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Wu C, Hu X, Jiang Y, Tang J, Ge H, Deng S, Li X, Feng J. Involvement of ERK and Oxidative Stress in Airway Exposure to Cadmium Chloride Aggravates Airway Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic Mice. TOXICS 2024; 12:235. [PMID: 38668459 PMCID: PMC11054730 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Inhalation represents a significant route of cadmium (Cd) exposure, which is associated with an elevated risk of lung diseases. This research study aims to evaluate the impact of repeated low-dose cadmium inhalation on exacerbating airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in asthma-afflicted mice. Mice were grouped into four categories: control (Ctrl), OVA, cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and OVA + cadmium chloride (OVA + CdCl2). Mice in the OVA group displayed increased airway mucus secretion and peribronchial and airway inflammation characterized by eosinophil cell infiltration, along with elevated levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). These parameters were further exacerbated in the OVA + CdCl2 group. Additionally, the OVA + CdCl2 group exhibited higher levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), greater activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and higher phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) in lung tissue. Treatment with U0126 (an ERK inhibitor) and α-tocopherol (an antioxidant) in the OVA + CdCl2 group resulted in reduced peribronchial and airway inflammation as well as decreased airway mucus secretion. These findings indicate that CdCl2 exacerbates airway inflammation in OVA-induced allergic asthma mice following airway exposure. ERK and oxidative stress are integral to this process, and the inhibition of these pathways significantly alleviates the adverse effects of CdCl2 on asthma exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendong Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Xinyue Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jiale Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Huan Ge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Shuanglinzi Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Xiaozhao Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Juntao Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410005, China
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Elgendy DI, Elmahy RA, Amer AIM, Ibrahim HA, Eltantawy AF, Mansour FR, Salama AM. Efficacy of artemether against toxocariasis in mice: parasitological and immunopathological changes in brain, liver, and lung. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:47-64. [PMID: 37978995 PMCID: PMC10769145 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2285182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonosis that represents a serious threat to public health particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Currently, albendazole, the most effective drug for treating visceral toxocariasis, shows moderate efficacy against the larvae in tissues and has some adverse effects. Artemether is an antiparasitic drug mainly used in the treatment of malaria and showed effectiveness against numerous helminthic infections. Besides, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and neuroprotective properties. Thus, the study's aim was to investigate artemether's effects in comparison with albendazole on the therapeutic outcome of experimental toxocariasis. For this aim, 140 laboratory-bred mice were divided into four main groups: uninfected control, treatment control, albendazole-treated, and artemether-treated groups. The treatment regimens were started at the 15th dpi (early treatment), and at the 35th dpi (late treatment). The effectiveness of treatment was determined by brain larval count, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examination. Artemether showed more effectiveness than albendazole in reducing brain larval counts, markers of brain injury including NF-κB, GFAP, and caspase-3, the diameter and number of hepatic granulomas, hepatic oxidative stress, hepatic IL-6, and TG2 mRNA, and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. The efficacy of artemether was the same when administered early or late in the infection. Finally, our findings illustrated that artemether might be a promising therapy for T. canis infection and it could be a good substitution for albendazole in toxocariasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina I. Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A. Elmahy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Hoda A. Ibrahim
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Fawzy Eltantawy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Fotouh Rashed Mansour
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amina M. Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Jasemi SV, Khazaei H, Morovati MR, Joshi T, Aneva IY, Farzaei MH, Echeverría J. Phytochemicals as treatment for allergic asthma: Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155149. [PMID: 37890444 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155149] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease caused by the immune system's reaction to allergens, inflammation and narrowing of the airways, and the production of more than normal mucus. One of the main reasons is an increased production of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs that leads to the appearance of symptoms of asthma, including inflammation and shortness of breath. On the other hand, it has been proven that phytochemicals with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be useful in improving allergic asthma. PURPOSE Common chemical treatments for allergic asthma include corticosteroids, which have many side effects and temporarily relieve symptoms but are not a cure. Therefore, taking the help of natural compounds to improve the quality of life of asthmatic patients can be a valuable issue that has been evaluated in the present review. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane) with the keywords: allergic asthma, phytochemical, plant, and herb were evaluated. The primary result was 5307 articles. Non-English, repetitive, and review articles were deleted from the study. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Finally, after carefully reading the articles, 102 were included in the study (2006-2022). The results of this review state that phytochemicals suppress the inflammatory pathways via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines production/secretion, genes, and proteins involved in the inflammation process, reducing oxidative stress indicators and symptoms of allergic asthma, such as cough and mucus production in the lungs. CONCLUSION With their antioxidant effects, this study concluded that phytochemicals suppress cytokines and other inflammatory indicators and thus can be considered an adjunctive treatment for improving allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Vahid Jasemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Hosna Khazaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Morovati
- Persian Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714869914, Iran
| | - Tanuj Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bhimtal, Kumaun University (Nainital), Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ina Yosifova Aneva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Ji Y, Sun K, Yang Y, Wu Z. Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates innate inflammatory response induced by Streptococcussuis-derived muramidase-released protein via inactivation of TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:1183-1194. [PMID: 38024861 PMCID: PMC10657969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.013] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Muramidase-released protein (MRP) is now being recognized as a critical indicator of the virulence and pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis (S. suis). However, the identification of viable therapeutics for S. suis infection was hindered by the absence of an explicit mechanism for MRP-actuated inflammation. Dihydroartemisinin (DhA) is an artemisinin derivative with potential anti-inflammatory activity. The modulatory effect of DhA on the inflammatory response mediated by the virulence factor MRP remains obscure. This research aimed to identify the signaling mechanism by which MRP triggers the innate immune response in mouse spleen and cultured macrophages. With the candidate mechanism in mind, we investigated DhA for its ability to dampen the pro-inflammatory response induced by MRP. The innate immune response in mice was drastically triggered by MRP, manifesting as splenic and systemic inflammation with splenomegaly, immune cell infiltration, and an elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines. A crucial role for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in coordinating the MRP-mediated inflammatory response via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation was revealed by TLR4 blockade. In addition, NF-κB-dependent transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation was required for the inflammatory signal transduction engendered by MRP. Intriguingly, we observed an alleviation effect of DhA on the MRP-induced immune response, which referred to the suppression of TLR4-mediated actuation of NF-κB-STAT3/MAPK cascades. The inflammatory response elicited by MRP is relevant to TLR4-dependent NF-κB activation, followed by an increase in the activity of STAT3 or MAPKs. DhA mitigates the inflammation process induced by MRP via blocking the TLR4 cascade, highlighting the therapeutic potential of DhA in targeting S. suis infection diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kaiji Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhenlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Li J, Bai Y, Ma K, Ren Z, Li J, Zhang J, Shan A. Dihydroartemisinin alleviates deoxynivalenol induced liver apoptosis and inflammation in piglets. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113811. [PMID: 35772362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the mycotoxins that contaminate cereals and feed, thereby endangering human and animal health. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions in addition to anti-malaria and anti-cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on alleviating liver apoptosis and inflammation induced by DON in piglets. The experimental design followed a 2 (normal diet and DON-contaminated diet) × 2 (with and without supplementation of DHA) factorial arrangement. 36 weaned piglets were subjected to a 21-day experiment. Results showed that DON increased ALT activity, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and reduced the levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in the serum. However, DHA decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and increased the levels of TP and ALB. Also, DON decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity, and increased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) content. But GSH content was increased by DHA. In addition, DHA decreased DON-induced increase in apoptosis rate of hepatocytes. Furthermore, DON activated death receptor pathway to promote apoptosis by up-regulating the protein expression of FasL and caspase-3, and the mRNA expression of FasL, TNFR1, caspase-8, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. However, DHA reduced caspase-3 protein expression, as well as the mRNA expression of FADD, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. Besides, DON also activated TNF/NF-κB pathway to induce an inflammatory response by up-regulating TNF-α protein expression, and the mRNA expression of TNFR1, RIP1, IKKβ, IκBα, IL-1β and IL-8. Nevertheless, DHA reduced the mRNA expression of RIP1, IκBα, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6, and the protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. In conclusion, DHA improved DON-induced negative effects on serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokine levels, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic apoptosis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibo Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yongsong Bai
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Kaidi Ma
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Zhongshuai Ren
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Jianping Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130062, PR China.
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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You X, Jiang X, Zhang C, Jiang K, Zhao X, Guo T, Zhu X, Bao J, Dou H. Dihydroartemisinin attenuates pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1110-1127. [PMID: 35120332 PMCID: PMC8876897 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has induced a worldwide pandemic since early 2020. COVID-19 causes pulmonary inflammation, secondary pulmonary fibrosis (PF); however, there are still no effective treatments for PF. The present study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on pulmonary inflammation and PF, and its molecular mechanism. Morphological changes and collagen deposition were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and the hydroxyproline content. DHA attenuated early alveolar inflammation and later PF in a bleomycin-induced rat PF model, and inhibited the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 3 (CCL3) in model rat serum. Further molecular analysis revealed that both pulmonary inflammation and PF were associated with increased transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Janus activated kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator 3(STAT3) expression in the lung tissues of model rats. DHA reduced the inflammatory response and PF in the lungs by suppressing TGF-β1, JAK2, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3. Thus, DHA exerts therapeutic effects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and PF by inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 activation. DHA inhibits alveolar inflammation, and attenuates lung injury and fibrosis, possibly representing a therapeutic candidate to treat PF associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan You
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuanmeng Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kejia Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of Central Laboratory, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of the Pathology, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Bao
- Department of the Pathology, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongmei Dou
- Department of the Operation Room, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
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Dihydroartemisinin Promoted Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homing and Suppressed Inflammation and Oxidative Stress against Prostate Injury in Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Mice Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:1829736. [PMID: 34956376 PMCID: PMC8694990 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1829736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are effective in treating chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), the homing of BMMSCs seems to require ultrasound induction. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an important derivative of artemisinin (ART) and has been previously reported to alleviate inflammation and autoimmune diseases. But the effect of DHA on chronic prostatitis (CP) is still unclear. This study aims to clarify the efficacy and mechanism of DHA in the treatment of CBP and its effect on the accumulation of BMMSCs. The experimental CBP was produced in C57BL/6 male mice via intraurethrally administered E. coli solution. Results showed that DHA treatment concentration-dependently promoted the accumulation of BMMSCs in prostate tissue of CBP mice. In addition, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment significantly alleviated inflammation and improved prostate damage by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and chemokines CXCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in prostate tissue of CBP mice. Moreover, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment displayed antioxidation property by increasing the production of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), SOD, and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) expression. Mechanically, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment significantly inhibited the expression of TGFβ-RI, TGFβ-RII, phosphor (p)-Smad2/3, and Smad4 in a dose-dependent manner while stimulated Smad7 expression in the same manner. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that DHA effectively eliminated inflammatory and oxidative stress against prostate injury, and this effect involved the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in CBP.
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Yu R, Jin G, Fujimoto M. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Drug for the Treatment of Malignancies and Inflammatory Diseases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722331. [PMID: 34692496 PMCID: PMC8529146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been globally recognized for its efficacy and safety in the clinical treatment of malaria for decades. Recently, it has been found that DHA inhibits malignant tumor growth and regulates immune system function in addition to anti-malaria. In parasites and tumors, DHA causes severe oxidative stress by inducing excessive reactive oxygen species production. DHA also kills tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death, blocking cell cycle and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, DHA inhibits inflammation by reducing the inflammatory cells infiltration and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and network pharmacology of DHA therapy provide the basis for elucidating the pharmacological effects of DHA. This review provides a summary of the recent research progress of DHA in anti-tumor, inhibition of inflammatory diseases and the relevant pharmacological mechanisms. With further research of DHA, it is likely that DHA will become an alternative therapy in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
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Efferth T, Oesch F. The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3023-3061. [PMID: 34288018 DOI: 10.1002/med.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor-coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β3-integrin, or RANKL, toll-like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor-coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF-κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF-κB. Numerous NF-κB-regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation-regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF-κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2-related factor-2 (NRF-2), retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR-γt), and forkhead box P-3 (FOXP-3). Many in vivo experiments in disease-relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz Oesch
- Oesch-Tox Toxicological Consulting and Expert Opinions, Ingelheim, Germany and Institute of Toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zhao Y, Niu Y, He J, Gan Z, Ji S, Zhang L, Wang C, Wang T. Effects of dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation on growth performance, hepatic inflammation, and lipid metabolism in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13363. [PMID: 32219939 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on growth performance, hepatic inflammation, and lipid metabolism in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-affected weaned piglets. Eight piglets with normal birth weight (NBW) and 16 IUGR-affected piglets were selected and fed either a basal diet (NBW and IUGR groups) or the basal diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg DHA (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 day of age. Blood and liver samples were collected on day 49. DHA supplementation significantly alleviated the compromised growth performance and liver damage in IUGR-affected piglets. Additionally, DHA supplementation decreased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), very-low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. In the liver, the concentrations of interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, triglycerides, and NEFA were decreased. Fatty acid synthesis was decreased by DHA supplementation, whereas the activities of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and total lipase were increased. Dietary DHA supplementation led to upregulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway-related genes, whereas that of inflammatory factor-related genes were downregulated. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 80 mg/kg DHA can alleviate IUGR-induced impairments in piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jintian He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhending Gan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuli Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Chen Y, Yan Y, Liu H, Qiu F, Liang CL, Zhang Q, Huang RY, Han L, Lu C, Dai Z. Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates psoriatic skin inflammation and its relapse by diminishing CD8 + T-cell memory in wild-type and humanized mice. Theranostics 2020; 10:10466-10482. [PMID: 32929360 PMCID: PMC7482806 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional immunosuppressants cause side effects and do not prevent the recurrence of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, they may not inhibit autoimmunity mediated by pathogenic memory T-cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been shown to regulate autoimmunity. However, it remains unknown whether DHA impacts psoriasis and its recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine therapeutic effects of DHA on psoriasis and its relapse as well as its underlying mechanisms. Methods: We established animal models of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like wild-type mice and humanized NSG mice receiving lesional human skin from patients with psoriasis. Many immunoassays, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, were performed. Results: We found that DHA not only ameliorated acute skin lesion of psoriatic mice, but also alleviated its recurrence by diminishing CD8+ central memory T (TCM) and CD8+ resident memory T (TRM) cells. It attenuated epidermal pathology and T-cell infiltration in the skin of IMQ-induced psoriatic mice while suppressing expression of IL-15, IL-17 and other proinflammatory cytokines in the skin. Surprisingly, DHA reduced the frequency and number of CD8+, but not CD4+, subset of CD44highCD62Lhigh TCM in psoriatic mice, whereas methotrexate (MTX) lowered CD4+, but not CD8+, TCM frequency and number. Indeed, DHA, but not MTX, downregulated eomesodermin (EOMES) and BCL-6 expression in CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, DHA, but not MTX, reduced the presence of CD8+CLA+, CD8+CD69+ or CD8+CD103+ TRM cells in mouse skin. Interestingly, treatment with DHA, but not MTX, during the first onset of psoriasis largely prevented psoriasis relapse induced by low doses of IMQ two weeks later. Administration of recombinant IL-15 or CD8+, but not CD4+, TCM cells resulted in complete recurrence of psoriasis in mice previously treated with DHA. Finally, we demonstrated that DHA alleviated psoriatic human skin lesions in humanized NSG mice grafted with lesional skin from psoriatic patients while reducing human CD8+ TCM and CD103+ TRM cells in humanized mice. Conclusion: We have provided the first evidence that DHA is advantageous over MTX in preventing psoriasis relapse by reducing memory CD8+ T-cells.
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Cheong DHJ, Tan DWS, Wong FWS, Tran T. Anti-malarial drug, artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104901. [PMID: 32405226 PMCID: PMC7217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are sesquiterpene lactones with a peroxide moiety that are isolated from the herb Artemisia annua. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of fever and chills, and has been recently approved for the treatment of malaria due to its endoperoxidase properties. Progressively, research has found that artemisinins displayed multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation, viral infections, and cell and tumour proliferation, making it effective against diseases. Moreover, it has displayed a relatively safe toxicity profile. The use of artemisinins against different respiratory diseases has been investigated in lung cancer models and inflammatory-driven respiratory disorders. These studies revealed the ability of artemisinins in attenuating proliferation, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis, and in inducing apoptosis. Artemisinins can regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote cell cycle arrest, drive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce Bak or Bax-dependent or independent apoptosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of the effects of artemisinins in relation to respiratory diseases to identify gaps that need to be filled in the course of repurposing artemisinins for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, we postulate whether artemisinins can also be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 given its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Daniel W S Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Fred W S Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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Yu X, Chen D, Wang L, Li J, Khan K, Chen H, Liang Y, Luo H, Qiu C. Wogonoside inhibits inflammatory cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage by suppressing the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:532. [PMID: 32411755 PMCID: PMC7214906 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.04.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Mediated by innate immune cells, inflammation is an underlying presence in the pathogenesis of numerous pulmonary diseases. Macrophages play a critical role in mediating the initial response to infection in the lungs. When there is excessive activation of macrophages, hyper-production of inflammatory factors occurs, with inflammation as the ultimate result. Wogonoside, a bioactive flavonoid glycoside, has been reported to alleviate pulmonary inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of wogonoside has not yet been clarified. Methods The productions of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using a Griess reagent kit and a DAF-FM DA fluorescent probe, respectively. Moreover, the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were quantified by qPCR, and the binding ability of c-Jun to promoters of inflammatory factors was performed by ChIP assay. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and signaling pathway. Results In this study, we found that pre-treatment with wogonoside dramatically suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors in macrophages, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, wogonoside profoundly reduced the increase in NO and ROS production and significantly blocked phosphorylation of JNK in LPS-stimulated macrophages. As revealed by Western blot and qPCR analysis, wogonoside mediated the JNK-dependent inhibitory effect. Compared with wogonoside alone, a combination of wogonoside and JNK inhibitor SP600125 provided no extra benefit in suppressing the protein expression and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, ChIP analysis demonstrated wogonoside to remarkably reduce c-Jun enrichment in COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 promoters. Conclusions Collectively, our findings showed that wogonoside notably suppresses LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory factors by repressing the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway in macrophages. This suggests that wogonoside could serve as a promising therapeutic agent for pulmonary diseases related to macrophage inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Lingwei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Haihui Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Yutian Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Huanmin Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China
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Liu W, Zhang X, Mao B, Jiang H. Systems pharmacology-based study of Tanreqing injection in airway mucus hypersecretion. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 249:112425. [PMID: 31765763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mucus hypersecretion (MH) is recognized as a key pathophysiological and clinical feature of many airway inflammatory diseases. MUC5AC is a major component of airway mucus. Tanreqing injection (TRQ) is a widely used herbal formula for the treatment of respiratory inflammations for years in China. However, a holistic network pharmacology approach to understanding its therapeutic mechanisms against MH has not been pursued. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the systems-level potential active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms of TRQ in the treatment of MH. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established systems pharmacology-based strategies comprising compound screenings, target predictions, and pathway identifications to speculate the potential active compounds and therapeutic targets of TRQ. We also applied compound-target and target-disease network analyses to evaluate the possible action mechanisms of TRQ. Then, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model was constructed to assess the effect of TRQ in the treatment of MH and to validate the possible molecular mechanisms as predicted in systems pharmacology approach. RESULTS The comprehensive compound collection successfully generated 55 compound candidates from TRQ. Among them, 11 compounds with high relevance to the potential targets were defined as representative and potential active ingredients in TRQ formula. Target identification revealed 172 potential targets, including pro-inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8. Pathway analyses uncovered the possible action of TRQ in the regulation of IL-17 signaling pathway and its downstream protein MUC5AC. Then in vivo experiment indicated that TRQ could significantly inhibit LPS stimulated MUC5AC over-production as well as the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A, in both protein and mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS Based on the systems pharmacology method and in vivo experiment, our work provided a general knowledge on the potential active compounds and possible therapeutic targets of TRQ formula in its anti-MH process. This work might suggest directions for further research on TRQ and provide more insight into better understanding the chemical and pharmacological mechanisms of complex herbal prescriptions in a network perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxuexiang Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Department of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of China, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 1 Keyuansilu Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
| | - Xiawei Zhang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxuexiang Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
| | - Bing Mao
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxuexiang Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
| | - Hongli Jiang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxuexiang Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
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Dihydroartemisinin Promotes the Osteogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the ERK and Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3456719. [PMID: 31534957 PMCID: PMC6732601 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3456719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), which is considered to be one of the active compounds within Artemisia annua, has extensively been used in recent years as the most effective drug against malaria, having many biological functions including anticancer, antifungal, and immunomodulatory activities. However, DHA plays a role in the regulation of the proliferation and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) osteogenic differentiation that remains unknown. We explored DHA's effect on hMSCs' proliferation as well as the osteogenic differentiation, together with its underlying mechanisms of action. We showed that DHA enhanced osteogenic differentiation but had no significant effect on hMSCs' proliferation. It probably exerted its functions through the signaling pathways of ERK1/2 as well as Wnt/β. Because DHA has low toxicity and costs, it might be regarded as an important drug for fracture treatment and tissue engineering.
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Zhu H, Ji W. Dihydroartemisinin Ameliorated Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice via Regulation of MiR-183C. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:3804-3814. [PMID: 31115390 PMCID: PMC6542303 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to investigate the function and mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in treating ovalbumin-induced asthma in BALB/c mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty female BALB/c mice were randomly separated into 3 groups: the control group, the asthma model group stimulated by ovalbumin (OVA group), and the DHA treatment group (DHA group). The therapeutic effects and potential pharmacological mechanisms of DHA were specifically clarified by examining its effects on asthma-related phenomena, such as body weight, lung function, cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and hemotoxin and eosin staining. In addition, the expression of inflammatory factors was checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and fractions of Th17 cells were detected by FACS analysis. Moreover, the downstream molecular pathway of IL-6/Stat3 (interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and expression of miR-183C was investigated by western blot and/or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase assay was used to reveal the function of miR-183C on the transcriptional regulation of Foxo1 (forkhead box O). RESULTS DHA administration significantly relieved the severity of the asthma through its effect on body weight, survival rate, and airway pressure. DHA was able to ameliorate lung damage in terms of pathological morphology and it reduced the percentage of helper T 17 (Th17) cells and the secretion of cytokines. As a result, the activity of the IL-6/Stat3 pathway was inhibited by DHA. In addition, the adoption of DHA decreased the expression of miR-183C but increased the expression of the transcription factor Foxo1. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the therapeutic effects of DHA on asthma are partially realized via the regulation of miR-183C and IL-6/Stat3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,Department of Paediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Ji
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Artemisinin and its derivatives: a potential therapeutic approach for oral lichen planus. Inflamm Res 2019; 68:297-310. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-019-01216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Inflammation is recently recognized as one of the hallmarks of human cancer. Chronic inflammatory response plays a critical role in cancer development, progression, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Conversely, the oncogenic aberrations also generate an inflammatory microenvironment, enabling the development and progression of cancer. The molecular mechanisms of action that are responsible for inflammatory cancer and cancer-associated inflammation are not fully understood due to the complex crosstalk between oncogenic and pro-inflammatory genes. However, molecular mediators that regulate both inflammation and cancer, such as NF-κB and STAT have been considered as promising targets for preventing and treating these diseases. Recent works have further demonstrated an important role of oncogenes (e.g., NFAT1, MDM2) and tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53) in cancer-related inflammation. Natural products that target these molecular mediators have shown anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Sesquiterpenoids (STs), a class of novel plant-derived secondary metabolites have attracted great interest in recent years because of their diversity in chemical structures and pharmacological activities. At present, we and other investigators have found that dimeric sesquiterpenoids (DSTs) may exert enhanced activity and binding affinity to molecular targets due to the increased number of alkylating centers and improved conformational flexibility and lipophilicity. Here, we focus our discussion on the activities and mechanisms of action of STs and DSTs in treating inflammation and cancer as well as their structure-activity relationships.
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Shin NR, Ryu HW, Ko JW, Park SH, Yuk HJ, Kim HJ, Kim JC, Jeong SH, Shin IS. Artemisia argyi attenuates airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic animals. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 209:108-115. [PMID: 28735728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Artemisia argyi is a traditional herbal medicine in Korea and commonly called as mugwort. It is traditionally used as food source and tea to control abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, uterine hemorrhage, and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effects of A. argyi (TOTAL) and dehydromatricarin A (DA), its active component on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The animals were sensitized on day 0 and 14 by intraperitoneal injection of OVA with aluminum hydroxide. On day 21, 22 and 23 after the initial sensitization, the animals received an airway challenge with OVA for 1h using an ultrasonic nebulizer. TOTAL (50 and 100mg/kg) or DA (10 and 20mg/kg) were administered to mice by oral gavage once daily from day 18-23. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured 24h after final OVA challenge. RESULT TOTAL and DA treated animals reduced inflammatory cell counts, cytokines and AHR in asthmatic animals, which was accompanied with inflammatory cell accumulation and mucus hypersecretion. Furthermore, TOTAL and DA significantly declined Erk phosphorylation and the expression of MMP-9 in asthmatic animals. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we indicate that Total and DA suppress allergic inflammatory responses caused by OVA challenge. It was considered that A. argyi has a potential for treating allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Rae Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Won Ryu
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience&Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Chungju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Won Ko
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hyeuk Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung-Joo Yuk
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience&Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Chungju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Jung Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Choon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Hun Jeong
- Namhae Garlic Research Institute, Namhae-gun, Kyungnam 668-812, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Sik Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 project team), Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea.
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Liang Z, Nie H, Xu Y, Peng J, Zeng Y, Wei Y, Wen X, Qiu J, Zhong W, Deng X, He J. Therapeutic effects of rosmarinic acid on airway responses in a murine model of asthma. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 41:90-97. [PMID: 27825045 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an active component of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Previously, we reported that RA exerted a strong anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse acute lung injury model. Therefore, we hypothesized that RA might also have potential therapeutic effects in a murine model of asthma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of RA and explored its possible molecular mechanisms of action. Female BALB/c mice that had been sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (Ova) were treated with RA (20mg/kg) 1h after challenge. The results showed that RA greatly diminished the number of inflammatory cells and the production of Th2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); significantly reduced the secretion of total IgE, Ova-specific IgE, and eotaxin; and markedly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with Ova-induced mice. Histological studies further revealed that RA substantially decreased inflammatory cells infiltration and mucus hypersecretion compared with Ova-induced mice. Moreover, our results suggested that the protective effects of RA were mediated by the inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Furthermore, RA treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of AMCase, CCL11, CCR3, Ym2 and E-selectin in lung tissue. These findings suggest that RA may effectively delay the development of airway inflammation and could thus be used as a therapy for allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengmin Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Haiying Nie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Yangfeng Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Jianbo Peng
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530007, PR China
| | - Yun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Yingyi Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Xuemei Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China
| | - Jiaming Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, PR China
| | - Weiting Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, PR China
| | - Xuming Deng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, PR China
| | - Jiakang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530005, PR China.
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Herbal Medicines for Asthmatic Inflammation: From Basic Researches to Clinical Applications. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:6943135. [PMID: 27478309 PMCID: PMC4958455 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6943135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders, associated with reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. This disease has a significant impact on individuals, their families, and society. Standardized therapeutics such as inhaled corticosteroid in combination with long acting β2 agonist have been applied for asthma control; however, complementary and alternative medicines, especially herbal medicines, are still widely used all over the world. A growing body of literature suggests that various herbals or related products might be effective in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. In this review, we summarize recent advances about the mechanistic studies of herbal medicines on allergic airway inflammation in animal models and their potential application into clinic for asthma control.
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Artesunate inhibits proliferation of naïve CD4+ T cells but enhances function of effector T cells. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:1195-203. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Huang XP, Tao EX, Feng ZQ, Yang ZL, Zhang WF. Inhibitory effect of sihuangxiechai decoction on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in Guinea pigs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:965429. [PMID: 25101137 PMCID: PMC4101944 DOI: 10.1155/2014/965429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sihuangxiechai decoction on asthmatic Guinea pig model which was sensitized by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged by OVA inhalation to induce chronic airway inflammation. Differential cell counts of cytospins were performed after staining with Giemsa solution. The quantity of leukocytes and its classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were evaluated by blood cell analyzer and microscope. Histological analysis of the lung was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in BALF and serum were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The total number of leukocytes in BALF and blood has no significant difference between Sihuangxiechaitang decoction treated group and dexamethasone (DXM) treated group but was significantly lower than those of asthma group. The percentage of eosinophils in lung tissues of sihuangxiechai decoction treated group was significantly lower than that of asthma group. The results demonstrated that the levels of IL-4 and TNF-α in the sihuangxiechai decoction treated group were significantly reduced compared with the asthma group. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that sihuangxiechai decoction has a protective effect on OVA-induced asthma in reducing airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a Guinea pig model and may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Ping Huang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, No. 2428, Yuhe Street, Weifang, Shandong 261031, China
| | - En Xue Tao
- Universtiy Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Zhan Qin Feng
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Science, Weifang Medical University, No. 7166, Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Zhao Lu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, No. 2428, Yuhe Street, Weifang, Shandong 261031, China
| | - Wei Fen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Science, Weifang Medical University, No. 7166, Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
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