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Peng D, Wang A, Shi W, Lin L. Pentacyclic triterpenes, potential novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases. Arch Pharm Res 2024:10.1007/s12272-024-01510-4. [PMID: 39048758 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) involve dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels and have become major health concerns worldwide. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in the occurrence and development of CVDs. Although therapies for CVDs are constantly being developed and applied, the incidence and mortality of CVDs remain high. The roles of natural compounds in CVD treatment are being explored, providing new approaches for the treatment of CVD. Pentacyclic triterpenes are natural compounds with a basic nucleus of 30 carbon atoms, and they have been widely studied for their potential applications in the treatment of CVDs, to which various pharmacological activities contribute, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. This review introduces the roles of triterpenoids in the prevention and treatment of CVDs, summarizes their potential underlying mechanisms, and provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of triterpenoids in the management of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewei Peng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Aizan Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Wei J, Zhang J, Hu F, Zhang W, Wu Y, Liu B, Lu Y, Li L, Han L, Lu C. Anti-psoriasis effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid by breaking CCL20/CCR6 axis through its vital active group targeting GUSB/ATF2 signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155524. [PMID: 38552435 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155524] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease. Current research suggests that the long-term persistence and recurrence of psoriasis are closely related to the feedback loop formed between keratinocytes and immune cells, especially in Th 17 or DC cells expressing CCR6. CCL20 is the ligand of CCR6. Therefore, drugs that block the expression of CCL20 or CCR6 may have a certain therapeutic effect on psoriasis. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the main active ingredient of the plant drug licorice and is often used to treat autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. However, its mechanism of action is still unclear. METHODS Psoriasis like skin lesion model was established by continuously applying imiquimod on the back skin of normal mice and CCR6-/- mice for 7 days. The therapeutic and preventive effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the model were observed and compared. The severity of skin injury is estimated through clinical PASI scores and histopathological examination. qRT-PCR and multiple cytoline assay were explored to detect the expression levels of cytokines in animal dorsal skin lesions and keratinocyte line HaCaT cells, respectively. The dermis and epidermis of the mouse back were separated for the detection of CCL20 expression. Transcription factor assay was applied to screen, and luciferase activity assay to validate transcription factors regulated by GA. Technology of surface plasmon laser resonance with LC-MS (SPR-MS), molecular docking, and enzyme activity assay were used to identified the target proteins for GA. Finally, we synthesized different derivatives of 18beta-GA and compared their effects, as well as glycyrrhetinic acid (GL), on the skin lesion of imiquimod-induced mice to evaluate the active groups of 18beta-GA. RESULTS 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) improved IMQ-induced psoriatic lesions, and could specifically reduce the chemokine CCL20 level of the epidermis in lesion area, especially in therapeutic administration manner. The process was mainly regulated by transcription factor ATF2 in the keratinocytes. In addition, GUSB was identified as the primary target of 18βGA. Our findings indicated that the subject on molecular target research of glycyrrhizin should be glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) instead of glycyrrhizic acid (GL), because GL showed little activity in vitro or in vivo. Apart from that, α, β, -unsaturated carbonyl in C11/12 positions was crucial or unchangeable to its activity of 18βGA, while proper modification of C3 or C30 position of 18βGA may vastly increase its activity. CONCLUSION Our research indicates that 18βGA exerted its anti-psoriasis effect mainly by suppressing ATF2 and downstream molecule CCL20 predominately through α, β, -unsaturated carbonyl at C11/12 position binding to GUSB in the keratinocytes, and then broke the feedback loop between keratinocytes and CCR6-expressing immune cells. GA has more advantages than GL in the external treatment of psoriasis. A highlight of this study is to investigate the influence of special active groups on the pharmacological action of a natural product, inspired by the molecular docking result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Wei
- Research Team of Molecular and Systems Biology of Chinese medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- The Second Clinical School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Fengju Hu
- The Second Clinical School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- The Second Clinical School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yunshan Wu
- Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Quality Standard, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Quality Standard, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Research Team of Molecular and Systems Biology of Chinese medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Li Li
- Research Team of Molecular and Systems Biology of Chinese medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ling Han
- Research Team of Molecular and Systems Biology of Chinese medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; State Key laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- State Key laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Xia W, Wang Y, Yue J, Fu X. Insights into Q-markers of honey-fried licorice in treating spleen deficiency based on substance and energy metabolism regulation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155498. [PMID: 38460491 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155498] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Honey-fried Licorice (HFL) is a dosage form of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome processed with honey, which has been recorded to exhibit better efficacy in tonifying the spleen compared to the raw product. In contrast, different processing methods of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome exhibit different efficacies and applications, but their current quality control index components remain consistent. PURPOSE Based on the discovery and research strategy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece quality marker (Q-marker), this study aimed to conduct a multidimensional integration of constituents absorbed into the body and metabolomics based on the tonifying spleen and stomach effects of HFL to effectively identify the Q-marker of HFL. METHODS In this study, a spleen deficiency rat model was established using the "exhausted swimming + poor diet" method to investigate the pharmacodynamics of tonifying the spleen and stomach by HFL. The constituents absorbed into blood was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, correlation analysis between metabolomics and constituents absorbed into blood recognized the Q-Marker of HFL. RESULTS The pharmacodynamic data demonstrated that HFL exhibited a significant regulatory effect on the disordered levels of PP, trypsin, chymase, PL, α-Glu, MTL, GAS, VIP, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA in the spleen deficiency model. Furthermore, HFL was found to improve the pathological changes in the spleen and intestine in the spleen deficiency model, highlighting its significant "tonifying spleen and stomach" effect. In the serum containing HFL, a total of 17 constituents were identified as being absorbed into the blood. Among these, 11 were prototypical components, while 6 were metabolites. Metabolomics data revealed that 9 differentially expressed metabolic markers were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of endogenous metabolic markers indicated that 10 components exhibited significant correlations with these biomarkers. CONCLUSION The effect of "tonifying spleen and stomach" of HFL is closely related to the regulation of the material and energy metabolism pathway. The Q-Marker of HFL is glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid as the main control standards and liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, isolicorice flavonol, licorice chalcone C and Formononetin were used as auxiliary standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yushu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiahui Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueyan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Huang L, Luo S, Tong S, Lv Z, Wu J. The development of nanocarriers for natural products. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1967. [PMID: 38757428 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Natural bioactive compounds from plants exhibit substantial pharmacological potency and therapeutic value. However, the development of most plant bioactive compounds is hindered by low solubility and instability. Conventional pharmaceutical forms, such as tablets and capsules, only partially overcome these limitations, restricting their efficacy. With the recent development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers can enhance the bioavailability, stability, and precise intracellular transport of plant bioactive compounds. Researchers are increasingly integrating nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) into the development of natural plant compounds with significant success. Moreover, natural products benefit from nanotechnological enhancement and contribute to the innovation and optimization of nanocarriers via self-assembly, grafting modifications, and biomimetic designs. This review aims to elucidate the collaborative and reciprocal advancement achieved by integrating nanocarriers with botanical products, such as bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular vesicles. This review underscores the salient challenges in nanomedicine, encompassing long-term safety evaluations of nanomedicine formulations, precise targeting mechanisms, biodistribution complexities, and hurdles in clinical translation. Further, this study provides new perspectives to leverage nanotechnology in promoting the development and optimization of natural plant products for nanomedical applications and guiding the progression of NDDS toward enhanced efficiency, precision, and safety. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shicui Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sen Tong
