Astragalus Oral Solution Ameliorates Allergic Asthma in Children by Regulating Relative Contents of CD4+CD25highCD127low Treg Cells

An exploration of alginate oligosaccharides modulating intestinal inflammatory networks via gut microbiota

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) can be obtained by acidolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. The products obtained by different methods have different structures and physiological functions. AOS have received increasing interest because of their many health-promoting properties. AOS have been reported to exert protective roles for intestinal homeostasis by modulating gut microbiota, which is closely associated with intestinal inflammation, gut barrier strength, bacterial infection, tissue injury, and biological activities. However, the roles of AOS in intestinal inflammation network remain not well understood. A review of published reports may help us to establish the linkage that AOS may improve intestinal inflammation network by affecting T helper type 1 (Th1) Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and their secreted cytokines [the hub genes of protein-protein interaction networks include interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)] via the regulation of probiotics. The potential functional roles of molecular mechanisms are explored in this study. However, the exact mechanism for the direct interaction between AOS and probiotics or pathogenic bacteria is not yet fully understood. AOS receptors may be located on the plasma membrane of gut microbiota and will be a key solution to address such an important issue. The present paper provides a better understanding of the protecting functions of AOS on intestinal inflammation and immunity.

Alleviation of liver cirrhosis and associated portal-hypertension by Astragalus species in relation to their UPLC-MS/MS metabolic profiles: a mechanistic study

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterized by excessive fibrous deposition triggering portal-hypertension (PH); the prime restrainer for cirrhosis-related complications. Remedies that can dually oppose hepatic fibrosis and lower PH, may prevent progression into decompensated-cirrhosis. Different Astragalus-species members have shown antifibrotic and diuretic actions with possible subsequent PH reduction. However, A.spinosus and A.trigonus were poorly tested for eliciting these actions. Herein, A.spinosus and A.trigonus roots and aerial parts extracts were subjected to comprehensive metabolic-fingerprinting using UHPLC-MS/MS resulting in 56 identified phytoconstituents, followed by chemometric untargeted analysis that revealed variable metabolic profiles exemplified by different species and organ types. Consequently, tested extracts were in-vivo evaluated for potential antifibrotic/anticirrhotic activity by assessing specific markers. The mechanistic prospective to induce diuresis was investigated by analyzing plasma aldosterone and renal-transporters gene-expression. Serum apelin and dimethylarginine-dimethylaminohydrolase-1 were measured to indicate the overall effect on PH. All extracts amended cirrhosis and PH to varying extents and induced diuresis via different mechanisms. Further, An OPLS model was built to generate a comprehensive metabolic-profiling of A.spinosus and A.trigonus secondary-metabolites providing a chemical-based evidence for their efficacious consistency. In conclusion, A.spinosus and A.trigonus organs comprised myriad pharmacologically-active constituents that act synergistically to ameliorate cirrhosis and associated PH.

Cycloastragenol alleviates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting autophagy

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a secondary metabolite from the roots of Astragalus zahlbruckneri, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in heart, skin and liver diseases. However, its role in asthma remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CAG on airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. The current study evaluated the lung function and levels of inflammation and autophagy via measurement of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung histology examination, inflammatory cytokine measurement and western blotting, amongst other techniques. The results demonstrated that CAG attenuated OVA-induced AHR in vivo. In addition, the total number of leukocytes and eosinophils, as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E were diminished in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the OVA-induced murine asthma model. Histological analysis revealed that CAG suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell secretion. Notably, based on molecular docking simulation, CAG was demonstrated to bind to the active site of autophagy-related gene 4-microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 complex, which explains the reduced autophagic flux in asthma caused by CAG. The expression levels of proteins associated with autophagy pathways were inhibited following treatment with CAG. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CAG exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma, and its role may be associated with the inhibition of autophagy in lung cells.

