Plantamajoside from Plantago asiatica modulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell dysfunction by glyceraldehyde-induced AGEs via MAPK/NF-κB

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 inhibition promotes the effect of plantamajoside in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and, more than half of these cases are diagnosed in China. However, effective treatment for HCC is still limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was first activated and inhibited in HepG2 cells using a pharmacological method. HepG2 cell proliferation was detected using the CCK-8 method. Metastasis and apoptosis of HepG2 cells were detected using wound healing and flow cytometry. The expression of each target molecule related to metastasis and invasion, such as MMPs, E-cadherin and the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway was detected by western blotting. The secretion of molecular metastases was detected using competitive ELISA.

RESULTS

This study constructed a CXCR4 activation and inhibition model in HepG2 cells. CXCR4 inhibition promoted the inhibitory effect of plantamajoside on the proliferation and metastasis of cells, which led to apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was increased after treatment with plantamajoside combined with CXCR4 inhibition. In addition, the expression and secretion of pro-metastatic proteins, including MMPs and E-cadherin were decreased. We also noticed that this effect might be mediated by the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

CXCR4 inhibition may contribute to the treatment of HCC. Inhibition of CXCR4 expression contributes to the therapeutic effect of plantamajoside; the effect of plantamajoside might be mediated by the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway; and CXCR4 might be a therapeutic target of HCC.

Proposed mechanisms of action of herbal drugs and their biologically active constituents in the treatment of coughs: an overview

Various medicinal plants find their use in cough treatment, based on traditions and long-term experience. Pharmacological principles of their action, however, are much less known. Herbal drugs usually contain a mixture of potentially active compounds, which can manifest diverse effects. Expectorant or antitussive effects, which can be accompanied by others, such as anti-inflammatory or antibacterial, are probably the most important in the treatment of coughs. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the effects of medicinal plants or their constituents on cough, based on reliable pharmacological studies. First, a comprehensive description of each effect is provided in order to explain the possible mechanism of action in detail. Next, the results related to individual plants and substances are summarized and critically discussed based on pharmacological in vivo and in vitro investigation.

Plantamajoside modulates immune dysregulation and hepatic lipid metabolism in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via AMPK/Nrf2 elevation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic metabolic syndrome with a rapidly increasing prevalence globally. Plantamajoside (PMS), a phenylethanoid glycoside component extracted from Plantago asiatica, has various biological properties. However, its effect on NAFLD remains unknown. The study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of PMS on NAFLD in the high-fat diet (HFD)-feeding rats. PMS induced a decrease in body and liver weight, and the amelioration in the blood lipid parameters and pathological symptoms in HFD-feeding rats. The increase in the serum concentrations and the relative protein expressions of proinflammatory factors was decreased by the PMS treatment in HFD-induced NAFLD rats. Additionally, PMS reduced the excessive lipid vacuoles, and modified the relative expressions of proteins involved in the fatty acid synthesis and uptake in HFD-feeding rats. Mechanically, the downregulation of AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in HFD-feeding rats was restored by the PMS treatment. Inhibition of AMPK pathway reversed the PMS-induced the increase in the level of inflammatory factors, pathological symptoms, excessive lipid vacuoles, and the relative expression of proteins involved in the fatty acid synthesis and uptake. Collectively, PMS ameliorated immune dysregulation and abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism by activating AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in rats with NAFLD.

XinLi formula, a traditional Chinese decoction, alleviates chronic heart failure via regulating the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1

BACKGROUND

XinLi formula (XLF) is a traditional Chinese medicine used in clinical practice to treat chronic heart failure (CHF) in humans, with remarkable curative effect. However, the mechanism remains unknown.

