a biennial Chinese woad of the Cruciferae family. It is primarily cultivated in China, where it was a staple in indigo dye manufacture till the end of the 17th century. Today, I. indigotica is used primarily as a therapeutic herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The medicinal use of the plant is separated into its leaves (Da-Qing-Ye) and roots (Ban-Lan-Gen), whereas its aerial components can be processed into a dried bluish-spruce powder (Qing-Dai), following dehydration for long-term preservation. Over the past several decades, I. indigotica has been generally utilized for its heat-clearing effects and bodily detoxification in TCM, attributed to the presence of several classes of bioactive compounds, including organic acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, as well as lignans, anthraquinones, glucosides, glucosinolates, sphingolipids, tetrapyrroles, and polysaccharides. This paper aims to delineate I. indigotica from its closely-related species (Isatis tinctoria and Isatis glauca) while highlighting the ethnomedicinal uses of I. indigotica from the perspectives of modern and traditional medicine. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PMC, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was done for articles on all aspects of the plant, emphasizing those analyzing the bioactivity of constituents of the plant. The various key bioactive compounds of I. indigotica that have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-allergic properties, along with the protective effects against neuronal injury and bone fracture, will be discussed. Collectively, the review hopes to draw attention to the therapeutic potential of I. indigotica not only as a TCM, but also as a potential source of bioactive compounds for disease management and treatment.

Investigations on Anticancer Potentials by DNA Binding and Cytotoxicity Studies for Newly Synthesized and Characterized Imidazolidine and Thiazolidine-Based Isatin Derivatives

Imidazolidine and thiazolidine-based isatin derivatives (IST-01-04) were synthesized, characterized, and tested for their interactions with ds-DNA. Theoretical and experimental findings showed good compatibility and indicated compound-DNA binding by mixed mode of interactions. The evaluated binding parameters, i.e., binding constant (Kb), free energy change (ΔG), and binding site sizes (n), inferred comparatively greater and more spontaneous binding interactions of IST-02 and then IST-04 with the DNA, among all compounds tested under physiological pH and temperature (7.4, 37 °C). The cytotoxic activity of all compounds was assessed against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), and HuH-7 (liver carcinoma), as well as normal HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney) cell lines. Among all compounds, IST-02 and 04 were found to be cytotoxic against HuH-7 cell lines with percentage cell toxicity of 75% and 66%, respectively, at 500 ng/µL dosage. Moreover, HEK-293 cells exhibit tolerance to the increasing drug concentration, suggesting these two compounds are less cytotoxic against normal cell lines compared to cancer cell lines. Hence, both DNA binding and cytotoxicity studies proved imidazolidine (IST-02) and thiazolidine (IST-04)-based isatin derivatives as potent anticancer drug candidates among which imidazolidine (IST-02) is comparatively the more promising.

MTHFR Knockdown Assists Cell Defense against Folate Depletion Induced Chromosome Segregation and Uracil Misincorporation in DNA

Folate depletion causes chromosomal instability by increasing DNA strand breakage, uracil misincorporation, and defective repair. Folate mediated one-carbon metabolism has been suggested to play a key role in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through influencing DNA integrity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the enzyme catalyzing the irreversible conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate that can control folate cofactor distributions and modulate the partitioning of intracellular one-carbon moieties. The association between MTHFR polymorphisms and HCC risk is inconsistent and remains controversial in populational studies. We aimed to establish an in vitro cell model of liver origin to elucidate the interactions between MTHFR function, folate status, and chromosome stability. In the present study, we (1) examined MTHFR expression in HCC patients; (2) established cell models of liver origin with stabilized inhibition of MTHFR using small hairpin RNA delivered by a lentiviral vector, and (3) investigated the impacts of reduced MTHFR and folate status on cell cycle, methyl group homeostasis, nucleotide biosynthesis, and DNA stability, all of which are pathways involved in DNA integrity and repair and are critical in human tumorigenesis. By analyzing the TCGA/GTEx datasets available within GEPIA2, we discovered that HCC cancer patients with higher MTHFR had a worse survival rate. The shRNA of MTHFR (shMTHFR) resulted in decreased MTHFR gene expression, MTHFR protein, and enzymatic activity in human hepatoma cell HepG2. shMTHFR tended to decrease intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) contents but folate depletion similarly decreased SAM in wildtype (WT), negative control (Neg), and shMTHFR cells, indicating that in cells of liver origin, shMTHFR does not exacerbate the methyl group supply in folate depletion. shMTHFR caused cell accumulations in the G2/M, and cell population in the G2/M was inversely correlated with MTHFR gene level (r = −0.81, p < 0.0001), MTHFR protein expression (r = −0.8; p = 0.01), and MTHFR enzyme activity (r = −0.842; p = 0.005). Folate depletion resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest in WT and Neg but not in shMTHFR cells, indicating that shMTHFR does not exacerbate folate depletion-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, shMTHFR promoted the expression and translocation of nuclei thymidine synthetic enzyme complex SHMT1/DHFR/TYMS and assisted folate-dependent de novo nucleotide biosynthesis under folate restriction. Finally, shMTHFR promoted nuclear MLH1/p53 expression under folate deficiency and further reduced micronuclei formation and DNA uracil misincorporation under folate deficiency. In conclusion, shMTHFR in HepG2 induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M that may promote nucleotide supply and assist cell defense against folate depletion-induced chromosome segregation and uracil misincorporation in the DNA. This study provided insight into the significant impact of MTHFR function on chromosome stability of hepatic tissues. Data from the present study may shed light on the potential regulatory mechanism by which MTHFR modulates the risk for hepatic malignancies.

