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Chen X, Lin S, Liang Y, Xue X, Yasen M. Experimental evidence of shikonin as a novel intervention for anti-inflammatory effects. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3547-3557. [PMID: 37249613 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin is a natural product with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The biological activity of shikonin is still not fully understood, as well as its association with innate immunity and immune and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans. In this study, the toxicity of shikonin on Raw264.7 cells was assayed by MTT, and polarization of inflammatory macrophages was determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that shikonin can inhibit the polarization of macrophages towards M1 type and significantly inhibited the production of NO in the concentration range of 0.5-1 μM. In addition, after treatment with shikonin, the production of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly decreased. After shikonin administration, the body weight loss and decrease of colon length were significantly suppressed in DSS-treated colitis C57BL/6 mice. The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in colonic homogenate were significantly decreased. Shikonin treatment resulted in a notable improvement in the histopathological manifestations in DSS-treated animals at 25/50 mg/kg. Meanwhile, we found that shikonin can regulate differentiation of T helper 17 cell (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg), thereby regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells and exerting an anti-inflammatory effect in IBD animal models. In conclusion, we found that shikonin protects against DSS-induced acute colitis by, among other things, reducing immune cell infiltration, polarizing macrophages, and regulating Th17/Treg differentiation, as well as by downregulating the release of inflammatory cytokines. These findings showed that shikonin can improve inflammation by affecting macrophage polarization. Our experimental data provide experimental evidence and theory basis for research on anti-inflammatory effects for the shikonin as health or functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Shengrong Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Yunbang Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Xiaomin Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Miersalijiang Yasen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, 361015, China.
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Guo Y, Zhou M, Mu Z, Guo J, Hou Y, Xu Y, Geng L. Recent advances in shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115138. [PMID: 37454591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, the primary active compound found in the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as "ZiCao", exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects. This drug has a wide range of uses, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. It is also effective in promoting wound healing and treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although shikonin has a wide range of applications, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the use of shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases. The article also delves into the anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms of shikonin and offers insights into the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of related diseases. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in this field. These findings not only provide significant new information on the effects and mechanisms of shikonin but also establish a foundation for the development of clinical applications in treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingming Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mu
- Department of Dermatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China
| | - Jinrong Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Jincheng People's Hospital, 456N Wenchang East Street, Jincheng, Shanxi 048000, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China
| | - Long Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155N Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China; National joint Engineering Research Center for Theranostics of Immunological Skin Diseases, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Education and NHC, Shenyang, China.
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Liu FY, Wang MQ, Liu MM, Li T, Wang XH, Jiang F, Wu XJ, Cheng J, Cai L, Li R. Therapeutic effects of shikonin on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes via blocking the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154857. [PMID: 37163904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin (SKN), the main bioactive component isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb et Zucc, has multiple activities including anti-rheumatic effect, but its specific roles and the precise mechanisms in regulating biological properties of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are unclear and need further clarification. PURPOSE This study explored the therapeutic roles of SKN on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-induced RA FLS (MH7A cells), and further demonstrated the involved mechanisms. METHODS SKN was intraperitoneally given to AIA rats and its therapeutic role was valued. The effects of SKN in vivo and in vitro on the production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by ELISA and western blot. Wound-healing, transwell and phalloidin staining assay were carried out to evaluate the effects of SKN on TNF-α-induced migration and invasion in RA FLS. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was checked by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence assay for β-catenin and western blot for pathway-related proteins. RESULTS SKN treatment in AIA rats reduced paw swelling, arthritis index and pathological damage of ankle joints, indicating its anti-arthritic effect in vivo. SKN had anti-inflammatory roles in vivo and in vitro, evidenced by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory factors (like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9) in sera and synovium of AIA rats, and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. Gelatin zymography result revealed the suppression of SKN on TNF-α-induced MMP-2 activity in vitro. Moreover, SKN inhibited TNF-α-induced migration, invasion and cytoskeletal reorganization in MH7A cells. Mechanistically, SKN suppressed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AIA rat synovium and in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, indicated by the reduced protein levels of Wnt1, p-GSK-3β (Ser9) and β-catenin, the raised protein level of GSK-3β and the decreased nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Interestingly, the combination of LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) canceled the therapeutic functions of SKN on cellular inflammation, migration and invasion in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells, whereas XAV939 (Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor) enhanced the therapeutic roles of SKN. CONCLUSION SKN showed therapeutic effects on rat AIA and cellular inflammation, migration and invasion of TNF-α-stimulated RA FLS via interrupting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Ming-Ming Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Xin-Jie Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230036, PR China
| | - Li Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China.
| | - Rong Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, PR China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, PR China.
