Cytotoxic effects of solvent-extracted active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on human cancer cell lines

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Ameliorates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia through Regulation of Oxidative Stress via Nrf-2/HO-1 Activation

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that leads to inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract (HLT-101) on BPH through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. A testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model was orally administered HLT-101 (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg), and its effects on oxidative stress- and inflammation-related gene expression were examined. Further, HLT-101 was assessed for its effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathways in BPH-1 cells. HLT-101 decreased testosterone-induced excessive free radical production and inflammatory factor activation. Moreover, HLT-101 treatment significantly decreased the intracellular ROS level in the TNF-α and IFN-γ treated BPH-1 cells through the activation of Nrf-2. In addition, HLT-101 treatment inhibited the NF-κB pathway and androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which is highly linked to the pathogenesis of BPH. Therefore, HLT-101 has the potential to be an effective treatment reagent for BPH because of its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling.

Induction of ferroptosis and apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells by dihydroisotanshinone I

Danshen, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza, is a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its potential impact on endometrial cancer has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the effect of dihydroisotanshinone I (DT), a compound found in Danshen, on the viability of ARK1 and ARK2 endometrial cancer cells and its mechanisms. The results showed that 10 μM DT inhibited cell viability of ARK1 and ARK2 cells by inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis, which was achieved by blocking the expression of GPX4. In vivo experiments using a xenograft nude mouse model indicated that DT treatment significantly reduced tumor volume without causing any adverse effects. These findings suggest that DT may be a potential therapeutic agent for inhibiting endometrial cancer cell viability, but further research is needed to confirm these results.

Cytotoxic Activity of Herbal Medicines as Assessed in Vitro: A Review

Since time immemorial, human beings have sought natural medications for treatment of various diseases. Weighty evidence demonstrates the use of chemical methodologies for sensitive evaluation of cytotoxic potentials of herbal agents. However, due to the ubiquitous use of cytotoxicity methods, there is a need for providing updated guidance for the design and development of in vitro assessment. The aim of this review is to provide practical guidance on common cell-based assays for suitable assessment of cytotoxicity potential of herbal medicines and discussing their advantages and disadvantages Relevant articles in authentic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and SID, from 1950 to 2022 were collected according to selection criteria of in vitro cytotoxicity assays and protocols. In addition, the link between cytotoxicity assay selection and different factors such as the drug solvent, concentration and exposure duration were discussed.

Exploring the Antiovarian Cancer Mechanisms of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge by Network Pharmacological Analysis and Molecular Docking

Background

Ovarian cancer was one of the gynecological malignant tumors. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) was a kind of herbal medicine with an antitumor effect. However, the inhibitory effect of SMB on ovarian cancer and its potential mechanism were still unclear.

Objective

The antitumor effect of SMB on ovarian cancer was studied by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and its possible molecular mechanisms were analyzed.

Method

The active ingredients of SMB and the target data of ovarian cancer were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicines for Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) and the GeneCards database. The relationship between active ingredients of SMB and ovarian cancer targets was analyzed by String database, David 6.8 online database, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and then potential pathways were screened out. In addition, molecular docking technology was used to verify further the binding effect of antiovarian cancer pathway targets with active ingredients of SMB. Finally, survival analysis was performed for all potential targets.

Results

We analyzed 71 SMB-ovarian cancer common targets, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be an essential pathway for SMB to inhibit ovarian cancer. Luteolin, Tanshinone IIA, and Cryptotanshinone in SMB might play an important role. HSP90AA1, CDK2, and PIK3CG might be potential targets of SMB in inhibiting ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Through network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, we found that SMB might partially inhibit ovarian cancer by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. We believe that SMB might be a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer patients.

Improving the antioxidant activity of natural antioxidant honokiol by introducing the amino group

Exploring and synthesizing the compounds with stronger antioxidant activity have always been the goal of researchers. Herein, the substitution effects of the amino (NH₂-) group with the excellent electron-donating ability in different positions on the antioxidant activity of Honokiol (Hon) were systematically explored by using the quantum chemistry calculation based on the density functional theory method. The three possible antioxidant mechanisms of Hon and its four NH₂-substituted derivatives (Hon1-Hon4), containing the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), were explored in depth considering the gas and solvent phases. In addition, the frontier molecular orbital energies, natural bond orbital (NBO) charge population, and global descriptive parameters were used to study their antioxidant activity. The results indicate that compared with the original molecule Hon, the NH₂ substituents would have the stronger antioxidant activity. Moreover, the radical scavenging process of Hon and its derivatives has a disposition to the HAT and SPLET mechanisms in the gas and solvent phases, respectively. Meaningfully, owing to the lowest bond dissociation enthalpy and proton affinity values, Hon4 would show the most prominent antioxidant activity by comparison with the other compounds. In conclusion, this work will provide the purposeful reference for designing and synthesizing the antioxidants with more outstanding performance.

Fermentation products of Danshen relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice

With the increased incidence and recognition, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global public health problem in the world. Although many immunosuppressant and biological drugs have been used for UC treatment, the cure rate is still very low. It is necessary to find some safe and long-term used medicine for UC cure. Recently, the Chinese traditional herb Danshen has been investigated in the treatment of UC. However, it is a limitation of Danshen that many of the active components in Danshen are not easily absorbed by the human body. Probiotics could convert macromolecules into smaller molecules to facilitate absorption. Thus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (F-B4-1) and Bacillus subtillis Natto (F-A7-1) were screened to ferment Danshen in this study. The fermented Danshen products were gavaged in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model mice. Danshen had better results to attenuate symptoms of DSS-induced UC after fermented with F-B4-1 and F-A7-1. Loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were reduced. The abnormally short colon lengths and colonic damage were recovered. And fermented Danshen had the better inhibitory effect than Danshen itself on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during DSS-induced UC. The results indicated that compared with Danshen, fermented Danshen relieved DSS-induced UC in mice more effectively. Danshen fermented by probiotics might be an effective treatment to UC in clinic stage in the future.

Investigating the Effects of Salvia chorassanica Bunge and Shoot Extracts on Gastric Cancer Cells: Evidence of Different Behavior on Various Tumor Grades

Background: Different Salvia species have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects on various cancer cells. Owing to the poor literature on the anti-proliferative effects of Salvia species on gastric cancer cells, present study was conducted to determine the anticancer effects of a local Iranian Salvia, Salvia chorassanica, on two different gastric cell lines. Methods: Root, stem and leaf extract of Salvia chorassanica were prepared through maceration method and were then used to treat the AGS and MKN-45 cell lines in different concentrations. MTT assay was employed to determine the toxicity of all the types of extracts on the two studied cell lines. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase3, MMP2 and MMP9 genes were determined through reverse transcription Real time PCR (RT-PCR). Results: Bunge and shoot extracts demonstrated toxicity in both cell lines which were more considerable in AGS cells treated with root extract. In contrary to AGS cells, Caspase3 gene was up-regulated in all types of treatment while the MMP2 and MMP9 genes were down-regulated (p-value<0.001). Except of the MKN-45 cells treated with leaf extract, Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio was decreased in the treatment with all types of Salvia chorassanica extracts (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Remarkable low IC50 concentration of root extract in MKN-45 cell line is indicating the significant cytotoxicity of Salvia chorassanica against gastric cancer cells. Moreover, gene expression analysis in MKN-45 needs further confirmation on the potential anti-metastatic roles of leaf and root extracts in higher grades of gastric cancer.

Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Mixture Extract Combination on Microorganisms Isolated from Urinary Tract infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the second most common infection after respiratory tract infection. Its prevalence is more in women as compared to men. Approximately 50% of women have an infection of the Urinary tract in their life-time. The bacterial infection is one of the most important bioactivity; using their ability to imitate evanish then distributes international fitness problems into the 21st centenary. Thus a recent study was undertaken to investigate the antibacterial activity of a mixture of three medicinal plants against UTI infectious isolates. The three considered plants were (Aloe vera, Artemisia herba alba and Teucrium polium), which were used in Iraqi medicine for many centuries. The effectiveness of this combination was investigated using in vitro well diffusion method. The extract was tested against four isolated pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp, and Proteus spp). The aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The mixture extract had the highest effect against S. aureus and Proteus spp, followed by a lower effect on Klebsiella spp. In conclusion, the antibacterial effect of the tested plant extracts confirmed a higher impact on Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, it can be concluded that the usage of these plants as a traditional medicine form can be considered as a strong assistant to regular medicine drugs and treatments.

The role of medicinal products in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) through inhibition of TLR4/NF-kappaB pathway

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong and recurrent disease of the gastrointestinal tract that afflicts many people in the world. Growing evidence has currently indicated that dysfunction of immune system, particularly toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway dysfunction plays a pivotal part in the pathogenesis of IBD. TLR4 signaling is involved both in the pathogenesis and in the efficacy of treatment of IBD. There are some medicinal products and herbal medicines, which their role in the treatment of IBD through modulation of TLR4 signaling has been implicated. The purpose of this review article is to summarize those medicinal products and herbal medicines.

Overview of Salvia miltiorrhiza as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Various Diseases: An Update on Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) is a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment for various diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in East Asia including Korea. Considering its extensive usage as a therapeutic agent for multiple diseases, there is a need to review previous research regarding its therapeutic benefits and their mechanisms. Therefore, we searched PubMed and PubMed Central for articles reporting its therapeutic effects on certain disease groups including cancers, cardiovascular, liver, and nervous system diseases. This review provides an overview of therapeutic benefits and targets of S. miltiorrhiza, including inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The findings on multi-functional properties of S. miltiorrhiza discussed in this article support the efficacy of S. miltiorrhiza extract on various diseases, but also call for further research on the multiple mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.

Discrimination of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge from Different Geographical Locations Employing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Near-Infrared Fingerprinting Combined with Chemometrics

To evaluate the quality of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC/UV-PAD), near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and chemometrics were used to discriminate nine components of samples from four different geographical locations. HPLC was performed with a C18 (5 μm, 4.6 mm × 250 mm) column and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile with a gradient elution system. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to identify the amounts of salvianolic acid B. NIR was used to distinguish rapidly S. miltiorrhiza Bunge samples from different geographical locations. In this assay, discriminant analysis was performed, and the accuracy was found to be 100%. The combination of these two methods can be used to quickly and accurately identify S. miltiorrhiza Bunge from different geographical locations.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

Therapeutic Effects of Ten Commonly Used Chinese Herbs and Their Bioactive Compounds on Cancers

Effective cancer therapy is one of the biggest global challenges. Conventional cancer therapies have been at the forefront of combating cancers, but more evidence showed considerable side effects, limiting their use. There are various new therapies in development, but combined approaches for treating cancer are much expected. Natural herbs had been traditionally in use for cancer therapy in most parts of the world. In this review, we have examined ten commonly used Chinese herbs that have, for centuries, shown effectiveness in treating cancers. They demonstrated the abilities to promote the apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibit their metastasis, activate the patient's anticancer immunity, and synergistically increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy when used in combination. Clinical experiences had proved that these herbs and their bioactive compounds were effective against a plethora of cancers through a variety of mechanisms, effectively improving patients' quality of life without significant side effects. These advantages indicate that there are huge potentials in the development of Chinese herbs into cancer medicine as part of a promising, holistic cancer treatment modality.

Chinese Medicines Improve Perimenopausal Symptoms Induced by Surgery, Chemoradiotherapy, or Endocrine Treatment for Breast Cancer

The application of surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and endocrine treatment successfully increases survival rates of breast cancer patients. However, perimenopausal symptoms, the main side effects of these treatments, often afflict patients and reduce their quality of life. Perimenopausal symptoms include vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, arthromuscular symptoms, and osteoporosis. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for perimenopausal symptoms that result from these treatments. Therefore, alternative and complementary therapies including herbal medicines represented by Chinese medicines (CMs), acupuncture, massage, and psychotherapy are increasingly being expected and explored. In this paper, we review the effects and potentials of several CM formulae, along with some active ingredients or fractions from CMs, Chinese herbal extracts, and other herbal medicines, which have drawn attention for improving perimenopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients. We also elaborate their possible mechanisms. Moreover, further studies for evaluation of standardized clinical efficacy should be scientifically well-designed and continuously performed to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of CMs for perimenopausal symptoms due to breast cancer therapy. The safety and value of estrogen-containing CMs for breast cancer should also be clarified.

Metabolic reprogramming in colon cancer reversed by DHTS through regulating PTEN/AKT/HIF1α mediated signal pathway

BACKGROUND

Metabolic reprogramming and hypoxia contribute to the resistance of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in kinds of cancers. In this study, we investigated the effect of dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS) on reversing dysregulated metabolism of glucose and fatty acid in colon cancer and elucidated its mechanism of action.

METHODS

Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and mitochondrial fuel oxidation were assessed by Mito stress test, glycolysis stress test, and mito fuel flex test, respectively. Anti-cancer activity of DHTS in vivo was evaluated in Colon cancer xenograft. Hexokinase activity and free fatty acid (FFA) content were assessed using respective Commercial kits. Gene expression patterns were determined by performing DNA microarray analysis and real-time PCR. Protein expression was assessed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

DHTS showed similar cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells under hypoxia and normoxia. DHTS decreased the efficiency of glucose and FA as mitochondrial fuels in HCT116 cells, which efficiently reversed by VO-OHpic trihydrate. DHTS reduced hexokinase activity and free fatty acid (FFA) content in tumor tissue of xenograft model of colon cancer. Gene expression patterns in metabolic pathways were dramatically differential between model and treatment group. Increases in PTEN and a substantial decrease in the expression of SIRT3, HIF1α, p-AKT, HKII, p-MTOR, RHEB, and p-ACC were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

DHTS reversed metabolic reprogramming in colon cancer through PTEN/AKT/HIF1α-mediated signal pathway.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The study is the first to report the reverse of metabolic reprogramming by DHTS in colon cancer. Meantime, SIRT3/PTEN/AKT/HIF1α mediated signal pathway plays a critical role during this process.

Apoptosis induced by the methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in non-small cell lung cancer through PTEN-mediated inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) plant, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases since thousands of years. Many studies reported that the active component tanshinones displayed a variety of biological activities: anti-thrombous, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor promoting. But the mechanism of how the active components working still need to be clarified. The anti-tumor effect of compounds of tanshinone (CTN), the methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge roots, was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CTN on the growth inhibition, apoptosis and molecular targets of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CTN-induced cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. The cell survival was evaluated using clonogenic survival assay. The morphology of Glc-82 cells after treatment with CTN was determined by fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle distribution was revealed by flow cytometry. The apoptotic cells were quantified with annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry, and observed using Hoechst 33258 staining and TUNEL assays. The expression levels of proteins were analyzed using western blot. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice.

RESULTS

CTN inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC in a dose-dependent manner and induced both early and late apoptosis. Treatment of Glc-82 cells with CTN (5-80μg/ml) significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the cell proliferation in a concentration and time-dependent manner. CTN induced significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent apoptosis of Glc-82 cells. Cell cycle assay showed that CTN induced a G₂/M phase arrest, and significantly (p<0.05) increased expression of p53 and p21, actived caspase-3/9 and PARP1, which suggest the involvement of the mitochondria in the apoptotic signals. In addition, CTN decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Result also showed that CTN could increase expression levels of PTEN, and reduce the phosphorylated levels of Akt (protein kinase B) on Thr 308 and Ser 473 domain. In vivo assay showed that the antitumor effect of CTN was significantly augmented without increasing toxicity in nude mice bearing Glc-82 xenograft.

CONCLUSION

The PTEN/Akt signaling axis is defined as a critical pathway regulated by PTEN in NSCLC. CTN, the methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, are the active compounds as shown by their ability to induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and PTEN-mediated inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway. CTN could inhibit tumor growth more efficiently, which supports the ethno-medicinal use of this herb as an alternative or complementary therapy for NSCLC.

Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Salvia officinalis L. and Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge on hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Salvia species have been used as valuable medicinal and herbal plant in many countries. Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge are widely used in traditional medicine for a long time. In the present study, cytotoxicity of ethanol and acetone extracts prepared from leaves and roots of two Salvia species was investigated using hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and normal human liver cells (WRL-68). The cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative abilities of the extracts were evaluated by measuring cell viability (MTS assay), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, the cellular ATP level, morphological changes using an inverted microscope, and apoptosis using flow cytometry. The results indicated that ethanol and acetone extracts of leaves and roots of S. officinalis (SO-L-E, SO-L-A, SO-R-E and SO-R-A, respectively) and ethanol and acetone extracts of roots of S. miltiorrhiza (SM-R-E and SM-R-A, respectively) significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner when the concentration was less than 150μg/mL. The cytotoxity of SO-L-E, SO-R-E and SO-R-A were significantly less in WRL-68 when compared to HepG2 cells in vitro. The increase of LDH leakage, decrease of ATP and the changes in morphology of HepG2 cells further confirmed the cytotoxic effect of these extracts to HepG2 cells. Furthermore, SO-L-E, SO-L-A, SO-R-E ethanol extract of leaves of S. miltiorrhiza (SM-L-E) and SM-R-E were able to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This study shows the potential of the extracts to be used in the prevention and/or treatment of liver cancer or as ingredients in functional foods and provides scientific support for development and utilization of S. officinalis and S. miltiorrhiza, especially the roots of S. officinalis.

Dihydrotanshinone induces apoptosis of SGC7901 and MGC803 cells via activation of JNK and p38 signalling pathways

CONTEXT

Dihydrotanshinone (DHT), a natural compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), showed higher cytotoxic potential compared with other tanshinones. Its effect and mechanism on gastric cancer have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effects of DHT on cell proliferation and apoptosis on gastric cancer cells, and elucidates its molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human gastric cancer MGC803 and SGC7901 cells were treated with various concentrations of DHT (0-15 μM) for 24 and 48 h, and cell growth was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry and DAPI staining. Western blots were performed to investigate changes in the level of apoptosis related genes in gastric cancer cell.

RESULTS

DHT exhibited obvious inhibition of the survival of gastric cancer cells. The IC₅₀ values in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells were 9.14 and 5.39 μM for 24 h, respectively. Cells treated with 6 μM DHT resulted in 41.3% and 35.4% apoptotic cell fractions in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells, respectively, significantly higher than that of the control. Hallmarks of apoptosis were observed in gastric cancer cells after DHT exposure. DHT enhanced the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases. Furthermore, DHT increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells.

CONCLUSION

DHT induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, involving activation of caspase proteins and the JNK/p38 signaling pathway. The results indicated that DHT has a promising chemotherapeutic potential for human gastric cancer.

Anti-inflammatory effect of miltirone on inflammatory bowel disease via TLR4/NF-κB/IQGAP2 signaling pathway

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a radical imbalance in the activation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways in the gut. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammation effect of miltirone against IBD in vitro and in vivo, and try to explore the underlying mechanisms. Miltirone could extenuate the loss of colon length and weight caused by TNBS. Additionally, macroscopic scores and DAI were reduced significantly compared with the TNBS group. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were increased significantly with the induction by TNBS (100mg/kg) or LPS (0.5mg/mL). Interestingly, miltirone could down-regulate the levels of these increased pro-inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. The protein and mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 were up-regulated by TNBS or LPS stimulation. CRX-526, the TLR4 inhibitor, as well as miltirone could significantly suppress the increased protein and mRNA expressions. Miltirone could up-regulate the descreased IQGAP2 expression induced by LPS. All these revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of miltirone on IBD may be via regulating TLR4/NF-κB/IQGAP2 signaling pathway. The findings might supply beneficial hints for the drug research to cure the IBD.

Soy-Based Multiple Amino Acid Oral Supplementation Increases the Anti-Sarcoma Effect of Cyclophosphamide

The use of a mixture of amino acids caused a selective apoptosis induction against a variety of tumor cell lines, reduced the adverse effects of anti-cancer drugs and increased the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents. We evaluated the effects and underlying mechanisms of soy-derived multiple amino acids' oral supplementation on the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) and on tumor growth, apoptosis, and autophagy in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice that were injected with sarcoma-180 (S-180) cells. 3-methyladenine or siRNA knockdown of Atg5 was used to evaluate its effect on sarcoma growth. A comparison of mice with implanted sarcoma cells, CTX, and oral saline and mice with implanted sarcoma cells, CTX, and an oral soy-derived multiple amino acid supplement indicated that the soy-derived multiple amino acid supplement significantly decreased overall sarcoma growth, increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase 3 expression, and apoptosis, and depressed LC3 II-mediated autophagy. Treatment with 3-methyladenine or Atg5 siRNA elicited similar responses as CTX plus soy-derived multiple amino acid in downregulating autophagy and upregulating apoptosis. A low dose of CTX combined with an oral soy-derived multiple amino acid supplement had a potent anti-tumor effect mediated through downregulation of autophagy and upregulation of apoptosis.

