Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation Combined with Whole-Body Vibration Training Affects Testosterone Level and Body Composition in Mice

Investigation of the potential curative effects of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-cold type of common cold using multidimensional analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction (GJGD) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription that has been widely used in clinical practice for centuries. In recent times, TCM has received considerable attention for its potential efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold. However, the effect of the Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on the wind-cold type of common cold is still not fully understood, which presents challenges for both quality control, research and development. Furthermore, the identification of potential pharmacodynamic ingredients (PPIs) is important for developing quality control procedures for industrial and large-scale production.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential curative effect of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-type of common cold using multidimensional qualitative analysis that combined water-decoction spectrums, in vivo plasma spectrums, and molecular docking to identify key constituents of GJGD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Water-based GJGDs were formulated according to the clinical usage documented in ancient medical texts. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was combined with computer-aided modeling screening to identify GJGD PPIs in rats following oral administration. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to predict the binding affinity of the PPIs to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Finally, the active ingredients of GJGD were further validated through pharmacodynamic experiments by assessing their efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold in rats.

RESULTS

A total of 61 compounds were identified in the GJGD, 8 of which were detected in rat blood samples, providing stronger evidence for PPIs. Molecular docking also confirmed that these 8 compounds had a better affinity for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In animal studies, various doses of the GJGD groups and the positive control groups caused significant elevations (P < 0.05) in the levels of white blood cell count and lymphocyte ratio and caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the monocyte ratio and neutrophilic granulocyte ratio compared to the model group. Organ indexes of the GJGD treated groups were higher than the model group (P < 0.05). Significant neutrophil infiltration, hemorrhage, compensatory vacuole, and interstitium proliferation were observed in the lung tissue of the model group. However, the lung tissues of the various dose groups that received GJGD showed a near normal appearance, except for slight thickening, interstitium proliferation, and compensatory vacuole in some areas. The GJGD was found to be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold, which is in accordance with molecular docking studies suggesting that GJGD may be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold. Finally, based on multidimensional analysis, 8 potential compounds in GJGD were identified as PPIs (puerarin, 3'-hydroxy puerarin, 3'- methoxy puerarin, daidzin, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid).

CONCLUSION

The present study combined water decoction spectral analysis, molecular docking, and in vivo blood plasma spectrum analysis to develop a multidimensional qualitative approach for the development of GJGD and to assess its effectiveness in a wind type of common cold in Sprague Dawley rats. Meanwhile, 8 compounds in the GJGD were identified as PPIs in this study, which may be useful in developing quality standards for complex TCM prescriptions.

Effects of Vibration Training on Weight Loss and Heart Rate Variability in the Obese Female College Students

Objective

The present study examined the effects of a 12-week whole-body vibration training (WBVT) regimen on heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition in the obese female college students.

Methods

Participants were assigned to either the WBVT (n = 17) or obese control group (n = 19). The students in the WBVT group conducted a 12-week (5 times per week and 30 min per time) exercise protocols (30 to 40 Hz of frequency and 4 mm of amplitude), and the obese control group did not perform regular physical training during 12 weeks of study. Then, body composition (body weight, BMI, body fat, body fat percentage; trunk fat mass, muscle mass, MM) and HRV (time domain and frequency domain index) were measured in all subjects before and after WBVT intervention.

Results

(1) After 12-week WBVT intervention, body fat mass, trunk fat mass, and body fat percentage significantly decreased and muscle mass increased in the WBVT group (P < 0.01, respectively); there was no significant change in body weight and BMI (P > 0.05, respectively). (2) After 12-week WBVT intervention, LFn, LF/HF, and HR significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), R-R interval and RMSSD significantly increased (P < 0.01, respectively), and there was no significant difference in HFn (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant change before and after the test in body composition and HRV in the obese control group (P > 0.05, respectively). (3) After 12-week WBVT intervention, compared with the obese control group, body fat mass, body fat percentage, trunk fat mass, and LF/HF significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), muscle mass, and RMSSD increased (P < 0.05) in the WBVT group; but there were no significant difference in other indicators (P > 0.05) between the obese control group and WBVT group. (4) The reduction of body fat percentage before and after the WBVT intervention are positively correlated with the reduction in the LFn and LF/HF (r = 0.542, r = 0.504; P < 0.05, respectively) and negatively correlated with the increase in the RMSSD (r = −0.514, P < 0.05), and the reduction of trunk fat mass are positively correlated with the reduction in the LF/HF (r = 0.540, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results indicate that WBVT improves HRV and body composition in obese female college students, and the reduction in body fat percentage and trunk fat mass are associated with a shift in cardiac autonomic regulation towards vagal dominance and improve sympathetic-vagus balance after WBVT intervention. In conclusion, WBVT may be a feasible treatment to improve cardiac autonomic function and body composition.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sensitizes Irinotecan to Suppress Head and Neck Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Downregulation of WNT Signaling

Purpose

Current treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited, especially for cases with cancer stem cell-induced chemoresistance and recurrence. The WNT signaling pathway contributes to maintenance of stemness via translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus, and represents a promising druggable target in HNSCC. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone, has potential as an anticancer drug. However, the potential anticancer mechanisms of DHEA including inhibition of stemness, and its therapeutic applications in HNSCC remain unclear.

Methods

Firstly, SRB assay and sphere formation assay were used to examine cellular viability and cancer stem cell-like phenotype, respectively. The expressions of stemness related factors were measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The luciferase reporter assay was applied to evaluate transcriptional potential of stemness related pathways. The alternations of WNT signaling pathway were measured by nuclear translocation of β-catenin, RT-qPCR and western blotting. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of drugs in vivo, both HNSCC orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models were applied.

Results

We found that DHEA reduced HNSCC cell viability, suppressed sphere formation, and inhibited the expression of cancer-stemness markers, such as BMI-1 and Nestin. Moreover, DHEA repressed the transcriptional activity of stemness-related pathways. In the WNT pathway, DHEA reduced the nuclear translocation of the active form of β-catenin and reduced the protein expression of the downstream targets, CCND1 and CD44. Furthermore, when combined with the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan (IRN), DHEA enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to IRN as revealed by reduced cell viability, sphere formation, expression of stemness markers, and activation of the WNT pathway. Additionally, this combination reduced in vivo tumor growth in both orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that DHEA has anti-stemness potential in HNSCC and serves as a promising anticancer agent. The combination of DHEA and IRN may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HNSCC.

Safety of high-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix in adolescent rats based on metabolomics

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is the dried root of the leguminous plant Pueraria lobata and is a common component of health products and medicines. Although it is considered safe, some studies have reported that PLR has hepatotoxicity and estrogen-like effects. In this study, the safety of high doses of PLR water extract administered to adolescent SD rats for 30 days was evaluated by biochemical, histopathological, and metabolomic analyses. Overall, there were no significant differences between the low-dose and blank control groups in parameter values, including organ wet weight, organ coefficient, routine blood indicators, serum biochemical indexes of liver and renal function, levels of estradiol and testosterone, histopathological parameters, and primary differential metabolite profiles. Compared with the blank control group, the high-dose group may have a certain effect on the liver. These effects might be mediated by abnormal phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis or phenylalanine metabolism. However, histopathological analyses did not show differences in the liver, kidney, breast, uterus, ovary, testis, and epididymis between the control group and the group treated with a high dose of PLR water extract. PLR water extract did not significantly promote the precocity of male and female sexual organs. Overall, PLR water extract is relatively safe for adolescent SD rats.

Dehydroepiandrosterone on metabolism and the cardiovascular system in the postmenopausal period

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), mostly present as its sulfated ester (DHEA-S), is an anabolic hormone that naturally declines with age. Furthermore, it is the most abundant androgen and estrogen precursor in humans. Low plasma levels of DHEA have been strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this respect, DHEA could be regarded as a promising agent against metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women, since several age-related metabolic diseases are reported during aging. There are plenty of experimental evidences showing beneficial effects after DHEA therapy on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as cardiovascular health. However, its potential as a therapeutic agent appears to attract controversy, due to the lack of effects on some symptoms related to MetS. In this review, we examine the available literature regarding the impact of DHEA therapy on adiposity, glucose metabolism, and the cardiovascular system in the postmenopausal period. Both clinical studies and in vitro and in vivo experimental models were selected, and where possible, the main cellular mechanisms involved in DHEA therapy were discussed. Schematic representation showing some of the general effects observed after administration DHEA therapy on target tissues of energy metabolism and the cardiovascular system. ↑ represents an increase, ↓ represents a decrease, - represents a worsening and ↔ represents no change after DHEA therapy.

Pharmacological activities of dehydroepiandrosterone: A review

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroidal hormone secreted by Zonareticularis of the adrenal cortex with a characteristic age related pattern of secretion. These hormones are inactive precursors that are transformed into active sex steroids in peripheral target tissues. These hormones are used for the energy, vitality and the natural support of most bodily functions that involve the endocrine system. DHEA is a 19 carbon steroid hormone, is lipophilic, and can be converted to DHEAs by activity of the enzyme sulphotransferasein the liver and adrenal glands. These are naturally synthesized in our body through cholesterol- pregnenolone pathway and can also be synthesized from various other sources like diosgenin, geniestein, wild yam, soy and cholesterol in laboratory. It serves as an indirect precursor to estrogen and testosterone and other steroid hormones. This hormone progressively declines at the rate of 2% per year. DHEA evidence a large variety of pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-allergic, obesity treatment and cardiovascular property. It is beneficial in autoimmune disorders like lupus erythematosus, immune modulation, muscle building and hormonal problems. DHEA is known as an anti-ageing hormone, in osteoporosis and in dementia. It can also be used as a supplement as directed by the physician in various condition.

Effects of Testosterone Supplementation on Body Composition in HIV Patients: A Meta-analysis of Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trials

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of testosterone supplementation (TS) on body composition in patients with HIV and the side effects of TS. A comprehensive literature search strategy was used to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of TS on body composition. Atotal of 14 eligible studies were included, enrolling 388 and 349 randomized patients in TS and control groups, respectively. The quality of studies included was assessed, and data on total body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) levels, and adverse events were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager software 5.3. Meta-analysis results showed that TS was associated with a small but significant modification in total BW, serum TT, and FT levels in HIV-infected patients and in patients given various drug administrations. TS also significantly increased LBM in male patients, but no significant difference in LBM was observed between female counterparts treated with TS or not. Conversely, TS relative to placebo did not lead to a significant reduction in FM. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of adverse effects. Our findings suggested that TS may be recommended to improve body composition in patients with HIV-related weight loss. However, owing to the high heterogeneity across included trials, further evaluations using large-scale, multi-center, blinded RCTs are needed.

DHEA Treatment Effects on Redox Environment in Skeletal Muscle of Young and Aged Healthy Rats

BACKGROUND

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important precursor of active steroid hormone, produced abundantly by the adrenal cortex with an age-dependent pattern.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether chronic DHEA administration impacts on redox status and on Akt protein activation in skeletal muscle during the aging process (3 and 24 months-old rats).

METHODS

Rats received one weekly dose/5 weeks of DHEA (10 mg/kg) or vehicle. Gastrocnemius muscle was removed to evaluate glutathione system, hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant enzymes, and expression of Akt kinase protein.

RESULTS

In the 3-months-old rats DHEA induced an increase in hydrogen peroxide when compared both to its control (276%) and the 24-months-old DHEA group (485%). Moreover, in the 24- months-old rats DHEA caused an increase in GSSG (41 and 28%), a decrease in reduced-GSH (55 and 51%), and a more oxidized redox status (reduction in GSH/GSSG ratio, 47 and 65 %) when compared to 3-month-old DHEA and to 24-months-old control groups, respectively. Both older groups had increased G6PDH (2.7 fold) and GST (1.7 fold) activities when compared to younger groups, independently of any DHEA treatment. However, there was no modulation of Akt protein (phosphorylated/total isoform).

CONCLUSION

The results show that chronic DHEA administration to 3 and 24-months-old rats may not present positive effects regarding the redox environment in skeletal muscle without modulation of pro-survival Akt kinase. Due to the large-scale self-administration of DHEA as an "anti-aging" dietary supplement, it is crucial to investigate its molecular mechanisms over oxidative stressinduced related diseases.

Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation combined with Weight-Loading Whole-Body Vibration Training (WWBV) affects exercise performance and muscle glycogen storage in middle-aged C57BL/6 mice

Background: Adequate nutritional intake and an optimal training program are important elements of any strategy to preserve or increase muscle mass and strength during aging. Purpose: In the current study, we investigate the effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans and a precursor hormone, supplementation combined with a weight-loading whole-body vibration (WWBV) on exercise performance, physical fatigue-related biochemical responses and testosterone content in middle-aged 9 months old C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Male middle-aged C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group) and treated for 4 weeks with the following: 1) Sedentary control (SC) with vehicle 2) DHEA supplementation (DHEA, 10.2 mg/kg) and 3) DHEA supplementation with WWBV training (DHEA: 10.2 mg/kg; WBV: 5.6 Hz, 2 mm, 0.13 g). Exercise performance was evaluated by forelimb grip strength and time to exhaustion, as well as changes in body composition and anti-fatigue levels after a 15-min swimming exercise. Fatigue-related biochemical responses of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, creatine kinase (CK), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured following the swimming exercise. In addition, the biochemical parameters and the testosterone levels were measured at the end of the experiment. Results: DHEA supplementation combined with WWBV training for 4 weeks significantly decreased the amount of white adipose tissue and increased the food and water intake. Additionally, WWBV+DHEA supplementation improved exercise performance, testosterone levels and glycogen contents of both liver and muscle. WWBV+DHEA supplementation also decreased serum lactate, ammonia and BUN levels, while increasing glucose levels following the 15-min swim test. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that combining the WWBV training program with DHEA supplementation could provide an anti-fatigue pharmacological effect for elderly populations.