A UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantitation of Chlorogenic Acid, Scutellarin, and Scutellarein in Rat Plasma: Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Sham-Operated and MCAO Rats after Oral Administration of Erigeron breviscapus Extract

Integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and metabolomic research on polyphenol-rich fraction of Thymus quinquecostatus Celak. Alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thymus quinquecostatus Celak., a member of thymus genus in Lamiaceae family, has been used as a folk medicine for relieving exterior syndrome and alleviating pain in China. The polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) derived from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak. had been validated that it can protect cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by activating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To explore effective components and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics as well as possible mechanisms of PRF in treating CIRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal treated group (NTG) and tMCAO model treated group (MTG) rats were administrated PRF intragastrically. The prototype components and metabolites of PRF in plasma and brain were analyzed by the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MSn method. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetics properties of indicative components were performed based on HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. SOD and LDH activities were determined to study the pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of PRF. The PK-PD relationship of PRF was constructed. In addition, the effect of PRF on endogenous metabolites in plasma and brain was investigated using metabolomic method.

RESULTS

Salvianic acid A, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, scutellarin, and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide were selected as indicative components based on metabolic analysis. The non-compartmental parameters were calculated for indicative components in plasma and brain of NTG and MTG rats. Furthermore, single-component and multi-component PK-PD modeling involved Emax, Imax PD models for effect indexes were fitted as well as ANN models were established, which indicated that these components can work together to regulate SOD and LDH activities in plasma and SOD activity in brain tissue to improve CIRI. Additionally, PRF may ameliorate CIRI by regulating the disorder of endogenous metabolites in lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and purine metabolism pathways in vivo, among which lipid metabolism and purine metabolism are closely related to oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

The PK-PD properties of effect substances and mechanisms of PRF anti-CIRI were further elaborated. The findings provide a convincing foundation for the application of T. quinquecostatus Celak. in the maintenance of human health disorders.

Review on the pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics of scutellarein

Scutellarein is a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis  Georgi that has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological activities. This review aims to summarize the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies on scutellarein and provide useful information for relevant scholars. Pharmacological studies indicate that scutellarein possesses a diverse range of pharmacological properties, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anticancer, and cardiovascular protective effects. Further investigation reveals that the pharmacological effects of scutellarein are driven by multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms encompass the scavenging of free radicals, inhibition of the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and expression of inflammatory mediators, inhibition of the activity of crucial viral proteins, suppression of gluconeogenesis, amelioration of insulin resistance, improvement of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, and prevention of myocardial hypertrophy, among others. In summary, these pharmacological studies suggest that scutellarein holds promise for the treatment of various diseases. It is imperative to conduct clinical studies to further elucidate the therapeutic effects of scutellarein. However, it is worth noting that studies on the pharmacokinetics reveal an inhibitory effect of scutellarein on uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronide transferases and cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially posing safety risks.

Dietary Polyphenols: Review on Chemistry/Sources, Bioavailability/Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, and Their Role in Disease Management

Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.

Effect of electroacupuncture on global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: A urine proteome analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate dynamic urinary proteome changes of electroacupuncture (EP) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injured rats and to explore the therapeutic biological mechanisms of EP.

METHODS

First, changed urinary proteins were found in EP stimulation in healthy rats. Then, we used a CI/R injury rat model induced by Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method to explore the function of EP on urinary proteome in CI/R injury. Urine samples were collected for proteome analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 384 proteins were identified, among which 47 proteins (23 upregulated, 24 downregulated) were differentially expressed with 0.6-log FC and p < .05. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the cell redox homeostasis, acute-phase response, response to lipopolysaccharide, and cellular response to glucocorticoid stimulus were significantly enriched. The partially biologically connected differential proteins were found by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis in the EP group. With the CI/R rat model, 80 proteins (27 upregulated, 53 downregulated) were significantly changed in the CI/R rats compared to the controls. Among these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 23 proteins (17 upregulated, six downregulated) showed significant changes after EP treatment (0.6-log FC change, p < .05). The main related biological processes were aging, immune response, acute-phase response, liver regeneration, protein catabolic process, and response to oxidative stress. Many metabolic pathways were enriched by KEGG analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the EP could alleviate cerebral damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion through an anti-inflammatory and metabolism regulation mechanism. The urinary proteome might reflect the pathophysiological changes in EP pretreatment in the treatment and prevention of CI/R injury.

