Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction Attenuates PM2.5 Induced Lung Injury via Inhibiting HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB Signal Pathway in Rat

Qiju Dihuang Pill protects the lens epithelial cells via alleviating cuproptosis in diabetic cataract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qiju Dihuang Pill (QDP) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of eye diseases. Novel literature reports that copper-induced cell death, called as cuproptosis, is a copper-dependent and differs distinctly from other types of cell death.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to investigate whether QDP could protect lens epithelial cells via alleviating copper-induced death in diabetic cataract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The different concentration of QDP medicated serum was administrated on high glucose (HG)-induced human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). The copper concentration was tested using Elabscience Copper Assay kit. The proliferation was detected using CCK-8 and EdU assays. The molecular binding was identified using RIP-PCR and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Results indicated that HG culture condition triggered the copper concentration and repressed the proliferation of HLECs. Then, the elesclomol-Cu (Es-Cu) administration up-regulated the copper concentration and inhibited the proliferation, and cuproptosis inhibitor tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) could specifically reverse the consequence. QDP treatment reduced the copper concentration and cuproptosis-related genes (SLC31A1, FDX1). MeRIP-Seq and RIP-PCR confirmed that QDP reduced the stability of SLC31A1 mRNA through m6A modified site, and copper actually synergized the molecular binding efficiency. Rescue assay verified the role of QDP and SLC31A1 on HLECs' cuproptosis characteristic.

CONCLUSION

This research identified the protective role of QDP on HG-induced HLECs in DC through decreasing m6A/SLC31A1-mediated cuproptosis in DC. This finding provides novel insights into mechanisms for QDP and sheds light on the multifaceted role of traditional prescription on DC.

The effects of fine particulate matter on the blood-testis barrier and its potential mechanisms

With the rapid expansion of industrial scale, an increasing number of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has bringing health concerns. Although exposure to PM2.5 has been clearly associated with male reproductive toxicity, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Recent studies demonstrated that exposure to PM2.5 can disturb spermatogenesis through destroying the blood-testis barrier (BTB), consisting of different junction types, containing tight junctions (TJs), gap junctions (GJs), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and desmosomes. The BTB is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers among mammals, which isolating germ cells from hazardous substances and immune cell infiltration during spermatogenesis. Therefore, once the BTB is destroyed, hazardous substances and immune cells will enter seminiferous tubule and cause adversely reproductive effects. In addition, PM2.5 also has shown to cause cells and tissues injury via inducing autophagy, inflammation, sex hormones disorder, and oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanisms of the disruption of the BTB, induced by PM2.5, are still unclear. It is suggested that more research is required to identify the potential mechanisms. In this review, we aim to understand the adverse effects on the BTB after exposure to PM2.5 and explore its potential mechanisms, which provides novel insight into accounting for PM2.5-induced BTB injury.

Qiqilian ameliorates vascular endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3-ASC inflammasome activation in vivo and in vitro

CONTEXT

Previous studies have highlighted significant therapeutic effects of Qiqilian (QQL) capsule on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs); however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.

OBEJECTIVE

We investigated the potential mechanism by which QQL improves hypertension-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, SHRs were divided into four groups (20 per group) and were administered gradient doses of QQL (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg) for 8 weeks, while Wistar Kyoto rats were used as normal control. The vascular injury extent, IL-1β and IL-18 levels, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 contents were examined. In vitro, the effects of QQL-medicated serum on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced inflammatory and autophagy in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed.

RESULT

Compared with the SHR group, QQL significantly decreased thickness (125.50 to 105.45 μm) and collagen density (8.61 to 3.20%) of arterial vessels, and reduced serum IL-1β (96.25 to 46.13 pg/mL) and IL-18 (345.01 to 162.63 pg/mL) levels. The NLRP3 and ACS expression in arterial vessels were downregulated (0.21- and 0.16-fold, respectively) in the QQL-HD group compared with the SHR group. In vitro, QQL treatment restored NLRP3 and ASC expression, which was downregulated approximately 2-fold compared with that of AngII-induced HUVECs. Furthermore, QQL decreased LC3II and increased p62 contents (p < 0.05), indicating a reduction in autophagosome accumulation. These effects were inhibited by the autophagy agonist rapamycin and enhanced by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine.

CONCLUSION

QQL effectively attenuated endothelial injury and inflammation by inhibiting AngII-induced excessive autophagy, which serves as a potential therapeutic strategy for hypertension.