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuo Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Junzi Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Yunnan First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Cheng X, Liu Y, Qi B, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Liang X, Chang Y, Ning M, Gao W, Li T. Glycyrrhizic acid alleviated MI/R-induced injuries by inhibiting Hippo/YAP signaling pathways. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111036. [PMID: 38185229 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated that glycyrrhizic acid (GA) exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic characteristics. Using myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury as a case study, this study aims to clarify the functional significance of GA and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, an MI/R injury model was established both in vivo and in vitro to investigate the impact of GA on MI/R injury. The viability of H9c2 cells was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8. Myocardial damage was assessed through the measurement of creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), HE staining, and MASSON staining. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α) were measured to determine the presence of inflammation. Cellular oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring ROS and MMP levels, while cardiac function was assessed using cardiac color Doppler ultrasound. Immunofluorescence staining to determine the nuclear translocation of YAP, TUNEL to determine apoptosis, and western blotting to determine gene expression. RESULTS GA treatment effectively alleviated myocardial injury induced by MI/R, as evidenced by reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH) in MI/R rats. Moreover, There was a significant increase in cell viability in vitro after GA treatment and inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxidative stress, while also increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in vitro. The Western blot findings indicate that GA treatment effectively suppressed apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Additionally, GA demonstrated inhibitory effects on the activation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway triggered by MI/R and facilitated YAP nuclear translocation both in vitro and in vivo. It has been found, however, in vitro, that silencing the YAP gene negates GA's protective effect against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced myocardial injury. CONCLUSION This study suggests that GA regulates YAP nuclear translocation by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, which protects ists against MI/R injury. This finding may present a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of MI/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Cheng
- The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300170, China; Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yanwu Liu
- The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300170, China; Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Bingcai Qi
- The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300170, China; Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuchao Wang
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liang
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Chang
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Ning
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenqing Gao
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China.
| | - Tong Li
- The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300170, China; Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Nankai University Affiliated Third Center Hospital, No. 83, Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin ECMO Treatment and Training Base, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China.
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Li H, Zhang Y, Dai G, Zhaxi C, Wang Y, Wang S. Identification and quantification of compounds with Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity in licorice by UPLC-MS. Food Chem 2023; 429:136962. [PMID: 37517229 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Licorice is a famous medicine-food herb for treating cardiovascular diseases in many compound prescriptions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key target of cardiovascular diseases. Despite its significance, there is limited scientific investigation regarding the ACE inhibitory effects of licorice. In this study, we used an activity-guided approach with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe to identify compounds with ACE-inhibitory activity in licorice. Nine components of licorice were found to have ACE inhibitory activity, in which 46 compounds were identified by using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Seven active compounds were found in this study. Among them, licochalcone B had best ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.24 μM). Finally, an UPLC-Q-MS method was established to quantify the five major active compounds in three batches of licorice. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the potential of licorice as a source of ACE inhibitors and its relevance in the development of related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yicheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gaole Dai
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ciren Zhaxi
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Innovation Center of Translational Pharmacy, Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321016, China.
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Zhang Y, Sheng Z, Xiao J, Li Y, Huang J, Jia J, Zeng X, Li L. Advances in the roles of glycyrrhizic acid in cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265172. [PMID: 37649893 PMCID: PMC10463042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first 70 years of reporting cancer chemotherapy, malignant tumors have been the second most common cause of death in children and adults. Currently, the commonly used anti-cancer methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Although these treatment methods could alleviate cancer, they lead to different forms of side effects and have no particularly significant effect on prolonging the patients' life span. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a native Chinese herbal extract, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation. In this review, the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of GL are summarized in various cancers. The inhibition of GL on chemotherapy-induced side effects, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity, is highlighted. Therefore, GL may be a promising and ideal drug for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Zhang
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Zixuan Sheng
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jinjing Jia
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiansi Zeng
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
| | - Li Li
- Research Center of Neuroscience, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University Medical College, Jiaxing, China
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Gadanec LK, Andersson U, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A. Glycyrrhizic Acid Inhibits High-Mobility Group Box-1 and Homocysteine-Induced Vascular Dysfunction. Nutrients 2023; 15:3186. [PMID: 37513606 PMCID: PMC10383373 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) worsens cardiovascular outcomes by impairing vascular function and promoting chronic inflammation via release of danger-associated molecular patterns, such as high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1). Elevated levels of HMGB-1 have recently been reported in patients with HHcy. Therefore, targeting HMGB-1 may be a potential therapy to improve HHcy-induced cardiovascular pathologies. This study aimed to further elucidate HMGB-1's role during acute HHcy and HHcy-induced atherogenesis and to determine if inhibiting HMGB-1 with glycyrrhizic acid (Glyz) improved vascular function. Male New Zealand White rabbits (n = 25) were placed on either a standard control chow (CD; n = 15) or atherogenic diet (AD; n = 10) for 4 weeks. Rabbit serum and Krebs taken from organ bath studies were collected to quantify HMGB-1 levels. Isometric tension analysis was performed on abdominal aorta (AA) rings from CD and AD rabbits. Rings were incubated with homocysteine (Hcy) [3 mM] for 60 min to induce acute HHcy or rhHMGB-1 [100 nM]. Vascular function was assessed by relaxation to cumulative doses of acetylcholine. Markers of vascular dysfunction and inflammation were quantified in the endothelium, media, and adventitia of AA rings. HMGB-1 was significantly upregulated in serum (p < 0.0001) and Krebs (p < 0.0001) after Hcy exposure or an AD. Incubation with Hcy (p < 0.0001) or rhHMGB-1 (p < 0.0001) and an AD (p < 0.0001) significantly reduced relaxation to acetylcholine, which was markedly improved by Glyz. HMGB-1 expression was elevated (p < 0.0001) after Hcy exposure and AD (p < 0.0001) and was normalized after Glyz treatment. Moreover, markers of vascular function, cell stress and inflammation were also reduced after Glyz. These results demonstrate that HMGB-1 has a central role during HHcy-induced vascular dysfunction and inhibiting it with Glyz could be a potential treatment option for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
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Hu M, Li H, Ni S, Wang S. The protective effects of Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang against diabetic myocardial infarction injury and identification of its effective constituents. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 309:116320. [PMID: 36828197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116320] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cardiovascular complications are highly prevalent in patients with diabetes. Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang (ZGCT), a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, can be used for the treatment of diabetes with cardiovascular disease complications. ZGCT is composed of nine Chinese herbs: the radix and rhizoma of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Gancao in Chinese, 12 g), the radix of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. (Dihuang in Chinese, 50 g), the radix and rhizoma of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Renshen in Chinese, 6 g), the radix of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl. (Maidong in Chinese, 10 g), the fructus of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Dazao in Chinese, 18 g), the fructus of Cannabis sativa L. (Maren in Chinese, 10 g), Donkey-hide gelatine (Ejiao in Chinese, 6 g), the ramulus of Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Guizhi in Chinese, 9 g), and the fresh rhizoma of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Shengjiang in Chinese, 9 g). Many of these Chinese herbs are also used in other systems of medicine (Japan, India, European, etc.). However, the effects and effective constituents of ZGCT against diabetic cardiovascular disease remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ZGCT against diabetic myocardial infarction (DMI) injury in vivo and in vitro and to identify the effective constituents of ZGCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vivo effect on DMI injury was evaluated in a DMI mouse model. The in vitro effect and effective constituent screening experiments were conducted in an H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury model induced by high glucose and hypoxia. RESULTS It was found that ZGCT significantly reduced myocardial infarction size and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in DMI mice. Myocardial histopathological experiments showed that ZGCT alleviated the disordered arrangement and fracture of muscle fibers and cell disappearance and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Cellular experiments showed that ZGCT inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis by decreasing the expression of the proapoptotic factor Bax. In addition, it inhibited inflammatory reactions by suppressing the activation of the IκBα/NF-κB pathway and the expression of iNOS. Eight constituents from six Chinese herbs in the recipe of ZGCT were found to enhance the viability of injured cardiomyocytes, and six effective constituents played protective roles through anti-apoptotic and/or anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, one of the effective constituents, glycyrrhizic acid, was verified in vivo to have cardioprotective effect on DMI mice. CONCLUSIONS The TCM prescription ZGCT protects against DMI by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reducing inflammatory reactions. Eight effective constituents of ZGCT were identified. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of ZGCT and is valuable for quality marker research on this prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haoran Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shengkun Ni
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Innovation Center of Translational Pharmacy, Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321000, China.