Metabolism and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Erigeron breviscapus

BACKGROUND

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. is a plant species in the Compositae family. More than ten types of compounds-such as flavonoids, caffeinate esters, and volatile oils-have been identified in Erigeron breviscapus; however, it remains unknown as to which compounds are associated with clinical efficacy. In recent years, flavonoids and phenolic acids have been considered as the main effective components of Erigeron breviscapus. The metabolism and mechanisms of these compounds in vivo have been extensively studied to improve our understanding of the drug.

METHODS

In the present review, we summarize the relationships among these compounds, their metabolites, and their pharmacodynamics. Many methods have been implemented to improve the separation and bioavailability of these compounds from Erigeron breviscapus.

RESULTS

In China, Erigeron breviscapus has been used for many years. In recent years, through the study of its metabolism and the mechanisms of its effective components, the effects of Erigeron breviscapus in the treatment of various diseases have been extensively studied. Findings have indicated that Erigeron breviscapus improves cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function and that one of its ingredients, scutellarin, has potential value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetic vascular complications, and other conditions. In addition, phenolic acid compounds and their metabolites also play an important role in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and improving blood lipids.

CONCLUSION

Erigeron breviscapus plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular diseases, neuroprotection, and cancer through many different mechanisms of action. Further investigation of its efficacious components and metabolites may provide more possibilities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of novel drugs.

Experimental pretreatment with YES-10®, a plant extract rich in scutellarin and chlorogenic acid, protects hippocampal neurons from ischemia/reperfusion injury via antioxidant role

Erigeron annuus (L.) PERS. (EALP) and Clematis mandshurica RUPR. (CMR) have been used in traditional remedies due to their medicinal effects. Recently, we reported that pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of YES-10^® (a combination of extracts from leaves of EALP and CMR) displayed neuroprotective effects against brain ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present study analyzed the major ingredients of YES-10^® and investigated whether neuroprotection from YES-10^® was dependent upon antioxidant effects in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) field in the gerbil hippocampus, after transient forebrain ischemia for 5 min. YES-10^® was demonstrated to predominantly contain scutellarin and chlorogenic acid. Pretreatment with YES-10^® significantly increased protein levels and the immunoreactivity of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and manganese-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) was in the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA1 field when these were examined prior to transient ischemia induction. The increased SODs in CA1 pyramidal neurons following YES-10^® treatment were maintained after ischemic injury. In this case, the CA1 pyramidal neurons were protected from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress was significantly attenuated in the CA1 pyramidal neurons, and this was determined by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal immunohistochemistry and dihydroethidium histofluorescence staining. Taken together, the results indicated that YES-10^® significantly attenuated transient ischemia-induced oxidative stress and may be utilized for developing a protective agent against ischemic insults.

Effects of Herba Erigerontis injection on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats in vivo

Herba Erigerontis injection (HEI) is an aqueous solution derived from whole plants of Erigeron breviscapus, which may be co-administered with warfarin to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. This research was conducted to make sure whether HEI would affect anticoagulation of warfarin to guarantee reasonable medication. The pharmacodynamic study was designed to measure prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) values, and international normalized ratio (INR) values were calculated. For pharmacokinetic study, ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was applied to measure plasma concentrations of warfarin enantiomers. The influence of HEI on plasma protein binding rate of warfarin was assessed by ultrafiltration. Pharmacodynamic study demonstrated that both HEI alone and co-administered with warfarin could increase PT and INR values significantly (P < .01), whereas the APTT values were unaffected (P > .05). Pharmacokinetic study manifested that C_max , AUC and t_1/2 prolonged significantly (P < .01) for R/S-warfarin in presence of HEI. Low (3.6 mL/kg), medium (7.2 mL/kg) and high (10.8 mL/kg) doses of HEI could decrease plasma protein binding rate of warfarin significantly (P < .01). The results mean that HEI can potentiate the anticoagulant response of warfarin through both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

The Current Application of LC-MS/MS in Pharmacokinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines (Recent Three Years): A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

