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Wu Z, Yang L, Wang R, Yang J, Liang P, Ren W, Yu H. Exploring the Mechanism of Asiatic Acid against Atherosclerosis Based on Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Experimental Verification. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:969. [PMID: 39065817 PMCID: PMC11279847 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070969] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Asiatic acid (AA) is a pentacyclic triterpene derived from the traditional medicine Centella asiatica. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-regulating properties. Though previous studies have suggested its potential therapeutic benefits for atherosclerosis, its pharmacological mechanism is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of AA in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Therefore, network pharmacology was employed to uncover the mechanism by which AA acts as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. Furthermore, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of AA's anti-atherosclerotic effects. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated a strong affinity between AA and PPARγ. Further MD simulations demonstrated the favorable stability of AA-PPARγ protein complexes. In vitro experiments demonstrated that AA can dose-dependently inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. This effect may be mediated through the PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway. This research underscores anti-inflammation as a crucial biological process in AA treatments for atherosclerosis, with PPARγ potentially serving as a key target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (Z.W.); (R.W.)
| | - Luyin Yang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.Y.); (P.L.)
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Rong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (Z.W.); (R.W.)
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (Z.W.); (R.W.)
| | - Pan Liang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.Y.); (P.L.)
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Wei Ren
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.Y.); (P.L.)
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hong Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (Z.W.); (R.W.)
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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Fu A, Zheng Y, Guo J, Grierson D, Zhao X, Wen C, Liu Y, Li J, Zhang X, Yu Y, Ma H, Wang Q, Zuo J. Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of bitter melon ( Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser.) reveals fruit development, composition and ripening genetic characteristics. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhac228. [PMID: 36643758 PMCID: PMC9832870 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser. (Mca), known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a Momordica variety with medicinal value and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. In view of the lack of genomic information on bitter gourd and other Momordica species and to promote Mca genomic research, we assembled a 295.6-Mb telomere-to-telomere (T2T) high-quality Mca genome with six gap-free chromosomes after Hi-C correction. This genome is anchored to 11 chromosomes, which is consistent with the karyotype information, and comprises 98 contigs (N50 of 25.4 Mb) and 95 scaffolds (N50 of 25.4 Mb). The Mca genome harbors 19 895 protein-coding genes, of which 45.59% constitute predicted repeat sequences. Synteny analysis revealed variations involved in fruit quality during the divergence of bitter gourd. In addition, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by high-throughput sequencing and metabolic analysis showed that momordicosides and other substances are characteristic of Mca fruit pulp. A combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed the mechanisms of pigment accumulation and cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Mca fruit peels, providing fundamental molecular information for further research on Mca fruit ripening. This report provides a new genetic resource for Momordica genomic studies and contributes additional insights into Cucurbitaceae phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Sciences and Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Donald Grierson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoyan Zhao
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Changlong Wen
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetable Storage and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Jian Li
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Corresponding authors: Jinhua Zuo, +861051503058; Qing Wang, ; Hong Ma,
| | - Qing Wang
- Corresponding authors: Jinhua Zuo, +861051503058; Qing Wang, ; Hong Ma,
| | - Jinhua Zuo
- Corresponding authors: Jinhua Zuo, +861051503058; Qing Wang, ; Hong Ma,
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Peng J, Abdulla R, Li Y, Liu XY, He F, Xin XL, Aisa HA. Potential anti-diabetic components of Apocynum venetum L. flowers: Optimization, chemical characterization and quality evaluation. J Food Compost Anal 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Antioxidant and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity of Momordica charantia Extract, and Development and Characterization of Microemulsion. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is rich in flavonoids, which possess a strong antioxidant capacity and may help prevent hair loss. This study aims to develop the microemulsion of M. charantia with antioxidant activity and 5α-reductase (5aR) inhibitory activity. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and 5aR inhibitory activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruit were investigated. The preparation of M. charantia extract-loaded microemulsion (MELM) was optimized and characterized the MELM. The aqueous extract of M. charantia fruit flesh displayed a TPC of 780.75 ± 24.82 mg Gallic acid equivalence/g of extract. ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activities were observed in all the extracts. About 0.461 ± 0.003 mg finasteride equivalence/g of extract of 5aR inhibitory activity was detected in the aqueous extract of the inner tissue of M. charantia fruit. Based on NO radical scavenging and 5aR inhibitory activity, an aqueous extract of the inner tissue (pericarp with seed) of M. charantia fruit was used to prepare the MELM. The MELM was prepared using a different ratio of tween 80 and ethanol as Smix. The results showed that the 1:1 ratio of tween 80: ethanol produced microemulsion of an optimum size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The MELM samples were stored at 5, 30, and 40 °C for 12 weeks, and the stability was assessed. The results revealed that the size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the formulated MELM remained unchanged during the investigated time. This study primarily reports the 5aR inhibitory activity of M. charantia extract and the development of microemulsion. The prepared MELM could be further developed into cosmetic or pharmacological preparations to manage hair loss.
