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Wei S, Xiao J, Ju F, Liu J, Hu Z. A review on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of sophocarpine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1353234. [PMID: 38746009 PMCID: PMC11092382 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1353234] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Sophocarpine is a natural compound that belongs to the quinolizidine alkaloid family, and has a long history of use and widespread distribution in traditional Chinese herbal medicines such as Sophora alopecuroides L., Sophora flavescens Ait., and Sophora subprostrata. This article aims to summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of sophocarpine, evaluate its potential pharmacological effects in various diseases, and propose the necessity for further research and evaluation to promote its clinical application. A large number of studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, antiparasitic, anticancer, endocrine regulatory, and organ-protective effects as it modulates various signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK pathways. The distribution of sophocarpine in the body conforms to a two-compartment model, and sophocarpine can be detected in various tissues with a relatively short half-life. Although the pharmacological effects of sophocarpine have been confirmed, toxicity and safety assessments and reports on molecular mechanisms of its pharmacological actions have been limited. Given its significant pharmacological effects and potential clinical value, further research and evaluation are needed to promote the clinical application of sophocarpine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junshen Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Hu
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhao J, Ma M, Li L, Fang G. Oxysophoridine protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibition of TLR4/p38MAPK‑mediated ferroptosis. Mol Med Rep 2023; 27:44. [PMID: 36601753 PMCID: PMC9887505 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.12931] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxysophoridine (OSR) is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides L. and exerts beneficial effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of OSR in cerebral I/R injury remains unclear. In the present study, a cerebral I/R injury rat model was established by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Hematoxylin and eosin and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were performed to assess histopathological changes and the extent of cerebral injury to the brain. A Cell Counting Kit‑8 and TUNEL assay and western blotting were performed to assess cell viability and apoptosis. Ferroptosis and oxidative stress were evaluated based on ATP and Fe2+ levels and DCFH‑DA staining. The protein expression levels of inflammatory factors were assessed using ELISA. The protein expression levels of members of the toll‑like receptor (TLR)4/p38MAPK signaling pathway were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The results demonstrated that OSR decreased brain injury and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus in I/R‑induced rats. OSR inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased levels of ATP, Fe2+ and acyl‑CoA synthetase long‑chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and transferrin 1 protein and increased the protein expression levels of ferritin 1 and glutathione peroxidase 4. Furthermore, OSR blocked TLR4/p38MAPK signaling in brain tissue in the I/R‑induced rat. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TLR4 overexpression induced generation of ROS, ATP and Fe2+, which promoted the expression of ferroptosis‑associated proteins in hippocampal HT22 neuronal cells. The ferroptosis inducer erastin decreased the effects of OSR on oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‑induced cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Together, the results demonstrated that OSR alleviated cerebral I/R injury via inhibition of TLR4/p38MAPK‑mediated ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Jing Zhao, Department of Neurology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, 208 Eastern Ring Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Mingming Ma
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Gaoli Fang
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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Weng M, Shi C, Han H, Zhu H, Xiao Y, Guo H, Yu Z, Wu C. Sophocarpine inhibits tumor progression by antagonizing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in castration-resistant prostate cancer. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14042. [PMID: 36132221 PMCID: PMC9484452 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14042] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of sophocarpine on the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods DU145 and PC3 cells (two CRPC cell lines), incubated with different concentrations of sophocarpine, were used. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, real-time cellular analysis, and colony formation assay were conducted to evaluate the proliferation of CRPC cells. Cytometry flow analysis was performed to evaluate the apoptosis rate of CRPC cells. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed and the levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were determined to analyze cell migration and invasion abilities. A xenografted tumor model of nude mice was used to examine the anti-cancer effect of sophocarpine on CRPC. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the activities of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway both in cells and tumor tissues. Results In vitro tests showed that sophocarpine suppressed the proliferation of CRPC cells, reduced the migration and invasion abilities, and increased the apoptosis rate. In vivo, sophocarpine decreased the weight and volume of tumor tissues. Mechanically, sophocarpine exerted its anti-cancer effects by inactivating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Conclusion Sophocarpine inhibited the progression of CRPC by downregulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and showed a potential to be an anti-cancer agent against CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Weng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghao Shi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hengyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanyi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hangcheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhixian Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cunzao Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Leng X, Kan H, Wu Q, Li C, Zheng Y, Peng G. Inhibitory Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract and Its Active Components on Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplastic Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051582. [PMID: 35268683 PMCID: PMC8911905 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) can prevent cervical cancer. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a medicinal and health-promoting plant. To identify a potential treatment for CIN, the effect of S. miltiorrhiza extract and its active components on immortalized cervical epithelial cells was studied in vitro. The H8 cell was used as a CIN model. We found that S. miltiorrhiza extract effectively inhibited H8 cells through the CCK8 method. An HPLC–MS analysis revealed that S. miltiorrhiza extract contained salvianolic acid H, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, monomethyl lithospermate, 9′′′-methyl lithospermate B, and 9′′′-methyl lithospermate B/isomer. Salvianolic acid A had the best inhibitory effect on H8 cells with an IC50 value of 5.74 ± 0.63 μM. We also found that the combination of salvianolic acid A and oxysophoridine had a synergistic inhibitory effect on H8 cells at molar ratios of 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4, with salvianolic acid A/oxysophoridine = 1:2 having the best synergistic effect. Using Hoechst33342, flow cytometry, and Western blotting analysis, we found that the combination of salvianolic acid A and oxysophoridine can induce programmed apoptosis of H8 cells and block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, which was correlated with decreased cyclinB1 and CDK1 protein levels. In conclusion, S. miltiorrhiza extract can inhibit the growth of H8 cells, and the combination of salvianolic acid A (its active component) and oxysophoridine has a synergistic inhibitory effect on H8 cells and may be a potential treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
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Jirak D, Ziolkowska N, Turnovcova K, Karova K, Sykova E, Jendelova P, Romanyuk N. Metabolic Changes in Focal Brain Ischemia in Rats Treated With Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursors Confirm the Beneficial Effect of Transplanted Cells. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1074. [PMID: 31695666 PMCID: PMC6818685 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no treatment for restoring lost neurological function after stroke. A growing number of studies have highlighted the potential of stem cells. However, the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effect have yet to be explored in sufficient detail. In this study, we transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursors (iPSC-NPs) in rat temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) we monitored the effect of cells and assessed lesion volume and metabolite changes in the brain. We monitored concentration changes of myo-inositol (Ins), Taurine (Tau), Glycerophosphocholine+Phosphocholine (GPC+PCh), N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAA+NAAG), Creatine+Phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr), and Glutamate+Glutamine (Glu+Gln) in the brains of control and iPSC-NP-transplanted rats. Based on initial lesion size, animals were divided into small lesion and big lesion groups. In the small lesion control group (SCL), lesion size after 4 months was three times smaller than initial measurements. In the small lesion iPSC-NP-treated group, lesion volume decreased after 1 month and then increased after 4 months. Although animals with small lesions significantly improved their motor skills after iPSC-NP transplantation, animals with big lesions showed no improvement. However, our MRI data demonstrate that in the big lesion iPSC-NP-treated (BTL) group, lesion size increased only up until 1 month after MCAO induction and then decreased. In contrast, in the big lesion control group, lesion size increased throughout the whole experiment. Significantly higher concentrations of Ins, Tau, GPC+PCh, NAA+NAAG, Cr+PCr, and Glu+Gln were found in in contralateral hemisphere in BTL animals 4 months after cell injection. Lesion volume decreased at this time point. Spectroscopic results of metabolite concentrations in lesion correlated with volumetric measurements of lesion, with the highest negative correlation observed for NAA+NAAG. Altogether, our results suggest that iPSC-NP transplantation decreases lesion volume and regulates metabolite concentrations within the normal range expected in healthy tissue. Further research into the ability of iPSC-NPs to differentiate into tissue-specific neurons and its effect on the long-term restoration of lesioned tissue is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jirak
- MR Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia.,First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Faculty of Health Studies, Technical University of Liberec, Liberec, Czechia
| | - Natalia Ziolkowska
- MR Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia.,First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolina Turnovcova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kristyna Karova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Sykova
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Nataliya Romanyuk
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Kalani A, Chaturvedi P, Kamat PK, Maldonado C, Bauer P, Joshua IG, Tyagi SC, Tyagi N. Curcumin-loaded embryonic stem cell exosomes restored neurovascular unit following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 79:360-369. [PMID: 27594413 PMCID: PMC5067233 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We tested whether the combined nano-formulation, prepared with curcumin (anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective molecule) and embryonic stem cell exosomes (MESC-exocur), restored neurovascular loss following an ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in mice. IR-injury was created in 8-10 weeks old mice and divided into two groups. Out of two IR-injured groups, one group received intranasal administration of MESC-exocur for 7days. Similarly, two sham groups were made and one group received MESC-exocur treatment. The study determined that MESC-exocur treatment reduced neurological score, infarct volume and edema following IR-injury. As compared to untreated IR group, MESC-exocur treated-IR group showed reduced inflammation and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor expression. Treatment of MESC-exocur also reduced astrocytic GFAP expression and alleviated the expression of NeuN positive neurons in IR-injured mice. In addition, MESC-exocur treatment restored vascular endothelial tight (claudin-5 and occludin) and adherent (VE-cadherin) junction proteins in IR-injured mice as compared to untreated IR-injured mice. These results suggest that combining the potentials of embryonic stem cell exosomes and curcumin can help neurovascular restoration following ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kalani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Pradip K Kamat
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Claudio Maldonado
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Philip Bauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Irving G Joshua
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
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Wang YS, Li YX, Zhao P, Wang HB, Zhou R, Hao YJ, Wang J, Wang SJ, Du J, Ma L, Sun T, Yu JQ. Anti-inflammation Effects of Oxysophoridine on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice. Inflammation 2016; 38:2259-68. [PMID: 26178478 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-015-0211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxysophoridine (OSR) is a bioactive alkaloid extracted from the Sophora alopecuroides Linn. Our aim is to explore the potential anti-inflammation mechanism of OSR in cerebral ischemic injury. Mice were intraperitoneally pretreated with OSR (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg) or nimodipine (Nim) (6 mg/kg) for 7 days followed by cerebral ischemia. The inflammatory-related cytokines in cerebral ischemic hemisphere tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry staining, Western blot and enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA). OSR-treated groups observably suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). OSR-treated group (250 mg/kg) markedly reduced the inflammatory-related protein prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Meanwhile, it dramatically increased the interleukin-10 (IL-10). Our study revealed that OSR protected neurons from ischemia-induced injury in mice by downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines and blocking the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Li
- College of Nursing, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hong-Bo Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yin-Ju Hao
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Medical Sci-Tech Research Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shu-Jing Wang
- Medical Sci-Tech Research Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Ningxia Key Lab of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Lab of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Ningxia Hui Medicines Collaborative Innovation Center, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University and Ningxia Hui Medicines Collaborative Innovation Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
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