Rehmannia glutinosa extract activates endothelial progenitor cells in a rat model of myocardial infarction through a SDF-1 α/CXCR4 cascade

Targeted arginine metabolomics combined with metagenomics revealed the potential mechanism of Pueraria lobata extract in treating myocardial infarction

The extraction methods for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have varying therapeutic effects on diseases. Currently, Pueraria lobata (PL) is mostly extracted with ethanol, but decoction, as a TCM extraction method, is not widely adopted. In this study, we present a strategy that integrates targeted metabolomics, 16 s rDNA sequencing technology and metagenomics for exploring the potential mechanism of the water extract of PL (PLE) in treating myocardial infarction (MI). Using advanced analytical techniques like ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), we comprehensively characterized PLE's chemical composition. Further, we tested its efficacy in a rat model of MI induced by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery (LAD). We assessed cardiac enzyme levels and conducted echocardiograms. UPLC-MS/MS was used to compare amino acid differences in serum. Furthermore, we investigated fecal samples using 16S rDNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing to study intestinal flora diversity and function. This study demonstrated PLE's effectiveness in reducing cardiac injury in LAD-ligated rats. Amino acid metabolomics revealed significant improvements in serum levels of arginine, citrulline, proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine, and sarcosine in MI rats, which are key compounds in the arginine metabolism pathway. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that PLE significantly improved arginase (Arg), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and creatine kinase (CK) contents in the liver tissue of MI rats. 16 s rDNA and metagenome sequencing revealed that PLE significantly improved intestinal flora imbalance in MI rats, particularly in taxa such as Tuzzerella, Desulfovibrio, Fournierella, Oscillibater, Harryflintia, and Holdemania. PLE also improved the arginine metabolic pathway in the intestinal microorganisms of MI rats. The findings indicate that PLE effectively modulates MI-induced arginine levels and restores intestinal flora balance. This study, the first to explore the mechanism of action of PLE in MI treatment considering amino acid metabolism and intestinal flora, expands our understanding of the potential of PL in MI treatment. It offers fresh insights into the mechanisms of PL, guiding further research and development of PL-based medicines.

Astragalus propinquus schischkin and Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge promote angiogenesis to treat myocardial ischemia via Ang-1/Tie-2/FAK pathway

Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (AS) have been clinically used as adjunctive drugs in the treatment of myocardial ischemia (MI). However, the effect and mechanism of AS on MI have yet to be fully recognized. Here, we explored the cardioprotective effect of their combined use, and the mechanism of promoting angiogenesis through pericyte recruitment. Our data revealed that AS reduced MI and protects cardiac function. AS-treated MI mice exhibited reduced ST-segment displacement and repolarization time, increased ejection fraction, and less BNP and NT-proBNP expression. Pathological studies showed that, AS reduced the area of infarcted myocardium and slowed down the progress of cardiac remodelling and fibrosis. In addition, AS increased the content of platelet-derived growth factor receptors β (PDGFR-β), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and angiogenesis-related proteins including vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Moreover, these botanical drugs upregulated the expression of Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), phosphorylated angiopoietin-1 receptor (p-Tie-2), focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (GRB7), indicating that the cardioprotection-related angiogenesis effect was related to pericyte recruitment, which may be through Ang-1/Tie-2/FAK pathway. In summary, AS can treat MI by protecting cardiac function, attenuating cardiac pathological changes, and hindering the progression of heart failure, which is related to angiogenesis after pericyte recruitment. Therefore, AS at a certain dose can be a promising treatment for MI with broad application prospects.

TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis of the effects of Jiawei Danshen decoction myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Every year, approximately 17 million people worldwide die due to coronary heart disease, with China ranking second in terms of the death toll. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) significantly influences cardiac function and prognosis in cardiac surgery patients. Jiawei Danshen Decoction (JWDSD) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been used clinically for many years in China to treat MIRI. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remain unknown. To investigate the proteomic changes in myocardial tissue of rats given JWDSD for MIRI therapy-based proteomics.

