Aucubin promotes neurite outgrowth in neural stem cells and axonal regeneration in sciatic nerves

Promotion of neurite outgrowth by 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone is mediated through ERK signaling pathway in Neuro2a cells

In this study, the effects of 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (KP1), a major bioactive ingredient isolated from the Kaempferia parviflora rhizomes, on a neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells and its mechanism have been investigated. KP1 increased concentration-dependently the percentage of neurite-bearing cells. KP1 showed a remarkable capability to elicit neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells, as evidenced by morphological alterations and immunostaining using anti-class III β-tubulin and anti-NeuN antibodies. KP1 also displayed a higher neurogenic activity than retinoic acid (RA), a promoter of neurite outgrowth in Neuro2a cells. KP1 treatment caused significant elevation in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). However, KP1-triggered neurite outgrowth was markedly inhibited by treatment with the ERK inhibitor U0126, whereas p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 did not influence KP1-induced neurite outgrowth. These results demonstrate that KP1 elicits neurite outgrowth and triggers cell differentiation of Neuro2a cells through ERK signal pathway.

Ancient forest plants possess cytotoxic properties causing liver cancer HepG2 cell apoptosis

Here, we collected 154 plant species in China ancient forests looking for novel efficient bioactive compounds for cancer treatments. We found 600 bioactive phyto-chemicals that induce apoptosis of liver cancer cell in vitro. First, we screen the plant extract's in vitro cytotoxicity inhibition of cancer cell growth using in vitro HepG2 cell lines and MTT cytotoxicity. The results from these initial MTT in vitro cytotoxicity tests show that the most efficient plants towards hepatoma cytoxicity is Cephalotaxus sinensis, mint bush (Elsholtzia stauntonii) and winged spindle tree (Euonymus alatus). We then used in cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to further understand in vivo tumor growth using nude mice and GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS to analyze the composition of compounds in the extracts. Extracted chemically active molecules analyzed by network pharmacology showed inhibition on the growth of liver cancer cells by acting on multiple gene targets, which is different from the currently used traditional drugs acting on only one target of liver cancer cells. Extracts from Cephalotaxus sinensis, mint bush (Elsholtzia stauntonii) and winged spindle tree (Euonymus alatus) induce apoptosis in hepatoma cancer cell line HepG2 with a killing rate of more than 83% and a tumor size decrease by 62-67% and a killing rate of only 6% of normal hepatocyte LO2. This study highlight efficient candidate species for cancer treatment providing a basis for future development of novel plant-based drugs to help meeting several of the UN SDGs and planetary health.

Neurotrophic Natural Products

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.

Identification of Colletotrichum aenigma as the new causal agent of leaf blight disease on Aucuba japonica Thunb., and screenings of effective fungicides for its sustainable management

Aucuba japonica Thunb is an evergreen woody ornamental plant with significant economic and ecological values. It also produces aucubin, showing a variety of biological activities. It is widely planted in the southwest region of China, including karst landscape areas in Guizhou Province. In January 2022, a serious leaf blight disease was observed on the leaves of A. japonica in the outdoor gardens of Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China. The causal agent was identified as Colletotrichum aenigma through amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation of the chitin synthase (CHS) and actin (ACT) genes, and morphological characterizations. Koch's postulates were confirmed by its pathogenicity on healthy leaves, including re-isolation and identification. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. aenigma causing leaf blight on A. japonica worldwide. To identify pathogen characteristics that could be utilized for future disease management, the effects of temperature and light on mycelial growth, conidia production, and conidial germination, and the effects of humidity on conidial germination were studied. Optimal temperatures for mycelial growth of C. aenigma BY827 were 25-30°C, while 15°C and 35°C were favorable for conidia production. Concurrently, alternating 10-h light and 14-h dark, proved to be beneficial for mycelial growth and conidial germination. Additionally, conidial germination was enhanced at 90% humidity. In vitro screenings of ten chemical pesticides to assess their efficacy in suppressing C. aenigma representative strain BY827. Among them, difenoconazole showed the best inhibition rate, with an EC50 (concentration for 50% of maximal effect) value of 0.0148 μg/ml. Subsequently, field experiment results showed that difenoconazole had the highest control efficiency on A. japonica leaf blight (the decreasing rate of disease incidence and decreasing rate of disease index were 44.60 and 47.75%, respectively). Interestingly, we discovered that C. aenigma BY827 may develop resistance to mancozeb, which is not reported yet among Colletotrichum spp. strains. In conclusion, our study provided new insights into the causal agent of A. japonica leaf blight, and the effective fungicides evaluated provided an important basis and potential resource for the sustainable control of A. japonica leaf blight caused by C. aenigma in the field.