In vitro fabrication of dental filling nanopowder by green route and its antibacterial activity against dental pathogens

The aim of this study was to introduce novel Sn, Cu, Hg, and Ag nanopowders (NPs) and a composite nanopowder (NP) synthesized using Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) root extract as a reducing and capping agent to improve the antibacterial property of dental filling materials. All of the NPs obtained were characterized using a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum imaging was performed to map the elemental distributions of the NP composite. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to identify the role of various functional groups in all of the obtained NPs and the phyto-compound responsible for the reduction of various metal ions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns clearly illustrated the crystalline phase of the synthesized NP. The antibacterial properties of the synthesized Sn, Cu, Hg, Ag, composite NP, SM root extract, and commercial amalgam powder were evaluated. The Cu, composite NP, SM root extract and Ag NP displayed excellent antibacterial activity against dental bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The results of this study require further evaluation for signs of metal toxicity in appropriate animal models. However, the results are encouraging for the application of metal NPs as suitable alternatives for antibiotics and disinfectants, especially in dental filling materials.

Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza ethanolic extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced dental alveolar bone resorption in rats

Background/purpose

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) Bunge (Labiatae/Lamiaceae; common name danshen) is a Chinese medicine that improves blood circulation and inhibits inflammatory response. Thus, it is used for the treatment of cardiac diseases and inflammation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of SM (SME) on the dental alveolar bone resorption induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.

Materials and methods

An ethanolic extract was prepared from roots of SM. The major constituents of this extract were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The activity of the extract was evaluated in a rat model in which the dental alveolar bone resorption was induced by injection of bacterial LPS into the palatal gingiva around the maxillary molar teeth. The effect of SME on the bone resorption was studied by histologic and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

The number of osteoclasts and the percentage of osteoclasts covering the alveolar bone surfaces were significantly increased in the LPS group compared with those in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group. The number and percentage of the osteoclasts on the bony surfaces were significantly reduced in the SME group in comparison with the LPS group, although it was still higher than the numbers observed in the PBS group.

Conclusion

Because SME reduced bone resorption caused by the injections of bacterial LPS in rats, we suggest that SME might have a protective effect on dental alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis.

Dan-Qi prescription ameliorates insulin resistance through overall corrective regulation of glucose and fat metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danshen and Sanqi Prescription (Dan-Qi) is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China. Since Danshen and Sanqi are reported to ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders at treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, it is reported that co-administration of Danshen and Sanqi exhibited significant pharmacokinetic herb-herb interactions. We reasoned that Danshen and Sanqi combination could be potentially function synergistically in treating diet induced insulin resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using high calori food induced Drosophila and mice models, we assessed Danshen and Sanqi treatment for their anti-diabetic effects.

RESULTS

The combination of Danshen and Sanqi (Dan-Qi) effectively improved fat and glucose metabolism of the high-sugar and high-fat diet fed fruit flies. More importantly, Dan-Qi significantly ameliorated hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia phenotype caused in high-fat diet induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. The Dan-Qi treated DIO mice showed lower fasting insulin, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in plasma, much better than Danshen or Sanqi treated alone. It was shown that Dan-Qi prescription reduced fat accumulation in the liver with Sanqi playing the major role. Interestingly, it was not Danshen or Sanqi alone, but the combination markedly increased glycogen deposition in mice liver. Quantitative RT-PCR showed Dan-Qi increased liver glycogen synthesis gene like Glut-1, GK, and Glut-4, reduced fat and cholesterol anabolism genes such as SREBP-1c, ACC, ATP-CL, ACS. Meanwhilpose tissues and muscle tissues, the glucose and fat metabolism genes are changed accordingly to pro-catabolism status. Notably, endogenous plasma metabolites of Dan-Qi treated mice displayed much better overral rectifying effects than the Danshen or Sanqi alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that Danshen and Sanqi combination exerted significant anti-diabetic efficacy, and Dan-Qi prescription could be potentially considered as a therapeutic application in diabetes.