METHODS

MIRI rat model was created by ligating/releasing the left anterior descending coronary artery. For seven days, the drugs were administered twice daily. The model was created following the last drug administration. JWDSD's efficacy in improving MIRI was evaluated using biochemical markers and cardiac histology. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics (TMT) technology was also used to detect proteins in the extracted heart tissue. To analyze differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways, were employed. Furthermore, western blotting confirmed the potential targets regulated by JWDSD.

RESULTS

The histopathologic characteristics and biochemical data showed JWDSD's protective effects on MIRI rats. A total of 4549 proteins were identified with FDR (false discovery rate) ≤1%. Twenty overlapping were identified (162 DEPs and 45 DEPs in Model/Control or JWDSD/Model group, respectively). Of these DEPs, 16 were regulated by JWDSD. GO analysis provided a summary of the deregulated protein expression in the categories of biological process (BP), cell component (CC), and molecular function (MF). KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the signaling pathways of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, RNA polymerase, serotonergic synapse, and linoleic acid metabolism are all closely related to JWDSD effects in MIRI rats. Furthermore, T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (TIAM1) was validated using western blotting, and the results were consistent with proteomics data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that JWDSD may exert therapeutic effects through multi-pathways regulation in MIRI treatment. This work may provide proteomics clues for continuing research on JWDSD in treating MIRI.

SDF‑1α/CXCR4 signaling promotes capillary tube formation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells by activating ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways in vitro

The purpose of this study is to address the effect and mechanism of stromal cell‑derived factor‑1 (SDF‑1)α/chemokine (C‑X‑C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling on capillary tube formation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs). The expression of CXCR4 in HRECs was quantified by reverse transcription (RT‑PCR) and western blotting. The effects of SDF‑1α/CXCR4 signaling in capillary tube formation and migration of HRECs was examined using three‑dimensional Matrigel assay and wound scratching assay respectively in vitro. Cell proliferation of HRECs was examined using cell counting kit (CCK)‑8 assay in the presence of different concentrations of SDF‑1α protein. The effect of SDF‑1α/CXCR4 signaling in HREC expression of VEGF, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), IL‑8 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)‑1 was examined using RT‑PCR and western blotting. RT‑PCR and western blot analysis revealed CXCR4 was expressed in HRECs. The number of intact capillary tubes formed by HRECs in the presence of SDF‑1α was markedly more compared with a PBS treated control group. However, it was reduced with treatment with an CXCR4 antagonist. Wound scratching assay showed a significant increase in the number of migrated HRECs under SDF‑1α stimulation and the number was reduced with treatment with an CXCR4 antagonist. RT‑PCR and western blotting showed that SDF‑1α significantly promoted VEGF, bFGF, IL‑8 and ICAM‑1 expression in HRECs. The proliferation of HRECs in the presence of SDF‑1α was promoted in a dosage‑dependent manner. SDF‑1α/CXCR4 signaling can increase HREC capillary tube formation through promoting HREC migration, proliferation and expression of VEGF, bFGF, IL‑8 and ICAM‑1.

Natural Herbal Medicine as a Treatment Strategy for Myocardial Infarction through the Regulation of Angiogenesis

Methods

We conducted a literature search on the bioactive components of medicinal plants and their effects on angiogenesis after MI. We searched for articles in Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases before April 2021.

Results

In this article, we summarized the mechanisms by which copper ions, microRNA, Akt1, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and pericytes are involved in angiogenesis after myocardial infarction. In addition, we reviewed the angiogenic effects of natural herbal medicines such as Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Bunge, Carthamus tinctorius L., Pueraria lobata, Astragalus, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl, Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., and Geum macrophyllum Willd.

Conclusions

Some herbs have the effect of promoting angiogenesis. In the future, natural proangiogenic drugs may become candidates for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Guanxin V in animal model of acute myocardial infarction

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most serious and lethal manifestation of coronary heart disease worldwide, presenting extremely high disability and mortality. Our previous studies have shown that Guanxin V (GXV) could significantly improve the cardiac function and the blood flow dynamics, and reduce serum levels of inflammatory factors in AMI rats, thus triggering ventricular remodeling (VR) at post-AMI.