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10
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Chao CM, Wang LY, Huang CC, Chang WT, Tang LY, Lin MT, Chang CP. Myocardial structure and functional alterations in a preclinical model of exertional heat stroke. Life Sci 2023; 323:121640. [PMID: 37004732 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM Relatively little information is available about the effect of an acute exertional heat stroke (EHS) on myocardium structure and function. Herein, we used a survival male rat model of EHS to answer the question. MAIN METHODS Adult male Wistar rats underwent forced treadmill running at a 36 °C room temperature and 50 % relative humidity until EHS onset, characterized by hyperthermia and collapse. All rats that were followed for 14 days survived. Injury severity scores of both gastrocnemius and myocardium were determined histologically. Following an EHS event, pathological echocardiography, skeletal muscle and myocardial damage scores and indicators, myocardial fibrosis, hypertrophy, and autophagy were elucidated. KEY FINDINGS Rats with EHS onset displayed skeletal muscle damage, elevated serum levels of skeletal muscle indicators (e.g., creatinine kinase, myoglobin, and potassium) and myocardial injury indicators (e.g., cardiac troponin I, creatinine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase) returning to homeostasis within 3 days post-EHS. However, EHS-induced myocardial damage, pathological echocardiography, myocardial fibrosis, hypertrophy, and deposited misfolded proteins lasted up to 14 days post-EHS at least. SIGNIFICANCE First, we provide evidence to confirm that despite the apparent return to homeostasis, underlying processes may still be ongoing after EHS onset. Second, we provide several key findings emphasizing the pathophysiology and risk factors of EHS, highlighting gaps in knowledge with the aim of stimulating future studies.
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Wu C, Chen RL, Wang Y, Wu WY, Li G. Acacetin alleviates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:553-561. [PMID: 35244510 PMCID: PMC8903787 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2041675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Acacetin is a natural source of flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OBJECTIVE This study determines acacetin's protective effect and mechanism on myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham and I/R injury and treatment with acacetin. Acacetin (10 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected for 7 days. ECG and echocardiography were conducted to determine arrhythmia and heart function. The pathological characters of the heart were determined with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, Haematoxylin & Eosin staining, and Masson staining. Expression of proteins in infarct tissues was examined with western blots. RESULTS Administrated with acacetin in I/R rats significantly reduced the arrhythmia score from 4.90 to 2.50 and the reperfusion arrhythmia score from 3.79 to 1.82 in the vehicle or the acacetin group, respectively. LVEF was improved from 33.5% in the I/R group to 43.7% in the acacetin group, LVFS was increased from 16.4% to 24.5%, LVIDs was decreased from 6.5 to 5.3 mm. The inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fibrosis, and collagen 1 and 3 were reduced by acacetin. Acacetin promoted SOD and decreased MDA. In myocardial tissues, the expression level of TLR4 and IL-6 were restrained, and IL-10 was promoted. Apoptotic protein Bax was suppressed, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was promoted in the acacetin group. Interestingly, the transcription factor Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway was also reversed by acacetin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that acacetin has a potential therapeutic effect in clinical application on treating I/R-induced heart injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Wu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ruo-Lan Chen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wei-Yin Wu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Wei-Yin Wu Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province361015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- CONTACT Gang Li ;
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12
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The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra)-Derived Compounds in Intestinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084121. [PMID: 35456938 PMCID: PMC9025446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colorectal cancer (CRC), are a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological data have shown that IBD patients are at an increased risk for the development of CRC. IBD-associated cancer develops against a background of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and their products contribute to cancer development and progression. Therefore, the discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of intestinal diseases is urgently needed. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been largely used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Licorice and its derived compounds possess antiallergic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. These pharmacological properties aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the pharmacological potential of bioactive compounds derived from Licorice and addresses their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We also discuss how the mechanisms of action in these compounds can influence their effectiveness and lead to therapeutic effects on intestinal disorders.
