Medicinal plant-based drug delivery system for inflammatory bowel disease

Possible Combinatorial Utilization of Phytochemicals and Extracellular Vesicles for Wound Healing and Regeneration

Organ and tissue damage can result from injury and disease. How to facilitate regeneration from damage has been a topic for centuries, and still, we are trying to find agents to use for treatments. Two groups of biological substances are known to facilitate wound healing. Phytochemicals with bioactive properties form one group. Many phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory effects and enhance wound healing. Recent studies have described their effects at the gene and protein expression levels, highlighting the receptors and signaling pathways involved. The extremely large number of phytochemicals and the multiple types of receptors they activate suggest a broad range of applicability for their clinical use. The hydrophobic nature of many phytochemicals and the difficulty with chemical stabilization have been a problem. Recent developments in biotechnology and nanotechnology methods are enabling researchers to overcome these problems. The other group of biological substances is extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are now known to have important biological functions, including the improvement of wound healing. The proteins and nanoparticles contained in mammalian EVs as well as the specificity of the targets of microRNAs included in the EVs are becoming clear. Plant-derived EVs have been found to contain phytochemicals. The overlap in the wound-healing capabilities of both phytochemicals and EVs and the differences in their nature suggest the possibility of a combinatorial use of the two groups, which may enhance their effects.

Inflammatory proteins may mediate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease: A mediation and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

This research investigates the causal relationships among gut microbiota, inflammatory proteins, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and identifies the role of inflammatory proteins as potential mediators. Our study analyzed gut microbiome data from 13,266 samples collected by the MiBioGen alliance, along with inflammatory protein data from recent research by Zhao et al, and genetic data on CD and UC from the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IIBDGC). We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the associations, complemented by replication, meta-analysis, and multivariable MR techniques for enhanced accuracy and robustness. Our analysis employed several statistical methods, including inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger, and the weighted median method, ensuring comprehensive and precise evaluation. After MR analysis, replication and meta-analysis, we revealed significant associations between 11 types of gut microbiota and 17 inflammatory proteins were associated with CD and UC. Mediator MR analysis and multivariable MR analysis showed that in CD, the CD40L receptor mediated the causal effect of Defluviitaleaceae UCG-011 on CD (mediation ratio 8.3%), and the Hepatocyte growth factor mediated the causal effect of Odoribacter on CD (mediation ratio 18%). In UC, the C-C motif chemokine 4 mediated the causal effect of Ruminococcus2 on UC (mediation ratio 4%). This research demonstrates the interactions between specific gut microbiota, inflammatory proteins, and CD and UC. Furthermore, the CD40L receptor may mediate the relationship between Defluviitaleaceae UCG-011 and CD; the Hepatocyte growth factor may mediate the relationship between Odoribacter and CD; and the C-C motif chemokine 4 may mediate the relationship between Ruminococcus2 and UC. The identified associations and mediation effects offer insights into potential therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome for managing CD and UC.

Exploring new avenues of health protection: plant-derived nanovesicles reshape microbial communities

Symbiotic microbial communities are crucial for human health, and dysbiosis is associated with various diseases. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have a lipid bilayer structure and contain lipids, metabolites, proteins, and RNA. They offer unique advantages in regulating microbial community homeostasis and treating diseases related to dysbiosis compared to traditional drugs. On the one hand, lipids on PDNVs serve as the primary substances that mediate specific recognition and uptake by bacteria. On the other hand, due to the multifactorial nature of PDNVs, they have the potential to enhance growth and survival of beneficial bacterial while simultaneously reducing the pathogenicity of harmful bacteria. In addition, PDNVs have the capacity to modulate bacterial metabolism, thus facilitating the establishment of a harmonious microbial equilibrium and promoting stability within the microbiota. These remarkable attributes make PDNVs a promising therapeutic approach for various conditions, including periodontitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin infection diseases. However, challenges such as consistency, isolation methods, and storage need to be addressed before clinical application. This review aims to explore the value of PDNVs in regulating microbial community homeostasis and provide recommendations for their use as novel therapeutic agents for health protection.

