Guhong Injection Prevents Ischemic Stroke-Induced Neuro-Inflammation and Neuron Loss Through Regulation of C5ar1

Multi-omics association study of DNA methylation and gene expression levels and diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases in Danish Twins

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide; yet the understanding of their molecular basis is incomplete. Multi-omics studies have significant potential to uncover these mechanisms, but such studies are challenged by genetic and environmental confounding-a problem that can be effectively reduced by investigating intrapair differences in twins. Here, we linked data on all diagnoses of the circulatory system from the nationwide Danish Patient Registry (spanning 1977-2022) to a study population of 835 twins holding genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression data. CVD diagnoses were divided into prevalent or incident cases (i.e., occurring before or after blood sample collection (2007-2011)). The diagnoses were classified into four groups: cerebrovascular diseases, coronary artery disease (CAD), arterial and other cardiovascular diseases (AOCDs), and diseases of the veins and lymphatic system. Statistical analyses were performed by linear (prevalent cases) or cox (incident cases) regression analyses at both the individual-level and twin pair-level. Significant genes (p < 0.05) in both types of biological data and at both levels were inspected by bioinformatic analyses, including gene set enrichment analysis and interaction network analysis.

RESULTS

In general, more genes were found for prevalent than for incident cases, and bioinformatic analyses primarily found pathways of the immune system, signal transduction and diseases for prevalent cases, and pathways of cell-cell communication, metabolisms of proteins and RNA, gene expression, and chromatin organization groups for incident cases. This potentially reflects biology related to response to CVD (prevalent cases) and mechanisms related to regulation and development of disease (incident cases). Of specific genes, Myosin 1E was found to be central for CAD, and DEAD-Box Helicase 5 for AOCD. These genes were observed in both the prevalent and the incident analyses, potentially reflecting that their DNA methylation and gene transcription levels change both because of disease (prevalent cases) and prior disease (incident cases).

CONCLUSION

We present novel biomarkers for CVD by performing multi-omics analysis in twins, hereby lowering the confounding due to shared genetics and early life environment-a study design that is surprisingly rare in the field of CVD, and where additional studies are highly needed.

Effect of Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation of Microglia-Derived Exosomes on Hippocampal Neurons: A Study on miR-124 and Inflammatory Cytokines

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that threatens human health. Developing safe and effective drugs and finding therapeutic targets has become an urgent scientific problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oxygen-glucose deprivation of the microglia-derived exosome on hippocampal neurons and its relationship to miR-124 in the exosome. We incubated hippocampal neurons with exosomes secreted by oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation (OGD/R) microglia. The levels of glutamic acid (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. CCK-8 was used to measure neuronal survival rates. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by RT-qPCR to evaluate the effect of exosomes on neurons. RT-qPCR was then used to detect miR-124 in microglia and their secreted exosomes. Finally, potential targets of miR-124 were analyzed through database retrieval, gene detection with dual luciferase reporters, and western blotting experiments. The results showed that the contents of GLU, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA increased in the supernatant of cultured hippocampal neurons, the content of GABA decreased, and the survival rate of neurons decreased. Oxygen-glucose deprivation increases miR-124 levels in microglia and their released exosomes. miR-124 acts as a target gene on cytokine signaling suppressor molecule 1(SOCS1), while miR-124 inhibitors reduce the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in neurons. These results suggest that oxygen- and glucose-deprived microglia regulate inflammatory cytokines leading to reduced neuronal survival, which may be achieved by miR-124 using SOCS1 as a potential target.

Identification of novel biomarkers and immune infiltration characteristics of ischemic stroke based on comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and machine learning

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of most common causes of disability in adults worldwide. However, there is still a lack of effective and reliable diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in IS. Furthermore, immune cell dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IS. Hence, in-depth research on immune-related targets in progressive IS is urgently needed.

Methods

Expression profile data from patients with IS were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, differential expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify the significant modules and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Key genes were obtained and used in functional enrichment analyses by overlapping module genes and DEGs. Next, hub candidate genes were identified by utilizing three machine learning algorithms: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest, and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). Subsequently, a diagnostic model was constructed based on the hub genes, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to validate the performances of the predictive models and candidate genes. Finally, the immune cell infiltration landscape of IS was explored with the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm.

