Ophiopogonin D of Ophiopogon japonicus ameliorates renal function by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory response in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats

Jing Si Herbal Tea Modulates Macrophage Polarization and Inflammatory Signaling in LPS-Induced Inflammation

Background: Sepsis is a lethal disease due to uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Macrophages play an important role in sepsis-associated inflammation. Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT) is a plant-based regimen with anti-inflammatory properties designed to treat respiratory diseases; however, its underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of JSHT on macrophage polarization and inflammatory signaling in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation to provide therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS (1 µg/mL for 16 h) to induce inflammatory responses and treated by JSHT (0.0125% concentration for 4 h) in the experimental groups (Control, JSHT, LPS, Pre-JSHT, and Post-JSHT groups). We investigated the protein and cytokine expression levels using western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage morphology was observed using immunofluorescence staining. The polarization surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Results: In the LPS group, the expressions of the inflammatory signaling (pERK, pJNK, and nuclear NFκB) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were significantly increased, with M1 polarization (CD68+/CD80+) compared to the Control group. In the Pre-JSHT and Post-JSHT groups, the expressions of the inflammatory signaling and the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly decreased, with a higher M2 polarization ratio (CD163+/CD206+) compared to the LPS group. RAW264.7 cells exhibited filopodia protruding from the cell surface in the LPS group, which were inhibited in the Pre-JSHT and Post-JSHT groups. Conclusions: LPS induced M1 polarization with elevated inflammatory signaling and cytokine levels, while JSHT not only decreased M1 polarization but also promoted M2 polarization with decreased inflammatory responses. We propose JSHT as a potential anti-inflammatory agent against LPS-induced inflammation.

Effectiveness and safety of Jiejing Runmu decoction in treatment of dry eye disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Jiejing Runmu decoction in relieving the clinical manifestations of dry eye disease (DED).

DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS

This single-arm prospective intervention study was conducted at the Peking University Third Hospital and People's Hospital of Yongqing. Of the 211 patients recruited, 200 completing the follow-up were included in the analysis. Patients received Jiejing Runmu decoction once a day for 4 weeks continuously, without any change in eye care habits. Individuals were evaluated at four time points: pretreatment (baseline), 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months (2 months after completion of treatment), using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test I and meibomian gland assessments. Adverse effects were evaluated at each follow-up visit and systematic examinations were performed during the first and last visits.

RESULTS

OSDI, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test I, meibomian gland expressibility, and quality of secretions improved at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months compared to baseline (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between the sexes. Patients above 45 years showed worse subjective symptoms and objective signs, and greater improvements in corneal fluorescein staining, meibomian gland expressibility, and quality of secretions were observed in this group. No obvious adverse effects were detected during any follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

Jiejing Runmu decoction significantly improved both the subjective symptoms and objective signs of DED, with favorable tolerance.

Ophiopogonin D: review of pharmacological activity

Background

Ophiopogon D is an important natural organic compound in Ophiopogon japonicus, which often has significant biological activity.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to systemically summarize and discuss the pharmacological activity and underlying mechanisms of OP-D in recent years.

Method

PubMed and Web of Science were searched with the keywords:"Ophiopogon japonicus", "Ophiopogon D" "pharmacology", and "pharmacokinetics". There was no restriction on the publication year, and the last search was conducted on 1 Jan 2024.

Results

Emerging evidence suggests that OP-D possess numerous pharmacological activities, including bone protection, cardiovascular protection, immune regulation, anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory and anti-NAFLD.

Conclusion

OP-D has a potential value in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. We hope that this review will contribute to therapeutic development and future studies of OP-D.

A comprehensive review of the classical prescription Yiguan Jian: Phytochemistry, quality control, clinical applications, pharmacology, and safety profile

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yiguan Jian (YGJ) is a classical prescription, which employs 6 kinds of medicinal herbs including Rehmanniae Radix, Lycii Fructus, Angelicae sinensis Radix, Glehniae Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix, and Toosendan Fructus. YGJ decoction is originally prescribed in Qing Dynasty (1636 CE ∼ 1912 CE) in China, and is commonly used to treat liver diseases. There remain abundant literature investigating YGJ decoction from multiple aspects, but few reviews summarized the research and gave a precise definition, which impedes further applications and commercialization of YGJ decoction.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive descriptions of YGJ decoction, tackling with issues in the research and development of YGJ decoction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature and clinical reports were obtained from the databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and SinoMed since 2000. The phytochemical characteristics, quality control, pharmaceutical forms, clinical position, pharmacological effects, and toxic events of YGJ decoction were included for analysis.