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13
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Jin N, He J, Wu C, Chen Z, Li Y, Chen J, Lin J. Glycyrrhizic acid assists anti-psoriatic efficacy of a self-deformable curcumin loaded transdermal gel. Pharm Dev Technol 2022; 27:282-289. [DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2022.2039943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jin
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Laboratory Medicine, Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Jingwen He
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Sanbo Funeng Brain Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chenyuan Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Zejun Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Yuling Li
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Laboratory Medicine, Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Jianhu Lin
- Dean’s Office, Putian University, Putian, China
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Yamamoto Y, Uchiyama M, Iguchi K, Kawai K, Imazuru T, Kawamura M, Shimokawa T. Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Licorice on Prolongation of Murine Cardiac Allograft Survival. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:476-481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Dong PL, Li H, Yu XJ, Li QN, Liu JQ, Liu CY, Han H. Effect and mechanism of "Danggui-kushen" herb pair on ischemic heart disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112450. [PMID: 34839257 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism and effects of "Danggui-kushen" herb pair (DKHP) better than single drug in ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS IHD model was established by left anterior descending branch of coronary artery in rats. Rats were randomized into six groups and oral administration for 7 days: control, model, Danshen dripping pills (DS) (5.103 g/kg), Danggui (DG) (2.7 g/kg), Kushen (KS) (2.7 g/kg) and DKHP (2.7 g/kg). Electrocardiogram (ECG), myocardial infarction and damage assessment, histological inspection analysis, and various biochemical indexes of myocardial tissue were measured to evaluate the myocardial damage and the protective effects of drugs. The inflammatory levels were identified by HE staining and serum cytokine, and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), inhibitor kappa B kinaseβ (IKKβ) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured by immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS The results suggested that: compared with the control group, model group showed significantly myocardial tissue abnormalities, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokine. Treatment with drugs inhibited the increase of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinekinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The results of immunohistochemical showed that drugs-treatment inhibited the expression of IKKβ and the P-p65, increased the expression of HIF-1α, which demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of DKHP was achieved by suppressing of NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION These observations indicated that DKHP can ameliorate myocardial injury better than single. And these are related to the inhibition of NF-κB and actives HIF-1α signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Liang Dong
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiao Jin Yu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qing Na Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jia Qi Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Cai Yan Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hua Han
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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Glycyrrhizic Acid Scavenges Reactive Carbonyl Species and Attenuates Glycation-Induced Multiple Protein Modification: An In Vitro and In Silico Study. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7086951. [PMID: 34712386 PMCID: PMC8548169 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7086951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The current study is aimed at studying the inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on D-ribose-mediated protein glycation via various physicochemical analyses and in silico approaches. Being a potent free radical scavenger and a triterpenoid saponin, GA plays a vital role in diminishing the oxidative stress and thus could be an effective inhibitor of the nonenzymatic glycation process. Our data showed that varying concentrations of GA inhibited the in vitro BSA-AGEs via inhibiting the formation of fructosamines, fluorescent AGEs, scavenging protein carbonyl and hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) content, and protection against D-ribose-induced modification of BSA as evident by increased free Arg and Lys residues in GA-treated Gly-BSA samples. Moreover, GA also attenuated D-ribose-induced alterations in the secondary structure of BSA by protecting the α-helix and β-sheet conformers and amide-I band delocalization. In addition, GA attenuated the modification in β-cross amyloid structures of BSA and in silico molecular interaction study too showed strong binding of GA with higher number of Lys and Arg residues of BSA and binding energy (ΔG) of -8.8 Kcal/mol, when compared either to reference standard aminoguanidine (AG)-BSA complex (ΔG: -4.3 Kcal/mol) or D-ribose-BSA complex (ΔG: -5.2 Kcal/mol). Therefore, GA could be a new and favorable inhibitor of the nonenzymatic glycation process that ameliorates AGEs-related complications via attenuating the AGE formation and glycation-induced multiple protein modifications with a reduced risk of adverse effects on protein structure and functionality; hence, it could be investigated at further preclinical settings for the treatment and management of diabetes and age-associated complications.
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Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Hydrolyzed Metabolite 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid as Specific Ligands for Targeting Nanosystems in the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111792. [PMID: 34834206 PMCID: PMC8621092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid and its hydrolyzed metabolite 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, and others. In addition to the pharmacological activities, in the 1980s, an interaction and uptake of these molecules by the liver was verified, which was later confirmed by other studies through the discovery of specific receptors in the hepatocytes. The presence of these specific receptors in the liver led to vectorization and delivery of drugs, by the introduction of glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on the surface of nanosystems, for the treatment of liver diseases. This review describes experimental evidence of vectorization by conjugating glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid to nanosystems and delivery of antitumor drugs for the treatment of liver cancer and also describes the techniques used to perform this conjugation. We have shown that due to the existence of specific receptors for these molecules, in addition to the targeting of nanosystems to hepatocytes, nanosystems having glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on their surface had the same therapeutic effect in a significantly lower dose compared to the free drug and unconjugated nanosystems, with consequent reduction of side effects and toxicity.
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Lai T, Shen Y, Chen C, Huang B, Deng T, Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Huang Z, Pan X. Glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174353. [PMID: 34274339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in regulating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in rats as well as the underlying mechanism. H9c2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) to mimic the MIRI in vitro, while a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was constructed by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 0.5 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. While flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were performed to analyze apoptosis in cells and myocardial tissue, echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were conducted to evaluate cardiac function and pathological changes, respectively. The levels of serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, TNF-α, and IL-6 as well as the contents of MDA and SOD in tissues were measured by ELISA, while Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins. GA treatment significantly reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells, while it alleviated left ventricular dysfunction, fibrosis and myocardial apoptosis, down-regulated the levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, and up-regulated SOD levels in I/R rats. Moreover, GA treatment led to a decrease in the expression of CHOP, GRP78, and p-PERK in both H/R cells and I/R rats. This study demonstrates that cardioprotective role of GA in MIRI may involve the attenuation of ERS-induced apoptosis and inflammation, potentially providing an alternative strategy for intervention of MIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfang Lai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The People's Hospital of Hechi, Hechi, China
| | - Chengcai Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Tongyuan Deng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liuzhou, China
| | - Zhuohua Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zhaohe Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
| | - Xingshou Pan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA. The potential of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19 and associated conditions. PHYTOMEDICINE PLUS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 1:100043. [PMID: 35399823 PMCID: PMC7886629 DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies have stated that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract are present in most traditional Chinese medicine formulas used against SARS-CoV-2 in China. Significant data are showing that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have multiple beneficial activities in combating most features of SARS-CoV-2. PURPOSE The aim of current review was to highlight recent progresses in research that showed the evidence of the potential use of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against COVID-19. METHODOLOGY We have reviewed the information published from 1979 to October 2020. These studies demonstrated the effects , use and safety of glycyrrhizin and icorice extract against viral infections,bacterial infections, inflammatory disorders of lung ( in vitro and in vivo). These studies were collated through online electronic databases research (Academic libraries as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Egyptian Knowledge Bank). RESULTS Pooled effect size of articles provides information about the rationale for using glycyrrhizin and licorice extract to treat COVID-19. Fifty studies demonstrate antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract. The most frequent mechanism of the antiviral activity is due to disrupting viral uptake into the host cells and disrupting the interaction between receptor- binding domain (RBD) of SARS-COV2 and ACE2 in recent articles. Fifty studies indicate that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Twenty five studies provide evidence for the protective effect of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against inflammation-induced acute lung injury and cardiovascular disorders. CONCLUSION The current study showed several evidence regarding the beneficial effects of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19. More randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain a precise conclusion.
