Sweroside Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Pyroptosis Partially via Modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 Axis

Effects of NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediated Pyroptosis on Cardiovascular Diseases and Intervention Mechanism of Chinese Medicine

Activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway is an important mechanism underlying myocardial pyroptosis and plays an important role in inflammatory damage to myocardial tissue in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure and hypertension. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulatory factors. Many Chinese medicine (CM) compounds, including their effective components, can regulate pyroptosis and exert myocardium-protecting effects. The mechanisms underlying this protection include inhibition of inflammasome protein expression, Toll-like receptor 4-NF-κB signal pathway activation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and mixed lineage kinase 3 expression and the regulation of silent information regulator 1. The NLRP3 protein is an important regulatory target for CVD prevention and treatment with CM. Exploring the effects of the interventions mediated by CM and the related mechanisms provides new ideas and perspectives for CVD prevention and treatment.

Sweroside: An iridoid glycoside of potential neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities supported by molecular docking

Oxidative stress can be a series burden on human health and may lead to many chronic diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorders. The use of natural products to scavenge the reactive oxygen species has attracted the attention of many researchers, to safely manage these conditions with fewer side effects, in available and cost-effective ways. The current study aimed at the isolation and structure elucidation of sweroside from Schenkia spicata (Gentianaceae) and the evaluation of its antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and enzyme inhibitory potential via in vitro and in silico studies. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by a variety of assays as ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP, showing values of 0.34 ± 0.08, 21.14 ± 0.43, and 12.32 ± 0.20 mg TE/g, respectively, while demonstrating 0.75 ± 0.03 mmol TE/g for phosphomolybdenum (PBD) assay. Acetylcholinestrase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect, while the antidiabetic potential was evaluated by measuring α-amylase and glucosidase inhibitory activities. Results revealed that sweroside showed antioxidant and inhibitory effects on the enzymes tested with the exception of AChE. It demonstrated good tyrosinase inhibitory ability with 55.06 ± 1.85 mg Kojic acid equivalent /g. Regarding the antidiabetic ability, the compound displayed both amylase and glucosidase (0.10 ± 0.01 and 1.54 ± 0.01 mmol Acarbose equivalent/g, respectively) inhibitory activities. Molecular docking studies of sweroside on the active sites of the aforementioned enzymes in addition to NADPH oxidase were performed using Discovery Studio 4.1 software. Results revealed good binding affinities of sweroside to these enzymes mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Sweroside can be an important antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory supplement, yet further in vivo and clinical studies are required.

Antioxidant effects of phenolic compounds in through the distillation of Lonicera japonica & Chenpi extract and anti-inflammation on skin keratinocyte

The phenolic compounds in Lonicera japonica & Chenpi distillation extract (LCDE) were thoroughly examined for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phenolic compounds in LCDE were analyzed for five peaks using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) and determined. Five phenolic compounds were identified from the samples and MS data. Ultrafiltration with LC analysis was used to investigate the ability of bioactive compounds to target DPPH. As a result, it was confirmed that the major compounds exhibited a high binding affinity to DPPH and could be regarded as antioxidant-active compounds. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of LCDE was confirmed in vitro, and signal inhibition of anti-inflammation cytokines, MAPK and NF-kB pathways was confirmed. Finally, Molecular docking analysis supplements the anti-inflammatory effect through the binding affinity of selected compounds and inflammatory factors. In conclusion, the phenolic compounds of the LCDE were identified and potential active compounds for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were identified. Additionally, this study will be utilized to provide basic information for the application of LCDE in the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical cosmetics industries along with information on efficient screening techniques for other medicinal plants.