Characteristics, Isolation Methods, and Biological Properties of Aucubin

Aucubin is an iridoid glycoside widely spread in the families Cornaceae, Garryaceae, Orobanchaceae, Globulariaceae, Eucommiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Rubiaceae. This review is intended to provide data on the physicochemical characteristics, isolation methods, and biological activities of aucubin and its producing plants. Aucubin is unstable and can be deglycosylated into its aglycone, aucubigenin. Various chromatographic methods (column chromatography, vacuum liquid chromatography, medium pressure liquid chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography) have been used together to isolate aucubin, mainly with the stationary phase C-18 and the mobile phase water-methanol solution made in gradients. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that aucubin has a wide range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant, antidiabetic, antifibrotic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, retinoprotective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, and renoprotective. Even though aucubin has been extensively investigated, further research in humans is urgently needed primarily to substantiate the clinical evidence. Moreover, extensive studies on its drug delivery systems will help maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

Aucubin protects against retinal ganglion cell injury in diabetic rats via inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of aucubin in regard to injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in diabetic rats and its mechanism.

METHODS

A rat model of diabetes mellitus was created by single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg aucubin or 5 μg/kg p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. Body weight, blood glucose, morphological changes, count and apoptosis of RGCs, p38MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis-related proteins, oxidative stress indices, and inflammatory factors were observed and compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Aucubin and SB203580 reduced the abnormality of the photoreceptor layer, bipolar cell layer and RGCs. Aucubin significantly reduced body weight, fasting blood glucose, RGC apoptosis rate, p38MAPK protein phosphorylation level, protein expression of Caspase 3 and Bax, vascular endothelial growth factors (interleukin-1β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and malondialdehyde levels, and increased RGC count and protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aucubin can protect RGCs in diabetic rats, inhibit RGC apoptosis, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and 10 mg/kg aucubin showed optimal efficacy. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Research progress on the protective effects of aucubin in neurological diseases

CONTEXT

Aucubin (AU), an iridoid glycoside that is one of the active constituents of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EUO) (Eucommiaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively studied in the management of neurological diseases (NDs). However, a comprehensive review of its effects and mechanisms in this regard is currently not available.

OBJECTIVE

To compile the protective effects and mechanisms of AU in NDs and provide a basis for further research.

METHODS

We used 'aucubin' as the 'All Fields' or 'MeSH' in PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure without any limitation to search all relevant articles as comprehensively as possible; we selected the articles on AU treatment of NDs for summary.

RESULTS

Studies reviewed herein reported that AU improved the symptoms or prognosis of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, intracerebral haemorrhage, diabetic encephalopathy, epilepsy, anxiety and depression, and traumatic brain injury. The pharmacological mechanisms involved in repairing neuronal loss were postulated to include increasing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the synapse, promoting differentiation of neural precursor cells into GABAergic neurons, providing antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammation activities, as well as enhancing autophagy and anti-apoptotic actions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The protective effects of AU on some NDs have been confirmed. According to the pharmacological effects, AU is also highly likely to have protective effects on other NDs, which can be realized by further in vivo and in vitro basic research, and clinical trials. In the future, AU may be used for clinical prevention or treatment of patients with neurological diseases.