PURPOSE

The goal of the current investigation was to determine how XLF affected CHF in a rat model of the condition brought on by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and to investigate the underlying mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography. The contents of myocardial enzymes, Ang II, ALD, TGF-β1, and inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA. Myocardial injury and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated by HE and Masson staining. Myocardial edema was assessed by cardiac mass index and transmission electron microscopy. Using Western blot and immunohistochemistry to examining the protein expression of inflammasome, TGF-β1, AGTR1, and AQP1 in the left ventricle. Furthermore, the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1 was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

XLF attenuated myocardial enzymes and myocardial injury, and improved cardiac function in rats with CHF after myocardial infarction. It also reduced Ang II and ALD levels in CHF rats, and suppressed the expression of AGTR1 and TGF-β1, finally alleviated myocardial fibrosis. By mechanism, XLF inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins, reduced the plasma contents of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, XLF inhibited the expression of AQP1 and the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1, alleviating myocardial edema. The common structure of the main chemical constituents of XLF were glycoside compounds with glycosyl.

CONCLUSION

XLF ameliorated CHF, which was evidenced by the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting AGTR1/NLRP3 signal, as well as the attenuation of myocardial edema by suppressing the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1.

Plantamajoside Alleviates Substantia Nigra Damage in Parkinson's Disease Mice by Inhibiting HDAC2/MAPK Signaling and Reducing Microglia Polarization

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by dopaminergic neuron progressive degeneration. Inhibition of microglial activation may contribute to the treatment and prevention of PD. Plantamajoside (PMS) is a natural compound extracted from plantain seeds. It has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, as well as antitumor effects. However, its possible effects on PD are still unclear. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was first injected into the right midbrain substantia nigra (SN) of male C57BL/6 mice to establish the PD mouse model. We found that PMS improved LPS-induced behavioral dysfunction in PD mice. PMS attenuated LPS-induced SN injury in PD mice. PMS could suppress LPS-induced microglial overactivation in PD mice. In addition, MS inhibited LPS-induced activation of the HDAC2/MAPK pathway in PD mice and BV-2 cells. It further revealed that PMS alleviated microglia polarization by inhibiting HDAC2. The limitation of this study was the lack of experiments for investigating the further molecular mechanism and in vivo animal validation, which needs to be further confirmed in the future. Collectively, our data suggested that PMS could serve as a promising drug for PD.

Plantamajoside attenuates cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting AGEs activated-RAGE/autophagy/EndMT pathway

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been identified to transduce fibrogenic signals via inducing the activation of their receptor (RAGE)-mediated pathway. Recently, disrupting AGE-RAGE interaction has become a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic heart failure (CHF). Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is close to the cardiac fibrosis pathological process. Our previous studies have demonstrated that knockout RAGE suppressed the autophagy-mediated EndMT, and thus alleviated cardiac fibrosis. Plantamajoside (PMS) is the major bioactive compound of Plantago Asiatica, and its activity of anti-fibrosis has been documented in many reports. However, its effect on CHF and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Thus, we tried to elucidate the protective role of PMS in CHF from the viewpoint of the AGEs/RAGE/autophagy/EndMT axis. Herein, PMS was found to attenuate cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction, suppress EndMT, reduce autophagy levels and serum levels of AGEs, yet did not affect the expression of RAGE in CHF mice. Mechanically, PMS possibly binds to the V-domain of RAGE, which is similar to the interaction between AGEs and RAGE. Importantly, this competitive binding disturbed AGEs-induced the RAGE-autophagy-EndMT pathway in vitro. Collectively, our results indicated that PMS might exert an anti-cardiac fibrosis effect by specifically binding RAGE to suppress the AGEs-activated RAGE/autophagy/EndMT pathway.

Plantamajoside suppresses the activation of NF-κB and MAPK and ameliorates the development of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative bone and joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration and secondary synovial inflammation. It is a common chronic joint disorder that affects people of all ages (especially the old). Plantamajoside is a phenylpropanoside derived from plantain. It has a variety of biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-malignant cell proliferation, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the latent mechanism of plantamajoside was explored by slowing the in-vivo and in-vitro progression of osteoarthritis. The results revealed that plantamajoside pre-conditioning inhibited IL-1β induced pro-inflammatory factors like COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, plantamajoside also reversed the IL-1 β mediated type II collagen and aggrecan degradation within the extracellular matrix (ECM). The protective effects of plantamajoside have been attributed to the inhibition of both MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, our in-vivo research found that plantamajoside could slow the progression of OA in mice. Finally, all findings point to plantamajoside as a potential anti-OA therapeutic candidate.

Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Prospects of Plantago asiatica L

Plantago asiatica L. has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. According to recent phytochemical and pharmacological research, the active compositions of the plant contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. This article reviews the 87 components of the plant and their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress, in detail. This review provides valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica, as well as its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Healing effect of carboxymethyl chitosan-plantamajoside hydrogel on burn wound skin

BACKGROUND

It is known that hydrogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) have properties controling microbial growth, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, and promoting collagen deposition. Plantamajoside (PMS), a natural Chinese herbal medicine with biological activity, has the properties of reducing inflammation, anti-oxidation, and promoting wound healing. However, the effects of carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel on partial thickness burn wounds remain unclear.

METHODS

The healing effect of carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel was evaluated by in vitro cell viability assay, cell migration assay, and further evaluated in a rat model of partial-thickness burn wounds.

RESULTS

The hydrogels were highly porous with a pore size of about 250 μm, and these pores were interconnected. After adding plantamajoside, a dense microstructure was further formed. The hydrogels containing 0.25% plantamajoside significantly increased the viability and migration of L929 cells (P < 0.05). Carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel significantly improved wound healing, granulation tissue proliferation and re-epithelialization, and promoted collagen deposition (P < 0.05). Carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel also significantly decreased IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression, and increased IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel significantly promoted the expression levels of VEGF, CD31, α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) and collagen III, and reduced the expression level of collagen Ⅰ (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel promotes burn wound healing by accelerating angiogenesis and collagen deposition and reducing the inflammatory response.

Plantamajoside Attenuates Neointima Formation via Upregulation of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases in Balloon-Injured Rats

The abnormal change of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior is an important cellular event leading to neointimal hyperplasia in atherosclerosis and restenosis. Plantamajoside (PMS), a phenylethanoid glycoside compound of the Plantago asiatica, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer activities. In this study, the protective effects of PMS against intimal hyperplasia and the mechanisms underlying the regulation of VSMC behavior were investigated. MTT and BrdU assays were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and cell proliferative activity of PMS, respectively. Rat aortic VSMC migrations after treatment with the determined concentration of PMS (50 and 150 μM) were evaluated using wound healing and Boyden chamber assays. The inhibitory effects of PMS on intimal hyperplasia were evaluated in balloon-injured (BI) rat carotid artery. PMS suppressed the proliferation in platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced VSMC, as confirmed from the decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-2, CDK-4, cyclin D1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels. PMS also inhibited VSMC migration, consistent with the downregulated expression and zymolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and MMP13. PMS specifically regulated MMP expression through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and focal adhesion kinase pathways. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 and TIMP2 levels were upregulated via Smad1. TIMPs inhibited the conversion of pro-MMPs to active MMPs. PMS significantly inhibited neointimal formation in BI rat carotid arteries. In conclusion, PMS inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration by upregulating TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Therefore, PMS could be a potential therapeutic agent for vascular atherosclerosis and restenosis treatment.

Functional food: complementary to fight against COVID-19

Background

The novel coronavirus has embarked on a global pandemic and severe mortality with limited access for its treatments and medications. For the lack of time, research, and enough efficacy, most vaccines are underdeveloped or unreachable to society. However, many recent studies suggest various alternative, complementary remedies for COVID-19, which are functional foods. This review provides an overview of how functional foods can play a great role through modulating the host immune system, generating antiviral activities, and synthesizing biologically active agents effective against the coronavirus.

Main body

This review article summarizes the natural defense mechanisms in tackling SARS-CoV-2 alongside conventional therapeutic options and their corresponding harmful side effects. By analyzing bioactive components of functional foods, we have outlined its different contributions to human health and its potential immunomodulatory and antiviral properties that can enhance resistivity to viral infection. Moreover, we have provided a myriad of accessible and cost-effective functional foods that could be further investigated to target specific key symptoms of COVID-19 infections. Finally, we have found various functional foods with potent bioactive compounds that can inhibit or prevent COVID-19 infections and disease progression.

