Danggui Buxue Tang, an ancient Chinese herbal decoction, protects β-amyloid-induced cell death in cultured cortical neurons

Identification of diagnose related therapeutic targets of Danggui buxue decoction in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological disease. Currently, there is no disease-modifying therapy to slow the progression of the disease. Danggui buxue decoction (DBD) is widely used in the clinic because of its therapeutic effect. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of DBD against PD. This study intends to explore the possible molecular mechanisms involved in DBD treatment of PD based on network pharmacology, and provide potential research directions for future research.

METHODS

Firstly, the active components and target genes of DBD were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP), DrugBank and UniProt database. Secondly, target genes of PD were identified from the (GEO) dataset, followed by identification of common target genes of DBD and PD. Thirdly, analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI), functional enrichment and diagnosis was performed on common target genes, followed by correlation analysis between core target genes, immune cell, miRNAs, and transcription factors (TFs). Finally, molecular docking between core target genes and active components, and real-time PCR were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 72 common target genes were identified between target genes of DBD and target genes of PD. Among which, 11 target genes with potential diagnostic value were further identified, including TP53, AKT1, IL1B, MMP9, NOS3, RELA, MAPK14, HMOX1, TGFB1, NOS2, and ERBB2. The combinations with the best docking binding were identified, including kaempferol-AKT1/HMOX1/NOS2/NOS3, quercetin-AKT1/ERBB2/IL1B/HMOX1/MMP9/TP53/NOS3/TGFB1. Moreover, IL1B and NOS2 respectively positively and negatively correlated with neutrophil and Type 1 T helper cell. Some miRNA-core target gene regulatory pairs were identified, such as hsa-miR-185-5p-TP53/TGFB1/RELA/MAPK14/IL1B/ERBB2/AKT1 and hsa-miR-214-3p-NOS3. These core target genes were significantly enriched in focal adhesion, TNF, HIF-1, and ErbB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic TP53, AKT1, IL1B, MMP9, NOS3, RELA, MAPK14, HMOX1, TGFB1, NOS2, and ERBB2 may be considered as potential therapeutic targets of DBD in the treatment of PD.

Integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology technology to explain the effect mechanisms of Danggui Buxue decoction in vascular dementia

Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) is a traditional Chinese medicine herbal decoction that has a good therapeutic effect on vascular dementia (VaD). However, its pharmacodynamic substances and underlying mechanisms are ambiguous. The work aimed to decipher the pharmacodynamic substances and molecular mechanisms of DBD against VaD rats based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabonomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. The results indicated that DBD significantly improved the learning abilities and cognitive impairment in the VaD rat model. Integration analysis of the metabolomics and network pharmacology approach revealed that DBD might primarily affect arachidonic acid (AA) and inositol phosphate metabolic pathways by regulating the platelet activation signaling pathways. Six core targets (TNF [tumor necrosis factor], IL-6 [interleukin 6], PTGS2 [prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2], MAPK1, MAPK3, and TP53) in the platelet activation signaling pathways also had a good affinity to seven main active components (saponins, organic acids, flavonoids, and phthalides) of DBD through the verification of molecular docking. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results (ELISA) showed that the levels of TNF, IL-6, PTGS2, thromboxane B2, and caspase-3 in the platelet activation signaling pathway can be regulated by DBD. Our results indicated that DBD treated VaD mainly by modulating the platelet activation signaling pathway, and AA and inositol phosphate metabolism.

Dang-Gui-Bu-Xue decoction improves wound healing in diabetic rats by the activation of Notch signaling

Diabetes serves as a severe chronic disease that severely affects the normal life of human beings. Diabetes causes the complication of diabetic wound dysfunction, which is characterized by sustained inflammation, altered angiogenesis, delayed epithelialization and abnormal secretion of protease. Dang-Gui-Bu-Xue decoction (DBD) is a Chinese traditional medicine that comprises Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae sinensis and is widely applied in treatment of multiple diseases owing to its functions against inflammation, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the impact of DBD on diabetic wound healing remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of DBD in the regulation of wound healing. We observed that the gavage administration of DBD reduced the wound area, inflammatory infiltration, inflammatory factor levesl, and enhanced granulation tissue formation, wound extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and CD31 accumulation in the diabetic rat wound model, and the co-treatment of gavage administration and the external administration of gauze containing DBD further improved the wound healing effect, while the combination of Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT ((N- [N- (3, 5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-s-phenylglycinet-butyl ester)) could attenuate the improvement. Regarding to the mechanism, the expression levels of Notch1, Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 4 (Dll4), Jagged1, and Hairy Enhancer of Split-1 (Hes1) were increased by DBD, while the treatment of DAPT impaired the effect in the rats. Furthermore, we found that the high glucose (HG)-inhibited viability and tube formation were induced by DBD in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in which DAPT could reverse this effect. Therefore, we concluded that DBD contributed to wound healing by the activation of Notch signaling. Our finding provides new insight into the potential role of DBD in promoting diabetic wound healing.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms of action and pharmacological properties

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a global public health priority characterized by high mortality rates in adults and an increasing prevalence in aging populations worldwide. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the pathogenesis of AD since its initial report in 1907, there remains a lack of effective curative or preventive measures for the disease. In recent years, natural compounds sourced from diverse origins have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents for AD, owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. This review aims to consolidate the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on AD, specifically targeting the reduction of β-amyloid (Aβ) overproduction, anti-apoptosis, autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, the identified compounds exhibiting these effects predominantly originate from plants. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of natural compounds as a reservoir of novel therapeutic agents for AD, thereby stimulating further research and contributing to the development of efficacious treatments for this devastating disease.

Danggui Buxue decoction ameliorates mitochondrial biogenesis and cognitive deficits through upregulating histone H4 lysine 12 acetylation in APP/PS1 mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) is a classic herbal decoction consisting of Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR) with a 5:1 wt ratio, which can supplement 'blood' and 'qi' (vital energy) for the treatment of clinical diseases. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, dementia is induced by Blood deficiency and Qi weakness, which causes a decline in cognition. However, the underlying mechanisms of DBD improving cognition deficits in neurodegenerative disease are no clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims at revealing the underlying mechanisms of DBD plays a protective role in the cognitive deficits and pathology process of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The APP/PS1 (Mo/HuAPP695swe/PS1-dE9) double transgenic mice were adopted as an experimental model of AD. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 3 compounds in DBT was analyzed by HPLC. Morris water maze test, Golgi staining and electrophysiology assays were used to evaluate the effects of DBD on cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice. Western blot, immunofluorescence and Thioflavin S staining were used for the pathological evaluation of AD. Monitoring the level of ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential, SOD and MDA to evaluate the mitochondrial function, and with the usage of qPCR and CHIP for the changes of histone post-translational modification.

RESULTS

In the current study, we found that DBD could effectively attenuate memory impairments and enhance long-term potentiation (LTP) with concurrent increased expression of memory-associated proteins. DBD markedly decreased Aβ accumulation in APP/PS1 mice by decreasing the phosphorylation of APP at the Thr668 level but not APP, PS1 or BACE1. Further studies demonstrated that DBD restored mitochondrial biogenesis deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the restored mitochondrial biogenesis and cognitive deficits are under HADC2-mediated histone H4 lysine 12 (H4K12) acetylation at the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type 2B (GluN2B) promoters.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal that DBD could ameliorate mitochondrial biogenesis and cognitive deficits by improving H4K12 acetylation. DBD might be a promising complementary drug candidate for AD treatment.