Methods

An in vivo AMI model was established in Syrian hamsters by performing the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into four groups, namely Sham operation group (n = 12), AMI group (n = 12), GXV group (GXV 6 g/Kg/d, n = 12), and Tranilast group (Tra 105 mg/Kg/d, n = 12). Drug intervention was conducted for consecutive 8 weeks. Relative biological indicators were measured in the 4th and 8th week, respectively.

Results

Cardiac functions were improved, and the infarcted size and heart weight index were limited in Syrian hamsters of GXV and Tra groups compared with those in AMI group. Furthermore, GXV was able to decrease the number of mast cells and chymase level in Syrian hamsters with AMI. Administration of GXV remarkably inactivated the renin-angiotension-aldosterone system, and alleviated myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, thus slowing down VR at post-AMI.

Conclusion

GXV slows down the process of VR at post-AMI by reducing chymase level and mast cells number, as well as inactivating the reninangiotension-aldosterone system..

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03211-7.

Rapid and selective mobilization of specific stem cell types after consumption of a polyphenol-rich extract from sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae) in healthy human subjects

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract of sea buckthorn berry (SBB-PE) on the numbers of various types of adult stem cells in the blood circulation of healthy human subjects.

Study design and methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted in 12 healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken immediately before and at 1 and 2 hours after consuming either placebo or 500 mg SBB-PE. Whole blood was used for immunophenotyping and flow cytometry to quantify the numbers of CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ and CD45dim CD34+ CD309− stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ mesenchymal stem cells.

Results

Consumption of SBB-PE was associated with a rapid and highly selective mobilization of CD45dim CD34+ CD309− progenitor stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ lymphocytoid mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast, only minor effects were seen for CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ pluripotential stem cells.

Conclusion

Consumption of SBB-PE resulted in selective mobilization of stem cell types involved in regenerative and reparative functions. These data may contribute to the understanding of the traditional uses of SBB for preventive health, regenerative health, and postponing the aging process.

Relationship of Circulating CXCR4+ EPC with Prognosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

To investigate the changes of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)/CXCR4 expression in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the correlation between EPC level and the prognosis of mild TBI. 72 TBI patients (57 mild TBI, 15 moderate TBI patients) and 25 healthy subjects (control) were included. The number of circulating EPCs, CD34⁺, and CD133⁺ cells and the percentage of CXCR4⁺ cells in each cell population at 1,4,7,14,21 days after TBI were counted by flow cytometer. SDF-1α levels in serum were detected by ELISA assay. The patients were divided into poor and good prognosis groups based on Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and Activity of Daily Living Scale at 3 months after TBI. Correlation analysis between each detected index and prognosis of mild TBI was performed. Moderate TBI patients have higher levels of SDF-1α and CXCR4 expression than mild TBI patients (P < 0.05). The percentage of CXCR4⁺ EPCs at day 7 post-TBI was significantly higher in mild TBI patients with poor prognosis than the ones with good prognosis (P < 0.05). HAMA and HAMD scores in mild TBI patients were significantly lower than moderate TBI patients (P < 0.05) in early term. The percentage of CXCR4⁺ EPCs at day 7 after TBI was significantly correlated with the prognosis outcome at 3 months. The mobilization of circulating EPCs can be induced in mild TBI. The expression of CXCR4⁺ in EPCs at 7 days after TBI reflects the short-term prognosis of brain injury, and could be a potential biological marker for prognosis prediction of mild TBI.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A promotes neovascularization and cardiac function recovery through HO-1/VEGF-A/SDF-1α cascade

AIM

The present study was to investigate the proangiogenic and cardioprotective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against myocardial infarction (MI) injury and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

MI model was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in normal and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) knockout mice and the ones receiving vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) or stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) antagonists. They were treated with three doses or single dose of HSYA for 28days. The cardiac function, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilization, angiogenesis, the expression of HO-1, VEGF-A, SDF-1α and apoptosis or fibrosis related proteins in the peri-infarct area were evaluated at respective times. We further examined the effect of HSYA on EPCs CXC chemokiner receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and the role of SDF-1α on EPCs function in vitro.