With significant clinical effects, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been attracting increasing interest of the world's scientific community. However, TCM contains immense amounts of chemical components. It is a great challenge to objectively evaluate the correlation between the in vivo process and the therapeutic effect of TCM. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the recent investigation (from 2017 to 2019) on preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of TCM via liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

METHODS

We reviewed the published articles regarding the PK of TCM by LC-MS/MS. In addition, we summarized information on PK parameter of bioactive components, single herb and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

RESULTS

The vast majority of literature on preclinical PK of TCM uses single oral administration, the biological matrix is mostly rat plasma, and the main PK parameters include AUC, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2, etc. Conclusion: Although LC-MS/MS can be used for high-throughput analysis, the characterization of in vivo processes of TCM still has a long way. With the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity and simple operation, the increasingly mature LC-MS/MS technology will play an important role in the PK study of TCM.

A sensitive ultra-fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of ten constituents of Deng-Zhan-Xi-Xin injection in rat plasma and its application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats

Deng-Zhan-Xi-Xin injection is widely used to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in clinical practice. A rapid and selective method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was established and validated to simultaneously quantify chlorogenic acid, 1,3-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, neochlorogenic acid, erigeside I, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, scutellarin, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C of Deng-Zhan-Xi-Xin injection in both sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. This was the first quantitative analysis of these ten constituents in both sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Chromatographic separation of these ten constituents was accomplished on an Acquity HSS T3 column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. Mass analysis was performed in negative ion mode with an electrospray ionization source using multiple reaction monitoring technology. The pharmacokinetic study of the ten constituents in sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats after intravenous administration of Deng-Zhan-Xi-Xin injection was successfully accomplished by using this validated method. Based on the results of pharmacokinetic parameters, significant differences were observed between the two groups, which might be due to the pathological factors of middle cerebral artery occlusion and pharmacological effects of Deng-Zhan-Xi-Xin injection.

Sesquiterpenoids and γ-pyranone derivatives from the whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus and their neuroprotective effects

Four new sesquiterpenes (1-2, 6-7), a new pyranone glycoside (10) along with six known compounds, were isolated from the whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus. Their planar structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses. Brevisterpene A (1) and brevisterpene B (2) were proved to be a pair of diastereomer followed by mixtures resolution using chiral HPLC. Their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculation. The relative configuration of brevisnoside B (7) was elucidated by a combined analysis of NOESY spectrum and computation of ¹³C NMR chemical shifts, and determination of the absolute configurations of 6 and 7 assisted by optical rotation calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed moderate neuroprotective effects against H₂O₂-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Erigeron breviscapus (Asteraceae), an endemic traditional Chinese herbal medicine

Erigeron breviscapus is an important traditional Chinese herb endemic to China for cardiovascular and cerebral vessel diseases. Here, the complete plastid genome of E. brevisapus was sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genome size is 152,183 bp, including a large single-copy region of 84,705 bp, a small single-copy region of 18,112 bp and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 24,683 bp. The total GC content is 37.2%. The genome contains 113 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. breviscapus, Aster altaicus, and Eschenbachia blinii formed a clade with 100% bootstrap support.

Influence Factors of the Pharmacokinetics of Herbal Resourced Compounds in Clinical Practice

Herbal medicines have been used to prevent and cure diseases in eastern countries for thousands of years. In recent decades, these phytotherapies are becoming more and more popular in the West. As being nature-derived is the essential attribute of herbal medicines, people believe that taking them for diseases treatment is safe enough and has no side-effects. However, the efficacy of herbal resourced compounds (HRC) depends on the multiple constituents absorbed in the body and their pharmacokinetics. Thus, many factors will influence the clinical practice of HRC, i.e., their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Among these factors, herb-drug interaction has been widely discussed, as these compounds may share the same drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. Meanwhile there are many other potential factors that can also change the ADME of HRC, including herb pretreatment, herb-herb interactions, pathological status, gender, age of patient, and chemical and physical modification of certain ingredients. With the aim of ensuring the efficacy of HRC and minimizing their clinical risks, this review provides and discusses the influence factors and artificial improvement of the pharmacokinetics of HRC.