The Notorious Triumvirate in Pediatric Health: Air Pollution, Respiratory Allergy, and Infection

A plausible association is suspected among air pollution, respiratory allergic disorder, and infection. These three factors could cause uncontrollable chronic inflammation in the airway tract, creating a negative impact on the physiology of the respiratory system. This review aims to understand the underlying pathophysiology in explaining the association among air pollution, respiratory allergy, and infection in the pediatric population and to capture the public's attention regarding the interaction among these three factors, as they synergistically reduce the health status of children living in polluted countries globally, including Indonesia.

Poldip2 knockdown protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via Nox4/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Polymerase δ-interacting protein 2 (Poldip2) has been reported to mediate acute lung injury (ALI); however, the underlying mechanism is not fully explored. Male C57BL/6 mice and A549 cells were used to establish the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI model, then the expression of Poldip2 and its effect on oxidative stress and the resulting inflammation were detected. Adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) mediated Poldip2 knockdown was transfected into mice via intratracheal atomization. And A549 cells stimulated with LPS was used to further confirm our hypothesis in vitro. ML385, specifically inhibited the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our data suggested that LPS stimulation remarkably increased protein levels of Nox4 and p-P65, activities of NADPH and MPO, and generation of ROS, TNF-α, and IL-1β while decreased protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with those in NC shRNA + Saline group, which were obviously reversed by Poldip2 knockdown. Concomitantly, Poldip2 knockdown dramatically reduced contents of MDA and enhanced activities of SOD and GSH-Px compared to NC shRNA + LPS group. In vitro, we found that knockdown of Poldip2 significantly reversed LPS-induced increase protein levels of Nox4 and p-P65, activity of NADPH, and generation of ROS, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and decrease protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1, ML385 pretreatment reversed the effects of Poldip2 knockdown mentioned above. Our study indicated that Poldip2 knockdown alleviates LPS-induced ALI via inhibiting Nox4/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Sesamin Ameliorates Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Lung Injury via Suppression of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Rats

Lung damage can be caused by fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Thus, effective prevention strategies for PM_2.5-induced lung injury are urgently required. Sesamin (Ses) is a natural polyphenolic compound that has attracted considerable attention of researchers because of its wide range of pharmacological activities. The present study aims to elucidate whether Ses pretreatment could alleviate PM_2.5-induced lung damage and identify its possible mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally dosed with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and different concentrations of Ses once a day for 21 days. Then, the rats of the PM_2.5 exposure group and Ses-treated group were exposed to PM_2.5 by intratracheal instillation every 2 days for 1 week. Biomarkers associated with lung injury were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung tissue was collected for histology, inflammation, oxidative stress, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Our results showed that PM_2.5 exposure could cause pathological changes in lung tissue and increase levels of TP, AKP, and ALB in BALF. Meanwhile, exposure to PM_2.5 can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs. In addition, Ses pretreatment could ameliorate histopathological injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by PM_2.5 exposure. It could also inhibit PM_2.5-induced apoptosis and upregulation of autophagy-associated proteins. Collectively, our study indicated that Ses pretreatment could ameliorate PM_2.5-induced lung damage via inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy in rats.

Alterations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression in RAW264.7 cell damage induced by two samples of PM2.5 with different compositions

Fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been demonstrated by previous studies to be associated with cell damage. To explore the impact of the composition of PM2.5 on PM2.5-mediated inflammation, this study investigated the composition of PM2.5 collected during the wintertime indoor heating season and observed its inflammatory effect. Samples were collected during the heating season from December 5, 2017, to January 8, 2018, in Xi'an. Compositions of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and water-soluble ions were analysed. Two representative samples (sample 1 and 2) were selected with significant differences in compositions. They were configured into four concentrations (0.1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL) and used as interventions on RAW264.7 cells for 4 h and 24 h separately. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene and protein expression levels were detected by real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The results showed that the cell viability of sample 1 intervened cells at 4 h and 24 h was lower than that of sample 2. IL-1β gene in most PM2.5 intervention groups was lower than in the control group. Protein expression was higher at 4 h than at 24 h. In conclusion, PM2.5 components influence cell viability and expression of IL-1β and TNF-α, while high concentrations of NO3-, Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and others in the PM2.5 composition have a significant harmful effect.

