Effects of the main active components combinations of Astragalus and Panax notoginseng on energy metabolism in brain tissues after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in mice

Multi-omics combined to investigate potential druggable therapeutic targets for stroke: A systematic Mendelian randomization study and transcriptome verification

OBJECTIVE

Stroke is a highly prevalent and disabling disease whose disease mechanisms are not fully understood. The discovery of disease-associated proteins with genetic evidence of pathogenicity provides an opportunity to identify new therapeutic targets.

METHOD

We examined the observed and causal associations of thousands of plasma and inflammatory proteins that were measured using affinity-based proteomic assays. First, we pooled >3000 relevant proteins using a fixed-effects meta-analysis of 2 population-based studies involving 48,383 participants, then investigated the causal effects of stroke and its subtype-associated proteins by forward Mendelian randomization using cis-protein quantitative locus genetic tools identified from genome-wide association studies of these >48,000 individuals. To improve the accuracy of causal estimation, we implemented a systematic Mendelian randomization model that accounts for cascading imbalances between instruments and tested the robustness of causal estimation through multi-method analyses. To further validate the hypothesis that ginsenoside Rg1 monomer acts on the five protein targets screened for drug-targeted regulation, we conducted a comparative analysis of the mRNA (gene) expression levels of a limited number of genes in the brain tissues of different groups of SD rats. The druggability of the candidate proteins was investigated and the mechanism of action and potential targeting side effects were explored by Phenome-wide MR.

RESULTS

Six circulating proteins were identified to have a significant genetic association with stroke (PFDR < 0.05). For example, in patients with cardioembolic stroke, higher genetically predicted APRT was associated with a lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (ORivw [95 % CI] = 0.641 [0.517, 0.795]; P = 5.25 × 10-5, ORSMR [95 % CI] = 0.572, [0.397, 0.825], PSMR = 0.003). Mediation analyses suggested that atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris, and heart failure may mediate the association of CD40L, LIFR, and UPA with stroke. Molecular docking revealed promising interactions between the identified proteins and glycosides. Transcriptomic sequencing in animal models indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 may act through APRT, IL15RA, and VSIR pathways, with APRT showing significant variability in mRNA sequencing expression. Phenome-wide MR of the six target proteins showed an overwhelming predominance of PFDR > 0.05, indicating less toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides genetic evidence to support the potential efficacy of targeting the three druggable protein targets for the treatment of stroke. This is achieved by triangulating population genomic and proteomic data. Furthermore, the study validates the pathway mechanisms by which APRT, IL15RA, and VSIR dock ginsenoside Rg1 in animal models. This will help to prioritize stroke drug development.

Comprehensive metabolomic characterization of atrial fibrillation

Background

Using human humoral metabolomic profiling, we can discover the diagnostic biomarkers and pathogenesis of disease. The specific characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) subtypes with metabolomics may facilitate effective and targeted treatment, especially in early stages.

Objectives

By investigating disturbed metabolic pathways, we could evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers based on metabolomics for different types of AF.

Methods

A cohort of 363 patients was enrolled and divided into a discovery and validation set. Patients underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) for suspected AF. Groups were divided as follows: healthy individuals (Control), suspected AF (Sus-AF), first diagnosed AF (Fir-AF), paroxysmal AF (Par-AF), persistent AF (Per-AF), and AF causing a cardiogenic ischemic stroke (Car-AF). Serum metabolomic profiles were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Metabolomic variables were analyzed with clinical information to identify relevant diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

The metabolic disorders were characterized by 16 cross-comparisons. We focused on comparing all of the types of AF (All-AFs) plus Car-AF vs. Control, All-AFs vs. Car-AF, Par-AF vs. Control, and Par-AF vs. Per-AF. Then, 117 and 94 metabolites were identified by GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS, respectively. The essential altered metabolic pathways during AF progression included D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, etc. For differential diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) of specific metabolomic biomarkers ranged from 0.8237 to 0.9890 during the discovery phase, and the predictive values in the validation cohort were 78.8–90.2%.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomics is a powerful way to identify metabolic disturbances. Differences in small–molecule metabolites may serve as biomarkers for AF onset, progression, and differential diagnosis.

