D-dencichine Regulates Thrombopoiesis by Promoting Megakaryocyte Adhesion, Migration and Proplatelet Formation

Dencichine/palygorskite nanocomposite incorporated chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone film for accelerating wound hemostasis

The development of efficient, safe, environmentally friendly, and user-friendly hemostatic dressings remains a great challenge for researchers. A variety of clay minerals and plant extracts have garnered considerable attention due to their outstanding hemostatic efficacy and favorable biosafety. In this study, a facile solution casting strategy was employed to prepare nanocomposite films by incorporating natural nanorod-like palygorskite (Pal) and herb-derived hemostat dencichine (DC) based on chitosan and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The dynamic blood clotting index demonstrated that the nanocomposite film with a DC addition of 1.0 wt% exhibited significantly superior hemostatic properties compared to both pure DC powder or commercial hemostatic agent Yunnan Baiyao. This improvement was primarily attributed to proper blood affinity, increased porosity, enhanced adhesion of platelets and erythrocytes, as well as the accelerated activation of coagulation factors and platelets. Under the synergistic effect of Pal and DC, the nanocomposite film displayed suitable tensile strength (20.58 MPa) and elongation at break (47.29 %), which may be due to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between Pal/DC and macropolymers. Notably, the nanocomposite film exhibited remarkable antibacterial effectiveness and desirable cytocompatibility, as well as the capability of promoting wound healing in vitro. Taken together, the nanocomposite film synergized with Pal and DC is expected to be an efficacious and suitable wound dressing.

Deficiency of thioredoxin-interacting protein results in age-related thrombocytopenia due to megakaryocyte oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Platelets are generated from megakaryocytes (MKs), mainly located in the bone marrow (BM). Megakaryopoiesis can be affected by genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, and aging. The molecular mechanisms underlying platelet count regulation have not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we investigated the role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), a protein that regulates cellular metabolism in megakaryopoiesis, using a Txnip-/- mouse model.

METHODS

Wild-type (WT) and Txnip-/- mice (2-27-month-old) were studied. BM-derived MKs were analyzed to investigate the role of TXNIP in megakaryopoiesis with age. The global transcriptome of BM-derived CD41+ megakaryocyte precursors (MkPs) of WT and Txnip-/- mice were compared. The CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells isolated from human cord blood were differentiated into MKs.

RESULTS

Txnip-/- mice developed thrombocytopenia at 4 to 5 months that worsened with age. During ex vivo megakaryopoiesis, Txnip-/- MkPs remained small, with decreased levels of MK-specific markers. Critically, Txnip-/- MkPs exhibited reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which was related to AKT activity. Txnip-/- MkPs also showed elevated glycolysis alongside increased glucose uptake for ATP production. Total RNA sequencing revealed enrichment for oxidative stress- and apoptosis-related genes in differentially expressed genes between Txnip-/- and WT MkPs. The effects of TXNIP on MKs were recapitulated during the differentiation of human cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells.

CONCLUSION

We provide evidence that the megakaryopoiesis pathway becomes exhausted with age in Txnip-/- mice with a decrease in terminal, mature MKs that response to thrombocytopenic challenge. Overall, this study demonstrates the role of TXNIP in megakaryopoiesis, regulating mitochondrial metabolism.

Screening and verification of hemostatic effective components group of Panax Notoginseng based on spectrum-effect relationships

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax Notoginseng (PN) can disperse blood stasis, hemostasis, and detumescence analgesic, which can be used for hemoptysis, hematemesis and another traumatic bleeding, and it is known as "A miracle hemostatic medicine". Studies show that the chemical composition of PN is relatively comprehensive, however, its hemostatic active ingredients have not been fully clarified.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to clarify the hemostatic effective components group (HECG) of PN, provide a foundation for the assessment of PN's quality and its comprehensive development, and for further studies on the pharmacodynamic material basis of other Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-MS was used to establish the fingerprint and identify the common peaks in 44 batches of PN extracts (PNE). In addition, the plasma recalcification time and in vitro coagulation time were measured. For spectrum-effect analysis, bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) and partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) were used to screen the hemostasis candidate active monomers of PN. The monomers were prepared by combining several preparative chromatography techniques. The efficacy was verified by plasma recalcification time, in vitro coagulation time, and a rat model of gastric hemorrhage.

RESULTS

A total of 30 common peaks and hemostatic efficacy indexes of 44 batches of PNE were obtained. A total of 18 components were positively correlated with the comprehensive coagulation index by two statistical methods. Six and eleven monomers were obtained respectively by chromatographic preparation and procurement, and one monomer was eliminated due to preparation difficulty and other reasons. Seven active monomers with direct hemostatic effect and one active monomer with synergistic hemostatic effect were screened through plasma recalcification time, and their combinations were used as candidate HECG for hemostatic effect verification. The results of in vitro experiments showed that plasma recalcification time and in vitro coagulation time were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the HECG group, compared to the PNE group. The results of in vivo experiment also indicated that the hemostatic effect of HECG was comparable to that of PNE and PN powder.

CONCLUSION

The composition and efficacy of the HECG of PN were screened and verified using the spectral correlation method and in vivo and in vitro efficacy verification; the HECG included Dencichine, Ginsenoside Rg1, Ginsenoside Rd, Ginsenoside Rh1, Ginsenoside F1, Notoginsenoside R1, Notoginsenoside Ft1 and Notoginsenoside Fe. These results laid a foundation for the quality evaluation of PN and provided a reference for the basic research of pharmacodynamic material basis of other TCMs.

Akt-mediated mitochondrial metabolism regulates proplatelet formation and platelet shedding post vasopressin exposure

BACKGROUND

Platelet shedding from mature megakaryocytes (MKs) in thrombopoiesis is the critical step for elevating circulating platelets fast and efficiently, however, the underlying mechanism is still not well-illustrated, and the therapeutic targets and candidates are even less.

OBJECTIVES

In order to investigate the mechanisms for platelet shedding after vasopressin treatment and find new therapeutic targets for thrombocytopenia.

METHODS

Platelet production was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro after arginine vasopressin (AVP) administration. The underlying biological mechanism of AVP-triggered thrombopoiesis were then investigated by a series of molecular and bioinformatics techniques.

RESULTS

it is observed that proplatelet formation and platelet shedding in the final stages of thrombopoiesis promoted by AVP, an endogenous hormone, can quickly increases peripheral platelets. This rapid elevation is thus able to speed up platelet recovery after radiation as expected. The mechanism analysis reveal that proplatelet formation and platelet release from mature MKs facilitated by AVP is mainly mediated by Akt-regulated mitochondrial metabolism. In particular, phosphorylated Akt regulates mitochondrial metabolism through driving the association of hexokinase-2 with mitochondrial voltage dependent anion channel-1 in AVP-mediated thrombopoiesis. Further studies suggest that this interaction is stabilized by IκBα, the expression of which is controlled by insulin-regulated membrane aminopeptidase.

CONCLUSION

these data demonstrate that phosphorylated Akt-mediated mitochondrial metabolism regulates platelet shedding from MKs in response to AVP, which will provide new therapeutic targets and further drug discovery clues for thrombocytopenia treatment.

Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds in attenuating renal injury via regulating autophagy in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, and there is a lack of effective treatment strategies. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process that maintains homeostasis and energy balance by removing protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated autophagy may contribute to glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions in the kidney under diabetic conditions. Emerging studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds may ameliorate diabetic kidney injury by regulating autophagy. In this review, we summarize that dysregulation or insufficiency of autophagy in renal cells, including podocytes, glomerular mesangial cells, and proximal tubular epithelial cells, is a key mechanism for the development of DKD, and focus on the protective effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds. Moreover, we systematically reviewed the mechanism of autophagy in DKD regulated by Chinese herb compound preparations, single herb and active compounds, so as to provide new drug candidates for clinical treatment of DKD. Finally, we also reviewed the candidate targets of Chinese herbal medicine regulating autophagy for DKD. Therefore, further research on Chinese herbal medicine with autophagy regulation and their targets is of great significance for the realization of new targeted therapies for DKD.

Bidirectional effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The bidirectional property of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was recorded in the classic work Medicine Origin (Yi Xue Qi Yuan) as early as the Jin and Yuan dynasties of ancient China. Since then, this imperative theory has been applied to guide the clinical application of TCMs. Studies have been performed to investigate this phenomenon only over the last three decades. A limited number of reviews on the bidirectional role of TCMs have been published, and almost all current studies are published in the Chinese language.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide the first comprehensive evidence regarding the bidirectional effects and the underlying mechanisms of TCMs and their active compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information relevant to opposing pharmacological activities or opposing properties exerted by TCM prescriptions, herbal medicines, and their active compound, as well as their mechanisms was summarized by searching Chinese and English databases, including the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library.

RESULTS

Although the bidirectional regulation of TCMs has been applied in the clinic since ancient times in China, only limited reviews have been published in Chinese. The existing data showed that bidirectional effects can be found in TCM prescriptions, herbal medicines, and pure active compounds. Additionally, the bidirectional role of TCMs was primarily reported in the modulation of immune function, blood circulation and hemostasis, gastrointestinal motility, the central nervous system and blood pressure. This may because the therapeutic outcomes of these disorders are more obvious than those of other complicated diseases. Intriguingly, some herbal medicines have multiple bidirectional activities; for instance, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer showed bidirectional regulation of immune function and the central nervous system; Astragalus membranaceus can bidirectionally regulate blood pressure and immune function; and Rheum officinale Baill exerts bidirectional effects on blood circulation and hemostasis, gastrointestinal motility and immune function. The mechanisms underlying the bidirectional effects of TCMs are largely attributed to the complexity of herbal constituents, dosage differences, the processing of herbal medicine, and compatibility of medicines, the physiological conditions of patients and adaptogenic effects.

CONCLUSION

Uncovering the bidirectional effects and mechanisms of TCMs is of great importance for both scientific research and clinical applications. This review may help to facilitate the recognition of the bidirectional role of TCMs, to explain some seemingly-opposite phenomena in the pharmacological study of herbal medicines and to provide guidance for TCM practitioners.

Hemostatic Effect of 20(S)-Panaxadiol by Induced Platelet Aggregation Depending on Calcium Signaling Pathway

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is the most traditional hemostatic herb in China. Our previous research found that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol showed the hemostatic effect. And 20(S)-panaxadiol (PD) has a similar structure to 20(S)-protopanaxadiol with a dammarane skeleton. So, this article mainly studies the hemostatic effect of PD. The mouse tail amputation and liver scratch models were used to detect the hemostatic effect of PD. Blood routine and plasma coagulation parameters were measured by using a blood analyzer. The platelet aggregometer analyzed the platelet aggregation rate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration. Moreover, the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), P-selectin (CD62P), PAC-1 (GP IIb/IIIa receptor marker), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) of platelets were also detected. The results showed that PD obviously shortened the bleeding time of the model mouse, affected the RBC and PLT parameters of rats, reduced APTT and TT, elevated FIB concentration, and promoted human/rat-washed platelet aggregation in vitro. PD promoted the release of ATP and [Ca²⁺]_i and slightly increased the expression of CD62P and PAC-1 of platelets without 1 mM Ca²⁺. After adding 1 mM Ca²⁺, PD obviously increased ATP releasing and CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa expression rate and decreased the cAMP level of platelets. These parameter changes of PD-caused platelet were inhibited by vorapaxar. Besides, PD increased the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (PI3K/Akt/GSK3β) of human platelets. PD is an important hemostatic ingredient in Panax notoginseng, which induced platelet aggregation by affecting the calcium signaling and activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.