Pathogenic Mechanisms of Secondary Organic Aerosols

Air pollution represents a major health problem and an economic burden. In recent years, advances in air pollution research has allowed particle fractionation and identification of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). SOA is formed from either biogenic or anthropogenic emissions, through a mass transfer from the gaseous mass to the particulate phase in the atmosphere. They can have deleterious impact on health and the mortality of individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases. The pleiotropic effects of SOA could involve different and interconnected pathogenic mechanisms ranging from oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune system dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to present recent findings about SOA pathogenic roles and potential underlying mechanisms focusing on the lungs; the latter being the primary exposed organ to atmospheric pollutants.

Toxicological effects of traffic-related air pollution on the lungs: Evidence, biomarkers and intervention

BACKGROUND

Numerous epidemiological studies have recently observed that exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with increased risk of various respiratory diseases. Major gaps in knowledge remain regarding the toxicological effects.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the toxicological effects of the gasoline exhaust particles (GEP), a paradigm of TRAP, in rats, with an objective to provide the evidence, obtain the biomarkers, and suggest effective intervention measure.

METHODS

We measured the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histological changes in the lung tissues, and the biomarkers so as to systematically examine the toxicological effects of GEPs at different dose levels (0.5, 2.5, 5 mg/kg BW). The intervention of vitamin E (VE), a natural antioxidant, on the toxicological effects was investigated.

RESULTS

The lung injury caused by GEP exposure was first indicated by the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Compared with the control group, GEP exposure significantly increased the airway resistances and decreased the lung compliance; the higher the dose of GEP, the more serious the lung injury. Lung injury was also revealed by the increase of inflammatory cells, including the lymphocytes and neutrophils, in the BAL fluid. With the increase of GEP dose, histological changes in the lung tissues were further observed: inflammatory cell infiltration increased and alveolar wall thickened. The toxicology of GEP was demonstrated by the increase of the biomarkers of the oxidative stress, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and the apoptosis cytokine. However, administration of VE was found to be effective in restoring airway injury.

CONCLUSION

The toxicological effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on rat lungs are supported by evidence and biomarkers, and vitamin E intervention is feasible.

Gu-Ben-Zhi-Ke-Zhong-Yao Alleviated PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury via HMGB1/NF-κB Axis

Background

Inhalation of particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) among air pollutants may cause lung damage. Gu-Ben-Zhi-Ke-Zhong-Yao (GBZK) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription that has a beneficial effect on the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of GBZK on PM2.5-induced lung injury remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We constructed a mice lung injury model through PM2.5 stimulation and simultaneously performed GBZK gavage treatment. After 4 weeks, the lung tissues of the mice were collected for pathological staining to analyze the degree of damage. The activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress-related factors (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px) were detected by commercial kit in lung tissue. Furthermore, the number of neutrophils and related inflammatory factors (interleukin-1, IL-1β; tumor necrosis factor α, TNF-α; interleukin-6, IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were collected and tested to evaluate the effect of GBZK on inflammation. Masson staining was used to detect the level of lung fibrosis in mice. The activation of HMGB1 (high-mobility group protein 1) and NFκBp65 (nucleus factor kappa B) in lung tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot.

Results

The result revealed that PM2.5 induces lung damage, and GBZK gavage treatment could reduce the degree of injury in a concentration-dependent manner in mice. After GBZK treatment, the MPO activity, MDA content, and oxidative stress level in the lung tissues of mice decreased. And after GBZK treatment, the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in BALF and blood were decreased. GBZK treatment also improved pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In addition, we also found that GBZK prevented the up-regulation of the HMGB1/NF-κB axis in the lungs of mice.

Conclusion

These results indicated that GBZK might protect mice from PM2.5-induced lung injury by inhibiting the HMGB1/NFκB pathway, thus repressing inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis.

Synergistic effect of Mahaenggamseok-tang in the treatment of pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infections: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infants are often hospitalized because of lower respiratory tract infections, and overuse of antibiotics to treat such infections has led to severe problems. Herbal medicines may be more effective and safer than antibiotics. Mahaenggamseok-tang is a common herbal medicine in Asia, but the evidence for its effectiveness in lower respiratory tract infection treatment is insufficient. This review assesses the efficacy of Mahaenggamseok-tang in treating lower respiratory tract infections.

METHODS

The study used Chinese, English, and Korean databases, as well as one Japanese database. All included studies were randomized controlled trials comparing Mahaenggamseok-tang with medication to treat lower respiratory tract infections. Studies using Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine were also included. Standardized mean difference (SMD), risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and risk of bias were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The GRADEpro website was used to assess the reviews.

