Explore of the beneficial effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction on diabetic encephalopathy in db/db mice by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS based untargeted metabolomics analysis

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a severe diabetic complication with cognitive dysfunction. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese formula, is effective for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease in clinical practices, however, the therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of HLJDD on DE is unclear yet. With this purpose, behavior test, brain histological and biochemical analysis were estimated to assess the beneficial effects of HLJDD on DE. Plasma samples were collected for metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS and chemometric analysis. As a result, morris water maze test revealed that HLJDD could effectively improve the learning and memory abilities in db/db mice. Brain histological and biochemical analysis indicated that HLJDD could protect against neurodegeneration and oxidative stress in db/db mice. Meanwhile, a total of 21 potential biomarkers with significant differences were identified between Model group and Control group using untargeted metabolomics strategy. Among them, 11 metabolites showed a trend towards the normal levels after HLJDD intervention. These metabolites principally involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation, linoleic acid metabolism, glucose metabolism and glutathione metabolism based on the metabolic pathway analysis, which were regulated in DE model mice after HLJDD intervention. Generally, the results demonstrated that HLJDD had beneficial effects on DE, which could be mediated via ameliorating the metabolic disorders.

Protective effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction on diabetic nephropathy through regulating AGEs/RAGE/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and metabolic profiling in db/db mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe diabetic complication that is the principal cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD) is widely used to treat diabetes clinically. However, the nephroprotective effects and potential mechanism of action of HLJDD against DN have not yet been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of HLJDD in DN and elucidate its mechanisms in db/db mice.

METHODS

An integrated strategy of network pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, molecular biology, and metabolomics was used to reveal the mechanisms of HLJDD in the treatment of DN. First, network pharmacology was utilized to predict the possible pathways for DN using the absorbed ingredients of HLJDD in rat plasma in silico. Then, combined with histopathological examination, biochemical evaluation immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence assay, western blot analysis, and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS-based metabolomics approach were applied to evaluate the efficacy of HLJDD against DN and its underlying mechanisms in vivo.

RESULTS

In silico, network pharmacology indicated that the AGEs/RAGE pathway was the most prominent pathway for HLJDD against DN. In vivo, HLJDD exerted protective effects against DN by ameliorating glycolipid metabolic disorders and kidney injury. Furthermore, we verified that HLJDD protected against DN by regulating the AGEs/RAGE/Akt/Nrf2 pathway for the first time. In addition, 22 potential biomarkers were identified in urine, including phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, glucose metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that HLJDD ameliorates DN by regulating the AGEs/RAGE/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and metabolic profiling.

Protective effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang against A25-35-induced memory deficits and oxidative stress in rats

Objective

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a traditional Chinese medicine, improves cognitive ability in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of HLJDT on learning and memory impairment that are caused by Aβ_25–35.

Methods

Rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (water), Aβ_25–35, donepezil hydrochloride 1.05 mg/kg, HLJDT 6 g/kg, HLJDT 3 g/kg, and HLJDT 1.5 g/kg and the corresponding drugs were administered for 28 days by oral gavage. HLJDT for the prevention of Aβ_25–35-induced injury in rats and the underlying mechanisms were assessed. Aβ_25–35 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels were measured in the hippocampal specimens. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the hippocampus were also measured. The ultrastructure of CA1 hippocampal region was observed using electron microscopy.

Results

HLJDT treatment ameliorated impaired learning and memory significantly, decreased Aβ_25–35, and APP levels in the hippocampus, increased T-SOD and GSH activity and decreased the MDA concentration, and alleviated the nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities of the hippocampal CA 1 region that were induced by Aβ_25–35 injection.

Conclusions

HLJDT might decrease hippocampal vulnerability to Aβ_25–35, suggesting its potential neuroprotective effect in AD.

Rapid screening of neuroprotective components from Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction by living cell biospecific extraction coupled with HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS/MS analysis

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD), a well-known traditional Chinese formulation, has been proved to exert neuroprotective effects, however, the bioactive components in HLJDD still remain to be elucidated. In the present study, a rapid and effective method involving live cell biospecific extraction and HPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS was utilized to rapidly screen and identify the neuroprotective compounds from the HLJDD crude extract directly. Firstly, sixteen principal components in HLJDD crude extract were identified by HPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS analysis. After co-incubation with PC12 cells, which have been validated as the key target cells for neurodegenerative diseases, seven compounds of them were demonstrated to exhibit binding affinity to the target cells. Furthermore, three representative compounds named baicalin, wogonoside, and berberine were subsequently verified to exert cytoprotective effects on PC12 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide via inhibiting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, indicating that these screened compounds may possess a potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and were responsible, in part at least, for the neuroprotective beneficial effects of HLJDD. Taken together, our study provides evidence that live cell biospecific extraction coupled with LC-HRMS/MS technique is an efficient method for rapid screening potential bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction inhibits CD4+ T cell infiltration into CNS in MCAO rats by regulating BBB

BACKGROUND

Stroke, especially ischemic stroke (IS), represents a major global health challenge due to its high incidence, disability, mortality, recurrence, and economic impact. The limited therapeutic window for thrombolysis underscores the need for new treatments. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain, becomes compromised following ischemia-reperfusion injury, allowing peripheral immune cell infiltration and subsequent neuroinflammation. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDT), a traditional formula with significant neuroprotective effects demonstrated in preliminary studies and literature reviews, has not yet been fully explored for its potential to inhibit peripheral immune cell infiltration through BBB protection.

