1
|
Wang W, Wang S, Li Y, Zhu M, Xu Q, Luo B, Liu Y, Liu Y. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification of the mechanism of Guanxining in treating diabetic atherosclerosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117792. [PMID: 38290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guanxinning(GXN) tablet is a patented traditional Chinese medicine widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its potential mechanism and target in anti-diabetic atherosclerosis have not been clarified. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying targets and mechanisms of action GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis, employing a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification. METHODS We predicted the core components and targets of GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis through various databases, and made analysis and molecular docking. In vitro, we induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using glucose/palmitate and observed the effects of GXN on cellular damage high-glucose and high-fat conditions, subsequently elucidating its molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 14 active components and 157 targets of GXN were identified. Using the PPI network, we selected 9 core active components and 20 targets of GXN. GO functional analysis revealed that these targets were primarily associated with apoptosis signaling pathways in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species responses. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities of the primary active components of GXN with ERN1, MAPK1 and BECN1. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of GXN to restore endothelial cell activity, enhance cell migration and inhibit sICAM secretion, and upregulate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (IRE1, XBP1) and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3A, and LC3B), while simultaneously inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis under high-glucose and high-fat conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GXN can potentially safeguard endothelial cells from the adverse effects of high-glucose and high-fat by modulating the interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Therefore, GXN is a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Sutong Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014 Shandong China
| | - Yiwen Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Qian Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Binyu Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China; The Second Department of Gerontology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hwang HJ, Lee SR, Yoon JG, Moon HR, Zhang J, Park E, Yoon SI, Cho JA. Ferulic Acid as a Protective Antioxidant of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081448. [PMID: 35892649 PMCID: PMC9331426 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelial barrier is the primary and most significant defense barrier against ingested toxins and pathogenic bacteria. When the intestinal epithelium barrier is breached, inflammatory response is triggered. GWAS data showed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers are elevated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, which suggests ER stress regulation might alleviate IBD symptoms. Ferulic acid (FA) is a polyphenol that is abundant in plants and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, although it is unclear whether FA has these effects on the intestine. Therefore, we investigated the effect of FA in vitro and in vivo. It was found that FA suppressed ER stress, nitric oxide (NO) generation, and inflammation in polarized Caco-2 and T84 cells, indicating that the ER stress pathway was implicated in its anti-inflammatory activities. The permeability of polarized Caco-2 cells in the presence and absence of proinflammatory cytokines were decreased by FA, and MUC2 mRNA was overexpressed in the intestines of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with FA. These results suggest that FA has a protective effect on intestinal tight junctions. In addition, mouse intestine organoids proliferated significantly more in the presence of FA. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism responsible for the antioxidant effects of FA and its protective benefits on the health of the digestive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jeong Hwang
- Department of Agrofood Resources, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea;
| | - So Rok Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (J.-G.Y.); (H.-R.M.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ju-Gyeong Yoon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (J.-G.Y.); (H.-R.M.); (J.Z.)
| | - Hye-Ri Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (J.-G.Y.); (H.-R.M.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingnan Zhang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (J.-G.Y.); (H.-R.M.); (J.Z.)