Combination treatment of Danggui Buxue Decoction and endothelial progenitor cells can enhance angiogenesis in rats with focal cerebral ischemia and hyperlipidemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used for treating clinical anemia for more than 800 years. This prescription has been utilized for nourishing "Qi" and enriching "Blood" for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Meanwhile, DBD has the role of improving angiogenesis and promoting the neuroprotective functions. Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was suboptimal to treat the focal cerebral ischemia (FCI). Thus, it's may be a novel strategy of DBD combined with EPCs transplantation for the FCI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the mechanistic effects of DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation to improve behavioral function of the FCI and hyperlipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used rats with hyperlipidemia to develop a FCI model using photo-thrombosis, and treated the DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation. We adopted the Modified Neurological Severity Score to evaluate the neurological deficit, undertook the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining to calculate the total infarct volume. We carried out the RT-qPCR, Immunohistochemical analyses, TUNEL, ELISA, and Western blotting to measure the gene and protein levels which related to anti-apoptosis mechanisms and angiogenesis.

RESULTS

Administration of DBD in combination with EPCs transplantation was found to improve behavioral function, reducing the infarct volume and decrease the level of total-cholesterole (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Treatment of DBD plus EPCs increased the mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, fibroblastic growth factor-2, and angiopoietin-1 and decreased the apoptosis of endothelial cells by activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 associated death promoter (PI3K/Akt/BAD) pathway and promoting activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, which induced angiogenesis directly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided that DBD administration combined with EPCs transplantation promoted reconstruction of nervous function. This was achieved by enhancing expression of the growth factors related to anti-apoptosis mechanisms and angiogenesis thanks to regulation of the PI3K/Akt/BAD and ERK signaling pathways, and might be relate to the lowering of TC and LDL-C levels.

Danggui Buxue Tang potentiates the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells: A signaling mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a well-known Chinese herbal recipe often prescribed in clinical treatment for menopausal and cardiovascular symptoms. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug that treats several cancers; however, it causes severe adverse effects and multidrug resistance. Combining natural medications can reduce the side effects of 5-FU use. Hence, we aimed to determine the role of DBT in strengthening the anticancer capabilities of 5-FU in a cultured colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29 cell) and xenograft nude mice. HT-29 cells cultured with DBT did not exhibit cytotoxicity. However, co-administration of DBT with 5-FU significantly increased apoptosis and the expression of apoptotic markers. The inhibition of proliferation induced by DBT and 5-FU was shown to be mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling. In addition, the potentiation effect of 5-FU and DBT was demonstrated in reducing tumor size, expressions of Ki67 and CD34 in HT-29 xenograft mice. This finding suggests that DBT can work with 5-FU as a novel chemotherapeutic strategy for treating colon cancer.

The Latest Research Advances of Danggui Buxue Tang as an Effective Prescription for Various Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is composed of Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix in a weight ratio of 5:1. The recipe of the decoction is simple, and DBT has been widely used in the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome for more than 800 years in China. Studies on its chemical constituents show that saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids, and polysaccharides are the main components of DBT. Many techniques such as third-generation sequencing, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and HPLC-MS have been used for the quality control of DBT. DBT has a wide range of biological activities, including blood enhancement, antagonizing diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular protection, immunity stimulation, estrogen-like effect, and antifibrosis, among others. In this paper, we summarize the recent research advances of DBT in terms of its components, pharmacological activities, and possible mechanisms of action as well as provide suggestions for further research.