RESULTS

HSYA could dose dependently reduce left ventricular function impairment, myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and promote EPCs mobilization and myocardial neovascularization. Further, HO-1 knockout abolished HSYA-induced up-regulation of HO-1, VEGF-A and SDF-1α. VEGF antagonist significantly reduced HSYA-increased VEGF-A and SDF-1α levels and SDF-1 antagonist abolished HSYA-simulated up-regulation of SDF-1α. Meanwhile, HO-1 knockout, administration of VEGF and SDF-1 antibodies abrogated HSYA-promoted expression of the marker proteins of newborn microvessels and cardiac functional recovery. In vitro, HSYA dose dependently promoted (CXCR4) expression on EPCs. SDF-1α significantly accelerated EPCs function which was reversed by CXCR4 antagonist.

CONCLUSION

HSYA could promote EPCs function through the HO-1/VEGF-A/SDF-1α signaling cascade, which contributed largely to myocardial neovascularization and further improved cardiac function in MI mice.

Integrative therapy decreases the risk of lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A population-based retrospective cohort study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evidence on alleviating the risk of lupus nephritis by integrative therapy with conventional medicine (CM) and herbal medicine (HM) had not been addressed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the integrative effect associated the risk by a retrospective Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) cohort from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SLE patients with a catastrophic illness certificate (CIC) were retrospectively enrolled from the SLE cohort of the Taiwan NHIRD between 1997 and 2011. The patients were divided into an integrative medicine (IM: integrated CM plus HM) and a non-IM (CM only) group with 1:1 propensity score matching. Cox proportional regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method were conducted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for lupus nephritis in the cohort.

RESULTS

Among 16,645 newly diagnosed SLE patients holding a CIC (SLE/CIC), 1933 had received HM and 1571 had received no HM treatment. After propensity score matching, there were 273 patients with lupus nephritis-120 in the IM group and 153 in the non-IM group. The adjusted HR (0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.87, p<0.01) for lupus nephritis was lower in the IM group than in the non-IM group. The adjusted HR (0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.88, p<0.001) for lupus nephritis was also lower in the group of patients who had received CM plus HM than in the group that received CM only. The core pattern of HM prescriptions, which were integrated with CM for preventing lupus nephritis, was "Sheng-Di-Huang" (raw Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.), "Mu-Dan-Pi" (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.), "Dan-Shan" (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.), "Zhi-Bo-Di-Huang-Wan.", and "Chi-Shao" (Paeoniae lactiflorae Rubra).

CONCLUSION

Integrative therapy decreased the risk of lupus nephritis among SLE patients in Taiwan. Further investigation of the pharmacological mechanism and clinical efficacy are warranted.

Myocardial Ischemia Induces SDF-1α Release in Cardiac Surgery Patients

In the present observational study, we measured serum levels of the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) in 100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at seven distinct time points including preoperative values, myocardial ischemia, reperfusion, and the postoperative course. Myocardial ischemia triggered a marked increase of SDF-1α serum levels whereas cardiac reperfusion had no significant influence. Perioperative SDF-1α serum levels were influenced by patients' characteristics (e.g., age, gender, aspirin intake). In an explorative analysis, we observed an inverse association between SDF-1α serum levels and the incidence of organ dysfunction. In conclusion, time of myocardial ischemia was identified as the key stimulus for a significant upregulation of SDF-1α, indicating its role as a marker of myocardial injury. The inverse association between SDF-1α levels and organ dysfunction association encourages further studies to evaluate its organoprotective properties in cardiac surgery patients.