Metformin alleviates the cognitive impairment caused by aluminum by improving energy metabolism disorders in mice

Long-term exposure to environmental aluminum was found to be related to the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Energy metabolism disorders, one of the pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases, may occur in the early stage of the disease and are of potential intervention significance. Here, sub-chronic aluminum exposure mouse model was established, and metformin was used to intervene. We found that sub-chronic aluminum exposure decreased the protein levels of phosphorylation AMPK (p-AMPK), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT3, taking charge of glucose uptake in the brain, reduced the levels of lactate shuttle-related proteins monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) and MCT2, as well as lactate content in the cerebral cortex, while increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) level to drive downstream pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) expression, thereby inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, and ultimately led to ATP depletion, neuronal death, and cognitive dysfunction. However, metformin could rescue these injuries. Thus, it came to a conclusion that aluminum could damage glucose uptake, interfere with astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS), interrupt the balance in energy metabolism, and resulting in cognitive function, while metformin has a neuroprotective effect against the disorder of energy metabolism caused by aluminum in mice.

Implication of IGF1R signaling in the protective effect of Astragaloside IV on ischemia and reperfusion-induced cardiac microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes damage to coronary capillary endothelial barrier and microvascular leakage (MVL), aggravating tissue injury and heart dysfunction. However, the effective strategy for protecting endothelium barrier of cardiac vasculature remains limited.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the effect of Astragaloside IV (ASIV) on coronary MVL after cardiac I/R and the underlying mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used for assessment of the efficacy of Astragaloside IV in protection of myocardial I/R injury, while human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells were applied to gain more insight into the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats with or without pretreatment by ASIV at 10 mg/kg were subjected to occlusion of left coronary anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion. Endothelial cells were exposed to hypoxia and re-oxygenation (H/R). The distribution of junction proteins was detected by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscope, the content of junction proteins was detected by Western blot, the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was detected by ELISA, and the signal pathway related to permeability was detected by siRNA infection. The fluorescence intensity of FITC-albumin and FITC-Dextran was measured to evaluate the permeability of endothelial cells.

RESULTS

ASIV exhibited protective effects on capillary damage, myocardium edema, albumin leakage, leucocyte infiltration, and the downregulated expression of endothelial junction proteins after I/R. Moreover, ASIV displayed ability to protect ATP from depletion after I/R or H/R, and the effect of ASIV on regulating vascular permeability and junction proteins was abolished once ATP synthase was inhibited. Notably, ASIV activated the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and downstream signaling after reoxygenation. Knocking IGF1R down abolished the effect of ASIV on restoration of ATP, junction proteins and endothelial barrier after H/R.

CONCLUSION

ASIV was potential to prevent MVL after I/R in heart. Moreover, the study for the first time demonstrated that the beneficial role of ASIV depended on promoting production of ATP through activating IGF1R signaling pathway. This result provided novel insight for better understanding the mechanism underlying the potential of ASIV to cope with cardiac I/R injury.

Notoginseng Triterpenes Inhibited Autophagy in Random Flaps via the Beclin-1/VPS34/LC3 Signaling Pathway to Improve Tissue Survival

Random flaps are widely used in tissue reconstruction, attributed to the lack of vascular axial limitation. Nevertheless, the distal end of the flap is prone to necrosis due to the lack of blood supply. Notoginseng triterpenes (NTs) are the active components extracted from Panax notoginseng, reducing oxygen consumption and improving the body’s tolerance to hypoxia. However, their role in random flap survival has not been elucidated. In this study, we used a mouse random skin flap model to verify that NT can promote cell proliferation and migration and that increasing blood perfusion can effectively improve the survival area of a skin flap. Our study also showed that the autophagy of random flaps after NT treatment was activated through the Beclin-1/VPS34/LC3 signaling pathway, and the therapeutic effect of NT significantly decreased after VPS34 IN inhibited autophagy. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that NT can significantly improve the survival rate of random flaps through the Beclin-1/VPS34/LC3 signaling pathway, suggesting that it might be a promising clinical treatment option.