RESULTS

Seventeen randomized controlled trials with a total of 1993 participants were included in the meta-analysis. All studies compared the Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine group to the Western medicine only group. Meta-analysis showed that Mahaenggamseok-tang affected total effective rate (risk ratio: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.31, P < .001), cough disappearance time (SMD: -1.62, 95% CI: -2.30 to -0.95, P < .001), fever disappearance time (SMD: -2.04, 95% CI: -2.87 to -1.21, P < .001), abnormal lung sound disappearance time (SMD: -1.68, 95% CI: -2.43 to -0.93, P < .001), Creactive protein (SMD: -3.18, 95% CI: -4.36 to -1.99, P < .001), procalcitonin (SMD: -5.04, 95% CI: -9.20 to -0.88, P < .05), tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD: -0.84, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.23, P < .01), IgE (SMD: -2.69, 95% CI: -2.91 to -2.47, P < .001), and adverse events (risk ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.68, P < .001), but not interleukin-6 (SMD: -1.59, 95% CI: -3.48 to 0.30, P>.05).

DISCUSSION

Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine is more effective and safer than Western medicine alone for treating lower respiratory tract infections. However, the included randomized controlled trials were not randomized well; therefore, better randomized randomized controlled trials are needed to make significant recommendations.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020165698.

Melatonin protects against PM2.5-induced lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis of lung epithelial cells in a Nrf2-dependent manner

PM2.5 refers to ambient air particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 µm, which has been a global environmental problem threatening public health in recent years. Melatonin serving as one of the predominant hormones secreted by the pineal gland displays multiple pharmacological properties in various diseases. However, little is known about the possible effects of melatonin in the development of lung injury induced by PM2.5. This study was designed to explore the potential roles of melatonin as well as its possible mechanisms in PM2.5-induced lung injury. In the present study, mice were intratracheally instilled with PM2.5 dissolved in sterile water to induce lung injury with or without intragastric administration of melatonin. The results showed that melatonin treatment significantly alleviated lung pathological injury and edema, apart from inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration. Meantime, melatonin also decreased the makers of ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation products in lung tissues challenged with PM2.5. Additionally, melatonin promoted the nuclear translocation and expression of Nrf2 and the protein degradation of Keap1. However, the pulmonary protection and anti-ferroptosis effect of melatonin were counteracted in Nrf2-deficiency mice. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that Nrf2 knockdown could offset anti-ferroptosis effect of melatonin in MLE-12 lung epithelial cells. Taken together, our study disclosed that melatonin could relieve PM2.5-induced lung injury via inhibiting ferroptosis of lung epithelial cells by activating Nrf2. Hence, melatonin may be a promising candidate against lung injury associated with air particulate matter.

Gestational exposure to PM2.5 leads to cognitive dysfunction in mice offspring via promoting HMGB1-NLRP3 axis mediated hippocampal inflammation

PM_2.5 is recently identified as a kind of material possessing severe biohazard. It can enter human body and exerts pathological effects on lung, eyes, and the central nervous system (CNS). Maternal exposure to PM_2.5 can affect neural development and cause cognitive decline in offspring, with the underlying mechanisms unclear, however. The inflammasome monitors and responds to biological stressors, with HMGB1-NLRP3 inflammatory axis as an essential pathophysiological player outside the brain. The present work is to investigate its role in cognitive impairment induced by gestational exposure to PM_2.5 in mice offspring. We found that HMGB1-NLRP3 pathway was activated in the hippocampus of mice offspring by gestational exposure to PM_2.5 in a dose-dependent manner, with protein levels of HMGB1, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1 as approximately three times as high as those of control. And down-regulating HMGB1 during pregnancy could alleviate the resultant impairment on learning and working memory as well as hippocampal neurons, up-regulate the synapse related proteins of SYP and PSD-95 and correct the increased expression of 5-HT2A to comparable levels to control, as well as inhibiting the activation of microglia and decreasing the expression of HMGB1 and Iba1/HMGB1 double positive cells in the hippocampus of mice offspring. Meanwhile, protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18, as well as TLR4, phosphorylated NF_-κB, and MAPKs, were almost down-regulated to those of control. Therefore, HMGB1 intervention inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated hippocampal inflammatory response through TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway, alleviating PM_2.5-induced cognitive dysfunction. Further in vitro results suggest that PM_2.5 can activate microglia and HMGB1-NLRP3 inflammatory axis. Pretreatment with HMGB1 inhibitor significantly reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB, and inhibited the inflammatory response mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome similarly to those in vivo. These results suggest that PM_2.5 exposure promotes the inflammatory response in hippocampus mediated by HMGB1-NLRP3 inflammatory axis in microglia, resulting in cognitive dysfunction in offspring, which could be alleviated by simultaneous HMGB1 suppression. These findings provide a theoretical basis for preventing cognitive impairment in offspring caused by environmental pollution during pregnancy.