| | - Eunmi Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hannam University, 1646, Yuseung-daero, Yusung-gu, Daejeon 34054, Korea;
| | - Su-In Yoon
- Research Center for Microbiome-Brain Disorders, Chungnam University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Jin Ah Cho
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (J.-G.Y.); (H.-R.M.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-6833
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fan X, Wang X, Liu XR, Li KX, Liu Y. Effects of ferulic acid on regulating the neurovascular unit: Implications for ischemic stroke treatment. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_76_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
4
|
de Seabra Rodrigues Dias IR, Lo HH, Zhang K, Law BYK, Nasim AA, Chung SK, Wong VKW, Liu L. Potential therapeutic compounds from traditional Chinese medicine targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105696. [PMID: 34052360 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease which affects about 0.5-1% of people with symptoms that significantly impact a sufferer's lifestyle. The cells involved in propagating RA tend to display pro-inflammatory and cancer-like characteristics. Medical drug treatment is currently the main avenue of RA therapy. However, drug options are limited due to severe side effects, high costs, insufficient disease retardation in a majority of patients, and therapeutic effects possibly subsiding over time. Thus there is a need for new drug therapies. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a condition due to accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, and subsequent cellular responses have been found to be involved in cancer and inflammatory pathologies, including RA. ER stress protein markers and their modulation have therefore been suggested as therapeutic targets, such as GRP78 and CHOP, among others. Some current RA therapeutic drugs have been found to have ER stress-modulating properties. Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) frequently use natural products that affect multiple body and cellular targets, and several medicines and/or their isolated compounds have been found to also have ER stress-modulating capabilities, including TCMs used in RA treatment by Chinese Medicine practitioners. This review encourages, in light of the available information, the study of these RA-treating, ER stress-modulating TCMs as potential new pharmaceutical drugs for use in clinical RA therapy, along with providing a list of other ER stress-modulating TCMs utilized in treatment of cancers, inflammatory diseases and other diseases, that have potential use in RA treatment given similar ER stress-modulating capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Ricardo de Seabra Rodrigues Dias
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Hang Hong Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Kaixi Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Ali Adnan Nasim
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim DH, Choi JJ, Park BJ. Herbal medicine (Hepad) prevents dopaminergic neuronal death in the rat MPTP model of Parkinson's disease. Integr Med Res 2019; 8:202-208. [PMID: 31467840 PMCID: PMC6712963 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The purpose of this study was to examine neuroprotective effects of Hepad S1, an herbal medicine used for the treatment of PD, in in vitro and in vivo models of PD. METHODS Differentiated neuronal PC12 cells underwent a cytotoxicity assay and oxidative stress analysis including DCF-DA staining, glutathione, and malondialdehyde, after exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD models. After 4-week oral administration of Hepad S1 (200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg/day), the levels of complex enzyme I activity and dopamine, and dopaminergic neuronal cell number in substantia nigra were measured by enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) and microscopic observation, respectively. Circulating serotonin and orexin A were also examined by ELISA. RESULTS Hepad S1 pretreatment prevented the ability of MPP+ challenge to decrease glutathione and increase lipid peroxidation in cells, indicating antioxidant activity. Hepad S1 recovered MPTP-induced decreases in complex I enzyme activity and enhanced dopamine availability in substantia nigra. Serum levels of serotonin and orexin A were increased by Hepad S1 treatment in model animals. Hepad S1 treatment was associated with the preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS Hepad S1 exerts antioxidant and neuroprotective effects on neurons of the substantia nigra in a rodent model of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hee Kim
- Laboratory of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong June Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Jun Park
- Young Jin Korean Medicine Clinic, Suncheon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Terada K, Matsushima Y, Matsunaga K, Takata J, Karube Y, Ishige A, Chiba K. The Kampo medicine Yokukansan (YKS) enhances nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2018; 18:224-233. [PMID: 28961087 PMCID: PMC6087561 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.2248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that neurotrophic factor-like substances involved in the induction of neurotrophic factor synthesis may aid in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Kampo medicine, has been used for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. In the present study, we aimed to identify the signaling pathways associated with YKS-mediated enhancement of nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite extension in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Akt and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation levels were assessed by western blot analysis, in the presence of YKS and following the treatment with TrkA inhibitor, K252a. YKS treatment (NGF+YKS 0.5 group) enhanced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth and phosphorylation/activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in PC12 cells. Moreover, YKS-induced effects were inhibited by the treatment with the TrkA receptor antagonist K252a (NGF+YKS 0.5+K252a group); no significant difference in neurite outgrowth was observed between K252a-treated (NGF+YKS 0.5+K252a group) and NGF-K252a-treated cells (NGF+K252a group). However, neurite outgrowth in K252a-treated cells (NGF+K252a and NGF+YKS 0.5+K252a group) reached only one-third of the level in NGF-treated cells (NGF group). NGF-mediated Akt phosphorylation increased by YKS was also inhibited by K252a treatment (NGF+YKS 0.5+K252a group), but no significant difference in ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed between NGF-YKS-K252a- and NGF-treated cells (NGF group). Our results indicate that YKS treatment enhanced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth via induction of Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, following the binding of NGF to the TrkA receptor. These findings may be useful in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Terada