Proteomics and transcriptome reveal the key transcription factors mediating the protection of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transcription factors (TFs) play a critical role in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are extensively used in the treatment of acute cerebral ischemia in China, but the mechanism of their effects, especially at the TF level, remains unclear. In this study, a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics and network pharmacology analysis was used to identify the key TFs involved in the protection of PNS against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced IRI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sprague-Dawley rats which were subjected to 1.5 hours of MCAO-induced occlusionand then followed by reperfusion, were treated with PNS at a concentration of 36 mg/kg or 72 mg/kg daily for 7 days. PNS significantly decreased neurological deficient scores and infarction rate; prevented cerebral tissue damage; and reduced CASP3 activity, levels of TNF, IL1B and CCL2 after IRI. Through a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics, 9 critical TFs were identified, including Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2), Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) and 7 other TFs. The targets of ERCC2 and NR4A3, such as Ubxn11, Ush2a, Numr2, Oxt, Ubxn11, Scrt2, Ttc34 and Lrrc23, were verified by using real-time PCR analysis. RNA-seq analyses indicated that PNS regulated nerve system development and inflammation, and the majority of the identified TFs were also involved in these processes. By using network pharmacology analysis, 73 chemical components in PNS were predicted to affect ERCC2, NR4A3 and 3 other identified TFs.

CONCLUSION

ERCC2, NR4A3 and 7 other TFs were of importance in the protection of PNS against IRI. This study promoted the understanding of protective mechanism of PNS against cerebral IRI and facilitated the identification of possible targets of PNS.

Effect of the combination of astragaloside IV and Panax notoginseng saponins on pyroptosis and necroptosis in rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Pyroptosis and necroptosis are closely associated with the mechanism underlying cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The combination of astragaloside IV (AST IV) and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) has remarkable effects on the alleviation of cerebral I/R damage. However, whether inhibition of pyroptosis and necroptosis is the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of this drug combination on cerebral I/R injury remains unclear. To explore the effects and mechanisms of drug treatment, middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed to induce I/R injury in rats, which was verified based on neurological deficit score (NDS), infarct volume and H&E staining. Activation of pyroptosis and necroptosis was detected by western blot analysis of associated proteins. The results of the present study demonstrated that treatment with AST IV and PNS, either alone or in combination, significantly reduced the NDS, cerebral infarct volume and cell injury rate in the cerebral cortex of rats. The treatments also improved pathological injury to the cerebral cortex and reduced the levels of proteins associated with pyroptosis and necroptosis. These effects were stronger in the combination drug group compared with groups treated with a single drug alone. The findings of the present study suggested that the combination of AST IV and PNS exhibited stronger neuroprotective effects in I/R injury than either drug alone, and that the underlying mechanism was associated with inhibition of pyroptosis and necroptosis.

Protective Effects and Network Analysis of Ginsenoside Rb1 Against Cerebral Ischemia Injury: A Pharmacological Review

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Currently, only a limited number of drugs are available for treating ischemic stroke. Hence, studies aiming to explore and develop other potential strategies and agents for preventing and treating ischemic stroke are urgently needed. Ginseng Rb1 (GRb1), a saponin from natural active ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), exerts neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). We conducted this review to explore and summarize the protective effects and mechanisms of GRb1 on cerebral ischemic injury, providing a valuable reference and insights for developing new agents to treat ischemic stroke. Our summarized results indicate that GRb1 exerts significant neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemic injury both in vivo and in vitro, and these network actions and underlying mechanisms are mediated by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities and involve the inhibition of excitotoxicity and Ca2⁺ influx, preservation of blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and maintenance of energy metabolism. These findings indicate the potential of GRb1 as a candidate drug for treating ischemic stroke. Further studies, in particular clinical trials, will be important to confirm its therapeutic value in a clinical setting.

Protective Effects of 28-O-Caffeoyl Betulin (B-CA) on the Cerebral Cortex of Ischemic Rats Revealed by a NMR-Based Metabolomics Analysis

28-O-caffeoyl betulin (B-CA) has been demonstrated to reduce the cerebral infarct volume caused by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) injury. B-CA is a novel derivative of naturally occurring caffeoyl triterpene with little information associated with its pharmacological target(s). To date no data is available regarding the effect of B-CA on brain metabolism. In the present study, a 1H-NMR-based metabolomics approach was applied to investigate the therapeutic effects of B-CA on brain metabolism following MCAO in rats. Global metabolic profiles of the cortex in acute period (9 h after focal ischemia onset) after MCAO were compared between the groups (sham; MCAO + vehicle; MCAO + B-CA). MCAO induced several changes in the ipsilateral cortex of ischemic rats, which consequently led to the neuronal damage featured with the downregulation of NAA, including energy metabolism dysfunctions, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Treatment with B-CA showed statistically significant rescue effects on the ischemic cortex of MCAO rats. Specifically, treatment with B-CA ameliorated the energy metabolism dysfunctions (back-regulating the levels of succinate, lactate, BCAAs, and carnitine), oxidative stress (upregulating the level of glutathione), and neurotransmitter metabolism disturbances (back-regulating the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine) associated with the progression of ischemic stroke. With the administration of B-CA, the levels of three phospholipid related metabolites (O-phosphocholine, O-phosphoethanolamine, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and NAA improved significantly. Overall, our findings suggest that treatment with B-CA may provide neuroprotection by augmenting the metabolic changes observed in the cortex following MCAO in rats.