Astragaloside IV Protects from PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury by Regulating Autophagy via Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling in vivo and in vitro

Introduction

Prolonged exposure to air polluted with airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can increase respiratory disease risk. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main bioactive substances in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. AS-IV has numerous pharmacological properties; whereas there are few reports on the prevention of PM2.5-induced lung injury by AS-IV through modulation of the autophagic pathway. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of AS-IV in PM2.5-induced lung injury rats and rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383 cells).

Methods

The pneumotoxicity model was established by intratracheal injection of PM2.5 in rats, and PM2.5 challenge in NR8383 cells. The severity of lung injury was evaluated by wet weight to dry weight ratio and McGuigan pathology scoring. Inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were detected through ELISA. The expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect autophagosomes. The expressions of autophagy marker protein (LC3B and p62), PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and NF-κB translocation were detected by Western blot in lung tissue and NR8383 cells.

Results

After PM2.5 stimulation, rats showed severe inflammation and oxidative stress, along with inhibition of autophagy in lung tissue. AS-IV not only decreased pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B translocation, but also regulated autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. After treatment with 3-methyladenine (a classic PI3K inhibitor, blocking the formation of autophagosomes), the protective effect of AS-IV on PM2.5-induced lung injury was further strengthened. In parallel, using Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrated that AS-IV restore autophagic flux mainly through regulating the degradation of autophagosomes rather than suppressing the formation in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that AS-IV protects from PM2.5-induced lung injury in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to regulate autophagy and inflammation.

MIR3142HG promotes lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating miR-450b-5p/HMGB1 axis

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential roles of MIR3142HG, a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). ALI was simulated by the treatment of LPS in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). The expression of MIR3142HG, miR-450b-5p and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was determined by real-time PCR and western blotting. Functional analysis was performed through the assessment of cell viability, apoptosis and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The interactions among MIR3142HG, miR-450b-5p and HMGB1 were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, the in vitro functions of MIR3142HG and miR-450b-5p were subsequently assessed. MIR3142HG expression was upregulated, while miR-450b-5p was decreased in LPS-treated HPMECs. MIR3142HG knockdown protected against ALI induced by LPS through alleviating the apoptosis and inflammation of HPMECs. MIR3142HG impaired miR-450b-5p-mediated inhibition of HMGB1. Besides, the effects of MIR3142HG silencing could be alleviated by miR-4262 inhibition or HMGB1 overexpression. MIR3142HG mediated LPS-induced injury of HPMECs by targeting miR-450b-5p/HMGB1, suggesting that MIR3142HG might serve as a therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALI.

Long non-coding RNA TUG1 promotes airway remodeling and mucus production in asthmatic mice through the microRNA-181b/HMGB1 axis

MicroRNA-181b (miR-181b) has been well noted with anti-inflammatory properties in several pathological conditions. It has also been suggested to be downregulated in patients with asthma. In this study, we explored the function of miR-181b in airway remodeling in asthmatic mice and the molecular mechanism. A mouse model with asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) challenge, and miR-181b was found to be downregulated in lung tissues in the OVA-challenged mice. Overexpression of miR-181b was introduced in mice, after which the respiratory resistance, inflammatory infiltration, mucus production, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in mouse airway tissues were decreased. The integrated bioinformatics analysis suggested long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 as a sponge for miR-181b. miR-181 directly targeted high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mRNA. HMGB1 was suggested to enhance activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Further upregulation of lncRNA TUG1 blocked the protective functions of miR-181b in asthmatic mice. To conclude, this study evidenced that lncRNA TUG1 reinforces HMGB1 expression through sequestering microRNA-181b, which activates the NF-κB signaling pathway and promotes airway remodeling in asthmatic mice. This study may provide novel ideas in asthma management.