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Momordica charantia leaf extract reduces hepatic lipid accumulation and diet-induced dyslipidemia in zebrafish through lipogenesis and beta-oxidation. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Hsu SK, Hung CF, Yang HC, Weng JR, Wang SJ. TCD, a triterpenoid isolated from wild bitter gourd, reduces synaptosomal release of glutamate and protects against kainic acid-induced neuronal death. Food Funct 2021; 11:9858-9867. [PMID: 33089839 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo02039g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
3β,7β,25-Trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (TCD) is a triterpenoid isolated from wild bitter gourd that is a common tropical vegetable with neuroprotective effects. Because excessive glutamate release is a major cause of neuronal damage in various neurological disorders, the aims of this study were to examine the effect of TCD on glutamate release in vitro and to examine the effect of TCD in vivo. In rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes, TCD reduced 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-stimulated glutamate release and Ca2+ concentration elevation, but had no effect on plasma membrane potential. TCD-mediated inhibition of 4-AP-induced glutamate release was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium; persisted in the presence of the glutamate transporter inhibitor dl-TBOA, P/Q-type Ca2+ channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA, and intracellular Ca2+-releasing inhibitors dantrolene and CGP37157; and was blocked by the vesicular transporter inhibitor bafilomycin A1 and the N-type Ca2+ channel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA. Molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TCD binds to N-type Ca2+ channels. TCD-mediated inhibition of 4-AP-induced glutamate release was abolished by the Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Go6976, but was unaffected by the Ca2+-independent PKC inhibitor rottlerin. Furthermore, TCD considerably reduced the phosphorylation of PKC, PKCα, and myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate, a major presynaptic substrate for PKC. In a rat model of kainic acid (KA)-induced excitotoxicity, TCD pretreatment substantially attenuated KA-induced neuronal death in the CA3 hippocampal region. These results suggest that TCD inhibits synaptosomal glutamate release by suppressing N-type Ca2+ channels and PKC activity and exerts protective effects against KA-induced excitotoxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu Kai Hsu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Wild Bitter Melon Extract Regulates LPS-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation, Inflammation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Ferroptosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6671129. [PMID: 34239589 PMCID: PMC8241502 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6671129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key component of liver fibrosis. Two antifibrosis pathways have been identified, the reversion to quiescent-type HSCs and the clearance of HSCs through apoptosis. Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced HSCs activation and proliferation have been associated with the development of liver fibrosis. We determined the pharmacological effects of wild bitter melon (WM) on HSC activation following LPS treatment and investigated whether WM treatment affected cell death pathways under LPS-treated conditions, including ferroptosis. WM treatment caused cell death, both with and without LPS treatment. WM treatment caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation without LPS treatment and reversed the decrease in lipid ROS production in HSCs after LPS treatment. We examined the effects of WM treatment on fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and ferroptosis in LPS-activated HSCs. The western blotting analysis revealed that the WM treatment of LPS-activated HSCs induced the downregulation of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), integrin-β1, phospho-JNK (p-JNK), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cystine/glutamate transporter (SLC7A11) and the upregulation of CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). These results support WM as an antifibrotic agent that may represent a potential therapeutic solution for the management of liver fibrosis.
