Sinomenine hydrochloride protects against polymicrobial sepsis via autophagy

Bioactivities and Mechanisms of Action of Sinomenine and Its Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review

Sinomenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the roots and stems of Sinomenium acutum, has been extensively studied for its derivatives as bioactive agents. This review concentrates on the research advancements in the biological activities and action mechanisms of sinomenine-related compounds until November 2023. The findings indicate a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and immunosuppressive properties. These compounds are notably effective against breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, exhibiting IC50 values of approximately 121.4 nM against PC-3 and DU-145 cells, primarily through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Additionally, they manifest anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects predominantly via the NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Utilized in treating rheumatic arthritis, these alkaloids also play a significant role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, as well as organ protection through the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This review concludes with perspectives and insights on this topic, highlighting the potential of sinomenine-related compounds in clinical applications and the development of medications derived from natural products.

Current insight on the mechanisms of programmed cell death in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction. It is a high-fatality condition associated with a complex interplay of immune and inflammatory responses that can cause severe harm to vital organs. Sepsis-induced myocardial injury (SIMI), as a severe complication of sepsis, significantly affects the prognosis of septic patients and shortens their survival time. For the sake of better administrating hospitalized patients with sepsis, it is necessary to understand the specific mechanisms of SIMI. To date, multiple studies have shown that programmed cell death (PCD) may play an essential role in myocardial injury in sepsis, offering new strategies and insights for the therapeutic aspects of SIMI. This review aims to elucidate the role of cardiomyocyte's programmed death in the pathophysiological mechanisms of SIMI, with a particular focus on the classical pathways, key molecules, and signaling transduction of PCD. It will explore the role of the cross-interaction between different patterns of PCD in SIMI, providing a new theoretical basis for multi-target treatments for SIMI.

Harnessing the multifunctionality of lipid-based drug delivery systems for the local treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread joint condition affecting millions globally, presenting a growing socioeconomic burden thus making the development of more effective therapeutic strategies crucial. This review emphasizes recent advancements in lipid-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) for intra-articular administration of OA therapeutics, encompassing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, small molecule disease-modifying OA drugs, and RNA therapeutics. Liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, lipidic mesophases, extracellular vesicles and composite systems exhibit enhanced stability, targeted delivery, and extended joint retention, which contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes and minimized systemic drug exposure. Although active targeting strategies hold promise, further research is needed to assess their targeting efficiency in physiologically relevant conditions. Simultaneously, multifunctional DDSs capable of delivering combinations of distinct therapeutic classes offer synergistic effects and superior OA treatment outcomes. The development of such long-acting systems that resist rapid clearance from the joint space is crucial, where particle size and targeting capabilities emerge as vital factors. Additionally, combining cartilage lubrication properties with sustained drug delivery has demonstrated potential in animal models, meriting further investigation in human clinical trials. This review highlights the crucial need for direct, head-to-head comparisons of novel DDSs with standard treatments, particularly within the same drug class. These comparisons are essential in accurately evaluating their effectiveness, safety, and clinical applicability, and are set to significantly shape the future of OA therapy.

Emodin protects against intestinal dysfunction and enhances survival in rat model of septic peritonitis through anti-inflammatory actions

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a significant contributor to organ function damage or failure that results in intestinal dysfunction. Emodin (Emo) has received much attention for its notable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We aimed to explore the function of Emo on sepsis.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were pretreated with 20 or 40 mg/kg of Emo, followed by using cecal ligation and perforation to establish sepsis models. Hereafter, blood glucose levels, biochemical parameters, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Additionally, ileal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was also measured. Diamine oxidase (DAO) level in plasma, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 40 (FD-40) level in serum, bacteria number in blood and peritoneal fluid, histopathological changes of ileum, and tight junction (TJ) protein expressions in ileum were tested to evaluate the barrier function. Furthermore, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells' percentages were evaluated by flow cytometry. Finally, rats' survival rate was calculated as live rats divided by the total number of rats.

RESULTS

Emo pretreatment not only decreased blood glucose level, but also downregulated triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) contents for sepsis rats, especially for the high dose of Emo (p < .05). Furthermore, Emo inhibited MPO activity and inflammatory factor release (p < .05). Crucially, after Emo administration, the barrier function of ileum was enhanced, evidenced by the reduced DAO, FD-40 levels, decreased bacteria number, alleviated pathological damage in ileum and increased TJ protein expressions (p < .05). Rats treated with Emo exhibited increased percentages of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells (p < .05), as well as an improved survival rate.

CONCLUSION

Emo exhibited a remarkable ability to attenuate sepsis by restoring intestinal dysfunction and improving survival rates, and the mechanism was closely related to anti-inflammatory properties, which provided new solid evidence for the use of Emo in treating sepsis.

Network pharmacology-based approach to explore the underlying mechanism of sinomenine on sepsis-induced myocardial injury in rats

Background: Sepsis, a systemic disease, usually induces myocardial injury (MI), and sepsis-induced MI has become a significant contributor to sepsis-related deaths in the intensive care unit. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of sinomenine (SIN) on sepsis-induced MI and clarify the underlying mechanism based on the techniques of network pharmacology. Methods: Cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) was adopted to induce sepsis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Serum indicators, echocardiographic cardiac parameters, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were conducted to gauge the severity of cardiac damage. The candidate targets and potential mechanism of SIN against sepsis-induced MI were analyzed via network pharmacology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for detecting the serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot was applied for evaluating the levels of protein expression. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay was applied to assess cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Results: SIN significantly improved the cardiac functions, and attenuated myocardial structural damage of rats as compared with the CLP group. In total, 178 targets of SIN and 945 sepsis-related genes were identified, and 33 overlapped targets were considered as candidate targets of SIN against sepsis. Enrichment analysis results demonstrated that these putative targets were significantly associated with the Interleukin 17 (IL-17) signal pathway, inflammatory response, cytokines-mediated signal pathway, and Janus Kinase-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Molecular docking suggested that SIN had favorable binding affinities with Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). SIN significantly reduced the serum concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), lowered the protein expression of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), JAK1, JAK2, STAT3, NF-κB, and decreased the proportion of cleaved-caspase3/caspase3. In addition, SIN also significantly inhibited the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes as compared with the CLP group. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology analysis and corresponding experiments, it was concluded that SIN could mediate related targets and pathways to protect against sepsis-induced MI.