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nogami-Hara A, Nagao M, Takasaki K, Egashira N, Fujikawa R, Kubota K, Watanabe T, Katsurabayashi S, Hatip FB, Hatip-Al-Khatib I, Iwasaki K. The Japanese Angelica acutiloba root and yokukansan increase hippocampal acetylcholine level, prevent apoptosis and improve memory in a rat model of repeated cerebral ischemia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 214:190-196. [PMID: 29269276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Japanese Angelica acutiloba root (Angelica root) is included in several Kampo medicines including Yokukansan (YKS). Angelica root and YKS are used for the treatment of a variety of psychological and neurodegenerative disorders. Development of safe and effective therapeutic agents against cerebrovascular disorders will improve the treatment of patients with dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY The effect of Angelica root and YKS on ischemia-impaired memory has not yet been fully investigated. The present study investigated whether Angelica root is also involved in memory improving and neuroprotective effect of YKS in a model of cerebrovascular ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats grouped into sham rats received saline, and other three groups subjected to repeated cerebral ischemia induced by 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO), received a 7-day oral administration of either saline, Angelica root or YKS. Memory was evaluated by eight-arm radial maze task. Acetylcholine release (ACh) in the dorsal hippocampus was investigated by microdialysis-HPLC. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated fluorescein-deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling. RESULTS Ischemia induced apoptosis, reduced release of ACh, and impaired the memory (increased error choices and decreased correct choices). Angelica root and YKS improved the memory deficits, upregulated the release of ACh and prevented 4-VO-induced hippocampal apoptosis. CONCLUSION The dual ACh-increasing and neuroprotective effect of Angelica root could make it a promising therapeutic agent useful for the treatment of symptoms of cerebrovascular dementia. Angelica root could be one of the components contributing to the memory-improving and neuroprotective effects of YKS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nogami-Hara
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Masaki Nagao
- A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Kotaro Takasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Egashira
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Kaori Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Funda Bolukbasi Hatip
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey
| | - Izzettin Hatip-Al-Khatib
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey.
| | - Katsunori Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Horibe T, Okushima N, Torisawa A, Akiyoshi R, Hatta‐Ohashi Y, Suzuki H, Kawakami K. Evaluation of chemical chaperones based on the monitoring of Bip promoter activity and visualization of extracellular vesicles by real-time bioluminescence imaging. LUMINESCENCE 2018; 33:249-255. [PMID: 28929569 PMCID: PMC6084373 DOI: 10.1002/bio.3388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
It is known that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) plays a significant role in cancer cells, therefore the evaluation of compounds that can regulate ER stress and EV secretion would be a suitable system for further screening and development of new drugs. In this study, we evaluated chemical chaperones derived from natural products based on monitoring Bip/GRP78 promoter activity during cancer cell growth, at the level of the single cell, by a bioluminescence microscopy system that had several advantages compared with fluorescence imaging. It was found that several chemical chaperones, such as ferulic acid (FA), silybin, and rutin, affected the activity. We visualized EVs from cancer cells using bioluminescence imaging and showed that several EVs could be observed when using CD63 fused with NanoLuc luciferase, which has a much smaller molecular weight and higher intensity than conventional firefly luciferase. We then examined the effects of the chemical chaperones on EVs from cancer cells by bioluminescence imaging and quantified the expression of CD63 in these EVs. It was found that the chemical chaperones examined in this study affected CD63 levels in EVs. These results showed that imaging at the level of the single cell using bioluminescence is a powerful tool and could be used to evaluate chemical chaperones and EVs from cancer cells. This approach may produce new information in this field when taken together with conventional and classical methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Horibe
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public HealthKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Nanako Okushima
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public HealthKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Aya Torisawa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public HealthKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Ryutaro Akiyoshi
- Evaluation Technology Department 1Olympus CorporationHachioji‐shiTokyoJapan
| | - Yoko Hatta‐Ohashi
- Evaluation Technology Department 1Olympus CorporationHachioji‐shiTokyoJapan
| | - Hirobumi Suzuki
- Evaluation Technology Department 1Olympus CorporationHachioji‐shiTokyoJapan
| | - Koji Kawakami
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public HealthKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mizoguchi K, Ikarashi Y. Cellular Pharmacological Effects of the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine Yokukansan on Brain Cells. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:655. [PMID: 28979206 PMCID: PMC5611794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine currently used for the treatment of the behavioral psychological symptoms associated with dementia (BPSD), which is frequently problematic in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Regarding the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its efficacy, we recently reviewed the multiple effects of YKS on the neurotransmitter systems (e.g., glutamatergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, and adrenergic neurotransmission) in various brain regions that are related to the psychological, emotional, cognitive, or memory functions. These multiple effects are thought to be caused by multiple components included in YKS. In addition, YKS exhibits various effects on brain cells (i.e., neurons, glial cells including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells, and endothelial cells). In this review, we summarize recent evidence demonstrating the cellular pharmacological effects of YKS on these brain cells, and discuss the current understanding of its efficacy and mechanism. In particular, YKS maintains the neuronal survival and function by multiple beneficial effects, including anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidation, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress, and neurogenesis. YKS also acts on glial cells by: facilitating the transport of glutamate into astrocytes; promoting the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes; and enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of microglial cells. These glial effects are thought to support neuronal functioning within the brain. Various ingredients involved in these effects have been identified, some of which can pass through the artificial blood–brain barrier without disrupting the endothelial tight junctions. This multitude of interactive effects displayed by YKS on neuronal and glial cells is suggested to be involved in the multitude of neuropsychopharmacological actions of YKS, which are related to the improvement of BPSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co.Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co.Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Malan-Müller S, Hemmings S. The Big Role of Small RNAs in Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders. ANXIETY 2017; 103:85-129. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
11
|
Ikarashi Y, Mizoguchi K. Neuropharmacological efficacy of the traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan and its active ingredients. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 166:84-95. [PMID: 27373856 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive dysfunction, and is often complicated by behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including excitement, aggression, and hallucinations. Typical and atypical antipsychotics are used for the treatment of BPSD, but induce adverse events. The traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan (YKS), which had been originated from the traditional Chinese medicine Yi-Gan-San, has been reported to improve BPSD without severe adverse effects. In the preclinical basic studies, there are over 70 research articles indicating the neuropharmacological efficacies of YKS. In this review, we first describe the neuropharmacological actions of YKS and its bioactive ingredients. Multiple potential actions for YKS were identified, which include effects on serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions as well as neuroprotection, anti-stress effect, promotion of neuroplasticity, and anti-inflammatory effect. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) in Uncaria hook and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) in Glycyrrhiza were responsible for several pharmacological actions of YKS. Subsequently, we describe the pharmacokinetics of GM and GA in rats. These ingredients were absorbed into the blood, crossed the blood-brain barrier, and reached the brain, in rats orally administered YKS. Moreover, autoradiography showed that [(3)H]GM predominantly distributed in the frontal cortex and [(3)H]GA in the hippocampus. Thus, YKS is a versatile herbal remedy with a variety of neuropharmacological effects, and may operate as a multicomponent drug including various active ingredients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
| | - Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Peters SL, Déry MA, LeBlanc AC. Familial prion protein mutants inhibit Hrd1-mediated retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins by depleting misfolded protein sensor BiP. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:976-88. [PMID: 26740554 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar to many proteins trafficking through the secretory pathway, cellular prion protein (PrP) partly retrotranslocates from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol through the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway in an attempt to alleviate accumulation of cellular misfolded PrP. Surprisingly, familial PrP mutants fail to retrotranslocate and simultaneously block normal cellular PrP retrotranslocation. That impairments in retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins could lead to global disruptions in cellular homeostasis prompted further investigations into PrP mutant retrotranslocation defects. A gain- and loss-of-function approach identified human E3 ubiquitin ligase, Hrd1, as a critical regulator of PrP retrotranslocation in mammalian cells. Expression of familial human PrP mutants, V210I(129V) and M232R(129V), not only abolished PrP retrotranslocation, but also that of Hrd1-dependent ERAD substrates, transthyretin TTR(D18G) and α1-anti-trypsin A1AT(NHK). Mutant PrP expression decreased binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) levels by 50% and attenuated ER stress-induced BiP by increasing BiP turnover 6-fold. Overexpression of BiP with PrP mutants rescued retrotranslocation of PrP, TTR(D18G) and A1AT(NHK). PrP mutants-induced cell death was also rescued by co-expression of BiP. These results show that PrP mutants highjack the Hrd1-dependent ERAD pathway, an action that would result in misfolded protein accumulation especially in terminally differentiated neurons. This could explain the age-dependent neuronal degeneration in familial prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Peters
- Bloomfield Center for Research in Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Ch. Cote Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H2A 2B4, Canada
| | - Marc-André Déry
- Bloomfield Center for Research in Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Ch. Cote Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H2A 2B4, Canada
| | - Andrea C LeBlanc
