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Wu Y, Feng K, Chen Y, Zhang H, Zhang M, Han B, Chen X, Yang L, Wang X, Li W, Tang J. Exploring the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of licochalcone B against psoralidin-induced liver injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118600. [PMID: 39053714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) represents an exacerbated inflammatory response, with Psoraleae fructus (PF) and its preparations recently associated with hepatotoxicity. Licorice, historically recognized as a detoxifying herbal remedy, is considered to possess hepatoprotective properties. Our previous research identified bavachin, bakuchiol, and psoralidin (PSO) as potential toxic constituents in PF, while licochalcone B (LCB) and echinatin were identified as bioactive components in licorice. However, evidence regarding the interactions of active compounds in herbs and their underlying mechanisms remains limited. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study is to assess the potential mechanisms through which LCB modulates immunological and anti-inflammatory responses to treat PSO-induced liver injury by using human hepatocyte cells (L02) and LPS-primed mice. METHODS The ameliorative effects of LCB and echinatin on bavachin, bakuchiol, and PSO-induced liver injury were demonstrated in L02 cells. Subsequently, the efficacy of LCB on PSO-induced idiosyncratic liver injury was further validated in C57BL/6 mice under moderate inflammatory stress induced by LPS priming. The mechanisms were preliminarily explored with an integrated strategy of molecular docking, RT-PCR verification, and untargeted metabolomics. RESULTS The study shows that LCB significantly reduced cell injury induced by the three chemicals in PF and provided substantial protection against PSO-induced hepatic damage, as indicated by the levels of ALT, AST, and LDH. LCB normalized liver function and remarkedly alleviated hepatic lesions and inflammation caused by PSO in mice under moderate inflammatory stress. The mRNA profiles of both L02 cells and mice liver tissue revealed that LCB mitigated PSO-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1B and TNF, as well as immunoinflammatory genes PIK3CA, AKT1, NFKB1, and NLRP3. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics of liver tissue indicated that LCB could reverse the abnormal expression of 11 discriminatory metabolites, with the interrelationship between differential metabolites and target genes primarily clustering in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. CONCLUSION LCB demonstrated a superior anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect on PSO-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating the inflammatory response and metabolic signaling system. Key interactive targets included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidic acid, and subunit isoforms of PI3K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Keran Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yulong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; College Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Weixia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Jinfa Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Clinical Application, Evaluation and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Safety Evaluation and Risk Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450003, China; School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
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Tian CY, Yang QR, Fan LX, Yang YM, Gao BW, Yang JB. Online identification of chemical constituents in Mongolian medicine Zhachong-13 pills by UHPLC-Q-exactive Orbitrap MS. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39037411 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2379981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Zhachong-13 pills (ZC-13), as a traditional prescription of Mongolian medicine, are often used in the clinical practice of Mongolian hospitals for the treatment of stroke and rheumatic arthritis. In this experiment, UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was used to explore the chemical composition of ZC-13. The results showed that 315 compounds were identified or inferred, including 56 alkaloids, 77 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, 61 flavonoids, 31 tannins, 8 coumarins, 16 lignans, 21 terpenoids, 5 amino acids, 19 organic acids, and 21 other components. In addition, the pharmacological activities related to anti-cerebral ischemia of these components were summarized. This result laid a foundation for further study on the pharmacodynamic material basis of ZC-13 and provided a scientific basis for the formulation of ZC-13 quality specifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Yun Tian
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Qing-Rui Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Ling-Xuan Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Yu-Mei Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Bo-Wen Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Jian-Bo Yang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
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3
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Zhang W, Zou M, Fu J, Xu Y, Zhu Y. Autophagy: A potential target for natural products in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116891. [PMID: 38865850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116891] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the mucosa of the colon and rectum. UC is characterized by recurrent episodes, often necessitating lifelong medication use, imposing a significant burden on patients. Current conventional and advanced treatments for UC have the disadvantages of insufficient efficiency, susceptibility to drug resistance, and notable adverse effects. Therefore, developing effective and safe drugs has become an urgent need. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process that plays an important role in intestinal homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant autophagy is involved in the development of UC, and modulating autophagy can effectively alleviate experimental colitis. A growing number of studies have established that autophagy can interplay with endoplasmic reticulum stress, gut microbiota, apoptosis, and the NLRP3 inflammasome, all of which contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. In addition, a variety of intestinal epithelial cells, including absorptive cells, goblet cells, and Paneth cells, as well as other cell types like neutrophils, antigen-presenting cells, and stem cells in the gut, mediate the development of UC through autophagy. To date, many studies have found that natural products hold the potential to exert therapeutic effects on UC by regulating autophagy. This review focuses on the possible effects and pharmacological mechanisms of natural products to alleviate UC with autophagy as a potential target in recent years, aiming to provide a basis for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Menglong Zou
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Yin Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China.
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China.
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Ma B, Wang S, Li H, Wang Q, Hong Y, Bao YM, Liu H, Li M, Zhao Y, Guo LP. Combining metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal the potential medicinal value of rare species Glycyrrhiza squamulose. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30868. [PMID: 38803917 PMCID: PMC11128877 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Licorice is a well-known Chinese medicinal plant that is widely used to treat multiple diseases and process food; however, wild licorice is now facing depletion. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and protect licorice germplasm diversity. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to investigate the biodiversity and potential medicinal value of the rare wild Glycyrrhiza squamulose. A total of 182 differentially accumulated metabolites and 395 differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza squamulose. The molecular weights of the chemical component of G. squamulose were comparable with those of G. uralensis, suggesting that G. squamulose may have medicinal value. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), mainly flavonoids such as kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-(6"malonyl) glucoside, and hispidulin-7-O-glucoside, showed potential vitality in G. squamulose. Comparative transcriptomics with G. uralensis showed that among the 395 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 69 were enriched in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Multiomics analysis showed that the distinction in flavonoid biosynthesis between G. squamulose and G. uralensis was strongly associated with the expression levels of IF7GT and CYP93C. In addition to identifying similarities and differences between G. squamulose and G. uralensis, this study provides a theoretical basis to protect and investigate rare species such as G. squamulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Ecology, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, 75000, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Siru Wang
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haonan Li
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Qinyue Wang
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yaqi Hong
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yang-mei Bao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Liu
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Ecology, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, 75000, China
| | - Ming Li
- Institute of Forestry and Grassland Ecology, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, 75000, China
| | - Yucheng Zhao
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
- Medical Botanical Garden, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lan-ping Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
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Duan X, Bai W, Hu J, Wu J, Tan H, Wang F, Lang X, Wang B, Hu J. Inhibitory effect of flavonoids on multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 function: Implications for food/herb-drug interaction and drug-induced kidney injury. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38760888 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4628] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1), an efflux transporter mainly expressed in renal proximal tubules, mediates the renal secretion of organic cationic drugs. The inhibition of MATE1 will impair the excretion of drugs into the tubular lumen, leading to the accumulation of nephrotoxic drugs in the kidney and consequently potentiating nephrotoxicity. Screening and identifying potent MATE1 inhibitors can predict or minimize the risk of drug-induced kidney injury. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenols commonly found in foodstuffs and herbal products, have been reported to cause transporter-mediated food/herb-drug interactions. Our objective was to investigate the inhibitory effects of flavonoids on MATE1 in vitro and in vivo and to assess the effects of flavonoids on cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Thirteen flavonoids exhibited significant transport activity inhibition (>50%) on MATE1 in MATE1-MDCK cells. Among them, the six strongest flavonoid inhibitors, including irisflorentin, silymarin, isosilybin, sinensetin, tangeretin, and nobiletin, markedly increased cisplatin cytotoxicity in these cells. In cisplatin-induced in vivo renal injury models, irisflorentin, isosilybin, and sinensetin also increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels to different degrees, especially irisflorentin, which exhibited the most potent nephrotoxicity with cisplatin. The pharmacophore model indicated that the hydrogen bond acceptors at the 3, 5, and 7 positions may play a critical role in the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on MATE1. Our findings provide helpful information for predicting the potential risks of flavonoid-containing food/herb-drug interactions and avoiding the exacerbation of drug-induced kidney injury via MATE1 mediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wanting Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinjin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huixin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuli Lang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baolian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Non-Clinical Drug Metabolism and PK/PD study, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Department of Drug Metabolism, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Wu MH, Hsieh YH, Lin CL, Ying TH, Hsia SM, Hsieh SC, Lee CH, Lin CL. Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expression. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2961-2969. [PMID: 38308464 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24156] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicA), a natural compound extracted from licorice root, has been shown to exert a variety of anticancer activities. Whether LicA has such effects on endometrial cancer (EMC) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the antitumor effects of LicA on EMC. Our results show that LicA significantly reduced the viability and induced apoptosis of EMC cells and EMC-7 cells from EMC patients. LicA was also found to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to increased expression of ER-related proteins (GRP78/PERK/IRE1α/CHOP) in EMC cell lines. Suppression of GRP78 expression in human EMC cells treated with LicA significantly attenuated the effects of LicA, resulting in reduced ER-stress mediated cell apoptosis and decreased expression of ER- and apoptosis-related proteins. Our findings demonstrate that LicA induces apoptosis in EMC cells through the GRP78-mediated ER-stress pathway, emphasizing the potential of LicA as an anticancer therapy for EMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hua Wu
- Laboratory Department, Chung-Kang Branch, Cheng-Ching General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Liang Lin
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ho Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ching Hsieh
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Liang Lin
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Zhang Y, Lu J, Chang T, Tang X, Wang Q, Pan D, Wang J, Nan H, Zhang W, Liu L, Qi B. A bibliometric review of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (licorice) research: Insights and future directions. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117409. [PMID: 37972909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117409] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a Chinese herb known as licorice, is frequently incorporated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, due to its significant medicinal value and sweet taste. Despite licorice's merits, no systematic scientometric study has yet been conducted to analyze licorice research trends over the past 25 years. AIM OF THE STUDY We conducted this study with the aim to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of research advances in the application of licorice as a TCM ingredient and to offer valuable insights to guide future endeavors in this research field. METHODS We selected licorice-related research papers published between 1997 and 2021 from the Web of Science Core Collection then conducted a scientometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software tools. RESULTS A total of 4883 licorice-related publications, including 4511 research papers, 372 review papers, and their cited references, were included in the analysis. Most of these articles were authored by researchers in China (36.8%), including major contributors Wang Ying, Ye Min, and Zhang Yu. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology (impact factor = 5.4) hosted the greatest number of papers (145 articles). Keyword cluster analysis revealed three keyword categories indicating that current licorice research is focused on licorice quality control and identification of licorice active ingredients and associated pharmacological mechanisms. CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive overview of licorice-related research trends over the past 25 years as based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of published licorice-related articles. The results of this multi-level analysis of licorice research related to TCM formulations, chemical compositions, and pharmacological effects should provide valuable reference data and insights to guide future research endeavors in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Jing Lu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Tianying Chang
- EBM Office, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Xiaolei Tang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Daian Pan
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China; Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Hongmei Nan
- Department of Encephalopathy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Li Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Bin Qi
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China.
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Zhao M, Xiang T, Dong Z, Liu G, Wang P, Qi X, Hao Q, Han N, Liu Z, Li S, Yin J, Zhai J. Shenqu xiaoshi oral solution enhances digestive function and stabilizes the gastrointestinal microbiota of juvenile rats with infantile anorexia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117112. [PMID: 37739107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117112] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Massa Medicata Fermentata ("Shenqu") has long been applied in the treatment of indigestion in China; in fact, it is the active ingredient in the medicine Shenqu xiaoshi oral solution (SQXSOS). Based on robust clinical evidence, SQXSOS has shown efficacy in treating infantile anorexia (IFA). AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the underlying mechanisms by which SQXSOS treats IFA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The pharmacodynamic efficacy of SQXSOS was validated through a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced IFA model of juvenile rats, which share physiological similarities to two-year-old humans. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF MS) was utilized to analyze the blood-dissolved components of SQXSOS in rats. After identification of the blood-dissolved components, the key components and target genes were predicted through network pharmacology analysis. To further validate the predicted key targets of the blood-dissolved components, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to measure the changes in their concentrations. Meanwhile, the efficacy of SQXSOS on the structure of gastrointestinal microbiota (GM) in IFA rats was investigated. RESULTS SQXSOS, when administered to the IFA rats at a dosage equivalent to its clinical dose in humans (3.78 mL/kg/day), induced a significant increase in the gastric emptying rate (+1.9-fold) and small intestine advancement rate (+0.5-fold) compared to the IFA rats. Additionally, SQXSOS reversed the pathological changes observed in the serum levels of digestive functioning biochemicals (-32.4%~+250% compared to the model group, p < 0.05). A total of 40 blood-dissolved components were identified by UHPLC-TOF MS. Berberine, oleanolic acid, ganolucidic acid A, slicyluric acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid were identified as the key components of SQXSOS, while AKT1, STAT3, TP53, JUN, and MAPK1 were identified as the key targets enabling the therapeutic efficacy of SQXSOS in treating IFA. In a target validation study, the mRNA transcript levels of the abovementioned target genes were found to be significantly higher in the gastric antrum of IFA rats. However, SQXSOS administration (3.78 and 7.56 mL/kg/day) reduced the elevated mRNA transcript levels of the abovementioned target genes (41.1-77.3% compared to model group, p < 0.05). GM analysis revealed a significant increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio (F/B ratio, +214.2%) in the IFA fecal samples compared to normal rats, but the high dosage of SQXSOS induced a marked decrease in the F/B ratio (-44.1%) compared to IFA rats. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of SQXSOS against IFA might be attributed to the increase in Muribaculaceae abundance and the decrease in Prevotellaceae_UCG_003 abundance. CONCLUSION Mechanistic investigations indicated that the efficacy of SQXSOS in treating IFA could be manifested by regulating the transcription and expression levels of AKT1, MAPK1, STAT3, and TP53 genes in the gastric antrum as well as modulating the abundance of Muribaculaceae and Prevotellaceae_UCG_003 family. Furthermore, there are still some limitations: the contents of the key biochemicals remained to be determined, similar STAT3 transcription levels were observed in both normal rats and IFA rats, and it is crucial to further validate the potential target GM when transitioning from animal populations to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Ting Xiang
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Zhikui Dong
- Beijing Haiyan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Guorui Liu
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Pengran Wang
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Xiaoxu Qi
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Qingqing Hao
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Na Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Zhihui Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Sikai Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jianxiu Zhai
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Chen D, Ren Y, Jin J, Liu S, Zhan X, Li X, Liang R, Ding Z. Pingchong Jiangni recipe through nerve growth factor/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 signaling pathway to relieve pain in endometriosis model rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116940. [PMID: 37479067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116940] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pingchong Jiangni recipe (PJR) is often used in the treatment of endometriosis (EM). This formula has been clinically validated by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Specialties Collaborative Group for its therapeutic efficacy. Recently, our research team also confirmed that PJR has a shrinking effect on ovarian chocolate cysts. Additionally, PJR was also found to have a shrinking effect on EM lesions; however, the mechanism by which this effect occurs remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanisms by which PJR relieves pain in patients with EM. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of EM was established by autologous transplantation. PJR (3.78 g/kg, 7.56 g/kg, and 15.12 g/kg) was orally administered for 21 days. The rat grimace scale (RGS) score and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were measured at a fixed time during the experiment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in EM rats after administration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the plasma expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and immunohistochemistry and western blotting to identify differences in the expression of pain-related factors in EM rats. RESULTS The medium-dose group of PJR (7.56 g/kg) had the best effect on relieving pain in EM rats by reducing RGS, increasing PWT, reducing the ectopic endometrium, improving the cellular structure of the lesion, and reducing TNF-α and NGF levels. However, PJR significantly decreased the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), protein kinase C (PKC), and NGF. CONCLUSION The mechanism by which PJR relieves EM pain may be through the downregulation of NGF, PKC, and TRPV1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Chen
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yunying Ren
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhan
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Ruining Liang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Zhiling Ding
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Ma X, Jiang N, Fu J, Li Y, Zhou L, Yuan L, Wang Y, Li Y. A cytosine analogue 5-azacitidine improves the accumulation of licochalcone A in licorice Glycyrrhiza inflata. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 292:154145. [PMID: 38091890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154145] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LCA) is a characteristic compound of Glycyrrhiza inflata with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities. However, G. inflata produces LCA in low quantities that does not meet the market demand. In this study, we found that DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacitidine (5-azaC) successfully improved the LCA contents in G. inflata seedlings. Transcriptome analysis revealed a series of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including transcription factors such as MYB, ERF, WRKY, and some structural genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis. However, whole genome bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) results showed little effect of the 5-azaC treatment on the alteration of DNA methylation on these genes, indicating the possibility that 5-azaC acts as a stimulus, but not an epigenetic modulation factor to improve the LCA content in G. inflata. Additionally, we applied the 5-azaC treatment to field plants and hairy roots and successfully increased the LCA contents in both cases. This research demonstrates the feasibility of 5-azaC treatments in future applications to improve plant production of LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ningxin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingxian Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuping Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yongqing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Botanical Garden, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Li T, Qiao Z, Li M, Zhou N, Ren G, Jiang D, Liu C. Species identification and quality evaluation of licorice in the herbal trade using DNA barcoding, HPLC and colorimetry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2022.2158861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Qiao
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxi Ren
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Huang J, Zhu Y, Li S, Jiang H, Chen N, Xiao H, Liu J, Liang D, Zheng Q, Tang J, Meng X. Licochalcone B confers protective effects against LPS-Induced acute lung injury in cells and mice through the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Redox Rep 2023; 28:2243423. [PMID: 37565601 PMCID: PMC10424628 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2023.2243423] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe and often fatal pulmonary disease. Current treatments for ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are limited. Natural product metabolites have shown promise as therapeutic alternatives. However, the effects of Licochalcone B (LCB) on ALI are largely unknown. METHODS We investigated the effects of LCB on lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS production were assessed. Lung tissue histopathology and oxidative stress and inflammation markers were evaluated. Protein expression levels were measured. RESULTS LCB had no cytotoxic effects on cells and increased cell viability. It reduced apoptosis and ROS levels in cells. In mice with ALI, LCB decreased lung tissue weight and improved oxidative stress and inflammation markers. It also enhanced expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 while reducing Keap1. CONCLUSION LCB protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury in cells and mice. The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway may be involved in its protective effects. LCB shows potential as a strategy to alleviate ALI caused by LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Chengdu sport university, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Songtao Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanyu Jiang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xiao
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Liang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Liu H, Yao Z, Sun M, Zhang C, Huang YY, Luo HB, Wu D, Zheng X. Inhibition of AKR1Cs by liquiritigenin and the structural basis. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 385:110654. [PMID: 37666442 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110654] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies have confirmed that liquiritigenin (LQ), the primary active component of licorice, acts as an antitumor agent. However, how LQ diminishes or inhibits tumor growth is not fully understood. Here, we report the enzymatic inhibition of LQ and six other flavanone analogues towards AKR1Cs (AKR1C1, AKR1C2 and AKR1C3), which are involved in prostate cancer, breast cancer, and resistance of anticancer drugs. Crystallographic studies revealed AKR1C3 inhibition of LQ is related to its complementarity with the active site and the hydrogen bonds net in the catalytic site formed through C7-OH, aided by its nonplanar and compact structure due to the saturation of the C2C3 double bond. Comparison of the LQ conformations in the structures of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3 revealed the induced-fit conformation changes, which explains the lack of isoform selectivity of LQ. Our findings will be helpful for better understanding the antitumor effects of LQ on hormonally dependent cancers and the rational design of selective AKR1Cs inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Ziqing Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Mingna Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yi-You Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Hai-Bin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Deyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Xuehua Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
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14
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Ambili R, Ramadas K, Nair LM, Raj D, Nazeer F, George PS, Rejnish Kumar R, Radhakrishna Pillai M. Efficacy of a herbal mouthwash for management of periodontitis and radiation-induced mucositis - A consolidated report of two randomized controlled clinical trials. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2023; 14:100791. [PMID: 37897968 PMCID: PMC10641263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100791] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral diseases like periodontitis and mucositis often require home care using topical agents in the form of mouthwashes. Many herbal mouthwashes are found to be beneficial; however lack proper scientific evidence to support their use. OBJECTIVES Study 1 evaluated clinical efficacy of herbal mouthwash in the management of chronic periodontitis in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Study 2 aimed at assessment of herbal mouthwash in patients of radiation-induced mucosititis. METHODS The novel herbal mouthwash used in the present study wa prepared from extracts of five plants namely Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Azadirachta indica. 50 periodontitis patients were randomly allocated to two groups. As per allocation, they were instructed to use either herbal mouthwash or chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily for two weeks after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Similarly, patients with radiation-induced mucositis were randomly given herbal mouthwash and soda saline mouthwash. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons of continuous variables were conducted using paired and unpaired t-tests. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS Significant reductions in gingival bleeding, plaque accumulation, and pocket depth were noticed in periodontitis patients in both groups. Patients reported acceptable taste, freshness, and satisfaction after the use of herbal mouthwash. The herbal mouthwash group noticed a significant reduction in the severity of radiation-induced mucositis and analgesic requirements. The intensity of pain, dryness of mouth, oral hygiene, and need for the use of antibiotic and antifungal during radiotherapy was not significant among the groups. CONCLUSION The results of this preliminary clinical trial support the use of the tested herbal formulation mouthwash as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis as well as radiation-induced mucositis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER For Study 1: CTRI/2019/10/021574, Study 2: CTRI/2020/04/024851.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ambili
- Department of Periodontics, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
| | - K Ramadas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Lekha M Nair
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Divya Raj
- Division of Dental Care, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Farida Nazeer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Preethi Sara George
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - R Rejnish Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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15
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Zhang YL, Wang YL, Yan K, Deng QQ, Li FZ, Liang XJ, Hua Q. Nanostructures in Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for potential therapy. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:976-990. [PMID: 37278697 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00120b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
With its long clinical history, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained acceptance for its specific efficacy and safety in the treatment of multiple diseases. Nano-sized materials study of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) leads to an increased understanding of assessing TCM therapies, which may be a promising way to illustrate the material basis of CHMs through their processing and extraction. In this review, we provide an overview of the nanostructures of natural and engineered CHMs, including extracted CHMs, polymer nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, and nanofibers. Subsequently, the applications of these CHM-derived nanostructures to particular diseases are summarized and discussed. Additionally, we discuss the advantages of these nanostructures for studying the therapeutic efficacy of CHMs. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for the development of these nanostructures are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
- Laboratory of Controllable Nanopharmaceuticals, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Ya-Lei Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Ke Yan
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi-Qi Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Fang-Zhou Li
- Laboratory of Controllable Nanopharmaceuticals, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Laboratory of Controllable Nanopharmaceuticals, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Qian Hua
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Hu T, Li L, Ma Q. Research Progress of Immunomodulation on Anti-COVID-19 and the Effective Components from Traditional Chinese Medicine. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2023; 51:1337-1360. [PMID: 37465964 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x23500611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has posed a threat to the health of people around the world because of its strong transmission and high virulence. Currently, there is no specific medicine for the treatment of COVID-19. However, for a wide variety of medicines used to treat COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a major role. In this paper, the effective treatment of COVID-19 using TCM was consulted first, and several Chinese medicines that were frequently used apart from their huge role in treating it were found. Then, when exploring the active ingredients of these herbs, it was discovered that most of them contained flavonoids. Therefore, the structure and function of the potential active substances of flavonoids, including flavonols, flavonoids, and flavanes, respectively, are discussed in this paper. According to the screening data, these flavonoids can bind to the key proteins of SARS-CoV-2, 3CLpro, PLpro, and RdRp, respectively, or block the interface between the viral spike protein and ACE2 receptor, which could inhibit the proliferation of coronavirus and prevent the virus from entering human cells. Besides, the effects of flavonoids on the human body systems are expounded on in this paper, including the respiratory system, digestive system, and immune system, respectively. Normally, flavonoids boost the body's immune system. However, they can suppress the immune system when over immunized. Ultimately, this study hopes to provide a reference for the clinical drug treatment of COVID-19 patients, and more TCM can be put into the market accordingly, which is expected to promote the development of TCM on the international stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, P. R. China
| | - Qin Ma
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, P. R. China
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Wang J, Zhang X, Ni Z, Elam E, Thakur K, Li K, Wang C, Zhang J, Wei Z. The anti-cancerous mechanism of licochalcone A on human hepatoma cell HepG2 based on the miRNA omics. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ticinesi A, Nouvenne A, Cerundolo N, Parise A, Meschi T. Accounting Gut Microbiota as the Mediator of Beneficial Effects of Dietary (Poly)phenols on Skeletal Muscle in Aging. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102367. [PMID: 37242251 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function increasing the risk of disability and adverse outcomes in older people, is substantially influenced by dietary habits. Several studies from animal models of aging and muscle wasting indicate that the intake of specific polyphenol compounds can be associated with myoprotective effects, and improvements in muscle strength and performance. Such findings have also been confirmed in a smaller number of human studies. However, in the gut lumen, dietary polyphenols undergo extensive biotransformation by gut microbiota into a wide range of bioactive compounds, which substantially contribute to bioactivity on skeletal muscle. Thus, the beneficial effects of polyphenols may consistently vary across individuals, depending on the composition and metabolic functionality of gut bacterial communities. The understanding of such variability has recently been improved. For example, resveratrol and urolithin interaction with the microbiota can produce different biological effects according to the microbiota metabotype. In older individuals, the gut microbiota is frequently characterized by dysbiosis, overrepresentation of opportunistic pathogens, and increased inter-individual variability, which may contribute to increasing the variability of biological actions of phenolic compounds at the skeletal muscle level. These interactions should be taken into great consideration for designing effective nutritional strategies to counteract sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/1, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Nouvenne
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/1, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cerundolo
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Parise
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/1, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Seo J, Lee DE, Kim SM, Kim E, Kim JK. Licochalcone A Exerts Anti-Cancer Activity by Inhibiting STAT3 in SKOV3 Human Ovarian Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051264. [PMID: 37238935 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051264] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicA), a major active component of licorice, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological actions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of LicA and detail its molecular mechanisms against ovarian cancer. SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells were used in this study. Cell viability was measured using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The percentages of apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest were determined by flow cytometry and Muse flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins regulating cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were examined using Western blotting analysis. The results indicated that LicA treatment inhibited the cell viability of SKOV3 cells and induced G2/M phase arrest. Furthermore, LicA induced an increase in ROS levels, a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis accompanied by an increase in cleaved caspases and cytoplasmic cytochrome c. Additionally, LicA caused a dramatic decrease in STAT3 protein levels, but not mRNA levels, in SKOV3 cells. Treatment with LicA also reduced phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein in SKOV3 cells. The anti-cancer effects of LicA on SKOV3 cells might be mediated by reduced STAT3 translation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghyeon Seo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Eun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Mi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
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Liu H, Dai Y, Li J, Liu P, Zhou W, Yu DG, Ge R. Fast and convenient delivery of fluidextracts liquorice through electrospun core-shell nanohybrids. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1172133. [PMID: 37091339 PMCID: PMC10117974 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1172133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As an interdisciplinary field, drug delivery relies on the developments of modern science and technology. Correspondingly, how to upgrade the traditional dosage forms for a more efficacious, safer, and convenient drug delivery poses a continuous challenge to researchers.Methods, results and discussion: In this study, a proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted to convert a popular traditional liquid dosage form (a commercial oral compound solution prepared from an intermediate licorice fluidextract) into a solid dosage form. The oral commercial solution was successfully encapsulated into the core–shell nanohybrids, and the ethanol in the oral solution was removed. The SEM and TEM evaluations showed that the prepared nanofibers had linear morphologies without any discerned spindles or beads and an obvious core–shell nanostructure. The FTIR and XRD results verified that the active ingredients in the commercial solution were compatible with the polymeric matrices and were presented in the core section in an amorphous state. Three different types of methods were developed, and the fast dissolution of the electrospun core–shell nanofibers was verified.Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning can act as a nano pharmaceutical technique to upgrade the traditional oral solution into fast-dissolving solid drug delivery films to retain the advantages of the liquid dosage forms and the solid dosage forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yelin Dai
- Wenqi Middle School, Shanghai, China
- Qingpu Campus, High School Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Li
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- The Base of Achievement Transformation, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Orthopaedic Basic and Clinical Transformation, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Deng-Guang Yu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
| | - Ruiliang Ge
- Department of Outpatient, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Deng-Guang Yu, ; Ruiliang Ge,
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21
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Huang S, Zhang W, Hong Z, Yuan Y, Tan Z, Wang Y, Chen Z, Zheng J, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Chen M. Geographic distribution and impacts of climate change on the suitable habitats of Glycyrrhiza species in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:55625-55634. [PMID: 36897456 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26232-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has a major impact on the growth and distribution of plants. Glycyrrhiza is widely used in the treatment of many diseases in China. However, with the overexploitation and the growing demand for medicinal uses in of Glycyrrhiza plants. The investigation of the geographical distribution of Glycyrrhiza plants and the analysis of future climate change are of great significance for the conservation of Glycyrrhiza. In this study, combined with administrative maps of Chinese provinces, the present and future of geographical distribution and richness of six Glycyrrhiza plants in China were studied by using DIVA-GIS and MaxEnt software. A total of 981 herbarium records of these six species of Glycyrrhiza were collected to research. Results show that the change of climate in the future will lead to an increase in habitat suitability for some Glycyrrhiza species as follows: Glycyrrhiza inflata by 61.6%, Glycyrrhiza squamulosa by 47.5%, Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora by 34.0%, Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis by 49.0%, Glycyrrhiza glabra by 51.7%, and Glycyrrhiza aspera by 65.9%. Glycyrrhiza plants have considerable medicinal and economic value, so it is necessary to adopt targeted development and rational management strategies for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wenchao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhengyi Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yanghe Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zekai Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhuoyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiahui Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lanyue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Medicine Food Homology Engineering Center of Guangdong Province, Institute of Natural Medicine and Green Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Saponins of Selected Triterpenoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030386. [PMID: 36986485 PMCID: PMC10055990 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponins represent important natural derivatives of plant triterpenoids that are secondary plant metabolites. Saponins, also named glycoconjugates, are available both as natural and synthetic products. This review is focused on saponins of the oleanane, ursane, and lupane types of triterpenoids that include several plant triterpenoids displaying various important pharmacological effects. Additional convenient structural modifications of naturally-occurring plant products often result in enhancing the pharmacological effects of the parent natural structures. This is an important objective for all semisynthetic modifications of the reviewed plant products, and it is included in this review paper as well. The period covered by this review (2019–2022) is relatively short, mainly due to the existence of previously published review papers in recent years.
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23
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Yang X, Yang Y, Liu K, Zhang C. Traditional Chinese medicine monomers: Targeting pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells proliferation to treat pulmonary hypertension. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14916. [PMID: 37128338 PMCID: PMC10147991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex multifactorial disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR), with high morbidity, disability, and mortality. The abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is the main pathological change causing PVR. At present, clinical treatment drugs for PH are limited, which can only improve symptoms and reduce hospitalization but cannot delay disease progression and reduce survival rate. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine monomers (TCMs) inhibit excessive proliferation of PASMCs resulting in alleviating PVR through multiple channels and multiple targets, which has attracted more and more attention in the treatment of PH. In this paper, the experimental evidence of inhibiting PASMCs proliferation by TCMs was summarized to provide some directions for the future development of these mentioned TCMs as anti-PH drugs in clinical.
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Wang W, Yang Y, Tang K. Selective extraction of glabridin from Glycyrrhiza glabra crude extracts by sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin in a ternary extraction system. Process Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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25
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Gahtori R, Tripathi AH, Kumari A, Negi N, Paliwal A, Tripathi P, Joshi P, Rai RC, Upadhyay SK. Anticancer plant-derivatives: deciphering their oncopreventive and therapeutic potential in molecular terms. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-023-00465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Over the years, phytomedicines have been widely used as natural modalities for the treatment and prevention of various diseases by different ethnic groups across the globe. Although, 25% of drugs in the USA contain at least one plant-derived therapeutic compound, currently there is a paucity of plant-derived active medicinal ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry. Scientific evidence-based translation of plant-derived ethnomedicines for their clinical application is an urgent need. The anticancer and associated properties (antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition) of various plant extracts and phytochemicals have been elucidated earlier. Several of the plant derivatives are already in use under prophylactic/therapeutic settings against cancer and many are being investigated under different phases of clinical trials.
Main body
The purpose of this study is to systematically comprehend the progress made in the area of prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the anticancerous plant derivatives. Besides, we aim to understand their anticancer potential in terms of specific sub-phenomena, such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and inhibition of EMT, with an insight of the molecules/pathways associated with them. The study also provides details of classes of anticancer compounds, their plant source(s) and the molecular pathway(s) targeted by them. In addition to the antioxidative and antiproliferative potentials of anticancer plant derivatives, this study emphasizes on their EMT-inhibition potential and other ‘anticancer related’ properties. The EMT is highlighted as a phenomenon of choice for targeting cancer due to its role in the induction of metastasis and drug resistance. Different phytochemicals in pre-clinical or clinical trials, with promising chemopreventive/anticancer activities have been enlisted and the plant compounds showing synergistic anticancer activity in combination with the existing drugs have been discussed. The review also unravels the need of carrying out pan-signalome studies for identifying the cardinal pathways modulated by phytomedicine(s), as in many cases, the molecular pathway(s) has/have been randomly studied.
Conclusion
This review systematically compiles the studies regarding the impact of various plant derivatives in different cancers and oncogenic processes, as tested in diverse experimental model systems. Availability of more comprehensive information on anticancer phyto-constituents, their relative abundance in crude drugs, pathways/molecules targeted by phytomedicines, their long-term toxicity data and information regarding their safe use under the combinatorial settings, would open greater avenues of their utilization in future against this dreaded disease.
Graphical Abstract
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26
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Licochalcone A Inhibits Prostaglandin E 2 by Targeting the MAPK Pathway in LPS Activated Primary Microglia. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041927. [PMID: 36838914 PMCID: PMC9965579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are conditions leading to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Natural compounds exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, such as Licochalcone A, a bioactive flavonoid present in a traditional Chinese herb (licorice), might be beneficial for the treatment of those disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Licochalcone A in LPS-activated primary rat microglia. Licochalcone A dose-dependently prevented LPS-induced PGE2 release by inhibiting the arachidonic acid (AA)/cylcooxygenase (COX) pathway decreasing phospholipase A2, COX-1, and COX-2 protein levels. Furthermore, LPS-induced levels of the cytokines IL-6 and TNFα were reduced by Licochalcone A, which also inhibited the phosphorylation and, thus, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38 MAPK and Erk 1/2. With the reduction of 8-iso-PGF2α, a sensitive marker for oxidative stress, anti-oxidative effects of Licochalcone A were demonstrated. Our data demonstrate that Licochalcone A can affect microglial activation by interfering in important inflammatory pathways. These in vitro findings further demonstrate the potential value of Licochalcone A as a therapeutic option for the prevention of microglial dysfunction related to neuroinflammatory diseases. Future research should continue to investigate the effects of Licochalcone A in different disease models with a focus on its anti-oxidative and anti-neuroinflammatory properties.
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Wang Z, Li W, Lu J, Yuan Z, Pi W, Zhang Y, Lei H, Jing W, Wang P. Revealing the active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine decoction by the supramolecular strategies and multitechnologies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 300:115704. [PMID: 36096345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (RC) and Coptis chinensis Franch (RG) are traditional Chinese medicines, which are classic drug pair in prescriptions to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Multi-herb therapy is one of the most important features of traditional Chinese medicine, but due to the complex components of herbal decoctions, the substances that actually exert their medicinal effects have not been fully elucidated. The discovery of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Coptis chinensis Franch supramolecular parts (RC-RG SA) can provide a new perspective for explaining the mechanism of drug-pair compatibility. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to explore the active composition and identification of chemical constituents of RC-RG SA, and to explore the inhibitory effects of supramolecular parts on S. aureus and biofilm. MATERIALS AND METHODS The micromorphology of RC-RG SA was characterized by SEM and DLS. Intermolecular forces between Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Coptis chinensis Franch determined by ITC. The chemical constituents of RC-RG SA were systematically analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MSn. The inhibitory effect of RC-RG SA on S. aureus was determined by turbidimetric method and plate coating method. The scavenging effect of RC-RG SA supramolecular parts on S. aureus biofilm were observed by MTT method, SEM and LSCM, respectively. RESULTS The microstructure of RC-RG SA was spherical with a particle size of 161.6 nm. ITC proved that the reaction between decoction of RC and RG was exothermic. A total of 70 compounds were preliminarily identified in RC-RG SA, including 34 flavonoids, 34 alkaloids and 2 triterpenoids. The inhibitory effect of RC-RG supramolecular parts on S. aureus proliferation and the ability to clear S. aureus biofilm were better than RC-RG co-decoction and RC-RG non-supramolecular parts. CONCLUSIONS The Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Coptis chinensis Franch co-decoctions' supramolecular components were an important substance that exerts its medicinal effect. Current study provided supramolecular strategies to reveal the active ingredients and the medicinal effect of the traditional Chinese medicine decoction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Wang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Wen Li
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Jihui Lu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Zhihua Yuan
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Wenmin Pi
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yaozhi Zhang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Haimin Lei
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Wenguang Jing
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Penglong Wang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
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Zhao M, Wei F, Sun G, Wen Y, Xiang J, Su F, Zhan L, Nian Q, Chen Y, Zeng J. Natural compounds targeting glycolysis as promising therapeutics for gastric cancer: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1004383. [PMID: 36438836 PMCID: PMC9684197 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1004383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer, a common malignant disease, seriously endangers human health and life. The high mortality rate due to gastric cancer can be attributed to a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Cancer cells utilize the glycolytic pathway to produce energy even under aerobic conditions, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect, which is a characteristic of gastric cancer. The identification of new targets based on the glycolytic pathway for the treatment of gastric cancer is a viable option, and accumulating evidence has shown that phytochemicals have extensive anti-glycolytic properties. We reviewed the effects and mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells. Phytochemicals can effectively inhibit aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells, suppress cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis, via the PI3K/Akt, c-Myc, p53, and other signaling pathways. These pathways affect the expressions of HIF-1α, HK2, LDH, and other glycolysis-related proteins. This review further assesses the potential of using plant-derived compounds for the treatment of gastric cancer and sheds insight into the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangting Su
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Nian
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Anticancer natural products targeting immune checkpoint protein network. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1008-1032. [PMID: 34838956 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Normal cells express surface proteins that bind to immune checkpoint proteins on immune cells to turn them off, whereby the immune system does not attack normal healthy cells. Cancer cells can also utilize this same protective mechanism by expressing surface proteins that can interact with checkpoint proteins on immune cells to overcome the immune surveillance. Immunotherapy is making the best use of the body's own immune system to reinforce anti-tumor responses. The most generally used immunotherapy is the control of immune checkpoints including the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell deathreceptor 1 (PD-1), or programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). In spite of the clinical effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the overall response rate still remains low. Therefore, there have been considerable efforts in searching for alternative immune checkpoint proteins that may work as new therapeutic targets for treatment of cancer. Recent studies have identified several additional novel immune checkpoint targets, including lymphocyte activation gene-3, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3, T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif domain, V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation, B7 homolog 3 protein, B and T cell lymphocyte attenuator, and inducible T cell COStimulator. Natural compounds, especially those present in medicinal or dietary plants, have been investigated for their anti-tumor effects in various in vitro and in vivo models. Some phytochemicals exert anti-tumor activities based on immunoregulatioby blocking interaction between proteins involved in immune checkpoint signal transduction or regulating their expression/activity. Recently, synergistic anti-cancer effects of diverse phytochemicals with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody drugs have been continuously reported. Considering an increasing attention to noteworthy therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the cancer therapy, this review focuses on regulatory effects of selected phytochemicals on immune checkpoint protein network and their combinational effectiveness with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting tumor cells.
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Ni Q, Gao Y, Yang X, Zhang Q, Guo B, Han J, Chen S. Analysis of the network pharmacology and the structure-activity relationship of glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1001018. [PMID: 36313350 PMCID: PMC9606671 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice, a herbal product derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza species, has been used as a sweetening agent and traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are the most important active ingredients in licorice. Both GL and GA have pharmacological effects against tumors, inflammation, viral infection, liver diseases, neurological diseases, and metabolic diseases. However, they also exhibit differences. KEGG analysis indicated that licorice is involved in neuroactive ligand‒receptor interactions, while 18β-GA is mostly involved in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. In this article, we comprehensively review the therapeutic potential of GL and GA by focusing on their pharmacological effects and working mechanisms. We systemically examine the structure-activity relationship of GL, GA and their isomers. Based on the various pharmacological activities of GL, GA and their isomers, we propose further development of structural derivatives of GA after chemical structure modification, with less cytotoxicity but higher targeting specificity. More research is needed on the clinical applications of licorice and its active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqiang Ni
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affifiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Postdoctoral Mobile Station, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxuan Gao
- Postdoctoral Mobile Station, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuzhen Yang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingmeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Guo
- Institute of New Drug Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinxiang Han
- Biomedical Sciences College and Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jinxiang Han, ; Shaoru Chen,
| | - Shaoru Chen
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Jinxiang Han, ; Shaoru Chen,
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Functional characterization and substrate promiscuity analysis of UDP-glucose dehydrogenases from licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Flavonoids as Promising Neuroprotectants and Their Therapeutic Potential against Alzheimer’s Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6038996. [PMID: 36071869 PMCID: PMC9441372 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6038996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the serious and progressive neurodegenerative disorders in the elderly worldwide. Various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are associated with its pathogenesis that affect neuronal cells to degenerate over the period of time. AD is characterized by cognitive dysfunctions, behavioural disability, and psychological impairments due to the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Several research reports have shown that flavonoids are the polyphenolic compounds that significantly improve cognitive functions and inhibit or delay the amyloid beta aggregation or NFT formation in AD. Current research has uncovered that dietary use of flavonoid-rich food sources essentially increases intellectual abilities and postpones or hinders the senescence cycle and related neurodegenerative problems including AD. During AD pathogenesis, multiple signalling pathways are involved and to target a single pathway may relieve the symptoms but not provides the permanent cure. Flavonoids communicate with different signalling pathways and adjust their activities, accordingly prompting valuable neuroprotective impacts. Flavonoids likewise hamper the movement of obsessive indications of neurodegenerative disorders by hindering neuronal apoptosis incited by neurotoxic substances. In this short review, we briefly discussed about the classification of flavonoids and their neuroprotective properties that could be used as a potential source for the treatment of AD. In this review, we also highlight the structural features of flavonoids, their beneficial roles in human health, and significance in plants as well as their microbial production.
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Wu Z, Singh SK, Lyu R, Pattanaik S, Wang Y, Li Y, Yuan L, Liu Y. Metabolic engineering to enhance the accumulation of bioactive flavonoids licochalcone A and echinatin in Glycyrrhiza inflata (Licorice) hairy roots. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:932594. [PMID: 36061790 PMCID: PMC9434314 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.932594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Echinatin and licochalcone A (LCA) are valuable chalcones preferentially accumulated in roots and rhizomes of licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata). The licorice chalcones (licochalcones) are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties and have been widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. However, echinatin and LCA are accumulated in low quantities, and the biosynthesis and regulation of licochalcones have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the potential of a R2R3-MYB transcription factor (TF) AtMYB12, a known regulator of flavonoid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, for metabolic engineering of the bioactive flavonoids in G. inflata hairy roots. Overexpression of AtMYB12 in the hairy roots greatly enhanced the production of total flavonoids (threefold), echinatin (twofold), and LCA (fivefold). RNA-seq analysis of AtMYB12-overexpressing hairy roots revealed that expression of phenylpropanoid/flavonoid pathway genes, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and flavanone 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), is significantly induced compared to the control. Transient promoter activity assay indicated that AtMYB12 activates the GiCHS1 promoter in plant cells, and mutation to the MYB-binding motif in the GiCHS1 promoter abolished activation. In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed that AtMYB12 overexpression reprograms carbohydrate metabolism likely to increase carbon flux into flavonoid biosynthesis. Further, AtMYB12 activated the biotic defense pathways possibly by activating the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling, as well as by upregulating WRKY TFs. The transcriptome of AtMYB12-overexpressing hairy roots serves as a valuable source in the identification of potential candidate genes involved in LCA biosynthesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that AtMYB12 is an effective gene for metabolic engineering of valuable bioactive flavonoids in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sanjay Kumar Singh
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ruiqing Lyu
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sitakanta Pattanaik
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqing Li
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Qin J, Chen J, Peng F, Sun C, Lei Y, Chen G, Li G, Yin Y, Lin Z, Wu L, Li J, Liu W, Peng C, Xie X. Pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of liquiritin: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115257. [PMID: 35395381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liquiritin is a flavonoid derived from Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, which is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of invigorating spleen qi, clearing heat, resolving toxins, and dispelling phlegm to stop coughs. AIM OF THE STUDY In this review,the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin have been summarized. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information on liquiritin up to 2021 was collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Springer Link, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The key words were "liquiritin", "nerve", "tumor", "cardiac", etc. RESULTS: The absorption mechanism of liquiritin conforms to the passive diffusion and first-order kinetics while with low bioavailability. Liquiritin can penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. Besides, liquiritin displays numerous pharmacological effects including anti-Alzheimer's disease, antidepressant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, antitussive, hepatoprotection, and skin protective effects. In addition, the novel preparations, new pharmacological effects,and cdusafty of liquiritin are also discussed in this review. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive state of knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin, and makes a forecast for its research directions and applications in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Junren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yu Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Guangru Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Gangming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yanpeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ziwei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Liujun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wenxiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Gupta M, Chandan K, Sarwat M. Natural Products and their Derivatives as Immune Check Point Inhibitors: Targeting Cytokine/Chemokine Signalling in Cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:214-232. [PMID: 35772610 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the new generation and widely accepted form of tumour treatment. It is, however, associated with exclusive challenges which include organ-specific inflammation, and single-target strategies. Therefore, approaches that can enhance the efficiency of existing immunotherapies and expand their indications are required for the further development of immunotherapy. Natural products and medicines are stated to have this desired effect on cancer immunotherapy (adoptive immune-cells therapy, cancer vaccines, and immune-check point inhibitors). They refurbish the immunosuppressed tumour microenvironment, which is the primary location of interaction of tumour cells with the host immune system. Various immune cell subsets, via interaction with cytokine/chemokine receptors, are recruited into this microenvironment, and these subsets have roles in tumour progression and treatment responsiveness. This review summarises cytokine/chemokine signalling, types of cancer immunotherapy and the herbal medicine-derived natural products targeting cytokine/chemokines and immune checkpoints. These natural compounds possess immunomodulatory activities and exert their anti-tumour effect by either blocking the interaction or modulating the expression of the proteins linked with immune checkpoint signaling pathways. Some compounds also show a synergistic effect in combination with existing monoclonal antibody drugs to reverse the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we have also reported some studies about the derivatives and formulations used to overcome the limitations of natural forms. This review can provide important insights for directing future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Gupta
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kumari Chandan
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Maryam Sarwat
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Ng CX, Affendi MM, Chong PP, Lee SH. The Potential of Plant-Derived Extracts and Compounds to Augment Anticancer Effects of Chemotherapeutic Drugs. Nutr Cancer 2022; 74:3058-3076. [PMID: 35675271 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2069274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Plant extracts comprise a complex mixture of natural compounds with diverse biological activities including anticancer activities. This has made the use of plant extracts a trending strategy in cancer treatment. In addition, plants' active constituents such as polyphenols could confer protective effects on normal cells against damage by free radicals as well as lessen the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Recently, many emerging studies revealed the combinatory uses of plant extracts and individual therapeutic compounds that could be a promising panacea in hampering multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Besides enhancing the therapeutic efficacy, this has also been proven to reduce the dosage of chemotherapeutic drugs used, and hence overcome multiple drug resistance and minimize treatment side effects. Notably, combined use of plant extracts with chemotherapeutics drugs was shown to enhance anticancer effects through modulating various signaling pathways, such as P13K/AKT, NF-κB, JNK, ERK, WNT/β-catenin, and many more. Hence, this review aims to comprehensively summarize both In Vitro and In Vivo mechanisms of actions of well-studied plant extracts, such as Ganoderma Lucidum, Korean red ginseng, Garcinia sp., curcumin, and luteolin extracts in augmenting anticancer properties of the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs from an extensive literature search of recent publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muzaira Mazrul Affendi
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, International Medical University, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sau Har Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.,Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Selangor, Malaysia
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Guo Q, Wu S, Liang W, Tan J, Liu X, Yuan Y, Li X, Zhao H. Glabrol impurity exacerbates glabridin toxicity in zebrafish embryos by increasing myofibril disorganization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 287:114963. [PMID: 34971733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114963] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Glabridin, extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is widely used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and its ability to inhibit melanin synthesis. This led to the strict regulation of its quality and safety. However, traditional quality control methods used for plant extracts cannot reflect the product quality owing to multiple unknown impurities, which necessitates the further analysis of impurities. AIM OF THE STUDY The study identified the toxic impurities of glabridin and their toxicological mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 10 glabridin samples from different sources were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Sample toxicities were evaluated using zebrafish and cell models. To identify impurities, samples with different toxicity were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The toxicity of related impurities was verified in the zebrafish model. Phalloidin stain was used to evaluate subtle changes in myofibril alignment. RESULTS Although glabridin content in the samples was similar, there were significant differences in toxicity. The results were verified using four different mammalian cell lines. Higher contents of glabrone and glabrol were identified in the sample with the highest toxicity. In the zebrafish model, the addition of glabrol reduced the LC50 of glabridin to 9.224, 6.229, and 5.370 μM at 48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization, respectively, whereas glabrone did not have any toxic effect. Phalloidin staining indicated that a glabrol impurity exacerbates the myotoxicity of glabridin in zebrafish embryos. CONCLUSION Glabrol, but not glabrone, was identified as a key impurity that increased glabridin toxicity. This finding indicates that controlling glabrol content is necessary during glabridin product production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shaojuan Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenyao Liang
- Guangzhou Quality Supervision and Testing Institute, Guangzhou 511447, China
| | - Jianhua Tan
- Guangzhou Quality Supervision and Testing Institute, Guangzhou 511447, China
| | - Xiangmei Liu
- Guangzhou Quality Supervision and Testing Institute, Guangzhou 511447, China
| | - Yuxi Yuan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haishan Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Wang Q, Zhang K, Weng W, Chen L, Wei C, Bao R, Adu-Frimpong M, Cao X, Yu Q, Shi F, Toreniyazov E, Ji H, Xu X, Yu J. Liquiritin-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: preparation, characterization, bioavailability and antitumor activity evaluation. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2083-2092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Advancement of nanomedicines in chronic inflammatory disorders. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:355-368. [PMID: 35217901 PMCID: PMC8879181 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chronic diseases, as stated by the WHO, are a threat to human health which kill 3 out of every 5 people worldwide. Therapeutics for such illnesses can be developed using traditional medicine. However, it is not an easy path from natural products to Western pharmacological and pharmaceutical methods. For several decades, chronic inflammatory disorders, especially in Westernized countries, have increased incidence and prevalence. Several NSAIDs are used to decrease inflammation and pain; however, there are numerous negative consequences of these anti-inflammatory medications, whereas plant-based natural products have anti-inflammatory therapeutic benefits that have little or no adverse effects. Nanoparticles are a new type of drug delivery device that may be designed to provide excellent target selectivity for certain cells and tissues while also having a high drug loading capacity, resulting in better pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PKPD), and therapeutic bioavailability. The size and polarity of phytochemical compounds make it hard to pass the blood–brain barrier (BBB), blood-vessel endothelial lining, gastrointestinal tract and mucosa. In addition, the gastrointestinal system is enzymatically destroyed. Therefore, nanoparticles or nanocrystals might also be used for encapsulation or conjugation of these chemicals as a method to improve their organic effectiveness through their gastrointestinal stability, absorption rate and dispersion. The therapy of numerous inflammatory illnesses, including arthritis, gastritis, Nephritis, Hepatitis (Type A, B &C), ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, allergic responses (asthma, eczema) or autoimmune disorders, is characterised by nanoparticles. This review paper provides information on the numerous nanosystem described with their probable mechanism to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Tong Y, Lv Y, Yu S, Lyu Y, Zhang L, Zhou J. Improving (2S)-naringenin production by exploring native precursor pathways and screening higher-active chalcone synthases from plants rich in flavonoids. Enzyme Microb Technol 2022; 156:109991. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2022.109991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Wang Z, Xu G, Li Z, Xiao X, Tang J, Bai Z. NLRP3 Inflammasome Pharmacological Inhibitors in Glycyrrhiza for NLRP3-Driven Diseases Treatment: Extinguishing the Fire of Inflammation. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:409-422. [PMID: 35082510 PMCID: PMC8784972 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s344071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is the tissues’ defense response after the body is stimulated by microbial infection or damage signals, and it is initiated when pattern recognition receptors recognize pathogen-related molecular patterns and danger-related molecular patterns. The hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome, the main driving force of immune outbreaks, is involved in a wide range of inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, growing evidence has indicated that the development of NLRP3-targeted therapies offers great potential and promise for the treatment of related diseases. The search for and development of efficacious anti-inflammatory prodrugs from natural sources of plants and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have received extensive attention. Glycyrrhiza, an important minister in the kingdom of TCMs, has high activity and a wide range of therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that a variety of active components found in Glycyrrhiza, such as licochalcone A, echinatin, isoliquiritigenin, and glycyrrhizin, produce a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects by discouraging NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Here, we summarize the role and mechanism of the active ingredients in Glycyrrhiza that target the NLRP3 inflammasome and treat related inflammatory diseases. We describe a favorable approach for the development of natural, safe, and efficient drugs that exploit these naturally occurring active ingredients to treat NLRP3-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Wang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guang Xu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic Of China
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic Of China
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jianyuan Tang; Zhaofang Bai Email ;
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic Of China
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Cho M, Bu Y, Park JW, Rahman H, Ko SJ. Efficacy of complementary medicine for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injuries: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e28005. [PMID: 35049210 PMCID: PMC9191556 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel injuries (NSIs) have been largely ignored for decades due to the focus on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. With the visualization of the small intestines enabled by video capsule endoscopy, the frequency and severity of NSIs have become more evident. NSIs have a complex pathophysiology, and no effective preventive or treatment options have been proven. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used to treat disorders of the small intestine, and more research on its effectiveness for NSIs has been conducted.We reviewed the current evidence and mechanisms of action of CAMs on NSI. Clinical and experimental studies on the effect of CAMs on NSIs were performed using 10 databases.Twenty-two studies (3 clinical and 19 in vivo experimental studies) were included in the final analysis involving 10 kinds of CAMs: bovine colostrum, Orengedokuto (coptis), muscovite, licorice, grape seed, wheat, brown seaweed, Ganoderma lucidum fungus mycelia, Chaenomeles speciosa (sweet) Nakai (muguasantie), and Jinghua Weikang capsule. The mechanisms of CAM include an increase in prostaglandin E2, reparation of the enteric nervous system, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of intestinal permeability and enteric bacterial numbers, decrease in oxidative stress, and modulation of small intestinal motility.CAM may be a novel alternative option for treating and preventing NSI, and further studies on human and animal models with relevant comorbidities are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmin Bu
- Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Park
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hasanur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Seok-Jae Ko
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yin X, Zhang N, Du M, Zhu H, Ke T. Preparation of bio-absorbents by modifying licorice residue via chemical methods and removal of copper ions from wastewater. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:3528-3540. [PMID: 34928824 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a series of bio-adsorbents (LR-NaOH, LR-Na2CO3 and LR-CA) were successfully prepared by modifying Licorice Residue (LR) with NaOH, Na2CO3 and citric acid, and were used as the adsorbents to remove Cu2+ from wastewater. The morphology and structure of bio-adsorbents were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Using static adsorption experiments, the effects of the adsorbent dosage, the solution pH, the adsorption time, and the initial Cu2+ concentration on the adsorption performance of the adsorbents were investigated. The results showed that the adsorption process of Cu2+ by the bio-adsorbents can be described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. The surface structure of the LR-NaOH, LR-Na2CO3 and LR-CA changed obviously, and the surface-active groups increased. The adsorption capacity of raw LR was 21.56 mg/g, while LR-NaOH and LR-Na2CO3 significantly enhanced this value up to 43.65 mg/g and 43.55 mg/g, respectively. After four adsorption-desorption processes, the adsorption capacity of LR-NaOH also maintained about 73%. Therefore, LR-NaOH would be a promising adsorbent for removing Cu2+ from wastewater, and the simple strategy towards preparation of adsorbent from the waste residue can be a potential approach for use in the water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Yin
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu 730000, China E-mail: ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Control of Environmental and Nutrition-Related Disease in Northwest China, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Nadi Zhang
- Zhang Ye People's Hospital Affiliated to University, Gansu 734000, China
| | - Meixia Du
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu 730000, China E-mail:
| | - Hai Zhu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu 730000, China E-mail:
| | - Ting Ke
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu 730000, China E-mail:
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Zhou B, Wang H, Zhang B, Zhang L. Licochalcone B attenuates neuronal injury through anti-oxidant effect and enhancement of Nrf2 pathway in MCAO rat model of stroke. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 100:108073. [PMID: 34454290 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating anti-oxidant therapies that lead to the diminution of oxidative injury is priority in clinical. We herein aimed to explore whether and how Licochalcone B (Lico B) act as an anti-oxidant in the stroke model. METHODS Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was constructed as stroke model and exposed to various doses of Lico B. Behavioral tests and neurological behavior status were detected for neurological function examination. Histological staining was used for evaluating cerebral injury, and neuronal apoptosis or damage. Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were also assessed by biochemical analysis and expression analysis. Nrf2 knockdown induced by lentiviral vector was used for the research on mechanism. RESULTS Lico B had improvement effects on cerebral infarction size, memory impairments, and neurological deficits after MCAO. Histological evaluation also revealed the amelioration of neuronal injury and apoptosis by Lico B, along with down-regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Additionally, Lico B rescued the down-regulation of BDNF and NGF after MCAO. Moreover, Lico B suppressed the oxidative stress and inflammation, manifesting as the enhancement of SOD, GSH and IL-4, but the decline of MDA, iNOS, and TNF-α. Finally, Nrf2 knockdown reversed the Lico B-caused improvement in neuronal injury, apoptosis and oxidative stress levels. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed the neuroprotective effects of Lico B in MCAO rats. Importantly, we proposed a potential mechanism that Lico B activated the Nrf2 pathway, thereby acting as anti-oxidant to attenuate neuronal injury and apoptosis after stroke. The proposed mechanism provided an encouraging possibility for anti-oxidant therapy of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baosheng Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Honglin Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The people's hospital of Zhao Yuan city, Zhao Yuan, China
| | - Lianlian Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Lu PH, Kuo CY, Chan CC, Wang LK, Chen ML, Tzeng IS, Tsai FM. Safflower Extract Inhibits ADP-Induced Human Platelet Aggregation. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10061192. [PMID: 34208125 PMCID: PMC8230796 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Safflower extract is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The antioxidant and anticancer properties of safflower extracts have been extensively studied, but their antiaggregative effects have been less analyzed. We found that safflower extract inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by ADP. In addition, we further analyzed several safflower extract compounds, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflower yellow A, and luteolin, which have the same antiaggregative effect. In addition to analyzing the active components of the safflower extract, we also analyzed their roles in the ADP signaling pathways. Safflower extract can affect the activation of downstream conductors of ADP receptors (such as the production of calcium ions and cAMP), thereby affecting the expression of activated glycoproteins on the platelet membrane and inhibiting platelet aggregation. According to the results of this study, the effect of safflower extract on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis may be related to its direct inhibition of platelet activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hsun Lu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Chan-Yen Kuo
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (C.-Y.K.); (M.-L.C.); (I.-S.T.)
| | - Chuan-Chi Chan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Lu-Kai Wang
- Radiation Biology Core Laboratory, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University/Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Mao-Liang Chen
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (C.-Y.K.); (M.-L.C.); (I.-S.T.)
| | - I-Shiang Tzeng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (C.-Y.K.); (M.-L.C.); (I.-S.T.)
| | - Fu-Ming Tsai
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (C.-Y.K.); (M.-L.C.); (I.-S.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-66289779-5793
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Swolana D, Kępa M, Kabała-Dzik A, Dzik R, Wojtyczka RD. Sensitivity of Staphylococcal Biofilm to Selected Compounds of Plant Origin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:607. [PMID: 34065384 PMCID: PMC8161300 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a bacterium that belongs to the human microbiota. It is most plentiful on the skin, in the respiratory system, and in the human digestive tract. Moreover, it is the most frequently isolated microorganism belonging to the group of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS). In recent years, it has been recognized as an important etiological factor of mainly nosocomial infections and infections related to the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for in-hospital and out-of-hospital infections, is posing an increasing problem for clinicians due to its growing resistance to antibiotics. Biofilm produced by both of these staphylococcal species in the course of infection significantly impedes therapy. The ability to produce biofilm hinders the activity of chemotherapeutic agents-the only currently available antimicrobial therapy. This also causes the observed significant increase in bacterial resistance. For this reason, we are constantly looking for new substances that can neutralize microbial cells. In the present review, 58 substances of plant origin with antimicrobial activity against staphylococcal biofilm were replaced. Variable antimicrobial efficacy of the substances was demonstrated, depending on the age of the biofilm. An increase in the activity of the compounds occurred in proportion to increasing their concentration. Appropriate use of the potential of plant-derived compounds as an alternative to antibiotics may represent an important direction of change in the support of antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Swolana
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (D.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Małgorzata Kępa
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (D.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Agata Kabała-Dzik
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Radosław Dzik
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Roosevelta 40, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland;
| | - Robert D. Wojtyczka
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (D.S.); (M.K.)
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Liu M, Zheng B, Liu P, Zhang J, Chu X, Dong C, Shi J, Liang Y, Chu L, Liu Y, Han X. Exploration of the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate in mice with arsenic trioxide‑induced acute liver injury. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:438. [PMID: 33846815 PMCID: PMC8060806 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced hepatotoxicity limits the therapeutic effect of acute myelogenous leukemia treatment. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) is a natural compound extracted from licorice and a hepatoprotective drug used in liver injury. It exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The aim of the present study was to identify the protective action and underlying mechanism of MgIG against ATO-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=10/group): Control; ATO; MgIG and high- and low-dose MgIG + ATO. Following continuous administration of ATO for 7 days, the relative weight of the liver, liver enzyme, histological data, antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell apoptosis and changes in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) signaling pathway were observed. MgIG decreased liver injury, decreased the liver weight and liver index, inhibited oxidative stress and decreased the activity of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase, production of reactive oxygen species and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Western blotting showed a decrease in Bax and caspase-3. There was decreased cleaved caspase-3 expression and increased Bcl-2 expression. MgIG notably activated ATO-mediated expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 in liver tissue. MgIG administration was an effective treatment to protect the liver from ATO-induced toxicity. MgIG maintained the level of Nrf2 in the liver and protected the antioxidative defense system to attenuate oxidative stress and prevent ATO-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Panpan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Chunhui Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yingran Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Li Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Yanshuang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
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Liu Y, Zhang M, Cheng J, Zhang Y, Kong H, Zhao Y, Qu H. Novel Carbon Dots Derived from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Their Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effect. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061512. [PMID: 33802020 PMCID: PMC8000522 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines in clinical practice, which has been applied to treat digestive system diseases for hundreds of years. GRR is preferred for anti-gastric ulcer, however, the main active compounds are still unknown. In this study, GRR was used as precursor to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) by a environment-friendly one-step pyrolysis process. GRR-CDs were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution TEM, fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, cellular toxicity of GRR-CDs was studied by using CCK-8 in RAW264.7 cells, and the anti-gastric ulcer activity was evaluated and confirmed using mice model of acute alcoholic gastric ulcer. The experiment confirmed that GRR-CDs were the spherical structure with a large number of active groups on the surface and their particle size ranged from 2 to 10 nm. GRR-CDs had no toxicity to RAW264.7 cells at concentration of 19.5 to 5000 μg/mL and could reduce the oxidative damage of gastric mucosa and tissues caused by alcohol, as demonstrated by restoring expression of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide in serum and tissue of mice. The results indicated the explicit anti-ulcer activity of GRR-CDs, which provided a new insights for the research on effective material basis of GRR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.L.); (M.Z.); (J.C.); (H.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.L.); (M.Z.); (J.C.); (H.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jinjun Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.L.); (M.Z.); (J.C.); (H.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Hui Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.L.); (M.Z.); (J.C.); (H.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.L.); (M.Z.); (J.C.); (H.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Huihua Qu
- Center of Scientific Experiment, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-010-6428-6705; Fax: +86-010-6428-6821
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49
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Synthetic methods and biological applications of retrochalcones isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza species: A review. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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50
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Gong S, Maegawa S, Yang Y, Gopalakrishnan V, Zheng G, Cheng D. Licochalcone A is a Natural Selective Inhibitor of Arginine Methyltransferase 6. Biochem J 2020; 478:BCJ20200411. [PMID: 33245113 PMCID: PMC7850898 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a post-translational modification that is implicated in multiple biological functions including transcriptional regulation. The expression of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) has been shown to be upregulated in various cancers. PRMTs have emerged as attractive targets for the development of new cancer therapies. Here, we describe the identification of a natural compound, licochalcone A, as a novel, reversible and selective inhibitor of PRMT6. Since expression of PRMT6 is upregulated in human breast cancers and is associated with oncogenesis, we used the human breast cancer cell line system to study the effect of licochalcone A treatment on PRMT6 activity, cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis. We demonstrated that licochalcone A is a non-S-adenosyl L-methionine (SAM) binding site competitive inhibitor of PRMT6. In MCF-7 cells, it inhibited PRMT6-dependent methylation of histone H3 at arginine 2 (H3R2), which resulted in a significant repression of estrogen receptor activity. Licochalcone A exhibited cytotoxicity towards human MCF-7 breast cancer cells, but not MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells, by upregulating p53 expression and blocking cell cycle progression at G2/M, followed by apoptosis. Thus, licochalcone A has potential for further development as a therapeutic agent against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Gong
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
| | - Yanwen Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Donghang Cheng
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
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