Sinomenine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via a PPARβ/δ-dependent mechanism

Evidence is mounting that sinomenine and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) are effective against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) via anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unknown whether PPARβ/δ plays a role in the protective effect of sinomenine on ALI. Here, we initially observed that preemptive administration of sinomenine markedly alleviated lung pathological changes, pulmonary edema and neutrophil infiltration, accompanied by inhibition of the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which were largely reversed following the addition of a PPARβ/δ antagonist. Subsequently, we also noticed that sinomenine upregulated adenosine A_2A receptor expression in a PPARβ/δ-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Further investigation indicated that PPARβ/δ directly bound to the functional peroxisome proliferator responsive element (PPRE) in the adenosine A_2A receptor gene promoter region to enhance the expression of the adenosine A_2A receptor. Sinomenine was identified as a PPARβ/δ agonist. It could bind with PPARβ/δ, and promote the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of PPARβ/δ. In addition, combined treatment with sinomenine and an adenosine A_2A receptor agonist exhibited synergistic effects and better protective roles than their single use against ALI. Taken together, our results reveal that sinomenine exerts advantageous effects on ALI by activating of PPARβ/δ, with the subsequent upregulation of adenosine A_2A receptor expression, and provide a novel and potential therapeutic application for ALI.

PLK1 protects intestinal barrier function in sepsis: A translational research

BACKGROUND

Sepsis and its related complications are very challenging in the intensive care unit, among which intestinal barrier injury is a general manifestation. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is widely studied in cancer, while its role in sepsis is poorly understood. In this study, the efficiency of PLK1 as a marker of intestinal barrier function as well as a predictor of mortality in sepsis was evaluated.

METHODS

The level of serum PLK1 was measured in septic patients (n = 51) and controls (n = 20); subsequently, its correlation with serum diamine oxidase (DAO), d-lactate, and endotoxin levels and its ability topredict mortality were analysed. The survival rate and barrier injury degree were also assessed in septic mice.

RESULTS

Serum PLK1 levels were elevated in septic patients, were negatively correlated with serum DAO, d-lactate, and endotoxin levels, and had a high predictive value for 28-day mortality in patients. The serum PLK1 level in non-survivors was lower. The expression of PLK1 in the intestine was decreased in septic mice, and overexpression or inhibition of PLK1 alleviated or aggravated intestinal barrier injury, respectively, as evaluated by Chiu's score, serum levels of DAO and d-lactate, and expression of tight junction proteins. Overexpressing PLK1 also decreased the 72-hour death rate of septic mice. Further study also revealed the negative correlation of PLK1 and IL-6 in patients, and increasing or interfering with PLK1 expression reduced or increased the serum IL-6 level in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

PLK1 plays a critical role in intestinal barrier function during sepsis, providing a novel perspective for sepsis therapy in the clinic.

Sinomenine regulates immune cell subsets: Potential neuro-immune intervene for precise treatment of chronic pain

Chronic pain is a disease of long-lasting pain with unpleasant feelings mediated by central and (or) peripheral sensitization, its duration usually lasts more than 3 months or longer than the expected recovery time. The patients with chronic pain are manifested with enhanced sensitivity to noxious and non-noxious stimuli. Due to an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms, patients are commonly insensitive to the treatment of first line analgesic medicine in clinic. Thus, the exploration of non-opioid-dependent analgesia are needed. Recent studies have shown that "sinomenine," the main active ingredient in the natural plant "sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. Et Wils," has a powerful inhibitory effect on chronic pain, but its underlying mechanism still needs to be further elucidated. A growing number of studies have shown that various immune cells such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, astrocytes and microglia, accompanied with the relative inflammatory factors and neuropeptides, are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Notably, the interaction of the immune system and sensory neurons is essential for the development of central and (or) peripheral sensitization, as well as the progression and maintenance of chronic pain. Based on the effects of sinomenine on immune cells and their subsets, this review mainly focused on describing the potential analgesic effects of sinomenine, with rationality of regulating the neuroimmune interaction.

Cardiomyocyte death in sepsis: Mechanisms and regulation (Review)

Sepsis‑induced cardiac dysfunction is one of the most common types of organ dysfunction in sepsis; its pathogenesis is highly complex and not yet fully understood. Cardiomyocytes serve a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiac function; due to the limited ability of cardiomyocytes to regenerate, their loss contributes to decreased cardiac function. The activation of inflammatory signalling pathways affects cardiomyocyte function and modes of cardiomyocyte death in sepsis. Prevention of cardiomyocyte death is an important therapeutic strategy for sepsis‑induced cardiac dysfunction. Thus, understanding the signalling pathways that activate cardiomyocyte death and cross‑regulation between death modes are key to finding therapeutic targets. The present review focused on advances in understanding of sepsis‑induced cardiomyocyte death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, mitochondria‑mediated necrosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. The present review summarizes the effect of inflammatory activation on cardiomyocyte death mechanisms, the diversity of regulatory mechanisms and cross‑regulation between death modes and the effect on cardiac function in sepsis to provide a theoretical basis for treatment of sepsis‑induced cardiac dysfunction.

Sinomenium acutum: A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Application

Sinomenium acutumis the dry stem of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd et Wils. (S. acutum) and Sinomenium acutum(Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils. var. cinereumRehd. et Wils and is mainly distributed in China and Japan. As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for dispelling wind and dampness in China, it is widely distributed and has a long history of drug use. In recent years, with the increase of the incidence of rheumatoid disease, S. acutum has become the focus of research. This paper reviews the literature on the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications and pharmacokinetics and safety of S. acutum from the past 60 years. At present, more than 210 natural compounds have been isolated from S. acutum, including alkaloids, lignans, triterpenoid saponins, steroids, and other structures. Pharmacological activities of S. acutum were mainly reported on anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, anti-tumor, liver-protective, anti-oxidative, and other effects, and clinical applications were mainly recorded on rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other diseases. The clinical use of SIN has fewer side effects and more safety; only a small number of gastrointestinal reactions occurred, and the symptoms disappeared after the drug stopped. The purpose of this paper is to lay a foundation and provide reference for the follow-up research and wide application of S. acutum.