- Bloomfield Center for Research in Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Ch. Cote Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H2A 2B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao YR, Qu W, Liu WY, Hong H, Feng F, Chen H, Xie N. YGS40, an active fraction of Yi-Gan San, reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Chin J Nat Med 2015; 13:438-44. [PMID: 26073340 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(15)30037-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, we have elucidated the chemical profile of YGS40, a fraction of Yi-Gan San (YGS), used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of YGS40 against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and the underlying mechanisms. PC12 cells were exposed to 100 μmol·L(-1) of H2O2 for 12 h with or without YGS40 pretreatment. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT (3, (4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays; apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide coupled staining and by determining caspase-3 activity and Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the retention of rhodamine123; and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using commercially available enzymatic kits. Pretreatment with YGS40 significantly prevented H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and protected the cells against H2O2-triggered apoptosis characterized by externalization of membrane phosphatidylserine and caspase-3 activation and the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in PC12 cells. Further studies showed that YGS40 suppressed H2O2-induced MMP loss, increased SOD activity, and decreased MDA level. These findings suggest that YGS40 may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rong Zhao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Han Chen
- New Technology Center of Chemical Pharmaceutical Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Jiangxi Qingfeng Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ganzhou 341000, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baek SY, Lee NR, Kim DH, Gu A, Kim SY, Song DY, Kim DH, Choi HJ, Park BJ, Kim IS. Protective effect of a novel herbmedicine, Hepad, on apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells and a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Mol Cell Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-015-0021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
15
|
The Kampo Medicine Yokukansan Decreases MicroRNA-18 Expression and Recovers Glucocorticoid Receptors Protein Expression in the Hypothalamus of Stressed Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:797280. [PMID: 26106615 PMCID: PMC4461721 DOI: 10.1155/2015/797280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and GR expression level is associated with HPA axis activity. Recent studies revealed that microRNA- (miR-) 18 and/or 124a are candidate negative regulators of GR in the brain. The Kampo medicine Yokukansan (YKS) can affect psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety that are associated with stress responses. In this study, we evaluated the effect of YKS on miR-18 and 124a and GR levels in mice exposed to stress. We found that YKS pretreatment normalized elevated plasma corticosterone levels in stress-exposed mice. In addition, GR mRNA levels were downregulated in the brain following stress exposure. While miR-124a expression levels were not altered in the hypothalamus of stress-exposed mice, miR-18 levels decreased in the hypothalamus of YKS-pretreated mice after stress exposure. Finally, GR protein levels in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus after stress exposure recovered in YKS-pretreated mice. Collectively, these data suggest that YKS normalizes GR protein levels by regulating miR-18 expression in the hypothalamus, thus normalizing HPA axis activity following stress exposure.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shimizu S, Tanaka T, Tohyama M, Miyata S. Yokukansan normalizes glucocorticoid receptor protein expression in oligodendrocytes of the corpus callosum by regulating microRNA-124a expression after stress exposure. Brain Res Bull 2015; 114:49-55. [PMID: 25857947 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stressful events are known to down-regulate expression levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the brain. Recently, we reported that stressed mice with elevated plasma levels of corticosterone exhibit morphological changes in the oligodendrocytes of nerve fiber bundles, such as those in the corpus callosum. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of GR expression regulation in oligodendrocytes after stress exposure. A previous report has suggested that GR protein levels might be regulated by microRNA (miR)-18 and/or -124a in the brain. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the GR regulation mechanism in oligodendrocytes and evaluate the effects of yokukansan (YKS), a Kampo medicine, on GR protein regulation. Acute exposure to stress increased plasma corticosterone levels, decreased GR protein expression, and increased miR-124a expression in the corpus callosum of adult male mice, though the GR mRNA and miR-18 expression levels were not significant changes. YKS normalized the stress-induced changes in the plasma corticosterone, GR protein, and miR124a expression levels. An oligodendrocyte primary culture study also showed that YKS down-regulated miR-124a, but not miR-18, expression levels in dexamethasone-treated cells. These results suggest that the down-regulation of miR124a expression might be involved in the normalization of stress-induced decreases in GR protein in oligodendrocytes by YKS. This effect may imply the molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of YKS on psychological symptoms and stress-related behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Masaya Tohyama
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan; Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka 558-8558, Japan
| | - Shingo Miyata
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang O, Liu J, Cheng Q, Guo X, Wang Y, Zhao L, Zhou F, Ji B. Effects of ferulic acid and γ-oryzanol on high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118135. [PMID: 25646799 PMCID: PMC4315454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high morbidity of metabolic dysfunction diseases has heightened interest in seeking natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. γ-Oryzanol (OZ), the ferulic acid (FA) ester with phytosterols, mainly present in rice bran has been shown to improve markers of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the effects of FA and OZ on alleviating high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced metabolic syndrome parameters. METHODS Male SD rats were fed with a regular rodent diet, HFFD, or HFFD supplemented with 0.05% FA or 0.16% OZ (equimolar concentrations) for 13 weeks. Food intake, organ indices, serum lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance (IR) index and cytokine levels were analyzed. The mechanisms were further investigated in oleic acid-stimulated HepG2 cells by analyzing triglyceride (TG) content and lipogenesis-related gene expressions. RESULTS In the in vivo study, FA and OZ exhibited similar effects in alleviating HFFD-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and IR. However, only OZ treatment significantly decreased liver index and hepatic TG content, lowered serum levels of C-reactive protein and IL-6, and increased serum concentration of adiponectin. In the in vitro assay, only OZ administration significantly inhibited intracellular TG accumulation and down-regulated expression of stearoyl coenzyme-A desaturase-1, which might facilitate OZ to enhance its hepatoprotective effect. CONCLUSION OZ is more effective than FA in inhibiting hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation. Thus, FA and OZ could be used as dietary supplements to alleviate the deleterious effects of HFFD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ou Wang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- China National Research Institute of Food & Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Guo