Characterization, evaluation of nutritional parameters of Radix isatidis protein and its antioxidant activity in D-galactose induced ageing mice

BACKGROUND

Radix isatidis (Isatis indigotica Fort.) is an ancient medicinal herb, which has been applied to the prevention and treatment of influenza virus since ancient times. In recent years, the antioxidant activity of Radix isatidis has been widely concerned by researchers. Our previous studies have shown that Radix isatidis protein (RIP) has good antioxidant activity in vitro. In this study, the composition of the protein was characterized and its antioxidant activity in vivo was evaluated.

METHODS

The model of oxidative damage in mice was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 7 weeks. Commercially available kits were used to determine the content of protein and several oxidation indexes in different tissues of mice. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and the pathological changes were observed by optical microscope. The molecular weight of RIP was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The amino acid composition of RIP was determined by a non-derivative method developed by our research group.

RESULTS

RIP significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and total antioxidant capability (TAOC) but decreased the MDA level in the serum, kidney and liver. H&E stained sections of liver and kidney revealed D-galactose could cause serious injury and RIP could substantially attenuate the injury. The analysis of SDS-PAGE showed that four bands with molecular weights of 19.2 kDa, 21.5 kDa, 24.8 kDa and 40.0 kDa were the main protein components of RIP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that RIP had excellent antioxidant activity, which could be explored as a health-care product to retard aging and a good source of protein nutrition for human consumption.

MTHFR C677T polymorphism increases MTX sensitivity via the inhibition of S-adenosylmethionine and de novo purine synthesis

Objective: Currently, no guidelines are established for pharmacogenomic testing involving folate metabolic genes in long-term disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs' (DMARD) therapies. We carefully investigated how common genetic variations in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) influence cellular metabolic kinetics in response to methotrexate (MTX). Designs: Two distinct cell models: HepG2 with stabilized MTHFR inhibition using shRNA delivered by a Lentiviral vector; and Epstein-Barr virus transformed human lymphoblasts expressing MTHFR polymorphic allele 677C and 677T were used. Disease activity and DMARD use were compared between MTHFR-677CC, CT and TT rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in a cross-sectional study (n=120). Results: Compared with MTHFR-CC, MTHFR-TT carriers had lower mean weakly MTX dose (9.8 ± 3.3 compared with 12.1 ± 3.5, P<0.05). More MTHFR-TT carriers (8/11, 73%) reported MTX-related side effects compared with MTHFR-677CC (32/57, 56%) and MTHFR-677CT (30/51, 59%). No genotypic difference was found in other DMARDs. At the same dose of MTX, lymphoblasts were more sensitive in cell survival, protein and thymidine syntheses whereas HepG2 models were more susceptible to the inhibition of S-adenosylmethionine (adoMet) synthesis. MTHFR-C677T altered protein turnover and folate mediated 1-carbon metabolic fluxes in lymphoblasts with and without MTX. MTHFR function significantly affected transmethylation fluxes and adoMet homeostasis but not nucleotide biosyntheses in MTX-treated HepG2 cell-lines. Conclusion: Combining cell models, kinetic studies, and genetic tests in humans, the present study gives insight on how MTHFR effects hepatic transmethylation homeostasis during MTX therapy. We provide platforms that help predict the genetic impact on antifolate drugs, and further delineate tissue-specific target pathway in DMARD therapies. We suggest that genetic factors should be taken into account in clinical practice.