RESULT

This review firstly summarized the progress of the chemical existences of YGJ decoction and discussed the advanced methods in monitoring quality of YGJ decoction and its herbal ingredients, particularly in the form of granules. Whilst this review aims to identify the pharmacological actions and clinical impacts of YGJ decoction, the medicinal materials that could provide these benefits were observed in the remaining herbs to exert the anti-fibrotic effects, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects, and to universally treat liver and gastric diseases. This review provided supplementary descriptions on the safety issues, especially in Glehniae Radix and Toosendan Fructus, to define the alterations between hepatoprotective activities and unclear toxics in YGJ decoction application.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensively organized review discussed the chemical characteristics and the research in altering or identifying these essences. The effects of YGJ decoction on the non-clinical and clinical tests exert the good management of sophisticated diseases. In this review, current issues are discussed to inform and inspire subsequent research of YGJ decoction and other classical prescriptions.

A prospective review of the health-promoting potential of Jing Si Herbal Tea

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained considerable attention over the past few years for its multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway approach to treating different diseases. Studies have shown that TCMs as adjuvant therapy along with conventional treatment may benefit in safely treating various disorders. However, investigations on finding effective herbal combinations are ongoing. A novel TCM formula, "Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT)," has been reported recently for their health-promoting effects in improving overall body and mental health. JSHT is a combination of eight herbs recognized in Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for their anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties as well as protective effects against cardiovascular, metabolic, neural, digestive, and genitourinary diseases. Thus, to better understand the beneficial effects of the ingredients of JSHT on health, this review intends to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of the ingredients of JSHT on human health and diseases, and possible therapeutic effects with the related mode of actions and future prospects for their application in complementary therapies.

Ophiopogonin D improves oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β cells induced by hydrogen peroxide through Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar. Due to its complex pathogenesis, no effective drugs have been found so far. Ophiopogonin D (OP-D) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, but its role in DM has not been studied so far. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to induce INS-1 cells. INS-1 cells induced by H2O2 were treated with OP-D, and cell apoptosis, oxidative stress damage, and related indexes of mitochondrial function were respectively detected by cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, JC-1 fluorescent probe, and related kits. Subsequently, molecular docking techniques were used to investigate the relationship between OP-D and Keap1 and to explore the regulation mechanism of OP-D on H2O2-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in INS-1 cells. OP-D inhibited the apoptosis and oxidative stress level of H2O2-induced INS-1 cells, thereby inhibiting cell damage. Moreover, OP-D inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction in H2O2-induced INS-1 cells. At last, we found that Keap1/Nrf2 specific signaling pathway inhibitor ML385 was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of OP-D on H2O2-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in INS-1 cells. In conclusion, OP-D improves oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β cells induced by H2O2 through activating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway in DM.

Circular RNA circADAM9 Promotes Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Fibrosis of Human Mesangial Cells via the Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway in Diabetic Nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered as potential biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, the potential roles of circADAM9 in high glucose (HG)-induced cell injury of human mesangial cells (HMCs) were investigated, and the underlying mechanism was elucidated.

METHODS

DN cell model in vitro was simulated by HG treatment of HMCs. Endogenous expressions of circADAM9, miR-545-3p, and ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays. The inflammatory response was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxidative stress was examined using commercially available kits. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to confirm the interaction among circADAM9, miR-545-3p, and USP15.

RESULTS

CircADAM9 was upregulated in DN samples and HG-treated HMCs, while its downregulation inhibited cell proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Further investigation revealed that circADAM9 exerted this influence by targeting the miR-545-3p/USP15 axis, thereby regulating the KELCH-like ECh-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway. MiR-545-3p knockdown or USP15 overexpression reversed the effect of circADAM9 silencing in HG-induced HMCs.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the circADAM9/miR-545-3p/USP15/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling axis is critical for HG-induced cell injury in HMCs and might represent a novel therapeutic target for DN treatment.