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Key Words
- 18β-GA, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid
- : ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- ALI, acute lung injury
- ARDS, acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Acute lung injury protector
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019
- COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2
- DCs, dendritic cells
- Gl, glycyrrhizin
- Glycyrrhizin and licorice extract;Antiviral and antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HMGB1, high-mobility group box 1
- IL, interleukin
- Immunododulator
- MAPKs, mitogen-activated protein kinases
- MERS, Middle East respiratory syndrome
- MR, mineralocorticoid receptor
- MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- NO, nitric oxide
- RBD, receptor-binding domain
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- S, Spike
- SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- TCM, traditional Chinese medicine
- TLR, toll-like receptor
- TMPRSS2, type 2 transmembrane serine protease
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha
- h, hour
- iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase
- licorice extract, LE
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut Universitya, Beni-Suif, Egypt
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Wu Y, Qiu Z, Ren B, Sui F. Systematic investigation for the mechanisms and the substance basis of Yang-Xin-Ding-Ji capsule based on the metabolite profile and network pharmacology. Biomed Chromatogr 2021; 35:e5202. [PMID: 34145910 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Because traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complex mixture of multiple components, the application of methodologies for evaluating single-component Western medicine in TCM studies may have certain limitations. Appropriate strategies that recognize the integrality of TCM and connect to TCM theories remain to be developed. Yang-Xin-Ding-Ji (YXDJ) capsule is originally from a classical TCM formula used for the treatment of arrhythmia. In this study, we used UPLC-Q-TOF-MS detection method, coupled with the metabolic research and network pharmacology analysis, to study the scientific connotation of the YXDJ capsule. A total of 33 absorbed constituents and 23 metabolites were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma and urine, and the possible metabolic pathways were mainly methylation, oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, and deglucosylation. We optimized the conventional process ways of network pharmacology by collecting targets based on absorbed constituents into the blood. The constituents-target disease and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes pathway analysis revealed that 24 absorbed constituents, 32 target genes, and 10 key pathways were probably related to the efficacy of the YXDJ capsule against arrhythmia. The results provided a scientific basis for understanding the bioactive compounds and the pharmacological mechanism of the YXDJ capsule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingnan Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Sui
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Yu Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang S, Zhao L, Wang Y. Identification of anti-inflammatory compounds from Zhongjing formulae by knowledge mining and high-content screening in a zebrafish model of inflammatory bowel diseases. Chin Med 2021; 16:42. [PMID: 34059101 PMCID: PMC8166029 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00452-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing intestinal inflammations with increasing global incidence, and new drug development remains in urgent demand for IBD management. To identify effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae and compounds in IBD treatment, we innovatively combined the techniques of knowledge mining, high-content screening and high-resolution mass spectrometry, to conduct a systematic screening in Zhongjing formulae, which is a large collection of TCM prescriptions with most abundant clinical evidences. METHODS Using Word2vec-based text learning, the correlations between 248 Zhongjing formulae and IBD typical symptoms were analyzed. Next, from the top three formulae with predicted relationship with IBD, TCM fractions were prepared and screened on a transgenic zebrafish IBD model for their therapeutic effects. Subsequently, the chemical compositions of the fraction hits were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and the major compounds were further studied for their anti-IBD effects and potential mechanisms. RESULTS Through knowledge mining, Peach Blossom Decoction, Pulsatilla Decoction, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction were predicted to be the three Zhongjing formulae mostly related to symptoms typical of IBD. Seventy-four fractions were prepared from the three formulae and screened in TNBS-induced zebrafish IBD model by high-content analysis, with the inhibition on the intestinal neutrophil accumulation and ROS level quantified as the screening criteria. Six herbal fractions showed significant effects on both pathological processes, which were subsequently analyzed by mass spectrometry to determine their chemical composition. Based on the major compounds identified by mass spectrometry, a second-round screen was conducted and six compounds (palmatine, daidzin, oroxyloside, chlorogenic acid, baicalin, aesculin) showed strong inhibitory effects on the intestinal inflammation phenotypes. The expression of multiple inflammatory factors, including il1β, clcx8a, mmp and tnfα, were increased in TNBS-treated fish, which were variously inhibited by the compounds, with aesculin showing the most potent effects. Moreover, aesculin and daidzin also upregulated e-cadherin's expression. CONCLUSION Taken together, we demonstrated the regulatory effects of several TCM formulae and their active compounds in the treatment of IBD, through a highly efficient research strategy, which can be applied in the discovery of effective TCM formulae and components in other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunru Yu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Syed AM, Ram C, Murty US, Sahu BD. A review on herbal Nrf2 activators with preclinical evidence in cardiovascular diseases. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5068-5102. [PMID: 33894007 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an ever-growing problem and are the most common cause of death worldwide. The uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of ROS associated with various cell signaling pathways with oxidative cellular damage are the most common pathological conditions connected with CVDs including endothelial dysfunction, hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a basic leucine zipper redox transcription factor, together with its negative regulator, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), which serves as a key regulator of cellular defense mechanisms to combat oxidative stress and associated diseases. Multiple lines of evidence described here support the cardiac protective property of Nrf2 in various experimental models of cardiac related disease conditions. In this review, we emphasized the molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 and described the detailed outline of current findings on the therapeutic possibilities of the Nrf2 activators specifically from herbal origin in various CVDs. Based on evidence from various preclinical experimental models, we have highlighted the activation of Nrf2 pathway as a budding therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of CVDs, which needs further investigation and validation in the clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Mohammad Syed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Chetan Ram
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094413. [PMID: 33922534 PMCID: PMC8122935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.
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Thakur V, Alcoreza N, Delgado M, Joddar B, Chattopadhyay M. Cardioprotective Effect of Glycyrrhizin on Myocardial Remodeling in Diabetic Rats. Biomolecules 2021; 11:569. [PMID: 33924458 PMCID: PMC8069839 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is one of the major complications of long-term diabetes. Hyperglycemia induced cardiomyocyte atrophy is a frequent pathophysiological indicator of diabetic heart. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of glycyrrhizin (GLC) on myocardial damage in diabetic rats and assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect of GLC. Our study demonstrates that hyperglycemia can elevate cardiac atrophy in diabetic animals. Type 2 diabetic fatty and the lean control rats were evaluated for cardiac damage and inflammation at 8-12 weeks after the development of diabetes. Western blot and immunohistochemical studies revealed that gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43), cardiac injury marker troponin I, cardiac muscle specific voltage gated sodium channel NaV1.5 were significantly altered in the diabetic heart. Furthermore, oxidative stress mediator receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), as well as inflammatory mediator phospho-p38 MAPK and chemokine receptor CXCR4 were increased in the diabetic heart whereas the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage was reduced. We also observed an increase in the expression of the pleiotropic cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in the diabetic heart. GLC treatment exhibited a decrease in the expression of phospho-p38 MAPK, RAGE, NaV1.5 and TGF-β and it also altered the expression of CX43, CXCR4, Nrf2 and troponin I. These observations suggest that GLC possesses cardioprotective effects in diabetic cardiac atrophy and that these effects could be mediated through activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of CXCR4/SDF1 as well as TGF-β/p38MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Thakur
- Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
| | - Narah Alcoreza
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
| | - Monica Delgado
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (M.D.); (B.J.)
| | - Binata Joddar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (M.D.); (B.J.)