Focus on Notoginsenoside R1 in Metabolism and Prevention Against Human Diseases

Notoginsenoside (NG)-R1 is one of the main bioactive compounds from Panax notoginseng (PN) root, which is well known in the prescription for mediating the micro-circulatory hemostasis in human. In this article, we mainly discuss NG-R1 in metabolism and the biological activities, including cardiovascular protection, neuro-protection, anti-diabetes, liver protection, gastrointestinal protection, lung protection, bone metabolism regulation, renal protection, and anti-cancer. The metabolites produced by deglycosylation of NG-R1 exhibit higher permeability and bioavailability. It has been extensively verified that NG-R1 may ameliorate ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury in cardiovascular and neuronal systems mainly by upregulating the activity of estrogen receptor α-dependent phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways and downregulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, no specific targets for NG-R1 have been identified. Expectedly, NG-R1 has been used as a main bioactive compound in many Traditional Chinese Medicines clinically, such as Xuesaitong, Naodesheng, XueShuanTong, ShenMai, and QSYQ. These suggest that NG-R1 exhibits a significant potency in drug development.

Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 Protect Primary Cultured Astrocytes against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury via Improving Mitochondrial Function

This study aimed to evaluate whether ginsenosides Rb1 (20-S-protopanaxadiol aglycon) and Rg1 (20-S-protopanaxatriol aglycon) have mitochondrial protective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury in primary mouse astrocytes and to explore the mechanisms involved. The OGD/R model was used to mimic the pathological process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in vitro. Astrocytes were treated with normal conditions, OGD/R, OGD/R plus Rb1, or OGD/R plus Rg1. Cell viability was measured to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Rb1 and Rg1. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and catalase (CAT) were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured to evaluate mitochondrial function. The activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes I–V and the level of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured to evaluate oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) levels. Cell viability was significantly decreased in the OGD/R group compared to the control group. Rb1 or Rg1 administration significantly increased cell viability. Moreover, OGD/R caused a significant increase in ROS formation and, subsequently, it decreased the activity of CAT and the mtDNA copy number. At the same time, treatment with OGD/R depolarized the MMP in the astrocytes. Rb1 or Rg1 administration reduced ROS production, increased CAT activity, elevated the mtDNA content, and attenuated the MMP depolarization. In addition, Rb1 or Rg1 administration increased the activities of complexes I, II, III, and V and elevated the level of ATP, compared to those in the OGD/R groups. Rb1 and Rg1 have different chemical structures, but exert similar protective effects against astrocyte damage induced by OGD/R. The mechanism may be related to improved efficiency of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the reduction in ROS production in cultured astrocytes.

Weipiling ameliorates gastric precancerous lesions in Atp4a-/- mice

Background

Altered cellular metabolism is considered to be one of the hallmarks of cancer (Coller, Am J Pathol 184:4–17, 2014; Kim and Bae, Curr Opin Hematol 25:52–59, 2018). However, few studies have investigated the role of metabolism in the development of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs). Weipiling (WPL), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treatment of GPLs. In this study, we evaluated the amelioration of GPLs by WPL and investigated the possible role of WPL in regulating glucose metabolism.

Methods

Firstly, the major components of WPL are chemically characterized by HPLC analytical method. In this study, we chose the Atp4a^−/− mouse model (Spicer etal., J Biol Chem 275:21555–21565, 2000) for GPL analysis. Different doses of WPL were administered orally to mice for 10 weeks. Next, the pathological changes of gastric mucosa were assessed by the H&E staining and AB-PAS staining. In addition, TUNEL staining was used to evaluate apoptosis, and we further used immunohistochemically labelled CDX2, MUC2, ki-67, PTEN, and p53 proteins to assess the characteristic changes of gastric mucosa in precancerous lesions. The levels of such transporters as HK-II, PKM2, ENO1, MPC1, and LDHA were determined by Western blot analysis. Finally, we assessed the expression of mTOR, HIF-1α, AMPK, Rheb, TSC1 and TSC2 protein in the gastric mucosa of Atp4a^−/−mice.