Ophiopogonin D ameliorates non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease in high‑fat diet‑induced obese mice by improving lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammatory response

Lipid metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver are key steps in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ophiopogonin D (OP-D), the main active ingredient of Ophiopogon japonicus, exhibits several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the role of OP-D in NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. To investigate the effect of OP-D on NAFLD in vivo, a NAFLD mouse model was established following feeding mice with HFD, then the mice were randomly treated with HFD or HFD + OP-D for 4 weeks. Subsequently, primary mouse hepatocytes were isolated, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used for assessment to explore the direct effect of OP-D in vitro. The results of the present study indicated that OP-D could ameliorate NAFLD in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Additionally, OP-D treatment decreased lipogenesis and inflammation levels in vitro, suggesting that the NF-κB signaling pathway may be involved in the beneficial effects of OP-D on NAFLD.

The mechanism of Qijing Mingmu decoction on cellular senescence of conjunctivochalasis

BACKGROUND

Qijing Mingmu decoction (QJMM), a compound Chinese medicine preparation, which consists of Lycium barbarum, Polygonatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Poria cocos, Glycyrrhiza, Eclipta prostrata and Ligusticum striatum, has been confirmed to be effective for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis (CCH) in clinic and reduce cellular senescence. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our previous study revealed that p38-mediated cellular senescence contributed to the pathogenesis of CCH.

METHODS

To explore whether p38 might be the potential therapeutic target of QJMM for CCH, CCH fibroblasts were treated with QJMM granule and then the effect of QJMM granule on the expression and promoter activity of p38α was determined by western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Meanwhile, the influence of QJMM granule on cell proliferation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and the expression of the cellular senescence-associated genes were measured by corresponding methods.

RESULTS

QJMM granule significantly decreased the protein expression of p38α and p-p38α in CCH fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited p38α promoter activity. QJMM granule as well as the p38 inhibitor SB203580 reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in CCH fibroblasts. QJMM granule and SB203580 promoted cell proliferation and reduced the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells. The mRNA and protein expression of p53 and p21 was remarkably down-regulated by QJMM granule as well as SB203580 and that of SMP30 was up-regulated in CCH fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that QJMM granule was effective for alleviating cellular senescence of CCH fibroblasts by p38 MAPK signaling and the followed p53/p21 signaling.

Qianjin Wenwu decoction suppresses renal interstitial fibrosis by enhancing the degradation of extracellular matrix in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Qianjin Wenwu decoction (QWD), a well-known traditional Korean medicine, has been used for the treatment of DKD, with satisfactory therapeutic effects. This study was designed to investigate the active components and mechanisms of action of QWD in the treatment of DKD. The results demonstrated that a total of 13 active components in five types were found in QWD, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropionic acids, saponins, coumarins, and lignins. Two key proteins, TGF-β1 and TIMP-1, were identified as the target proteins through molecular docking. Furthermore, QWD significantly suppressed Scr and BUN levels which increased after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson staining results demonstrated that QWD significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. We also found that QWD promoted ECM degradation by regulating MMP-9/TIMP-1 homeostasis to improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and interfere with the expression and activity of TGF- β1 in DKD treatment. These findings explain the underlying mechanism of QWD for the treatment of DKD, and also provide methodological reference for investigating the mechanism of traditional medicine in the treatment of DKD.

Screening and Identification of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Erdong Gao via Multiple-Target-Cell Extraction Coupled with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and Their Structure-Activity Relationship

Erdong Gao (EDG), consisting equally of roots of Asparagi Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix, is a well-known traditional Chinese formulation that has been used to treat cough and throat pain for centuries. However, the bioactive components in EDG remain to be elucidated. In this study, a rapid and effective method involving live cell bio-specific extraction and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was established to rapidly screen and identify the anti-inflammatory compounds of an EDG extract. One hundred and twenty-four components were identified in EDG extract using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. After co-incubation with 16HBE, HPAEpiCs and HUVECs, which have been validated as the key target cells for pulmonary diseases, sixteen components were demonstrated to exhibit an affinity for binding to them. Furthermore, fifteen components were subsequently verified to exert anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced 16HBE, HPAEpiCs and HUVECs via inhibiting the release of TNF-α and IL-6, indicating that nine steroidal saponins may possess potential for the treatment of lung-related diseases. Taken together, our study provides evidence that live cell biospecific extraction combined with the HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique was an efficient method for rapid screening potential bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines and the structure activity relationship of steroidal saponins in EDG was summarized for the first time.

Ophiopogonin D increase apoptosis by activating p53 via ribosomal protein L5 and L11 and inhibiting the expression of c-Myc via CNOT2

Ophiopogonin D (OP-D), which is extracted from the root tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. It is also therapeutic for various diseases such as diabetic myocardial injuries, obesity, atopic dermatitis, and osteoporosis. However, there are insufficient reports on the anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of OP-D in colorectal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer-modulating effect of OP-D on colorectal cancer. The study proved that OP-D (20-40 uM) has significant cell viability inhibition and anti-proliferative effects in Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay. In addition, our immunofluorescence analysis data showed that OP-D (40 uM) inhibited the expression of Ki67, a cell proliferation marker, and confirmed that OP-D could induce nucleolar stress by depletion of IPO7 and XPO1. Furthermore, our western blot data showed that OP-D induced p53 expression via ribosomal protein (RP) L5 or L11 and inhibited c-Myc expression through CNOT2 in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, OP-D regulated cyclin D1 and CDK4, which are well known as cell cycle regulatory proteins. OP-D consistently inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, OP-D shortened c-Myc's half-life in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, CNOT2 knockdown enhanced the inhibitory effect of OP-D on c-Myc in colon cancer cells. Besides that, we confirmed that OP-D has a combinational anti-cancer effect of 5-FU or doxorubicin to reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis through p53 and c-Myc regulation. Altogether, our results suggest that OP-D regulates colon cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by inhibiting c-Myc expression via activation of p53 and CNOT2 regulation. The study demonstrated that OP-D may be a promising natural anti-cancer agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Lycoperoside H protects against diabetic nephropathy via alteration of gut microbiota and inflammation

It is well known that hyperglycemia leads to the progression and expansion of various micro and macrovascular disease such as diabetic nephropathy (DN). Lycoperoside H (LH) alkaloidal saponin exhibited the antidiabetic effect, but its DN effect is unclear. In this experimental study, we scrutinized the renal protective effect of LH against the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in rats and explore the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experimental study and an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg) was used for the induction of diabetes, rats received the oral administration of LH (20 mg/kg). The blood glucose level, body weight, organ weight (renal and pancreas), and biochemical parameters were estimated. We also scrutinized the effect of LH to enhance intestinal barrier function and suppress inflammation and intestinal permeability. LH significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the glucose level and enhanced the body weight with a reduction of renal weight and boost the pancreas weight. LH significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced the creatinine level and decreased the albumin level, urine volume, urinary albumin excretion rate, and urinary albumin creatinine ratio in the urine. It also suppressed the renal parameters, such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urea. LH significantly (p < 0.001) altered the level of lipid and antioxidant parameters. LH treatment significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed the cytokines and inflammatory parameters. LH considerably enhanced the Ruminococcaceae, Blautia, and suppressed the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Turicibacter. It reduced the F/B ratio along with alteration of community abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, other bacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The current result suggests that LH suppressed the diabetic nephropathological condition via alteration of gut microbiota and inflammation.

Plants and their Bioactive Compounds as a Possible Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury is an outcome of the physical or mechanical impact of external forces on the brain. Thus, the silent epidemic has complex pathophysiology affecting the brain along with extracranial or systemic complications in more than one organ system, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and endocrine system. which is referred to as Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. It is driven by three interconnected mechanisms such as systemic hyperinflammation, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, and immunosuppression-induced sepsis. These multifaceted pathologies accelerate the risk of mortality in clinical settings by interfering with the functions of distant organs through hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, acute lung injury, neurogenic pulmonary edema, reduced gastrointestinal motility, Cushing ulcers, acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, endocrine dysfunction, and many other impairments. The pharmaceutical treatment approach for this is highly specific in its mode of action and linked to a variety of side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, anaphylaxis, teeth, bone staining, etc. Therefore, alternative natural medicine treatments are widely accepted due to their broad complementary or synergistic effects on the physiological system with minor side effects.

