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Liu H, Yan R, Li Y, Wang J, Deng Y, Li Y. Dragon's blood attenuates LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via upregulation of FAK-DOCK180-Rac1-WAVE2-Arp3 and downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. J Nat Med 2024; 78:1013-1028. [PMID: 39014275 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-024-01824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation-induced intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) dysfunction is one of the important reasons for the occurrence and development of intestinal inflammatory-related diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Dragon's blood (DB) is a traditional Chinese medicine and has been clinically used to treat UC. However, the protective mechanism of DB on intestinal inflammatory-related diseases has still not been elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the protection mechanism of DB on IEB dysfunction in rat ileum and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2)/human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) coculture system induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DB could ameliorate rat ileum mucosa morphological injury, reduce the accumulation of lipid-peroxidation products and increase the expression of junction proteins. DB also alleviated LPS-induced Caco-2 cells barrier integrity destruction in Caco-2/ HUVECs coculture system, leading to increased trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), reduced cell permeability, and upregulation of expressions of F-actin and junction proteins. DB contributed to the assembly of actin cytoskeleton by upregulating the FAK-DOCK180-Rac1-WAVE2-Arp3 pathway and contributed to the formation of intercellular junctions by downregulating TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway, thus reversing LPS-induced IEB dysfunction. These novel findings illustrated the potential protective mechanism of DB on intestinal inflammatory-related diseases and might be useful for further clinical application of DB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayan Liu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Haidian, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ranran Yan
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Haidian, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Haidian, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jiaping Wang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Haidian, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Haidian, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yujuan Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Haidian, Beijing, 100081, China.
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2
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Li J, Dan W, Zhang C, Liu N, Wang Y, Liu J, Zhang S. Exploration of Berberine Against Ulcerative Colitis via TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α Pathway by Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2847-2868. [PMID: 39006190 PMCID: PMC11246092 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s436359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to delineate the molecular processes underlying the therapeutic effects of berberine on UC by employing network pharmacology tactics, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations supported by empirical validations both in vivo and in vitro. Patients and Methods We systematically screened potential targets and relevant pathways affected by berberine for UC treatment from comprehensive databases, including GeneCards, DisGeNET, and GEO. Molecular docking and simulation protocols were used to assess the interaction stability between berberine and its principal targets. The predictions were validated using both a DSS-induced UC mouse model and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NCM460 cellular inflammation model. Results Network pharmacology analysis revealed the regulatory effect of the TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway in the ameliorative action of berberine in UC. Docking and simulation studies predicted the high-affinity interactions of berberine with pivotal targets: TLR4, NF-κB, HIF-1α, and the HIF inhibitor KC7F2. Moreover, in vivo analyses demonstrated that berberine attenuates clinical severity, as reflected by decreased disease activity index (DAI) scores, reduced weight loss, and mitigated intestinal inflammation in DSS-challenged mice. These outcomes include suppression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α mRNA and protein levels. Correspondingly, in vitro findings indicate that berberine decreases cellular inflammatory injury and suppresses TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling, with notable effectiveness similar to that of the HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2. Conclusion Through network pharmacology analysis and experimental substantiation, this study confirmed that berberine enhances UC treatment outcomes by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α axis, thereby mitigating inflammatory reactions and improving colonic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Li
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenchao Dan
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nian Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichong Wang
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jixiang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengsheng Zhang
- Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
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Li L, He Y, Wang N, Li Y, Du Y, He N, Wang B, Zhang T. Atractylone in the Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma Essential Oil and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:7340. [PMID: 37959758 PMCID: PMC10648463 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a screening of potential therapeutic compounds found in the Atractylodes macrocephala rhizoma essential oil (AO) and explore its mechanism of action in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). An inflammation cell model was employed in conjunction with phospho-antibody array technology to explore potential therapeutic compounds of AO and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, we assessed their efficacy and mechanisms of action in treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Via the screening process, we identified atractylone (ATR) as the primary active compound in AO. It has been demonstrated that ATR can both decrease the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase the expression of adhesion proteins such as claudin, ZO-1, and occludin in vitro. Moreover, ATR has been shown to improve UC symptoms in vivo. Via a non-targeted metabolomics analysis of colon tissue, we identified 57 distinct metabolites that responded to ATR treatment. Subsequent analysis of the metabolic pathways revealed that the action of ATR was primarily focused on the amino acid metabolism pathway. In summary, ATR may alleviate the symptoms of UC by regulating multiple signaling pathways. Additionally, ATR has a comprehensive function in anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and intestinal injury reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.L.); (Y.H.); (N.W.); (Y.D.)