Micro- and Nanosized Substances Cause Different Autophagy-Related Responses

With rapid industrialization, humans produce an increasing number of products. The composition of these products is usually decomposed. However, some substances are not easily broken down and gradually become environmental pollutants. In addition, these substances may cause bioaccumulation, since the substances can be fragmented into micro- and nanoparticles. These particles or their interactions with other toxic matter circulate in humans via the food chain or air. Whether these micro- and nanoparticles interfere with extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their similar sizes is unclear. Micro- and nanoparticles (MSs and NSs) induce several cell responses and are engulfed by cells depending on their size, for example, particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). Autophagy is a mechanism by which pathogens are destroyed in cells. Some artificial materials are not easily decomposed in organisms. How do these cells or tissues respond? In addition, autophagy operates through two pathways (increasing cell death or cell survival) in tumorigenesis. Many MSs and NSs have been found that induce autophagy in various cells and tissues. As a result, this review focuses on how these particles interfere with cells and tissues. Here, we review MSs, NSs, and PM2.5, which result in different autophagy-related responses in various tissues or cells.

REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage-1)/autophagy inhibition ameliorates fine particulate matter (PM2.5) -induced inflammation and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells

This study aimed to investigate the implication of REDD1 on airborne particle matter-induced lung injury and whether it is mediated through autophagy. Cell viability in BEAS-2B cells induced by PM2.5 was measured by CCK-8. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to determine mRNA and protein levels of REDD1 as well as inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Cell apoptosis was observed with TUNEL staining. The expression of autophagy-related genes was detected by Western blot. Autophagy level was observed with GFP-LC3 staining. PM2.5 induced the expression of REDD1 in BEAS-2B cells. The inhibition by silencing REDD1 ameliorated the viability damage, blocked the inflammatory response and reduced the number of apoptotic BEAS-2B cells all induced by PM2.5. It was also found that PM2.5 induced autophagy in BEAS-2B cells, which was reversed by interference with REDD1. Furthermore, interference with REDD1 alleviated PM2.5-induced cell damage, inflammatory response and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells through inhibiting autophagy. REDD1/autophagy inhibition ameliorates PM2.5-induced viability damage, inflammation and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells.

The treatment of asthma using the Chinese Materia Medica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asthma is a costly global health problem that negatively influences the quality of life of patients. The Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) contains remedies that have been used for the treatment of asthma for millennia. This article strives to systematically summarize the current research progress so that more comprehensive examinations of various databases related to CMM anti-asthma drugs, can be performed, so as to sequentially provide effective basic data for development and application of anti-asthma drugs based on the CMM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research data published over the past 20 years for asthma treatment based on traditional CMM remedies were retrieved and collected from libraries and online databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubChem Compound, Wan Fang, CNKI, Baidu, and Google Scholar). Information was also added from classic CMM, literature, conference papers on classic herbal formulae, and dissertations (PhD or Masters) based on traditional Chinese medicine.

RESULTS

This review systematically summarizes the experimental studies on the treatment of asthma with CMM, covering the effective chemical components, typical asthma models, important mechanisms and traditional anti-asthma CMM formulae. The therapy value of the CMM for anti-asthma is clarified, and the original data and theoretical research foundation are provided for the development of new anti-asthmatic data and research for the CMM.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial progress against asthma has been made through relevant experimental research based on the CMM. These advances improved the theoretical basis of anti-asthma drugs for CMM and provided a theoretical basis for the application of a asthma treatment that is unique. By compiling these data, it is expected that the CMM will now contain a clearer mechanism of action and a greater amount of practical data that can be used for future anti-asthma drug research.

PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammation via activating of the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced pulmonary inflammation has become a public concern in recent years. In which, the activation of the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway was closely related to the inflammatory response of various diseases. However, the promotion effect of the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway on PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammation remains largely unclear. Here, our data showed that PM2.5 exposure caused lung injury in the mice by which inflammatory cell infiltration occurred in lung and alveolar structure disorder. Meanwhile, the exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) to PM2.5 resulted in suppressed cell viability, as well as elevated cell apoptosis. Moreover, a higher level of inflammatory cytokine and activation of the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway in PM2.5-induced inflammation mice models and 16HBE cells. Mechanistically, pretreatment with MCC950, a NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway inhibitor, prevented PM2.5-induced lung injury, inflammatory response, and the number of inflammatory cells in BALFs, as well as promoted cell viability and decreased inflammatory cytokine secretion. Collectively, our findings indicated that the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway serves a vital role in the pathological changes of pulmonary inflammation caused by PM2.5 exposure. MCC950 was expected to be the therapeutic target of PM2.5 inhalation mediated inflammatory diseases.

Astragaloside IV alleviates PM2.5-induced lung injury in rats by modulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Astragaloside IV (AS IV) is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory product, which is extracted from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus. It is widely used in a variety of inflammatory diseases. The research was to explored the protective effects of AS IV against lung injury induced by particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in vivo.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7 per group). (1) Normal saline group (NS), (2) AS IV group (AS) (100 mg/kg), (3) PM2.5 group (PM2.5), (4) PM2.5 + AS IV group (ASL) (50 mg/kg), and (5) PM2.5 + AS IVgroup (ASH) (100 mg/kg). Rats were pre-treated with AS IV intraperitoneally (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) for three days. Then, PM2.5 (7.5 mg/kg) was given by intratracheal instillation to induce lung injury. Six hours after PM2.5 stimulation, the rats were euthanized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for assay of cytokines. Lung tissue was collected for oxidative stress, histology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscope, and western blot analyses.

RESULTS

AS IV alleviated PM2.5-induced lung injury by decreasing lung dry-wet ratio, reducing the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in BALF, and reduced oxidative stress response in lung tissue. Western blot results revealed that AS-IV regulated the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway proteins in lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

AS IV mitigated PM2.5 induced lung injury by regulating the activity of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway, reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.

Relationship Between Pregnancy and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: A Single-Case Study

The relationship between pregnancy and autoimmune diseases is unclear. This study investigated the possible role of local immune changes and the activation state of the HMGB1/TLR4/Nf-κB/IL-6 pathway at the maternal–fetal interface during pregnancy in the pathogenesis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Clinical data and blood samples of a patient with ADEM were collected to observe the dynamic changes in lymphocyte populations after an abortion. The expression of HMGB1, TLR4, Nf-κB, AQP4, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in the fetal membrane and placenta was compared between the patient with pregnancy-related ADEM and a woman with a normal pregnancy using Real-time qPCR and western blotting (WB). The patient was diagnosed with ADEM in the early stage of pregnancy after showing limb weakness symptoms. In the third month of gestation, the symptoms worsened, with a disturbance of consciousness and breathing. After the abortion, the patient relapsed with vertigo and visual rotation. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry showed that B lymphocytes increased, while natural killer T lymphocytes decreased. WB and Real-time qPCR showed that the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, Nf-κB, AQP4, and IL-6 in the fetal membrane and placenta were higher in the patient with pregnancy-related ADEM than in the woman with a normal pregnancy, while those of IL-2 were lower in the patient than in the woman with a normal pregnancy. The local immune changes and the activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/Nf-κB/IL-6 pathway at the maternal–fetal interface may be related to the pathogenesis of ADEM.

Deciphering the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction against COVID-19 through Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Exploration

The outbreak of new infectious pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed a significant threat to public health, but specific medicines and vaccines are still being developed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has thousands of years of experience in facing the epidemic disease, such as influenza and viral pneumonia. In this study, we revealed the efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Ma Xing Shi Gan (MXSG) Decoction against COVID-19. First, we used liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) to analyze the chemical components in MXSG and identified a total of 97 components from MXSG. Then, the intervention pathway of MXSG based on these components was analyzed with network pharmacology, and it was found that the pathways related to the virus infection process were enriched in some of MXSG component targets. Simultaneously, through literature research, it was preliminarily determined that MXSG, which is an essential prescription for treating COVID-19, shared the feature of antiviral, improving clinical symptoms, regulating immune inflammation, and inhibiting lung injury. The regulatory mechanisms associated with its treatment of COVID-19 were proposed. That MXSG might directly inhibit the adsorption and replication of SARS-CoV-2 at the viral entry step. Besides, MXSG might play a critical role in inflammation and immune regulatory, that is, to prevent cytokine storm and relieve lung injury through toll-like receptors signaling pathway. Next, in this study, the regulatory effect of MXSG on inflammatory lung injury was validated through transcriptome results. In summary, MXSG is a relatively active and safe treatment for influenza and viral pneumonia, and its therapeutic effect may be attributed to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mahaenggamseok-tang, a herbal medicine, for lower respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the clinical evidence for or against Mahaenggamseok-tang (MHGT) as a treatment for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in pediatric patients.