An Oriental Medicine, Hyungbangpaedok-San Attenuates Motor Paralysis in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis by Regulating the T Cell Response

The preventive and therapeutic mechanisms in multiple sclerosis are not clearly understood. We investigated whether Hyungbangpaedok-san (HBPDS), a traditional herbal medicine, has a beneficial effect in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG_35-55). Onset-treatment with 4 types of HBPDS (extracted using distilled water and 30%/70%/100% ethanol as the solvent) alleviated neurological signs, and HBPDS extracted within 30% ethanol (henceforth called HBPDS) was more effective. Onset-treatment with HBPDS reduced demyelination and the recruitment/infiltration and activation of microglia/macrophages in the spinal cord of EAE mice, which corresponded to the reduced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL–6, and IL–1β), iNOS, and chemokines (MCP–1, MIP–1α, and RANTES) in the spinal cord. Onset-treatment with HBPDS inhibited changes in the components of the blood-brain barrier such as astrocytes, adhesion molecules (ICAM–1 and VCAM–1), and junctional molecules (claudin–3, claudin–5, and zona occludens–1) in the spinal cord of EAE mice. Onset-treatment with HBPDS reduced the elevated population of CD4⁺, CD4⁺/IFN-γ⁺, and CD4⁺/IL–17⁺ T cells in the spinal cord of EAE mice but it further increased the elevated population of CD4⁺/CD25⁺/Foxp3⁺ and CD4⁺/Foxp3⁺/Helios⁺ T cells. Pre-, onset-, post-, but not peak-treatment, with HBPDS had a beneficial effect on behavioral impairment in EAE mice. Taken together, HBPDS could alleviate the development/progression of EAE by regulating the recruitment/infiltration and activation of microglia and peripheral immune cells (macrophages, Th1, Th17, and Treg cells) in the spinal cord. These findings could help to develop protective strategies using HBPDS in the treatment of autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis.

Inhibitory effect of Samul-tang on retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Retinal neovascularization is a common cause of vision loss in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. Samul-tang (SMT) is a widely used traditional herbal medicine in East Asia and is also known as Shimotsu-to in Japanese and Si-Wu decoction in Chinese. This study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of SMT on retinal pathogenic angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).

METHOD

The mice were exposed to a 75% concentration of oxygen for five days, starting on postnatal day 7 (P7-P12). The mice were then exposed to room air and were intraperitoneally injected with SMT (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) once per day for five days (P12-P16). On P17, we measured retinal neovascularization and evaluated both the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins and changes in the gene expression level in the mRNA.

RESULTS

SMT reduced the area of the central retina and reduced retinal neovascularization in OIR mice. The protein array revealed that SMT reduced the level of SDF-1 protein expression. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the HIF-1α, SDF-1, CXCR4 and VEGF mRNA levels in the retinas of OIR mice were elevated compared with those of normal control mice. However, SMT decreased the levels of HIF-1α, SDF-1, CXCR4 and VEGF mRNA in OIR mice.

CONCLUSION

We are the first to elucidate that SMT inhibits the retinal pathogenic angiogenesis induced by ischemic retinopathy in OIR mice. SMT significantly inhibited retinal neovascularization by downregulating HIF-1α, SDF-1, CXCR4 and VEGF. Based on the results of our study, SMT could be a useful herbal medicine for treating ischemic retinopathy.

Zn(II) released from zinc oxide nano/micro particles suppresses vasculogenesis in human endothelial colony-forming cells

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been widely used in industry, cosmetics, and biomedicine. Recent studies suggested that these nanoparticles could have a major impact on the cardiovascular system. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to postnatal endothelial repair and regeneration. The present study dissected the effects of ZnO nanoparticles on vasculogenesis using human endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), which participate in post-natal vasculogenesis. Two types of ZnO particles were used (nano and micro), in addition to zinc chloride solutions with zinc ion concentrations equal to those in ZnO nanoparticles. Twenty-four-hour exposure induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner and increased ECFCs apoptosis in all groups. The exposure also reduced the functional capacity of ECFCs on Matrix gel to form tubules, compared with the control cells. These effects were associated with downregulation of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, VEGFR2 and CXC chemokine receptor, CXCR4. The results suggest that ZnO nanoparticles suppress vasculogenesis from ECFCs through downregulation of the expression of receptors related to vasculogenesis. These effects are based the concentration of released Zn(II).