Sweroside plays a role in mitigating high glucose-induced damage in human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells by regulating the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway

Sweroside is a natural monoterpene derived from Swertia pseudochinensis Hara. Recently, studies have shown that sweroside exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. However, its role and mechanisms in high glucose (HG)-induced renal injury remain unclear. Herein, we established a renal injury model in vitro by inducing human renal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2 cells) injury by HG. Then, the effects of sweroside on HK-2 cell activity, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed. As a result, sweroside treatment ameliorated the viability, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and VCAM-1), reduced the generation of ROS, and inhibited EMT in HK-2 cells. Moreover, the protein expression of SIRT1 was increased and the acetylation of p65 NF-kB was decreased in HK-2 cells with sweroside treatment. More importantly, EX527, an inhibitor of SIRT1, that inactivated SIRT1, abolished the improvement effects of sweroside on HK-2 cells. Our findings suggested that sweroside may mitigate HG-caused injury in HK-2 cells by promoting SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of p65 NF-kB.

Iridoids and active ones in patrinia: A review

Iridoid is a special class of monoterpenoids, whose basic skeleton is the acetal derivative of antinodilaldehyde with a bicyclic H-5/H-9β, β-cisfused cyclopentan pyran ring. They were often existed in Valerianaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Labiaceae family, and has various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, neuroprotection, and soon. In this review, iridoids from Patrinia (Valerianaceae family), and the active ones as well as their mechanisms in recent 20 years were summarized. Up to now, a total of 115 iridoids had been identified in Patrinia, among which 48 had extensive biological activities mainly presented in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and neuroprotective. And the mechanisms involved in MAPK, NF-κB and JNK signal pathways. The summary for iridoids and their activities will provide the evidence to exploit the iridoids in Patrinia.

Dipsacus and Scabiosa Species-The Source of Specialized Metabolites with High Biological Relevance: A Review

The genera Dipsacus L. and Scabiosa L. of the Caprifoliaceae family are widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This work reviews the available literature on the phytochemical profiles, ethnomedicinal uses, and biological activities of the most popular species. These plants are rich sources of many valuable specialized metabolites with beneficial medicinal properties, such as triterpenoid derivatives, iridoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. They are also sources of essential oils. The genus Dipsacus has been used for centuries in Chinese and Korean folk medicines to treat bone (osteoporosis) and joint problems (rheumatic arthritis). The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Pharmacopoeia include Dipsaci radix, the dried roots of D. asperoides C.Y.Cheng & T.M.Ai. In addition, S. comosa Fisch. ex Roem & Schult. and S. tschiliiensis Grunning are used in traditional Mongolian medicine to treat liver diseases. The current scientific literature data indicate that these plants and their constituents have various biological properties, including inter alia antiarthritic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities; they have also been found to strengthen tendon and bone tissue and protect the liver, heart, and kidney. The essential oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. This paper reviews the key biological values of Dipsacus and Scabiosa species, as identified by in vitro and in vivo studies, and presents their potential pharmacological applications.

Mitigation of Cardiovascular Disease and Toxicity through NRF2 Signalling

Cardiovascular toxicity and diseases are phenomena that have a vastly detrimental impact on morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology driving the development of these conditions is multifactorial but commonly includes the perturbance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling, iron homeostasis and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of cytoprotective responses, drives the expression of genes that provide resistance to oxidative, electrophilic and xenobiotic stresses. Recent research has suggested that stimulation of the NRF2 signalling pathway can alleviate cardiotoxicity and hallmarks of cardiovascular disease progression. However, dysregulation of NRF2 dynamic responses can be severely impacted by ageing processes and off-target toxicity from clinical medicines including anthracycline chemotherapeutics, rendering cells of the cardiovascular system susceptible to toxicity and subsequent tissue dysfunction. This review addresses the current understanding of NRF2 mechanisms under homeostatic and cardiovascular pathophysiological conditions within the context of wider implications for this diverse transcription factor.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals Found in the Yucca Genus

The Yucca genus encompasses about 50 species native to North America. Species within the Yucca genus have been used in traditional medicine to treat pathologies related to inflammation. Despite its historical use and the popular notion of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a limited amount of research on this genus. To better understand these properties, this work aimed to analyze phytochemical composition through documentary research. This will provide a better understanding of the molecules and the mechanisms of action that confer such antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. About 92 phytochemicals present within the genus have reported antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly generated through its free radical scavenging activity, the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, the decrease in TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), and IL-1β (Interleukin 1β) concentration, the increase of GPx (Glutathione peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and SOD (Superoxide dismutase) concentration, and the inhibition of the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase), and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B), and the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor) signaling pathway. These studies provide evidence of its use in traditional medicine against pathologies related to inflammation. However, more models and studies are needed to properly understand the activity of most plants within the genus, its potency, and the feasibility of its use to help manage or treat chronic inflammation.

Activation of Nrf2 signaling: A key molecular mechanism of protection against cardiovascular diseases by natural products

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of cardiac and vascular disorders including myocardial ischemia, congenital heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. Despite considerable progress in prophylaxis and treatment options, CVDs remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and impose an extremely high socioeconomic burden. Oxidative stress (OS) caused by disequilibrium in the generation of reactive oxygen species plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CVDs. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor of endogenous antioxidant defense systems against OS, is considered an ideal therapeutic target for management of CVDs. Increasingly, natural products have emerged as a potential source of Nrf2 activators with cardioprotective properties and may therefore provide a novel therapeutic tool for CVD. Here, we present an updated comprehensive summary of naturally occurring products with cardioprotective properties that exert their effects by suppression of OS through activation of Nrf2 signaling, with the aim of providing useful insights for the development of therapeutic strategies exploiting natural products.

Pyroptosis: A Newly Discovered Therapeutic Target for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, uncommon among patients suffering from myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute kidney injury, can result in cell death and organ dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that different types of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, can occur during I/R injury. Pyroptosis, which is characterized by cell membrane pore formation, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and cell burst, and which differentiates itself from apoptosis and necroptosis, has been found to be closely related to I/R injury. Therefore, targeting the signaling pathways and key regulators of pyroptosis may be favorable for the treatment of I/R injury, which is far from adequate at present. This review summarizes the current status of pyroptosis and its connection to I/R in different organs, as well as potential treatment strategies targeting it to combat I/R injury.

Activated Carbon-Based Immunochromatographic Strip Test for the Rapid Qualitative Analysis of Swertiamarin and Sweroside

Background

Swertia japonica (S. japonica) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. Several reports confirm the biological effects of the S. japonica extract. This plant is used mainly as a digestive stimulant, appetite stimulant, and gastrointestinal disease remedy in Japan. Secoiridoid glycosides are a group of compounds related to the beneficial effects of this plant.

Objective

We developed an immunochromatographic strip test for major secoiridoid glycosides, such as swertiamarin (SM) and sweroside (SS) detection.

Methods

We fabricated an immunoprobe using activated carbon as a reporter molecule and a monoclonal antibody against SM and SS (MAb D2) as a detection molecule. The test and control zones of the strip test contained SM-cBSA and Goat pAb anti-mouse IgM HRP conjugate, respectively. The immunoprobe reacted competitively with free SM and/or SS and immobilized SM-cBSA. The results were read and interpreted by the black spot intensity in the test zone.

Results

We succeeded in developing a strip test system with a detection limit (LOD) of 12.5 µg/mL. The selectivity and reliability evaluation revealed that the strip test is suitable for detecting SM and SS in S. japonica. The result was ready to be read in 30 min.

Conclusions

This method can be a useful tool for the screening of biologically active S. japonica samples for further preparation of traditional medicine.

Highlights

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first immunochromatographic strip test developed for the detection of SM and SS in S. japonica samples.

Phenols and terpenoids: natural products as inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular diseases

Inflammatory infiltration has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the development of several types of CVDs, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion damage, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension. Inhibiting the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome can inhibit the progress of CVDs. However, there is no NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor in clinic, and it is very important to find a safe and effective NLRP3 inhibitor. Phenols and terpenoids are naturally natural products that have many anti-inflammatory effects in CVDs by modulating the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. Thus, 20 natural products from phenols and terpenoids for the treatment of cardiovascular disease based on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome were summarized and screened. Docking results showed salvianolic acid B and ellagic acid in phenols, and oridonin and triptolide in terpenoids had a better binding activity with NLRP3, which can provide theoretical support for finding novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors or lead compounds in the future.