| | - Munmun Chattopadhyay
- Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
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Elsherbini AM, Maysarah NM, El-Sherbiny M, Al-Gayyar MM, Elsherbiny NM. Glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced lung and salivary gland toxicity: Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:707-721. [PMID: 33030083 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120964555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite wide application of sodium nitrite (SN) as food additive, it exhibits considerable side effects on various body organs at high dose or chronic exposure. The aim of this study was to test whether Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) could ameliorate SN-induced toxicity in lung and submandibular salivary gland (SMG). A sample size of 30 adult male albino rats was randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 served as control group. Rats were treated orally with 80 mg/kg of SN in group 2 or SN preceded by (15 mg/kg) GA in group 3. Lung & SMG tissues were used for oxidative stress assessment, examination of histopathological changes, fibrosis (MTC, TGF-β and α-SMA) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β and CD-68). Concurrent administration of GA ameliorated pulmonary and salivary SN-induced toxicity via restoring the antioxidant defense mechanisms with reduction of MDA levels. GA reduced the key regulators of fibrosis TGF-β and α-SMA and collagen deposition. In addition to reduction of inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β) and macrophages recruitments, GA amended both pulmonary and salivary morphological changes. The present study proposed GA as a promising natural herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects against pulmonary and salivary SN-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M Elsherbini
- Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, 68779Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Maysarah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, 89660Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, 68779Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Mh Al-Gayyar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 68779Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nehal M Elsherbiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 68779Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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Huang Y, Pan SS, Guo YP, Wang JY, Wan DF, Chen TR, Yuan JQ. Comparison of myocardial ischemic/hypoxic staining techniques for evaluating the alleviation of exhaustive exercise-induced myocardial injury by exercise preconditioning. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:373-383. [PMID: 33543337 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-09958-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Exercise preconditioning (EP) can alleviate myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury by inducing endogenous cardioprotection. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), hematoxylin-basic fuchsin-picric acid (HBFP), and chromotrope-2R brilliant green (C-2R BG) staining have been used to visualize myocardial ischemic/hypoxic changes in previous EP studies, but comprehensive evaluation and comparisons of these methods are lacking. This study evaluated ischemic/hypoxic changes in adjacent myocardial sections by HE, HBFP, and C-2R BG and compared the characteristics of sections stained by these three methods to show changes associated with exercise-induced myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), exercise preconditioning (EP), exhaustive exercise (EE), and exercise preconditioning + exhaustive exercise (EP + EE). Adjacent myocardial sections were stained as described above and compared to evaluate the effects of exercise-induced myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury. The three staining methods revealed consistent localization patterns of myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury in all groups. Results suggest that EP can alleviate exhaustive exercise-induced myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury, and the three staining methods are suitable for the histological study of exercise-induced myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury and protection. HE staining is a simple procedure but is not specific for myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury. HBFP and C-2R BG staining can be used to specifically visualize myocardial ischemic/hypoxic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shan- Shan Pan
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Yuan-Pan Guo
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jia-Yin Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Dong-Feng Wan
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Tian-Ran Chen
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jian-Qi Yuan
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
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Wang X, Tang T, Zhai M, Ge R, Wang L, Huang J, Zhou P. Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan Decoction Protects H9c2 Cells against H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Injury via Regulation of the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:8860603. [PMID: 33312223 PMCID: PMC7721500 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8860603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LGZGD) is a potentially effective treatment for heart failure, and it showed significant anti-inflammatory potential in our previous studies. However, its ability to ameliorate heart failure through regulation of oxidative stress response is still unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of LGZGD-containing serum on H2O2-induced oxidative injury in H9c2 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Eighteen rats were randomly divided into two groups: the blank control group and LGZGD group. The LGZGD group rats were administrated with 8.4 g/kg/d LGZGD for seven consecutive days through gavage, while the blank control group rats were given an equal volume of saline. The serum was extracted from all the rats. To investigate the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of LGZGD, we categorized the H9c2 cells into groups: the control group, model group, normal serum control (NSC) group, LGZGD group, LGZGD + all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) group, and ATRA group. Malonedialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers for oxidative stress. Dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining was used to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of pro-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 were measured using western blotting. The mRNA levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 were measured using RT-qPCR. RESULTS The LGZGD attenuated injury to H9c2 cells and reduced the apoptosis rate. It was also found to upregulate the SOD activity and suppress the formation of MDA and ROS. The expression levels of pro-caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased, while those of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax were decreased in the LGZGD group compared with the model group. As compared with the model group, the LGZGD group demonstrated decreased Keap1 protein expression and significantly increased Nrf2 nuclear expression and Nrf2-mediated transcriptional activity. ATRA was found to reverse the LGZGD-mediated antioxidative and antiapoptotic effect on injured H9c2 cells induced by H2O2. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that LGZGD attenuated the H2O2-induced injury to H9c2 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway. These observations suggest that LGZGD might prevent and treat heart failure through regulation of the oxidative stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Tongjuan Tang
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Mengting Zhai
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Ruirui Ge
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Research Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Jinling Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Research Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Research Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
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Tavakoli R, Tabeshpour J, Asili J, Shakeri A, Sahebkar A. Cardioprotective Effects of Natural Products via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2020; 19:525-541. [PMID: 33155913 DOI: 10.2174/1570161119999201103191242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Due to its poor regenerative capacity, the heart is specifically vulnerable to xenobiotic- induced cardiotoxicity, myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and other pathologies. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered as an essential factor in protecting cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress resulting from free radicals and reactive oxygen species. It also serves as a key regulator of antioxidant enzyme expression via the antioxidant response element, a cis-regulatory element, which is found in the promoter region of several genes encoding detoxification enzymes and cytoprotective proteins. It has been reported that a variety of natural products are capable of activating Nrf2 expression, and in this way, increase the antioxidant potential of cardiomyocytes. In the present review, we consider the cardioprotective activities of natural products and their possible therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasool Tavakoli
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jamshid Tabeshpour
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Damghan Bransh, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Javad Asili