METHOD

This systematic review will include randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of MHGT, as a treatment for LRTIs, compared with other therapies such as placebo and western medicine. The search terms will be selected according to the medical subject heading. We will search the following databases for systematic reviews from 2000 to Feb 2020: 5 English databases (The Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), 1 Chinese database, 5 Korean databases (Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, DataBase Periodical Information Academic (DBPIA), Research Information Service System, Korean Studies Information Service System, and National Digital Science Library), and 1 Japanese database (J-Stage). All RCTs of decoctions or alternate forms of MHGT will be included. We will search for all parallel or crossover RCTs without language restrictions. The methodological quality of the RCTs will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias. Furthermore, the studies will be limited to those performed in children under 16 years of age.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence for MHGT as a treatment for LRTI. The findings can help practitioners and patients recognize more effective and safer therapeutic methods.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020165698.

Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction Protects against PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury through Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Epithelial Barrier Disruption

This research was designed to explore the effect of Ma Xing Shi Gan decoction (MXD) in alleviating particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) induced lung injury from the perspective of epithelial barrier protection and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rats were exposed to PM2.5 to establish a lung injury model in vivo, and a PM2.5-stimulated primary cultured type II alveolar epithelial cell model was introduced in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD alleviated the weight loss and pathologic changes and improved the epithelial barrier dysfunction. MXD also significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, increased the level of ZO-1 and claudin-5, and reversed the EMT process. Notably, the protection of MXD was abolished by TGF-β in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD has a protection against PM2.5-induced lung injury. The proposed mechanism is reversing PM2.5-induced EMT through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 pathway and then upregulating the expression of tight-junction proteins.

Chemical composition and pharmacological mechanism of Qingfei Paidu Decoction and Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): In silico and experimental study

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a huge threaten to global health, which raise urgent demand of developing efficient therapeutic strategy. The aim of the present study is to dissect the chemical composition and the pharmacological mechanism of Qingfei Paidu Decoction (QFPD), a clinically used Chinese medicine for treating COVID-19 patients in China. Through comprehensive analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (MS), a total of 129 compounds of QFPD were putatively identified. We also constructed molecular networking of mass spectrometry data to classify these compounds into 14 main clusters, in which exhibited specific patterns of flavonoids (45 %), glycosides (15 %), carboxylic acids (10 %), and saponins (5 %). The target network model of QFPD, established by predicting and collecting the targets of identified compounds, indicated a pivotal role of Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction (MXSG) in the therapeutic efficacy of QFPD. Supportively, through transcriptomic analysis of gene expression after MXSG administration in rat model of LPS-induced pneumonia, the thrombin and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway were suggested to be essential pathways for MXSG mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, changes in content of major compounds in MXSG during decoction were found by the chemical analysis. We also validate that one major compound in MXSG, i.e. glycyrrhizic acid, inhibited TLR agonists induced IL-6 production in macrophage. In conclusion, the integration of in silico and experimental results indicated that the therapeutic effects of QFPD against COVID-19 may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of MXSG, which supports the rationality of the compatibility of TCM.

Bioactive natural compounds against human coronaviruses: a review and perspective

Coronaviruses (CoVs), a family of enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, are characterized by club-like spikes that project from their surface, unusually large RNA genome, and unique replication capability. CoVs are known to cause various potentially lethal human respiratory infectious diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the very recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Unfortunately, neither drug nor vaccine has yet been approved to date to prevent and treat these diseases caused by CoVs. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment medications against human coronavirus are in urgent need. In the past decades, many natural compounds have been reported to possess multiple biological activities, including antiviral properties. In this article, we provided a comprehensive review on the natural compounds that interfere with the life cycles of SARS and MERS, and discussed their potential use for the treatment of COVID-19.

Severe COVID-19: NLRP3 Inflammasome Dysregulated

SARS-CoV-2 might directly activate NLRP3 inflammasome resulting in an endogenous adjuvant activity necessary to mount a proper adaptive immune response against the virus. Heterogeneous response of COVID-19 patients could be attributed to differences in not being able to properly downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This relates to the fitness of the immune system of the individual challenged by the virus. Patients with a reduced immune fitness can demonstrate a dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity resulting in severe COVID-19 with tissue damage and a cytokine storm. We sketch the outlines of five possible scenarios for COVID-19 in medical practice and provide potential treatment options targeting dysregulated endogenous adjuvant activity in severe COVID-19 patients.