Hemostatic Effect of 20(S)-Panaxadiol by Induced Platelet Aggregation Depending on Calcium Signaling Pathway

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is the most traditional hemostatic herb in China. Our previous research found that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol showed the hemostatic effect. And 20(S)-panaxadiol (PD) has a similar structure to 20(S)-protopanaxadiol with a dammarane skeleton. So, this article mainly studies the hemostatic effect of PD. The mouse tail amputation and liver scratch models were used to detect the hemostatic effect of PD. Blood routine and plasma coagulation parameters were measured by using a blood analyzer. The platelet aggregometer analyzed the platelet aggregation rate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration. Moreover, the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), P-selectin (CD62P), PAC-1 (GP IIb/IIIa receptor marker), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) of platelets were also detected. The results showed that PD obviously shortened the bleeding time of the model mouse, affected the RBC and PLT parameters of rats, reduced APTT and TT, elevated FIB concentration, and promoted human/rat-washed platelet aggregation in vitro. PD promoted the release of ATP and [Ca2+]i and slightly increased the expression of CD62P and PAC-1 of platelets without 1 mM Ca2+. After adding 1 mM Ca2+, PD obviously increased ATP releasing and CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa expression rate and decreased the cAMP level of platelets. These parameter changes of PD-caused platelet were inhibited by vorapaxar. Besides, PD increased the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (PI3K/Akt/GSK3β) of human platelets. PD is an important hemostatic ingredient in Panax notoginseng, which induced platelet aggregation by affecting the calcium signaling and activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.

Platelet-Acute Leukemia Interactions

Acute leukemia (AL) is a hematological malignancy with high morbidity and mortality that is caused by abnormal hematopoietic stem cells. AL can change the parameters, quality, and function of platelets through numerous mechanisms, resulting in bleeding and even death in AL patients. Hence, AL patients are often clinically treated using normal platelet transfusion. However, studies have found that platelets can also affect AL cells. This review discusses the changes occurring in platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, reticulated platelets, platelet membrane glycoprotein, platelet aggregation, and activation in AL patients, the causes of these changes, and the possible significance of these changes for patient prognosis. The effects of platelets on the proliferation and drug resistance of AL cells are also discussed.

Hirsutine, a novel megakaryopoiesis inducer, promotes thrombopoiesis via MEK/ERK/FOG1/TAL1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Thrombocytopenia (TP) remains a challenge in clinical hematology. TP may have serious consequences, such as recurrent skin and mucosal bleeding and increased risk of intracranial and internal organ hemorrhage. However, effective and safe therapeutic drugs for the long-term management of TP are still lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify more effective active compounds for TP therapy.

METHODS

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was used to confirm the medicinal species and chemical structure of Hirsutine (HS). The proliferation of HS was examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) assay on cells lines. The effect of HS on megakaryocyte differentiation was analyzed by evaluating the expression of CD41, CD42b, and DNA ploidy via flow cytometry (FCM). The morphology of megakaryocytes and intermediate cells was observed using an optical microscope. K562 cells were then stained with Giemsa and benzidine. qRT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of GATA-1, GATA-2, FOG-1, TAL-1, RUNX-1, NF-E2, and KLF-1 in K562 cells. Protein levels of the transcription factors were analyzed by western blotting. An MEK inhibitor was used to verify the relationship between the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and CD41/CD42b (FCM), FOG-1, and TAL-1. The Kunming thrombocytopenia mouse model was established by X-ray irradiation (4 Gy) and used to test HS activity and related hematopoietic organ index in vivo. Finally, computer simulations of molecular docking were used to predict the binding energies between HS-MEK and HS-ERK.

