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Zhuo Z, Nie J, Xie B, Wang F, Shi M, Jiang Y, Zhu W. A comprehensive study of Ephedra sinica Stapf-Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill herb pair on airway protection in asthma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117614. [PMID: 38113990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ephedra sinica Stapf (Mahuang) and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (Wuweizi) are commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cough and asthma. The synergistic effect of Mahuang-Wuweizi herb pair enhances their efficacy in alleviating respiratory symptoms, making them extensively employed in the management of respiratory disorders. Although previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Mahuang-Wuweizi in pulmonary fibrosis, the precise mechanism underlying their effectiveness against asthma remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism underlying the preventive and therapeutic effects of Mahuang-Wuweizi herb pair on asthma progression, focusing on airway inflammation and airway remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active constituents and potential mechanisms of Mahuang-Wuweizi in the management of asthma were elucidated through network pharmacology analysis. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to detect the main components of Mahuang-Wuweizi decoction. A rat model of bronchial asthma was established, and the effects of Mahuang-Wuweizi were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting (WB), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS The results of network pharmacological prediction showed that Mahuang had 22 active components and Wuweizi had 8 active components, with 225 potential targets. 1159 targets associated with asthma and 115 targets that overlap between drugs and diseases were identified. These include interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Tumor Protein 53, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as other essential targets. Additionally, there is a potential correlation between asthma and Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, calcium ion channels, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. The animal experiment results demonstrated that treatment with Mahuang and Wuweizi, in comparison to the model group, exhibited improvements in lung tissue pathological injury, reduction in collagen fiber accumulation around the airway and proliferation of airway smooth muscle, decrease in concentration levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in lung tissue, as well as alleviation of airway inflammation. Furthermore, Mahuang and Wuweizi suppressed the expression of phospholipase C (PLC), transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), NF-κB P65 protein in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rat lung tissue and downregulated the mRNA expression of PLC, TRPC1, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB P65 in asthmatic rats. These findings were consistent with network pharmacological analysis. CONCLUSION The results show that the synergistic interaction between Mahuang and Wuweizi occur, and they can effectively reduce airway remodeling and airway inflammation induced by inhaling OVA in bronchial asthma rats by inhibiting the expression of PLC/TRPC1/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, Mahuang and Wuweizi may be potential drugs to treat asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zushun Zhuo
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Jianhua Nie
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Bin Xie
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Min Shi
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yini Jiang
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Wang M, Feng Y, Zhang P, Shen K, Su J, Zhong Y, Yang X, Lin S, Lu J. Jiawei Maxing Shigan Tang alleviates radiation-induced lung injury via TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated by regulatory T cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117389. [PMID: 37944875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication during thoracic radiotherapy which impairs the quality of life in patients and limits radiation doses. Jiawei Maxing Shigan Tang (JMST), which is a modified decoction made of Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice, can alleviate the symptoms of RILI in patients. Previous studies and preliminary findings suggested a potential molecular mechanism of JMST in the treatment of RILI. Further studies are needed. AIM OF THE STUDY To elucidate the mechanisms of how regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote RILI and the effect of JMST on Tregs, as well as the corresponding pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS CD4+CD25+ Tregs were isolated from rats, and the supernatant's TGF-β1 level was examined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of Tregs, and the expression levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were analyzed by using western blotting (WB). Afterward, the Tregs were incubated with different concentrations of JMST. The cell viability and TGF-β1 concentration were confirmed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and ELISA, respectively. The optimized concentration of JMST was applied in vitro and vivo experiments. The specific mechanism was investigated through the combination of using flow cytometry, lung histopathology analysis, ELISA, and WB. RESULTS Radiation could promote Tregs to secrete TGF-β1. After radiation, the expression levels of Smad2/3, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3), Smad4 and mesenchymal markers Vimentin and α-SMA were all increased, while the expression level of epithelial markers E-cadherin was decreased. The expression levels of these proteins were reversed after interventions involving Treg cell activation inhibition or TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor. JMST reduced the number of Tregs in lung tissue and alleviated the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, Smad4, TGF-β1, Vimentin, and α-SMA were significantly downregulated, while the E-cadherin was upregulated, through the intervention of JMST. CONCLUSION Tregs could mediate EMT through TGF-β1/Smad pathway. JMST inhibits EMT via TGF-β1/Smad pathway by regulating Tregs, therefore alleviating RILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglei Wang
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Feng
- Hangzhou School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kezhan Shen
- Hangzhou School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyang Su
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yazhen Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Yang
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shengyou Lin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China.
