Chinese Medicine
·
2025
·Vol. 20
·期 1
·1-22
·
IF 5.7
Li Xueyan,Ding Lu,Li Zirui,Cao Zhenghua,Li Min,Yin Kai,Song Siyu,Cao Liyuan,Xia Qinjing,Wang Zihan,Zhao Daqing,Tong Xiaolin,Li Xiangyan,Wang Zeyu
Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that remains inadequately controlled by existing conventional treatments. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula of Yangke powder (yǎng ké sǎn-YKS) has demonstrated potential in alleviating asthma symptoms and reducing its acute exacerbation. Despite clinical evidence supporting its benefit, there is still insufficient understanding of the active compounds in YKS and their underlying mechanisms, which limits its broader clinical application. Objective This study aims to identify the key active ingredients in YKS and explore their mechanisms, particularly through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways, to provide a scientific basis for its application in asthma treatment. Methods We employed UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS to analyze YKS constituents, identified key ingredients, and explored asthma treatment mechanisms through bioinformatics, network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization, and molecular docking. The asthma model was evaluated using ovalbumin (OVA) and pulmonary function tests, while pathological examination was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson trichrome stains. Concentrations of IgE, IL-4, and IL-5 were measured by ELISA, and protein and mRNA expressions were confirmed via qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Results A total of 174 compounds were identified in YKS by UPLC-MS, with 49 detected in the bloodstream, indicating their role as active ingredients. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 353 asthma-related targets and 972 potential targets for YKS. Key targets such as AKT1, TNF, and IL1B were validated by molecular docking. Our studies indicated that YKS modulates asthma primarily through the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways, improving airway resistance, reducing inflammation, mucus production, and airway remodeling, and decreasing Th2 cytokines and IgE levels. Conclusion This investigation identifies Kaempferol, Norephedrine, Cynaroside, Genistein, and Rutin as critical active ingredients in YKS, impacting key biomarkers such as AKT1, TNF, and IL1B. These substances effectively modulate the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, enhancing the management of allergic asthma.
研究领域:
药理学
·
免疫学
·
呼吸病学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2017
·
IF 2.956
Haiming Chen,Chuanjian Lu,Huazhen Liu,Maojie Wang,Hui Zhao,Yuhong Yan,Ling Han
Quercetin (QC) is a dietary flavonoid abundant in many natural plants. A series of studies have shown that it has been shown to exhibit several biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cardio-protective, vasodilatory, liver-protective and anti-cancer activities. However, so far the possible therapeutic effect of QC on psoriasis has not been reported. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of QC in psoriasis using a generated imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model, and to further elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. Effects of QC on PASI scores, back temperature, histopathological changes, oxidative/anti-oxidative indexes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB pathway in IMQ-induced mice were investigated. Our results showed that QC could significantly reduce the PASI scores, decrease the temperature of the psoriasis-like lesions, and ameliorate the deteriorating histopathology in IMQ-induced mice. Moreover, QC effectively attenuated levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 in serum, increased activities of GSH, CAT and SOD , and decreased the accumulation of MDA in skin tissue induced by IMQ in mice. The mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of NF-κB, IKKα, NIK and RelB expression and up-regulation of TRAF3, which were critically involved in the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated that QC had appreciable anti-psoriasis effects in IMQ-induced mice, and the underlying mechanism may involve the improvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status and inhibition on the activation of the NF-κB signaling. Hence, QC, a naturally occurring flavone with potent anti-psoriatic effects, has the potential for further development as a candidate for psoriasis treatment .
研究领域:
皮肤病学
·
分子生物学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 3
Jinlei Yun,Yindi Zhang,Hongyan Zhang,Fengkun Xiao,Yichun Wang,Peng Xu,Liping Qu
The members of Pleione (Orchidaceae) are popular worldwide for their ornamental appeal and medicinal properties. Pleione bulbocodioides , a CITES Appendix II-listed species, has been traditionally used in dermatological therapies but remains pharmacologically understudied. In this study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from artificially cultivated P. bulbocodioides were investigated. We found the P. bulbocodioides extract (PE) significantly suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced expression of IL-6, IL-1β, CCL5, CCL8, CXCL8, CXCL3, and TMEM173 (STING) genes in both HaCaT cells and NHEKs. Transcriptomic analysis and Western blotting confirmed the inhibitory effects on STING/NF-κB signaling pathway of PE. And phytochemical characterization identified militarine and batatasin III as principal bioactive constituents responsible for STING/NF-κB pathway inhibition by PE. PE also demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and SLS-irritated 3D reconstructed human epidermis. Thus, these findings indicate the potential of PE as a natural anti-inflammatory therapeutic or skincare ingredient for dermatological applications.