PURPOSE

This study aims to: (1) Evaluate the efficacy of HLJDT in treating MCAO. (2) Observe the regulatory effect of HLJDT on the infiltration of CD4+ T cells into the central nervous system. (3) Investigate the effect of HLJDT on the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

METHODS

A focal MCAO reperfusion model will be used to evaluate HLJDT's effects on neurological function (Zea Longa and Garcia scores), infarction volume (TTC staining), and pathological changes (HE and NISSL staining). Immune-inflammatory responses will be assessed using ELISA for cytokines, flow cytometry for T lymphocyte distribution, and immunofluorescence staining for CD4+ T cell infiltration. The interaction of T cell antigens (LFA-1) and endothelial adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) will be studied with ELISA and immunofluorescence. BBB protection will be evaluated with Evans blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanisms of T cell infiltration will be examined using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting (WB) for key proteins. Additionally, the impact of HLJDT on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will be assessed with WB.

RESULTS

HLJDT significantly improves neurological scores, reduces infarction volume, and mitigates pathological damage. It balances CD4+ T cell responses by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory ones, reducing CD4+ T cell CNS infiltration. HLJDT inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions. It can also inhibit CD4+ T cell infiltration by repairing paracellular and transcellular structures of the BBB, with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway playing a key role in this process.

CONCLUSION

We have innovatively demonstrated for the first time that HLJDT can regulate the balance between peripheral and central immune inflammation. It inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1-mediated cell adhesion and, by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, improves the paracellular and transcellular structures of the blood-brain barrier, thereby suppressing CD4+ T cell infiltration and providing multifaceted protective effects for MCAO rats.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction alleviates diabetic encephalopathy by regulating inflammation and pyroptosis via suppression of AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cognitive dysfunction associated with diabetes, known as diabetic encephalopathy (DE), is a grave neurodegenerative condition triggered by diabetes, and persistent inflammation plays a vital role in its development. The renowned traditional Chinese medicine Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD) is clinically proven to manage diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease and is famous for its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. However, the underlying mechanisms through which HLJDD affects DE remain to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the beneficial effects of HLJDD on improving cognitive dysfunction in DE mice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A diabetic mouse was established through a high-fat diet and subsequent administration of streptozotocin over five consecutive days. After the animals were confirmed to have diabetes, they were treated with HLJDD. After oral administration of HLJDD or metformin for 14 weeks, behavioral tests were used to assess their cognitive capacity. Biochemical analyses were then performed to detect levels of glucose metabolism, followed by histological analyses to assess pathological damage. Furthermore, AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB axis related proteins were detected by Western blot or immunofluorescence techniques. An advanced UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS analytical technique utilizing a chemical derivatization strategy was employed for comprehensive metabolic profiling of carbonyl compounds in the plasma of DE mice.

RESULTS

Pharmacological assessment revealed that HLJDD effectively mitigated cognitive dysfunction, normalized glucose metabolic imbalances, and repaired neuronal damage in DE mice. It reduced neuroinflammation by attenuating carbonyl stress, deactivating astrocytes and microglia, and preserving dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, metabolomics analysis revealed 18 carbonyl compounds with marked disparities between DE and control mice, with 12 metabolites approaching normal levels post-HLJDD intervention. Further investigations showed that HLJDD regulated inflammation and pyroptosis through suppressing AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that HLJDD could ameliorate carbonyl stress via the regulation of carbonyl compound metabolism profiling, and inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation and pyroptosis to exert beneficial effects on DE.

Modulation of double-negative T cells by Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction attenuates neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke: insights from single-cell transcriptomics

Introduction

Ischemic stroke (IS) represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality rates, largely driven by inflammatory responses. Double-negative T cells (DNTs), a distinct subset of T cells lacking both CD4 and CD8 markers, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of IS, exhibiting potentially dual roles. However, the precise functional contributions of DNTs in this context remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of DNTs during the acute phase of IS and assessed the influence of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, on these cells. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we identified two distinct subtypes of DNTs: an activated, cytotoxic phenotype (Kill+) and a resting, immunosuppressive phenotype (Kill-).

Results

Our findings indicate that HLJD treatment modulates the balance between these DNT subtypes, specifically reducing the proportion of cytotoxic DNTs while promoting an increase in immunosuppressive DNTs. This shift was associated with a reduction in immune cell infiltration and inflammation within the brain tissue, potentially mitigating neuronal damage.

Discussion

These results suggest that HLJD exerts neuroprotective effects in IS by modulating the activity and distribution of DNT cells, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of IS. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying DNT-mediated immune responses in IS and to explore the broader applications of HLJD in other neuroinflammatory conditions.