Results

A total of 40 key DEGs were identified based on the intersection of the DEGs and module genes, and we found that these genes were mainly enriched in the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and complement and coagulation cascades. Based on the results from three advanced machine learning algorithms, we obtained 7 hub candidate genes (ABCA1, ARG1, C5AR1, CKAP4, HMFN0839, SDCBP and TLN1) as diagnostic biomarkers of IS and developed a reliable nomogram with high predictive performance (AUC = 0.987). In addition, immune cell infiltration dysregulation was implicated in IS, and compared with those in the normal group, IS patients had increased fractions of gamma delta T cells, monocytes, M0 macrophages, M2 macrophages and neutrophils and clearly lower percentages of naive B cells, CD8 T cells, CD4+ memory T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and resting dendritic cells. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between the hub genes and immune cells in progressive IS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study identified 7 hub genes as diagnostic biomarkers and established a reliable model to predict the occurrence of IS. Meanwhile, we explored the immune cell infiltration pattern and investigated the relationship between candidate genes and immune cells in the pathogenesis of IS. Hence, our study provides new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of IS.

Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Unveil the Neuroprotection Mechanism of AnGong NiuHuang (AGNH) Pill Against Ischaemic Stroke Injury

As a famous prescription in China, AnGong NiuHuang (AGNH) pill exerts good neuroprotection for ischaemic stroke (IS), but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the neuroprotection of AGNH was evaluated in the rat IS model which were established with the surgery of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and the potential mechanism was elucidated by transcriptomic analysis and metabolomic analysis. AGNH treatment obviously decreased the infarct volume and Zea-Longa 5-point neurological deficit scores, improved the survival percentage of rats, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and rat activity distance and activity time. Transcriptomics showed that AGNH exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by affecting the regulatory network including Tyrobp, Syk, Tlr2, Myd88 and Ccl2 as the core. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics identified 8 key metabolites regulated by AGNH, including L-histidine, L-serine, L-alanine, fumaric acid, malic acid, and N-(L-arginino) succinate, 1-pyrroline-4-hydroxy-2-carboxylate and 1-methylhistamine in the rats with IS. Additionally, AGNH obviously reduced Tyrobp, Syk, Tlr2, Myd88 and Ccl2 at both the mRNA and protein levels, decreased IL-1β, KC-GRO, IL-13, TNF-α, cleaved caspase 3 and p65 nucleus translocation, but increased IκBα expression. Network pharmacology analysis showed that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, baicalein, naringenin, acacetin, berberine and palmatine may play an important role in protecting against IS. Taken together, this study reveals that AGNH reduced neuroinflammation and protected against IS by inhibiting Tyrobp/Syk and Tlr2/Myd88, as well as NF-κB signalling pathway and regulating multiple metabolites.

Machine learning integration of multi-modal analytical data for distinguishing abnormal botanical drugs and its application in Guhong injection

BACKGROUND

Determination of batch-to-batch consistency of botanical drugs (BDs) has long been the bottleneck in quality evaluation primarily due to the chemical diversity inherent in BDs. This diversity presents an obstacle to achieving comprehensive standardization for BDs. Basically, a single detection mode likely leads to substandard analysis results as different classes of structures always possess distinct physicochemical properties. Whereas representing a workaround for multi-target standardization using multi-modal data, data processing for information from diverse sources is of great importance for the accuracy of classification.

METHODS

In this research, multi-modal data of 78 batches of Guhong injections (GHIs) consisting of 52 normal and 26 abnormal samples were acquired by employing HPLC-UV, -ELSD, and quantitative 1H NMR (q1HNMR), of which data obtained was then individually used for Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) calculation and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Then, a mid-level data fusion method with data containing qualitative and quantitative information to establish a support vector machine (SVM) model for evaluating the batch-to-batch consistency of GHIs.

RESULTS

The resulting outcomes showed that datasets from one detection mode (e.g., data from UV detectors only) are inadequate for accurately assessing the product's quality. The mid-level data fusion strategy for the quality evaluation enabled the classification of normal and abnormal batches of GHIs at 100% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

A quality assessment strategy was successfully developed by leveraging a mid-level data fusion method for the batch-to-batch consistency evaluation of GHIs. This study highlights the promising utility of data from different detection modes for the quality evaluation of BDs. It also reminds manufacturers and researchers about the advantages of involving data fusion to handle multi-modal data. Especially when done jointly, this strategy can significantly increase the accuracy of product classification and serve as a capable tool for studies of other BDs.

Perspective from single-cell sequencing: Is inflammation in acute ischemic stroke beneficial or detrimental?

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a common cerebrovascular event associated with high incidence, disability, and poor prognosis. Studies have shown that various cell types, including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and neutrophils, play complex roles in the early stages of AIS and significantly affect its prognosis. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action of these cells will be beneficial for improving stroke prognosis. With the rapid development of single-cell sequencing technology, researchers have explored the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AIS at the single-cell level.