研究领域:
药理学
·
植物学
·
皮肤病学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
·
2025
·Vol. 74
·期 1
·1-22
·
IF 5.4
Zhang Jingwen,Hayat Muhammad Abid,Si Yu,Guo Tao,Ni Yinying,Wang Qian,Hong Yancheng,Cao Yudie,He Sijia,Weng Zijuan,Li Fengmei,Zuo Hao,Sun Xin,Chen Bo,Hu Jiabo
Objective Interleukin-37 (IL-37), an anti-inflammatory cytokine within the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, exhibits immunomodulatory properties. Here we evaluate the effects of IL-37 on microglia in neuroinflammation and its potential mechanisms. Methods C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with 1 µg of recombinant human IL-37 protein (rhIL-37), and 24 h later with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg) to induce neuroinflammation. After 2-h pretreatment of BV2 cells with rhIL-37 (100 ng/mL), an in vitro model was established by treating with LPS (100 ng/mL). Mice were assessed for behavioral tests, and neuronal damage was evaluated by Nissl staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of Iba1, CD86, CD206, and NF-κB were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and inflammatory mediators and pathway proteins were evaluated by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Results IL-37 significantly ameliorated LPS-induced behavioral deficits and protected mice from inflammatory injury. In vitro experiments suggested that IL-37 modulates polarization of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype, along with reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, IL-37 attenuated the production of NF-κB and MyD88. Conclusions IL-37 regulates microglia against neuroinflammatory responses by blocking the MyD88/NF-κB pathway and shows for the first time how IL-37 influences the phenotype of microglia, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammation.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
免疫学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 4.7
Wenkai Nie,Xuan Zhao,Yan Zhang,Cheng Zeng,Huiwen Yang,Bing Liu
Objective Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenol present in various dietary sources and plants, has been shown to reduce skin inflammation. However, its efficacy and mechanisms of action in AD have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CGA on AD in mice and explored its mechanism. Methods To establish a BALB/c mouse model of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CGA. The anti-inflammatory effects of CGA were assessed by measuring IL-1β and IL-6 levels in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, Akt1, NF-κB, and IκB-α were analyzed using Western blotting. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of CGA to Akt1. Results Topical application of CGA significantly reduced dermatitis scores, spleen index, epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, and skin fibrosis. CGA reversed DNCB-induced increases in IgE, histamine, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels. Western blot analysis showed that CGA inhibited the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vitro , CGA exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the Akt1/NF-κB pathway, and the Akt activator (SC79) can counteract this effect. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggest that CGA may inhibit Akt1 activity by interacting with specific residues (ALA-50, GLY-37, TYR-326, ASP-323). Conclusions CGA improves AD by inhibiting the Akt1/NF-κB pathway, suggesting its potential as a natural treatment for AD.
研究领域:
皮肤病学
·
分子生物学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
·
2025
·
IF 5.2
Dazhen Zhang,Xinzhe Qu,Fuchao Chu,Zhenxin Wang,Jie Mou,Feng Yuan
Background Heterotopic ossification (HO) is characterized by abnormal bone formation outside the skeleton following injury or inherited disease, leading to limb dysfunction and neurological deficits. Current treatment options for HO are largely ineffective. Methods A network pharmacological analysis was conducted to identify the active ingredients and protein targets in Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Substance Decoction (ACTFSD) on HO. Protein-protein interaction analysis and Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis were used to investigate the key genes associated with the target proteins. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interactions between the core components and targets of ACTFSD. Kaempferol was encapsulated in liposomes synthesized via the thin-film dispersion method. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of kaempferol liposomes. Results Kaempferol, an active ingredient in ACTFSD, effectively inhibits the PTGS2\ NF-κB pathway, regulates macrophage immune responses, and reduces cytokine released by macrophages induce abnormal osteogenesis in tendon stem cells (TDSCs), thereby slowing the formation of HO. Kaempferol liposomes demonstrate better therapeutic effect than kaempferol alone. Conclusion This study indicates that targeting macrophages may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for HO. Furthermore, kaempferol liposomes appear to be a promising treatment for trauma-induced HO. These findings provide potential new directions for future HO treatment strategies.