Results

In this work, we evaluated the protective effect of WPL on gastric mucosa in mice with precancerous lesions. The aberrant apoptosis in gastric mucosa of gastric pre-cancerous lesions was controlled by WPL (P<0.05). Furthermore, WPL suppressed the expression of CDX2, MUC2, ki-67, PTEN and p53, as the levels of these proteins decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.05). In parallel, WPL significantly suppressed the expression of transporters, such as HK-II, PKM2, ENO1, MPC1 and LDHA (P<0.05). In addition, mTOR, HIF-1a, AMPK, Rheb, TSC1 and TSC2 protein levels in gastric mucosa of Atp4a^−/− mice in the high- and low-dose WPL groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05), while the expression of TSC1 and TSC2 protein was significantly higher (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Conclusively, WPL could ameliorate GPLs in Atp4a^−/− mice by inhibiting the expression of transporters and suppressing the aberrant activation of mTOR/HIF-1α.

A NMR-Based Metabonomics Approach to Determine Protective Effect of a Combination of Multiple Components Derived from Naodesheng on Ischemic Stroke Rats

Naodesheng (NDS) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of ischemic stroke. A combination of 10 components is derived from NDS. They are: Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside b1, ginsenoside Rd, hydroxysafflor yellow A, senkyunolide I, puerarin, daidzein, vitexin, and ferulic acid. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the ten-component combination derived from NDS (TCNDS) on ischemic stroke rats with a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model by integrating an NMR-based metabonomics approach with biochemical assessment. Our results showed that TCNDS could improve neurobehavioral function, decrease the cerebral infarct area, and ameliorate pathological features in MCAO model rats. In addition, TCNDS was found to decrease plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production and increase plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) production. Furthermore, ¹H-NMR metabonomic analysis indicated that TCNDS could regulate the disturbed metabolites in the plasma, urine, and brain tissue of MCAO rats, and the possible mechanisms were involved oxidative stress, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and inflammation. Correlation analysis were then performed to further confirm the metabolites involved in oxidative stress. Correlation analysis showed that six plasma metabolites had high correlations with plasma LDH, MDA, and SOD. This study provides evidence that an NMR-based metabonomics approach integrated with biochemical assessment can help to better understand the underlying mechanisms as well as the holistic effect of multiple compounds from TCM.

Shengui Sansheng San Ameliorates Cerebral Energy Deficiency via Citrate Cycle After Ischemic Stroke

Cerebral energy deficiency is a key pathophysiologic cascade that results in neuronal injury and necrosis after ischemic stroke. Shengui Sansheng San (SSS) has been used to treat stroke for more than 300 years. In present study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of SSS extraction on cerebral energy deficiency post-stroke. In permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAo) model of rats, it suggested that SSS extraction in dose-dependent manner improved neurological function, cerebral blood flow (CBF), ¹⁸F-2-deoxy-glucose uptake and the density and diameter of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive vasculature in ipsilateral area, as well as decreased infarcted volume. Meanwhile, the metabolomics study in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was performed by using 5-(diisopropylamino)amylamine (DIAAA) derivatization-UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS approach. Eighty-eight endogenous metabolites were identified, and mainly involved in citrate cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, amino acids metabolism and biosynthesis, etc. The remarkable increase of citrate in CSF after treatment with three dosages indicated that the therapeutic mechanism of SSS extraction might be related with citrate cycle. Simultaneously, it showed that high dosage group significantly increased peripheral blood glucose level, the expressions of glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, GLUT3, and monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1), which contributed to the transportation of glucose and lactate. By the regulations of phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase E1-alpha (p-PDHA1), acetyl CoA synthetase and citrate synthetase (CS), the levels of citrate and its upstream molecules (pyruvate and acetyl CoA) in peri-infarction zone further enhanced, which ultimately caused the massive yield of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Our study first demonstrated that SSS extraction could ameliorate cerebral energy deficiency after ischemia by citrate cycle, which is characterized by the enhancements of glucose supply, transportation, utilization, and metabolism.