Dietary effects of aucubin on growth and flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) based on metabolomics

This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary aucubin on the growth, flesh quality, and metabolomics of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Five diets were designed with the aucubin inclusion of 0 (control diet), 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/kg (Auc-0.2, Auc-0.4, Auc-0.6, Auc-0.8) and were fed to grass carp with an initial body weight of 17.0 ± 0.2 g for 60 d. The results indicated that dietary aucubin did not significantly affect the growth performance of grass carp (P > 0.05). Compared to the control, dietary supplementation with 0.2 to 0.8 g/kg aucubin increased flesh hardness, chewiness, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the contents of total free amino acids (TFAA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) (P < 0.05). The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactic acid (LD) in the flesh were significantly decreased by the addition of 0.4 to 0.6 g/kg aucubin and by the addition of 0.6 to 0.8 g/kg aucubin (P < 0.05), respectively, while the content of delicious amino acids (DAA) was significantly enhanced by the addition of 0.4 to 0.8 g/kg aucubin (P < 0.05). Moreover, the contents of collagen and C22:6n3 (DHA) in the flesh of the Auc-0.8 group were significantly higher than those of the control (P < 0.05). In the metabolomics profiling of flesh, 133 and 135 named differential metabolites were identified in the Auc-0.4 and Auc-0.8 groups, respectively, compared to the control, and these metabolites were found to be involved in the second-grade pathways of "lipid metabolism" and "amino acid metabolism". Regarding gene expression, the mRNA levels of CuZn-SOD, CAT, COL1A1, COL1A2, Smad4, and FAS in flesh were upregulated in the Auc-0.4 and Auc-0.8 groups, and the expression levels of GPx, Nrf2, and TGF-β1 mRNA were also upregulated in the Auc-0.8 group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary aucubin did not promote growth, but improved the flesh quality of grass carp, which might be associated with the TGF-β/Smad and Nrf2 pathways. The recommended supplementation level of aucubin in the diet of grass carp was 0.6 to 0.8 g/kg.

Aucubin promoted neuron functional recovery by suppressing inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in a spinal cord injury model

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe motor impairment. Post-SCI treatment has focused primarily on secondary injury, with neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis as the primary therapeutic targets. Aucubin (Au), a Chinese herbal medicine, exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The therapeutic effects of Aucubin in SCI have not been reported.

METHODS

In this study, we carried out an in vivo SCI model and a series of in vitro experiments to explore the therapeutic effect of Aucubin. Western Blotting and immunofluorescence were used to study the effect of Aucubin on microglial polarization and neuronal apoptosis and its underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

We found that Aucubin can promote axonal regeneration by reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, which is beneficial to motor recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. Our further in vitro experiments showed that Aucubin can activate the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation protein-88 (MyD88)/IκBα/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammation and reverse mitochondrial dysfunction to reduce neuronal apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these results suggest that Aucubin may ameliorate secondary injury after SCI by reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, Au may be a promising post-SCI therapeutic drug.

4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside Promotes Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Through MeCP2

Background

Borojó (Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec) fruit has recently been shown to have a variety of health benefit, but the mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4,8-dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside (388) on proliferation and differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs).

Methods

NSCs were treated with 388 and stem cell differentiation was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The role of MeCP2 in 388-mediated embryonic NSCs differentiation was examined.

Results

The results showed that in the presence of mitogen when NSCs proliferated and maintained their multipotency, treatment with 388 did not affect the viability of NSCs. Following mitogen withdrawal to initiate NSC differentiation, treatment with 388 at the doses of 10 and 50 μg/mL significantly increased neural differentiation in both cortex and spinal cord-derived culture. 388 also significantly up-regulated MeCP2 expression. The expression of the neuronal and oligodendrocytic markers was enhanced after addition of 388 in the differentiation culture. However, knockdown of MeCP2 results in inhibition of NSC differentiation, and the pro-differentiation effect of 388 was mostly abolished.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that 388 stimulates differentiation of NSCs and identifies its mechanism of action by upregulating MeCP2.