RESULTS

We preliminarily identified HS by screening a plant-sourced compound library for natural compounds with megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation (MKD/MKM)-promoting activity. We found that HS not only enhanced MKD/MKM of K562 and Meg01 cells, but also suppressed the decline of peripheral platelet levels in X-ray-induced myelosuppressive mice. In addition, HS promoted MKD via activation of MEK-ERK-FOG1/TAL1 signaling, which may be the key molecular mechanism of HS action in TP treatment. Molecular docking simulations further verified that HS targets the signaling protein MEK with high-affinity.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we report for the first time that hirsutine boosts MKD/MKM through the MEK/ERK/FOG1/TAL1 signaling pathway and thus represents a promising treatment option for TP.

Yunnan Baiyao Adjuvant Treatment for Patients with Hemoptysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat bleeding. We evaluated the efficacy of YNBY plus conventional pharmaceutical treatment (CPT) versus CPT alone in patients with hemoptysis.

Methods

A total of eight electronic databases were searched. The outcomes in the included studies were effective rate, hemoptysis volume, duration of hemoptysis and hospitalization, number of cases requiring endotracheal intubation, and adverse events (AEs). The studies were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias for included trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Thirteen RCTs were analyzed consisting of a total of 1379 patients. Treatment with YNBY + CPT had a greater effective rate than CPT alone (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.23; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), a lower hemoptysis volume (MD: −107.37; 95% CI: −121.69 to −93.06; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), a shorter duration of hemoptysis (MD: −2.70; 95% CI: −2.96 to 2.43; P < 0.001; I² = 0%) and hospitalization (MD: −2.38; 95% CI: −2.93 to −1.83; P < 0.001; I² = 9%), and a reduction in the incidence of AEs (RR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.51; P < 0.001; I² = 0%). YNBY + CPT treatment provided no significant difference in reducing the number of cases requiring endotracheal intubation compared to CPT alone (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.60; P=0.24; I² = 0%).

Conclusion

YNBY plus CPT showed better efficacy than CPT for patients with hemoptysis. Our study provides medical evidence for the efficacy and safety of YNBY for hemoptysis.

Rediscovering the Potential of Multifaceted Orphan Legume Grasspea- a Sustainable Resource With High Nutritional Values

The genus Lathyrus consists of more than 184 herbaceous annual and perennial species suitable for multifaceted sustainable food and feed production system in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The grasspea is a promising source of protein nutrition. However, its potential is not being utilized fully due to the presence of neurotoxin content (β-N-oxalyl-l-α, β diaminopropionic acid, β-ODAP), a causal agent of non-reversible lower limbs paralysis. The high protein contents in seeds and leaves with ~90% digestibility make it sustainable super food to beat protein malnutrition in future. Therefore, it is desired to breed new grasspea cultivars with low β-ODAP contents. Limited research has been carried out to date about this feature. A draft genome sequence of grasspea has been recently published that is expected to play a vital role in breeding and identifying the genes responsible for biosynthesis pathway of β-ODAP contents in grasspea. Efforts to increase awareness about the importance of genus Lathyrus and detoxify β-ODAP in grasspea are desired and are in progress. Presently, in South Asia, systematic and dedicated efforts to support the farmers in the grasspea growing regions by disseminating low β-ODAP varieties has resulted in a considerable improvement in reducing the incidence of neurolathyrism. It is expected that the situation will improve further by mainstreaming grasspea cultivation by implementing different approaches such as the development and use of low β-ODAP varieties, strengthening government policies and improved detox methods. The present review provides insight into the multifaceted characteristics of sustainable nutritious grasspea in the global and Indian perspective.

PanaxGDB: A Comprehensive Platform for Panax

The genus Panax is a valuable natural medicinal source used worldwide that contains high levels of triterpenoid saponins with extensive pharmacological activities. In past decades, molecular biotechnology and breeding techniques have been respectively used to generate omics data and information on cultivars primarily from Panax ginseng (ginseng), Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) to biosynthesize valuable saponins, improve product quality, and conduct cost-controlled cultivation. Although much data have been produced, there are concerns that redundant data might be generated and that relatively scattered data might be overlooked. Therefore, many scientists desire a reliable, comprehensive omics database of the Panax genus that could save time and promote integrated analysis. Therefore, to provide all-inclusive, reliable, and valuable information on the Panax genus, PanaxGDB, an open comprehensive database that integrates data on omics and information on varieties, was established. The database contains information on nearly 600 compounds from 12 Panax species, draft genomic sequences with annotations and gene expression levels, single nucleotide polymorphisms, genome-wide association analysis based on agronomic traits, globally collected germplasm information, summaries, omics data of the Panax genus, and online versatile analytic tools. The Panax genus database will be updated when new data are released to continue serving as a central portal to boost research on the biology and functions of Panax. PanaxGDB is available at: http://panaxGDB.ynau.edu.cn.

