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Tang Z, Meng S, Yang X, Xiao Y, Wang W, Liu Y, Wu K, Zhang X, Guo H, Zhu YZ, Wang X. Neutrophil-Mimetic, ROS Responsive, and Oxygen Generating Nanovesicles for Targeted Interventions of Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307379. [PMID: 38084463 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent inflammatory joint disease worldwide, leading to irreversible disability and even mortality. Unfortunately, current treatment regimens fail to cure RA due to low therapeutic responses and off-target side effects. Herein, a neutrophil membrane-cloaked, natural anti-arthritic agent leonurine (Leo), and catalase (CAT) co-loaded nanoliposomal system (Leo@CAT@NM-Lipo) is constructed to remodel the hostile microenvironment for RA remission. Due to the inflammation tropism inherited from neutrophils, Leo@CAT@NM-Lipo can target and accumulate in the inflamed joint cavity where high-level ROS can be catalyzed into oxygen by CAT to simultaneously accelerate the drug release and alleviate hypoxia at the lesion site. Besides, the neutrophil membrane camouflaging also enhances the anti-inflammatory potentials of Leo@CAT@NM-Lipo by robustly absorbing pro-arthritogenic cytokines and chemokines. Consequently, Leo@CAT@NM-Lipo successfully alleviated paw swelling, reduced arthritis score, mitigated bone and cartilage damage, and reversed multiple organ dysfunctions in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats (AIA) rats by synergistic effects of macrophage polarization, inflammation resolution, ROS scavenging, and hypoxia relief. Furthermore, Leo@CAT@NM-Lipo manifested excellent biocompatibility both at the cellular and animal levels. Taken together, the study provided a neutrophil-mimetic and ROS responsive nanoplatform for targeted RA therapy and represented a promising paradigm for the treatment of a variety of inflammation-dominated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Tang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Shiyu Meng
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Yonghang Liu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Kefan Wu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Xican Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Hui Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, 999078, China
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Yin X, Gao Q, Li C, Yang Q, HongliangDong, Li Z. Leonurine alleviates vancomycin nephrotoxicity via activating PPARγ and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111898. [PMID: 38513573 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111898] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Vancomycin (VCM) is the first-line antibiotic for severe infections, but nephrotoxicity limits its use. Leonurine (Leo) has shown protective effects against kidney damage. However, the effect and mechanism of Leo on VCM nephrotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, mice and HK-2 cells exposed to VCM were treated with Leo. Biochemical and pathological analysis and fluorescence probe methods were performed to examine the role of Leo in VCM nephrotoxicity. Immunohistochemistry, q-PCR, western blot, FACS, and Autodock software were used to verify the mechanism. The present results indicate that Leo significantly alleviates VCM-induced renal injury, morphological damage, and oxidative stress. Increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS in HK-2 cells and decreased mitochondrial numbers in mouse renal tubular epithelial cells were reversed in Leo-administrated groups. In addition, molecular docking analysis using Autodock software revealed that Leo binds to the PPARγ protein with high affinity. Mechanistic exploration indicated that Leo inhibited VCM nephrotoxicity via activating PPARγ and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α inflammation pathway. Taken together, our results indicate that the PPARγ inhibition and inflammation reactions were implicated in the VCM nephrotoxicity and provide a promising therapeutic strategy for renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Chensuizi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Qiaoling Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - HongliangDong
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Zhiling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Jung YY, Kim C, Shanmugam MK, Deivasigamani A, Chinnathambi A, Alharbi SA, Rangappa KS, Hui KM, Sethi G, Mohan CD, Ahn KS. Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111003. [PMID: 38048857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111003] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Yun Jung
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Amudha Deivasigamani
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanchugarakoppal S Rangappa
- Institution of Excellence, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India.
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Wang X, Zhang L, Yao G, Wang X, Yi S, Meng T, Meng D, Chen W, Guo L. De novo chromosome-level genome assembly of Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus). Sci Data 2024; 11:55. [PMID: 38195564 PMCID: PMC10776605 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus), a member of Lamiaceae family, is a commonly used medicinal herb for treating obstetrical and gynecological diseases, producing over 280 officinal natural products. Due to limited genomic resources, little progress has been made in deciphering the biosynthetic pathway of valuable natural products in L. japonicus. Here, we de novo assembled the L. japonicus genome using high-coverage ONT long reads and Hi-C reads. The chromosome-level genome assembly contained ten chromosomes representing 99.29% of 489.34 Mb genomic sequence with a contig and scaffold N50 of 7.27 Mb and 50.86 Mb, respectively. Genome validations revealed BUSCO and LAI score of 99.2% and 21.99, respectively, suggesting high quality of genome assembly. Using transcriptomic data from various tissues, 22,531 protein-coding genes were annotated. Phylogenomic analysis of 13 angiosperm plants suggested L. japonicus had 58 expanded gene families functionally enriched in specialized metabolism such as diterpenoid biosynthesis. The genome assembly, annotation, and sequencing data provide resources for the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways behind natural products of pharmaceutical applications in L. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Wang
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
- Weifang Institute of Technology, School of Modern Agriculture and Environment, Weifang, Shandong, 261101, China
| | - Gang Yao
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Shu Yi
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Tan Meng
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Dian Meng
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Weikai Chen
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China.
| | - Li Guo
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China.
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Kontogiannopoulos KN, Kapourani A, Gkougkourelas I, Anagnostaki ME, Tsalikis L, Assimopoulou AN, Barmpalexis P. A Review of the Role of Natural Products as Treatment Approaches for Xerostomia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1136. [PMID: 37631049 PMCID: PMC10458472 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081136] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a widespread oral health malfunction characterized by decreased salivary flow. This condition results in discomfort, impaired speech and mastication, dysphagia, heightened susceptibility to oral infections, and ultimately, a diminished oral health-related quality of life. The etiology of xerostomia is multifaceted, with primary causes encompassing the use of xerostomic medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome. Consequently, there is a growing interest in devising management strategies to address this oral health issue, which presents significant challenges due to the intricate nature of saliva. Historically, natural products have served medicinal purposes, and in contemporary pharmaceutical research and development, they continue to play a crucial role, including the treatment of xerostomia. In this context, the present review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding natural compounds and extracts for xerostomia treatment, paving the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for this common oral health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N. Kontogiannopoulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (I.G.); (M.-E.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Afroditi Kapourani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (I.G.); (M.-E.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Ioannis Gkougkourelas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (I.G.); (M.-E.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Maria-Emmanouela Anagnostaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (I.G.); (M.-E.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Lazaros Tsalikis
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Andreana N. Assimopoulou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence-AUTH (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Barmpalexis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (I.G.); (M.-E.A.); (P.B.)
- Natural Products Research Centre of Excellence-AUTH (NatPro-AUTH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Yu Y, Zhou S, Wang Y, Di S, Wang Y, Huang X, Chen Y. Leonurine alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110375. [PMID: 37267857 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Leonurine (Leo) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the herb Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Leonuri) that has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the role and mechanism of Leo in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Leo against APAP-induced ALI and elucidated the molecular mechanism. Here, we showed that the damage to mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) induced by APAP was attenuated by treatment with Leo, which promoted proliferation and inhibited oxidative stress injury, and Leo significantly improved APAP-induced ALI in mice. Leo could protect against APAP-induced ALI by reducing serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, hepatic histopathological damage, liver cell necrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress-induced damage in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the results indicated that Leo relieved APAP-induced liver cell necrosis by reducing the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and increasing Bcl-2 expression. Leo alleviated APAP-induced oxidative stress-induced damage by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which facilitated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated oxidative stress-related protein expression in liver tissues. Moreover, the results suggested that APAP-induced inflammation in the liver was suppressed by Leo by suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathways. In addition, Leo facilitated the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway in the liver tissue of ALI mice. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and western blotting showed that PI3K was a potential target of Leo in the treatment of ALI. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) indicated that Leo could stably bind to the PI3K protein. In conclusion, Leo attenuated ALI, and reversed liver cell necrosis, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shizhe Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Nutrition and Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shuting Di
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yingluo Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
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