Pharmacology, phytochemistry, and traditional uses of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. (known as Xuanshen) has been used in China for centuries as a traditional medicinal plant to treat numerous diseases including inflammation, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, we provide an update on the botany, pharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, traditional uses, and safety of S. ningpoensis to highlight future research needs and potential uses of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All information on S. ningpoensis was obtained from scientific databases including ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed, Sci Finder, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. Additional information was collected from Chinese herbal medicine books, Ph.D. dissertations, and M.Sc. Theses. Plant taxonomy was verified by "The Plant List" database (http://www.theplantlist.org).

RESULTS

S. ningpoensis displays fever reducing, detoxifying, and nourishing 'Yin' effects in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). More than 162 compounds have been identified and isolated from S. ningpoensis, including iridoids and iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides, organic acids, volatile oils, terpenoids, saccharides, flavonoids, sterols, and saponins. These compounds possess a diverse variety of pharmacological properties that affect the cardiovascular, hepatic, and nervous systems, and protect the body against inflammation, oxidation, and carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that S. ningpoensis is a valuable Chinese medicinal herb with many pharmacological uses in the treatment of cardiovascular, diabetic, and liver diseases. Most of the S. ningpoensis activity may be attributed to iridoid glycosides and phenylpropanoid glycosides; however, detailed information on the molecular mechanisms, metabolic activity, toxicology, and structure-function relationships of active components is limited. Further comprehensive research to evaluate the medicinal properties of S. ningpoensis is needed.

Effect of Active Ingredients of Chinese Herbal Medicine on the Rejuvenation of Healthy Aging: Focus on Stem Cells

Stem cells (SCs) are special types of cells with the ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. As the organism ages, the ability to maintain homeostasis and regeneration deteriorates and the number and activity of stem cells decline. Theoretically, the restoration of stem cells might reverse aging. However, due to their own aging, donor-derived immune rejection, and difficulties in stem cell differentiation control, a series of problems need to be solved to realize the potential for clinical application of stem cells. Chinese herbal medicine is a nature drug library which is suitable for the long-term treatment of aging-related diseases. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that many active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines with the effect of promoting stem cells growth and differentiation mainly belong to “reinforcing herbs.” In recent years, exploration of natural active ingredients from Chinese herbal medicines for delaying aging, improving the stem cell microenvironment, and promoting the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous stem cells has attracted substantial attention. This article will focus on active ingredients from Chinese herbs-mediated differentiation of stem cells into particular cell type, like neural cells, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and osteoblasts. We will also discuss the effects of these small molecules on Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch, eNOS-cGMP, and MAP kinase signal transduction pathways, as well as reveal the role of estrogen receptor α and PPAR γ on selectively promoting or inhibiting stem cells differentiation. This review will provide new insights into the health aging strategies of active ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine in regenerative medicine.

Aucubin exerts anti-osteoporotic effects by promoting osteoblast differentiation

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease characterized by reduced osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Aucubin (AU), an iridoid glycoside, was previously shown to promote osteoblast differentiation. We investigated the effects of AU on MG63 human osteoblast-like cells treated with dexamethasone (Dex) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to induce oxidative damage. AU protected MG63 cells against apoptosis, and promoted increased expression of cytokines associated with osteoblast differentiation, including collagen I, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and osterix. In Dex- and H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells, AU also enhanced the expression of anti-oxidative stress-associated factors in the nuclear respiratory factor 2 signaling pathway, including superoxide dismutases 1 and 2, heme oxygenases 1 and 2, and catalase. In vivo, using a Dex-induced mouse model of osteoporosis, AU promoted increased cortical bone thickness, increased bone density, and tighter trabecular bone. Additionally, it stimulated an increase in the expression of collagen I, OCN, OPN, osterix, and phosphorylated Akt and Smads in bone tissue. Finally, AU stimulated the expression of cytokines associated with osteoblast differentiation in bone tissue and serum. Our data indicate AU may have therapeutic efficacy in osteoporosis.