Medicine-food herb: Angelica sinensis, a potential therapeutic hope for Alzheimer's disease and related complications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which has brought a huge burden to the world. The current therapeutic approach of one-molecule-one-target strategy fails to address the issues of AD because of multiple pathological features of AD. Traditionally, the herb of Angelica sinensis (AS) comes from the root of an umbrella plant Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. As a typical medicine-food herb, studies have shown that AS can alleviate AD and AD-complications by multiple targets through the various foundations of pharmaceutical material and dietary supply basis. Therefore, this review summarizes the pharmacological effects of AS for the treatment of AD and AD-complications for the first time. AS contains many effective components, such as ligustilide, z-ligustilide, n-butylidenephthalide, α-pinene, p-cymene, myrcene, ferulic acid, vanillic acid and coniferyl ferulate. It is found that AS, AS-active compounds and AS-compound recipes mainly treat AD through neuroprotective, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidant effects, improving mitochondrial dysfunction, anti-neuronal apoptosis, regulating autophagy, regulating intestinal flora and enhancing the central cholinergic system, which shows the multi-component and multi-target effect of AS. The role of dietary supplement components in AS for AD intervention is summarized, including vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, arginine, and oleic acid, which can improve the symptoms of AD. Besides, this review focuses on the safety and toxicity evaluation of AS, which provides a basis for its application. This review will provide further support for the research on AD and the application of medicine-food herb AS in a healthy lifestyle in the future.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae): Bioactive Compounds and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae) (also known as Astragali radix-AR), a widely used herb by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, and has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) historically. Its bioactive compounds are categorized into four families: saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and others. AR’s bioactive compounds are effective in managing AD through a variety of mechanisms, including inhibiting Aβ production, aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation, protecting neurons against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis, promoting neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation and ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. This review aims to shed light upon the chemical constituents of AR and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of each compound in manging AD. Also presented are clinical studies which reported successful management of AD with AR and other herbs. These will be helpful for drug development and clinical application of AR to treat AD.

Mechanisms of Danggui Buxue Tang on Hematopoiesis via Multiple Targets and Multiple Components: Metabonomics Combined with Database Mining Technology

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) with its multiple components and targets in the synergistic regulation of hematopoiesis. Mouse models of hematopoiesis were established using antibiotics. Metabolomics was used to detect body metabolites and enriched pathways. The active ingredients, targets, and pathways of DBT were analyzed using system pharmacology. The results of metabolomics and system pharmacology were integrated to identify the key pathways and targets. A total of 515 metabolites were identified using metabolomics. After the action of antibiotics, 49 metabolites were markedly changed: 23 were increased, 26 were decreased, and 11 were significantly reversed after DBT administration. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these 11 metabolites were related to bile secretion, cofactor biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. The results of the pharmacological analysis showed that 616 targets were related to DBT-induced anemia, which were mainly enriched in biological processes, such as bile secretion, biosynthesis of cofactors, and cholesterol metabolism. Combined with the results of metabolomics and system pharmacology, we found that bile acid metabolism and biotin synthesis were the key pathways for DBT. Forty-two targets of DBT were related to these two metabolic pathways. PPI analysis revealed that the top 10 targets were CYP3A4, ABCG2, and UGT1A8. Twenty-one components interacted with these 10 targets. In one case, a target corresponds to multiple components, and a component corresponds to multiple targets. DBT acts on multiple targets of ABCG2, UGT1A8, and CYP3A4 through multiple components, affecting the biosynthesis of cofactors and bile secretion pathways to regulate hematopoiesis.

Optimal Formula of Angelica sinensis Ameliorates Memory Deficits in β-amyloid Protein-induced Alzheimer's Disease Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

Angelica (A.) sinensis is used as a traditional medical herb for the treatment of neurodegeneration, aging, and inflammation in Asia. A. sinensis optimal formula (AOF) is the best combination in A. sinensis that has been screened to rescue the cognitive ability in β-amyloid peptide (Aβ_25-35)-treated Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of AOF on the learning and memory of AD rats as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were infused with Aβ_25-35 for AD model induction or saline (negative control). Five groups of AD rats were fed on AOF at 20, 40, or 80 mL/kg every day, donepezil at 0.9 mg/kg every day (positive control), or an equal volume of water (AD model) intragastrically once a day for 4 weeks, while the negative control rats were fed on water. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function of the rats. The Aβ accumulation, cholinergic levels, and antioxidative ability were detected by ELISA. Additionally, the candidate mechanism was determined by gene sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The results showed that AOF administration significantly ameliorated Aβ_25-35-induced memory impairment. AOF decreased the levels of amyloid-β precursor protein and Aβ in the hippocampus, rescued the cholinergic levels, increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, and decreased the malondialdehyde level. In addition, AOF inhibited the expression of IL1b, Mpo, and Prkcg in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

These experimental findings illustrate that AOF prevents the decrease in cognitive function and Aβ deposits in Aβ_25-35-treated rats via modulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, thus highlighting a potential therapeutic avenue to promote the co-administration of formulas that act on different nodes to maximize beneficial effects and minimize negative side effects.

Medicine-Food Herbs against Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Their Traditional Functional Features, Substance Basis, Clinical Practices and Mechanisms of Action

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that currently has reached epidemic proportions among elderly populations around the world. In China, available traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) that organically combine functional foods with medicinal values are named “Medicine Food Homology (MFH)”. In this review, we focused on MFH varieties for their traditional functional features, substance bases, clinical uses, and mechanisms of action (MOAs) for AD prevention and treatment. We consider the antiAD active constituents from MFH species, their effects on in vitro/in vivo AD models, and their drug targets and signal pathways by summing up the literature via a systematic electronic search (SciFinder, PubMed, and Web of Science). In this paper, several MFH plant sources are discussed in detail from in vitro/in vivo models and methods, to MOAs. We found that most of the MFH varieties exert neuroprotective effects and ameliorate cognitive impairments by inhibiting neuropathological signs (Aβ-induced toxicity, amyloid precursor protein, and phosphorylated Tau immunoreactivity), including anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, antiautophagy, and antiapoptosis, etc. Indeed, some MFH substances and their related phytochemicals have a broad spectrum of activities, so they are superior to simple single-target drugs in treating chronic diseases. This review can provide significant guidance for people’s healthy lifestyles and drug development for AD prevention and treatment.

Exploration of the Danggui Buxue Decoction Mechanism Regulating the Balance of ESR and AR in the TP53-AKT Signaling Pathway in the Prevention and Treatment of POF

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) intervening premature ovarian failure (POF).

Methods

The active compounds-targets network, active compounds-POF-targets network, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by a network pharmacology approach: Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis by DAVID 6.8 database. The molecular docking method was used to verify the interaction between core components of DBD and targets. Then, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to determine whether the DBD contained two key components including quercetin and kaempferol. Finally, the estrous cycle, organ index, ELISA, and western blot were used to verify that mechanism of DBD improved POF induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in rats.

Results

Based on the network database including TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, DisGeNET, DrugBank, OMIM, and Malacard, we built the active compounds-targets network and active compounds-POF-targets network. We found that 2 core compounds (quercetin and kaempferol) and 5 critical targets (TP53, IL6, ESR1, AKT1, and AR) play an important role in the treatment of POF with DBD. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the common targets involved a variety of signaling pathways, including the reactive oxygen species metabolic process, release of Cytochrome C from mitochondria and apoptotic signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the estrogen signaling pathway. The molecular docking showed that quercetin, kaempferol, and 5 critical targets had good results regarding the binding energy. Chromatography showed that DBD contained quercetin and kaempferol compounds, which was consistent with the database prediction results. Based on the above results, we found that the process of DBD interfering POF is closely related to the balance of ESR and AR in TP53-AKT signaling pathway and verified animal experiments. In animal experiments, we have shown that DBD and its active compounds can effectively improve estrus cycle of POF rats, inhibit serum levels of FSH and LH, protein expression levels of Cytochrome C, BAX, p53, and IL6, and promote ovary index, uterine index, serum levels of E₂ and AMH, and protein expression levels of AKT1, ESR1, AR, and BCL2.

Conclusions

DBD and its active components could treat POF by regulating the balance of ESR and AR in TP53-AKT signaling pathway.

Molecular insights for an anti-osteoporotic properties of Litsea glutinosa on Saos-2 cells: An in-vitro approach

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that is identified by the deterioration of micro-architecture of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone brittleness and a consequential increase in fracture threat. There are many treatments available for osteoporosis such as bisphosphonate therapy, hormonal replacement therapy, herbal therapy etc. For decades, there are several herbs that are attributed to have anti-osteoporotic effects however the candidate genes involved in it remained unknown. In line with this, the present study is focused to elucidate the anti-osteoporotic property of Litsea glutinosa (LG). To understand the proliferative effect and identify involved players, gene expression was studied on the Saos-2 osteocytes in-vitro. The expression profile of candidate genes involved in different signaling pathways such as Egr-2, RUNX2, MAPK3, NFATc1, CREB, ERβ, along with proliferation and apoptotic markers in osteoporosis were selected for the study. The gene expression profile demonstrated a significant up-regulation of Egr-2, RUNX2, MAPK3, CREB, EBβ in the range of 1.5–2.2 folds, whereas NFATc1 was found to be down-regulated up to 0.4 times compared to control when treated with 250 μg/mL of LG. Besides this, anti-apoptosis effect of LG was also supported by flow cytometry results which also proved that LG induces proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting the proliferative role of LG. In conclusion, the present study gathers the potency of LG extract for its proliferative and anti-apoptotic effect on Saos-2 osteocytes and opens a new avenue for detailing the mechanistic actions of it on mitigating the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

The antidepressant-like effects of Danggui Buxue Decoction in GK rats by activating CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

High rates of co-morbidity have been reported in patients with diabetes mellitus with depression (DD). Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula composed of Angelica and Astragalus, has been historically used for the treatment of diabetes.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigated whether DBD and its main active component, ferulic acid (FA) from Angelica, could ameliorate depression-like behavior in DD and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were administered DBD (4 or 8 g/kg) by oral gavage during a 4-week period of chronic unpredictable mild stress. After 4 weeks, blood glucose, glycated serum protein, serum insulin, oral glucose tolerance and depression-like behavior were examined, along with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-related signaling pathway proteins and the ultrastructure of hippocampal tissues. UPLC-QTOF-MS was adopted to detect the absorption of FA in the serum and hippocampus. Rat primary hippocampal cells were cultured in a DD model. Protein and mRNA levels of genes involved in BDNF-related signaling and neuroplasticity were analyzed.

RESULTS

DBD effectively improved glucose tolerance in DD rats and relieved depression-like behavior. Upregulation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), BDNF, and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and improvement of the hippocampal neuron ultrastructure supported the antidepressant-Like effects of DBD on the hippocampal neurons. In addition, DBD enhanced the protein and mRNA levels of components of the CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway in rat primary hippocampal cells induced by elevated glycemia and cortisol. Interestingly, FA, the main component of DBD absorbed in the blood and hippocampus, showed similar effects as DBD on primary hippocampal cells.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the TCM formula DBD effectively serves as a potential therapeutic agent for prevention of DD through regulatory effects on the CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway to protect and remodel hippocampal neurons. Moreover, FA contributes significantly to the treatment effects of DBD.

Anti-angiogenesis Function of Ononin via Suppressing the MEK/Erk Signaling Pathway

Angiogenesis is a complicated pathological process and plays an important role in modulating tumor development. Flavonoids, sharing the basic functional group with estrogen, have been utilized as chemopreventive agents to inhibit endothelial cell angiogenesis and also suppress tumor cell proliferation. Ononin, also referred to as formononetin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, is one of the bioactive chemicals found within many functional food or plants. The anticancer functions of ononin have been reported both in vitro and in vivo. However, the anti-angiogenetic properties of ononin have not been reported. The possible efficacies of ononin against angiogenesis was verified in cultured endothelial cells. Ononin suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced HUVEC migration, invasion. and tube formation activity after 48 h. The apoptosis rate and specific markers, i.e., Bax/Bc-2 ratio, cleaved caspase 3/9 (Cl-caspase 3/9), and cytochrome c (Cyto c), were enhanced in the ononin-treated group. On the other hand, the protein expressions levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were restricted after ononin treatment for 2 days in VEGF-pretreated endothelial cells. In summary, ononin acts as a candidate for angiogenetic-related disease prevention and treatment.

Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang by affecting plasma concentration of active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the function of supporting Qi and enriching blood. Antibiotics can cause Gut microbiota disorder and affect efficacy of DBT.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the manner in which Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, antibiotics were used to destroy gut microbiota. The changes of DBT efficacy were detected to verify the effect of gut microbiota on DBT efficacy. The changes of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA sequencing, and UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the plasma concentration of active ingredients. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between gut microbiota, blood components and drug efficacy, and to explore the role of gut microbiota in the efficacy of DBT.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficacy in the DBT group was significantly improved compared with the control group (p<0.05). Compared with DBT group, the efficacy in antibiotic DBT treatment (ABXDBT) group was significantly reduced, 194 plasma metabolites and 18 DBT blood components were significantly altered in ABXDBT group, and 11 DBT blood components such as caffeic acid and formononetin were significantly decreased. Correlation analysis showed that 6 DBT blood components were related with the decrease of efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the above 6 DBT blood components participated in the hematopoietic regulation through PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides and other intestinal bacteria were related to the absorption of DBT active ingredients. The drug metabolic pathway of gut microbiota was significantly decreased after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota such as Bacteroides affects the efficacy of DBT by affecting the metabolism and absorption of DBT active ingredients such as caffeic acid and formononetin.

Astragaloside IV, a saponin from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, induces expressions of heme recycle proteins via signaling of Nrf2/ARE in cultured macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, "Qi" is classified as energetic essence supporting the life activities in human. "Blood" is categorized as nourishing essence and circulating in the body. "Blood" and "Qi" have an intimate relationship. Astragali Radix (AR; root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao) has a broad spectrum of application for "Qi-Blood" enrichment. Astragaloside IV, a major saponin in AR, has therapeutic functions in erythropoietic, cardiovascular and immune systems. However, the efficacy of astragaloside IV in erythrophagocytosis has not been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The possible functions of astragaloside IV in heme iron recycling during erythrophagocytosis in cultured macrophage were elucidated.

METHODS

The translational and transcriptional expressions of heme recycling enzymes were determined after incubating of astragaloside IV for 24 h in cultured macrophage.

RESULTS

In astragaloside IV-treated macrophage, the expressions, both RNA and protein levels, of regulators of heme recycling, e.g. heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), ferroportin (FPN), biliverdin reductase A and B (BVRA, BVRB), were markedly induced in dose-dependent manners. In parallel, the transcriptional activity of antioxidant response element, cloned within an expression vector as pARE-Luc and transfected in cultured macrophages, was markedly induced after a challenge with astragaloside IV in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the translocation of Nrf2, a transcriptional factor in regulating expression of heme recycling protein, was induced by astragaloside IV, leading to an enrichment at nucleus fraction.

CONCLUSION

Astragaloside IV shed lights in enhancing the expression of heme recycle proteins via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Role in Reducing β-Amyloid, Apoptosis, Autophagy, Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. The major characteristics of AD are amyloid β plaques, apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These are mostly used as the significant indicators for selecting the effects of potential drugs. It is imperative to explain AD pathogenesis and realize productive treatments. Although the currently used chemical drugs for clinical applications of AD are effective in managing the symptoms, they are inadequate to achieve anticipated preventive or therapeutic outcomes. There are new strategies for treating AD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has accumulated thousands of years of experience in treating dementia. Nowadays, numerous modern pharmacological studies have verified the efficacy of many bioactive ingredients isolated from TCM for AD treatment. In this review, representative TCM for the treatment of AD are discussed, and among these herbal medicines, the Lamiaceae family accounts for the highest proportion. It is concluded that monomers and extracts from TCM have potential therapeutic effect for AD treatment.