A narrative review of clinical studies of herbal treatment of difficult to manage asthma

Asthma can be complex and difficult to manage. Patients often seek alternative treatment options, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The paradigms that inform TCM treatments include a philosophy focusing on modifying the whole body status ('bian zheng') to treat the lungs. TCM practitioners use personalized treatment plans based on clusters of clinical patterns (eg. cold-related wheezing, kidney insufficiency/energy-deficiency-related wheezing). TCM includes herbal remedies and non-oral therapies such as cupping, acupuncture, and massage. The efficacy of TCM treatments of asthma is not well described as the majority of studies are published only in Chinese literature. We reviewed all available clinical trials in CNKI, Chaoxin, Wanfang, CQVIP, Springer-link, Science Direct, and Pubmed. Papers in Chinese were translated by dual lingual TCM and Western medicine doctors. Based on the identified studies, TCM is a safe additive treatment to Western medicine that can improve both symptoms and quality of life for patients with asthma.

Astragalus species: Insights on its chemical composition toward pharmacological applications

Astragalus L. is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus is widely used in folk medicine and in dietary supplements, as well as in cosmetics, teas, coffee, vegetable gums, and as forage for animals. The major phytoconstituents of Astragalus species with beneficial properties are saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Astragalus extracts and their isolated components exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities, including antiaging, antiinfective, cytoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabesity, and immune-enhancing properties. Considering their proven therapeutic potential, the aim of this work is to give a comprehensive summary of the Astragalus spp. and their active components, in an attempt to provide new insight for further clinical development of these xenobiotics. This is the first review that briefly describes their ethnopharmacology, composition, biological, and toxicological properties.

Effect of Astragalus membranaceus in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model

Background

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat allergic diseases, but the mechanism for treating allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to look at the anti-inflammatory effect of AM on AR and the mechanism of anti-allergy.

Methods

The mouse model of AR was induced by ovalbumin. Allergic symptoms, number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa, and levels of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid were analyzed. We explored the serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-10. Besides, the relative mRNA of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was also detected in nasal mucosa tissue. The proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen and nasal lymphoid tissue were analyzed. The mRNA levels of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκBα), as well as NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity, were tested. We also measured the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in nasal mucosa.

Results

AM could reduce the number of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa and decrease the levels of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid. The serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were also decreased, while levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were increased. The relative mRNA of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was decreased by AM. AM increased the proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen and nasal lymphoid tissue. In addition, AM could reduce the activity of NF-kB by inhibiting the mRNA expression and DNA binding activity of NF-κB p65. However, AM had no significant effect on mRNA of IκBα. Above all, AM could reduce the p-NF-κB p65 protein expression of nasal mucosa.

Conclusions

AM could reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by increasing the level of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells and inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB.

LncRNA-MEG3 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate Treg/Th17 balance in patients with asthma by targeting microRNA-17/ RORγt

BACKGROUND

Treg/Th17 imbalance plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Disordered LncRNAs were observed in asthma, however, whether LncRNAs can regulate the Treg/Th17 balance and its mechanism still needs to be investigated.

METHODS

Microarrays were performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs and microRNAs in peripheral blood CD4 + T cells from patients with asthma and healthy controls. Bioinformatical evidence was used to select candidate lncRNAs and microRNAs which may involve in regulation of Treg/Th17 balance. The function of LncRNA-MEG3 and microRNA-17 on the alteration of the CD4 + T cell population were determined in vitro experiments. Meanwhile, the regulatory effect of LncRNA-MEG3 and microRNA-17 on RORγt or Foxp3 was estimated. The interaction of LncRNA-MEG3 with microRNA-17 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down.

RESULTS

25 lncRNAs and 19 microRNAs were selected as candidate genes which differentially expressed in CD4 + T cells from patients with asthma compared with healthy controls and had potential to control Treg/Th17 balance by regulating RORγt or Foxp3. Alternation of LncRNA-MEG3 changed the function and increased the percentage of Th17. LncRNA-MEG3 could regulate the RORγt mRNA and protein level. LncRNA-MEG3 could inhibit the level of microRNA-17 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). microRNA-17 suppressed Th17 though targeting RORγt directly.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA-MEG3 can sponge microRNA-17 as a ceRNA, thereby regulating RORγt and ultimately affecting Treg/Th17 balance in asthma. The lncRNA/microRNA axis may have potential application in clinical treatment and diagnosis of the disease.