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Yang D, Ge T, Zhou J, Li H, Zhang Y. Aloe-emodin alleviates inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating intestinal microbiome homeostasis via the IL-4/IL-13 axis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34932. [PMID: 39157379 PMCID: PMC11328045 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34932] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health concern. Aloe-emodin (AE) has diverse pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, its role in IBD remains unclear, prompting our investigation of its regulatory effects and mechanisms in an IBD mouse model. Methods We studied the therapeutic efficacy of AE in alleviating symptoms and modulating cytokine secretion in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. BALB/c mice were administered DSS to induce colitis and were subsequently treated with varying doses of AE. Changes in body weight, fecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels, colon tissue histology, and serum cytokine concentrations were evaluated to assess the effects of AE treatment. Additionally, 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota following AE intervention. Finally, the database was used to analyze the signaling pathways associated with IBD in AE and to detect the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4 pathway using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Exogenous IL-4 was used in rescue experiments to observe its effects on the disease process of IBD under AE regulation. Results AE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent mitigation of weight loss, reduction in fecal LCN2 levels, and amelioration of histological damage in DSS-induced colitis in mice. The levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, whereas malondialdehyde decreased following AE treatment, indicating a dose-dependent alleviation of colitis symptoms. Furthermore, AE administration attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and chemokine ligand 1, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that AE effectively suppressed the overgrowth of colitis-associated bacterial species and restored microbial homeostasis. Finally, we found that overexpression of IL-4 was able to reverse the therapeutic effect of AE for DSS-induced IBD. Conclusion AE shows promise in alleviating colitis severity, influencing inflammatory cytokines, and modulating the gut microbiota in an IBD mouse model via the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, suggesting its potential as a natural IBD remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, NO.6 Zhenhua East Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huazhuan Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, NO.6 Zhenhua East Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, NO.6 Zhenhua East Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
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Rahman MA, Rakib-Uz-Zaman SM, Chakraborti S, Bhajan SK, Gupta RD, Jalouli M, Parvez MAK, Shaikh MH, Hoque Apu E, Harrath AH, Moon S, Kim B. Advancements in Utilizing Natural Compounds for Modulating Autophagy in Liver Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Cells 2024; 13:1186. [PMID: 39056768 PMCID: PMC11274515 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141186] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an intrinsic catabolic mechanism that eliminates misfolded proteins, dysfunctional organelles, and lipid droplets, plays a vital function in energy balance and cytoplasmic quality control, in addition to maintaining cellular homeostasis. Liver cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths globally and shows resistance to several anticancer drugs. Despite the rising incidence and poor prognosis of malignant HCC, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving this aggressive cancer remain unclear. Several natural compounds, such as phytochemicals of dietary and non-dietary origin, affect hepatocarcinogenesis signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo, which may help prevent and treat HCC cells. Current HCC cells treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, these standard therapies have substantial side effects, and combination therapy enhances side effects for an acceptable therapeutic benefit. Therefore, there is a need to develop treatment strategies for HCC cells that are more efficacious and have fewer adverse effects. Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors are responsible for the HCC cells to become resistant to standard treatment. Autophagy contributes to maintain cellular homeostasis, which activates autophagy for biosynthesis and mitochondrial regulation and recycling. Therefore, modifying autophagic signaling would present a promising opportunity to identify novel therapies to treat HCC cells resistant to current standard treatments. This comprehensive review illustrates how natural compounds demonstrate their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma function through autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ataur Rahman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - S M Rakib-Uz-Zaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Somdeepa Chakraborti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Sujay Kumar Bhajan
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Rajat Das Gupta
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Mushfiq H. Shaikh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada;
| | - Ehsanul Hoque Apu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA;
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Seungjoon Moon
