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Bartolacci JG, Behun MN, Warunek JP, Li T, Sahu A, Dwyer GK, Lucas A, Rong J, Ambrosio F, Turnquist HR, Badylak SF. Matrix-bound nanovesicle-associated IL-33 supports functional recovery after skeletal muscle injury by initiating a pro-regenerative macrophage phenotypic transition. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:7. [PMID: 38280914 PMCID: PMC10821913 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Injuries to skeletal muscle are among the most common injuries in civilian and military populations, accounting for nearly 60% of extremity injuries. The standard of care for severe extremity injury has been focused upon limb salvage procedures and the utilization of tissue grafts or orthotics in conjunction with rehabilitation to avoid amputation. Nonetheless, many patients have persistent strength and functional deficits that permanently impact their quality of life. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that partial restoration of functional skeletal muscle tissue following injury can be achieved by the implantation of a biologic scaffold composed of extracellular matrix (ECM). These favorable outcomes are mediated, at least in part, through local immunomodulation. The mechanisms underlying this immunomodulatory effect, however, are poorly understood. The present study investigates a potential mechanistic driver of the immunomodulatory effects; specifically, the effect of selected ECM components upon inflammation resolution and repair. Results show that the host response to skeletal muscle injury is profoundly altered and functional recovery decreased in il33-/- mice compared to age- and sex-matched wildtype counterparts by 14 days post-injury. Results also show that IL-33, contained within matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV), supports skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating local macrophage activation toward a pro-remodeling phenotype via canonical and non-canonical pathways to improve functional recovery from injury compared to untreated il33-/- counterparts. Taken together, these data suggest that MBV and their associated IL-33 cargo represent a novel homeostatic signaling mechanism that contributes to skeletal muscle repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Bartolacci
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M N Behun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J P Warunek
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T Li
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Sahu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - G K Dwyer
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Lucas
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Rong
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - F Ambrosio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - H R Turnquist
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - S F Badylak
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.
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Zhang X, Chen Q, Zhao J, Zhao W, Fan N, Wang Y, Chen H, Rong J. A four-compound remedy AGILe protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes against oxygen glucose deprivation via targeting the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway: Implications for the therapy of myocardial infarction. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1050970. [PMID: 36713834 PMCID: PMC9880036 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1050970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a highly prevalent and lethal disease worldwide. Prevention and timely recovery are critical for the control of the recurrence and heart failure in MI survivors. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the herbal medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) and identify the active compounds and molecular targets. The ethanolic BYD extract (BYDE) was prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation of four herbal medicines, Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Initially, BYDE was validated for the cardioprotective effectiveness in a mouse model of ischemia injury and rat cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells. As results, BYDE effectively reduced infarct size from 56% to 37% and preserved cardiac functions in mouse MI model while protected H9C2 cells against oxygen glucose deprivation. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that 122 bioactive ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins from the UPLC-MS/MS profile of BYDE, might target 37 MI-related proteins, including inflammatory and apoptotic mediators (e.g., TNF, NFKB1, CASPs, TNFRSF1A, CXCL12, BCL2A1). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that BYDE might control the cardiac inflammation via targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway while the selected targets were also implicated in IL-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis. Consequently, adenosine, ginsenoside Rh2, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A were selected to generate the four-compound mixture AGILe and validated for the inhibitory effects on the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway. The results of the present study suggested that the mixture AGILe might be a potential cardioprotective remedy against MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qilei Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hubiao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Jianhui Rong,
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Sun Y, Zhao J, Rong J. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines through the comprehensive review of the recent literatures. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1054726. [PMID: 36620687 PMCID: PMC9813794 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1054726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is clinically defined as a mood disorder with persistent feeling of sadness, despair, fatigue, and loss of interest. The pathophysiology of depression is tightly regulated by the biosynthesis, transport and signaling of neurotransmitters [e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in the central nervous system. The existing antidepressant drugs mainly target the dysfunctions of various neurotransmitters, while the efficacy of antidepressant therapeutics is undermined by different adverse side-effects. The present review aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines toward the development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs. Our strategy involved comprehensive review and network pharmacology analysis for the active compounds and associated target proteins. As results, 45 different antidepressant herbal medicines were identified from various in vivo and in vitro studies. The antidepressant mechanisms might involve multiple signaling pathways that regulate neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, endocrine, and microbiota. Importantly, herbal medicines could modulate broader spectrum of the cellular pathways and processes to attenuate depression and avoid the side-effects of synthetic antidepressant drugs. The present review not only recognized the antidepressant potential of herbal medicines but also provided molecular insights for the development of novel antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Sun
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhao W, Zhang X, Zhao J, Fan N, Rong J. SUMOylation of Nuclear γ-Actin by SUMO2 supports DNA Damage Repair against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4595-4609. [PMID: 35864967 PMCID: PMC9295056 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.74407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction triggers oxidative DNA damage, apoptosis and adverse cardiac remodeling in the heart. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins mediate post-translational SUMOylation of the cardiac proteins in response to oxidative stress signals. Upregulation of isoform SUMO2 could attenuate myocardial injury via increasing protein SUMOylation. The present study aimed to discover the identity and cardioprotective activities of SUMOylated proteins. A plasmid vector for expressing N-Strep-SUMO2 protein was generated and introduced into H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes. The SUMOylated proteins were isolated with Strep-Tactin® agarose beads and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS technology. As a result, γ-actin was identified from a predominant protein band of ~42 kDa and verified by Western blotting. The roles of SUMO2 and γ-actin SUMOylation were subsequently determined in a mouse model of myocardial infarction induced by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery and H9c2 cells challenged by hypoxia-reoxygenation. In vitro lentiviral-mediated SUMO2 expression in H9c2 cells were used to explore the role of SUMOylation of γ-actin. SUMOylation of γ-actin by SUMO2 was proven to be a new cardioprotective mechanism from the following aspects: 1) SUMO2 overexpression reduced the number of TUNEL positive cells, the levels of 8-OHdG and p-γ-H2ax while promoted the nuclear deposition of γ-actin in mouse model and H9c2 cell model of myocardial infarction; 2) SUMO-2 silencing decreased the levels of nuclear γ-actin and SUMOylation while exacerbated DNA damage; 3) Mutated γ-actin (K68R/K284R) void of SUMOylation sites failed to protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-reoxygenation challenge. The present study suggested that SUMO2 upregulation promoted DNA damage repair and attenuated myocardial injury via increasing SUMOylation of γ-actin in the cell nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.,Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Road, Guangzhou 51000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
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Sun Y, Fu J, Yang J, Zhao J, Rong J. Generation of a RRAGA knockout human iPSC line GIBHi002-A-5 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Stem Cell Res 2022; 63:102859. [PMID: 35870248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-related GTP-binding protein A (RagA), encoded by RRAGA gene, initially senses the availability of cellular amino acids (e.g., leucine) and controls the translocation of mTORC1 to the lysosomal membrane. RagA overexpression appears to be associated with the onset of depression. To discover the biological roles of RagA, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a RRAGA gene knockout stem cell line from human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) iPSN0003. Such RRAGA knockout iPSC cell line may help the development of new therapeutics for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Sun
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian Fu
- Cell Inspire Therapeutics Co., Ltd and Cell Inspire Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518102, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Cell Inspire Therapeutics Co., Ltd and Cell Inspire Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518102, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China.
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He J, Liu D, Zhao L, Zhou D, Rong J, Zhang L, Xia Z. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: Mechanisms of injury and implications for management (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:430. [PMID: 35607376 PMCID: PMC9121204 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is one of the primary causes of mortality in patients with coronary heart disease worldwide. Early treatment of acute myocardial infarction restores blood supply of ischemic myocardium and decreases the mortality risk. However, when the interrupted myocardial blood supply is recovered within a certain period of time, it causes more serious damage to the original ischemic myocardium; this is known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to MIRI are associated with oxidative stress, intracellular calcium overload, energy metabolism disorder, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. These interplay with one another and directly or indirectly lead to aggravation of the effect. In the past, apoptosis and autophagy have attracted more attention but necroptosis and ferroptosis also serve key roles. However, the mechanism of MIRI has not been fully elucidated. The present study reviews the mechanisms underlying MIRI. Based on current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of MIRI, the association between cell death-associated signaling pathways were elaborated, providing direction for investigation of novel targets in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Danyong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‑Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Dongcheng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, P.R. China
| | - Liangqing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, P.R. China
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Fan N, Zhao J, Zhao W, Zhang X, Song Q, Shen Y, Shum HC, Wang Y, Rong J. Celastrol-loaded lactosylated albumin nanoparticles attenuate hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Control Release 2022; 347:44-54. [PMID: 35483638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disease with several liver-associated pathologic characteristics such as aberrant lipid accumulation, persistent chronic inflammation and hyperactive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Plant-derived celastrol (CEL) appeared to be a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity drug but the clinical application was delayed by low oral bioavailability. The present study was designed for developing biodegradable albumin-based nanoparticles to deliver CEL to the liver for treating NAFLD. CEL was entrapped into lactosylated bovine serum albumin (Lac-BSA) by high pressure homogenization to generate CEL-loaded Lac-BSA nanoparticles (CEL-Lac-BSA). CEL-Lac-BSA displayed spherical morphology, narrow size distribution at 158.6 ± 3.4 nm and reasonable drug-loading efficiency at 13.62 ± 0.13%. CEL-Lac-BSA not only showed better hepatocyte uptake and hepatic deposition than free CEL, but also outperformed in reducing lipid deposition, ameliorating liver function and enhancing insulin sensitivity in a mouse model of diet-induced NAFLD. Mechanistic studies indicated that CEL-Lac-BSA more effectively downregulated the mRNA levels of genes for lipogenesis and lipid transporter while upregulated the mRNA levels of lipolysis mediators. Western blot analysis confirmed the outperformance of CEL-Lac-BSA in enhancing the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and silent information regulation 2 homolog (SIRT1) and the protein levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) in NAFLD mice. Taken together, CEL-Lac-BSA showed better potential in the treatment of diet-induced NAFLD. Lactose-coating of albumin-based nanoparticles effectively facilitated the liver-targeting release of hydrophobic drug CEL for ameliorating hepatic steatosis. Therefore, CEL-Lac-BSA may be translated into a potential clinical therapy against obesity and NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qingchun Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanting Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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Luo D, Fan N, Zhang X, Ngo FY, Zhao J, Zhao W, Huang M, Li D, Wang Y, Rong J. Covalent inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 disconnects the transduction of ER stress signals to inflammation and lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. eLife 2022; 11:72182. [PMID: 35138251 PMCID: PMC8828050 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunctions may halt the pathogenesis of obesity and thereby reduce the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disesases, and cancers. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechnaisms by which plant-derived celastrol ameliorated inflammation and lipid accumulation in obesity. The mouse model of diet-induced obesity was induced by feeding high-fat diet for 3 months and subsequently intervented with celastrol for 21 days. Hepatic and adipose tissues were analyzed for lipid accumulation, macrophage activation, and biomarker expression. As result, celastrol effectively reduced body weight, suppressed ER stress, inflammation, and lipogenesis while promoted hepatic lipolysis. RNA-sequencing revealed that celastrol-loaded nanomicelles restored the expression of 49 genes that regulate ER stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. On the other hand, celastrol-PEG4-alkyne was synthesized for identifying celastrol-bound proteins in RAW264.7 macrophages. ER chaperone GRP78 (78 kDa glucose-regulated protein) was identified by proteomics approach for celastrol binding to the residue Cys41. Upon binding and conjugation, celastrol diminished the chaperone activity of GRP78 by 130-fold and reduced ER stress in palmitate-challenged cells, while celastrol analog lacking quinone methide failed to exhibit antiobesity effects. Thus, covalent GRP78 inhibition may induce the reprograming of ER signaling, inflammation, and metabolism against diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung Yin Ngo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ding Li
- Colleage of Chemistry and Pharmacy, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Meng W, Lin WL, Yeung WF, Zhang Y, Ng EHY, Lee YPE, Zhang ZJ, Rong J, Lao L. Randomized double-blind trial comparing low dose and conventional dose of a modified traditional herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. J Ethnopharmacol 2022; 283:114676. [PMID: 34562564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan is one common remedy for treating uterine fibroids (UFs) and the relevant symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Previous systematic reviews showed that Guizhi Fuling Formula appeared to have additional benefit based on mifepristone treatment in reducing volume of fibroids. AIM OF STUDY To study the efficacy and safety of the conventional dose of a modified herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids in comparison with a sub-effective dose control. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized double-blind, dosage-controlled trial was carried out in an outpatient clinic of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids diagnosed according to the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups that received modified Guizhi Fuling Wan at either a low dose or the conventional dose on a daily basis for 16 weeks. This study was quality controlled by a data safety monitoring board. The primary outcome was the symptom severity as measured with the Uterine Fibroid Symptom-Quality of Life questionnaire. The secondary outcomes included quality of life, menstrual bleeding (measured on a pictorial blood loss assessment chart), pain severity (measured on the 6-point behavioral rating scale), change in Chinese medicine syndrome score, fibroid volume (measured by magnetic resonance imaging), hemoglobin level, and hormone levels. RESULTS Seventy-eight women were recruited for this study. Between-groups comparison showed no significant difference at the endpoint for all outcomes except for the Chinese medicine syndrome score; however, at the endpoint, within-group comparison showed significant improvement in both groups relative to baseline in symptom severity, functional influence of pelvic pain, Chinese medicine syndrome score, and fibroid volume and uterus condition on magnetic resonance imaging (p < 0.05).The low-dose group yielded greater endpoint improvement in the Chinese medicine syndrome score than the conventional-dose group (p=0.024). No serious adverse events related to the intervention were noted. CONCLUSION Both low-dose and conventional-dose preparations significantly ameliorated uterine fibroid-related symptoms and fibroid volume, although no significant difference was found between the low-dose and conventional-dose groups. The herbal formula GuizhiFuling Wan is safe in women with uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Branch of Zhu's School of Gynecology of Chinese Medicine from Shanghai Workstation of Zhu Nansun, National Master of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Branch of Yu Jin, Masters of Gynaecology of Integrative Medicine, Workstations for Training and Research, Hong Kong.
| | - Wai Ling Lin
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Wing Fai Yeung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
| | - Yangbo Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Yuen Phin Elaine Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Department of Chinese Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Hong Kong.
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, USA.
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Fan N, Zhao J, Zhao W, Shen Y, Song Q, Shum HC, Wang Y, Rong J. Biodegradable celastrol-loaded albumin nanoparticles ameliorate inflammation and lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:984-996. [PMID: 35019905 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01637g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is hallmarked by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunctions. The control of obesity is the key to preventing the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, cerebro-cardiovascular diseases and cancers. As a promising anti-obesity drug, plant-derived celastrol is challenged by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability in clinical applications. The present study was designed to develop a biocompatible albumin-based nanoparticle carrier system for the controlled release of celastrol in diet-induced obese mice. Celastrol was loaded into bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles to yield celastrol-BSA-NPs by high pressure homogenization. Celastrol-BSA-NPs exhibited spherical morphology, narrow size distribution with a diameter of 125.6 ± 2.2 nm, satisfactory drug-loading efficiency at 13.88 ± 0.12% and a sustained-release profile over a period of 168 h. Compared with free celastrol, celastrol-BSA-NPs effectively improved cellular uptake, intestinal absorption and hepatic deposition. In animal experiments, celastrol-BSA-NPs outperformed free celastrol in lowering lipid accumulation, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation in diet-induced obesity. Collectively, celastrol-BSA-NPs exhibited better bioavailability and in vivo efficacy in the treatment of diet-induced obesity. Importantly, such albumin-based nanoparticles may be a general biocompatible drug carrier system for the controlled release of hydrophobic compounds (e.g., celastrol) for the treatment of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Yanting Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Qingchun Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China. .,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
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11
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Lu J, Hu D, Ma C, Xu X, Shen L, Rong J, Zhao J, Shuai B. Modified Qing' e Pills exerts anti-osteoporosis effects and prevents bone loss by enhancing type H blood vessel formation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:998971. [PMID: 36147560 PMCID: PMC9485463 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.998971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the modified Qing' e Pills (MQEP) exerts anti-osteoporotic effects and prevents bone loss by enhancing angiogenesis. METHODS Network pharmacology was used to assess whether MQEP has a pro-angiogenic capacity and to predict its potential targets. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with glucocorticoids and MQEP to assess cell viability. The expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor, angiotensin II type 2 receptor, and angiotensin converting enzyme, which are associated with the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, which are associated with the formation of type H blood vessels, were examined by western blot and RT-qPCR. Thereafter, the glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis model was established and intervened with MQEP. Femur scanning was performed with micro-computed tomography; trabecular spacing, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number were observed and calculated; the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin was detected by ELISA, and the ratio was calculated to evaluate the degree of bone resorption. Finally, type H blood vessels that were highly coupled to osteogenic cells were identified by immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS This is the first study to reveal and confirm that MQEP could prevent bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by promoting the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor, which are highly associated with type H blood vessel formation. In vitro experiments confirmed that MQEP could effectively promote the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and alleviate glucocorticoids-induced activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, thereby reducing vascular injury. CONCLUSION MQEP exerts anti-osteoporosis effects and prevents bone loss by alleviating vascular injury caused by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation and promoting type H blood vessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Desheng Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Ma
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Xu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Bo Shuai
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Shuai,
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12
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Fan N, Zhang X, Zhao W, Zhao J, Luo D, Sun Y, Li D, Zhao C, Wang Y, Zhang H, Rong J. Covalent Inhibition of Pyruvate Kinase M2 Reprograms Metabolic and Inflammatory Pathways in Hepatic Macrophages against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5260-5275. [PMID: 36147457 PMCID: PMC9461663 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.73890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Warburg effect of aerobic glycolysis in hepatic M1 macrophages is a major cause for metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Plant-derived triterpene celastrol markedly inhibited macrophage M1 polarization and adipocyte hypertrophy in obesity. The present study was designed to identify the celastrol-bound proteins which reprogrammed metabolic and inflammatory pathways in M1 macrophages. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was determined to be a major celastrol-bound protein. Peptide mapping revealed that celastrol bound to the residue Cys31 while covalent conjugation altered the spatial conformation and inhibited the enzyme activity of PKM2. Mechanistic studies showed that celastrol reduced the expression of glycolytic enzymes (e.g., GLUT1, HK2, LDHA, PKM2) and related signaling proteins (e.g., Akt, HIF-1α, mTOR), shifted aerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and skewed macrophage polarization from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type. Animal experiments indicated that celastrol promoted weight loss, reduced serum cholesterol level, lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis in the mouse model of NAFLD. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that celastrol might alleviate lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver via covalent modification of PKM2.
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Zhang Z, Pan J, Zhu T, Malewicz N, Ye K, Rong J, Luo Y, Situ Y, Verkhratsky A, Wang Y, Zhao J, Tang D, Nie H. Oxymatrine screened from Sophora flavescens by cell membrane immobilized chromatography relieves histamine-independent itch. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:1617-1629. [PMID: 34718677 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to discover the active compounds of Sophora flavescens Ait. (SF), the anti-itch effects and underlying mechanisms of oxymatrine (OMT), one of the bioactive compounds from SF. METHODS Dorsal root ganglion cell membrane immobilized chromatography was used to screen potential anti-pruritic active compounds from SF. The scratching behaviour was analysed to systematically study the anti-pruritic effects of OMT in chloroquine- (CQ), peptide Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu- (SLIGRL), histamine- (HIS) and allyl-isothiocyanate-(AITC)-induced itch mice models. Real-time quantitative PCR, in-vivo study and molecular docking were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS All in all, 21 compounds of SF were identified and 5 potential bioactive compounds were discovered. OMT significantly reduced scratching bouts in two HIS-independent itch models induced by CQ and SLIGRL but was not effective in the HIS-induced itch model. OMT reduced scratching bouts in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel in two HIS-independent itch models; in addition, OMT reduced the wipes and scratching bouts induced by AITC. CONCLUSIONS This study discovered five potential anti-pruritic compounds including OMT in the SF extract, and OMT has strong anti-pruritic effects in HIS-independent itch via TRPA1 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Pan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nathalie Malewicz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaihe Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Luo
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongli Situ
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Nie
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Alhilali M, Hearn JI, Rong J, Jain L, Bolam SM, Monk AP, Munro JT, Dalbeth N, Poulsen RC. IL-1β induces changes in expression of core circadian clock components PER2 and BMAL1 in primary human chondrocytes through the NMDA receptor/CREB and NF-κB signalling pathways. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110143. [PMID: 34481895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock is a specialised cell signalling circuit present in almost all cells. It controls the timing of key cell activities such as proliferation and differentiation. In osteoarthritis, expression of two components of the circadian clock, BMAL1 and PER2 is altered in chondrocytes and this change has been causally linked with the increase in proliferation and altered chondrocyte differentiation in disease. IL-1β, an inflammatory cytokine abundant in OA joints, has previously been shown to induce changes in BMAL1 and PER2 expression in chondrocytes. The purpose of this study is to identify the mechanism involved. We found IL-1β treatment of primary human chondrocytes led to activation of NMDA receptors as evidenced by an increase in phosphorylation of GluN1 and an increase in intracellular calcium which was blocked by the NMDAR antagonist MK801. Levels of phosphorylated CREB were also elevated in IL-1β treated cells and this effect was blocked by co-treatment of cells with IL-1β and the NMDAR antagonist MK-801. Knockdown of CREB or inhibition of CREB activity prevented the IL-1β induced increase in PER2 expression in chondrocytes but had no effect on BMAL1. Phosphorylated p65 levels were elevated in IL-1β treated chondrocytes indicating increased NF-κB activation. Inhibition of NF-κB activity prevented the IL-1β induced reduction in BMAL1 expression and partially mitigated the IL-1β induced increase in PER2 expression in chondrocytes. These data indicate that the NMDAR/CREB and NF-κB signalling pathways regulate the core circadian clock components PER2 and BMAL1 in chondrocytes. Given that changes in expression of these clock components have been observed in a wide range of diseases, these findings may be broadly relevant for understanding the mechanism leading to circadian clock changes in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alhilali
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J I Hearn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Rong
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Jain
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S M Bolam
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A P Monk
- Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J T Munro
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N Dalbeth
- Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R C Poulsen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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15
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Zhao J, Jia Y, Zhao W, Chen H, Zhang X, Ngo FY, Luo D, Song Y, Lao L, Rong J. Botanical Drug Puerarin Ameliorates Liposaccharide-Induced Depressive Behaviors in Mice via Inhibiting RagA/mTOR/p70S6K Pathways. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2021; 2021:7716201. [PMID: 34707778 PMCID: PMC8545548 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7716201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The depressive symptom hallmarks the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. Bacterial infection is related to inflammation and depression. The present project thereby examined whether botanical drug puerarin could attenuate liposaccharide- (LPS-) induced depressive behaviors in mice. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6N mice were sequentially treated with LPS and puerarin and evaluated for the depressive behaviors by tail suspension test and forced swim test. The brain tissues were profiled for the molecular targets of puerarin by next-generation RNA sequencing technique. Candidate targets were further verified in LPS-treated mice, neural stem cells, and highly differentiated PC12 cell line. RESULTS Puerarin ameliorated LPS-induced depression in the mice. RNA sequencing profiles revealed that puerarin altered the expression of 16 genes while markedly downregulated Ras-related GTP-binding protein A (RagA) in LPS-treated mice. The effect of puerarin on RagA expression was confirmed by immunostaining, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Biochemical studies showed that puerarin inhibited RagA/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, attenuated the accumulation of mTORC1 in close proximity to lysosome, and reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Botanical drug puerarin attenuated inflammation and depressive behaviors in LPS-challenged mice by inhibiting RagA/mTOR/p70S6K pathways. Puerarin may be a lead compound for the new antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Zhu Nansun's Workstation, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Yu Jin's Workstation, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yizhen Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huixin Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung Yin Ngo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Youqiang Song
- School of Biomedical Science, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China
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16
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Zhao W, Zhao J, Zhang X, Fan N, Rong J. Upregulation of Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier 2 and Protein SUMOylation as a Cardioprotective Mechanism Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:731980. [PMID: 34588985 PMCID: PMC8473707 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.731980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins modify proteins through SUMOylation as an essential protein post-translational modification (PTM) for regulating redox status, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction. This study aimed to investigate whether natural product puerarin could alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI-RI) by targeting protein SUMOylation. Methods: Mouse MI-RI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and subsequently treated with puerarin at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were challenged by hypoxia/reoxygenation and treated with puerarin at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 μM. The infarction area of mouse hearts was assessed by 2% TTC staining. Cell damage was analyzed for the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and cell culture medium. Western blot technique was employed to detect the expression of SUMO2, phospho-ERK, pro-inflammatory biomarker COX2, fibrosis index galectin-3, apoptosis-related protein cleaved PARP-1. The activation of the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway was assayed by the dual-luciferase reporter system. Results: The present study validated that puerarin effectively reduced myocardial infarct size and LDH release in the mouse MI-RI model. In the cell culture system, puerarin effectively decreased the release of LDH and the protein level of COX2, galectin-3, and cleaved PARP-1. Mechanistic studies revealed that puerarin increased the expression of SUMO2, SUMOylation of proteins and the activation of ER/ERK pathway in cardiomyocytes. ER, ERK and SUMO2 inhibitors attenuated the cardioprotective effects of puerarin. Conclusion: Puerarin may alleviate myocardial injury by promoting protein SUMOylation through ER/ERK/SUMO2-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China.,Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China.,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Zhang Z, Hao G, Liu C, Fu J, Hu D, Rong J, Yang X. Recent progress in the preparation, chemical interactions and applications of biocompatible polysaccharide-protein nanogel carriers. Food Res Int 2021; 147:110564. [PMID: 34399540 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanogel carriers are rapidly emerged as a major delivery strategy in the fields of food, biology and medicine for small particle size, excellent solubility, high loading, and controlled release. Natural polysaccharides and proteins are selected for the preparation of biocompatible, biodegradable, low toxic, and less immunogenic nanogels. Different polysaccharides and proteins form complex nanogels through different interaction forces (e.g., electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction). The present review pursues three aims: 1) to introduce several well-known dietary polysaccharides (chitosan, dextran and alginate) and proteins (whey protein and lysozyme); 2) to discuss the types, preparation methods, chemical interactions and properties of various biocompatible complex carriers; 3) to present the application and prospect of polysaccharide-protein complex in bioactive ingredient delivery, nutrient encapsulation and flavor protection. We expect that the integration with nano-intelligent technology will improve the functional ingredient loading, recognition specificity and controlled release capabilities of polysaccharide-protein nanocomposites to generate new intelligent nanogels in the field of food industry in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Zhang
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing Safety Control, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Characteristic Fruit Storage and Preservation, Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization of Western Fruit Resources and College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Guoying Hao
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing Safety Control, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Characteristic Fruit Storage and Preservation, Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization of Western Fruit Resources and College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing Safety Control, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Characteristic Fruit Storage and Preservation, Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization of Western Fruit Resources and College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Junqing Fu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Ji'nan, Shandong 250101, China
| | - Dan Hu
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing Safety Control, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Characteristic Fruit Storage and Preservation, Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization of Western Fruit Resources and College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Xingbin Yang
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing Safety Control, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Characteristic Fruit Storage and Preservation, Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization of Western Fruit Resources and College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China.
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Abstract
Myocardial infarction is a prevalent and life-threatening cardiovascular disease. The main goal of existing interventional therapies is to restore coronary reperfusion while few are designed to ameliorate the pathology of heart diseases via targeting the post-translational modifications of those critical proteins. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are recently discovered to form a new type of protein post-translational modifications (PTM), known as SUMOylation. SUMOylation and deSUMOylation are dynamically balanced in the maintenance of various biological processes including cell division, DNA repair, epigenetic transcriptional regulation, and cellular metabolism. Importantly, SUMOylation plays a critical role in the regulation of cardiac functions and the pathology of cardiovascular diseases, especially in heart failure and myocardial infarction. This review summarizes the current understanding on the effects of SUMOylation and SUMOylated proteins in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction and identifies the potential treatments against myocardial injury via targeting SUMO. Ultimately, this review recommends SUMOylation as a key therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Branco D, Kry S, Paige T, Rong J, Zhang X, Frank S, Followill D. PO-1754: A stereoscopic CT artifact reduction method image quality comparison to current vendor solutions. Radiother Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(21)01772-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhao J, Zhu M, Kumar M, Ngo FY, Li Y, Lao L, Rong J. A Pharmacological Appraisal of Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Flavonoids Against Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2020; 18:103-114. [PMID: 30394219 DOI: 10.2174/1871527317666181105093834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) affect an increasing number of the elderly population worldwide. The existing treatments mainly improve the core symptoms of AD and PD in a temporary manner and cause alarming side effects. Naturally occurring flavonoids are well-documented for neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects against various neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we analyzed the pharmacokinetics of eight potent natural products flavonoids for the druggability and discussed the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects and the underlying mechanisms. CONCLUSION This review provides valuable clues for the development of novel therapeutics against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengxia Zhu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung Yin Ngo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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Cheng Y, Luo D, Zhao Y, Rong J. N-Propargyl caffeate amide (PACA) prevents cardiac fibrosis in experimental myocardial infarction by promoting pro-resolving macrophage polarization. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:5384-5398. [PMID: 32203054 PMCID: PMC7138579 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages control the initiation and resolution of cardiac fibrosis in post-infarction cardiac remodeling. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether N-propargyl caffeate amide (PACA) could suppress myocardial fibrosis via regulating macrophage polarization. By using rat model of isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis, we discovered that PACA could reduce cardiac fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the anti-fibrotic mechanisms, we examined whether PACA affected pro-inflammatory M1 and pro-resolving macrophage biomarkers in macrophage polarization. As result, PACA reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 biomarkers (e.g., iNOS, TNF-α, CXCL10, IL-6, CCL2 and CD80) while increased the expression of pro-resolving M2a biomarkers (e.g., IL-10, arginase-1, FZZ1, YM-1 and CD163) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. PACA also suppressed the elevation of M1 biomarker ED1 in the early phase but up-regulated the expression of pro-resolving biomarker ED2 in the later phase. Moreover, PACA reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic TGF-β1 and PDGF-α while maintained or even increased the production of pro-apoptotic MMP-13, MMP-9 and TRAIL. Importantly, mechanistic studies revealed that PACA might promote the switch of macrophage polarization towards a pro-resolving macrophage phenotype via activating PPAR-γ pathway. Taken together, this study suggested that PACA might be a drug candidate for preventing cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingke Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China
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Zhao J, Lao L, Cui W, Rong J. Potential link between the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K axis and depressive-behaviors during bacterial liposaccharide challenge. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:211. [PMID: 31711501 PMCID: PMC6844034 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial infection is a potential risk factor for depression. However, little is known about the mechanistic link between bacterial endotoxin and depressive-like behaviors. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether liposaccharide (LPS) could induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via sequentially activating small GTPase RagA, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6K. METHODS C57BL/6 N mice were treated with 0.83 mg/kg LPS by intraperitoneal injection for 24 h. The animals were assessed for depressive-like behaviors by forced swim test and tail suspension test. The expression levels of RagA, mTOR, and p70S6K were determined in mice, primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. RESULTS LPS effectively induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Biochemical examination revealed that LPS not only upregulated RagA expression but also activated mTOR/p70S6K pathway in mouse brains. LPS challenge also achieved a similar effect in primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. Following the silencing of RagA expression with specific siRNA, LPS failed to induce mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membranes in PC12 cells. These results suggested that LPS might sequentially upregulate RagA and activate mTOR and p70S6K pathways in mice and neural stem cells. CONCLUSIONS This study for the first time demonstrated that LPS might induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via the upregulation of RagA and subsequent activation of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Such information may highlight the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K signaling cascade as a novel therapeutic target for the development of new anti-depressant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Hong Kong Branch of Zhu's School of Gynecology of Chinese Medicine from Shanghai Workstation of Zhu Nansun, National Master of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong, China.,Yu Jin, Master of Gynaecology of Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Integrative Medicine Workstation for Training and Research (Hong Kong Branch), Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Hong Kong Branch of Zhu's School of Gynecology of Chinese Medicine from Shanghai Workstation of Zhu Nansun, National Master of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong, China.,Yu Jin, Master of Gynaecology of Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Integrative Medicine Workstation for Training and Research (Hong Kong Branch), Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China. .,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China.
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Cheng Y, Rong J. Macrophage Polarization as a Therapeutic Target in Myocardial Infarction. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 19:651-662. [PMID: 29086692 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666171031115025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction is characterized by the interruption of blood flow through the heart, directly causing mortality and disability worldwide. Cardiac macrophages exhibit distinct phenotypes (e.g., M1 or M2) and functions (e.g., proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory) in response to the alterations of myocardial microenvironment, and subsequently exacerbate or resolve inflammation in the infarcted hearts. Regulation of macrophage polarization was implicated in myocardial infarction for the quality and outcome of cardiac healing. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to summarise the current understanding on the regulation of macrophage polarization in myocardial infarction and highlight the therapeutic potential of pharmacological regulators in the treatment of myocardial injury via modulating macrophage polarization. RESULTS Timely control of M2/M1 ratio by endogenous mediators and pharmacological regulators should help the resolution of inflammation, promote wound healing and prevent cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION Macrophage polarization deserves better investigations as the therapeutic target for the development of novel drugs against myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Tong KY, Zhao J, Tse CW, Wan PK, Rong J, Au-Yeung HY. Selective catecholamine detection in living cells by a copper-mediated oxidative bond cleavage. Chem Sci 2019; 10:8519-8526. [PMID: 31762971 PMCID: PMC6855198 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc03338f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A copper-mediated oxidative bond cleavage induced by catecholamines is developed into a turn-on fluorescent probe for imaging of the neurotransmitter in living cells.
The development of a new triggered-release system for selective detection of catecholamines in biological samples including living cells is reported. Catecholamines are a class of tightly regulated hormones and neurotransmitters in the human body and their dysregulation is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. It is highly challenging to selectively sense and detect catecholamines in a complex biological environment due to their small size, non-specific molecular shape and trivial chemical properties. In this study, a copper-based, catecholamine-triggered oxidation that releases a fluorescent reporter is described. The probe is highly sensitive and selective for detecting changes in catecholamine levels in aqueous buffer, human plasma, and cellular models of neuronal differentiation and Parkinson's disease. This new catecholamine sensing strategy features chemical reactivity as part of small molecule recognition as opposed to the conventional use of a well-designed host for reversible binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yan Tong
- The University of Hong Kong , State Key Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry , Department of Chemistry , Pokfulam Road , P. R. China .
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam , Hong Kong , P. R. China
| | - Chun-Wai Tse
- The University of Hong Kong , State Key Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry , Department of Chemistry , Pokfulam Road , P. R. China .
| | - Pui-Ki Wan
- The University of Hong Kong , State Key Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry , Department of Chemistry , Pokfulam Road , P. R. China .
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam , Hong Kong , P. R. China
| | - Ho Yu Au-Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong , State Key Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry , Department of Chemistry , Pokfulam Road , P. R. China .
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25
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Zhang Z, Ma X, Jia M, Li B, Rong J, Yang X. Deposition of CdTe quantum dots on microfluidic paper chips for rapid fluorescence detection of pesticide 2,4-D. Analyst 2019; 144:1282-1291. [PMID: 30548046 DOI: 10.1039/c8an02051e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rapid detection of pesticides in fruits is an ongoing challenge. The objective of the present study was to develop novel fluorescent microfluidic paper chips for specific recognition and sensitive detection of the pesticide 2,4-D through the electron-transfer-induced fluorescence quenching mechanism. CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were deposited onto cellulose paper (base material) to yield imprinted paper chips (paper@QDs@MIPs). This method allows the transferability of the molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor from the liquid phase to the solid phase (paper base) for rapid and portable analysis. The resultant imprinted paper chips were effectively characterized, and they exhibited ideal ordered spatial network structure, chemical stability, and fluorescence property. The paper@QDs@MIPs showed that 2,4-D binding significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity within less than 18 min, and it achieved satisfactory linearity in the range of 0.83-100 μM and high detectability of 90 nM. The recognition specificity for 2,4-D relative to its analogues was shown, and the imprinting factor was 2.13. In addition, the recoveries of the spiked bean sprouts at three concentration levels ranged within 94.2-107.0%, with a relative standard deviation of less than 5.9%. Collectively, the device provided an effective platform for rapid recognition, convenience, and detection of trace food pollutants in complex matrices, thereby ensuring food safety and further promoting surface imprinting studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Zhang
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing and Safety Control, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Hazard Factors Assessment in Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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26
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Zhao Y, Luo D, Ning Z, Rong J, Lao L. Electro-Acupuncture Ameliorated MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism in Mice via TrkB Neurotrophic Signaling. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:496. [PMID: 31156376 PMCID: PMC6528026 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have shown promise as neuroprotective agents, indicating their potential in therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disease. However, the inherent bioactivity and pharmaceutical limitations of BDNF compromise its clinical efficacy. Research has documented the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture (EA) against neurodegeneration, possibly by BDNF-mediated mechanisms. The present study was designed to clarify whether EA can mount a neuroprotective effect in mice lesioned with MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) via stimulation of the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. We found that EA not only ameliorated the motor dysfunction but also restored the dopaminergic neuronal function and upregulated BDNF expression in MPTP-lesioned mice. Interestingly, the TrkB inhibitor K252a abolished the neuroprotective effects of EA. Western blot analyses further demonstrated that EA might recover the level of phospho-Akt, phospho-ERK1/2, and BDNF against MPTP neurotoxicity via reversing the imbalance between TrkB FL and TrkB T1. Taken together, the results of the present study show that EA stimulation can ameliorate MPTP-induced parkinsonism in mice. Such a neuroprotective effect may be partially mediated via restoring TrkB neurotrophic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingke Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhipeng Ning
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Univ Chinese Med, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Jones A, Kisiel M, Rong J, Tam A. 03:54 PM Abstract No. 369 Comparison of measured peak skin dose to scanner-reported dose indices during CT-guided interventions. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.12.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Kalev-Zylinska ML, Hearn JI, Rong J, Zhu M, Munro J, Cornish J, Dalbeth N, Poulsen RC. Altered N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subunit expression causes changes to the circadian clock and cell phenotype in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:1518-1530. [PMID: 30031924 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The chondrocyte circadian clock is altered in osteoarthritis. This change is implicated in the disease-associated changes in chondrocyte phenotype and cartilage loss. Why the clock is changed is unknown. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are critical for regulating the hypothalamic clock. Chondrocytes also express NMDAR and the type of NMDAR subunits expressed changes in osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE To determine if NMDAR regulate the chondrocyte clock and phenotype. DESIGN Chondrocytes isolated from macroscopically-normal (MN) and osteoarthritic human cartilage were treated with NMDAR antagonists or transfected with GRIN2A or GRIN2B-targetting siRNA. H5 chondrocytes were transfected with GluN2B-expression plasmids. Clock genes and chondrocyte phenotypic markers were measured by RT-qPCR. RESULTS PER2 amplitude was higher and BMAL1 amplitude lower in osteoarthritic compared to MN chondrocytes. In osteoarthritic chondrocytes, NMDAR inhibition restored PER2 and BMAL1 expression to levels similar to MN chondrocytes, and resulted in reduced MMP13 and COL10A1. Paradoxically, NMDAR inhibition in MN chondrocytes resulted in increased PER2, decreased BMAL1 and increased MMP13 and COL10A1. Osteoarthritic, but not MN chondrocytes expressed GluN2B NMDAR subunits. GluN2B knockdown in osteoarthritic chondrocytes restored expression of circadian clock components and phenotypic markers to levels similar to MN chondrocytes. Ectopic expression of GluN2B resulted in reduced BMAL1, increased PER2 and altered SOX9, RUNX2 and MMP13 expression. Knockdown of PER2 mitigated the effects of GluN2B on SOX9 and MMP13. CONCLUSIONS NMDAR regulate the chondrocyte clock and phenotype suggesting NMDAR may also regulate clocks in other peripheral tissues. GluN2B expression in osteoarthritis may contribute to pathology by altering the chondrocyte clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Kalev-Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - J I Hearn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - J Rong
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - M Zhu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - J Munro
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - J Cornish
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - N Dalbeth
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - R C Poulsen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Jiang L, Zhu X, Rong J, Xing B, Wang S, Liu A, Chu M, Huang G. Obesity, osteoarthritis and genetic risk: The rs182052 polymorphism in the ADIPOQ gene is potentially associated with risk of knee osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2018; 7:494-500. [PMID: 30123499 PMCID: PMC6076358 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.77.bjr-2017-0274.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Given the function of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) on the inflammatory condition of obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), we hypothesized that the ADIPOQ gene might be a candidate gene for a marker of susceptibility to OA. Methods We systematically screened three tagging polymorphisms (rs182052, rs2082940 and rs6773957) in the ADIPOQ gene, and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study that included 196 OA patients and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Results The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs182052 was found to be potentially associated with knee OA risk (additive model: odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.76; p = 0.012). Furthermore, a non-significant association was observed for rs182052 and body mass index with regard to OA risk in interaction analyses (p = 0.063). Similarly, no significant interaction was detected for rs182052 and age with regard to OA risk (p = 0.614). Conclusion These findings suggest that the SNP rs182052 in the ADIPOQ gene may potentially modify individual susceptibility to knee OA in the Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to investigate our findings in more depth. Cite this article: L. Jiang, X. Zhu, J. Rong, B. Xing, S. Wang, A. Liu, M. Chu, G. Huang. Obesity, osteoarthritis and genetic risk: The rs182052 polymorphism in the ADIPOQ gene is potentially associated with risk of knee osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:494–500. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.77.BJR-2017-0274.R1.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - X Zhu
- Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention,Shanghai, China
| | - J Rong
- Second Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - B Xing
- Hongqi Community Health Service Center, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - S Wang
- Second Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - A Liu
- Department of Nutrition, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - M Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - G Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Cheng Y, Yang C, Luo D, Li X, Le XC, Rong J. N-Propargyl Caffeamide Skews Macrophages Towards a Resolving M2-Like Phenotype Against Myocardial Ischemic Injury via Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Inhibiting NF-ĸB Pathway. Cell Physiol Biochem 2018; 47:2544-2557. [PMID: 29996121 DOI: 10.1159/000491651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Macrophages exhibit dynamic pro-inflammatory and resolving activities in myocardial infarction. The present study investigated whether caffeic acid derivatives could induce macrophage polarization towards a resolving M2 phenotype against myocardial infarction injury. METHODS Western blotting, RT-PCR and flow cytometry techniques are used to evaluate macrophage biomarkers expression and specific proteins in the related signaling pathways. Ligation of the left anterior descending artery induced rat model of myocardial infarction, TTC staining and immunohistochemical staining are used to examine cardioprotective effect in vivo. RESULTS We initially evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of four caffeic acid derivatives including n-propargyl caffeamide (PACA) in RAW264.7 macrophages. As result, PACA selectively suppressed the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) over cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated cells. We subsequently examined the effects of PACA on macrophage polarization by determining macrophage biomarkers. PACA down-regulated M1 biomarkers (e.g., iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) and CD80) but up-regulated M2 biomarkers (e.g., Ym-1 and arginase-1). On the other hand, PACA suppressed macrophage chemotaxis while enhanced macrophage phagocytosis. We further examined the in vivo cardioprotective activity of PACA in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Following ligation of the left anterior descending artery, PACA treatment effectively reduced myocardial infarct size and promoted macrophage M2 polarization. We finally explored the underlying mechanisms. We found that PACA attenuated LPS-induced NF-ĸB activation while activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. HO-1 inhibitor SnPP attenuated the effects of PACA on iNOS expression in LPS-challenged macrophages, possibly by regulating the cross-talk between HO-1 and NF-ĸB pathways. CONCLUSIONS The key finding from the present study was that PACA promoted timely switch of macrophage phenotypes from pro-inflammatory M1 to resolving M2. We anticipate that PACA is a potential drug candidate for the resolution of inflammation and cardiac repair after myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuanbin Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuechen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - X Chris Le
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Luo D, Guo Y, Cheng Y, Zhao J, Wang Y, Rong J. Natural product celastrol suppressed macrophage M1 polarization against inflammation in diet-induced obese mice via regulating Nrf2/HO-1, MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:2069-2082. [PMID: 29040966 PMCID: PMC5680556 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage polarization is implicated in the inflammation in obesity. The aim of the present study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activities of botanical triterpene celastrol against diet-induced obesity. We treated diet-induced obese C57BL/6N male mice with celastrol (5, 7.5 mg/kg/d) for 3 weeks, and investigated macrophage M1/M2 polarization in adipose and hepatic tissues. Celastrol reduced fat accumulation and ameliorated glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Celastrol down-regulated the mRNA levels of macrophage M1 biomarkers (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS) in cell culture and in mice. The underlying mechanisms were investigated in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Our results demonstrated that celastrol might control macrophage polarization through modulating the cross-talk between the following three mechanisms: 1) suppressing LPS-induced activation of MAP kinases (e.g., ERK1/2, p38, JNK) in a concentration dependent manner; 2) attenuating LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit in a time dependent manner; 3) activating Nrf2 and subsequently inducing HO-1 expression. HO-1 inhibitor SnPP diminished the inhibitory effects of celastrol on the activation of NF-κB pathway and the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. Taken together, celastrol exhibited anti-obesity effects via suppressing pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. Thus, our results provide new evidence for the potential of celastrol in the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yumeng Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Cheng Y, Rong J. Therapeutic Potential of Heme Oxygenase-1/carbon Monoxide System Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Curr Pharm Des 2018; 23:3884-3898. [PMID: 28412905 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170413122439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes the dysfunctions of different major organs, leading to morbidity and mortality on the global scale. Among a battery of therapeutic targets, the heme oxygenase- 1 (HO-1)/carbon monoxide (CO) system has been evaluated for the development of new therapies against I/R injury. The enzyme HO-1 catalyzes the degradation of heme into three biologically active end products, namely biliverdin/bilirubin, CO and ferrous ion. Interestingly, CO is one of a few bioactive gaseous molecules with the capability of regulating inflammation, cell survival and growth. In fact, several CO-releasing compounds have been developed for directly reprogramming the intracellular apoptotic, inflammatory and proliferative signaling networks. In parallel, chemical and genetic approaches have also been evaluated for up-regulating HO-1 expression as an endogenous mechanism to ameliorate I/R injury and heal wounds. METHODS In this review, we discussed the recent studies on the therapeutic potential of HO-1/CO system in the treatment of I/R injury in the heart, brain, liver, kidney, lung, intestine and retina. We focused on the activities and underlying mechanisms of various therapeutic strategies to regulate HO-1/CO system against I/R injury. RESULTS A large number of studies have demonstrated that HO-1/CO system exhibits potent anti-oxidative, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities against I/R injury. The regulation of HO-1/CO expression has been achieved either by genetic overexpression of HO-1 cDNA or pharmacological induction with drugs including curcumin and resveratrol. CONCLUSION The HO-1/CO system is a potential target for treating I/R injury. Further studies should be directed to in vivo efficacy and clinical application of HO-1/CO system in the therapy of I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, P.O. Box: 0000-000, Hong Kong. China
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Wang X, Wang GC, Rong J, Wang SW, Ng TB, Zhang YB, Lee KF, Zheng L, Wong HK, Yung KKL, Sze SCW. Identification of Steroidogenic Components Derived From Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Potentially Useful for Treating Postmenopausal Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:390. [PMID: 29899696 PMCID: PMC5989419 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-stimulating principles have been demonstrated to relieve postmenopausal syndrome effectively. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) is an herbal medicine possessing multiple pharmacological effects on human health with low toxicity. However, the therapeutic effects of GJE on the management of postmenopausal syndrome and its mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. In this study, network pharmacology-based approaches were employed to examine steroidogenesis under the influence of GJE. In addition, the possibility of toxicity of GJE was ruled out and four probable active compounds were predicted. In parallel, a chromatographic fraction of GJE with estrogen-stimulating effect was identified and nine major compounds were isolated from this active fraction. Among the nine compounds, four of them were identified by network pharmacology, validating the use of network pharmacology to predict active compounds. Then the phenotypic approaches were utilized to verify that rutin, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and geniposidic acid (GA) exerted an estrogen-stimulating effect on ovarian granulosa cells. Furthermore, the results of target-based approaches indicated that rutin, CGA, and GA could up-regulate the FSHR-aromatase pathway in ovarian granulosa cells. The stimulation of estrogen production by rat ovarian granulosa cells under the influence of the three compounds underwent a decline when the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) was blocked by antibodies against the receptor, indicating the involvement of FSHR in the estradiol-stimulating activity of the three compounds. The effects of the three compounds on estrogen biosynthesis- related gene expression level were further confirmed by Western blot assay. Importantly, the MTT results showed that exposure of breast cancer cells to the three compounds resulted in reduction of cell viability, demonstrating the cytotoxicity of the three compounds. Collectively, rutin, chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid may contribute to the therapeutic potential of GJE for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guo-Cai Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shi Wei Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Bo Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hei-Kiu Wong
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Cho Wing Sze
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Rong J, Shan C, Liu S, Zheng H, Liu C, Liu M, Jin F, Wang L. Skin resistance to UVB-induced oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation by the topical use of Lactobacillus helveticus NS8-fermented milk supernatant. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:511-523. [PMID: 28598022 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, we investigated the preventive properties of the supernatant of Lactobacillus helveticus NS8-fermented milk (NS8-FS) against UV light-induced skin oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation. METHODS AND RESULTS NS8-FS exhibited significant radical scavenging activity in tests with ABST+ and DPPH scavenging methods, and as well strongly inhibited 3-morpholinosydnonimine (Sin-1)-induced ROS generation in HaCat keratinocytes. Unexpectedly, NS8-FS was found to inhibit melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells and to exhibit inhibitory effects both to the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase (TYR) and the expression of proteins required for melanin synthesis. In SKH-1 hairless mice, topical application of NS8-FS alleviated UVB-induced skin photodamage, including the improvement of the appearance of epidermal thickness, transepidennal water loss and lipid peroxidation levels. In the tanning guinea pig model, the whitening effect of NS8-FS was demonstrated using Masson-Fontana staining and TYR staining. Furthermore, NS8-FS was shown to stimulate the nuclear translocation and activation of the Nrf2 protein, along with recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSION NS8-FS exhibits the protective capacities against UV light-induced skin oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our findings indicate the potential of cell-free fermented products of lactic acid bacteria in topical photoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - C Shan
- Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - S Liu
- Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Zheng
- Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - C Liu
- Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - M Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - F Jin
- Key Lab of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - L Wang
- Institute of Ageing Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Wei J, Cheng Y, Guo WH, Wang DC, Zhang Q, Li D, Rong J, Gao JM. Molecular Diversity and Potential Anti-neuroinflammatory Activities of Cyathane Diterpenoids from the Basidiomycete Cyathus africanus. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8883. [PMID: 28827545 PMCID: PMC5567052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09118-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten new polyoxygenated cyathane diterpenoids, named neocyathins A–J (1–10), together with four known diterpenes (11–14), were isolated from the liquid culture of the medicinal basidiomycete fungus Cyathus africanus. The structures and configurations of these new compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D NMR, 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, NOESY) and HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Neuroinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers’ disease (AD). All isolated compounds were evaluated for the potential anti-neuroinflammatory activities in BV2 microglia cells. Several compounds showed differential effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and Aβ1–42-treated mouse microglia cell line BV-2. Molecular docking revealed that bioactive compounds (e.g., 11) could interact with iNOS protein other than COX-2 protein. Collectively, our results suggested that this class of cyathane diterpenoids might serve as important lead compounds for drug discovery against neuroinflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wei
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Hui Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Cheng Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jin-Ming Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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Chu M, Zhu X, Wang C, Rong J, Wang Y, Wang S, Xing B, Tao Y, Zhuang X, Jiang L. The rs4238326 polymorphism in ALDH1A2 gene potentially associated with non-post traumatic knee osteoarthritis susceptibility: a two-stage population-based study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017; 25:1062-1067. [PMID: 28089900 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A recent genome-wide association study reported significant associations of genetic variants within the ALDH1A2 gene with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand in European populations. However, these findings have not been well generalized to other joints, or to other populations. METHODS We performed a two-stage population-based case-control study including 196 non-post traumatic knee OA cases and 442 controls in the first stage and independent 143 non-post traumatic knee OA cases and 238 controls in the second stage in a Chinese population by genotyping eight tagging polymorphisms in ALDH1A2. RESULTS In the first stage, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4238326 was found to be potentially associated with knee OA risk (additive model: odds ratio [OR] = 0.70; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.49-1.01; P = 0.055), which was further confirmed in the second stage with similar effect (additive model: OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.38-0.95; P = 0.029). After combining the two stages, we found that the variant C allele of rs4238326 was probably associated with decreased risk of knee OA (additive model: OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.49-0.86; P = 0.003). Furthermore, interaction analyses showed that rs4238326 interacted multiplicatively with age to contribute to knee OA risk (interaction P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the SNP rs4238326 in ALDH1A2 gene may potentially modify individual susceptibility to knee OA in the Chinese population. Beyond that, further studies are warranted to validate and extend our findings, and future functional studies are required to clarify the possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - X Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - C Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - J Rong
- Second Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - S Wang
- Second Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - B Xing
- Hongqi Community Health Service Center, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Y Tao
- Department of Health Education, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - X Zhuang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - L Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Fan S, Rong J, Zhang H, Zhao Z. The Fragment Distribution of Nb, Au, and Pb from Proton-Induced Reactions with Energies Ranging from 100 MeV to 3 GeV. NUCL SCI ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/nse03-a2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Fan
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - J. Rong
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - H. Zhang
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China and Northwest University, Physics Department, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Z. Zhao
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
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Luo D, Zhao J, Rong J. Plant-derived triterpene celastrol ameliorates oxygen glucose deprivation-induced disruption of endothelial barrier assembly via inducing tight junction proteins. Phytomedicine 2016; 23:1621-1628. [PMID: 27823626 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integrity and functions of blood-brain barrier (BBB) are regulated by the expression and organization of tight junction proteins. OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to explore whether plant-derived triterpenoid celastrol could regulate tight junction integrity in murine brain endothelial bEnd3 cells. METHODS We disrupted the tight junctions between endothelial bEnd3 cells by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). We investigated the effects of celastrol on the permeability of endothelial monolayers by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). To clarify the tight junction composition, we analyzed the expression of tight junction proteins by RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. RESULTS We found that celastrol recovered OGD-induced TEER loss in a concentration-dependent manner. Celastrol induced occludin, claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in endothelial cells. As a result, celastrol effectively maintained tight junction integrity and inhibited macrophage migration through endothelial monolayers against OGD challenge. Further mechanistic studies revealed that celastrol induced the expression of occludin and ZO-1) via activating MAPKs and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. We also observed that celastrol regulated claudin-5 expression through different mechanisms. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that celastrol effectively protected tight junction integrity against OGD-induced damage. Thus, celastrol could be a drug candidate for the treatment of BBB dysfunction in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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Rong J, Chunhua M, Yuan L, Ning M, Jinduo L, Bin W, Liwei S. Clinical interrogation and application of super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy for lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Indian J Cancer 2016; 52 Suppl 1:e22-5. [PMID: 26548934 DOI: 10.4103/0019-509x.168951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy and to determine correlated prognostic parameters for advanced lung cancer patients with brain metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-four lung cancer patients with brain metastasis who had no previous treatment were enrolled for the study. These patients received super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy, as well as arterial infusion chemotherapy for primary and metastatic lesions. The procedure was performed once every 4 weeks. Patients were monitored to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes 4 weeks after the first 2 treatments, and follow-up visits performed every 4 weeks after the first 4 treatments until the appearance of disease progression or intolerable toxicity. RESULTS All 54 cases were treated at least 4 times. The overall response rate was 55.56% (30/54), and the disease control rate was 85.19% (46/54). The median overall survival was 7 months, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.87-8.13 months, and the median progression-free survival was 4 months, with a 95% CI of 3.20-4.80 months. The 6-month survival rate and 1-year survival rate were 81.48% (44/54) and 18.52% (10/54), respectively. CONCLUSION Super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy provides a clinically efficacious avenue of treatment for lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Pathological classification, Karnofsky performance status, and extracranial metastases may serve as reliable prognostic parameters in determining the clinical outcomes for lung cancer patients with brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rong
- Department of Intervention, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin 300060, China
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Bache S, Liu X, Rong J. SU-G-206-08: How Should Focal Spot Be Chosen for Optimized CT Imaging with Dose Modulation? Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4956949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Rong J. SU-F-P-38: Professional Practice Evaluation and Quality Improvement. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4955745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Bache S, Rong J. SU-G-206-02: Impact of Focal Spot Sizes On CT Image Quality. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4956943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Bache S, Liu X, Loyer E, Rong J. TH-CD-207B-12: Quantification of Clinical Feedback On Image Quality Differences Between Two CT Scanner Models. Med Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4958218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Wang Y, Chu M, Rong J, Xing B, Zhu L, Zhao Y, Zhuang X, Jiang L. No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index: A population-based study in China. Bone Joint Res 2016; 5:169-74. [PMID: 27166265 PMCID: PMC4921048 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported significant association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) with osteoarthritis (OA) risk in European populations. However, these findings have not been confirmed in Chinese populations. METHODS We systematically genotyped rs8044769 and evaluated the association between the genetic variants and OA risk in a case-controlled study including 196 OA cases and 442 controls in a northern Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. RESULTS We found that the variant T allele of rs8044769 showed no significant association of OA risk (p = 0.791), or association with body mass index (BMI) (pmeta = 0.786) in an additive genetic model. However, we detected a significant interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and BMI on OA risk (p = 0.037), as well as a borderline interaction between rs8044769 genotypes and age on OA risk (p = 0.062). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that rs8044769 in the FTO gene may not modify individual susceptibility to OA or increased BMI in the Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to validate and extend our findings.Cite this article: Prof L. Jiang. No association of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene with knee osteoarthritis risk and body mass index: A population-based study in China. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:169-174. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - M Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - J Rong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - B Xing
- Hongqi Community Health Service Center, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - L Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Y Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - X Zhuang
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - L Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Cheng Y, Tse HF, Li X, Han Y, Rong J. Gallic acid-l-leucine (GAL) conjugate enhances macrophage phagocytosis via inducing leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase (LTB4DH) expression. Mol Immunol 2016; 74:39-46. [PMID: 27148819 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Timely clearance of apoptotic cells is an important step in the resolution of ongoing inflammation and the restoration of tissue integrity and function after acute myocardial infarction. Natural products gallic acid and l-leucine are well-documented for anti-inflammatory and anabolic effects. We synthesized gallic acid-l-leucine (GAL) conjugate via direct coupling gallic acid and l-leucine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of GAL conjugate on the phagocytotic activity of macrophages. By using murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 as an in vitro model, we evaluated the effect of GAL conjugate on the phagocytic uptake of fluorescently labeled latex beads and apoptotic cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells. We found that GAL conjugate enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophage RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the effect of GAL conjugate on macrophage phagocytosis was positively correlated with the up-regulation of leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase (LTB4DH) expression at both mRNA and protein levels. By ESI-MS based lipidomics profiling, GAL conjugate increased the enzymatic activities of LTB4DH, leading to the formation of lipid metabolites including 12-oxo-LTB4, 13,14-dh-oxo-PGE2 and 13,14-dh-oxo-PGF2α. Interestingly, GAL conjugate failed to increase macrophage phagocytosis upon silencing of LTB4DH by specific siRNA. Moreover, it appeared that GAL conjugate induced LTB4DH expression via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. After Nrf-2 was silenced by specific siRNA, GAL conjugate no longer induced LTB4DH expression in the Nrf2-siRNA transfected cells. Taken together, our results suggest that GAL enhances macrophage phagocytosis via sequentially activating Nrf2 and up-regulating LTB4DH expression. Thus, GAL conjugate may serve as a lead compound for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xuechen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yifan Han
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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47
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Zhao J, Luo D, Liang Z, Lao L, Rong J. Plant Natural Product Puerarin Ameliorates Depressive Behaviors and Chronic Pain in Mice with Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:2801-2812. [PMID: 27013468 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous relief of the pain from body and brain remains an ongoing challenge. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether plant-derived isoflavone puerarin could ameliorate comorbid depression and pain. We investigated the effects of puerarin on depressive-like behaviors and neuropathic pain in C57BL/6 N mice with spared nerve injury (SNI). After SNI surgery, mice were allowed to recover spontaneously for 7 days and subsequently treated with puerarin, anti-depressant citalopram, and analgesic ibuprofen, alone or in combination, for 8 or 14 days. Forced swim test and tail suspension test were used to assess depressive-like behaviors, whereas von Frey filament test was used to estimate the sensitivity to the mechanical stimulation. Our results suggested that puerarin effectively ameliorated depression and pain in SNI mice although citalopram exhibited anti-depressant activity. In contrast, ibuprofen showed lesser activities against SNI-induced depression and pain. Further mechanistic studies revealed the uniqueness of puerarin as follows: (1) puerarin did not recover SNI-induced depletion of reduced glutathione and loss of superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas citalopram and ibuprofen showed somewhat antioxidant activities; (2) puerarin markedly promoted the activation of CREB pathway although puerarin and citalopram activated ERK pathway to the same extent; (3) puerarin rapidly and persistently induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression whereas citalopram only induced BDNF expression after a prolonged stimulation. Collectively, these results suggest that puerarin may ameliorate the SNI-induced depression and pain via activating ERK, CREB, and BDNF pathways. Puerarin may serve as new lead compound for the development of novel therapeutics for depression and pain comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhaohui Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbin Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jiao Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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49
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Yang C, Zhao J, Cheng Y, Le XC, Rong J. N-Propargyl Caffeate Amide (PACA) Potentiates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-Induced Neurite Outgrowth and Attenuates 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-Induced Toxicity by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1560-9. [PMID: 26147318 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient production of neurotrophic factors is implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of N-propargyl caffeate amide (PACA) to enhance nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth and the underlying mechanisms. We discovered that PACA not only potentiated NGF-induced neurite outgrowth but also attenuated 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) neurotoxicity in dopaminergic PC12 cells and primary rat midbrain neurons. To identify the PACA-binding proteins, we introduced a biotin tag to the covalent PACA-protein adducts via "click chemistry" alkyne-azido cycloaddition. As a result, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) was isolated as the predominant protein from PACA treated PC12 cells. We demonstrated that the formation of PACA-Keap1 conjugates induced the nuclear translocation of transcription factor Nrf2 and the expression of antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Importantly, specific HO-1 inhibitor SnPP diminished the neuroprotective and neuritogenic activities of PACA. Moreover, PACA attenuated 6-OHDA-induced production of neurotoxic reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. PACA also preserved mitochondrial membrane integrity and enhanced the cellular resistance against 6-OHDA neurotoxicity. These results suggest that PACA may exhibit neuroprotective and neuritogenic activities via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbin Yang
- School
of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- School
of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School
of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - X. Chris Le
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School
of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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Li G, Liu X, Dodge C, Jensen C, Rong J. MO-FG-204-04: How Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms Affect the NPS of CT Images. Med Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4925425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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