The Yin and Yang dualistic features of autophagy in thermal burn wound healing

Burn healing should be regarded as a dynamic process consisting of two main, interrelated phases: (a) the inflammatory phase when neutrophils and monocytes infiltrate the injury site, through localized vasodilation and fluid extravasation, and (b) the proliferative-remodeling phase, which represents a key event in wound healing. In the skin, both canonical autophagy (induced by starvation, oxidative stress, and environmental aggressions) and non-canonical or selective autophagy have evolved to play a discrete, but, essential, “housekeeping” role, for homeostasis, immune tolerance, and survival. Experimental data supporting the pro-survival roles of autophagy, highlighting its Yang, luminous and positive feature of this complex but insufficient explored molecular pathway, have been reported. Autophagic cell death describes an “excessive” degradation of important cellular components that are necessary for normal cell function. This deadly molecular mechanism brings to light the darker, concealed, Yin feature of autophagy. Autophagy seems to perform dual, conflicting roles in the angiogenesis context, revealing once again, its Yin–Yang features. Autophagy with its Yin–Yang features remains the shadow player, able to decide quietly whether the cell survives or dies.

Intra-Articular Drug Delivery for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Currently, clinical nonsurgical treatments of OA are only limited to pain relief, anti-inflammation, and viscosupplementation. Developing disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs) is highly demanded for the efficient treatment of OA. As OA is a local disease, intra-articular (IA) injection directly delivers drugs to synovial joints, resulting in high-concentration drugs in the joint and reduced side effects, accompanied with traditional oral or topical administrations. However, the injected drugs are rapidly cleaved. By properly designing the drug delivery systems, prolonged retention time and targeting could be obtained. In this review, we summarize the drugs investigated for OA treatment and recent advances in the IA drug delivery systems, including micro- and nano-particles, liposomes, and hydrogels, hoping to provide some information for designing the IA injected formulations.

The Beneficial Effects of Probiotics via Autophagy: A Systematic Review

Probiotics are living microorganisms increasingly used to treat or modulate different diseases or disorders because of their benefits and also low adverse reaction, and their positive and protective effects on various cells and tissues have been reported. The mechanisms by which probiotics exert their beneficial effects in different cells and tissues were investigated, and autophagy is one of the main mechanisms to induce their positive effects. Autophagy is a conserved process that occurs in all eukaryotic cells and plays an essential role in homeostasis and cell survival by degrading damaged and dysfunctional intracellular organelles. On the other hand, the role of autophagy is diverse in different tissues and situations, and cell death derived from autophagy has been observed in some cells. This search was done in PubMed, WOS, and Scopus using the keywords probiotic, microbiota, and autophagy. The search strategy was focused on the in vitro and animal model studies, and the included filters were English language publications and full-text articles (by June 2020). Studies that investigated other underlying mechanisms except autophagy were excluded. Among more than 105 papers, 24 studies were considered eligible for more evaluation. The obtained results indicated that most studies were performed on intestinal cell lines or tissue compared with other types of cell lines and tissue. This review article discusses our current understanding of the probiotic effects through autophagy in different cell lines and tissues that would be a useful guide to daily and clinical usage of these living microorganisms, but despite promising results of this systematic review, further studies need to assess this issue. This systematic review has demonstrated that autophagy is an effective mechanism in inducing beneficial effects of probiotics in different tissues.

Sinomenine ameliorates septic acute lung injury in mice by modulating gut homeostasis via aryl hydrocarbon receptor/Nrf2 pathway

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by a host's immune response to infection. Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common complications of sepsis with high mortality and morbidity. Recent evidence demonstrated that the 'gut-lung axis' was related to the progression of septic acute lung injury, which regarded gut microbiota and intestinal barrier as two critical factors correlated with acute lung injury. Sinomenine is an isoquinoline alkaloid component extracted from Sinomenium acutum Rehd，et Wils, which has been already reported to have significant anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-arthritis properties. In this research, we observed that sinomenine could repair the lung injury and alleviate inflammatory response induced by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Illumine sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed that sinomenine could improve the richness of gut microbiota and modulate the composition of intestinal flora in cecum ligation and puncture mice. Meanwhile, sinomenine could reduce the colon pathological damage and improve the intestine barrier integrity in cecum ligation and puncture mice. We also found that the molecular mechanism of sinomenine's protective effect on intestinal tract was related to the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor/nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2（Nrf2）pathway both in vivo and vitro experiments. Collectively, the prevention of septic acute lung injury by sinomenine might be mediated by modulating gut microbiota and restoring intestinal barrier via aryl hydrocarbon receptor/Nrf2-dependent pathway.

C16, a novel sinomenine derivatives, promoted macrophage reprogramming toward M2-like phenotype and protected mice from endotoxemia