Photobiomodulation therapy for thrombocytopenia by upregulating thrombopoietin expression via the ROS-dependent Src/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) can increase the risk of bleeding, which may delay or prevent the administration of anticancer treatment schedules. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a non-invasive physical treatment, has been proposed to improve thrombocytopenia; however, its underlying regulatory mechanism is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the mechanism of thrombopoietin (TPO) in megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.

METHODS

Multiple approaches such as western blotting, cell transfection, flow cytometry, and animal studies were utilized to explore the effect and mechanism of PBMT on thrombopoiesis.

RESULTS

PBMT prevented a severe drop in platelet count by increasing platelet production, and then ameliorated CIT. Mechanistically, PBMT significantly upregulated hepatic TPO expression in a thrombocytopenic mouse model, which promoted megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. The levels of TPO mRNA and protein increased by PBMT via the Src/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatic cells. Furthermore, the generation of the reactive oxygen species was responsible for PBMT-induced activation of Src and its downstream target effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggests that PBMT is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CIT.

Dencichine prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss and inhibits osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANKL-associated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

AIMS

To investigate the effect of dencichine on osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis were treated with different concentrations of dencichine. Pit forming assays were applied to evaluate the degree of bone resorption. Osteoclastogenic markers were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Micro CT was conducted to investigate the effects of dencichine on osteoclastogenesis in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.

RESULTS

Dencichine suppressed osteoclastogenesis through the inhibition of phosphorylation of p65, p50 (NF-κB pathway), p38, ERK and JNK (MAPKs pathway) in vitro. Furthermore, dencichine inhibited the function of osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression levels of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and osteoclastogenesis markers were decreased by dencichine, including MMP-9, Cathepsin K (CTSK), Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP), C-FOS, dendritic cell specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). In vivo data proved that dencichine alleviated ovariectomy-induced bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that dencichine alleviates OVX-induced bone loss in mice and inhibits RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in vitro, suggesting that dencichine might serve as a promising candidate for treatment of bone loss diseases, including PMOP and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ibrutinib Suppresses Early Megakaryopoiesis but Enhances Proplatelet Formation

Ibrutinib, an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, has a favorable safety profile in patients with B cell-related malignancies. A primary adverse effect of ibrutinib is thrombocytopenia in the early stages of treatment, but platelet counts increase or recover as treatment continues. Currently, the effects of ibrutinib on megakaryopoiesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which ibrutinib induces thrombocytopenia using cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), a human megakaryoblastic cell line (SET-2), and C57BL/6 mice. We show that treatment with ibrutinib can suppress CD34+ HSC differentiation into megakaryocytes (MKs) and decrease the number of colony-forming unit-MKs (CFU-MKs). The ibrutinib-dependent inhibition of early megakaryopoiesis seems to mainly involve impaired proliferation of progenitor cells without induction of apoptosis. The effects of ibrutinib on late-stage megakaryopoiesis, in contrast to early-stage megakaryopoiesis, include enhanced MK differentiation, ploidy, and proplatelet formation in CD34+ HSC-derived MKs and SET-2 cells. We also demonstrated that MK adhesion and spreading, but not migration, were inhibited by ibrutinib. Furthermore, we revealed that integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling in MKs was inhibited by ibrutinib. Consistent with previous clinical observations, in C57BL/6 mice treated with ibrutinib, platelet counts decreased by days 2 to 7 and recovered to normal levels by day 15. Together, these results reveal the pathogenesis of ibrutinib-induced transient thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, ibrutinib suppresses early megakaryopoiesis, as evidenced by inhibition of MK progenitor cell proliferation and CFU-MK formation. Ibrutinib enhances MK differentiation, ploidy, and proplatelet formation, while it impairs integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling.