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He L, Luan H, He J, Zhang M, Qin Q, Hu Y, Cai Y, Sun D, Shi Y, Wang Q. Shikonin attenuates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting SOCS1/JAK/STAT signaling pathway of fibroblast like synoviocytes. Chin Med 2021; 16:96. [PMID: 34600581 PMCID: PMC8487562 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive and systemic autoimmune disease seriously compromises human health. Fibroblast like synoviocytes are the major effectors of proliferation and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue. Shikonin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. But, its role on synovitis of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Methods The DBA/1 male mice were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 6): (1) the normal control group of mice, (2) the CIA (collagen-induced arthritis) group in which mice suffered from arthritis induced by collagen, (3) the SKN (shikonin) group of mice which got arthritis and given intragastrically with shikonin 4 mg/kg per day continuously for 20 days,(4) the MTX (methotrexate) group of mice which got arthritis and orally administration with shikonin 0.5 mg/kg once two days continuously for 20 days. The therapeutic effect of shikonin on collagen induced arthritis mice was tested by arthritis incidence rate, arthritis score and inflammatory joint histopathology. The invasion, adhesion and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes induced by tumor necrosis factor-α were applied to measure the anti-synovitis role of shikonin. The effect of shikonin on expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between shikonin and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 was verified by molecular docking. The signaling pathways activated by shikonin were measured by western blot. Results Shikonin decreased the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation of inflamed joints in collagen induced arthritis mice. And shikonin reduced the number of vimentin+cells in collagen induced arthritis mice inflamed joints. Meanwhile, shikonin suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced invasion, adhesion and migration of fibroblast like synoviocytes and reduced the expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. And we found that shikonin targeted suppressor of cytokine signaling 1. More interestingly, shikonin blocked the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 1/signal transducer andactivator of transcription 1/signal transducer andactivator of transcription 6 in synovial tissues and in fibroblast like synoviocytes. Conclusion Shikonin represents a promising new anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug candidate that has anti-synovitis effect in collagen induced arthritis mice and inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced fibroblast like synoviocytes by targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/ Janus kinase/signal transducer andactivator of transcription signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate that shikonin has anti-synovitis effect and has great potential to be a new drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00510-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhua He
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huijie Luan
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan He
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingxia Qin
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiping Hu
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yueming Cai
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China.,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Desheng Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518036, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China.
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Shikonin induces programmed death of fibroblast synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting energy pathways. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18263. [PMID: 34521930 PMCID: PMC8440543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine comfrey, which can inhibit the activity of PKM2 by regulating glycolysis and ATP production. Rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells (RA-FLSs) have been reported to increase glycolytic activity and have other similar hallmarks of metabolic activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of shikonin on glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and cell death in RA-FLSs. The results showed that shikonin induced apoptosis and autophagy in RA-FLSs by activating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting intracellular ATP levels, glycolysis-related proteins, and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Shikonin can significantly reduce the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, paw swelling in rat arthritic tissues, and the levels of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-1β while showing less toxicity to the liver and kidney.