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Shakeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhang Z, Cao H, Shen P, Liu J, Cao Y, Zhang N. Ping weisan alleviates chronic colitis in mice by regulating intestinal microbiota composition. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 255:112715. [PMID: 32114163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ping weisan (PWS), a complex formulation used in traditional Chinese medicine, is first described in 1107 AD and published in the Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary. We have previously confirmed that PWS has the effect of alleviating DSS-induced chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to examine whether PWS protects mice from chronic UC by regulating intestinal microbiota composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice with 2.5% DSS in drinking water. PWS (8 g/kg) was orally administered throughout the experiment. Body weight changes, stool consistency and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in these mice. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) mRNA levels were detected by qRT-PCR. The alterations of fecal microflora were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Furthermore, intestinal tight junction protein including occludin, and serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level were also detected. RESULTS PWS relieved DSS-induced loss of body weight, and improved stool consistency and MPO activity in mice. The levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ mRNA were also reduced after treatment with PWS. PWS not only regulated occludin level but also decreased serum LPS. We further showed DSS-induced changes in intestinal microbial composition and richness are significantly regulated by PWS. PWS treatment significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes, but increased the abundance of Firmicutes in chronic UC mice induced by DSS. CONCLUSIONS Combining with our previous results, we found that PWS could exert anti-UC role by rebalancing intestinal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zecai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyang Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiuxi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongguo Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Naisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Bhardwaj M, Sali VK, Mani S, Vasanthi HR. Neophytadiene from Turbinaria ornata Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Sprague Dawley Rats. Inflammation 2020; 43:937-950. [PMID: 31981060 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the mode of action of Neophytadiene (MT), a molecule isolated from a marine algae Turbinaria ornata in LPS-induced inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Neophytadiene (25, 50, 100 μM/mL) was treated to LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells to identify its anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nitric oxide (NO) using Griess reagent. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL-6 and IL-10), and the protein expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were quantified by Western blot analysis. Subsequently, Neophytadiene (12, 25, 50 mg/kg b.wt/p.o) was pre-treated for 7 days to the experimental animals followed by LPS (10 mg/kg) injection interaperitonially. After LPS induction, blood was collected and the haematological parameters were analysed followed by isolation of heart tissue for biochemical molecular and histopathological analysis Neophytadiene significantly inhibited the NO production and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Further, the expression of TNF-α, IL1β, NF-κB, iNOS, PI3k/Akt and MAPK in the heart tissue was modulated by Neophytadiene significantly confirming the anti-inflammatory potential. Thus, the effect of Neophytadiene on LPS-induced cardiac injury can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory antioxidant and cardioprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Veeresh Kumar Sali
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Sugumar Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Hannah R Vasanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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Zhang Y, Zhang JJ, Liu XH, Wang L. CBX7 suppression prevents ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 318:F1531-F1538. [PMID: 32390514 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00088.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) usually occurs in renal transplantation and partial nephrectomy, which could lead to acute kidney injury. However, the effective treatment for renal I/R still remains limited. In the present study, we investigated whether inhibition of chromobox 7 (CBX7) could attenuate renal I/R injury in vivo and in vitro as well as the potential mechanisms. Adult male mice were subjected to right renal ischemia and reperfusion for different periods, both with and without the CBX7 inhibitor UNC3866. In addition, human kidney cells (HK-2) were subjected to a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) process for different periods, both with or without the CBX7 inhibitor or siRNA for CBX7. The results showed that expression of CBX7, glucose regulator protein-78 (GRP78), phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (p-eIF2α), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were increased after extension of I/R and H/R periods. Moreover, overexpression of CBX7 could elevate the expression of CBX7, GRP78, p-eIF2α, and CHOP. However, CBX7 inhibition with either UNC3866 or genetic knockdown led to reduced expression of GRP78, p-eIF2α, and CHOP through nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 activation in I/R and H/R injury. Furthermore, ML385, the Nrf2 inhibitor, could elevate endoplasmic reticulum stress levels, abrogating the protective effects of UNC3866 against renal I/R injury. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that CBX7 inhibition alleviated acute kidney injury by preventing endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, indicating that CBX7 inhibitor could be a potential therapeutic target for renal I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian-Jian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiu-Heng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Tang Q, Cao Y, Xiong W, Ke X, Zhang J, Xia Y, Liu D. Glycyrrhizic acid exerts protective effects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced human coronary artery endothelial cell damage by regulating mitochondria. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:335-342. [PMID: 32509013 PMCID: PMC7271712 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) is one of the main causes of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is primarily induced by damage to coronary artery endothelial cells (CAECs). Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a natural and abundant pentacyclic triterpenoid glycoside of the licorice root extract, and it has been reported to elicit protective effects against hypoxia, inflammation and apoptosis in ischemic myocardium; therefore, GA may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for ischemia-associated CAD. In the present study, the protective effects of GA against H/R-induced injury in CAECs were investigated. Treatment with GA during H/R maintained cell viability and decreased H/R-induced cell apoptosis in human CAECs. In addition, H/R-mediated induction of intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly decreased by GA exposure. Similar to ROS scavengers, GA treatment not only exhibited protective effects, but also maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential after H/R and inhibited H/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, including deficits in ATP synthesis, mitochondrial DNA copy number and mitochondrial transcriptional activity. Furthermore, GA decreased autophagy/mitophagy, and its protective effect against H/R was abolished by autophagy promotion. Collectively, the results suggested that GA exhibited protective effects against H/R-induced CAEC injury by decreasing ROS accumulation and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Further investigation into the precise mechanisms underlying the decrease in ROS accumulation induced by GA is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Tang
- Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Cao
- Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xixian Ke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Daxing Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Li M, Wen Z, Xue Y, Han X, Ma D, Ma Z, Wu Z, Guan S, Sun S, Chu L. Cardioprotective effects of glycyrrhizic acid involve inhibition of calcium influx via L-type calcium channels and myocardial contraction in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 393:979-989. [PMID: 31807838 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01767-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is one of the main active components in licorice and has often been reported to have cardioprotective effects. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study is to verify the protective effects of GA against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemia injury in rats. Another aim is to explore the cellular mechanisms based on the L-type Ca2+ channel, myocardial cell contraction, and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transient. The results show that GA reduced the ST segment elevation, decreased the heart rate, prevented ISO-induced QT-interval shortening, improved heart morphology, and decreased the activity of CK and LDH. GA blocked ICa-L in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration for 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) of GA was 145.54 μg/mL, and the maximal inhibition was 47.43 ± 0.75% at 1000 μg/mL. However, GA did not affect the dynamical properties of the Ca2+ channel. GA reversibly reduced the amplitude of cell contraction in a dose-dependent manner and slowed down its deflection and recovery, as well as the [Ca2+]i transient. The data demonstrate that GA inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels, decreases the [Ca2+]i transient, and shows a negative cardiac inotropic effect in the ventricular myocardial cells of adult rats. It also protects the myocardia from ischemia injury induced by ISO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Zishuai Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Yurun Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Xue Han
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Donglai Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Zhihong Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Zhonglin Wu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Shengjiang Guan
- School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China.
| | - Shijiang Sun
- Affiliated Hospital, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China.
| | - Li Chu
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China. .,Hebei Key Laboratory of integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, 050200, Hebei, China.
