Aqueous Extract of Descuraniae Semen Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis by Regulating the Proteasomal Degradation and IRE1α-Dependent Unfolded Protein Response in A549 Cells

Roles of m6A modification in regulating PPER pathway in cadmium-induced pancreatic β cell death

Cadmium can lead to the death of pancreatic β cells, thus affecting the synthesis and secretion of insulin. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the cadmium-induced pancreatic β cell death have not been fully understood. In this study, roles of m6A modification in regulating protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (PPER) pathway in cadmium-induced pancreatic β cell death were explored. Our results demonstrated that cell viability and RNA m6A modification level were decreased, while apoptosis rates increased after CdSO4 treatment in pancreatic β cells (NIT-1). In addition, expressions of Bcl-2, Xbp1, Col3a1, Bax, Chop, Dnajb1, and Hsp90aa1 were all significantly changed in CdSO4 treatment cells. The m6A agonist entacapone (Ent) can prominently reverse the cytotoxicity effects of CdSO4 and alleviate the changes of protein expression induced by CdSO4 treatment. By contrast, m6A inhibitor 3-Deazaadenosine (DAA) can synergistically enhance the cytotoxicity of CdSO4 and aggravate the disorder of protein levels caused by CdSO4 treatment. Interestingly, the results of the immunoprecipitation experiment indicate that Ythdc2, one of m6A binding proteins, may regulate the PPER pathway molecules in an m6A-dependent manner. In summary, our findings provide new directions for the prevention and treatment of the impairment of pancreatic β cell function induced by cadmium.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Liriodendron chinense Leaves

Liriodendron chinense has been widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat dispelling wind and dampness and used for alleviating cough and diminishing inflammation. However, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects of L. chinense leaves and the key active constituents remained elusive. So, we conducted some experiments to support the application of L. chinense in traditional Chinese medicine by investigating the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory abilities, and to identify the potential key constituents responsible for the activities. The ethanol extract of L. chinense leaves (LCLE) was isolated and extracted, and assays measuring ferric reducing antioxidant power, total reducing power, DPPH•, ABTS•+, and •OH were used to assess its in vitro antioxidant capacities. Antimicrobial activities of LCLE were investigated by minimal inhibitory levels, minimum antibacterial concentrations, disc diffusion test, and scanning electron microscope examination. Further, in vivo experiments including macro indicators examination, histopathological examination, and biochemical parameters measurement were conducted to investigate the effects of LCLE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. LCLE was further isolated and purified through column chromatography, and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were constructed to assess the diminished inflammation potential of the identified chemical composites. ABTS•+ and •OH radicals were extensively neutralized by the LCLE treatment. LCLE administration also presented broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, especially against Staphylococcus epidermidis by disrupting cell walls. LPS-induced ALI in mice was significantly ameliorated by LCLE intervention, as evidenced by the histological changes in the lung and liver tissues as well as the reductions of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 production. Furthermore, three novel compounds including fragransin B2, liriodendritol, and rhamnocitrin were isolated, purified, and identified from LCLE. These three compounds exhibited differential regulation on NO accumulation and IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. Fragransin B2 was more effective in inhibiting TNF-α mRNA expression, while rhamnocitrin was more powerful in inhibiting IL-6 mRNA expression. LCLE had significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Fragransin B2, liriodendritol, and rhamnocitrin were probably key active constituents of LCLE, which might act synergistically to treat inflammatory-related disorders. This study provided a valuable view of the healing potential of L. chinense leaves in curing inflammatory diseases.

Signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common condition associated with critically ill patients, characterized by bilateral chest radiographical opacities with refractory hypoxemia due to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Despite significant advances, the mortality of ARDS remains unacceptably high, and there are still no effective targeted pharmacotherapeutic agents. With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 worldwide, the mortality of ARDS has increased correspondingly. Comprehending the pathophysiology and the underlying molecular mechanisms of ARDS may thus be essential to developing effective therapeutic strategies and reducing mortality. To facilitate further understanding of its pathogenesis and exploring novel therapeutics, this review provides comprehensive information of ARDS from pathophysiology to molecular mechanisms and presents targeted therapeutics. We first describe the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of ARDS that involve dysregulated inflammation, alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, impaired alveolar fluid clearance and oxidative stress. Next, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to the above four aspects of ARDS pathophysiology, along with the latest research progress. Finally, we discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies that show exciting promise in ARDS, including several pharmacologic therapies, microRNA-based therapies and mesenchymal stromal cell therapies, highlighting the pathophysiological basis and the influences on signal transduction pathways for their use.