Short conclusion

Numerous functional foods can help the body fight COVID-19 through several mechanisms such as the reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced expression of ACE2 receptors in cells, and inhibiting essential enzymes in SARS-CoV-2.

Beneficial Effects of Psyllium on the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiometabolic Diseases

Cardiometabolic diseases are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Nevertheless, current therapeutic strategies are insufficient; thus, studying novel complementary and alternative medicines remains of the upmost importance. Psyllium has been used for...

Genotoxicity of advanced glycation end products in vitro is influenced by their preparation temperature, purification, and cell exposure time

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed via non-enzymatic reactions between amino groups of proteins and the carbonyl groups of reducing sugars. Previous studies have shown that highly glycated albumin prepared using a glucose-bovine serum albumin (Glu-BSA) model system incubated at 60°C for 6 weeks induces genotoxicity in WIL2-NS cells at 9 days of exposure measured by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMNcyt) assay. However, this AGE model system is not physiologically relevant as normal body temperature is 37°C and the degree of glycation may exceed the extent of albumin modification in vivo. We hypothesised that the incubation temperature and purification method used in these studies may cause changes to the chemical profile of the glycated albumin and may influence the extent of genotoxicity observed at 3, 6 and 9 days of exposure. We prepared AGEs generated using Glu-BSA model systems incubated at 60°C or 37°C purified using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation or ultrafiltration (UF) and compared their chemical profile (glycation, oxidation, and aggregation) and genotoxicity in WIL2-NS cells using the CBMNcyt assay after 3, 6, and 9 days of exposure. The number of micronuclei (MNi) was significantly higher for cells treated with Glu-BSA incubated at 60°C and purified via TCA (12 ± 1 MNi/1000 binucleated cells) compared to Glu-BSA incubated at 37°C and purified using UF (6 ± 1 MNi/1000 binucleated cells) after 9 days (p < 0.0001). The increase in genotoxicity observed could be explained by a higher level of protein glycation, oxidation, and aggregation of the Glu-BSA model system incubated at 60°C relative to 37°C. This study highlighted that the incubation temperature, purification method and cell exposure time are important variables to consider when generating AGEs in vitro and will enable future studies to better reflect in vivo situations of albumin glycation.

Lipidomics study of the therapeutic mechanism of Plantaginis Semen in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia rat

BACKGROUND

Plantaginis Semen has been widely used as folk medicine and health care food against hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout, but its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of Plantaginis Semen extract on potassium oxonate -induced HUA rats based on a lipidomics approach.

METHODS

A model of HUA was established by potassium oxonate intragastric administration. 42 Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, benzbromarone group (10 mg/kg) and three Plantaginis Semen groups (n = 7). The Plantaginis Semen groups were treated orally with Plantaginis Semen, 0.9375, 1.875  or 3.75 g/kg for 28 days. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), triacylglycerol (TG) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were  measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used for the serum lipidomics analysis, multivariate statistical analysis and independent samples t-test were carried out for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. The relative levels of critical regulatory factors were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the levels of serum UA, Cr, TG and TNF-α were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in benzbromarone and three Plantaginis Semen groups. With lipidomics analysis, significant lipid metabolic perturbations were observed in HUA rats, 13 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was  most affected. These perturbations  were partially restored via treatment of benzbromarone and Plantaginis Semen. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of urate anion transporter 1 (URAT1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinases B (PI3K/Akt) were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after treatment with benzbromarone and high dose of Plantaginis Semen.

CONCLUSIONS

Plantaginis Semen had significant effects on anti-HUA, anti-inflammatory and renal protection. It attenuated potassium oxonate-induced HUA through regulation of lipid metabolism disorder.