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Kung WM, Lin MS. Beneficial Impacts of Alpha-Eleostearic Acid from Wild Bitter Melon and Curcumin on Promotion of CDGSH Iron-Sulfur Domain 2: Therapeutic Roles in CNS Injuries and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073289. [PMID: 33804820 PMCID: PMC8037269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and abnormal mitochondrial function are related to the cause of aging, neurodegeneration, and neurotrauma. The activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), exaggerating these two pathologies, underlies the pathogenesis for the aforementioned injuries and diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) belongs to the human NEET protein family with the [2Fe-2S] cluster. CISD2 has been verified as an NFκB antagonist through the association with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β (PPAR-β). This protective protein can be attenuated under circumstances of CNS injuries and diseases, thereby causing NFκB activation and exaggerating NFκB-provoked neuroinflammation and abnormal mitochondrial function. Consequently, CISD2-elevating plans of action provide pathways in the management of various disease categories. Various bioactive molecules derived from plants exert protective anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and serve as natural antioxidants, such as conjugated fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Herein, we have summarized pharmacological characters of the two phytochemicals, namely, alpha-eleostearic acid (α-ESA), an isomer of conjugated linolenic acids derived from wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser.), and curcumin, a polyphenol derived from rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. In this review, the unique function of the CISD2-elevating effect of α-ESA and curcumin are particularly emphasized, and these natural compounds are expected to serve as a potential therapeutic target for CNS injuries and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon-Man Kung
- Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Muh-Shi Lin
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 43303, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, College of Bioresources, National Ilan University, Yilan 26047, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Care, Hung Kuang University, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
- Department of Health Business Administration, College of Medical and Health Care, Hung Kuang University, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2665-1900
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The triterpenoids of the bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia) and their pharmacological activities: A review. J Food Compost Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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A Review of Malaysian Herbal Plants and Their Active Constituents with Potential Therapeutic Applications in Sepsis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8257817. [PMID: 33193799 PMCID: PMC7641701 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8257817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis refers to organ failure due to uncontrolled body immune responses towards infection. The systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria, is accompanied by the release of various proinflammatory mediators that can lead to organ damage. The progression to septic shock is even more life-threatening due to hypotension. Thus, sepsis is a leading cause of death and morbidity globally. However, current therapies are mainly symptomatic treatment and rely on the use of antibiotics. The lack of a specific treatment demands exploration of new drugs. Malaysian herbal plants have a long history of usage for medicinal purposes. A total of 64 Malaysian plants commonly used in the herbal industry have been published in Malaysian Herbal Monograph 2015 and Globinmed website (http://www.globinmed.com/). An extensive bibliographic search in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus revealed that seven of these plants have antisepsis properties, as evidenced by the therapeutic effect of their extracts or isolated compounds against sepsis-associated inflammatory responses or conditions in in vitro or/and in vivo studies. These include Andrographis paniculata, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Syzygium aromaticum, Momordica charantia, and Centella asiatica. Among these, Z. officinale is the most widely studied plant and seems to have the highest potential for future therapeutic applications in sepsis. Although both extracts as well as active constituents from these herbal plants have demonstrated potential antisepsis activity, the activity might be primarily contributed by the active constituent(s) from each of these plants, which are andrographolide (A. paniculata), 6-gingerol and zingerone (Z. officinale), curcumin (C. longa), piperine and pellitorine (P. nigrum), biflorin (S. aromaticum), and asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassoside (C. asiatica). These active constituents have shown great antisepsis effects, and further investigations into their clinical therapeutic potential may be worthwhile.
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Papoutsis K, Zhang J, Bowyer MC, Brunton N, Gibney ER, Lyng J. Fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms for the preparation of extracts with α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition properties: A review. Food Chem 2020; 338:128119. [PMID: 33091976 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity facilitates the maintenance of circulating glucose levels by decreasing the rate of blood sugar absorption. Existing enzyme inhibitors such as acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose are used for inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, however, alternative solutions are required to avoid the side-effects of using these drugs. The current study aims to review recent evidence regarding the in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of extracts derived from selected fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms. The mechanisms of action of the extracts involved in the inhibition of both enzymes are also presented and discussed. Compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, saponins, carotenoids, terpenes, sugars, proteins, capsaicinoids, fatty acids, alkaloids have been shown to have α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. Harvesting period, maturity stage, sample preparation, extraction technique, and solvent type are parameters that affect the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of the extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael C Bowyer
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Nigel Brunton
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen R Gibney
- UCD Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James Lyng
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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