[Antiviral activities against influenza virus (FM1) of bioactive fractions and representative compounds extracted from Banlangen (Radix Isatidis)]

Objective

To study the antiviral activities of clemastanin B (CB), epigoitrin, phenylpropanoids portion (PEP) and the mixture of phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and organic acid fractions (PEP + ALK + OA) from Banlangen (Radix Isatidis).

Methods

The experiment consisted of four parts: therapeutic action, prophylaxsis action, inhibition of virus attachment, and direct virucidal action. Cytopathic effect (CPE) and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) were used to assess antiviral activity.

Results

CB, epigoitrin, PEP and PEP + ALK + OA fractions from Banlangen (Radix Isatidis) extract significantly increased the viability of MDCK cells pre-infected with the virus compared with the virus control group in all the dilutions (P < 0.01). Pretreated with either pure compounds or chemical fractions of Banlangen (Radix Isatidis) extract in all the dilutions significantly improved the viability of MDCK cells (P < 0.01). The inhibition of virus absorption to the host cells by CB, epigoitrin and PEP was in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

CB, epigoitrin, PEP and PEP + ALK + OA exert their anti-influenza activity by inhibiting the virus multiplication, prophylaxsis and blocking the virus attachment. The primary mode of action of PEP and PEP + ALK + OA is the inhibition of virus replication. The inhibitory effects on virus attachment and multiplication are the main modes for epigoitrin.

In Silico Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Potential Lead Compounds as SPG7 Inhibitors against Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attack and the leading cause of mortality in the world. It is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased level of reactive oxygen species production. According to the Ottawa Heart Genomics Study genome-wide association study, a recent research identified that Q688 spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) variant is associated with CAD as it bypasses the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of AFG3L2 and enhances the processing and maturation of SPG7 protein. This study aims to identify potential compounds isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) as potential lead compounds for paraplegin (SPG7) inhibitors. For the crystallographic structure of paraplegin, the disordered disposition of key amino acids in the binding site was predicted using the PONDR-Fit protocol before virtual screening. The TCM compounds saussureamine C and 3-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, have potential binding affinities with stable H-bonds and hydrophobic contacts with key residues of paraplegin. A molecular dynamics simulation was performed to validate the stability of the interactions between each candidate and paraplegin under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose these compounds as potential candidates as lead drug from the compounds isolated from TCM for further study in drug development process with paraplegin protein for coronary artery disease.

Modes of Antiviral Action of Chemical Portions and Constituents from Woad Root Extract against Influenza Virus A FM1

Woad root has been used for the prevention of influenza for hundreds of years in many Asian countries. In this study, the antiviral modes of clemastanin B (CB), epigoitrin, phenylpropanoid portion (PEP), and the mixture of phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and organic acid portions (PEP + ALK + OA) from wood root extract against influenza virus A FM1 were investigated. The results revealed that CB, epigoitrin, PEP, and PEP + ALK + OA exert their anti-influenza activity via inhibiting the virus multiplication, prophylaxis, and blocking the virus attachment. The primary mode of action of PEP and PEP + ALK + OA is the inhibition of virus replication. The inhibitory effect on virus attachment and multiplication is the main modes for epigoitrin. All the compounds or chemical portions from woad root extract tested in this study do not have direct virucidal activity. Our results provided the comprehensive analysis of the antiviral mechanism of wood root extract.

Gene-to-metabolite network for biosynthesis of lignans in MeJA-elicited Isatis indigotica hairy root cultures

Root and leaf tissue of Isatis indigotica shows notable anti-viral efficacy, and are widely used as "Banlangen" and "Daqingye" in traditional Chinese medicine. The plants' pharmacological activity is attributed to phenylpropanoids, especially a group of lignan metabolites. However, the biosynthesis of lignans in I. indigotica remains opaque. This study describes the discovery and analysis of biosynthetic genes and AP2/ERF-type transcription factors involved in lignan biosynthesis in I. indigotica. MeJA treatment revealed differential expression of three genes involved in phenylpropanoid backbone biosynthesis (IiPAL, IiC4H, Ii4CL), five genes involved in lignan biosynthesis (IiCAD, IiC3H, IiCCR, IiDIR, and IiPLR), and 112 putative AP2/ERF transcription factors. In addition, four intermediates of lariciresinol biosynthesis were found to be induced. Based on these results, a canonical correlation analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to construct gene-to-metabolite networks and identify putative key genes and rate-limiting reactions in lignan biosynthesis. Over-expression of IiC3H, identified as a key pathway gene, was used for metabolic engineering of I. indigotica hairy roots, and resulted in an increase in lariciresinol production. These findings illustrate the utility of canonical correlation analysis for the discovery and metabolic engineering of key metabolic genes in plants.