Platelet Protease Activated Receptor 1 Is Involved in the Hemostatic Effect of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol by Regulating Calcium Signaling

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen has long been used to stop bleeding for hundreds of years in China. At present, only dencichine, notoginsenoside Ft1, and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) showed hemostatic effect. However, the molecular mechanism of PPD on the platelet aggragetion needs to be further investigated. The study aims to evaluate the hemostatic effect of PPD and reveal its interacting targets using a series of experiments. In this study, the bleeding time was measured in mouse tail amputation and liver scratch models to evaluate hemostatic effect of PPD. The routine blood and plasma coagulation parameters in NS, HC, and PPD (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg) groups were measured using a blood analyzer. Platelet aggregation rate and ATP release were analyzed by a platelet aggregometer. Subsequently, the degranulation marker CD62P and PAC-1, and the concentrations of cytosolic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i), cAMP, cGMP, and PAC-1 expressions were also assessed. We found that PPD shorted the bleeding time on the mouse tail amputation and liver scratch models and mainly increased blood platelet count in the rats after subcutaneous injection for 4 h. Meanwhile, PPD decreased APTT, increased FIB content, and directly induced platelet aggregation in vitro. In the absence of Ca²⁺, PPD induced the increase of [Ca²⁺]_i and slightly increased the levels of CD62P and PAC-1. After the addition of 1 mM Ca²⁺, PPD treatment markedly promoted platelet activation by promoting ATP level, releasing CD62P and increasing PAC-1 binding in washed platelets. Excitingly, PPD-induced changes including platelet aggregation, decreased cAMP content, and the increases of CD62P and PAC-1 were significantly reversed by protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) antagonist, vorapaxar, which showed similar function as thrombin. In addition, molecular docking analysis and ELISA assay demonstrated that PPD had a promising docking score with -6.6 kcal/mol and increased PAR-1 expression in human platelets, which indicated that PAR-1 is involved in PPD-induced platelet aggregation by regulating calcium signaling. Collectively, our study could provide the new insights of PPD as an essential hemostatic ingredient in Panax notoginseng for the treatment of hemorrhagic disease.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): orphan crop, nutraceutical or just plain food?

Although grass pea is an environmentally successful robust legume with major traits of interest for food and nutrition security, the genetic potential of this orphan crop has long been neglected. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a Neolithic plant that has survived millennia of cultivation and has spread over three continents. It is a robust legume crop that is considered one of the most resilient to climate changes and to be survival food during drought-triggered famines. The hardy penetrating root system allows the cultivation of grass pea in various soil types, including marginal ones. As an efficient nitrogen fixer, it meets its own nitrogen requirements and positively benefits subsequent crops. However, already in ancient India and Greece, overconsumption of the seeds and a crippling neurological disorder, later coined neurolathyrism, had been linked. Overemphasis of their suspected toxic properties has led to disregard the plant's exceptionally positive agronomic properties and dietary advantages. In normal socio-economic and environmental situations, in which grass pea is part of a balanced diet, neurolathyrism is virtually non-existent. The etiology of neurolathyrism has been oversimplified and the deficiency in methionine in the diet has been overlooked. In view of the global climate change, this very adaptable and nutritious orphan crop deserves more attention. Grass pea can become a wonder crop if the double stigma on its reputation as a toxic plant and as food of the poor can be disregarded. Additionally, recent research has exposed the potential of grass pea as a health-promoting nutraceutical. Development of varieties with an improved balance in essential amino acids and diet may be relevant to enhance the nutritional value without jeopardizing the multiple stress tolerance of this promising crop.