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Di Z, Zhenni C, Zifeng Z, Bei J, Yong C, Yixuan L, Yuwei P, Li G, Jiaxu C, Guoping Z. Danggui Sini Decoction normalizes the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolite levels to treat sciatica. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155740. [PMID: 39059091 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Danggui Sini Decoction (DGSD), which is commonly used to treat sciatica, has been shown to have an analgesic effect, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, Danggui Sini Decoction was shown to normalize the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolite levels to exert an analgesic effect. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of DGSD on sciatica and the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS In this study, we conducted chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Mecobalamin and DGSD were administered to CCI rats. Behavioural tests were used to examine the therapeutic effects of the drugs. UHPLC was used to identify DGSD components. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the intestinal flora was used to analyse the effect of DGSD on the intestinal microbiota. UHPLC‒MS/MS was used to identify blood metabolites. KEGG pathway analysis of differentially abundant metabolites was subsequently conducted. ELISA was used to measure the serum inflammatory factor levels, and correlation analysis between the serum inflammatory factor levels and intestinal microbe abundance was conducted. PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were used to validate the results of the KEGG pathway analysis. RESULTS After CCI, the rats exhibited obvious thermal hyperalgesia; disruption of sciatic nerve structure; increased IL1α, SP, CCL5, and PGE2 levels; decreased IL10 levels in the blood; increased IL1β, IL6, COX2, MMP9, nNOS, and p-NF-κB levels; and decreased IL4 levels in the sciatic nerve. In addition, CCI led to increased abundances of Peptostreptococcaceae, Leuconostocaceae, Christensenellaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Romboutsia, Marvinbryantia, Turicibacter, Weissella, UCG-005, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Akkermansia, Staphylococcus, Romboutsia_ilealis, Weissella_paramesenteroides, and Akkermansia_muciniphila and decreased abundances of Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus_murinus, and Lactobacillus_johnsonii. Correlation analysis indicated that Turicibacter abundance was most strongly related to IL1α, PGE2, IL10, and CCL5 levels, while norank_o_Coriobacteriales abundance had the weakest relationship with SP levels. KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially abundant metabolites revealed that the 'NF-kappa B signalling pathway' was involved in sciatica. DGSD reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, including IL1α, SP, CCL5, PGE2, IL6, COX2, and MMP9, in the blood and sciatic nerve and inhibited nNOS and NF-κB phosphorylation. DGSD improved the abundance of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Blautia, and lowered the abundance of harmful bacteria, including Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Weissella. DGSD promoted the repair of the injured sciatic nerve. CONCLUSIONS DGSD can treat sciatica by inhibiting intestinal microbiota disorders induced by CCI in rats, normalizing inflammatory factor levels, and promoting nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Di
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhenni
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Zifeng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Bei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cao Yong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yixuan
- Guangzhou Medical University Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, China
| | - Pan Yuwei
- Guangzhou Medical University Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, China
| | - Gao Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chen Jiaxu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhao Guoping
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang D, Jing B, Chen ZN, Li X, Shi HM, Zheng YC, Chang SQ, Gao L, Zhao GP. Ferulic acid alleviates sciatica by inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting nerve repair via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1000-1011. [PMID: 36601662 PMCID: PMC10018085 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sciatica causes intense pain. No satisfactory therapeutic drugs exist to treat sciatica. This study aimed to probe the potential mechanism of ferulic acid in sciatica treatment. METHODS Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation, chronic constriction injury (CCI), mecobalamin, and ferulic acid. We conducted RNA sequencing, behavioral tests, ELISA, PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. TAK-242 and JSH23 were administered to RSC96 and GMI-R1 cells to explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate inflammation. RESULTS RNA sequencing showed that TLR4/NF-κB pathway is involved in the mechanism of sciatica. CCI induced cold and mechanical hyperalgesia; destroyed the sciatic nerve structure; increased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-β protein levels and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, TLR4, and IBA-1 mRNA levels; and decreased IL-10 and INF-γ protein levels and IL-4 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that IBA-1, CD32, IL-1β, iNOS, nNOS, COX2, and TLR4 expression was increased while S100β and Arg-1 decreased. CCI increased TLR4, IBA-1, IL-1β, iNOS, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels. Treatment with mecobalamin and ferulic acid reversed these trends. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RSC96 cell apoptosis by reducing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl protein and mRNA levels and increasing Bax and Bad mRNA and IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels, while ferulic acid inhibited cell apoptosis by decreasing IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK levels and increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl levels. In GMI-R1 cells, Ferulic acid attenuated LPS-induced M1 polarization by decreasing the M1 polarization markers IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and CD32 and increasing the M2 polarization markers CD206, IL-4, IL-10 and Arg-1. After LPS treatment, IL-1β, iNOS, TLR4, Myd88, p-p38MAPK, and p-NF-κB levels were obviously increased, and Arg-1 expression was reduced, while ferulic acid reversed these changes. CONCLUSION Ferulic acid can promote injured sciatic nerve repair by reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration though the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Mei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Chun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Quan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Ping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang D, Jing B, Chen Z, Li X, Shi H, Zheng Y, Chang S, Zhao G. Ferulic acid alleviates sciatica by inhibiting peripheral sensitization through the RhoA/p38MAPK signalling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154420. [PMID: 36115115 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve sciatica, but their effects are not satisfactory. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of ferulic acid on sciatica. METHODS Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., sham operation group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, mecobalamin group, and ferulic acid group. We conducted behavioural tests, ELISA, PCR, Western blots, and immunofluorescence analysis. Specific inhibitors were used in cell experiments to explore the related mechanisms. RESULTS Thermal hyperalgesia was induced after CCI operation, and ferulic acid relieved thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, ferulic acid decreased the IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, and CRP mRNA levels; the IBA-1, iNOS, IL1β, RhoA, RhoA-GTP, COX2, Rock1, TRPV1, TRPA1, and p-p38MAPK levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons; and the LPS, CRP, substance P (SP), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in serum, and these levels were higher in the CCI group. In the cell experiments, LPS induced M1 polarization of GMI-R1 cells via the RhoA/Rock pathway. Ferulic acid attenuated LPS-induced M1 polarization by decreasing the levels of M1 polarization markers, including IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, iNOS, and CD32, and increased M2 polarization by increasing the levels of M2 polarization markers, including CD206 and Arg-1. LPS treatment clearly increased the iNOS, IL1β, RhoA, Rock1, Rock2 and p-p38 MAPK levels and reduced Arg-1 expression, and ferulic acid reversed these changes. CONCLUSION Ferulic acid can inhibit peripheral sensitization by reducing the levels of inflammatory factors, TRPA1 and TRPV1 through the RhoA/p38 MAPK pathway to alleviate sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang D, Chang S, Li X, Shi H, Jing B, Chen Z, Lin Y, Zheng Y, Qian G, Pan Y, Zhao G. Therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve via the inhibition of Schwann cell apoptosis. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2572-2582. [PMID: 35499270 PMCID: PMC9320937 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic drugs of chronic neuralgia have a high risk of addiction, making it crucial to identify novel drugs for chronic neuralgia. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on chronic sciatica via inhibiting Schwann cell apoptosis. 28 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the sham operation group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, mecobalamin group, and paeoniflorin group. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of paeoniflorin were evaluated via rat and cell experiments. Mechanical, hot, or cold hyperalgesia was induced in the rats after CCI operation, while paeoniflorin relieved chronic neuralgia. Besides, paeoniflorin decreased the levels of IL1, IL6, TNF‐α, CRP, and LPS and increased the level of IL10 in serum. As for the sciatic nerve, the number of inflammatory cells was decreased, and Schwann cells were present after paeoniflorin treatment, and paeoniflorin promoted the recovery of nerve structure. In cell experiments, LPS induced Schwann cell apoptosis via the TLR4/NF‐kB pathway. And paeoniflorin attenuated LPS‐induced Schwann cell apoptosis by decreasing the levels of TLR4, p‐NF‐kB, caspase3, cleaved‐caspase3, and cleaved‐caspase7. Overall, these results suggest that paeoniflorin alleviates chronic sciatica by decreasing inflammatory factor levels and promotes the repair of damaged nerves by reducing Schwann cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Shiquan Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Huimei Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Bei Jing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Yi Lin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Yachun Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Guoqiang Qian
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Guangzhou China
| | - Yuwei Pan
- Preventive Treatment of Disease,Tianhe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guangzhou China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan University Guangzhou China
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Molecular Changes in the Dorsal Root Ganglion during the Late Phase of Peripheral Nerve Injury-induced Pain in Rodents: A Systematic Review. Anesthesiology 2021; 136:362-388. [PMID: 34965284 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion is widely recognized as a potential target to treat chronic pain. A fundamental understanding of quantitative molecular and genomic changes during the late phase of pain is therefore indispensable. The authors performed a systematic literature review on injury-induced pain in rodent dorsal root ganglions at minimally 3 weeks after injury. So far, slightly more than 300 molecules were quantified on the protein or messenger RNA level, of which about 60 were in more than one study. Only nine individual sequencing studies were performed in which the most up- or downregulated genes varied due to heterogeneity in study design. Neuropeptide Y and galanin were found to be consistently upregulated on both the gene and protein levels. The current knowledge regarding molecular changes in the dorsal root ganglion during the late phase of pain is limited. General conclusions are difficult to draw, making it hard to select specific molecules as a focus for treatment.
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Therapeutic Effect of Tetrapanax papyriferus and Hederagenin on Chronic Neuropathic Pain of Chronic Constriction Injury of Sciatic Nerve Rats Based on KEGG Pathway Prediction and Experimental Verification. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2545806. [PMID: 32617100 PMCID: PMC7306840 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2545806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Hederagenin is one of the main components of Tetrapanax papyriferus, and Tetrapanax papyriferus is one of the ingredients of Danggui Sini decoction. To explore whether Tetrapanax papyriferus and hederagenin can alleviate mechanical pain, thermal hyperalgesia, and cold pain at the same time, we comprehensively investigated the effects of two drugs on the levels of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, TRP proteins, and IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α in serum. Methods Firstly, we obtained pain-related targets and performed KEGG pathway enrichment on these targets. Then, 42 SD rats were separated randomly into six groups: sham operation group, CCI group, pregabalin group, mecobalamin group, Tetrapanax papyriferus group, and hederagenin group. All drugs were given orally. Rats in the sham operation group and CCI group were gavaged with saline. Rats in the pregabalin group were given pregabalin, while rats in the mecobalamin group were given mecobalamin. Rats in the Tetrapanax papyriferus group were given Tetrapanax papyriferus, while rats in the hederagenin group were given hederagenin. Besides, we conducted behavioral tests including acetone test, hot plate experiment, and von Frey filaments, and then dorsal root ganglion neurons were taken out on the 21st day after operation. Then, western blot, ELISA, and hematoxylin-eosin staining were conducted. Results Rats in the CCI group were more sensitive to hyperalgesia and allodynia to mechanical and thermal stimuli, as well as cold pain. All four drugs could relieve these pains. Pregabalin, mecobalamin, and Tetrapanax papyriferus can reduce the levels of IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α in serum compared to those of the CCI group. The expression of TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in DRG increased evidently on the 21st day after the operation in the CCI group. All four drugs could reduce the expressions of TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in dorsal root ganglion compared to those of the CCI group. Conclusion Tetrapanax papyriferus and hederagenin relieved sciatica by reducing inflammation levels, inhibiting p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and decreasing the levels of dorsal root ganglion proteins.
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