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Kumar A, Shashni S, Kumar P, Pant D, Singh A, Verma RK. Phytochemical constituents, distributions and traditional usages of Arnebia euchroma: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113896. [PMID: 33524510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The present study has indicated phytochemical composition, distribution and ethno-medicinal uses of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M. Johnst, which is commonly known as "Ratanjot" in the Indian subcontinent. It has widely been used in the traditional systems of the Unani, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines recipes due to its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Instead, the gap of earlier studies is well defined that will be helpful for researchers to carry out more analysis and increase medicinal importance of this plant. AIM OF STUDY The main aim of this review study is to demonstrate the phytochemical composition and traditional ethno-medicinal uses of A. euchroma all over the world. Earlier studies related to this plant have been discussed in the present study and on that basis, future perspective of A. euchroma is also proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information of A. euchroma has been gathered from various electronic database, reference books and available literature. RESULTS The study has indicated that Arnebia euchroma owing to anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties is used in the traditional medicines and pharmaceutical industries for the treatment of hair problems, remitting, chronic diseases, burnt limbs, cough and cold, etc., and besides as a vegetable colorant and dyeing of cloths. The important phytochemical constituents viz., shikonin, acetyl-shikonin, iso-butyryl-shikonin, β,β-di-methylacryl-shikonin, isovaleryl-shikonin, β-hydroxy-isovaleryl-shikonin, deoxy-shikonin, isobutyl-shikonin, arnebinone, arnebin-7, stigmasterol, etc., isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma are used for curing various harmful diseases. CONCLUSIONS The earlier studies have confirmed that Arnebia euchroma is having wound healing, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties and thus used for the treatment of several diseases. Although, a little works is done on the experimental study regarding anti-HIV, anti-cancer diseases, etc., so there is a requirement of more exploration via analytical studies on phytochemical compounds to treat such diseases. Moreover, the information of its clinical and pharmacokinetics uses is also limited. Therefore, further research is needed to understand bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of this species. In-situ and ex-situ conservations for the management of this endangered species are also lacking in the Himalayan perspective. Such studies will emphasize to explore the possibilities for its conservation and development of agro-technological protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaganti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India; G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Himachal Regional Centre Mohal, Kullu, 175126, India.
| | - Sarla Shashni
- G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Himachal Regional Centre Mohal, Kullu, 175126, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Jant-Pali, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Ashok Singh
- CSIR - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
| | - Raj Kumar Verma
- Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Panthaganti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171013, India
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Zhou L, Wang J, Zhao J, Kuai F, Yang H. Shikonin promotes osteogenesis and suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:8099-8110. [PMID: 33437384 PMCID: PMC7791499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a role of anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and other effects. However, there are few studies on the effect of shikonin on osteoporosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of shikonin on differentiation of BMSCs and BMMs into osteoblasts and osteoclasts formation. In our study, we treated the cells with different concentrations of shikonin, and then illuminated its effect on oteogenesis and osteoclast differentiation by ALP/alizarin red staining, ALP activity, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and TRAP staining. The result showed that shikonin may promote BMSCs differentiate into osteoblasts through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. At the same time, it may also inhibit the formation of osteoclasts mediated by RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway in vitro. Our research explains excellently the mechanism of shikonin alleviating osteoporosis in vitro, which maybe contributing to the exploration of a new way to prevent osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Lianshui County People’s HospitalHuai’an 223001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiali Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and The Second People’s Hospital of Huai’anHuai’an 223002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Kuai
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People’s Hospital of Yancheng, The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityYancheng 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
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Liu C, He L, Wang J, Wang Q, Sun C, Li Y, Jia K, Wang J, Xu T, Ming R, Wang Q, Lin N. Anti-angiogenic effect of Shikonin in rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating PI3K/AKT and MAPKs signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 260:113039. [PMID: 32497675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zicao is the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb, et Zucc, Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst, or Arnebia guttata Bunge and commonly used to treat viral infection, inflammation, arthritis and cancer in China.Shikonin (SKN) is a major active chemical component isolated from zicao. Previous research showed that SKN has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic effects, and inhibits the development of arthritis and the condition of collagen arthritis (CIA) mice; nevertheless, its role in the angiogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiangiogenic activity of SKN in CIA rats and various angiogenesis models. MATERIAL AND METHODS The anti-arthritic effect of SKN on CIA rats was tested by arthritis score, arthritis incidence, radiological observation and histopathology evaluation of inflamed joints. Vessel density evaluated with CD31 immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence in joint synovial membrane tissues of CIA rats, chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, rat aortic ring assay, and the migration, invasion, adhesion and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were used to measured the antiangiogenenic activity of SKN. Moreover, the effect of SKN on the expression of angiogenic mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGFR2, TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in sera and joint synovia of rats, and in TNF-α-induced MH7A/HUVEC cells were measured by immunohistochemistry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Through the analysis of protein and mRNA levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and PTEN, and the autophosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 in joint synovia of rats and in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells, the molecular mechanism of its inhibition was elucidated by using Western blot and/or real-time PCR. RESULTS SKN significantly reduced the arthritis score and arthritis incidence, and inhibited inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage and bone destruction of inflamed joints in CIA rats. Partially, SKN remarkably decreased the immature blood vessels in synovial membrane tissues of inflamed joints from CIA rats. It also suppressed in vivo angiogenesis in chick embryo and VEGF165-induced microvessel sprout formation ex vivo. Meanwhile, SKN inhibited TNF-α-induced migration, invasion, adhesion and tube formation of HUVEC cells. Moreover, SKN significantly decreased the expression of angiogenic activators including VEGF, VEGFR2, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDGF and TGF-β in synovia of CIA rats and/or in MH7A/HUVEC cells. More interestingly, SKN downregulated PI3K and Akt, and simultaneously upregulated PTEN both at protein and mRNA levels in synovia tissues and/or in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells. It also suppressed the phosphorylation and gene level of TNF-α-induced signaling molecules, as ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 in synovium and/or in TNF-α-induced HUVEC cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicate for the first time that SKN has the anti-angiogenic effect in RA in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro by interrupting the PI3K/AKT and MAPKs signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfang Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Lianhua He
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jingxia Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Congcong Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yiqun Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Kexin Jia
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Tengteng Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ruirui Ming
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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9
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Chen Y, Xie Z, Zhang Y, Xia C, Yang M, Hu X. Shikonin relieves osteoporosis of ovariectomized mice by inhibiting RANKL-induced NF-κB and NFAT pathways. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112115. [PMID: 32473224 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is very common in women. Currently, many kinds of new drugs are being developed for this disease. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is closely related to overactivity of osteoclasts in body. Shikonin is purple red naphthoquinone pigment extracted from lithospermum, which has anti-inflammation, antivirus, anticancer and other bioactivities. At the same time, it has been proved that shikonin can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, but its influence on osteoclasts and molecular mechanism are unknown. Our study showed that shikonin could inhibit the activity and formation of RANKL-mediated osteoclasts depending on dose without affecting the activity of bone marrow macrophages (BMM). In addition, we have also found that shikonin can inhibit the expression of specific marker gene of osteoclasts, including nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), cathepsin K (Ctsk), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) and calcitonin receptor. Shikonin also could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1, increasing the expression of mRNA related to osteogenesis, like the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OCN). Luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot analysis further indicated that shikonin could inhibit the activity of RANKL-induced NF-κB and NFAT receptors. Moreover, shikonin can also slow down bone loss of ovariectomized (OVX) mice by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts. This work explains the molecular mechanism of shikonin in RANKL-mediated formation of osteoclasts, and reveals the potential of further developing shikonin into a new drug for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Second Spinal Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421000, China
| | - Zhong Xie
- Second Spinal Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421000, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Second Spinal Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421000, China
| | - Chao Xia
- Second Spinal Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421000, China
| | - Mingzhi Yang
- Second Spinal Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421000, China
| | - Xiongke Hu