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Glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt alleviates Concanavalin A-induced immunological liver injury in mice through the regulation of the balance of immune cells and the inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 120:109481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Avgustinovich D, Tsyganov M, Vishnivetskaya G, Kovner A, Sorokina I, Orlovskaya I, Toporkova L, Goiman E, Tolstikova T, Dushkin A, Lyakhov N, Mordvinov V. Effects of supramolecular complexation of praziquantel with disodium glycyrrhizinate on the liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus: An in vitro and in vivo study. Acta Trop 2019; 194:1-12. [PMID: 30871990 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have a chronic infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus, which causes opisthorchiasis in humans and animals. The only known effective drug for this disease is praziquantel (PrzQ); however, its efficacy is below 100%, and it has some adverse effects. In this study, a water-soluble complex of PrzQ with a disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid (disodium glycyrrhizinate; Na2GA) in a 1:10 ratio (PrzQ:GA) allowed the PrzQ dose to be decreased 11-fold for effective killing of O. felineus. An in vitro experiment showed a sufficient anthelmintic efficiency of PrzQ:GA against both adult and juvenile O. felineus individuals. A Syrian golden hamster model of opisthorchiasis revealed a considerable anthelmintic effect at all tested PrzQ:GA doses (50, 100, 200, 400, and 1100 mg/kg) with the best performance at 400 and 1100 mg/kg. Further comparison of the effects of PrzQ (400 mg/kg) and PrzQ:GA (400 mg/kg) regarding the state of the host indicated significant advantages of the latter. Histological examination showed that PrzQ:GA was better at decreasing the O. felineus-induced inflammatory infiltration (as compared with PrzQ alone) as well as interfered with the development of epithelial dysplasia and metaplasia in large bile ducts and cholangiofibrosis. Both PrzQ and PrzQ:GA decreased the number of myeloid (CFU-GM) and erythroid (BFU-E + CFU-E) colonies induced by O. felineus infection. The drugs had no negative effect on the animal behavior in an open field test 2-4 h after administration. Thus, PrzQ:GA proved to be a good anthelmintic agent having no evident adverse effects on the host, thereby suggesting that further preclinical and clinical trials would be warranted.
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Galanis D, Soultanis K, Lelovas P, Zervas A, Papadopoulos P, Galanos A, Argyropoulou K, Makropoulou M, Patsaki A, Passali C, Tsingotjidou A, Kourkoulis S, Mitakou S, Dontas I. Protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots extract on bone mineral density of ovariectomized rats. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2019; 9:8. [PMID: 31124454 PMCID: PMC6533940 DOI: 10.1051/bmdcn/2019090208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of the methanolic extract of plant Glycyrrhiza glabra roots on bone mineral density and femoral bone strength of ovariectomized rats. Methods: Thirty 10-month-old Wistar rats were randomly separated into three groups of ten, Control, Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza in their drinking water. Total and proximal tibial bone mineral density was measured in all groups before ovariectomy (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months post ovariectomy. Three-point-bending of the femurs and uterine weight and histology were examined at the end of the study. Results: No significant difference was noted in bone density percentage change of total tibia from baseline to 3 months between Control and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza groups (+5.31% ± 4.75 and +3.30% ± 6.31 respectively, P = non significant), and of proximal tibia accordingly (+5.58% ± 6.92 and +2.61% ± 13.62, P = non significant) demonstrating a strong osteoprotective effect. There was notable difference in percentage change of total tibia from baseline to 6 months between groups Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza (−13.03% ± 5.11 and −0.84% ± 7.63 respectively, P < 0.005), and of proximal tibia accordingly (−27.9% ± 3.69 and −0.81% ± 14.85 respectively, P < 0.001), confirming the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract in preserving bone density of the Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza group. Three-point-bending did not reveal any statistically significant difference between Ovariectomy and Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza groups. Uterine weights of the Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza group ranged between the other two groups with no statistically significant difference to each. Conclusions: Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract notably protected tibial bone mineral density loss in Ovariectomy-plus-Glycyrrhiza rats in comparison with ovariectomized rats, but did not improve biomechanical strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Galanis
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Soultanis
- 1st Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Attiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Lelovas
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Zervas
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Papadopoulos
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Galanos
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Argyropoulou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Makropoulou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christina Passali
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Tsingotjidou
- Lab. of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Veterinary Medicine,
| | - Stavros Kourkoulis
- Department of Mechanics, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), National Technical University of Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Mitakou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Ismene Dontas
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System (LRMS), School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Zhang Z, Shen P, Xie W, Cao H, Liu J, Cao Y, Zhang N. Pingwei San ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 236:91-99. [PMID: 30844487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ping weisan (PWS), a famous traditional Chinese medicinal, is published in the Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary. PWS has been proven to be effective for many diseases, especially chronic diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of PWS on chronic colitis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic colitis was induced in mice using 2.5% DSS for two cycles of 5 days, and different doses of PWS (2, 4, 8 g/kg) were administered throughout the experiment. The disease activity index (DAI), length of colon and pathological changes were measured. Cytokine levels in vivo and in vitro were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of TLR4, PPARγ and the key proteins in NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome were measured by western blot. RESULTS PWS decreased DSS-induced DAI, colon length shortening and colonic pathological damage. PWS also reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 production. In addition, PWS suppressed NF-κB pathway activation by regulating the expression of TLR4 and PPARγ. Our data also indicated that PWS could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CONCLUSIONS PWS treatment alleviated the degree of colitis caused by DSS, suggesting that PWS might be a novel agent for the treatment of chronic colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zecai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenbing Xie
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyang Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiuxi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongguo Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Naisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Mou K, Pan W, Han D, Wen X, Cao F, Miao Y, Li P. Glycyrrhizin protects human melanocytes from H2O2‑induced oxidative damage via the Nrf2‑dependent induction of HO‑1. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:253-261. [PMID: 31115551 PMCID: PMC6559322 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress serves a critical role in melanocyte death and is considered to be a major cause of vitiligo. The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway has an important role in the antioxidative stress mechanisms of melanocytes. Glycyrrhizin (GR) is a derivative of herbal medicines used to treat hepatitis and allergic disease due to its antiviral and anti-allergy effects. GR also activates Nrf2 and induces the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in macrophages. Whether GR can protect human melanocytes from oxidative stress remains unknown. The present study investigated the potential protective effects of GR against oxidative stress in human melanocytes and the mechanisms involved. Following exposure to 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), human primary melanocytes were treated with 1 mM GR. Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. GR treatment significantly improved cell viability, reduced the apoptotic rate of melanocytes and reduced the level of reactive oxygen species in human melanocytes. Furthermore, GR induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and induced the expression of HO-1 in melanocytes. The knockdown of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA or the inhibition of HO-1 by ZnPP reversed the protective effect of GR on melanocytes against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. These data demonstrate that GR protects human melanocytes from H2O2-induced oxidative damage via the Nrf2-dependent induction of HO-1, providing evidence for the application of GR in the treatment of vitiligo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuanhou Mou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wenjie Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, P.R. China
| | - Dan Han
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fang Cao
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yi Miao
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Pan Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Do Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction Cause Different Effects in a Rat Goiter Model? EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:5645620. [PMID: 30723515 PMCID: PMC6339761 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5645620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Sargassum species combined with Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a famous herbal pair in traditional Chinese medicine, as one of the so-called “eighteen antagonistic medicaments.” In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two different species of Sargassum, Sargassum pallidum and Sargassum fusiforme, are recorded but they are not clearly differentiated in clinical use. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the two species of Sargassum could result in different effects when combined with G. uralensis in Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD), which is used for treating thyroid-related diseases, especially goiter. HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme was administered to rats with propylthiouracil-induced goiter. After 4 weeks, pathological changes in the thyroid tissue and the relative thyroid weight indicated that HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme protected thyroid tissues from propylthiouracil damage. Neither species increased the propylthiouracil-induced decrease in serum levels of thyroid hormones. However, there were some differences in their actions, and only HYD containing S. fusiforme abated the propylthiouracil-induced elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and activated thyroglobulin mRNA expression.
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