METHOD

We systematically summarize the latest research on single-cell sequencing in AIS.

RESULT

In this review, we summarize the phenotypes and functions of microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, as well as their respective subtypes, at different time points following AIS. In particular, we focused on the crosstalk between microglia and astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. Our findings reveal diverse and sometimes opposing roles within the same cell type, with the possibility of interconversion between different subclusters.

CONCLUSION

This review offers a pioneering exploration of the functions of various glial cells and cell subclusters after AIS, shedding light on their regulatory mechanisms that facilitate the transformation of detrimental cell subclusters towards those that are beneficial for improving the prognosis of AIS. This approach has the potential to advance the discovery of new specific targets and the development of drugs, thus representing a significant breakthrough in addressing the challenges in AIS treatment.

Chemical composition, pharmacology and pharmacokinetic studies of GuHong injection in the treatment of ischemic stroke

GuHong injection is composed of safflower and N-acetyl-L-glutamine. It is widely used in clinical for cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke and related diseases. The objective of this review is to comprehensively summarize the most recent information related to GuHong in the treatment of stroke, including chemical composition, clinical studies, potential pharmacological mechanisms and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, it examines possible scientific gaps in current study and aims to provide a reliable reference for future GuHong studies. The systematic review reveals that the chemical composition of safflower in GuHong is more than 300 chemical components in five categories. GuHong injection is primarily used in clinical applications for acute ischemic stroke and related diseases. Pharmacological investigations have indicated that GuHong acts in the early and recovery stages of ischemic stroke by anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-coagulation, neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic mechanisms simultaneously. Pharmacokinetic studies found that the main exposed substances in rat plasma after GuHong administration are hydroxysafflor yellow A and N-acetyl-L-glutamine, and N-acetyl-L-glutamine could exert its pharmacological effect across the blood-brain barrier. As a combination of Chinese herb and chemical drug, GuHong injection has great value in drug research and clinical treatment, especially for ischemic stroke disease. This article represents a comprehensive and systematic review of existing studies on GuHong injection, including chemical composition, pharmacological mechanism, and pharmacokinetics, which provides reference significance for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke with GuHong, as well as provides guidance for further study.

Neuroprotective Peptides and New Strategies for Ischemic Stroke Drug Discoveries

Ischemic stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability in the adult population worldwide. The currently used pharmacological methods for the treatment of ischemic stroke are not effective enough and require the search for new tools and approaches to identify therapeutic targets and potential neuroprotectors. Today, in the development of neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of stroke, special attention is paid to peptides. Namely, peptide action is aimed at blocking the cascade of pathological processes caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain tissues. Different groups of peptides have therapeutic potential in ischemia. Among them are small interfering peptides that block protein-protein interactions, cationic arginine-rich peptides with a combination of various neuroprotective properties, shuttle peptides that ensure the permeability of neuroprotectors through the blood-brain barrier, and synthetic peptides that mimic natural regulatory peptides and hormones. In this review, we consider the latest achievements and trends in the development of new biologically active peptides, as well as the role of transcriptomic analysis in identifying the molecular mechanisms of action of potential drugs aimed at the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Comparative efficacy of Honghua class injections for treating acute ischemic stroke: A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Clinical trials have shown that Honghua class injections (HCIs) combined with WM achieve better clinical efficacy than WM alone. In this study, we performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of different HCIs combined with WM in treating AIS.

Methods: First, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. From inception to 1 June 2022, a systematic literature search was conducted in multiple databases for the treatment of AIS with HCIs, including Honghua injection (HI), Safflower Yellow injection (SYI), Guhong injection (GHI), and Danhong injection (DHI). Subsequently, OpenBUGS 3.2.3 was applied to conduct a Bayesian algorithm, and Stata 16.0 was used to prepare the graphs. Multidimensional cluster analysis was performed using the “scatterplot3d” package in R 3.6.1 software.

Results: In this NMA, a total of 120 eligible RCTs were included, involving 12,658 patients, and evaluating the clinical effectiveness rates, activities of daily living (ADL), hemorheological indexes, and adverse reactions (ADRs). DHI + WM was the best intervention for improving the clinical effectiveness rate. Moreover, cluster analysis demonstrated that DHI + WM and SYI + WM had better comprehensive therapeutic effects. As most of the included RCTs did not monitor ADRs, the safety of the HCIs remains to be further explored.

Conclusion: DHI + WM and SYI + WM probably have a better clinical efficacy on AIS patients. Nevertheless, due to the limitation of this NMA, this conclusion may be biased. High-quality RCTs should be performed to validate our findings.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021229599