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Zeng Q, Qiu F, Chen Y, Liu C, Liu H, Liang CL, Zhang Q, Dai Z. Shikonin Prolongs Allograft Survival via Induction of CD4 +FoxP3 + Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:652. [PMID: 30988670 PMCID: PMC6451963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A transplanted organ is usually rejected without any major immunosuppressive treatment because of vigorous alloimmune responsiveness. However, continuous global immunosuppression may cause severe side effects, including nephrotoxicity, tumors, and infections. Therefore, it is necessary to seek novel immunosuppressive agents, especially natural ingredients that may provide sufficient efficacy in immunosuppression with minimal side effects. Shikonin is a bioactive naphthoquinone pigment, an ingredient originally extracted from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Previous studies have shown that shikonin regulates immunity and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, it can ameliorate arthritis in animal models. However, it is unclear whether shikonin inhibits alloimmunity or allograft rejection. In this study and for the first time, we demonstrated that shikonin significantly prolonged the survival of skin allografts in wild-type mice. Shikonin increased the frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) post-transplantation and induced CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in vitro as well. Importantly, depleting the Tregs abrogated the extension of skin allograft survival induced by shikonin. It also decreased the frequencies of CD8+CD44highCD62Llow effector T cells and CD11c+CD80+/CD11c+CD86+ mature DCs after transplantation. Moreover, we found that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of T cells in vitro and suppressed their mTOR signaling. It also reduced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFNγ, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-17A, while increasing the gene expression of anti-inflammatory mediators IL-10, TGF-β1, and indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in skin allografts. Further, shikonin downregulated IDO protein expression in skin allografts and DCs in vitro. Taken together, shikonin inhibits allograft rejection via upregulating CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs. Thus, shikonin is a novel immunosuppressant that could be potentially used in clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohuang Zeng
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuihua Liu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Ling Liang
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunfang Zhang
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Fan C, Zhang X, Upton Z. Anti-inflammatory effects of shikonin in human periodontal ligament cells. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2018; 56:415-421. [PMID: 30392422 PMCID: PMC7011859 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1506482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Shikonin (SHI), an active component extracted from Radix Arnebiae, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties in various cells. However, its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) is unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of SHI on the expression of inflammatory related cytokines in LPS-stimulated hPDLCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of SHI (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/mL) on hPDLCs proliferation for 1, 3 and 7 days were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected in hPDLCs following SHI treatment (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mL) using Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The signaling pathways triggered by SHI in hPDLC were evaluated using western blotting. RESULTS LD50 of SHI is 1.7 μg/mL (day 1) and 1.1 μg/mL (day 3 and 7) in hPDLCs. No morphological changes were observed when hPDLCs were treated with LPS only (1 μg/mL) or LPS with SHI (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mL). Data from qRT-PCR suggests that SHI attenuates LPS-induced increases of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2 in hPDLCs. Down-regulation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and up-regulation of I-κB, were observed in LPS-stimulated hPDLCs after exposed to SHI at 0.25 or 0.5 μg/mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS SHI possesses anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated hPDLCs via phospho-ERK and NF-κB/I-κB signaling pathways; this suggests that SHI may hold potential as an anti-inflammatory agent against periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fan
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Xufang Zhang
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zee Upton
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore
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12
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Gao Y, Li S, Zhang Z, Yu X, Zheng J. The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of RA, SLE, and SS. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:193. [PMID: 30018955 PMCID: PMC6038710 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid diseases are a group of systemic autoimmune diseases which affect multiple organs with largely unknown etiology. In the past decade, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of biological processes and contribute deeply to immune cell development and immune responses. Substantial evidences have been accumulated showing that LncRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of the rheumatoid diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). In this review, we summarize literature combined with bioinformatics methods to analyze the unique and common lncRNAs patterns in rheumatoid diseases and try to reveal the important function of lncRNAs in RA, SLE and SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhen Gao
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, XinXiang, China
| | - Shasha Li
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, XinXiang, China
| | - Zhongjian Zhang
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, XinXiang, China
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North, Members of the German Center for Lung Research, Borstel, Germany
| | - Junfeng Zheng
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, XinXiang, China