Macrophage plays a critical part in host defense, tissue repair, and anti-inflammation; Macrophage reprogramming is responsible for disease development or regression. We aimed to clarify the effect of sinomenine-4-hydroxy-palmitate (C16), on macrophage reprogramming and anti-inflammatory in endotoxemia model. According to a structure modification of SIN (Sinomenine), C16 was found. Then, based on the endotoxin model, the mice liver and kidney toxicity was evaluated and serum cytokines level of IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β) were measured by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Then, we confirmed the effect of C16 on macrophages reprogramming, we used the flow cytometry to test the effect of C16 on macrophages apoptosis in vitro. Then, iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), M1-type related cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and M2-type related cytokines, such as Arg-1 (Arginase-1), CD206, Fizz1, and Ym1 was detected, which expressed in ANA-1 and primary peritoneal macrophages. To further explore the molecular mechanism of C16 in reprogramming of macrophages from M1 toward M2 phenotype, the expression of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of Transcription 1), STAT3, ERK1/2 (extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2), AKT, p38, and its corresponding phosphorylation were determined by western blot. Our results demonstrated that C16 improved the survival rate of LPS- (lipopolysaccharide) challenged mice and decreased the inflammatory cytokines expression; After C16 treatment, the expression of M1 phenotype correlation factors decreased significantly, while the expression of M2 phenotype correlation factors increased significantly at different levels compared with normal group. It indicated that C16 reprogram macrophages phenotype from M1 toward M2 following LPS stimulus. Furthermore, the results also showed that C16 showed anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting LPS-induced p38, AKT and STAT1 phosphorylation and contributing ERK1/2 activation. C16 promoted macrophage reprogramming toward M2-like phenotype via p-p38/p-AKT or STAT1 signals pathway and C16 might be a valid candidate for inflammatory disease.

Hepatoprotective effect of anemoside B4 against sepsis-induced acute liver injury through modulating the mTOR/p70S6K-mediated autophagy

Sepsis triggers liver dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we elucidated the effect of anemoside B4 on sepsis in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced mouse model and LPS-induced primary hepatocytes. Following CLP surgery, septic mice were intraperitoneally injected with anemoside B4 (50 or 100 mg/kg). Anemoside B4 improved septic mouse survival rate, decreased serum AST and ALT levels and attenuated liver histopathologic damages. Western blot analysis showed that anemoside B4 elevated the expression of Beclin-1, LC3II/LC3I, Atg3, Atg5, and Atg7, and reduced p62, suggesting the restoration of autophagy flux in liver. More autophagic vesicles were observed in liver after anemoside B4 treatment using transmission electron microscopy. Using ELISA and commercial enzyme kits, we found that anemoside B4 decreased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and increased CAT, SOD and GSH activities. TUNEL staining and western blot revealed that anemoside B4 suppressed cell apoptosis, along with decreased Bax, leaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, but increased Bcl-2. Consistent with in vivo findings, anemoside B4 inhibited apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress and enhanced autophagy in LPS-induced primary hepatocytes. Importantly, these cellular processes were possibly mediated by mTOR/p70S6K signaling, as reflected by the offset of 3-MA in the immunosuppression of anemoside B4.

Sinomenine activation of Nrf2 signaling prevents inflammation and cerebral injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

Sinomenine (SINO), which is used clinically to treat rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia, is derived from the root and stems of Sinomenium acutum. SINO has been reported to exert analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects, and provides a protective role against shock and organ damage. Studies have suggested that SINO primarily exerts it anti-inflammatory function by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. There is also evidence to indicate that SINO may regulate inflammation Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling. The present study aimed to investigate whether the anti-inflammatory and cerebral protective effects of SINO were induced through Nrf2 both in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that SINO significantly upregulated Nrf2 protein expression levels, increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the upregulated the protein expression levels of downstream factors. The treatment of a middle cerebral artery occlusion model mice with SINO effectively reduced cerebral damage and inflammation, and restored the balance in cerebral oxidative stress. In addition, SINO treatment also promoted Nrf2-dependent microglia M1/M2 polarization and inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα as well as NF-κB nuclear translocation. This revealed an important upstream event that contributed to its anti-inflammatory and cerebral tissue protective effects. In conclusion, the findings of the present study identified a novel pathway through which SINO may exert its anti-inflammatory and cerebral protective functions, and provided a molecular basis for the potential applications of SINO in the treatment of cerebral inflammatory disorders.

Xinmailong Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Lysosomal Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in H9c2 Cells via HO-1

The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its cardiotoxicity, which is closely associated with oxidative stress. Xinmailong (XML) is a bioactive peptide extracted from American cockroaches, which has been mainly applied to treat chronic heart failure in China. Our previous study showed that XML attenuates DOX-induced oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of XML in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity remains unclear. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that is ubiquitously expressed in all cell types, has been found to take antioxidant effects in many cardiovascular diseases, and its expression is protectively upregulated under DOX treatment. Lysosome and autophagy are closely involved in oxidative stress as well. It is still unknown whether XML could attenuate doxorubicin-induced lysosomal dysfunction and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells via HO-1. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the involvement of HO-1-mediated lysosomal function and autophagy flux in DOX-induced oxidative stress and cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Our results showed that XML treatment markedly increased cell proliferation and SOD activity, improved lysosomal function, and ameliorated autophagy flux block in DOX-treated H9c2 cells. Furthermore, XML significantly increased HO-1 expression following DOX treatment. Importantly, HO-1-specific inhibitor (Znpp) or HO-1 siRNA could significantly attenuate the protective effects of XML against DOX-induced cell injury, oxidative stress, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagy flux block. These results suggest that XML protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through HO-1-mediated recovery of lysosomal function and autophagy flux and decreases oxidative stress, providing a novel mechanism responsible for the protection of XML against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Sinomenine improve diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting fibrosis and regulating the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

To investigate the therapeutic effects and potent mechanism of sinomenine (SIN) nanoliposomes on nephropathy in diabetic rats.

MAIN METHODS

The protective efficacies of SIN on the oxidative injury in renal HK-2 cell induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were investigated via the CCK-8 assay. Forty SD rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) were assigned to the saline group and three SIN groups (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). During 6-week treatment, body weight, fasting glucose level and other metabolic parameters were recorded. H&E staining and changes in renal functions as well as expression levels of apoptosis and fibrosis-related factors in renal tissues were assessed. The qPCR and western blotting (WB) methods were used to detect relative expression levels of JAK/STAT/SOCS pathway-related factors in the renal tissues.