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Zhang X, Su J, Lin J, Liu L, Wu J, Yuan W, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Su ZJ, Xu G, Sun M, Zhang Y, Chen X, Zhang W. Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo formula promotes autophagy and alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by controlling the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116633. [PMID: 37207878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo (FZTL) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription which is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We previously reported that the FZTL formula could improve IPF injury in rats; however, the mechanism remains unelucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the FZTL formula on IPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model and transforming growth factor-β-induced lung fibroblast model were used. Histological changes and fibrosis formation were detected in the rat model after treatment with the FZTL formula. Furthermore, the effects of the FZTL formula on autophagy and lung fibroblast activation were determined. Moreover, the mechanism of FZTL was explored using transcriptomics analysis. RESULTS We observed that FZTL alleviated IPF injury in rats and inhibited inflammatory responses and fibrosis formation in rats. Moreover, it promoted autophagy and inhibited lung fibroblast activation in vitro. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that FZTL regulates the Janus kinase 2 (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT) signaling pathway. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling activator interleukin 6 inhibited the anti-fibroblast activation effect of the FZTL formula. Combined treatment with the JAK2 inhibitor (AZD1480) and autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) did not enhance the antifibrotic effect of FZTL. CONCLUSIONS The FZTL formula can inhibit IPF injury and lung fibroblast activation. Its effects are mediated via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The FZTL formula may be a potential complementary therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiacheng Lin
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lujiong Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiamin Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenli Yuan
- Department of Nephrology Diseases, YueYang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yibao Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zi Jian Su
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guihua Xu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yile Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Zheng Q, Mu X, Pan S, Luan R, Zhao P. Ephedrae herba: A comprehensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 307:116153. [PMID: 36641108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ephedrae herba (called Mahuang in China) is the dried herbaceous stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et C. A. Mey., and Ephedra equisetina Bge. Ephedrae herba has a long history of use as an herb, and it was originally recorded in Sheng Nong's herbal classic. Ephedrae herba has also been widely used as both medicine and food. In the clinic, Ephedrae herba is commonly used for treating colds, bronchial asthma, nasal congestion, and other diseases. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a systematic summary on the traditional use, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, quality control, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of Ephedrae herba to provide a theoretical basis for further reasonable development of Ephedrae herba in clinical practice and creation of new drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information on Ephedrae herba was gathered from various sources, including the scientific databases including CNKI, PubMed, SciFinder and ScienceDirect, classical books on traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations; Baidu Scholar; and from different professional websites. RESULTS Ephedrae herba is distributed in regions of China and other areas. Ephedra and its compound preparations can be used for colds, bronchial asthma, nasal congestion and other diseases. Approximately 281 chemical constituents have been isolated from Ephedrae herba, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, volatile oils, organic acids, and other compounds. Among these constituents, alkaloids and volatile oils are the most abundant and represent the major bioactive constituents. Ephedrae herba possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including diuretic effect, anti-allergic effect, blood pressure regulatory, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidation effect and anti-viral effects. Ephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride are generally selected as indicators for the quantitative determination of Ephedrae herba. The maximum dosage of Ephedrae herba should not exceed 10 g. If overused, adverse reactions such as palpitations, sweating, irritability and insomnia will occur. CONCLUSIONS Ephedrae herba is an ancient herbal medicine with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities that has been used for thousands of years in China. It is one of the most commonly used herbal components of the TCM formulas. Hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine are the major bioactive constituents. However, there is a need to further understand the mechanisms of active components of Ephedrae herba. Future studies should perform an in-depth analyses of the pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of toxicity of Ephedrae herba. Quality standards should be developed to correspond to the various application methods to ensure the efficacy of drugs in actual treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingge Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Xiangyu Mu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shaobin Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Ruqiao Luan