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Choi YH, Han Y, Jin SW, Lee GH, Kim GS, Lee DY, Chung YC, Lee KY, Jeong HG. Pseudoshikonin I enhances osteoblast differentiation by stimulating Runx2 and Osterix. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:748-757. [PMID: 28657691 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoshikonin I (PSI), a novel biomaterial isolated from Lithospermi radix, has been recognized as an herbal medicine for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Bone remodeling maintains a balance through bone resorption (osteoclastogenesis) and bone formation (osteoblastogenesis). Bone formation is generally attributed to osteoblasts. However, the effects of PSI on the bone are not well known. In this study, we found that the ethanol extracts of PSI induced osteoblast differentiation by increasing the expression of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP 4). PSI positively regulates the transcriptional expression and osteogenic activity of osteoblast-specific transcription factors such as Runx2 and Osterix. To identify the signaling pathways that mediate PSI-induced osteoblastogenesis, we examined the effects of serine-threonine kinase inhibitors that are known regulators of Osterix and Runx2. PSI-induced upregulation of Osterix and Runx2 was suppressed by treatment with AKT and PKA inhibitors. These results suggest that PSI enhances osteoblast differentiation by stimulating Osterix and Runx2 via the AKT and PKA signaling pathways. Thus, the activation of Runx2 and Osterix is modulated by PSI, thereby demonstrating its potential as a treatment target for bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Hee Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Younho Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Woo Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Soog Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Chung
- Department of Food Science, International University of Korea, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Gwang Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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14
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Shikonin inhibits TNF-α production through suppressing PKC-NF-κB-dependent decrease of IL-10 in rheumatoid arthritis-like cell model. J Nat Med 2016; 71:349-356. [DOI: 10.1007/s11418-016-1064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Choi YH, Kim GS, Choi JH, Jin SW, Kim HG, Han Y, Lee DY, Choi SI, Kim SY, Ahn YS, Lee KY, Jeong HG. Ethanol extract of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. promotes osteoblastogenesis through the regulation of Runx2 and Osterix. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:610-8. [PMID: 27353217 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone remodeling and homeostasis are largely the result of the coordinated action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation. The differentiation of osteoblasts is regulated by the transcription factors, Runx2 and Osterix. Natural products of plant origin are still a major part of traditional medicinal systems in Korea. The root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (LR), the purple gromwell, is an herbal medicine used for inflammatory and infectious diseases. LR is an anti-inflammatory and exerts anticancer effects by inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the precise molecular signaling mechanisms of osteoblastogenesis as regards LR and osteoblast transcription are not yet known. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol (EtOH) extract of LR (LES) on the osteoblast differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts induced by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and the potential involvement of Runx2 and Osterix in these effects. We found that the LES exhibited an ability to induce osteoblast differentiation. LES increased the expression of the osteoblast marker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as its activity, as shown by ALP staining and ALP activity assay. LES also increased mineralization, as shown by Alizarin Red S staining. Treatment with LES increased the protein levels (as shown by immunoblotting), as well as the transcriptional activity of Runx2 and Osterix and enhanced osteogenic activity. These results suggest that LES modulates osteoblast differentiation at least in part through Runx2 and Osterix.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Hee Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Soog Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Woo Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Gyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
| | - Younho Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Im Choi
- YD Global Life Science Co., Ltd., Seongnam 462-807, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yu Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sup Ahn
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Gwang Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
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Shikonin Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts via lncRNA-NR024118. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:631737. [PMID: 26640499 PMCID: PMC4657066 DOI: 10.1155/2015/631737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Shikonin is a major chemical component of zicao that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to mediate cellular and humoral immunity, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the impact of shikonin on inflammatory response in RA synovial fibroblasts using the CAIA model. Methods. Severe polyarticular arthritis was induced in Balb/c female mice. Expressions of lncRNA-NR024118, SOCS3, proinflammatory cytokines, and MMPs were evaluated using RT-RCR. Histone acetylation and SOCS3 protein expression were assessed by ChIP assay and western blot, respectively. Results. Mice treated with shikonin showed an abrogation of soft tissue and bone lesions. Shikonin remarkably enhanced the expression of NR024118 and SOCS3 and suppressed the secretion and expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MMPs. Proliferation of cultured RA synovial fibroblasts in the presence of IL-1β was also significantly inhibited by shikonin. Moreover, shikonin dose-dependently increased acetylation of histone H3 at the promoter of NR024118. Finally, NR024118 overexpression and interference significantly changed SOCS3 expression and NR024118 interference could reverse regulation of shikonin on SOCS3, proinflammatory cytokines, and MMPs expression level in MH7A cells. Conclusion. Our results reveal that, in the CAIA mouse model of RA, shikonin has disease modifying activity that is attributable to the inhibition of inflammatory response via lncRNA-NR024118.