KEY FINDINGS

Cell viabilities of HK-2 cells with oxidative injury were obviously improved by incubating with SIN at 320 μg/mL for 92.9%. Significantly up-regulated GPX1, SOD2 and GSH contributed to the down-regulated ROS content in SIN-treated groups. Moreover, 6-week administration of SIN improved renal functions and worsening nephropathy morphology of DKD rats. SIN also ameliorated gradually increased renal cell apoptosis, suppressed expression levels of fibrosis-related proteins as well as IL-6 and ICAM-1, and regulated JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 pathway, thereby exhibited protective effects on renal tissues of DKD rats.

CONCLUSION

SIN protects nephrocytes and decreases renal tissue injury via inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing renal cell apoptosis and fibrosis, regulating the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 pathway in DKD rats.

Interplay Between NLRP3 Inflammasome and Autophagy

The NLRP3 inflammasome is cytosolic multi-protein complex that induces inflammation and pyroptotic cell death in response to both pathogen (PAMPs) and endogenous activators (DAMPs). Recognition of PAMPs or DAMPs leads to formation of the inflammasome complex, which results in activation of caspase-1, followed by cleavage and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Excessive activation of NLRP3 inflammasome can contribute to development of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Autophagy is vital intracellular process for recycling and removal of damaged proteins and organelles, as well as destruction of intracellular pathogens. Cytosolic components are sequestered in a double-membrane vesicle-autophagosome, which then fuses with lysosome resulting in degradation of the cargo. The autophagy dysfunction can lead to diseases with hyperinflammation and excessive activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and thus acts as a major regulator of inflammasomes. Autophagic removal of NLRP3 inflammasome activators, such as intracellular DAMPs, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and cytokines can reduce inflammasome activation and inflammatory response. Likewise, inflammasome signaling pathways can regulate autophagic process necessary for balance between required host defense inflammatory response and prevention of excessive and detrimental inflammation. Autophagy has a protective role in some inflammatory diseases associated with NLRP3 inflammasome, including gouty arthritis, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and sepsis. Understanding the interregulation between these two essential biological processes is necessary to comprehend the biological mechanisms and designing possible treatments for multiple inflammatory diseases.

Activation of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors (α7nAchR) Promotes the Protective Autophagy in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury (ALI) In Vitro and In Vivo

The release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and autophagy has been reported to be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of acute lung injury (ALI). Reportedly, alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAchR) might play a protective role in LPS-induced ALI. In the current research, we established LPS-induced ALI model in mice and α7nAchR agonist PNU-282987 improved LPS-induced injury. In MH-S cells, LPS stimulation inhibited, whereas α7nAchR agonist PNU-282987 enhanced the autophagy. α7nAchR agonist PNU-282987 protected MH-S cells from LPS-induced inflammation by reducing the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Finally, LPS stimulation dramatically inhibited MH-S cell viability but enhanced cell apoptosis, whereas PNU-282987 treatment exerted opposite effects; α7nAchR might regulate the cellular homeostasis via affecting the crosstalk between the autophagy and apoptosis in MH-S cells; in other words, α7nAChR agonist enhances MH-S cell autophagy and inhibits MH-S cell apoptosis. In conclusion, α7nAchR promote the protective autophagy in LPS-induced ALI model in mice and MH-S cells. The application of α7nAchR agonist is considered a potent target for LPS-induced ALI, which needs further clinical investigation.

Sinomenine attenuates septic-associated lung injury through the Nrf2-Keap1 and autophagy

OBJECTIVES

Our present study focused on assessing whether Sinomenine (SIN) could attenuate sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

The mice were conditioned with SIN 1 h before intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, inflammatory level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and inflammatory cytokines production were detected. The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, the RAW264.7 cells were treated with SIN 1 h before treatment with LPS. Inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX2 were detected. The expression of Nrf2 and autophagy-related proteins were explored by Western blot analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Experiments in vivo and in vitro discovered that LPS significantly increased the degree of injury, inflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress. However, the increase was significantly inhibited by treatment of SIN. In addition, SIN was found to upregulate the expression of Nrf2 and autophagy-related proteins both in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that SIN could attenuate septic-associated ALI effectively, probably due to the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress through Nrf2 and autophagy pathways.

Circulating extracellular vesicle content reveals de novo DNA methyltransferase expression as a molecular method to predict septic shock

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mRNA-containing cell fragments shed into circulation during pathophysiological events. DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) regulate gene expression by modifying DNA methylation and altering transcription. Sepsis is a systemic insult resulting in vascular dysfunction, which can lead to shock and death. We analysed plasma from ICU patients for circulating EV numbers, defined as particles isolated from 1 mL plasma at 21,000xg, and DNMTs mRNA content as prognostic markers of septic shock. Compared to plasma from critically ill patients with or without sepsis, plasma from septic shock patients contained more EVs per mL, expressed as total DNMTs mRNAs over 5 days, and more individual DNMT mRNAs at each day. A comparison of EV-DNMT1 (maintenance methylation) with EV-DNMT3A+DNMT3B (de novo methylation) expression correlated highly with severity, and EVs from septic shock patients carried more total DNMT mRNAs and more DNMT3A+DNMT3B mRNAs than control or sepsis EVs. Total plasma EVs also correlated with sepsis severity. EV-DNMT mRNAs load, when coupled with total plasma EV number, may be a novel method to diagnose septic shock upon ICU admittance and offer opportunities to more precisely intervene with standard therapy or other targeted interventions to regulate EV release and/or specific DNMT activity.

The Role of Autophagy in Sepsis: Protection and Injury to Organs

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease with infection, and autophagy has been shown to play an important role in sepsis. This review summarizes the main regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in sepsis and its latest research. Recent studies have shown that autophagy can regulate innate immune processes and acquired immune processes, and the regulation of autophagy in different immune cells is different. Mitophagy can select damaged mitochondria and remove it to deal with oxidative stress damage. The process of mitophagy is regulated by other factors. Non-coding RNA is also an important factor in the regulation of autophagy. In addition, more and more studies in recent years have shown that autophagy plays different roles in different organs. It tends to be protective in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain, and tends to be damaging in skeletal muscle. We also mentioned that some drugs can regulate autophagy. The process of modulating autophagy through drug intervention appears to be a new potential hope for the treatment of sepsis.

Lipopolysaccharides-mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA-192

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS-sensitive miRNA (miR-192) and the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 μM significantly attenuated LPS-induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL-6 and TNF-α release. miR-192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR-192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR-192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR-192. LPS-mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR-192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling.

The protective role of autophagy in sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host response to infection. Autophagy is one of the innate immune defense mechanisms against microbial attack. Previous studies have demonstrated that autophagy is activated initially in sepsis, followed by a subsequent phase of impairment. A number of sepsis-related studies have shown that autophagy plays a protective role in multiple organ injuries partly by clearing pathogens, regulating inflammation and metabolism, inhibiting apoptosis and suppressing immune reactions. In this review, we present a general overview of and recent advances in the role of autophagy in sepsis and consider the therapeutic potential of autophagy activators in treating sepsis.

HIPK1 Interference Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress of Acute Lung Injury via Autophagy

<strong>BACKGROUND</strong> Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is characterized by severe hypoxemia (PaO2/FIO2 ≤300 mmHg), is usually companied by uncontrolled inflammation, oxidative injury, and the damage to the alveolar-capillary barrier. Severe ARDS is usually companied with acute lung injury that worsen the patients' condition. HIPK1 is a modulator of homeodomain-containing transcription factors and regulates multiple cellular biological process associated with inflammation and anti-stress responses. <strong>MATERIAL AND METHODS</strong> We used an LPS-induced mouse acute lung injury (ALI) model to investigate the possible role of HIPK1 in ALI pathophysiology. <strong>RESULTS</strong> We found the HIPK1 was elevated in ALI model mice while interference of HIPK1 by siRNA attenuated the inflammation and oxidative stress indicators (H2O2, O-2, and NO). Further research found HIPK1 interference enhanced the autophagy. <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong> Decreased HIPK1 in ALI showed protective effects in attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress and enhancing autophagy, indicating HIPK1 as a possible target in ALI management.

Vitamin D improves sunburns by increasing autophagy in M2 macrophages

Cutaneous inflammation from UV radiation exposure causes epidermal damage, cellular infiltration, and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators that exacerbate tissue destruction. Recovery is mediated chiefly by anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages that suppress inflammation and augment epidermal regeneration. Vitamin D enables anti-inflammation to promote tissue repair in response to injury. Since vitamin D enhances cellular macroautophagy/autophagy, we investigated the role of autophagy in vitamin D protection of UV-mediated sunburn and inflammation. Using a UV-mediated acute skin injury mouse model, we demonstrate that a single dose of vitamin D resolves injury with sustained inhibition of inflammatory cytokines associated with enhanced autophagy in myeloid anti-inflammatory M2 macs. Increased MAP1LC3B/LC3 expression corroborated with complete autolysosome formation detected by electron microscopy and correlated with degradation of SQSTM1/p62 in the skin following vitamin D treatment. Specifically, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy increased UV-induced apoptosis, suppressed M2 macs recruitment, and prevented vitamin D downregulation of Tnf and Mmp9 in the skin. Furthermore, selective deletion of autophagy in myeloid cells of atg7 cKO mice abrogated vitamin D-mediated protection and recapitulated UV-induced inflammation. Mechanistically, vitamin D signaling activated M2-autophagy regulators Klf4, Pparg, and Arg1. Lastly, analysis of UV-exposed human skin biopsies detected a similar increase in macrophage autophagy following vitamin D intervention, identifying an essential role for autophagy in vitamin D-mediated protection of skin from UV damage.

Abbreviations: ARG1: arginase 1; ATG7 cKO: autophagy related 7 conditional knockout; HPF: high powered field; KLF4: Kruppel like factor 4; MAP1LC3B/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; macs: macrophage; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; MMP9: matrix metallopeptidase 9; NOS2: nitric oxide synthase 2, inducible; PPARG: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; UV: ultraviolet; VD: vitamin D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D₃; 1,25-VD: 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃

TRIM28 activates autophagy and promotes cell proliferation in glioblastoma

Background

Tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (TRIM28) is a transcriptional corepressor involved in the regulation of several cancers, including glioma. It has been reported that TRIM28 takes part in the process of autophagy. However, its effect on the autophagy and cell proliferation in gliomas has not been elucidated. Here, we report a novel tumor cell proliferation mechanism in which TRIM28-regulated autophagy promotes glioma tumor cell proliferation.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the expressions of TRIM28 and LC3 in different WHO grades of gliomas by IHC assays. We then knocked down and overexpressed TRIM28 or knocked down ATG5 in U251 cells and confirmed its roles in autophagy and cell proliferation via cell counting, immunofluorescence, and Western blot.

Results

The results showed that TRIM28 and autophagy levels were significantly increased with the progression of tumor grade in glioma. TRIM28 promoted glioblastoma cell proliferation. Knockdown of TRIM28 inhibited autophagy in glioblastoma cells. Meanwhile, TRIM28 promoted glioblastoma cell proliferation by modulating TRIM28.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated that TRIM28 activates autophagy and increases cell proliferation in glioma.

Overexpression of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) attenuates sepsis-mediated liver injury by restoring autophagy

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. Autophagy has recently been shown to protect against sepsis-induced liver injury. Here, we investigated the roles of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) in the molecular mechanism of sepsis-induced liver injury. HIPK2 expression was reduced in sepsis-induced liver injury, and HIPK2 overexpression increased the survival rate and improved caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced liver injury by reducing serum and liver aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in mice with sepsis. HIPK2 overexpression significantly decreased CLP-induced release of inflammatory cytokines into the serum and attenuated oxidative stress-associated indicators in mice with CLP-induced liver injury, whereas HIPK2 knockdown produced the opposite results, suggesting that HIPK2 is a negative regulator of sepsis. Furthermore, HIPK2 overexpression inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis of primary hepatocytes, increased the autophagic flux, and restored both autophagosome and autolysosome formation in the livers of CLP-induced mice by suppressing calpain signalling. Importantly, HIPK2 overexpression reduced the elevated cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in LPS-treated primary hepatocytes by interacting with calpain 1 and calmodulin. Finally, several anti-inflammatory drugs, including resveratrol, aspirin, vitamin E and ursolic acid, significantly increased the levels of the HIPK2 mRNA and protein by modulating promoter activity and the 3′-UTR stability of the HIPK2 gene. In conclusion, HIPK2 overexpression may improve sepsis-induced liver injury by restoring autophagy and thus might be a promising target for the clinical treatment of sepsis.

Sinomenine protects against E.coli-induced acute lung injury in mice through Nrf2-NF-κB pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common disease characterized by pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. Sinomenine (SIN) is an alkaloid originally extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect. However, it's unclear whether SIN can alleviate ALI. In this study, we assessed the effect of SIN on Escherichia coli (E.coli)-induced ALI mouse model. Mice were conditioned with SIN or placebo 1 h before intratracheally instilled with E.coli. Lung water content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and inflammatory cytokines production were measured. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were performed to measure target protein expression. E.coli induced histological changes indicating tissues damage and increased W/D ratio, MPO activity, MDA content, and inflammatory cytokines production in the Lung. Whereas in mice pretreated with SIN, these changes were absent. E.coli-induced NF-κB activation was also inhibited by SIN. In addition, SIN increased the expression of HO-1, NQO1 and Nrf2 in lung tissues. Our results suggest that SIN attenuates ALI through the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Sinomenine inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury by regulation of miR-101/MKP-1/JNK pathway in keratinocyte cells

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have demonstrated that Sinomenine (SIN) exerted anti-inflammatory effect in various immune-related diseases. However, the effect of SIN on glucocorticoids dermatitis has not been investigated. In our study, we aimed to explore the effect of SIN on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury in HaCaT cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We constructed an inflammatory injury model of LPS-induced HaCaT cells, then SIN was added to LPS-treated cells, cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-associated factors and inflammatory cytokines were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry, western blot, qRT-PCR and ELISA. Subsequently, miR-101 mimic and mimic control were transfected into HaCaT cells to investigate the effect of SIN and miR-101 on LPS-induced cells injury. Furthermore, MKP-1 and JNK signal pathways were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. Finally, the animal experiment was performed to further clarify the effect of SIN on inflammatoty injury.

RESULTS

LPS suppressed cell viability, promoted apoptosis and increased IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expressions and secretions in HaCaT cells. SIN significantly alleviated LPS-induced HaCaT cells injury. Additionally, SIN down-regulated miR-101 expression, and the protective effect of SIN on LPS-induced inflammatory injury was abolished by miR-101 overexpression. Besides, SIN promoted MKP-1 expression by down-regulation of miR-101, and SIN inhibited JNK signal pathway by up-regulation of MKP-1 expression in LPS-treated HaCaT cells. Animal experiments revealed that SIN exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicated that SIN attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory injury by regulation of miR-101, MKP-1 and JNK pathway. These findings might provide a novel method for treatment of glucocorticoids dermatitis.

Expression of diaphragmatic myostatin and correlation with apoptosis in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and loss of lung function. The present study aimed to investigate the diaphragmatic protein expression of myostatin and its correlation with apoptosis in a rat model of CPOD. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group and a COPD group, the latter of which were exposed to cigarette smoke to build a rat model of COPD. The validity of the COPD model was evaluated by assessment of lung function and histopathological analysis. Diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptosis were measured by western blot and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling, respectively. The rat model of COPD was efficiently established by cigarette smoke exposure. Diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptotic index in COPD rats were obviously increased as compared with that in the control animals. A positive correlation between diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptotic index was identified (r=0.857). Diaphragmatic myostatin overexpression in rats with COPD may promote diaphragmatic apoptosis and atrophy, leading to diaphragm weakness and respiratory muscle dysfunction, which is involved in the pathology of COPD.

Autophagy: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Reversing Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

Sepsis remains the leading cause of mortality in intensive care units and an intractable condition due to uncontrolled inflammation together with immune suppression. Dysfunction of immune cells is considered as a major cause for poor outcome of septic patients but with little specific treatments. Currently, autophagy that is recognized as an important self-protective mechanism for cellular survival exhibits great potential for maintaining immune homeostasis and alleviating multiple organ failure, which further improves survival of septic animals. The protective effect of autophagy on immune cells covers both innate and adaptive immune responses and refers to various cellular receptors and intracellular signaling. Multiple drugs and measures are reportedly beneficial for septic challenge by inducing autophagy process. Therefore, autophagy might be an effective target for reversing immunosuppression compromised by sepsis.

Controlled release of optimized electroporation enhances the transdermal efficiency of sinomenine hydrochloride for treating arthritis in vitro and in clinic

Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) is an ideal drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, high plasma concentration of systemically administered SH can release histamine, which can cause rash and gastrointestinal side effects. Topical delivery can increase SH concentration in the synovial fluid without high plasma level, thus minimizing systemic side effects. However, passive diffusion of SH was found to be inefficient because of the presence of the stratum corneum layer. Therefore, an effective method is required to compensate for the low efficiency of SH passive diffusion. In this study, transdermal experiments in vitro and clinical tests were utilized to explore the optimized parameters for electroporation of topical delivery for SH. Fluorescence experiment and hematoxylin and eosin staining analysis were performed to reveal the mechanism by which electroporation promoted permeation. In vitro, optimized electroporation parameters were 3 KHz, exponential waveform, and intensity 10. Using these parameters, transdermal permeation of SH was increased by 1.9–10.1 fold in mice skin and by 1.6–47.1 fold in miniature pig skin compared with passive diffusion. After the electroporation stimulation, the intercellular intervals and epidermal cracks in the skin increased. In clinical tests, SH concentration in synovial fluid was 20.84 ng/mL after treatment with electroporation. Therefore, electroporation with optimized parameters could significantly enhance transdermal permeation of SH. The mechanism by which electroporation promoted permeation was that the electronic pulses made the skin structure looser. To summarize, electroporation may be an effective complementary method for transdermal permeation of SH. The controlled release of electroporation may be a promising clinical method for transdermal drug administration.

Exploration of the therapeutic potential effect of Sepia officinalis in animal model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture

OBJECTIVE

The present investigation explored the therapeutic potential effect of Sepia officinalis body tissue (SOBT) and Sepia officinalis polysaccharide (SOP) extracts, in animal model of sepsis [induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental animals were divided into 4 groups, Group 1: Sham control rats. Group 2: Septic rats. Group 3: Septic rats treated with methanolic extract of Sepia officinalis body tissue (SOBT) (500mg/kg body weight) for 2days. Group 4: Septic rats treated with Sepia officinalis polysaccharide (SOP) extract (200mg/kg body weight) for 2days.

RESULTS

The antioxidant activity of SOBT and SOP was proven by DPPH test. CLP-induced liver and kidney toxicities showed by an increase in the ALAT, ASAT, γGT, ALP, creatinine, BUN and uric acid concentrations in serum. Moreover, CLP-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney evidenced by the increase of MDA levels, decrease in GSH concentrations and decrease in the enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GST). In addition, CLP caused decrease in CYP1A2 content in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of SOBT and SOP in liver and kidney disorders. Therefore this study suggests that SOBT and SOP could be a potential therapeutic agents for sepsis treatment.

Sinomenine activates astrocytic dopamine D2 receptors and alleviates neuroinflammatory injury via the CRYAB/STAT3 pathway after ischemic stroke in mice

Background

Astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation plays a critical role in ischemic stroke-induced secondary cerebral injury. Previous studies have suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) acts as a key target in regulating the neuroinflammatory response. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown, and effective DRD2 agonists are lacking. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of sinomenine (Sino), a monomeric compound with potential immunoregulatory properties in nervous system.

Methods

TTC staining, apoptosis assay, evaluation of brain edema, and neurological assessment were performed in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Primary astrocytes exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) were used in the in vitro experiments. Quantitative PCR was applied to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Multi-labeling immunofluorescence, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were also used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the Sino-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Sino remarkably attenuated the cerebral infarction and neuronal apoptosis, reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated neurological deficiency in MCAO mice. Sino significantly inhibited astrocytic activation and STAT3 phosphorylation as well as increased DRD2 and αB-crystallin (CRYAB) expression after MCAO. In vitro, Sino blocked OGD-induced activation of STAT3 and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary astrocytes, and these effects were significantly abolished by either DRD2 or CRYAB knockdown. Additionally, Sino induced up-regulation and nuclear translocation of CRYAB in astrocytes and enhanced the interaction between CRYAB and STAT3, which further inhibited the activation and DNA-binding activity of STAT3.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that Sino activates astrocytic DRD2 and thereby suppresses neuroinflammation via the CRYAB/STAT3 pathway, which sheds some light on a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0739-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Autophagy in sepsis: Degradation into exhaustion?

Autophagy is one of the innate immune defense mechanisms against microbial challenges. Previous in vitro and in vivo models of sepsis demonstrated that autophagy was activated initially in sepsis, followed by a subsequent phase of impairment. Autophagy modulation appears to be protective against multiple organ injuries in these murine sepsis models. This is achieved in part by preventing apoptosis, maintaining a balance between the productions of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and preserving mitochondrial functions. This article aims to discuss the role of autophagy in sepsis and the therapeutic potential of autophagy enhancers.

Therapeutic Effect Analysis of Sinomenine on Rat Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of sinomenine (SIN) on rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and the molecular mechanism.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-five rats were equally randomized into sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, and SIN group, and reversible rat MCAO model was made according to the Longa method for the MCAO and SIN groups. Then, 15 rats from each group were decapitated at 6, 12, and 24 hours after reperfusion to obtain brain tissue samples. Rats in the SIN group were injected with sinomenine by tail vein (90 mg/kg) 1 hour before ischemia; rats in the MCAO and sham-operated groups were administrated with the same volume of saline. Neurological severity score (NSS), infarction volume, ischemic brain water content, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were determined at corresponding time points. Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) 1a mRNA level was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; ischemic brain contents of lactic acid (LD), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), ATPase, and inflammatory factors were determined by spectrophotometric method.

RESULTS

At 12 hours after reperfusion and since then, NSS in the SIN group decreased obviously; infarction volume, brain water content, and BBB permeability in the SIN group were lower than those in the MCAO group (P < .05). IR injury resulted in the upregulation of the contents of ASIC1a mRNA, LD, LDH, and inflammatory factors and the downregulation of the contents of ATPase, while SIN could reverse the upregulation/downregulation effect induced by IR injury (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Through its anti-inflammation effect, which alleviates acidosis, improves energy metabolism, and inhibits ASIC1a level, SIN protects ischemic rat brain against cerebral IR injury.

Sinomenine potentiates P815 cell degranulation via upregulation of Ca2+ mobilization through the Lyn/PLCγ/IP3R pathway

Mast cells are vital mediators of drug allergy and, therefore, studying the relationship between drug allergy and mast cells is essential. Sinomenine is the principal active component of Sinomenium acutum, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-immune effects, and is used to treat various rheumatoid diseases. However, allergic responses to sinomenine are frequently reported. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of sinomenine on mast cell activation to characterize its allergic effects and the underlying mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot analyses, and degranulation assays were performed to measure pro-inflammatory and allergic mediators in P815 cells. The allergenic effects of sinomenine were also determined in mice by using active general anaphylaxis (ASA). The results indicated that sinomenine induced inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) production and the release of histamine, interleukin (IL)-6, and endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ in P815 cells. Furthermore, sinomenine upregulated the phosphorylation of sarcoma (Src), phospholipase C (PLC)-γ1, and IP₃ receptor (R). Therefore, sinomenine induced concentration-dependent mast cell activation directly in vitro Furthermore, our in vivo data identified an appropriate intravenous dose that did not induce these allergic effects, thereby providing information for the potential safe clinical use of sinomenine.