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoping Ji
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Okamoto H, Iyo M, Ueda K, Han C, Hirasaki Y, Namiki T. Yokukan-san: a review of the evidence for use of this Kampo herbal formula in dementia and psychiatric conditions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:1727-42. [PMID: 25246794 PMCID: PMC4168872 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s65257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo) has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It was introduced to Japan in the middle of the sixth century and has evolved over the past 1,400 years after combining with Japan's original folk remedies. While it retains some similarities to TCM, Kampo has evolved in Japan, resulting in a system of medicine that has many differences from TCM. Kampo medicine is considered to be very safe; in Japan, Kampo herbal formulas are manufactured by licensed pharmaceutical companies, prescribed by Western-trained medical doctors (usually as a freeze-dried extract), and have quality control standards similar to those of prescription drugs. The present study examined Yokukan-san (Yi-Gan San in TCM), a Kampo formula that has been used empirically in Japan for more than 400 years. Accumulating clinical trials have demonstrated Yokukan-san's efficacy in treating patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, which has resulted in the Japanese Society of Neurology listing it in the Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Dementia 2010. Efficacy in other diseases and conditions, such as sleep disorders, tardive dyskinesia, aggression, and impulsivity has also been reported. This article reviews both clinical and basic studies of Yokukan-san, with the goal of clarifying its clinical indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Okamoto
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan ; Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Masaomi Iyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Cheolsun Han
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Hirasaki
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| | - Takao Namiki
- Department of Japanese-Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba City, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Furuya M, Miyaoka T, Tsumori T, Liaury K, Hashioka S, Wake R, Tsuchie K, Fukushima M, Ezoe S, Horiguchi J. Yokukansan promotes hippocampal neurogenesis associated with the suppression of activated microglia in Gunn rat. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:145. [PMID: 24305622 PMCID: PMC4234324 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) remains unclear, and its treatment is far from ideal. We have previously reported that yokukansan (YKS), which is a traditional Japanese medicine, is effective as an adjunctive therapy for SCZ. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of YKS have not yet been completely elucidated. A recent meta-analysis study has shown that adjuvant anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for SCZ treatment, and it has been proposed that some of the cognitive deficits associated with inflammation may in part be related to inflammation-induced reductions in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Although certain ingredients of YKS have potent anti-inflammatory activity, no study has determined if YKS has anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS Using the Gunn rat, which has been reported as a possible animal model of SCZ, we investigated whether YKS affects cognitive dysfunction in an object-location test and the suppression of microglial activation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. RESULTS We found that YKS ameliorated spatial working memory in the Gunn rats. Furthermore, YKS inhibited microglial activation and promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of these rats. These results suggest that the ameliorative effects of YKS on cognitive deficits may be mediated in part by the suppression of the inflammatory activation of microglia. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed light on the possible mechanism underlying the efficacy of YKS in treating SCZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyaoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu Y, Nakamura T, Toyoshima T, Lu F, Sumitani K, Shinomiya A, Keep RF, Yamamoto T, Tamiya T, Itano T. Ameliorative effects of yokukansan on behavioral deficits in a gerbil model of global cerebral ischemia. Brain Res 2013; 1543:300-7. [PMID: 24269335 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of yokukansan, a traditional Kampo medicine, on the behavioral dysfunction induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils. Gerbils were treated with yokukasan by oral gavage for 30 days, once per day, until the day before induction of ischemia, which was induced by occluding the bilateral common carotid artery for 5 min. The effects of yokukansan (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg) were examined by measuring neuronal damage and behavioral deficits (locomotor activity, 8-arm radial maze task). The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of yokukansan were also examined. Administration of yokukansan at 300 mg/kg significantly reduced hippocampal neuronal death after brain ischemia, inhibited the ischemia-induced inflammatory response and DNA oxidative damage. Yokukansan also reduced ischemia-induced locomotor hyperactivity and improved memory impairment. These findings suggest that yokukansan can inhibit the inflammatory response, oxidative damage and subsequent neuronal death induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and also can contribute to improvement in neurological deficits following such injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Takehiro Nakamura
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan.
| | - Tetsuhiko Toyoshima
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sumitani
- Department of Medical Education, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Aya Shinomiya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Richad F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tohru Yamamoto
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamiya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Itano
- Department of Neurobiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Miki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kanno H, Kawakami Z, Iizuka S, Tabuchi M, Mizoguchi K, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y. Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook contribute to protective effect of traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan against amyloid β oligomer-induced neuronal death. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 149:360-370. [PMID: 23838475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, composed of seven medicinal herbs has been traditionally used to treat neurosis, insomnia, and night crying and irritability in children. Recently, this medicine has been reported to improve the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that often become problematic in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). AIM OF THE STUDY Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, which are extremely toxic to neurons, are involved in neurodegeneration in AD. In animals, yokukansan has been proven to improve memory impairments and BPSD-like behavior in transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein and mice intracerebroventricularly injected with Aβ oligomers. These results suggest that yokukansan is potentially able to reduce the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the improving effects brought by yokukansan that consists of seven herbs for Aβ oligomer-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and to identify the candidate herbs in yokukansan's action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary cultured rat cortical neurons were used. Neurotoxicity induced by Aβ oligomers (3µM) and improving effects of yokukansan (300-1000 µg/mL) and its constituent herbs were evaluated in MTT assay, DNA fragmentation analysis, and electron microscopic analysis at 48h after treatment with Aβ oligomers and drugs. Moreover, changes in expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and in caspase-3 activity that is the enzyme closely related to apoptosis were analyzed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Yokukansan ameliorated Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal damage in a dose-dependent manner in the MTT assay. This drug also suppressed DNA fragmentation caused by Aβ oligomers. Electron microscopic analysis suggested that yokukansan reduced karyopyknosis and the expansion of rough ER caused by Aβ oligomers. However, neither Aβ oligomers nor yokukansan affected the mRNA expression of any ER stress-related genes, including CHOP and GRP78. On the other hand, yokukansan dose-dependently suppressed Aβ oligomer-induced activation of caspase-3. Among the seven constituents of yokukansan, Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook (60-200 µg/mL) suppressed Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal damage, DNA fragmentation, karyopyknosis, and caspase-3 activation to almost the same extent as yokukansan. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that yokukansan possesses an ameliorative effect against Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal apoptosis through the suppression of caspase-3 activation. Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook may, at least in part, contribute to the neuroprotective effect of yokukansan. These mechanisms may underlie the improving effects of yokukansan on memory impairment and BPSD-like behaviors induced by Aβ oligomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Kanno
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Purple rice extract and its constituents suppress endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced retinal damage in vitro and in vivo. Life Sci 2013; 92:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
23
|
Kozuka C, Yabiku K, Sunagawa S, Ueda R, Taira SI, Ohshiro H, Ikema T, Yamakawa K, Higa M, Tanaka H, Takayama C, Matsushita M, Oyadomari S, Shimabukuro M, Masuzaki H. Brown rice and its component, γ-oryzanol, attenuate the preference for high-fat diet by decreasing hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice. Diabetes 2012; 61:3084-93. [PMID: 22826028 PMCID: PMC3501875 DOI: 10.2337/db11-1767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Brown rice is known to improve glucose intolerance and prevent the onset of diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. In the current study, we investigated the effect of brown rice and its major component, γ-oryzanol (Orz), on feeding behavior and fuel homeostasis in mice. When mice were allowed free access to a brown rice-containing chow diet (CD) and a high-fat diet (HFD), they significantly preferred CD to HFD. To reduce hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on an HFD, mice were administered with 4-phenylbutyric acid, a chemical chaperone, which caused them to prefer the CD. Notably, oral administration of Orz, a mixture of major bioactive components in brown rice, also improved glucose intolerance and attenuated hypothalamic ER stress in mice fed the HFD. In murine primary neuronal cells, Orz attenuated the tunicamycin-induced ER stress. In luciferase reporter assays in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, Orz suppressed the activation of ER stress-responsive cis-acting elements and unfolded protein response element, suggesting that Orz acts as a chemical chaperone in viable cells. Collectively, the current study is the first demonstration that brown rice and Orz improve glucose metabolism, reduce hypothalamic ER stress, and, consequently, attenuate the preference for dietary fat in mice fed an HFD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisayo Kozuka
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kouichi Yabiku
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Sumito Sunagawa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Rei Ueda
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Taira
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Tomomi Ikema
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ken Yamakawa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Moritake Higa
- Diabetes and Life-style Related Disease Center, Tomishiro Central Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Chitoshi Takayama
- Departments of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Matsushita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Seiichi Oyadomari
- Institute for Genome Research, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Michio Shimabukuro
- Department of Cardio-Diabetes Medicine, University of Tokushima Graduate School of Health Biosciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Masuzaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology, Rheumatology (Second Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
- Corresponding author: Hiroaki Masuzaki,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hino H, Takahashi H, Suzuki Y, Tanaka J, Ishii E, Fukuda M. Anticonvulsive effect of paeoniflorin on experimental febrile seizures in immature rats: possible application for febrile seizures in children. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42920. [PMID: 22916181 PMCID: PMC3420886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FS) is the most common convulsive disorder in children, but there have been no clinical and experimental studies of the possible treatment of FS with herbal medicines, which are widely used in Asian countries. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a major bioactive component of Radix Paeoniae alba, and PF-containing herbal medicines have been used for neuromuscular, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we analyzed the anticonvulsive effect of PF and Keishikashakuyaku-to (KS; a PF-containing herbal medicine) for hyperthermia-induced seizures in immature rats as a model of human FS. When immature (P5) male rats were administered PF or KS for 10 days, hyperthermia-induced seizures were significantly suppressed compared to control rats. In cultured hippocampal neurons, PF suppressed glutamate-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), glutamate receptor-mediated membrane depolarization, and glutamate-induced neuronal death. In addition, PF partially suppressed the elevation in [Ca2+]i induced by activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), but not that mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolpropionic acid (AMPA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. However, PF did not affect production or release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that PF or PF-containing herbal medicines exert anticonvulsive effects at least in part by preventing mGluR5-dependent [Ca2+]i elevations. Thus, it could be a possible candidate for the treatment of FS in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Hino
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Takahashi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Ehime Proteo-Medicine Research Center, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yuka Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Junya Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Ehime Proteo-Medicine Research Center, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Eiichi Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Fukuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Ehime Proteo-Medicine Research Center, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Funakushi N, Yamaguchi T, Jiang J, Imamura S, Kuhara T, Suto H, Ueki R, Kase Y, Kobayashi H, Ogawa H, Ikeda S. Ameliorating effect of Yokukansan on the development of atopic dermatitis-like lesions and scratching behavior in socially isolated NC/Nga mice. Arch Dermatol Res 2011; 303:659-67. [PMID: 21365206 PMCID: PMC3197922 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-011-1137-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS) has been used in Japan as a remedy for neurosis, insomnia, and children with night crying. In a previous study, we reported that YKS controls scratching behavior and inhibits the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like lesions in NC/Nga mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of YKS on the development of AD-like lesions in socially isolated NC/Nga mice compared with the effects of fexofenadine and elucidated the mechanism of the ameliorating effect of YKS on the skin lesions. Ten-week-old male NC/Nga mice were divided into three groups (n = 5/group): the conventional control, the YKS-treated, and the fexofenadine-treated groups, and were kept isolated under conventional conditions for 6 weeks. Measurements were made of dermatitis scores and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching and grooming behaviors. Immunohistochemistry and mRNA levels were also evaluated. We performed similar experiments under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions that served as a SPF control. YKS and fexofenadine inhibited the aggravation of skin lesions and decreased TEWL, but only YKS decreased the numbers of scratching and pathologic grooming behaviors. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR revealed that N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression was increased in the skin of conventional control mice and was decreased in YKS-treated mice. Glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) mRNA levels were decreased in the skin of conventional control mice and were increased in YKS-treated mice. The results indicate that YKS ameliorates AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice through a mechanism distinct from that of fexofenadine. Furthermore, the effects of YKS are suggested to be mediated via glutamate signaling in the skin lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Funakushi
- Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|