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Pan Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Ephedrae Herba: A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Application, and Alkaloid Toxicity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020663. [PMID: 36677722 PMCID: PMC9863261 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ephedrae Herba (Ephedra), known as "MaHuang" in China, is the dried straw stem that is associated with the lung and urinary bladder meridians. At present, more than 60 species of Ephedra plants have been identified, which contain more than 100 compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sugars, and organic phenolic acids. This herb has long been used to treat asthma, liver disease, skin disease, and other diseases, and has shown unique efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Because alkaloids are the main components causing toxicity, the safety of Ephedra must be considered. However, the nonalkaloid components of Ephedra can be effectively used to replace ephedrine extracts to treat some diseases, and reasonable use can ensure the safety of Ephedra. We reviewed the phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, and alkaloid toxicity of Ephedra, and describe prospects for its future development to facilitate the development of Ephedra.
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Tong J, Wu Z, Wang Y, Hao Q, Liu H, Cao F, Jiao Y. Astragaloside IV Synergizing with Ferulic Acid Ameliorates Pulmonary Fibrosis by TGF- β1/Smad3 Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:8845798. [PMID: 33763150 PMCID: PMC7946455 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8845798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aims to research the interventional effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (Ast) synergizing with ferulic acid (FA) on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) induced by bleomycin in mice. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into seven groups with 10 mice in each group, namely, a sham operation group, a model group, a miRNA-29b (miR-29) group, a miR-29b negative control group (NC group), a FA group, an Ast group, and a combination group. A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Samples were collected after 28 days of continuous administration. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe pathological changes in the lung tissue, and the degree of fibrosis was evaluated using the hydroxyproline content. Changes in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad3 in the lung were observed using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum. PCR was used to detect the expression of the miR-29b, TGF-β1, Smad3, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes. Western blotting was used to detect the content of the TGF-β/Smad3 protein. RESULTS Ferulic acid combined with astragaloside IV reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and the synthesis of hydroxyproline in lung tissue. The combination of the two also regulated the oxidative stress response , TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and miR-29b in lung tissue. CONCLUSION Astragaloside IV combined with ferulic acid regulated the oxidative stress of lung tissues and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling through miR-29b, thereby reducing the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. This provides a reference direction for the clinical treatment of IPF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Tong
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhisong Wu
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fang Zhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qingxun Hao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Haoge Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fang Cao
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fang Zhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fang Zhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, China
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Schisandra Inhibit Bleomycin-Induced Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via Suppressing M2 Macrophage Polarization. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5137349. [PMID: 32884941 PMCID: PMC7455820 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5137349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a specific form of chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause and limited to the lungs. Schisandrae chinensis fructus (Wuweizi, Schisandra) is commonly used traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, bronchitis, and other lung diseases in China. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of Schisandra on IPF which is induced by bleomycin (BLM) in rats and the inhibition of alternatively activated macrophage (M2) polarization. Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was used as a model for IPF, and rats were given drug interventions for 7 and 28 days to evaluate the role of Schisandra in the early oxidative phase and late fibrotic phases of BLM-induced pulmonary injury. The data showed that Schisandra exerted protective effects on BLM-induced pulmonary injury in two phases, which were improving inflammatory cell infiltration and severe damages of lung architectures and decreasing markers of M2 subtype. In order to prove the inhibitory effect of Schisandra on M2 polarization, in vitro experiments, we found that Schisandra downregulated the M2 ratio, which confirmed that the polarization of M2 was suppressed. Moreover, Schisandra blocked TGF-β1 signaling in AMs by reducing the levels of Smad3 and Smad4; meanwhile, the upregulation of Smad7 by Schisandra also promoted the effect of inhibition on the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. These results demonstrate that suppression of M2 polarization by Schisandra is associated with the development of IPF in rats.