The expression of P2X₇ receptors in EPCs and their potential role in the targeting of EPCs to brain gliomas

In order to use endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as a therapeutic and imaging probe to overcome antiangiogenic resistance for gliomas, how to enhance proliferation and targeting ability of transplanted EPCs is a high priority. Here, we confirmed, for the first time, the expression of P2X7 receptors in rat spleen-derived EPCs. Activation of P2X7 receptors in EPCs by BzATP promoted cells proliferation and migration, rather than apoptosis. In vivo, the homing of transplanted EPCs after long-term suppression of P2X7 receptors by persistent BBG stimulation was evaluated by MRI, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Compared to the group without BBG treatment, less transplanted EPCs homed to gliomas in the group with BBG treatment, especially integrated into the vessels containing tumor-derived endothelial cells in gliomas. Moreover, western blot showed that CXCL1 expression was downregulated in gliomas with BBG treatment, which meant P2X7 receptors suppression inhibited the homing of EPCs to gliomas through down-regulation of CXCLl expression. Further, effects of P2X7 receptors on C6 glioma cells or gliomas were evaluated at the same dose of BzATP or BBG used in EPCs experiments in vitro and in vivo. MTT assay and MRI revealed that P2X7 receptors exerted no significant promoting effect on C6 glioma cells proliferation, gliomas growth and angiogenesis. Taken together, our findings imply the possibility of promoting proliferation and targeting ability of transplanted EPCs to brain gliomas in vivo through P2X7 receptors, which may provide new perspectives on application of EPCs as a therapeutic and imaging probe to overcome antiangiogenic resistance for gliomas.

Exendin-4 enhances the migration of adipose-derived stem cells to neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocyte-derived conditioned medium via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt-stromal cell-derived factor-1α/CXC chemokine receptor 4 pathway

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered a suitable source of cells for the repair of tissue following acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, the transplantation efficiency of ADSCs remains low. Therefore, identification of an efficient method to enhance the migration of engrafted cells to the target site is required. The present study used exendin-4 (Ex-4), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, to optimize the migratory capacity of ADSCs. The aim was to determine the effect and mechanisms of Ex-4 on the migration of ADSCs to neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocyte-derived conditioned medium (NRVC-CM). The ADSCs and cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro. Following incubation of the ADSCs with Ex-4, cell proliferation was measured using an MTT assay and the expression levels of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) were investigated by reverse transctiption quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis and flow cytometry. In addition, the expression levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) were evaluated in the NRVC-CM treated with Ex-4 by ELISA, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The migration of the ADSCs to the NRVC-CM was examined using a Transwell assay. Changes in the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p−)Akt were examined in the two types of cell by western blot analysis. The results suggested that Ex-4 promoted the proliferation and expression of CXCR4 in the ADSCs, increased the secretion of SDF-1α in the cardiomyocytes and increased the expression levels of p-Akt in both cells. However, the alterations to the SDF-1α/C XC R4 cascade in the cells were abrogated following pretreatment with LY-294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) inhibitor. Furthermore, a Transwell migration assay revealed marked translocation of the ADSCs through the membranes, towards the NRVC-CM, following treatment with Ex-4. However, these effects were reduced significantly by pretreatment of the cells with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 cascade antagonist, AMD3100, and the PI3K inhibitor, LY-294002. These results indicated that Ex-4 augmented the SDF-1α/CXCR4 cascade by activating the PI3K/Akt pathways in the ADSCs and NRVCs. Furthermore, enhancement of the PI3K/Akt-SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway may be important in the migratory response of ADSCs to NRVC-CM in vitro.

Roles of Chinese medicine bioactive ingredients in the regulation of cellular function of endothelial progenitor cells

To improve the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is one of the goals in Chinese traditional therapy to treat various cardio-celebrovascular diseases. In the past decades, scholars in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have found fifteen active compounds to regulate the function of EPC. These metabolites are extracted from thirteen, plant-based Chinese medicine, with majority of them as potent reductive or oxidative hydrophilic molecules containing phenyl groups. These active compounds either enhance the mobilization of EPC, or inhibit their apoptosis through different signaling pathways. In this review, the molecular structure, biophysical properties, and the plant sources of these active ingredients and their regulatory effects on the function of EPC are summarized, aiming to reveal the modern basis of Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis at the progenitor cell level.