The effect of methanol extract from Saussurea involucrata in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammation in cultured RAW 264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saussureae Involucratae Herba (SIH), known as "snow lotus" in Uyghur and/or Chinese medicines, is generated from the dried aerial part of Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip. (Asteraceae). The major pharmaceutical value of SIH has been recorded in China Pharmacopoeia, i.e. to balance the immune system, and thus SIH is commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism of SIH in immune function is still unresolved.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we employed macrophage RAW 264.7 cell as a model to demonstrate the signaling pathways, triggered by SIH, in regulating the LPS-induced inflammation.

METHODS

The application of SIH methanolic extract suppressed the expression of cytokines, a hallmark of chronic inflammation, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cultures.

RESULTS

The anti-inflammatory functions of SIH were shown to be triggered via NF-κB/PI3K/MAPK signaling pathways by revealing the specific biomarkers, i.e. translocation activities of NF-κB and phosphorylations of Erk1/2, JNK and Akt.

CONCLUSION

The aforementioned results showed the underlying action mechanism of SIH in chronic inflammation mitigation, and which might shed light on clinical applications of SIH in traditional Chinese and/or Uyghur medicines.

A network pharmacology approach to investigate the blood enriching mechanism of Danggui buxue Decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui buxue Decoction (DBD) has been frequently used to treat with blood deficiency, which consisted of Danggui (DG) and Huangqi (HQ) at a ratio of 1:5. Accumulating evidence showed that blood deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was similar to anemia in modern medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore its therapeutic mechanism of with network pharmacology approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We explored the chemical compounds of DBD and used compound ADME screening to identify the potential compounds. Targets for the therapeutic actions of DBD were obtained from the PharmMapper, Swiss, SEA and STITCH. GO analysis and pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID webserver. Cytoscape was used to visualize the compound-target-pathway network for DBD. The pharmacodynamics and crucial targets were also validated.

RESULTS

Thirty-six potential active components in DBD and 49 targets which the active components acted on were identified. 47 KEGG pathways which DBD acted on were also come to light. And then, according to KEGG pathway annotation analysis, only 16 pathways seemed to be related to the blood nourishing effect of DBD, such as PI3K-AKT pathway, and so on. Only 32 targets participated in these 16 pathways and they were acted on by 29 of the 36 active compounds. Whole pharmacodynamic experiments showed that DBD had significant effects to blood loss rats. Furthermore, DBD could promote the up-regulation of hematopoietic and immune related targets and the down-regulation of inflammatory related targets. Significantly, with the results of effective rate, molecular docking and experimental validation, we predicted astragaloside IV in HQ, senkyunolide A and senkyunolide K in DG might be the major contributing compounds to DBD's blood enriching effect.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a systematical network pharmacology approach was built. Our results provided a basis for the future study of senkyunolide A and senkyunolide K as the blood enriching compounds in DBD. Furthermore, combined network pharmacology with validation experimental results, the nourishing blood effect of DBD might be manifested by the dual mechanism of enhancing immunity and promoting hematopoiesis.

Traditional Chinese medicine-based neurorestorative therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

The prevalence of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), has been dramatically increasing, particularly in the aging population. However, the currently available therapies merely alleviate the symptoms of these diseases and are unable to retard disease progression significantly. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years for ameliorating symptoms or interfering with the pathogenesis of aging- associated diseases. Modern pharmacological studies have proved that TCM imparts disease-modifying therapeutic effects against these diseases, such as protection of neurons, clearance of protein aggregates, and regulation of neuroinflammation. This review summarizes the evidence from recent studies on AD and PD therapies regarding the neuroprotective activities and molecular mechanisms of a series of TCM formulations comprising herbs and their active ingredients. The findings of this review support the use of TCM as an alternative source of therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.