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Yihao He
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.L.); (Y.H.); (N.W.); (Y.D.)
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.L.); (Y.H.); (N.W.); (Y.D.)
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China;
| | - Yaoyao Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.L.); (Y.H.); (N.W.); (Y.D.)
| | - Ning He
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.L.); (Y.H.); (N.W.); (Y.D.)
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Chen B, Wang Y, Niu Y, Li S. Acalypha australis L. Extract Attenuates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating Inflammatory Factor Release and Blocking NF- κB Activation. J Med Food 2023; 26:663-671. [PMID: 37530576 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0037] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastroenteric inflammatory disease that may cause life-threatening complications. Currently available therapeutic drugs are not as effective as expected, necessitating the development of new targets and drugs. The etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of UC are largely unclear; thus, the treatment effects are limited. The aqueous extract of Acalypha australis L. (AAL) has shown good therapeutic efficacy in treating UC. AAL is used in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its hemostasis, detoxification, and heat clearance effects. Although astragalus has such broad-spectrum biological activities closely related to inflammation, its therapeutic efficacy for UC treatment has not been reported, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We studied the therapeutic effect of AAL on UC in mice and explored its potential mechanism. Mice were treated with AAL aqueous extract for 7 days (20 mg/kg), after which the colon tissue was assessed for damage (colon mucosal damage index [CMDI]), apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), and release of cytokines (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The concentration of AAL aqueous extract at 20 mg/kg significantly improved the CMDI score and colon injury of UC model. It also reduced the serum levels of IL-2, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, and decreased apoptosis in the colon. AAL water extract also significantly reduced the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins. In conclusion, AAL can protect against UC mainly by inhibiting the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Hunan Yao Tea Engineering Research Center, Xupu, China
| | - YouYa Niu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Shenghua Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
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Murakami T, Bodor E, Bodor N. Approaching strategy to increase the oral bioavailability of berberine, a quaternary ammonium isoquinoline alkaloid: Part 2. Development of oral dosage formulations. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2023; 19:139-148. [PMID: 37060323 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2023.2203858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Berberine (BBR) possesses a wide variety of pharmacological activities. However, the oral bioavailability of BBR is low due to extensive intestinal first-pass metabolism by cytochrome P450s (CYPs), insufficient absorption due to low solubility and P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux transport, and hepatic first-pass metabolism in rats. AREAS COVERED Various dosage formulations were developed to increase the oral bioavailability of BBR by overcoming the reducing factors. This article provides the developing strategy of oral dosage formulations of BBR based on the physicochemical (low solubility, formation of salts/ion-pair complex) and pharmacokinetic properties (substrate of P-gp/CYPs, extensive intestinal first-pass metabolism). Literature was searched by using PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Here, formulations increasing the dissolution rates/solubility; formulations containing a P-gp inhibitor; formulations containing solubilizer exhibiting P-gp and/or CYPs inhibitors; formulations containing absorption enhancers; gastro/duodenal retentive formulations; lipid-based formulations; formulations targeting lymphatic transport; and physicochemical modifications increasing lipophilicity were reviewed. Among these formulations, formulations that can reduce intestinal first-pass metabolisms such as formulations containing CYPs inhibitor(s) and formulations containing absorption enhancer(s) significantly increased the oral bioavailability of BBR. Further studies on other dosing routes that can avoid first-pass metabolism such as the rectal route would also be important to increase the bioavailability of BBR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Bodor
- Bodor Laboratories Inc, Miami, Florida33137, USA
| | - Nicholas Bodor
- Bodor Laboratories Inc, Miami, Florida33137, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida32611, USA
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Zhu C, Li K, Peng XX, Yao TJ, Wang ZY, Hu P, Cai D, Liu HY. Berberine a traditional Chinese drug repurposing: Its actions in inflammation-associated ulcerative colitis and cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1083788. [PMID: 36561763 PMCID: PMC9763584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1083788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis Rhizoma, has a long history of treating dysentery in the clinic. Over the past two decades, the polytrophic, pharmacological, and biochemical properties of BBR have been intensively studied. The key functions of BBR, including anti-inflammation, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and even antitumor, have been discovered. However, the underlying mechanisms of BBR-mediated regulation still need to be explored. Given that BBR is also a natural nutrition supplement, the modulatory effects of BBR on nutritional immune responses have attracted more attention from investigators. In this mini-review, we summarized the latest achievements of BBR on inflammation, gut microbes, macrophage polarization, and immune responses associated with their possible tools in the pathogenesis and therapy of ulcerative colitis and cancer in recent 5 years. We also discuss the therapeutic efficacy and anti-inflammatory actions of BBR to benefit future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuipeng Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kaiqi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tong-Jia Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Yu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ping Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Demin Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Hao-Yu Liu, ; Demin Cai,
| | - Hao-Yu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agricultural & Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Hao-Yu Liu, ; Demin Cai,
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7
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Wen Y, Zhang W, Yang R, Jiang L, Zhang X, Wang B, Hua Y, Ji P, Yuan Z, Wei Y, Yao W. Regulation of Yujin Powder alcoholic extracts on ILC3s-TD IgA-colonic mucosal flora axis of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1039884. [PMID: 36338041 PMCID: PMC9633017 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1039884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal flora maintained by the immune system plays an important role in healthy colon. However, the role of ILC3s-TD IgA-colonic mucosal flora axis in ulcerative colitis (UC) and whether it could become an innovative pathway for the treatment of UC is unknown. Yujin Powder is a classic prescription for treatment of dampness-heat type intestine disease in traditional Chinese medicine and has therapeutic effects on UC. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Yujin Powder alcoholic extracts (YJP-A) on UC via ILC3s-TD IgA-colonic mucosal flora axis. The UC mouse model was induced by drinking 3.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), meanwhile, YJP-A was given orally for prevention. During the experiment, the clinical symptoms of mice were recorded. Then the intestinal injury and inflammatory response of mice about UC were detected after the experiment. In addition, the relevant indicators of ILC3s-TD IgA-colonic mucosal flora axis were detected. The results showed that YJP-A had good therapy effects on DSS-induced mice UC: improved the symptoms, increased body weight and the length of colon, decreased the disease activity index score, ameliorated the intestinal injury, and reduced the inflammation etc. Also, YJP-A significantly increased the ILC3s proportion and the expression level of MHC II; significantly decreased the proportion of Tfh cells and B cells and the expression levels of Bcl6, IL-4, Aicda in mesenteric lymph nodes of colon in UC mice and IgA in colon. In addition, by 16S rDNA sequencing, YJP-A could restore TD IgA targets colonic mucus flora in UC mice by decreasing the relative abundance of Mucispirillum, Lachnospiraceae and increasing the relative abundance of Allprevotella, Alistipes, and Ruminococcaceae etc. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the ILC3s-TD IgA-colonic mucosal flora axis was disordered in UC mice. YJP-A could significantly promote the proliferation of ILC3s to inhibit Tfh responses and B cells class switching through MHC II, further to limit TD IgA responses toward colonic mucosal flora. Our findings suggested that this axis may be a novel and promising strategy to prevent UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiao Wen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wangdong Zhang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lidong Jiang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaosong Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baoshan Wang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongli Hua
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Ji
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziwen Yuan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanming Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanming Wei; Wanling Yao,
| | - Wanling Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanming Wei; Wanling Yao,
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