Using 3D-UPLC-DAD and a new method-verification by adding mixture standard compounds to determine the fingerprint and eight active components of Naoluoxintong decoction

Naoluoxintong decoction (NLXTD) is a traditional Chinese formula which has been used for the management of ischemic stroke in China for two hundred years. In this study, we developed a comprehensive and reliable analytical method to qualitatively analyze the components in NLXTD. This novel method was based on three-dimensional ultra-fast high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (3D-UPLC-DAD) with an additional component validation method via incorporation of the mixture standard compounds during the verification step. In addition, the relationship between active components and "Monarch drug, Minster drug, Assistant drug, Guide drug" were determined. Our results showed that gradient elution with the mobile phase of 0.02% formic acid and methanol was the optimum condition to separate peaks. A total of 35 common peaks were established by comparing ten batches of NLXTD, and eight components were identified, including Calycosin, Calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and Ononin in Astragali radix (Monarch drug); Ligustrazine in Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Minster drug); 4-Hydroxbenzyl alcohol and Parishin A in Gastrodiae rhizome (Assistant drug); Ferulic acid in Angelicae sinensis radix (Guide drug). The validation method of verification by adding mixture standard compounds combined with 3D-UPLC-DAD method, with the merits of greater resolution, higher speed of analysis and higher sensitivity, provided a semi-quantitative and qualitative analysis method to assess traditional Chinese medicinal prescription consisting of many bio-active components. Finally, our study has provided systemic and scientific evidence to explain the relationship between the bio-active components in the NLXTD and traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Protective Effects and Target Network Analysis of Ginsenoside Rg1 in Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: A Comprehensive Overview of Experimental Studies

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is a complicated pathological process. The injury and cascade reactions caused by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion are characterized by high mortality, high recurrence, and high disability. However, only a limited number of antithrombotic drugs, such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA), aspirin, and heparin, are currently available for ischemic stroke, and its safety concerns is inevitable which associated with reperfusion injury and hemorrhage. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore and examine some potential neuroprotective agents with treatment for cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury to reduce safety concerns caused by antithrombotic drugs in ischemic stroke. Ginseng Rg1 (G-Rg1) is a saponin composed of natural active ingredients and derived from the roots or stems of Panax notoginseng and ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. Its pharmacological effects exert remarkable neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. To explore and summarize the protective effects and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, we conducted this review, in which we searched the PubMed database to obtain and organize studies concerning the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. This study provides a valuable reference and clues for the development of new agents to combat ischemic stroke. Our summarized review and analysis show that the pharmacological effects of and mechanisms underlying ginsenoside Rg1 activity against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury mainly involve 4 sets of mechanisms: anti-oxidant activity and associated apoptosis via the Akt, Nrf2/HO-1, PPARγ/HO-1, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways (or mitochondrial apoptosis pathway) and the caspase-3/ROCK1/MLC pathway; anti-inflammatory and immune stimulatory-related activities that involve apoptosis or necrosis via MAPK pathways (the JNK1/2 + ERK1/2 and PPARγ/HO-1 pathways), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), high mobility group protein1 (HMGB1)-induced TLR2/4/9 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathways, and the activation of NF-κB; neurological cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration via the MAPK pathways (JNK1/2 + ERK1/2, PI3K-Akt/mTOR, PKB/Akt and HIF-1α/VEGF pathways); and energy metabolism and the regulation of cellular ATP levels, the blood-brain barrier and other effects via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, ERS, and AMP/AMPK-GLUT pathways. Collectively, these mechanisms result in significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemic injury. These findings will be valuable in that they should further promote the development of candidate drugs and provide more information to support the application of previous findings in stroke clinical trials.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Antidepressant or Anxiolytic Effects and Network Analysis on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, as traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of high clinical value, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure, inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and neuronal protection, and its main ingredients are Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). Currently, Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen may improve mental function, have anti-insomnia and anti-depression effects, alleviate anxiety, and decrease neural network excitation. However, the underlying effects and the mechanisms of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen and its containing chemical constituents (PNS) on these depression-related or anxiety-related diseases has not been completely established. This review summarized the antidepressant or anxiolytic effects and mechanisms of PNS and analyzed network targets of antidepressant or anxiolytic actions with network pharmacology tools to provide directions and references for further pharmacological studies and new ideas for clinical treatment of nervous system diseases and drug studies and development. The review showed PNS and its components may exert these effects through regulating neurotransmitter mechanism (5-HT, DA, NE), modulation of the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, glutamatergic system, hypo-thalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and its intracellular signaling pathways in the central nervous system; and produce neuronal protection by anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, or inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, or platelet aggregation and its intracellular signaling pathways. Network target analysis indicated PNS and its components also may have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, which leads to the preservation of brain nerves, and regulate the activity and secretion of nerve cells, exerting anti-depression and anxiolytic effects, which may provide new directions for further in-depth researches of related mechanisms.