Essential factors, advanced strategies, challenges, and approaches involved for efficient expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli

Producing recombinant proteins is a major accomplishment of biotechnology in the past century. Heterologous hosts, either eukaryotic or prokaryotic, are used for the production of these proteins. The utilization of microbial host systems continues to dominate as the most efficient and affordable method for biotherapeutics and food industry productions. Hence, it is crucial to analyze the limitations and advantages of microbial hosts to enhance the efficient production of recombinant proteins on a large scale. E. coli is widely used as a host for the production of recombinant proteins. Researchers have identified certain obstacles with this host, and given the growing demand for recombinant protein production, there is an immediate requirement to enhance this host. The following review discusses the elements contributing to the manifestation of recombinant protein. Subsequently, it sheds light on innovative approaches aimed at improving the expression of recombinant protein. Lastly, it delves into the obstacles and optimization methods associated with translation, mentioning both cis-optimization and trans-optimization, producing soluble recombinant protein, and engineering the metal ion transportation. In this context, a comprehensive description of the distinct features will be provided, and this knowledge could potentially enhance the expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli.

Extracellular vesicles and their therapeutic applications: a review article (part1)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a captivating field of study in molecular biology with diverse applications in therapeutics. These small membrane-bound structures, released by cells into the extracellular space, play a vital role in intercellular communication and hold immense potential for advancing medical treatments. EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, are classified based on size and biogenesis pathways, with exosomes being the most extensively studied. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular secretory pathway of exosomes and to discuss the medical applications of exosomes and the methods for employing them in laboratory models. The therapeutic potential of EVs has garnered significant attention. Their unique properties, such as stability, biocompatibility, and capacity to traverse biological barriers, make them promising vehicles for targeted drug delivery. By engineering EVs to carry specific cargo molecules, such as therapeutic proteins, small interfering Ribonucleic Acid (RNAs) (siRNAs), or anti-cancer drugs, researchers can enhance drug stability and improve their targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues. This approach has the potential to minimize off-target effects and increase therapeutic efficacy, offering a more precise and effective treatment strategy. EVs represent a captivating and rapidly evolving field with significant therapeutic implications. Their role in intercellular communication, targeted drug delivery, and regenerative medicine makes them valuable tools for advancing medical treatments. As our understanding of EV biology and their therapeutic applications continues to expand, we can expect remarkable advancements that will revolutionize the field of medicine and lead to more personalized and effective therapies.

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases: a mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Recent research increasingly highlights a strong correlation between gut microbiota and the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. However, whether this relationship is causal or merely coincidental remains uncertain. To address this, a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was undertaken to explore the connections between gut microbiota and prevalent gastrointestinal diseases.

METHODS

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for gut microbiota, encompassing a diverse range of 211 taxa (131 genera, 35 families, 20 orders, 16 classes, and 9 phyla), were sourced from the comprehensive MiBioGen study. Genetic associations with 22 gastrointestinal diseases were gathered from the UK Biobank, FinnGen study, and various extensive GWAS studies. MR analysis was meticulously conducted to assess the causal relationship between genetically predicted gut microbiota and these gastrointestinal diseases. To validate the reliability of our findings, sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity were systematically performed.

RESULTS

The MR analysis yielded significant evidence for 251 causal relationships between genetically predicted gut microbiota and the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. This included 98 associations with upper gastrointestinal diseases, 81 with lower gastrointestinal diseases, 54 with hepatobiliary diseases, and 18 with pancreatic diseases. Notably, these associations were particularly evident in taxa belonging to the genera Ruminococcus and Eubacterium. Further sensitivity analyses reinforced the robustness of these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate a potential genetic predisposition linking gut microbiota to gastrointestinal diseases. These insights pave the way for designing future clinical trials focusing on microbiome-related interventions, including the use of microbiome-dependent metabolites, to potentially treat or manage gastrointestinal diseases and their associated risk factors.

The Utilization of Plant-Material-Loaded Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems in the Management of Pulmonary Diseases