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Wang T, Li J, Jin Z, Wu F, Li Y, Wang X, Zhou H, Zhou Q. Dynamic Frequency of Blood CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Rats with Collagen-induced Arthritis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 19:83-8. [PMID: 25729268 PMCID: PMC4342740 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.2.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+ Tregs) have been shown to play a regulatory or suppressive role in the immune response and are possibly relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in peripheral blood (PB) of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats during the development of arthritis, to determine whether their frequency is involved in the immunoregulation of this disease. The results showed that normal rats had similar frequencies of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in PB during the experiment time, expressed as a percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells among the CD4+ T lymphocyte population. In contrast, the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in CIA rats was found to change during the development of arthritis. In CIA rats, there is a significant negative correlation between the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells and paw swelling (r=-0.786, p< 0.01). The relationship between the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T and immune activation was not found in normal rats. During the time course, the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T was lower in CIA rats than in normal ones. The data suggest that the frequency of PB CD4+CD25+ Tregs may be a promising marker for arthritis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China. ; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China. ; Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2139, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhigui Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Feihua Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yunwu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2139, Sydney, Australia
| | - Qian Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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Wang L, Gai P, Xu R, Zheng Y, Lv S, Li Y, Liu S. Shikonin protects chondrocytes from interleukin-1beta-induced apoptosis by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:298-308. [PMID: 25755716 PMCID: PMC4348881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chondrocyte apoptosis is mostly responsible for the development and progression of osteoarthritis. IL-1β is generally served as an agent that induces chondrocyte apoptosis. Shikonin exerts its anti-inflammatory effect on cartilage protection in vivo. We aimed to explore the protective effect of shikonin on interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and the potential molecular mechanisms. Chondrocytes were isolated from the joints of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. The MTT assay and LDH cell death assay were used to determine the cell viability and chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by Annexin-V/PI staining and nucleosomal degradation. The contents of phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3k), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome c were detected by Western blotting. A quantitative colorimetric assay was used to detect the caspase-3 activity. Our results showed that pretreatment with shikonin (4 μM) inhibited cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by IL-1β (10 ng/ml) in chondrocytes. Shikonin pretreatment also decreased the activity of IL-1β that decreased Bcl-2 expression and levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt, and increased Bax expression, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activation. It also reversed the activity of IL-1β that promoted the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and inhibited the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression, with the net effect of suppressing extracellular matrix degradation. These data suggested that shikonin may protect chondrocytes from apoptosis induced by IL-1β through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, by deactivating caspase-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinan 250000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan HospitalYantai 264000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengzhou Gai
- Department of Joint Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding HospitalYantai 264000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renguo Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantai Economic and Technology Development Area HospitalYantai 264006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanpin Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinan 250000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqiao Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan HospitalYantai 264000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan HospitalYantai 264000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoxian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan HospitalYantai 264000, People’s Republic of China
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Fan H, Yang M, Che X, Zhang Z, Xu H, Liu K, Meng Q. Activity study of a hydroxynaphthoquinone fraction from Arnebia euchroma in experimental arthritis. Fitoterapia 2012; 83:1226-37. [PMID: 22735599 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Although various drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been used in clinics, RA is not completely curable to date. Thus, to seek new drugs for the treatment of RA has been a hotspot. Hydroxynaphthoquinones are the major anti-inflammatory active constituents in Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of a hydroxynaphthoquinone mixture (HM) of A. euchroma (Royle) Johnst, including its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The anti-arthritic efficacy of HM was examined using complete Freund's adjuvant- and bovine type II collagen-induced arthritic models. The paw edema, polyarthritis index and histopathological change were evaluated. The analgesic effect was assessed using the chemical and thermal models of nociception. Results found that HM administered prophylactically and curatively showed marked anti-arthritic activity by suppressing the paw swelling and development of inflammation, lowering the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β and protecting cartilage and bone from damage. The protection of HM was superior to that of reference drugs such as prednisone acetate or etanercept, and showed no direct deleterious effect. Similarly, HM showed significant analgesic effects. In summary, HM possessed potent anti-arthritic activity. It could relieve inflammatory symptoms and protect against joint destruction. These findings indicate that HM would be a potential therapeutic agent for arthritic disease, which provide pharmacological evidence for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, 264005 Yantai, Shandong, PR China
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Wen CC, Chen HM, Yang NS. Developing Phytocompounds from Medicinal Plants as Immunomodulators. ADVANCES IN BOTANICAL RESEARCH 2012; 62:197-272. [PMID: 32300254 PMCID: PMC7150268 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394591-4.00004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance or malfunction of the immune systems is associated with a range of chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and others. Various innate and adaptive immune cells that are integrated in this complex networking system may represent promising targets for developing immunotherapeutics for treating specific immune diseases. A spectrum of phytochemicals have been isolated, characterized and modified for development and use as prevention or treatment of human diseases. Many cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics have been developed from phytocompounds, but the application of traditional or new medicinal plants for use as immunomodulators in treating immune diseases is still relatively limited. In this review, a selected group of medicinal herbs, their derived crude or fractionated phytoextracts and the specific phytochemicals/phytocompounds isolated from them, as well as categorized phytocompound groups with specific chemical structures are discussed in terms of their immunomodulatory bioactivities. We also assess their potential for future development as immunomodulatory or inflammation-regulatory therapeutics or agents. New experimental approaches for evaluating the immunomodulatory activities of candidate phytomedicines are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chun Wen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ming Chen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Sun Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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