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Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction Protects against PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury through Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Epithelial Barrier Disruption. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7176589. [PMID: 32655666 PMCID: PMC7317335 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7176589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This research was designed to explore the effect of Ma Xing Shi Gan decoction (MXD) in alleviating particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) induced lung injury from the perspective of epithelial barrier protection and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rats were exposed to PM2.5 to establish a lung injury model in vivo, and a PM2.5-stimulated primary cultured type II alveolar epithelial cell model was introduced in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD alleviated the weight loss and pathologic changes and improved the epithelial barrier dysfunction. MXD also significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, increased the level of ZO-1 and claudin-5, and reversed the EMT process. Notably, the protection of MXD was abolished by TGF-β in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD has a protection against PM2.5-induced lung injury. The proposed mechanism is reversing PM2.5-induced EMT through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 pathway and then upregulating the expression of tight-junction proteins.
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Ji W, Yu X, Gao Y, Ren B, Zhang S, Wang Q, Wang X. Majie cataplasm provides a shield against asthmatic punch from the neuroimmune system. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03896. [PMID: 32478182 PMCID: PMC7251768 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma poses a threat to human health, and its pathogenesis is closely related to the neuroimmune system. Majie cataplasm can not only regulate the immune system but also the nervous system in asthma patients for its components. We speculate that Majie cataplasm may relieve asthmatic patients with sensitivity to hormone or not by regulating the body's neuroimmune system. Methods In this experiment, a mouse model of asthma was well established by ovalbumin. The lung function of animals was examined and pathological changes in the lung tissue were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurokinin A (NKA) were measured by ELISA. The location of CGRP, CD3 and neutrophil in lung tissue and their expressions were detected by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, contents of CGRP mRNA, Substance P (SP) mRNA, interleukin (IL)-17 mRNA and interleukin(IL)-13 mRNA were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with the asthma model group, Majie cataplasm and dexamethasone can not only equivalently relieve airway hyperresponsiveness, but also make the content of serum IgE reduced. In addition, they can lower the content of serum CGRP and NKA after OVA stimulation, and this effect was more obvious for Majie cataplasm. Our results also showed that Majie Cataplasm and dexamethasone could inhibit the secretion of CGRP and the infiltration of T lymphocytes together with neutrophils in lung tissue and reduce expressions of CGRP mRNA, SP mRNA, IL-17 mRNA and IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue. Conclusion Majie cataplasm effectively relieves expressions of neuropeptides such as CGRP, reduces the infiltration of immune cells in lung tissue, regulates the body's neuroimmune system, and has a therapeutic potential for both Th2 asthma and neutrophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Ji
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yushan Gao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Beida Ren
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xueqian Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
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Combination Therapy of Wuweizi ( Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) and Dexamethasone Alleviated Dexamethasone-Induced Glucocorticoid Osteoporosis in Rats with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6301697. [PMID: 32280693 PMCID: PMC7115146 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6301697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of combined application of Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) and dexamethasone in rats with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the possible protective effect of Wuweizi against dexamethasone-induced glucocorticoid osteoporosis (GIOP). Methods There were five groups in this study, including the sham operation group, model group, Wuweizi group, dexamethasone group, and the combination group. A rat IPF model was made by the endotracheal injection of bleomycin. After modeling, rats were given drug interventions for 7 and 28 days. Rats were sacrificed for pathological morphology examination of the bone and lung and quantitative determination of biochemical markers of bone metabolism and angiogenesis-related cytokine to observe therapeutic efficacy on the 7th and 28th day. ELISA was used for the quantitative determination of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and endostatin in serum. The concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were detected with the automatic biochemical analyzer. Results After drug interventions for 7 and 28 days, alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in treatment groups showed significant improvement compared with those in the model group (P < 0.05). Bone histopathological