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1–5 Hoegidong Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1–5 Hoegidong Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Zheng H, Zeng J, Bi P, Xu W, Yang Y, Chen H, Jin D. Integrated network analysis and experimental verification of the mechanisms employed by Compound Jixuecao Decoction to improve endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in chronic renal failure. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117959. [PMID: 38423413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117959] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Jixuecao Decoction (CJD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescribed in China to treat chronic renal failure (CRF). Previous studies have shown that CJD affects cell apoptosis and proliferation. However, the mechanism of its renal protective action has not been characterized. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanism(s) underlying the effect of CJD on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis in the treatment of CRF using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The compounds comprising CJD were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. A Swiss target prediction database and similarity integration approach were employed to identify potential targets of these components. The GeneCards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify targets associated with CRF, apoptosis, and ERS. The STRING database was employed to analyze the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) associated with drug-disease crossover. A chemical composition-shared target network was established, and critical pathways were identified through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The Protein Data Bank database was used to search key proteins, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed between the top four CJD active ingredients and proteins involved in apoptosis and ERS in CRF. Subsequent in vivo studies using a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model of CRF were performed to verify the findings. RESULTS The 80 compounds identified in CJD yielded 875 target genes, of which 216 were potentially related to CRF. PPI network analysis revealed key targets via topology filtering. Enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that CJD primarily targets mitofusin-2 (MFN2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), BAX, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) during CRF treatment. In vivo, CJD significantly increased the abundance of MFN2, BCL2, and significantly reduced the abundance of BAX, PERK, CHOP proteins in kidney tissues, indicating that CJD could improve apoptosis and ERS in CRF rats. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that CJD effectively delays CFR through modulation of the MFN2 and PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihong Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Jiali Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Peng Bi
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Yazhen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
| | - De Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
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Liu L, Xiang C, Li T, Zhao Z, Xiao T, Ouyang Z. Inhibition of NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways in osteoclasts and M1 macrophage polarization: Mechanistic insights into the anti-osteoporotic effects of Pseudolaric acid B. Life Sci 2024; 345:122592. [PMID: 38554947 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Osteoporosis, characterized by bone metabolism disruption leading to gradual bone loss and increased fracture susceptibility, is linked to the excessive activation of osteoclasts. Pseudolaric acid B (PAB), identified as an NF-κB signaling inhibitor crucial for osteoclastogenesis, is explored here for its protective effects in osteoporosis. Noncytotoxic PAB's impact on osteoclast differentiation was assessed through cell viability and osteoclast formation assays, with subsequent testing of osteoclast function via bone resorption assays. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluated PAB's genetic-level impact on osteoclastogenesis. Network pharmacology, western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assays were employed to elucidate PAB's regulatory mechanism. In an in vivo model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in mice, micro-CT, H&E staining, and TRAP staining facilitated histomorphometry analysis, while flow cytometry verified macrophage polarization. PAB demonstrated inhibitory effects on osteoclast formation and bone resorption in BMM and RAW264.7 cells, suppressing osteoclast-specific genes. Bioinformatic analysis, western blot, and luciferase assay results indicated PAB's inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation in the NF-κB signaling pathway and ERK in MAPKs, elucidating its mechanism. In vivo experiments confirmed PAB's attenuation of osteoporosis by reducing osteoclast formation in OVX mice. PAB further facilitated macrophage conversion from M1 to M2 and suppressed IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 synthesis. In conclusion, PAB prevents osteoporosis by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through NF-κB and ERK signaling pathway suppression, coupled with macrophage polarization. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of PAB in osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ziyue Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Tao Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Zhengxiao Ouyang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China.
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Wu J, Pang Y, Liu D, Sun J, Bai W. Photodynamic Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus Using Aloe-emodin as Photosensitizer. Food Res Int 2024; 178:113959. [PMID: 38309912 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.113959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Aloe-emodin (AE) is a natural compound with photodynamic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of AE-mediated photodynamic inactivation (PDI) on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The bacteriostatic efficiency under different photodynamic conditions and photosensitizing mechanism was studied in detail. The results showed that AE-mediated PDI exhibited a typical concentration and time-dependent characteristics. In terms of bactericidal mechanism, disruption of membrane integrity and increase of cell membrane permeability was observed. Type II reaction was assumed as the main photochemical reaction involved in AE-mediated PDI as evidenced by the action of different ROS quenching agents. Furthermore, AE-mediated PDI decreased the bacterial survival in freshly squeezed apple juice and maintained its quality. The combination of blue light and AE enlarged the application of AE as an effective natural photosensitizer suitable for a food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Wu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaokun Pang
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jianxia Sun
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Weibin Bai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangdong, China.
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