Hydrophilic Astragalin Galactoside Induces T Helper Type 1-Mediated Immune Responses via Dendritic Cells

Fufang shenhua tablet, astragali radix and its active component astragaloside IV: Research progress on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms in the kidney

Background: Given the limited treatment options available for kidney disease, a significant number of patients turn to alternative therapies, including traditional Chinese medicine. Among these therapies, the Fufang Shenhua tablet (SHT) has garnered attention for its effectiveness in addressing the most common deficiency of Qi and Yin in chronic glomerulonephritis. Notably, the sovereign drug of SHT is Astragali Radix (AR), with the most abundant and effective component being Astragaloside IV (AS-IV). AS-IV has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and it is extensively used in treating kidney diseases. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action are numerous and intricate, and a comprehensive understanding is yet to be achieved.

Aim of the review: Thus, we have thoroughly examined the existing research and outlined the advancements made in investigating the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms of SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV, in relation to kidney health. This serves as a dependable foundation for conducting more comprehensive investigations, evaluating efficacy, and making further improvements in the future.

Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search utilizing multiple globally recognized databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, Springer, and CNKI. The search keywords used in this study were “Fufang Shenhua tablet,” “Astragali Radix,” “Astragaloside IV,” and “Anti-inflammatory” or “Immunity.”

Results: The mechanism of inflammation inhibition by SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV is mainly related to the signaling pathways such as NF-κB, TLRs, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK-STAT. Immunomodulation exerts not only activating, stimulating, and regulating effects on macrophages and dendritic cells, but also on immune organs, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and a myriad of cytokines. Moreover, the SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV also demonstrate regulatory effects on renal cells, including glomerular mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells, and podocytes.

Conclusion: To summarize, SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV, exhibit notable therapeutic effects in kidney-related ailments, and their molecular mechanisms for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have been extensively explored. However, further standard clinical trials are necessary to evaluate their safety and efficacy in the adjunctive treatment of kidney-related diseases. Moreover, in-depth studies of unverified chemical components and regulatory mechanisms in SHT are required. It is our belief that with continued research, SHT, AR and its active component AS-IV are poised to pave the way for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in kidney-related ailments.

Ubiquitin D promotes the progression of rheumatoid arthritis via activation of the p38 MAPK pathway

Ubiquitin D (UBD), a member of the ubiquitin‑like modifier family, has been reported to be highly expressed in various types of cancer and its overexpression is positively associated with tumor progression. However, the role and mechanism of UBD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain elusive. In the present study, the gene expression profiles of GSE55457 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to assess differentially expressed genes and perform functional enrichment analyses. UBD was overexpressed by lentivirus transfection. The protein level of UBD, p‑p38 and p38 in RA‑fibroblast‑like synoviocytes (FLSs) were examined by western blotting. Cell Counting Kit‑8 and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the functional changes of RA‑FLSs transfected with UBD and MAPK inhibitor SB202190. The concentrations of inflammatory factors (IL‑2, IL‑6, IL‑10 and TNF‑α) were evaluated using ELISA kits. The results revealed that UBD was overexpressed in RA tissues compared with in the healthy control tissues. Functionally, UBD significantly accelerated the viability and proliferation of RA‑FLSs, whereas it inhibited their apoptosis. Furthermore, UBD significantly promoted the secretion of inflammatory factors (IL‑2, IL‑6, IL‑10 and TNF‑α). Mechanistically, elevated UBD activated phospohorylated‑p38 in RA‑FLSs. By contrast, UBD overexpression and treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 not only partially relieved the UBD‑dependent effects on cell viability and proliferation, but also reversed its inhibitory effects on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, SB202190 partially inhibited the effects of UBD overexpression on the enhanced secretion of inflammatory factors. The present study indicated that UBD may mediate the activation of p38 MAPK, thereby facilitating the proliferation of RA‑FLSs and ultimately promoting the progression of RA. Therefore, UBD may be considered a potential therapeutic target and a promising prognostic biomarker for RA.

Revealing the Mechanism of Astragali Radix against Cancer-Related Fatigue by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is an increasingly appreciated complication in cancer patients, which severely impairs their quality of life for a long time. Astragali Radix (AR) is a safe and effective treatment to improve CRF, but the related mechanistic studies are still limited.

Objective

To systematically analyze the mechanism of AR against CRF by network pharmacology.

Methods

TCMSP was searched to obtain the active compounds and targets of AR. The active compound-target (AC-T) network was established and exhibited by related visualization software. The GeneCards database was searched to acquire CRF targets, and the intersection targets with AR targets were used to make the Venny diagram. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of intersection targets was established, and further, the therapeutic core targets were selected by topological parameters. The selected core targets were uploaded to Metascape for GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, AutoDock Vina and PyMOL were employed for molecular docking validation.

Results

16 active compounds of AR were obtained, such as quercetin, kaempferol, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, formononetin, and isorhamnetin. 57 core targets were screened, such as AKT1, TP53, VEGFA, IL-6, and CASP3. KEGG analysis manifested that the core targets acted on various pathways, including 137 pathways such as TNF, IL-17, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated that active compounds docked well with the core targets.

Conclusion

The mechanism of AR in treating CRF involves multiple targets and multiple pathways. The present study laid a theoretical foundation for the subsequent research and clinical application of AR and its extracts against CRF.