CONCLUSION

This review is a compilation of the possible mechanisms behind the occurrence of multiorgan dysfunction and reported medicinal plants with organoprotective activity that have not been yet explored against traumatic brain injury and thereby, highlighting the marked possibilities of their effectiveness in the management of multiorgan dysfunction. As a result, we attempted to respond to the hypothesis against the usage of medicinal plants to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparison of Protective Effects of Shenmai Injections Produced by Medicinal Materials from Different Origins on Cardiomyocytes

Shenmai injection is mainly used for the treatment of heart-related diseases, including coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, chronic cor pulmonale, and shock in Asia. Medicinal materials from different origins produce Shenmai injections for clinical use, and their protective effects on cardiomyocytes may vary with the choice of raw materials. In this study, we compared the protective effects of Shenmai injections produced from different raw materials on cardiomyocytes. Results showed that the protective effects of various Shenmai injections on hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury were mainly attributed to total ginsenosides extract, with few differences between them. However, the protective effects of different Shenmai injections on doxorubicin and oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury were significantly different; the protective effects of Shenmai injection with Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus as raw material were significantly better than those with Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus, consistent with our previous research results. Our study reveals the different cardiomyocyte protective effects of Shenmai injections produced by medicinal materials from different origins, laying a scientific foundation for their clinical selection.

Liriopogons (Genera Ophiopogon and Liriope, Asparagaceae): A Critical Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research

The closely related genera Liriope and Ophiopogon (Asparagaceae), collectively known in English as liriopogons, have similar therapeutic uses in treating cough, rheumatoid arthritis, and cleaning heat. The main aim of this review is to understand the current phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge including an assessment of the quality of the scientific evidence. A literature search was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, by retrieving available information up to 2020 from five online resources. The bioactive metabolites of liriopogons include steroidal saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, organic acids, phenols. Cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-viral, anti-acute myeloid leukemia and hepatoprotective effects have been at the center of attention. From a toxicological perspective Ophiopogon japonicus seems to be safe. Some problems with the quality of the pharmacological evidence stand out including the application of excessive dose level and methodological problems in the design. Additionally, a reasonable link between local/traditional uses and pharmacological assessment is often vague or not reflected in the text. Future researches on liriopogons are required to use rigorous scientific approaches in research on evidence-based natural products for the future benefits of patients.

Ophiopogonin D alleviates diabetic myocardial injuries by regulating mitochondrial dynamics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ophiopogonin D (OP-D) is a steroidal saponin extracted from Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl. (Liliaceae), that has been traditionally used to treat cough, sputum, and thirst in some Asian countries. Recently, various pharmacological roles of OP-D have been identified, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer effects. However, whether OP-D can prevent diabetic myocardial injury remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we aimed to observe the effects of OP-D on the diabetic myocardium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice were used as an animal model for type 2 diabetes. The effects of OP-D on blood glucose, blood lipids, myocardial ultrastructure, and mitochondrial function in mice were observed after four weeks of intragastric administration. Palmitic acid was used to stimulate cardiomyocytes to establish a myocardial lipotoxicity model. Cell apoptosis, mitochondrial morphology, and function were observed.

RESULTS

Blood glucose and blood lipid levels were significantly increased in db/db mice, accompanied by myocardial mitochondrial injury and dysfunction. OP-D treatment reduced blood lipid levels in db/db mice and relieved mitochondrial injury and dysfunction. OP-D inhibited palmitic acid induced-mitochondrial fission and dysfunction, reduced endogenous apoptosis, and improved cell survival rate in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Both in vivo and in vitro models showed increased phosphorylation of DRP1 at Ser-616, reduced phosphorylation of DRP1 at Ser-637, and reduced expression of fusion proteins MFN1/2 and OPA1. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence co-localization analysis revealed that palmitic acid stimulated the translocation of DRP1 protein from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. The imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, protein expression, and translocation of DRP1 were effectively reversed by OP-D treatment. In isolated mice ventricular myocytes, palmitic acid enhanced cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels and suppressed contractility in ventricular myocytes, accompanied by activation of calcineurin, a key regulator of DRP1 dephosphorylation at Ser-637. OP-D reversed the changes caused by palmitic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that OP-D intervention could alleviate lipid accumulation and mitochondrial injury in diabetic mouse hearts and palmitic acid-stimulated cardiomyocytes. The cardioprotective effect of OP-D may be mediated by the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics.