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Liu JJ, Zhang X, Cai BL, Qi MM, Chi YB, Peng B, Zhang DH. Ferroptosis inhibitors reduce celastrol toxicity and preserve its insulin sensitizing effects in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:286-294. [PMID: 38565435 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has shown that celastrol can effectively treat a variety of diseases, yet when passing a certain dosage threshold, celastrol becomes toxic, causing complications such as liver and kidney damage and erythrocytopenia, among others. With this dichotomy in mind, it is extremely important to find ways to preserve celastrol's efficacy while reducing or preventing its toxicity. METHODS In this study, insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells were prepared using palmitic acid and used for in vitro experiments. IR-HepG2 cells were treated with celastrol alone or in combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) for 12, 24 or 48 h, at a range of doses. Cell counting kit-8 assay, Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, glucose consumption assessment, and flow cytometry were performed to measure celastrol's cytotoxicity and whether the cell death was linked to ferroptosis. RESULTS Celastrol treatment increased lipid oxidation and decreased expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins in IR-HepG2 cells. Celastrol downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA. Molecular docking models predicted that solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and GPX4 were covalently bound by celastrol. Importantly, we found for the first time that the application of ferroptosis inhibitors (especially NAC) was able to reduce celastrol's toxicity while preserving its ability to improve insulin sensitivity in IR-HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION One potential mechanism of celastrol's cytotoxicity is the induction of ferroptosis, which can be alleviated by treatment with ferroptosis inhibitors. These findings provide a new strategy to block celastrol's toxicity while preserving its therapeutic effects. Please cite this article as: Liu JJ, Zhang X, Qi MM, Chi YB, Cai BL, Peng B, Zhang DH. Ferroptosis inhibitors reduce celastrol toxicity and preserve its insulin sensitizing effects in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(3): 286-294.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China; School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bang-Lan Cai
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China; School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Man-Man Qi
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Yong-Bin Chi
- Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Bin Peng
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China.
| | - Deng-Hai Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China; School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
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Liu C, Wang J, Ko YZ, Shiao MS, Wang Y, Sun J, Yuan Q, Wang L, Chiang YC, Guo L. Genetic diversities in wild and cultivated populations of the two closely-related medical plants species, Tripterygium Wilfordii and T. Hypoglaucum (Celastraceae). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:195. [PMID: 38493110 PMCID: PMC10944624 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sustainable supply of medicinal plants is important, and cultivating and domesticating them has been suggested as an optimal strategy. However, this can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, but its wild populations are dwindling due to excessive harvesting. To protect the species and meet the increasing demand, it is urgent to cultivate it on a large scale. However, distinguishing between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, two similar species with different medicinal properties, is challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of these species for their sustainable utilization. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of the two traditional medicinal semiwoody vines plant species, Tripterygium wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, including wild and cultivated populations using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and microsatellite loci. Our results indicated that the two species maintain a high level of genetic divergence, indicating possible genetic bases for the different contents of bioactive compounds of the two species. T. wilfordii showed lower genetic diversity and less subdivided population structures of both markers than T. hypoglaucum. The potential factors in shaping these interesting differences might be differentiated pollen-to-seed migration rates, interbreeding, and history of population divergence. Analyses of cpDNA and microsatellite loci supported that the two species are genetically distinct entities. In addition, a significant reduction of genetic diversity was observed for cultivated populations of the two species, which mainly resulted from the small initial population size and propagated vegetative practice during their cultivation. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate significant genetic divergence between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. The genetic diversity and population structure analyses provide important insights into the sustainable cultivation and utilization of these medicinal plants. Accurate identification and conservation efforts are necessary for both species to ensure the safety and effectiveness of crude drug use. Our study also highlighted the importance of combined analyses of different DNA markers in addressing population genetics of medicinal plants because of the contrasts of inheritance and rates of gene flow. Large-scale cultivation programs should consider preserving genetic diversity to enhance the long-term sustainability of T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. Our study proposed that some populations showed higher genetic diversity and distinctness, which can be considered with priority for conservation and as the sources for future breeding and genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ya-Zhu Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Shin Shiao
- Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yiheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qingjun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Lisong Wang
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, 332900, China.
| | - Yu-Chung Chiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- The Multidisciplinary and Data Science Research Center(MDSRC), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
| | - Lanping Guo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Yang S, Wang M, Li Z, Luan X, Yu Y, Jiang J, Li Y, Xie Y, Wang L. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f induced kidney injury through mediating inflammation via PI3K-Akt/HIF-1/TNF signaling pathway: A study of network toxicology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36968. [PMID: 38335377 PMCID: PMC10860970 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We intend to explore potential mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f (TwHF) induced kidney injury (KI) using the methods of network toxicology and molecular docking. We determined TwHF potential compounds with its targets and KI targets, obtained the TwHF induced KI targets after intersecting targets of TwHF and KI. Then we conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene expression analysis, gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the mechanism of TwHF-induced KI. Finally we conducted molecular docking to verify the core toxic compounds and the targets. We obtained 12 TwHF toxic compounds and 62 TwHF-induced KI targets. PPI network, gene expression analysis and GO function enrichment analysis unveiled the key biological process and suggested the mechanism of TwHF-induced KI might be associated with inflammation, immune response, hypoxia as well as oxidative stress. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway were key signaling pathways of TwHF induced KI. Molecular docking showed that the binding energy of core targets and toxic compounds was all less than -6.5 kcal/mol that verified the screening ability of network pharmacology and provided evidence for modifying TwHF toxic compounds structure. Through the study, we unveiled the mechanism of TwHF induce KI that TwHF might activate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as well as TNF signaling pathway to progress renal inflammation, mediate hypoxia via HIF-1 signaling pathway to accelerate inflammatory processes, and also provided a theoretical basis for modifying TwHF toxic compounds structure as well as supported the follow-up research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongming Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT), Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjia Luan
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Yu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Xie
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianxin Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Xu C, Xu T, Liu N, Liu L, Sun L, Li X, Li Z, Yao L. Colquhounia root tablet in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with subnephrotic proteinuria. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:699-706. [PMID: 37480482 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most frequent global cause of nephrotic syndrome in non-diabetic people. In clinical practice, An effective and mild treatment for IMN patients with subnephrotic proteinuria has been adopted. Colquhounia root tablet (CRT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used in China to treat glomerulopathies. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of CRT in the treatment of IMN with subnephrotic proteinuria have been determined by reviewing the clinical records of 44 patients with IMN. METHODS Retrospective analysis of IMN patients with subnephrotic proteinuria treated with CRT in combination with ACEI/ARB or ACEI/ARB alone. The remission rate (complete or partial remission) was the main outcome observed, and proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum albumin levels, and adverse effects were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS This clinical trial included 44 patients, and the overall remission rates at months 6, 9, and 12 after treatment were 68.2% versus 27.3% (p = 0.016), 72.7% versus 36.4% (p = 0.015), and 77.3% versus 36.4% (p = 0.006) in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The application of CRT treatment was an independent predictor of proteinuria remission (p = 0.024). In addition, in patients who were positive for phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies, the overall remission rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group after 9 months of treatment (75% versus 23.08%, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION This retrospective study illustrates that, based on supportive therapy, CRT could be effective in the treatment of IMN with subnephrotic proteinuria with a good safety profile at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Xu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Tianhua Xu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Nan Liu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Li Sun
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Zilong Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Li Yao
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110002, China.
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Long C, He P, Tu R, Song X, Li H, Huang W, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo Y. Subchronic toxicity evaluation of Huobahuagen extract and plasma metabolic profiling analysis combined with conventional pathology methods. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:201-215. [PMID: 37697829 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Huobahua, namely, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch, known as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, especially its underground parts, has been widely developed into several Tripterygium agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It has sparked wide public concern about its safety, such as multi-organ toxicity. However, the toxic characteristics and damage mechanism of Huobahuagen extract (HBHGE) remain unclear. In the present study, subchronic oral toxicity study of HBHGE (10.0 g crude drug/kg/day for 12 weeks) was performed in male rats. Hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters, urinalysis, and plasma metabolic profiling were assessed. The single-dose subchronic toxicity results related to HBHGE exhibited obvious toxicity to the testis and epididymis of male rats. Furthermore, plasma metabolomics analysis suggested that a series of metabolic disorders were induced by oral administration of HBHGE, mainly focusing on amino acid (glutamate, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) metabolisms, pyrimidine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Moreover, it appeared that serum testosterone in male rats treated with HBHGE for 12 weeks, decreased significantly, and was susceptible to the toxic effects of HBHGE. Taken together, conventional pathology and plasma metabolomics for preliminarily exploring subchronic toxicity and underlying mechanism can provide useful information about the reduction of toxic risks from HBHGE and new insights into the development of detoxification preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Long
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Peilin He
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruxia Tu
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxian Song
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Henghua Li
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Wentao Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianyi Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanlei Guo
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
- Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
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Zhou H, Zhang M, Cao H, Du X, Zhang X, Wang J, Bi X. Research Progress on the Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Natural Anti-Tumor Components of Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined with Chemotherapy Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1734. [PMID: 38139860 PMCID: PMC10748242 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of chemotherapy drugs in tumor treatment has a long history, but the lack of selectivity of drugs often leads to serious side effects during chemotherapy. The natural anti-tumor ingredients derived from Chinese herbal medicine are attracting increased attention due to their diverse anti-tumor effects, abundant resources, and minimal side effects. An effective anti-tumor strategy may lie in the combination of these naturally derived anti-tumor ingredients with conventional chemotherapy drugs. This approach could potentially inhibit tumor growth and the development of drug resistance in tumor cells while reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the combined therapy strategies integrating natural anti-tumor components from Chinese herbal medicine with chemotherapy drugs in current research. We primarily summarize various compounds in Chinese herbal medicine exhibiting natural anti-tumor activities and the relevant mechanisms in synergistic anti-tumor combination therapy. The focus of this paper is on underlining that this integrative approach, combining natural anti-tumor components of Chinese herbal medicine with chemotherapy drugs, presents a novel cancer treatment methodology, thereby providing new insights for future oncological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Zhou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Mengxue Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Huihui Cao
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Xintong Du
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Jin Wang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Xiuli Bi
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
- Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases Molecular Mechanism Research and Nutritional Intervention of Shenyang, Shenyang 110036, China
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Zheng J, Hu J, Yang Y, Xiong L, Yang H, Zhang Z, Jiang N, Liu H. Suppressive effect of Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch extract on rheumatoid arthritis in mice by modulating inflammasome and bile acid metabolism. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115494. [PMID: 37734264 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch (THH) has long been used as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, it is unclear whether the anti-RA mechanism of THH is associated with inflammasome or gut-joint axis. In this study, we aimed to explore the critical role of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and bile acid (BA) in the anti-RA mechanism. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-injected mice were treated with THH extract (250 mg/kg/d) for 35 days, and joint swelling and disease scores were measured. After THH treatment, the joint swelling and RA disease score in CFA-treated mice significantly subsided. The increased ratios of lymphocytes, monocytes, and white blood cells were attenuated by THH treatment. Notably, THH treatment blocked the inflammation in both joints and colons by suppressing the NLRP3-mediated inflammasome, as indicated by NLRP3, interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), and Caspase-1. Meanwhile, THH significantly remodeled the bile acid (BA) profiles in RA mice. Spearman's analysis shed light on the close link between BAs, NLRP3 inflammasome, and RA indicators. However, THH treatment failed to improve inflammasome activation, snoptivis, and joint swelling in RA mice with gut microbiota depletion. In summary, we revealed the pivotal role of BA-mediated gut-joint axis and inflammasome in THH's RA amelioration. In the future, more work should be done to explain the in-depth mechanism between altered BAs and inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, No. 16 Jiangxia Road, Jiangxia District, Wuhan 430223, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jianghui Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, No. 34 Nanshan Road, Nan'an District, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Lei Xiong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Huabing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Hongtao Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 16 Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430065, China.
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Shan Y, Zhao J, Wei K, Jiang P, Xu L, Chang C, Xu L, Shi Y, Zheng Y, Bian Y, Zhou M, Schrodi SJ, Guo S, He D. A comprehensive review of Tripterygium wilfordii hook. f. in the treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1282610. [PMID: 38027004 PMCID: PMC10646552 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1282610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are a group of immune system-related disorders wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's tissues and organs. This excessive immune response leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and functional impairment. Therapeutic approaches typically involve medications that regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and target specific damaged organs. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been widely studied in recent years for its application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies have shown that preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive effects, which effectively improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases, whereas the active metabolites of T. wilfordii have been demonstrated to inhibit immune cell activation, regulate the production of inflammatory factors, and modulate the immune system. However, although these effects contribute to reductions in inflammatory responses and the suppression of autoimmune reactions, as well as minimize tissue and organ damage, the underlying mechanisms of action require further investigation. Moreover, despite the efficacy of T. wilfordii in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, its toxicity and side effects, including its potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, warrant a thorough assessment. Furthermore, to maximize the therapeutic benefits of this plant in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and enable more patients to utilize these benefits, efforts should be made to strengthen the regulation and standardized use of T. wilfordii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shan
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Chang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linshuai Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Bian
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Steven J. Schrodi
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. United States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI. United States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dongyi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Huang X, Wang Y, Li X, Yuan F, Zhou G, Meng D. Triterpenoids from Meehania fargesii with Cytotoxic Activity 1. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202301270. [PMID: 37697440 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
In the investigation of Meehania fargesii, eighteen triterpenoids were isolated and identified, including a previously unknown compound with an 13,27-cycloursane skeleton, using techniques like 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-MS. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of these compounds were evaluated against HCT116, MCF-7, and AGS cell lines using the CCK-8 method to examine their structure-activity relationship. Remarkably, compounds 13 and 16 exhibited higher cytotoxicity across all three cell lines compared to the positive drug. Western blot analysis revealed that these compounds activated apoptosis in HCT116 cells by promoting the Bax protein and inhibiting the Bcl-2 protein. This suggests that compounds 13 and 16 have potential as apoptosis-inducing agents in HCT116 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfei Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xingyao Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Feng Yuan
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Guangxin Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Dali Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, P. R. China
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Yang Y, Fu X, Xia B, Zhou L, Zhang H, Li C, Ye X, Liu T. Glycyrrhizic acid glycosides reduces extensive tripterygium glycosides-induced lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17891. [PMID: 37483744 PMCID: PMC10362073 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Tripterygium glycosides (TG) extracted from the plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F has been used to treat chronic kidney diseases for many years. However, hepatotoxicity limits its clinical application. Glycyrrhizic acid glycosides (GA) can reduce TG hepatotoxicity, however, further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms by which GA attenuates TG-induced hepatotoxicity is required. Methods Sprague‒Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, the TG groups (TG189 mg/kg group, TG472.5 mg/kg group), and the TG + GA groups (TG189 mg/kg + GA20.25 mg/kg group, TG472.5 mg/kg + GA20.25 mg/kg group). After 21 consecutive days of intragastric administration, structural and molecular changes in hepatocytes were detected. Results After 21 days of TG treatment, the serum level of the total bilirubin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the TG189 mg/kg and TG472.5 mg/kg groups when compared to the control group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced in both TG groups. The ultrastructure of hepatocytes and the structural integrity of the liver were compromised. In addition, the relevant molecular level of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family members (ACSLs) pathway was modulated. With the addition of 20.25 mg/kg GA, the serum biochemical indexes and liver tissue structure ultrastructure of hepatocytes were improved, and the PPARα-ACSLs pathway was corrected. Conclusion The combined application of GA and TG improved abnormal lipid metabolism, repaired liver structure, reduced lipid deposition in hepatocytes, and reduced TG-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Tan Y, Li R, Zhou P, Li N, Xu W, Zhou X, Yan Q, Yu J. Huobahuagen tablet improves renal function in diabetic kidney disease: a real-world retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1166880. [PMID: 37404303 PMCID: PMC10315672 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1166880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to explore the value of Huobahuagen tablet (HBT) in improving decreased renal function for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) over time. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, real-world study on eligible 122 DKD patients who continued to use HBT + Huangkui capsule (HKC) therapy or HKC therapy without interruption or alteration in Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from July 2016 to March 2022. The primary observation outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits and changes in eGFR from baseline (ΔeGFR). Propensity score (PS) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to control for confounders. Results eGFR was significantly higher in the HBT + HKC group than in the HKC alone group at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits (p = 0.0448, 0.0002, and 0.0037, respectively), indicating the superiority of HBT + HKC over HBT alone. Furthermore, the ΔeGFR of the HBT + HKC group was significantly higher than that of the HKC alone group at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits (p = 0.0369 and 0.0267, respectively). In the DKD G4 patients, eGFR was higher in the HBT + HKC group at the 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits compared with baseline, with statistically significant differences at the 1-, 3-, and 6- month follow-up visits (p = 0.0256, 0.0069, and 0.0252, respectively). The fluctuations in ΔeGFR ranged from 2.54 ± 4.34 to 5.01 ± 5.55 ml/min/1.73 m2. Change in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio from baseline did not exhibit a significant difference between the two groups at any of the follow-up visits (p > 0.05 for all). Adverse event incidence was low in both groups. Conclusion The findings of this study based on real-world clinical practice indicate that HBT + HKC therapy exhibited better efficacy in improving and protecting renal function with a favorable safety profile than HKC therapy alone. However, further large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruihan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peipei Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weilong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiqiao Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianhua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangyi Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Pharmacological importance of Kunxian Capsule in clinical applications and its adverse effects: A review. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
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13
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Chen W, Luo H, Zhong Z, Wei J, Wang Y. The safety of Chinese medicine: A systematic review of endogenous substances and exogenous residues. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154534. [PMID: 36371955 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safety and toxicity have become major challenges in the internationalization of Chinese medicine. Inspite of its wide application, security problems of Chinese medicine still occur from time to time, raising widespread concerns about its safety. Most of the studies either only partially discussed the intrinsic toxicities or extrinsic harmful residues in Chinese medicine, or briefly described detoxification and attenuation methods. It is necessary to systematically discuss Chinese medicine's extrinsic and intrinsic toxic components and corresponding toxicity detoxification or detection methods as a whole. PURPOSE This review comprehensively summarizes various toxic components in Chinese medicine from intrinsic and extrinsic. Then the corresponding methods for detoxification or detection of toxicity are highlighted. It is expected to provide a reference for safeguards for developing and using Chinese medicine. METHODS A literature search was conducted in the databases, including PubMed, Web of Science,Wan-fang database, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Keywords used were safety, toxicity, intrinsic toxicities, extrinsic harmful residues, alkaloids, terpene and macrolides, saponins, toxic proteins, toxic crystals, minerals, heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, sulfur dioxide, detoxification, detection, processing (Paozhi), compatibility (Peiwu), Chinese medicine, etc., and combinations of these keywords. All selected articles were from 2006 to 2022, and each was assessed critically for our exclusion criteria. Studies describe the classification of toxic components of Chinese medicine, the toxic effects and mechanisms of Chinese medicine, and the corresponding methods for detoxification or detection of toxicity. RESULTS The toxic components of Chinese medicines can be classified as intrinsic toxicities and extrinsic harmful residues. Firstly, we summarized the intrinsic toxicities of Chinese medicine, the adverse effects and toxicity mechanisms caused by these components. Next, we focused on the detoxification or attenuation methods for intrinsic toxicities of Chinese medicine. The other main part discussed the latest progress in analytical strategies for exogenous hazardous substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Beyond reviewing mainstream instrumental methods, we also introduced the emerging biochip, biosensor and immuno-based techniques. CONCLUSION In this review, we provide an overall assessment of the recent progress in endogenous toxins and exogenous hazardous substances concerning Chinese medicine, which is expected to render deeper insights into the safety of Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Chen
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China; College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China; College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
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Zhao J, Liu H, Xia M, Chen Q, Wan L, Leng B, Tang C, Chen G, Liu Y, Zhang L, Liu H. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Explore That Celastrol Targeting PTEN is the Potential Mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii (Lév.) Hutch Against IgA Nephropathy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:887-900. [PMID: 36992900 PMCID: PMC10042171 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s402503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Accumulating clinical evidence showed that Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Lév.) Hutch (THH) is effective against IgA nephropathy (IgAN), but the mechanism is still unclear. This study is to evaluate the renal protective effect and molecular mechanism of THH against IgAN via network pharmacology, molecular docking strategy and experimental validation. Methods Several databases were used for obtaining the active ingredients of THH, the corresponding targets, as well as the IgAN-related genes. The critical active ingredients, functional pathways, and potential for the combination of the hub genes and their corresponding active components were determined through bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking. The IgAN mouse model was treated with celastrol (1 mg/kg/d) for 21 days, and the aggregated IgA1-induced human mesangial cell (HMC) was treated with various concentrations of celastrol (25, 50 or 75 nM) for 48 h. The immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques were applied to evaluate the protein expression of the predicted target. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was used to detect HMC proliferation. Results A total of 17 active ingredients from THH were screened, covering 165 IgAN-related targets. The PPI network identified ten hub targets, including PTEN. The binding affinity between the celastrol and PTEN was the highest (-8.69 kJ/mol). The immunohistochemistry showed that celastrol promoted the expression of PTEN in the glomerulus of IgAN mice. Furthermore, the Western blot techniques showed that celastrol significantly elevated the expression of PTEN and inhibited PCNA and Cyclin D1 in vitro and in vivo. The CCK8 assay determined that celastrol decreased HMC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion This study suggests that activating PTEN by celastrol may play a pivotal role in THH alleviating IgAN renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanyong Zhao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Wan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Leng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guochun Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Hong Liu; Lei Zhang, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13973116951; +86-18673174522, Email ;
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Zhang L, Tao Y, Yang R, Hu Q, Jia J, Yu M, He B, Shen Z, Qin H, Yu Z, Chen P. Euonymine inhibits in-stent restenosis through enhancing contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells via modulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154450. [PMID: 36174454 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective treatment for acute myocardial infarction, but the postoperative in-stent re-stenosis (ISR) remains a major risk factor that affects the prognosis of PCI. Clinically, drug-eluting stents (DES) are widely applied to prevent and treat ISR. However, only a few stent coating drugs are currently available for clinical use, including paclitaxel and rapamycin (sirolimus) and their derivatives. These stent-coated drugs have led to a decrease in restenosis rates, but the major adverse outcomes, such as delayed endothelial healing and increased in-stent thrombosis, seriously reduce their therapeutic effects. PURPOSE Herein, we explored the potential efficacy of Euonymine (Euo), an alkaloid extracted from Tripterygium Hypoglaucum (Levl) Hutch (THH, Lei gong Teng), for the prevention against ISR after PCI. STUDY DESIGN Our study depicts the potential efficacy of Euo in treating ISR and explores its mechanism with in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the rabbit thoracic aorta were cultured, and the proliferation and migration of VSMCs were monitored. Apoptosis was measured by Transmission Electron Microscopy and TUNEL staining assay. Protein and gene levels were measured to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo models of porcine coronary implantation and rabbit carotid balloon injury are used to validate the efficacy of Euo in inhibiting ISR after PCI. RESULTS With an ox-LDL-injured cell model, we showed that Euo suppressed the proliferation and migration of the rabbit thoracic aorta primary VSMCs, while inducing their apoptosis. We next established a rabbit carotid balloon injury model in which the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT1 (Ser473) as well as mTOR activity were significantly elevated compared to the sham-operated control. These activities were significantly attenuated by the Euo intervention. Additionally, the balloon angioplasty significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2, while decreased the expression of Bax and caspase-3. Euo intervention significantly increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the level of caspase-3. Taken together, Euo may enhance the VSMCs contractile phenotype by modulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, with two in vivo models, the porcine coronary artery implantation model, and the rabbit carotid balloon injury model, we demonstrated that Euo-eluting stents indeed inhibited ISR after PCI. CONCLUSION For the first time, this study delineates the potential efficacy of Euo, derived from Tripterygium Hypoglaucum (Levl) Hutch, in ameliorating ISR after PCI with two in vivo models. The phytochemical targets PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to increase the contractile phenotype of VSMCs and exerts anti-proliferative, anti-migratory as well as pro-apoptotic effects, thereby inhibiting the ISR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - YiTing Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - RenHua Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qin Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jia Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - MingYang Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Bo He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - ZhiQiang Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - HongTao Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.
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Feng X, Shi Y, Ding Y, Zheng H. Inhibitory effects of traditional Chinese medicine colquhounia root tablet on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115358. [PMID: 35551976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tacrolimus (TAC) was widely used in various renal diseases while high recurrence rate and high expense restricted its applications. Traditional herbal medicine has become increasingly popular as an adjuvant therapy to minimize the adverse effects of TAC. Colquhounia root tablet (CRT), a prescribed drug prepared from the water extract of the peeled root of Tripterygium hypoglaucum (H. Lév.) Hutch., showed excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunosuppressive pharmacological properties. TAC used in combination with CRT was substantially more efficacious and safer than the monotherapy for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. However, studies on their herb-drug interaction were scanty. AIM OF THE STUDY The study was proposed to examine the effect of CRT on the pharmacokinetics of TAC in rats and identify the key natural constituents in CRT that affected the metabolism of TAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS TAC was orally and intravenously administered to rats alone or in combination with CRT and the pharmacokinetic parameters of TAC were compared. After pretreatment with CRT for 15 d, the expressions of the drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), drug transporters (DTs) and nuclear receptors (NRs) were determined by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and compared with the control group. The hepatic microsomal incubation system was employed to confirm the inhibitory effects of CRT and its major components on rat cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A2. The roles of the primary components in the regulation of human CYP3A4 and mouse P-gp activities were evaluated by using docking analysis. RESULTS The blood concentrations of TAC were significantly increased in a dose- and pretreatment time-dependent manner after combined administration of CRT. The maximal effect was found at 300 mg/kg (43.70 ± 8.77 ng/mL and 141.45 ± 21.58 h·ng/mL) in a single dose run and the pharmacokinetic parameters gradually returned to the normal levels at 24 h interval of long-term CRT pretreatment. In contrast, CRT had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous TAC. Further study indicated that the mRNA and protein expressions of DMEs and DTs, such as CYP3A1, CYP3A2, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 in rat intestine and liver were down-regulated, whereas the expressions of NRs like constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor were up-regulated after multiple oral doses of CRT. Molecular docking showed the binding potency of five CRT major constituents with both human CYP3A4 and mouse P-gp. Celastrol, wilforgine and wilforine were the strongest inhibitors towards midazolam metabolism in rat liver microsomes, with the 50% inhibition concentrations being at 8.33 μM, 22.18 μM and 22.22 μM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that co-dosing of CRT could lead to a significant increase in blood concentration of TAC and this effect could be ascribed to the resultant co-regulation of DMEs, DTs and NRs. Our study provided an experimental basis for the combination use of CRT and TAC in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Youquan Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Yufeng Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Heng Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Wu W, Cheng R, Boucetta H, Xu L, Pan JR, Song M, Lu YT, Hang TJ. Differences in Multicomponent Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution, and Excretion of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets in Normal and Adriamycin-Induced Nephrotic Syndrome Rat Models and Correlations With Efficacy and Hepatotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:910923. [PMID: 35754482 PMCID: PMC9221999 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.910923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) are widely used for treating nephrotic syndrome (NS), but hepatotoxicity is frequently reported. The presence of underlying disease(s) can alter the disposition of drugs and affect their efficacy and toxicity. However, no studies have reported the impact of NS on the ADME profiles of TGT or its subsequent impact on the efficacy and toxicity. Thus, the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of TGT were evaluated in normal and NS rats after oral administration of TGT (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The corresponding ADME profiles of the six key TGT components (triptolide (TPL), wilforlide A (WA), wilforgine (WFG), wilfortrine (WFT), wilfordine (WFD), and wilforine (WFR)) were also measured and compared in normal and NS rats after a single oral gavage of 10 mg/kg TGT. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) of the severity of NS and the in vivo exposure of the six key TGT components was performed to screen the anti–NS and hepatotoxic material bases of TGT. Finally, the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of the target compounds were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that TGT decreased the NS symptoms in rats, but caused worse hepatotoxicity under the NS state. Significant differences in the ADME profiles of the six key TGT components between the normal and NS rats were as follows: higher plasma and tissue exposure, lower urinary and biliary excretion, and higher fecal excretion for NS rats. Based on CCA and in vitro verification, TPL, WA, WFG, WFT, WFD, and WFR were identified as the anti–NS material bases of TGT, whereas TPL, WFG, WFT, and WFD were recognized as the hepatotoxic material bases. In conclusion, NS significantly altered the ADME profiles of the six key TGT components detected in rats, which were related to the anti–NS and hepatotoxic effects of TGT. These results are useful for the rational clinical applications of TGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hamza Boucetta