Medicinal plants have been utilized to treat a variety of conditions on account of the bioactive properties that they contain. Most bioactive constituents from plants are of limited effectiveness, due to poor solubility, limited permeability, first-pass metabolism, efflux transporters, chemical instability, and food-drug interactions However, when combined with vesicular drug delivery systems (VDDS), herbal medicines can be delivered at a predetermined rate and can exhibit site-specific action. Vesicular drug delivery systems are novel pharmaceutical formulations that make use of vesicles as a means of encapsulating and transporting drugs to various locations within the body; they are a cutting-edge method of medication delivery that combats the drawbacks of conventional drug delivery methods. Drug delivery systems offer promising strategies to overcome the bioavailability limitations of bioactive phytochemicals. By improving their solubility, protecting them from degradation, enabling targeted delivery, and facilitating controlled release, drug delivery systems can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals and unlock their full potential in various health conditions. This review explores and collates the application of plant-based VDDS with the potential to exhibit protective effects against lung function loss in the interest of innovative and effective treatment and management of respiratory illnesses.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological significance of extracellular vesicles derived from traditional medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are the primary sources for the discovery of novel medicines and the basis of ethnopharmacological research. While existing studies mainly focus on the chemical compounds, there is little research about the functions of other contents in medicinal plants. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are functionally active, nanoscale, membrane-bound vesicles secreted by almost all eukaryotic cells. Intriguingly, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) also have been implicated to play an important role in therapeutic application. PDEVs were reported to have physical and chemical properties similar to mammalian EVs, which are rich in lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and pharmacologically active compounds. Besides these properties, PDEVs also exhibit unique advantages, especially intrinsic bioactivity, high stability, and easy absorption. PDEVs were found to be transferred into recipient cells and significantly affect their biological process involved in many diseases, such as inflammation and tumors. PDEVs also could offer unique morphological and compositional characteristics as natural nanocarriers by innately shuttling bioactive lipids, RNA, proteins, and other pharmacologically active substances. In addition, PDEVs could effectively encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemicals, remain stable, and cross stringent biological barriers. Thus, this study focuses on the pharmacological action and mechanisms of PDEVs in therapeutic applications. We also systemically deal with facets of PDEVs, ranging from their isolation to composition, biological functions, and biotherapeutic roles. Efforts are also made to elucidate recent advances in re-engineering PDEVs applied as stable, effective, and non-immunogenic therapeutic applications to meet the ever-stringent demands. Considering its unique advantages, these studies not only provide relevant scientific evidence on therapeutic applications but could also replenish and inherit precious cultural heritage.

Ferulic acid ameliorates ulcerative colitis in a rat model via the inhibition of two LPS-TLR4-NF-κB and NF-κB-INOS-NO signaling pathways and thus alleviating the inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic conditions in the colon tissue

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. However, the common treatment for it is accompanied by many complications. Therefore, the present study was aimed to determine the ameliorative effects of ferulic acid on acetic acid-induced colitis in rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To induce ulcerative colitis, animals received 0.8 ml of 7% acetic acid intra-rectally. Ferulic acid in 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg doses was administered orally one hour after the ulcerative colitis induction. Animals received treatments for five consecutive days and then were euthanized on the sixth day. The colon was dissected out and macroscopic lesions were examined. Colon samples were evaluated for histopathological examination, biochemical analysis, determination of the expression of inflammatory, and apoptotic genes as well as total antioxidant capacity.

RESULTS

Ferulic acid significantly inhibited inflammatory and apoptotic genes mRNA expression, also production of MDA and NO. Ferulic acid significantly increased the activity of antioxidant factors (TAC content, and SOD and CAT activity), thereby preventing inflammation and histopathological damage in the colon tissue of colitis rats.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study confirmed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of ferulic acid. About the mechanism of action of this compound, it can be concluded that the ability of ferulic acid in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis is related to the inhibition of two LPS-TLR4-NF-κB and NF-κB-INOS-NO signaling pathways.

The role of complex interactions between the intestinal flora and host in regulating intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease

Pharmacological treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is inefficient and difficult to discontinue appropriately, and enterobacterial interactions are expected to provide a new target for the treatment of IBD. We collected recent studies on the enterobacterial interactions among the host, enterobacteria, and their metabolite products and discuss potential therapeutic options. Intestinal flora interactions in IBD are affected in the reduced bacterial diversity, impact the immune system and are influenced by multiple factors such as host genetics and diet. Enterobacterial metabolites such as SCFAs, bile acids, and tryptophan also play important roles in enterobacterial interactions, especially in the progression of IBD. Therapeutically, a wide range of sources of probiotics and prebiotics exhibit potential therapeutic benefit in IBD through enterobacterial interactions, and some have gained wide recognition as adjuvant drugs. Different dietary patterns and foods, especially functional foods, are novel therapeutic modalities that distinguish pro-and prebiotics from traditional medications. Combined studies with food science may significantly improve the therapeutic experience of patients with IBD. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the role of enterobacteria and their metabolites in enterobacterial interactions, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the potential therapeutic options derived from such metabolites, and postulate directions for further research.

Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term "microbiota" pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases.