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Yang X, Liang C, Shao L, Cui W, Ning R, Ke F, Wang Y, Gao P, Yin Y, Li Q. Sophora flavescens- Astragalus mongholicus herb pair in the progression of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma: a possible mechanisms and relevant therapeutic substances. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1284752. [PMID: 38860166 PMCID: PMC11163057 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1284752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Both Sophora flavescens (SF) and Astragalus mongholicus (AM) are known for their anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities. However, the efficacy, multi-target mechanisms, and therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair on the progression of hepatitis-cirrhosis-hepatocellular carcinoma hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Purpose To investigate the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair in the progression of hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC. Methods Firstly, diethylnitrosamine was used to establish the hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC model. HE staining and non-targeted metabolomics were used to evaluate the efficacy of SF-AM herb pair. Subsequently, the absorbed components of SF-AM herb pair in the plasma of rats were determined through HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Flow cytometry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were then employed to assess CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins, and their corresponding mRNAs. Simultaneously, the efficacy and mechanism of SF-AM herb pair on HCC were confirmed by in vitro experiments. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was performed between pharmacodynamic indicators and in vivo components to identify the potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair. Results SF-AM herb pair can alleviate the pathological damage and reverse metabolic abnormalities in hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC rats, particularly during the hepatitis and cirrhosis stages. Pharmacological researches have demonstrated that SF-AM herb pair can increase the proportion of CD8+ T lymphocytes, inhibit the expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, NF-κB p65, NF-κB pp65, and Bcl-2, as well as increase the expression of IκBα, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3. These findings suggest that SF-AM herb pair has the ability to enhance immunity, anti-inflammation and promote apoptosis. Cell experiments have shown that SF-AM herb pair can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cell and regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, 23 absorbed prototypical components and 53 metabolites of SF-AM herb pair were identified at different stages of HCC rats. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that matrine, cytisine, wogonoside, and isoastragaloside are potential therapeutic substances in SF-AM herb pair for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Conclusion In summary, this study revealed the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair in the hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC axis and provided a reference for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chen Liang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Shao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenxuan Cui
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruobing Ning
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Ke
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Metabolomics Core Facility of RHLCCC, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yidi Yin
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Key Technology of Chinese Material Medica Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Sun S, Liu F, Fan F, Chen N, Pan X, Wei Z, Zhang Y. Exploring the mechanism of atherosclerosis and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine combined with mesenchymal stem cells based on inflammatory targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22005. [PMID: 38045166 PMCID: PMC10692769 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease, which is the common pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The immune inflammatory response throughout the course of AS has been evidenced by studies, in which a large number of immune cells and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AS. The inflammation related to AS is mainly mediated by inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, hs-CRP, SAA), inflammatory enzymes (Lp-PLA2, sPLA2-IIA, MMPs), and inflammatory signaling pathways (P38 MAPK signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, TLR2/4 signaling pathway). It is involved in the pathophysiological process of AS, and the degree of inflammation measured by it can be used to evaluate the risk of progression of AS plaque instability. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown the advantage of minimal side effects in immune regulation and has made some progress in the prevention and treatment of AS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as self-renewal, highly differentiated, and pluripotent stem cells with anti-inflammatory properties and immune regulation, have been widely used for AS treatment. They also play an important inflammation-immune regulatory function in AS. Notably, in terms of regulating immune cells and inflammatory factors, compared with TCM and its compound, the combination therapy has obvious anti-inflammatory advantages over the use of MSCs alone. It is an important means to further improve the efficacy of AS and provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibiao Sun
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Feixiang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Feiyan Fan
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Na Chen
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaolong Pan
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Zhihui Wei
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yunke Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
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Wei S, Zhang Y, Ma X, Yao Y, Zhou Q, Zhang W, Zhou C, Zhuang J. MAT as a promising therapeutic strategy against triple-negative breast cancer via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12351. [PMID: 37524857 PMCID: PMC10390516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive and heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer, lacks effective treatment options. Sophora flavescens Aiton, a Chinese medicinal plant, is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancer. Matrine (MAT) is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens. It has good anticancer effects, and thus can be explored as a new therapeutic agent in TNBC research. We performed bioinformatics analysis to analyze the differentially expressed genes between normal breast tissues and TNBC tissues, and comprehensive network pharmacology analyses. The activity and invasion ability of TNBC cells treated with MAT were analyzed. Apoptosis and cell cycle progression were determined using cytometry. We used Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining to determine the condition of autophagosomes. Finally, the expression levels of the key target proteins of the PI3K/AKT pathway were determined using western blotting. The proliferation and invasion ability of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 can be effectively inhibited by MAT. The results of flow cytometry indicated that MAT arrested the TNBC cell cycle and induced apoptosis. In addition, we confirmed that MAT inhibited the expression of BCL-2 while up-regulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, enhanced intensity of MDC staining and high LC3-II expression were observed, which confirmed that MAT induced autophagy in TNBC cells. Western blotting showed that MAT inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway and downregulated the expressions of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and PGK1. This study provides feasible methods, which include bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments, for the identification of compounds with anti-TNBC properties. MAT inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, arrested cell cycle, as well as promoted cell apoptosis and autophagy. These experiments provide evidence for the anti-TNBC effect of MAT and identified potential targets against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Wei
- Institute of Integrated Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yubao Zhang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Xiaoran Ma
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yan Yao
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Qinqin Zhou
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266114, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, 999078, Macau, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China.