Development of a complete set of monosomic alien addition lines between Brassica napus and Isatis indigotica (Chinese woad)

A complete set of monosomic alien addition lines of Brassica napus with one of the seven chromosomes of Isatis indigotica and the recombinant mitochondria was developed and characterized. Monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs) are valuable for elucidating the genome structure and transferring the useful genes and traits in plant breeding. Isatis indigotica (Chinese woad, 2n = 14, II) in Isatideae tribe of Brassicaceae family has been widely cultivated as a medicinal and dye plant in China. Herein, the intertribal somatic hybrid (2n = 52, AACCII) between B. napus cv. Huashuang 3 (2n = 38, AACC) and I. indigotica produced previously was backcrossed recurrently to parental B. napus, and 32 MAAL plants were isolated. Based on their phenotype, 5S and 45S rDNA loci and chromosome-specific SSR markers, these MAALs were classified into seven groups corresponding to potential seven types of MAALs carrying one of the seven I. indigotica chromosomes. One of the MAALs could be distinguishable by expressing the brown anthers of I. indigotica, other two hosted the chromosome with 5S or 45S rDNA locus, but the remaining four were identifiable by SSR markers. The simultaneous detection of the same SSR maker and gene locus in different MAALs revealed the paralogs on the chromosomes involved. The recombinant mitochondrial genome in MAALs was likely related with their male sterility with carpellody stamens, while the MAAL with normal brown anthers probably carried the restoring gene for the male sterility. The complete set of MAALs should be useful for exploiting the I. indigotica genome and for promoting the introgression of valuable genes to B. napus.

Ginsenoside compound K induces apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via activation of apoptosis-inducing factor

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a high incidence rate in Southern China. Although there are conventional therapies, the side effects and toxicities are not always tolerable for patients. Recently, the tumoricidal effect of ginsenosides on different cancer cells has been studied. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effect of ginsenosides on NPC cells and their underlying mechanism.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of ginsenosides on NPC cell line HK-1 was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry. A xenograft tumor model was established by injecting nude mice with HK-1 cells. The activation of caspases and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Nuclear translocation of AIF was also studied by immunofluorescence staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 dye using flow cytometry.

Results

Four ginsenosides, 20 (S)-Rh₂, compound K (CK), panaxadiol (PD) and protopanaxadiol (PPD), induced apoptotic cell death in HK-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CK inhibited HK-1 xenograft tumor growth most extensively and depleted mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and induced translocation of AIF from cytoplasm to nucleus in HK-1 cells. In addition, depletion of AIF by siRNA abolished CK-induced HK-1 cell death.

Conclusion

Ginsenoside CK-induced apoptosis of HK-1 cells was mediated by the mitochondrial pathway and could significantly inhibit tumor growth in vivo.

Paeonol Protects Memory after Ischemic Stroke via Inhibiting β-Secretase and Apoptosis

Poststroke dementia commonly occurs following stroke, with its pathogenesis related to β-amyloid production and apoptosis. The present study evaluate the effects of paeonol, one of the phenolic phytochemicals isolated from the Chinese herb Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (MC), on protection from memory loss after ischemic stroke in the subacute stage. Rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) with 10 min of ischemia. The data revealed that paeonol recovered the step-through latency in the retrieval test seven days after tMCAo, but did not improve the neurological deficit induced by tMCAo. Levels of Amyloid precursor protein (APP)- and beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE; β-secretase)-immunoreactive cells, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells decreased in the paeonol-administered group. Western blotting revealed decreased levels of Bax protein in mitochondria and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in cytosol following paeonol treatment. In conclusion, we speculate that paeonol protected memory after ischemic stroke via reducing APP, BACE, and apoptosis. Supression the level of Bax and blocking the release of AIF into cytosol might participate in the anti-apoptosis provided by paeonol.