Methylglyoxal-Derived Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE4)-Induced Apoptosis Leads to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through the RAGE/JNK Pathway in Kidney Cells

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed via nonenzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins. Recent studies have shown that methylglyoxal, a potent precursor for AGEs, causes a variety of biological dysfunctions, including diabetes, inflammation, renal failure, and cancer. However, little is known about the function of methylglyoxal-derived AGEs (AGE4) in kidney cells. Therefore, we verified the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes and apoptosis markers to determine the effects of AGE4 on human proximal epithelial cells (HK-2). Moreover, our results showed that AGE4 induced the expression of apoptosis markers, such as Bax, p53, and kidney injury molecule-1, but downregulated Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 levels. AGE4 also promoted the expression of NF-κB, serving as a transcription factor, and the phosphorylation of c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK), which induced cell apoptosis and ER stress mediated by the JNK inhibitor. Furthermore, AGE4 induced mitochondrial dysfunction by inducing the permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane and ATP synthesis. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, this study provides a new perspective on renal dysfunction with regard to the AGE4-induced RAGE /JNK signaling pathway, which leads to renal cell apoptosis via the imbalance of mitochondrial function and ER stress in kidney damage.

The herbal agent plantamajoside, exerts a potential inhibitory effect on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Plantamajoside (PMS), a major component of Plantago asiatica L, has several pharmacological properties, including anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, the effects of PMS on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PMS on HCC and elucidate the underlying mechanism. All assays were conducted using 5 groups, namely control, sorafenib, and PMS 100, 50, and 25 µg/ml groups. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay. Cell migration was evaluated with the wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated via flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and western blotting were used to further investigate the mechanism of action of PMS. Sorafenib and PMS both significantly attenuated the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, and markedly promoted cell apoptosis. PMS induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. The efficacy of PMS increased in a dose-dependent manner. Further study evaluated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), nuclear factor (NF)-κB and cyclooxygenase (Cox-2) using RT-qPCR analysis and western blotting. The results demonstrated that PMS promoted the expression of PPARγ and suppressed the expression of NF-κB and Cox-2. In conclusion, PMS was shown to affect cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Furthermore, PMS promoted the expression of PPARγ and inhibited the expression of NF-κB and Cox-2, which may be the mechanism underlying its biological effects. Based on the results of the present study, PMS appears to be a promising agent for HCC therapy.

The protective mechanism of action of plantamajoside on a rat model of acute spinal cord injury

Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a severe traumatic disease of the central nervous system, characterized by a high incidence and high morbidity, for which there are no effective drug therapies in the clinic. A rat model of ASCI was established to study the effects of plantamajoside (PMS) treatment on the expression of apoptotic factors, including caspase-3, caspase-9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Bax and Bcl-2. The Allen's weight hit rat ASCI model was used for the present study, and the rats were treated with various concentrations of PMS. The behavior of rats was assessed using the Basso-Beattle-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB), the histopathologic changes of spinal cord tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, the survival of neurons was assessed by TUNEL staining and the expression levels of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3, caspase-9, PARP, Bcl-2 and Bax was measured using western blot assays and RT-qPCR. It was observed that PMS could reverse the decrease in the BBB score after ASCI, improve the morphological characteristics of the spinal cord, reduce the degree apoptosis and affect the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, PARP, Bax and Bcl-2 in a concentration dependent manner. In conclusion, PMS protected ASCI rats by inhibiting apoptosis; therefore PMS may be a potential candidate for ASCI therapy.

Plantamajoside modulates the proliferation, stemness, and apoptosis of lung carcinoma via restraining p38MAPK and AKT phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Plantamajoside (PMS), an active anti-inflammatory component and antioxidant derived from Herba Plantaginis, has been reported to exert a suppressive effect in liver cancer in vivo. In this study, we tested the effects of PMS on the metastatic 95D cell line.

METHODS

95D cells were characterized as most sensitive to PMS across several lung cancer cell lines. Cell viability within 24 h was tested with CCK-8. Different concentrations of PMS (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) and 5 µg/mL of cisplatin were established for later 24 h treatment. Relative mRNA and protein expression were assessed with PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation and stemness were indicated with colony and sphere formation. Cell metastasis was evaluated with wound healing and Transwell. Apoptotic cells and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CCK-8 assay showed PMS to inhibit the viability of 95D cells in a dose-dependent manner. PMS decreased colony formation and inhibited stemness in 95D cells. Invasion and migration were also inhibited. Moreover, PMS induced cell apoptosis, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. All of these effects were dose dependent. Interestingly, PMS treatment reduced the protein expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-AKT but not that of p38 MAPK and AKT.

CONCLUSIONS

PMS inhibited proliferation, stemness, and migration, and initiated apoptosis in 95D cells, possibly through p38 MAPK and AKT dephosphorylation and mitochondria dysfunction. These findings support the promise of PMS as a prodrug in lung cancer treatment.

Pharmacological management of vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: TCM and western medicine compared based on biomarkers and biochemical parameters

Diabetes, a worldwide health concern while burdening significant populace of countries with time due to a hefty increase in both incidence and prevalence rates. Hyperglycemia has been buttressed both in clinical and experimental studies to modulate widespread molecular actions that effect macro and microvascular dysfunctions. Endothelial dysfunction, activation, inflammation, and endothelial barrier leakage are key factors contributing to vascular complications in diabetes, plus the development of diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases. The recent increase in molecular, transcriptional, and clinical studies has brought a new scope to the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the therapeutic targets for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. In this review, an attempt made to discuss up to date critical and emerging molecular signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction and viable pharmacological management targets. Importantly, we exploit some Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM)/TCM isolated bioactive compounds modulating effects on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Finally, clinical studies data on biomarkers and biochemical parameters involved in the assessment of the efficacy of treatment in vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes was compared between clinically used western hypoglycemic drugs and TCM formulas.

Plantamajoside exerts antifibrosis effects in the liver by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation

The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into muscle fiber cells and fibroblasts. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether plantamajoside (PMS) exerted antifibrosis effects by affecting HSCs activation and survival during liver fibrosis, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. HSC-T6 cells were activated by exposure to platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), and were subsequently treated with increasing concentrations of PMS (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 µg/ml). Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry and the Transwell assay, respectively. Results indicated that PDGF-BB significantly activated HSC-T6 cells, demonstrated by increased cell proliferation, enhanced cell migration and invasion as well as increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type 1 α 1 (Col1α1). PMS inhibited proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and prevented cell migration and invasion in PDGF-BB-treated HSC-T6 cells in what appeared to be a dose-dependent manner. PMS appeared to dose-dependently reduce the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1α1 in PDGF-BB-treated HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, the results of the present study suggested that PMS administration inhibited the protein expression of phosphorylated-protein kinase B in what appeared to be a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the data indicated that PMS exhibited an antifibrotic effect in the liver by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and survival.

Plantamajoside attenuates inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Periodontitis is an important inflammatory disease that often causes by periodontopathic bacteria. The present study, we tested the anti-inflammatory effects of plantamajoside on LPS-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were stimulated with LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Plantamajoside was administrated 1 h before LPS treatment. The results demonstrated that plantamajoside decreased the production of PGE₂, NO, IL-6, and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated HGFs. LPS-induced NF-κB p65 and IκB phosphorylation were also suppressed by plantamajoside. Furthermore, plantamajoside inhibited LPS-induced PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. In conclusion, these results suggested that the mechanism of plantamajoside was through inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which lead to the inhibition of NF-κB activation and inflammatory response.

[Exogenous agmatine inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced activation and dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether exogenous agmatine inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation and dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by modulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signal pathways and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODS

Cultured HUVECs were treated with agmatine at the optimized concentration of 1.0 mmolγL, LPS (10 µgγmL), and LPS + agmatine, with or without pretreatment with the inhibitors of NF-κB (PDTC), p38 (SB203580), and ERK (PD98059) for 1 h. The levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble E-selectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the supernatant were determined using ELISA, and their mRNA expressions, along with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), were assessed using real-time PCR. ROS production in the cells was determined using 2, 7-dichlorofluoresce in diacetate (DCFH-DA) as the fluorescence probe. The protein expressions of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, p65, phospho-p65 (p-p65), IκBα, p-IκBα, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38, JNK, and p-JNK were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

LPS stimulation for 6 and 24 h significantly increased the levels of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin and MCP-1 in the supernatant, intracellular ROS production, and the mRNA expressions of these molecules (P<0.05). Intervention with 1 mmolγL agmatine, similar with pretreatment with p38, ERK and NF-κB inhibitors, obviously inhibited such effects of LPS in HUVECs (P<0.05). Agmatine significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of HO-1 (P<0.05), inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK, nuclear p65 and cytoplasmic IκBα, and up-regulated the protein expression of cytoplasmic IκBα.

CONCLUSION

Agmatine inhibits LPS-induced activation and dysfunction of HUVECs by modulating NF-κB and MAPK signal pathways to down-regulate the expressions of adhesion molecules and chemokines and by up-regulating the expression of HO-1 to reduce ROS production.

[Exogenous agmatine inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced activation and dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether exogenous agmatine inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation and dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by modulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signal pathways and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODS

Cultured HUVECs were treated with agmatine at the optimized concentration of 1.0 mmolγL, LPS (10 µgγmL), and LPS + agmatine, with or without pretreatment with the inhibitors of NF-κB (PDTC), p38 (SB203580), and ERK (PD98059) for 1 h. The levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble E-selectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the supernatant were determined using ELISA, and their mRNA expressions, along with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), were assessed using real-time PCR. ROS production in the cells was determined using 2, 7-dichlorofluoresce in diacetate (DCFH-DA) as the fluorescence probe. The protein expressions of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, p65, phospho-p65 (p-p65), IκBα, p-IκBα, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38, JNK, and p-JNK were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

LPS stimulation for 6 and 24 h significantly increased the levels of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin and MCP-1 in the supernatant, intracellular ROS production, and the mRNA expressions of these molecules (P<0.05). Intervention with 1 mmolγL agmatine, similar with pretreatment with p38, ERK and NF-κB inhibitors, obviously inhibited such effects of LPS in HUVECs (P<0.05). Agmatine significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of HO-1 (P<0.05), inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK, nuclear p65 and cytoplasmic IκBα, and up-regulated the protein expression of cytoplasmic IκBα.

CONCLUSION

Agmatine inhibits LPS-induced activation and dysfunction of HUVECs by modulating NF-κB and MAPK signal pathways to down-regulate the expressions of adhesion molecules and chemokines and by up-regulating the expression of HO-1 to reduce ROS production.

Plantamajoside inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through suppressing the NF-κB/IL-6 signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells

Plantamajoside (PMS) is a major compound of Plantago asiatica and possesses anti-tumor activity. However, the effect of PMS on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the underlying mechanism of action are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of PMS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ESCC. The results showed that PMS inhibited viability of ESCC cell lines (Eca-109 and TE-1) in a concentration-dependent manner. PMS also inhibited LPS-induced EMT in ESCC cells. PMS inhibited LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway and IL-6 expression. PMS also suppressed IL-6-induced EMT in ESCC cells. Treatment of BAY11-7082 (an inhibitor of NF-κB) or antibody against IL-6 alleviated the effect of LPS-induced EMT in ESCC cells. Besides, inhibition of NF-κB decreased IL-6 expression. In conclusion, the results indicated that PMS inhibited LPS-induced EMT through suppressing the NF-κB/IL-6 signaling in ESCC cell lines, suggesting that PMS might be a useful agent for the treatment of ESCC.

Matrix Metalloproteinases: A challenging paradigm of cancer management

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of zinc-dependent endopeptidases implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Over the decades, MMPs have been studied for their role in cancer progression, migration, and metastasis. As a result, accumulated evidence of MMPs incriminating role has made them an attractive therapeutic target. Early generations of broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors exhibited potent inhibitory activities, which subsequently led to clinical trials. Unexpectedly, these trials failed to meet the desired goals, mainly due to the lack of efficacy, poor oral bioavailability, and toxicity. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of MMPs in cancer progression, current strategies in targeting MMPs for cancer treatment including prodrug design and tumor imaging, and therapeutic value of MMPs as biomarkers in breast, lung, and prostate cancers.