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Zhou X, Zeng M, Huang F, Qin G, Song Z, Liu F. The potential role of plant secondary metabolites on antifungal and immunomodulatory effect. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5. [PMID: 37272939 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread use of antibiotic drugs worldwide and the global increase in the number of immunodeficient patients, fungal infections have become a serious threat to global public health security. Moreover, the evolution of fungal resistance to existing antifungal drugs is on the rise. To address these issues, the development of new antifungal drugs or fungal inhibitors needs to be targeted urgently. Plant secondary metabolites are characterized by a wide variety of chemical structures, low price, high availability, high antimicrobial activity, and few side effects. Therefore, plant secondary metabolites may be important resources for the identification and development of novel antifungal drugs. However, there are few studies to summarize those contents. In this review, the antifungal modes of action of plant secondary metabolites toward different types of fungi and fungal infections are covered, as well as highlighting immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This review of the literature should lay the foundation for research into new antifungal drugs and the discovery of new targets. KEY POINTS: • Immunocompromised patients who are infected the drug-resistant fungi are increasing. • Plant secondary metabolites toward various fungal targets are covered. • Plant secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory effect are verified in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Meng T, Li X, Li C, Liu J, Chang H, Jiang N, Li J, Zhou Y, Liu Z. Natural products of traditional Chinese medicine treat atherosclerosis by regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:997598. [PMID: 36249778 PMCID: PMC9563010 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.997598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent arteriosclerotic vascular disease that forms a pathological basis for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other diseases. Inflammatory and oxidative stress responses occur throughout the development of AS. Treatment for AS over the past few decades has focused on administering high-intensity statins to reduce blood lipid levels, but these inevitably damage liver and kidney function over the long term. Natural medicines are widely used to prevent and treat AS in China because of their wide range of beneficial effects, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. We searched for relevant literature over the past 5 years in databases such as PubMed using the keywords, “atherosclerosis,” “traditional Chinese medicine,” “natural medicines,” “inflammation,” and “oxidative stress.” We found that the PI3K/AKT, TLR4, JAK/STAT, Nrf2, MAPK, and NF-κB are the most relevant inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AS. This review summarizes studies of the natural alkaloid, flavonoid, polyphenol, saponin, and quinone pathways through which natural medicines used to treat AS. This study aimed to update and summarize progress in understanding how natural medicines treat AS via inflammatory and oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. We also planned to create an information base for the development of novel drugs for future AS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Meng
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinghua Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengjia Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiawen Liu
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yabin Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yabin Zhou, ; Zhiping Liu,
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Respiratoy Disease Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yabin Zhou, ; Zhiping Liu,
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Zhou S, Li Y, Gao J, Wang Y, Ma X, Ding H, Li X, Sun S. Novel protein kinase C phosphorylated kinase inhibitor-matrine suppresses replication of hepatitis B virus via modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal. Bioengineered 2022; 13:2851-2865. [PMID: 35037840 PMCID: PMC8974119 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2024957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection still threatens human health. Therefore, it is essential to find new effective anti-HBV compounds. Here, we identified matrine as a novel inhibitor of PKC (protein kinase C) phosphorylated kinase by screening a natural compound library. After HepG2.215 cells were treated with matrine, we carried out a phosphorylated proteomics sequence study and analyzed the prediction of related kinase expression level. In the case of HBV infection, it was found that PKC kinase mediates the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway known as son of sevenless (SOS) activation. It was also found that PKC kinase inhibits the expression of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) by inhibiting the activity of activating transcription factor 2/ cAMP response element binding protein (ATF2/CREB), and this effect is independent of its activated MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, Western blot was used to detect the expression of MAPK, ATF2, CREB3 phosphorylation and nonphosphorylation in matrine-treated cells and PKC-treated cells. PKC phosphorylated kinase inhibitor-matrine suppresses the replication of HBV via modulating the MAPK/ATF2 signal. Matrine is a good clinical drug to enhance the autoimmunity in the adjuvant treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital Affiliated of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinping Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Suofeng Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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