Herbal approach in the treatment of pancytopenia

Pancytopenia is a health condition in which there is a reduction in the amount of leucocytes, erythrocytes and thrombocytes. If more than one of the blood cells is low then the condition is called as bicytopenia. The pancytopenic condition is observed in treatment of diseased conditions like thalassemia and hepatitis C. Iatrogenically pancytopenia is caused by some antibiotics and anti-HCV drugs. Medical conditions like aplastic anaemia, lymphoma, copper deficiency, and so forth can also cause pancytopenia. Pancytopenia can in turn decrease the immunity of the person and thereby can be fatal. Current therapies for pancytopenia include bone marrow stimulant drugs, blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant. The current therapies are very excruciating and have long-term side-effects. Therefore, treating these condition using herbal drugs is very important. Herbs like wheatgrass, papaya leaves and garlic are effective in treating single lineage cytopenias. The present review is focused on the potential effects of natural herbs for the treatment of pancytopenia.

Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction of Xuesaitong dispersible tablet and aspirin after oral administration in blood stasis model rats

BACKGROUND

Xuesaitong dispersible tablet (XST) product has been clinically proven to be effective for treating cardio-cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, herb-drug interactions between the XST product and drugs that are commonly co-administered, such as aspirin (ASA), must be explored to ensure safe clinical use.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The current study aims to investigate whether the XST product interacts with ASA when they are administered concomitantly to ensure safety and efficacy. A ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), ginsenoside Rd (Rd), notoginsenoside R1 (R1) and salicylic acid (SA) in rat plasma to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction of XST and ASA in blood stasis model rats.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The ASA and XST combination noticeably altered R1 and Rg1 absorption, distribution and disposition. This study indicates that co-administration of XST and ASA can cause an apparent herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction in blood stasis model rats.

Synergism and mechanism of Astragaloside IV combined with Ginsenoside Rg1 against autophagic injury of PC12 cells induced by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation

The aim of this study was to explore the effect by which the combination of Astragaloside IV (AST IV) and Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) resisted autophagic injury in PC12 cells induced by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). We studied the nature of the interaction between AST IV and Rg1 that inhibited autophagy through the Isobologram method, and investigated the synergistic mechanism via the PI3K I/Akt/mTOR and PI3K III/Becline-1/Bcl-2 signaling pathways. Our results showed that, based on the 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50), AST IV combined with Rg1 at a 1:1 ratio resulted in a synergistic effect, whereas the combination of the two had an antagonistic effect on autophagy at ratios of 1:2 and 2:1. Meanwhile, AST IV and Rg1 alone increased cell survival and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage induced by OGD/R, reduced autophagosomes and the LC3 II positive patch, down-regulated the LC3 II/LC3 I ratio and up-regulated the p62 protein; the 1:1 combination enhanced these effects. Mechanistic study showed that Rg1 and the 1:1 combination increased the phosphorylation of PI3K I, Akt and mTOR; the effects of the combination were greater than those of the drugs alone. AST IV and the 1:1 combination suppressed the expression of PI3K III and Becline-1, and the combination elevated Bcl-2 protein expression; the effects of the combination were better than those of the drugs alone. These results suggest that after 2 h-OGD followed by reoxygenation for 24h, PC12 cells suffer excessive autophagy and damage, which are blocked by AST IV or Rg1; moreover, the combination of AST IV and Rg1 at a 1:1 ratio of their IC50 concentrations has a synergistic inhibition on autophagic injury. The synergistic mechanism may be associated with the PI3K I/Akt/mTOR and PI3K III/Becline-1/Bcl-2 signaling pathways.