研究领域:
医学
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Immunology
·
2025
·
IF 5.9
Huan Xu,Kaixuan Ma,Ziting Ma,Tianyu Zhuang,Ling Lin
Introduction: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal pathological subtype of interstitial lung disease, frequently manifests as a pulmonary complication of connective tissue disease. Iguratimod (IGU) is a new class of anti-rheumatic drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have reported that RA patients treated with IGU have better lung function, and IGU effectively ameliorates PF. However, the mechanism by which IGU improves PF is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of IGU in PF through in vivo and in vitro investigations, so as to provide a new treatment method for PF.Methods: In our research, bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF of mice were used to observe the therapeutic effect of different concentrations of IGU. And the effects of IGU on macrophage polarization and activation pathway TLR4/NF-κB in lung tissue were analyzed. In addition, Raw264.7 macrophages were induced to M1 and M2 polarization in vitro, and the effects of IGU on Raw264.7 macrophage polarization and related pathways were observed.Results: In our study, database analysis suggested that macrophage polarization-relative genes and pathways as well as TLR4 activation played important roles in BLM-induced PF in mice. Besides, we found that IGU effectively ameliorated BLM-induced PF and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in mice, and inhibited the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages at different stages of PF. Moreover, In vitro studies further demonstrated that IGU suppressed M1 polarization of Raw264.7 and its activation pathway TLR4/NF-κB.Discussion: In summary, IGU inhibits the activation of macrophages and M1 polarization through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thereby improving BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice. It is suggested that IGU may be a new therapeutic option for interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.
研究领域:
免疫学
·
呼吸病学
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 3.9
Mijia Li,Wei Yuan,Shiyi Duan,Yang Li,Sijie Zhang,Yan Zhao,Shimei Xiao,Keyuan Zhong
The large-scale mining and utilization of rare earth elements have significantly increased their concentration in the environment, especially in regions surrounding mining areas. These environmentally-enriched rare earth elements accumulate in agricultural products and organisms through soil and water, potentially impacting in human health through the food chain. Erbium (Er), a rare earth element of the lanthanide series (Group IIIB), plays a crucial role in various modern technological applications. It is primarily utilized in ceramics, glass coloring, optical fibers, laser technology, and the nuclear industry, among others. However, a paucity of information on the health effects and ecotoxicity of erbium is currently available. In this study, we used the zebrafish as experimental animal to investigate the potential impact of the rare earth element erbium on the immune system. We exposed fertilized zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of erbium (0, 4, 8 and 16 mg/L) from 6 hours post-fertilization (hpf) until 72 hpf. We found that with increasing concentrations of erbium exposure, there was an increasing and dispersing trend in the number of zebrafish neutrophils; a decreasing trend in the number of macrophages. Exposure to erbium was demonstrated to impair the phagocytic capability of macrophages, reduce the recruitment of neutrophils to the wound site, and lower the resistance of zebrafish to Escherichia coli infection. Erbium exposure led to macrophage apoptosis and upregulation of oxidative stress in the zebrafish. The individual application of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, the IKBKB inhibitor resveratrol and the NF-κB inhibitor andrographolide was demonstrated to alleviate erbium-induced immune toxicity, as confirmed by assays including acridine orange staining, neutrophil enumeration and recruitment, and real-time quantitative PCR. Therefore, the rare earth element erbium induced immune toxicity in zebrafish through the ROS/NF-κB pathway. The findings of this study provide information for assessing the impact of rare earth elements on human health and ecosystems.
研究领域:
环境毒理学
·
免疫学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
·
2025
·
IF 2.2
Han Lin,Yunlong Lv,Huacheng Liu,Zheng Lin,Ning Zhu,Bingwu Huang
Background As a persistent gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) influences the gut-brain connection, leading to abdominal pain and altered bowel irregularities. Baicalein, a flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, is frequently utilized in anti-inflammatory treatments. This study aimed to explore baicalein's effectiveness in mitigating IBS symptoms triggered by both chronic and acute stress (CAS) and to uncover its fundamental mechanisms. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were employed to develop an IBS rat model by inducing CAS for five weeks. Each rat was randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups: model (M), low-dose baicalein (L), high-dose baicalein (H), and control (C). Baicalein was orally administered throughout the experiment. Behavioral assessments were conducted, including forced swimming, marble-burying, intestinal motility, and visceral sensitivity tests. Colonic tissues were collected for histopathological examination, evaluation of oxidative stress (MDA and SOD levels), and analysis of inflammatory cytokines, and ODC1/NF-κB pathway activation using Western blot assay, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Results Baicalein treatment notably ameliorated IBS-like symptoms, such as fecal pellet output and AWR scores, by alleviating stress-induced behavioral changes. Baicalein bolstered antioxidant defenses through boosting SOD activity and lowering MDA levels. Moreover, baicalein inhibited inflammatory responses, targeting IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while suppressing the expression of ODC1 and restraining NF-κB p65 phosphorylation within the colon. These results indicate that baicalein modulates oxidative stress and inflammation in CAS-associated IBS. Conclusion Baicalein demonstrates protection against CAS-induced IBS by diminishing intestinal inflammation, oxidative damage, and visceral hypersensitivity via suppression of the ODC1/NF-κB pathway. These findings underscore baicalein's potential as a therapeutic approach for IBS.