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Ru Pan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Ting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tai-Jun Hang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Yan M, Yan Y, Zhang Z, Wang G, Shi W, Jiang M, Zhao J, Wu X, Zeng H. The Effect of Triptolide Combined With Crocin on Arthritis in Mice: From Side Effect Attenuation to Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:908227. [PMID: 35814255 PMCID: PMC9260116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.908227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical use of triptolide (TP) is restricted due to severe toxicity. This study assessed the protective effect of crocin (CR) as a natural antioxidant against TP-induced toxicity in bovine collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. The mice in the CIA model group showed macroscopic signs of severe arthritis. The anti-arthritis effects in the control, TP + CR, and TP groups were evaluated through assessment of foot volume, arthritis score, and proinflammatory cytokines, and collagen antibody assay. Crocin reduced TP-induced toxicity, as evidenced by evaluation of survival rate, body weight, visceral index, hepatic and renal functions, histopathologic analyses, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in identification of 76 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with hepatotoxicity between the TP and TP + CR groups. Of these, Three DEGs (Cyp1a2,Gsta4, and Gstp1) were validated using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. In conclusion, CR protected CIA mice from TP-induced toxicity through modulation of the cytochrome P450 and glutathione metabolism pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Yan
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Shi
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Jiang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junwei Zhao, ; Xiangxiang Wu, ; Huahui Zeng,
| | - Xiangxiang Wu
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junwei Zhao, ; Xiangxiang Wu, ; Huahui Zeng,
| | - Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junwei Zhao, ; Xiangxiang Wu, ; Huahui Zeng,
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19
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Zhao J, Liu H. Mechanism for the therapeutic effect of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. preparations on IgA nephropathy. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:573-582. [PMID: 35753727 PMCID: PMC10929912 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The bioactive compounds from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. have unique immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, and can exert their pharmacological effects through multi-target and multi-channel. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. preparations have been used in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) for many years and are well accepted for good curative effects. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. It is valuable to summarize the current progress in clinical application of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. preparations in IgAN and other kidney diseases. We discussed the component characteristics, efficacies in reducing urinary protein levels and protecting renal function, as well as the side effects. As for the mechanisms, we should focus on all links of IgAN pathogenesis, including reducing the production of pathogenic IgA, decreasing renal inflammation and fibrosis, and protecting podocytes. As a representative drugs with clear efficacy and potential toxicity, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. preparations need more in-depth basic and clinical research to improve their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanyong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification of Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification of Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, China.
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Chen XL, Geng YJ, Li F, Hu WY, Zhang RP. Cytotoxic terpenoids from Tripterygium hypoglaucum against human pancreatic cancer cells SW1990 by increasing the expression of Bax protein. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 289:115010. [PMID: 35065248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Kunmingshanhaitang in Chinese) is a plant of the genus Tripterygium which have been used as anti-tumor folk medicines in Yi and Bai ethnic groups in Yunnan province, China for hundreds of years. Terpenoids from T. hypoglaucum presented therapeutic effects on multiple tumors. But there were few studies about pancreatic cancer treatment of these terpenoids. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy and lacked of specific drugs. Currently, anti-tumor drugs have poor therapeutic effect and prognosis for pancreatic cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to elucidate the terpenoids from T. hypoglaucum and illuminate their anti-pancreatic cancer bioactivities. MATERIAL AND METHODS Terpenoids were obtained through sequential chromatographic methods including silica gel, MCI gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of some new diterpenoids were assigned through comparison of experimental and calculated circular dichroism spectra. The cytotoxicity of isolates was measured using the MTT method on human pancreatic cancer cells SW1990. The effects on expressions of AKT, Erk1/2, p-AKT, p-Erk1/2, and Bax proteins in human pancreatic cancer cells SW1990 of these compounds were determined by western blotting assays. RESULTS Eleven new (compounds 1∼11) and fourteen known terpenoids (compounds 12∼25) were isolated from the underground parts of T. hypoglaucum. These compounds were belonged to abietane diterpenoids, isoprimara diterpenoids, ent-kaurane diterpenoids, oleanane triterpenoids, and friedelane triterpenoids. Compounds 5, 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 22, 24, and 25 possessed significant cytotoxicity against SW1990 cells with IC50 values of 19.28 ± 4.39, 9.91 ± 2.23, 27.32 ± 5.89, 56.43 ± 6.92, 0.16 ± 0.05, 0.58 ± 0.15, 0.81 ± 0.04, 0.48 ± 0.11, and 10.01 ± 1.39 μM respectively. After compounds 16, 22, and 24 been treated with the pancreatic cancer cells in medium and high doses, the protein expressions of AKT, p-AKT, Erk, and p-Erk were not remarkably reduced and the expressions of Bax protein were significantly increased. CONCLUSION This study indicated that terpenoids from T. hypoglaucum could inhibit human pancreatic cancer cells SW1990. Especially, compounds 16, 22, and 24 possessed significant cytotoxicity against SW1990 cells with low IC50 values and could increase the expressions of Bax protein. These compounds shared a wide variety of structural characteristics which provided us more candidate molecules for the development of anti-pancreatic cancer drugs and further prompted us to investigate their anti-pancreatic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Long Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Yi-Juan Geng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, PR China
| | - Wei-Yan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, PR China.
| | - Rong-Ping Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China.
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