figures showed severely damaged trabecular bone and bone marrow cavity in the dexamethasone group, but it was significantly alleviated in the combination group. The concentrations of BALP and Ca in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the dexamethasone group after treatment, while the concentrations of TRACP and P were lower than those in the dexamethasone group (P < 0.05). Bone histopathological figures showed severely damaged trabecular bone and bone marrow cavity in the dexamethasone group, but it was significantly alleviated in the combination group. The concentrations of BALP and Ca in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the dexamethasone group after treatment, while the concentrations of TRACP and P were lower than those in the dexamethasone group (α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and endostatin in serum. The concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were detected with the automatic biochemical analyzer. P < 0.05). Bone histopathological figures showed severely damaged trabecular bone and bone marrow cavity in the dexamethasone group, but it was significantly alleviated in the combination group. The concentrations of BALP and Ca in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the dexamethasone group after treatment, while the concentrations of TRACP and P were lower than those in the dexamethasone group (P < 0.05). Bone histopathological figures showed severely damaged trabecular bone and bone marrow cavity in the dexamethasone group, but it was significantly alleviated in the combination group. The concentrations of BALP and Ca in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the dexamethasone group after treatment, while the concentrations of TRACP and P were lower than those in the dexamethasone group (α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and endostatin in serum. The concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were detected with the automatic biochemical analyzer. Conclusions The combination therapy of Wuweizi and dexamethasone effectively treated IPF rats by regulating angiogenesis, meanwhile distinctly alleviating dexamethasone-induced GIOP.
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Ding Y, Liu Y, Li H, Li Y, Li M, Liu M, Wang X, Cao F, Wang X. Chinese Medicines for Preventing and Treating Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Injury: Still a Long Way to Go. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:927. [PMID: 31616288 PMCID: PMC6763686 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic radiotherapy is a mainstay of the treatment for lung, esophageal, and breast cancers. Radiation-induced pulmonary injury (RIPI) is a common side effect of thoracic radiotherapy, which may limit the radiotherapy dose and compromise the treatment results. However, the current strategies for RIPI are not satisfactory and may induce other side effects. Chinese medicines (CMs) have been used for more than a thousand years to treat a wide range of diseases, including lung disorders. In this review, we screened the literature from 2007 to 2017 in different online databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, Wanfang, and PubMed; summarized the effectiveness of CMs in preventing and treating RIPI; explored the most frequently used drugs; and aimed to provide insights into potential CMs for RIPI. Altogether, CMs attenuated the risk of RIPI with an occurrence rate of 11.37% vs. 27.78% (P < 0.001) compared with the control groups. We also found that CMs (alone and combined with Western medical treatment) for treating RIPI exerted a higher efficacy rate than that of the control groups (78.33% vs. 28.09%, P < 0.001). In the screened literature, 38 CMs were used for the prevention and treatment of RIPI. The top five most frequently used CMs were Astragali Radix (with a frequency of 8.47%), Ophiopogonis Radix (with a frequency of 6.78%), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome (with a frequency of 5.08%), Paeoniae Radix Rubra (with a frequency of 5.08%), and Prunellae Spica (with a frequency of 5.08%). However, further high-quality investigations in CM source, pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms, toxicological aspects, and ethical issues are warranted. Taken together, CMs might have a potential role in RIPI prevention and treatment and still have a long way to investigate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yuechao Liu
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Minglun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Ming Liu
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xianhe Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Fengjun Cao
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xuanbin Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Abstract
The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, and economic value. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the Ephedra species to unveil opportunities for future research. Comprehensive information on the Ephedra species was collected by electronic search (e.g., GoogleScholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and phytochemical books. The chemical compounds isolated from the Ephedra species include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and others. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species showed anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, and diuretic activities. After chemical and pharmacological profiling, current research is focused on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the phenolic acid compounds, the immunosuppressive activity of the polysaccharides, and the antitumor activity of flavonoids.
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Yang ST, Lin YR, Wu MY, Chiang JH, Yang PS, Hsia TC, Yen HR. Utilization of Chinese medicine for respiratory discomforts by patients with a medical history of tuberculosis in Taiwan. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:313. [PMID: 30497462 PMCID: PMC6267063 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s major communicable infectious diseases, and it still imposes a great health burden in developing countries. The development of drug-resistant TB during the treatment increases the treatment complexity, and the long-term pulmonary complications after completing treatment raise the epidemic health burden. This study intended to investigate the utilization of Chinese medicine (CM) for respiratory symptoms by patients with a medical history of TB in Taiwan. Methods We analyzed a cohort of one million individuals who were randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The inclusion criteria of patients (n = 7905) with history of TB (ICD-9-CM codes 010–018 and A02) were: (1) TB diagnosed between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2010 (2) 18 years old or over (3) Clinical records for at least 2 months with complete demographic information (4) Record of treatment with first-line TB medication prescriptions. CM users for conditions other than respiratory discomforts (n = 3980) were excluded. Finally, a total of 3925 TB patients were categorized as: CM users for respiratory discomforts (n = 2051) and non-CM users (n = 1874). Results Among the 3925 subjects, 2051 (52.25%) were CM users, and 1874 (44.753%) were non-CM users. Female patients and those who were younger (18–39 y/o) and who lived in urbanized areas relatively tended to be CM users (p < .0001). Most of the CM users (1944, 94.78%) received Chinese medicines. The most commonly prescribed herbal formulas and single herbs were Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang and Radix Platycodonis (Jie-Geng), respectively. The core pattern of Chinese medicines for TB patients consisted of Ma-Xing-Gan-Shi-Tang, Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii (Bei-Mu), Radix Platycodonis (Jie-Geng) and Semen Armeniacae (Xing-Ren). Conclusions The use of CM is popular among patients with a medical history of TB complicated with long-term respiratory discomforts in Taiwan. Further pharmacological investigations and clinical trials are required.
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Effects of Mahuang ( Herba Ephedra Sinica ) and Wuweizi ( Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis ) medicated serum on chemotactic migration of alveolar macrophages and inters regions macrophages in rats. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(17)30313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Zhan H, Huang F, Ma W, Zhao Z, Zhang H, Zhang C. Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats: Involvement of Caveolin-1 and TGF-β1 Signal Pathway. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 39:1284-92. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heqin Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University
| | - Wenzhuo Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center
| | - Zhenghang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center
| | - Haifang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University
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Wang SY, Fu LL, Zhang SY, Tian M, Zhang L, Zheng YX, Wang JH, Huang J, Ouyang L. In silico analysis and experimental validation of active compounds from fructus Schisandrae chinensis in protection from hepatic injury. Cell Prolif 2014; 48:86-94. [PMID: 25521411 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore mechanisms by which fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wuweizi) is able to reveal its protective capacity against hepatocyte injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Identification of candidate small molecular compounds was performed by text-mining, extraction and isolation, reverse-docking, network construction, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In vitro cytological examination and western blotting were used to validate efficacy of selected compounds. RESULTS We analyzed chemical composition of fructus Schisandrae chinensis and constructed protein-protein networks of key targets. Networks of miRNA-protein were constructed. Molecular docking and MD simulation results supported good interaction between selected compound 11/12 and GBA3/SHBG. Further in vitro examination divulged molecular mechanisms involved. CONCLUSIONS In silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that compound 11/12 of fructus Schisandrae chinensis targetted GBA3/SHBG in hepatocytes. Hopefully this will shed light on exploration of its complex molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
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