Aucubin Protects Chondrocytes Against IL-1β-Induced Apoptosis In Vitro And Inhibits Osteoarthritis In Mice Model

Objective

Chondrocyte apoptosis has also been strongly correlated with the severity of cartilage damage and matrix depletion in an osteoarthritis (OA) joint. Therefore, pharmacological inhibitors of apoptosis may provide a novel treatment option for patients with OA. Aucubin, a natural compound isolated from Eucommia ulmoides, has been proved to possess antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties. However, anti-osteoarthritis effect of aucubin in animal model and anti-apoptotic response of aucubin in OA chondrocytes remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether aucubin could slow progression of OA in a mouse model and inhibit the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.

Methods

OA severity and articular cartilage degradation were evaluated by Safranin-O staining, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) standards. Chondrocyte viability was observed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and live/dead cells assay; the apoptotic rate of chondrocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM) with Annexin V-FITC/PI kit. Mediators of apoptosis were tested by Western blot of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bcl-2 expression. The intracellular levels of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by the probe of 2,7-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA).

Results

The articular cartilage in the limb with destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) exhibited early OA-like manifestations characterized by proteoglycan loss, cartilage fibrillation, and erosion, with lower OARSI score. Oral administration of aucubin remarkably attenuated the loss of proteoglycan and the articular cartilage erosion and decreased the OARSI scores underwent DMM surgery. Aucubin treatment significantly reverses IL-1β-induced cytotoxicity and attenuated the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. In addition, aucubin can significantly inhibit mediators of apoptosis in rat primary chondrocytes. Furthermore, aucubin remarkably attenuated the IL-1β-induced intracellular ROS production.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aucubin has a protective effect on articular cartilage and slowing progression of OA in a mouse model. This protective effect may result from inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis and excessive ROS production.

Indigo Fruits Ingredient, Aucubin, Protects against LPS-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

Aucubin (AUB), which is extracted from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seeds, has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Recent studies have indicated that inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are involved in the pathophysiology of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of AUB on LPS-induced acute cardiac injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with LPS (one 6 mg/kg injection) to induce cardiac dysfunction without or with AUB pretreatment (20 or 80 mg/kg per day) for 1 week. We found that AUB ameliorated cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induced by LPS stimulation. Mechanistically, AUB inhibited LPS-induced oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species and thioredoxin interaction protein (TXNIP) levels. Moreover, AUB suppressed LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis by reducing nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC)/caspase-1 inflammasome formation. Overexpression of NLRP3 in cardiomyocytes attenuated the protective effects of AUB. Interestingly, NLRP3 deficiency ameliorated cardiac function and reduced the inflammatory response and oxidative stress after LPS insult in mice, whereas AUB could not further prevent LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction in NLRP3-deficient mice. In summary, AUB exerts a protective effect against LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro by regulating the TXNIP pathway and inactivating the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 inflammasome. Hence, AUB may be a promising agent against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Aucubin exerts a protective effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac dysfunction by regulating nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome.

Aucubin alleviates glial cell activation and preserves dopaminergic neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced parkinsonian mice

Aucubin (AUC) is a major bioactive ingredient in Eucommia ulmoides, Plantain asiatica, and Aucuba japonica, and has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective effects. We explore the neuroprotective effects of AUC in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonian mice. Mice were administered MPTP (30 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, followed by treatment with AUC for 7 days. Measurement of dopamine levels was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography and tyrosine hydroxylase expression was assessed by western blot. Our results showed that AUC treatment improved mobility in the pole descent test and the traction test, and reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice. AUC treatment rescued the decreased dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the striatum of parkinsonian mice. Furthermore, AUC treatment reduced both microglia and astrocyte activation in the substantia nigra of parkinsonian mice. These findings suggest that AUC exerts neuroprotective effects, in part by reducing inflammation and preserving dopaminergic neurons. Possible protection mechanisms involved in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice need to be clarified further.

Aucubin Protects against Myocardial Infarction-Induced Cardiac Remodeling via nNOS/NO-Regulated Oxidative Stress

Whether aucubin could protect myocardial infarction- (MI-) induced cardiac remodeling is not clear. In this study, in a mouse model, cardiac remodeling was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation surgery. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with aucubin (10 mg/kg) 3 days post-MI. Two weeks post-MI, mice in the aucubin treatment group showed decreased mortality, decreased infarct size, and improved cardiac function. Aucubin also decreased cardiac remodeling post-MI. Consistently, aucubin protected cardiomyocytes against hypoxic injury in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that aucubin inhibited the ASK1/JNK signaling. These effects were abolished by the JNK activator. Moreover, we found that the oxidative stress was attenuated in both in vivo aucubin-treated mice heart and in vitro-treated cardiomyocytes, which caused decreased thioredoxin (Trx) consumption, leading to ASK1 forming the inactive complex with Trx. Aucubin increased nNOS-derived NO production in vivo and vitro. The protective effects of aucubin were reversed by the NOS inhibitors L-NAME and L-VINO in vitro. Furthermore, nNOS knockout mice also reversed the protective effects of aucubin on cardiac remodeling. Taken together, aucubin protects against cardiac remodeling post-MI through activation of the nNOS/NO pathway, which subsequently attenuates the ROS production, increases Trx preservation, and leads to inhibition of the ASK1/JNK pathway.

Aucubin Promotes Differentiation of Neural Precursor Cells into GABAergic Neurons

Aucubin is a small compound naturally found in traditional medicinal herbs with primarily anti-inflammatory and protective effects. In the nervous system, aucubin is reported to be neuroprotective by enhancing neuronal survival and inhibiting apoptotic cell death in cultures and disease models. Our previous data, however, suggest that aucubin facilitates neurite elongation in cultured hippocampal neurons and axonal regrowth in regenerating sciatic nerves. Here, we investigated whether aucubin facilitates the differentiation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) into specific types of neurons. In NPCs cultured primarily from the rat embryonic hippocampus, aucubin significantly elevated the number of GAD65/67 immunoreactive cells and the expression of GAD65/67 proteins was upregulated dramatically by more than three-fold at relatively low concentrations of aucubin (0.01 µM to 10 µM). The expression of both NeuN and vGluT1 of NPCs, the markers for neurons and glutamatergic cells, respectively, and the number of vGluT1 immunoreactive cells also increased with higher concentrations of aucubin (1 µM and 10 µM), but the ratio of the increases was largely lower than GAD expression and GAD immunoreactive cells. The GABAergic differentiation of pax6-expressing late NPCs into GABA-producing cells was further supported in cortical NPCs primarily cultured from transgenic mouse brains, which express recombinant GFP under the control of pax6 promoter. The results suggest that aucubin can be developed as a therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders caused by the loss of inhibitory GABAergic neurons.

Aucubin protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac remodelling via the β3 -adrenoceptor-neuronal NOS cascades

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aucubin, the predominant component of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been shown to have profound effects on oxidative stress. As oxidative stress has previously been demonstrated to contribute to acute and chronic myocardial injury, we tested the effects of aucubin on cardiac remodelling and heart failure.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Initially, H9c2 cardiomyocytes and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes pretreated with aucubin (1, 3, 10, 25 and 50 μM) were challenged with phenylephrine. Secondly, the transverse aorta was constricted in C57/B6 and neuronal NOS (nNOS)-knockout mice, then aucubin (1 or 5 mg·kg^-1 body weight day^-1 ) was injected i.p. for 25 days. Hypertrophy was evaluated by assessing morphological changes, echocardiographic parameters, histological analyses and hypertrophic markers. Oxidative stress was evaluated by examining ROS generation, oxidase activity and NO generation. NOS expression was determined by Western blotting.

KEY RESULTS

Aucubin effectively suppressed cardiac remodelling; in mice, aucubin substantially inhibited pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation, whereas knocking out nNOS abolished these cardioprotective effects of aucubin. Blocking or knocking down the β₃ -adrenoceptor abolished the protective effects of aucubin in vitro. Furthermore, aucubin enhanced the protective effects of a β₃ -adrenoceptor agonist in vitro by increasing cellular cAMP levels, whereas treatment with an adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor abolished the cardioprotective effects of aucubin.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Aucubin suppresses oxidative stress during cardiac remodelling by increasing the expression of nNOS in a process that requires activation of the β₃ -adrenoceptor/AC/cAMP pathway. These findings suggest that aucubin could have potential as a treatment for cardiac remodelling and heart failure.

Involvement of bone morphogenetic protein-related pathways in the effect of aucubin on the promotion of osteoblast differentiation in MG63 cells

Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside found in several plants, such as Eucommia ulmoide and Rehmannia, has various pharmacological effects. Bone formation is a complex process in which osteoblast differentiation plays an important role. This study aimed to investigate the promotion effects of aucubin on osteoblast differentiation in MG63 cells, a human osteoblast-like cell line. Aucubin not only improved osteoblast differentiation, as shown by enhanced ALP (alkaline phosphatase) concentration and mineralization in cells, but increased the expression of various cytokines, including collagen I, osteocalcin, osteopontin, integrin β1, and Osterix. Aucubin strongly enhanced the levels of BMP2 (bone morphogenetic proteins-2) in MG63 cells, which play a central role during osteoblast differentiation. Further data show that aucubin exposure after 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days enhanced the expression of Smad1, 5, and 8, and the phosphoresced levels of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) family Erk (extracellular signal-regulated kinases), JNK (c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinases), P38, and Akt (serine/threonine protein kinase)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)/p70s6k in MG63 cells. This study shows the improved effects of aucubin on osteoblast differentiation in MG63 cells, related to the signaling of BMP2-mediated Smads (drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic proteins), MAPKs, and Akt/mTOR/p70S6K. This study indicates the potential of aucubin for osteoporosis treatment.

Aucubin promotes angiogenesis via estrogen receptor beta in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia

Aucubin (AU) is an iridoid glycoside that has been shown to display estrogenic properties and has various pharmacological effects. Herein, we described the angiogenic properties of AU. In the study, hindlimb ischemia was induced by ligation of femoral artery on the right leg of ovariectomized mice. AU treatment significantly accelerated perfusion recovery and reduced tissue injury in mice muscle. Quantification of CD31-positive vessels in hindlimb muscles provided evidences that AU promoted angiogenesis in peripheral ischemia. In addition, results from quantitative PCR and western blot suggested AU induced angiogenesis via vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway. More interestingly, AU's angiogenic effects could be completely abolished in estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) knockout mice. In conclusion, the underlying mechanisms were elucidated that AU produced pro-angiogenic effects through ERβ-mediated VEGF signaling pathways. These results expand knowledge about the beneficial effects of AU in angiogenesis and blood flow recovery. It might provide insight into the ERβ regulating neovascularisation in hindlimb ischemia and identify AU as a potent new compound used for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

The Protective Effect of Aucubin from Eucommia ulmoides Against Status Epilepticus by Inducing Autophagy and Inhibiting Necroptosis

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a famous traditional Chinese medicine which exhibits anti-oxidative stress ability and neuro-protective effects. Aucubin is the predominant component of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Our present study is intended to investigate aucubin's potential protective effects on neurons against epilepsy in the hippocampus by establishing the lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus (SE) rat model in vivo. Aucubin (at a low dose and a high dose of 5[Formula: see text]mg/kg and 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg, respectively) was administered through gavage for two weeks before lithium-pilocarpine injection. Rats were sacrificed at 4, 24 and 72[Formula: see text]h after SE induction. Pretreatment with both low-dose and high-dose aucubin significantly reduced the number of death neurons ([Formula: see text]) and increased the number of surviving neurons ([Formula: see text]) in DG, Hilus, CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions post SE. Meanwhile, it significantly inhibited necroptosis proteins (MLKL and RIP-1) ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]) and enhanced autophagy protein (Beclin-1 and LC3BII/LC3BI) prevalence in the hippocampus ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]). In conclusion, aucubin appeared to ameliorate damages in lithium-pilocarpine induced SE in hippocampus, reduce the number of apoptotic neurons, and increased the number of survival neurons by inducing autophagy and inhibiting necroptosis. These original findings might provide an important basis for the further investigation of the therapeutic role of aucubin in treatment or prevention of epilepsy-related neuronal damages.