研究领域:
药理学
·
胃肠病学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
·
2025
·
IF 7.3
Qiuhui Qian,Ji Wu,Cuizhen Wang,Zheng Yang,Ying Cheng,Yuansi Zheng,Xuedong Wang,Huili Wang
As a synthetic rubber antioxidant, the environmental monitoring concentrations of N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD) have exceeded the risk threshold, attracting widespread attention. Although investigations into the harmful effects on zebrafish have commenced, a comprehensive exploration of its toxicological impacts and underlying molecular mechanisms remains to be conducted. By using zebrafish as a model, this study systematically evaluated 6-PPD-induced lipid metabolism disorders and inflammation response following environmental exposure. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 6-PPD target genes enriched in the hepatitis B pathway, indicating potential hepatic toxicity via inflammatory pathways. Therefore, we hypothesize that 6-PPD could trigger hepatotoxicity through the crosstalk between lipid metabolism and inflammation. Further experiments substantiated this hypothesis by showing lipid accumulation in the liver following 6-PPD exposure, along with elevated triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, and imbalanced expression of lipid metabolism-related marker genes. Additionally, 6-PPD exposure induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited the differentiation and maturation of immune cells, resulting in immune evasion. Most of these abnormalities were exacerbated in a dose-dependent manner with increasing concentrations of 6-PPD. The addition of the PPARγ pathway agonist puerarin (PUE) or NF-κB pathway inhibitor quinazoline (QNZ) to 6-PPD exposure group mitigated these toxic effects, validating our conjecture that lipid metabolism disorder and inflammatory responses may result from the regulation of the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway.
研究领域:
环境毒理学
·
分子生物学
·
发育生物学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
·
2025
·
IF 8.2
Hongli Zhang,Ziyu Lan,Hui Wang,Haojie Yao,Ruiyan Zheng,Zijing Chen,Xiang Luo,Peng Wu,Yuanyuan Cheng,Zhongqiu Liu
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon, characterized by a complex clinical syndrome. Pubescenoside A (PBA), a phenylpropanoid derived from Ilex pubescens , exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects; however, the impact and underlying mechanism of PBA on UC remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism of PBA against UC using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Pubescenoside A effectively enhances weight loss in UC mice, decreases the disease activity index (DAI). Regarding colonic morphology, PBA ameliorates colorectal stenosis and shortening, reduces intestinal mucosal ulceration, diminishes inflammatory cell infiltration, and tends to normalize glandular arrangement. Furthermore, PBA effectively suppresses pro-inflammatory factors. Mechanism studies have shown that PBA can directly target Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1), subsequently promoting the interaction between Keap1 and DEAD-box RNA helicase 5 (DDX5) to enhance ubiquitination and degradation of DDX5, leading to a down-regulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) expression. Additionally, PBA disrupts the Keap1/Nrf2 complex, facilitating Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear entry to inhibit the Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Importantly, in Gpt-lgr5-creERT2 Keap1 flox/flox mice, the anti-UC effect of PBA was attenuated. Our results indicated that PBA mitigated UC by targeting Keap1, thereby promoting the ubiquitination degradation of DDX5 and facilitating the nuclear entry of Nrf2.
研究领域:
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
免疫学
·
胃肠病学
·
生物化学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 4.3
Xu Wenting,Zhou Mengjia,Li Linlin,Zhang Yuqing,Zhang Tianya,Zhang Xiangjian
Activated and polarized microglia regulate neuroinflammatory responses and programmed cell death processes in ischemic stroke. Although the inactivation of muscleblind-like 1 (Mbnl1) is known to cause structural defects in the brain, its role in microglial apoptosis and polarization remains unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of Mbnl1 in ischemic stroke, particularly its role in the regulation of microglial apoptosis and polarization, as well as its impact on neuroinflammatory responses and cognitive dysfunction. The expression level of Mbnl1 in the serum of stroke patients was determined. Furthermore, Mbnl1 was overexpressed in a C57BL/6N stroke model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation model in BV-2 cells. Changes in relevant marker proteins were detected using histological assays, cognitive function tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for inflammatory factor detection, flow cytometry for apoptosis assessment, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. The expression level of Mbnl1 in the serum of stroke patients was determined. Furthermore, Mbnl1 was overexpressed in a C57BL/6N stroke model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation model in BV-2 cells. Changes in relevant marker proteins were detected using histological assays, cognitive function tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for inflammatory factor detection, flow cytometry for apoptosis assessment, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. Mbnl1 overexpression exerts a protective effect against ischemic stroke by regulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This modulation promotes cognitive recovery in C57BL/6N mice with stroke, highlighting Mbnl1 as a potential therapeutic target for stroke treatment.
研究领域:
神经生物学
·
免疫学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）