BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
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2024
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IF 4.2
Qi Zhao,Ran Zhang,Yu Wang,Tiegang Li,Jinqi Xue,Zhiguang Chen
Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a severe and frequent complication that occurs during sepsis. This study aimed to understand the role of FOXQ1 in S-AKI and its potential upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms. A cecal ligation and puncture induced S-AKI mouse model in vivo and an LPS-induced HK-2 cell model in vitro were used. FOXQ1 was significantly upregulated in CLP mice and downregulated in the LPS-induced HK-2 cells. Upregulation of FOXQ1 improved kidney injury and dysfunction in CLP mice. Overexpression of FOXQ1 remarkably suppressed the apoptosis and inflammatory response via down-regulating oxidative stress indicators and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), both in vivo and in vitro. From online analysis, the CREB5/NF-κB axis was identified as the downstream target of FOXQ1. FOXQ1 transcriptionally activated CREB5, upregulating its expression. Overexpression of FOXQ1 suppressed the phosphorylation level and nucleus transport of p65. Rescue experiments showed that CREB5 mediates the protective role of FOXQ1 on S-AKI. Furthermore, FOXQ1 was identified as a substrate of USP10, a deubiquitinating enzyme. Ectopic expression of USP10 reduced the ubiquitination of FOXQ1, promoting its protein stability. USP10 upregulation alleviated LPS-induced cell apoptosis and inflammatory response, while suppression of FOXQ1 augmented these trends. Collectively, our results suggest that FOXQ1, deubiquitinated by USP10, plays a protective role in S-AKI induced inflammation and apoptosis by targeting CREB5/NF-κB axis.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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免疫学
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肾病学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 5.4
Yingying Song,Xiaojuan Zhang,Xinyan Han,Gaorui Wang,Mengxue Wang,Hui Wu,Xiaojun Wu
Ethnopharmacological relevance The traditional Chinese herb Panax ginseng recorded in "Shennong Herbal Classic" is renowned for its purported vascular regulatory properties and immune-enhancing capabilities. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a prominent bioactive compound in Panax, has demonstrated significant neuropharmacological activities. However, its impact on multiple sclerosis (MS) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage remains inadequately investigated. Aim of the study Inflammation and BBB disruption are pivotal to MS. Tightly packed brain capillary endothelial cells are fundamental to the structural and functional integrity of the BBB. Rb1 has been shown to alleviate BBB damage in stroke rats, but its effect on BBB damage in MS is not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine the role and mechanism of Rb1 on BBB injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. Materials and methods The BBB protection effect and mechanism of Rb1 were evaluated in LPS-treated bEnd.3 cells and EAE model mice. The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory factor and the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9), zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), occludin, Jun-amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in bEnd.3 cells and mouse cerebral cortex were quantified. The permeability of bEnd.3 cells was examined by measuring trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein (NaF) leakage. Results Rb1 administration in the early stages of EAE postponed the disease's onset and lessened its severity. Rb1 inhibited the destruction of the BBB in brain cortex of EAE mice. Rb1 reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperpermeability of bEnd.3 cells and prevented the downregulation of TJ proteins. In addition, in LPS-induced bEnd.3 cells, Rb1 decreased the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, Rb1 suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and IκB in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the JNK agonist anisomycin was observed to partially abolish the protective effect of Rb1 in bEnd.3 cells treated with LPS. Conclusions Taken together, we demonstrated that Rb1 improved demyelination and BBB damage in EAE mice by modulating JNK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study can offer a theoretical foundation for the use of Rb1 in the treatment of EAE by preventing BBB injury.
研究领域:
神经药理学
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免疫学
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中医药学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2025
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IF 8.3
Anna Gan,Haimiao Chen,Fei Lin,Ruixuan Wang,Bo Wu,Tingxu Yan,Ying Jia
Background Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious respiratory ailment marked by dysregulation of the immune dysregulation and an inflammatory reaction.Currently, effective treatment options for ALI are limited. Sanzi Yangqin Decoction (SZYQ) is a traditional formula used clinically to treat respiratory diseases, although its effects on ALI have not yet been fully elucidated. Purpose This research seeks to elucidate the pharmacodynamic material basis of SZYQ within the context of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, thereby establishing a robust foundation for considering SZYQ as a possible intervention for improving ALI. Methods The chemical constituents of SZYQ were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The pharmacological mechanism of SZYQ on ALI was preliminarily investigated through network pharmacology. An ALI model induced by LPS was employed to evaluate the efficacy of SZYQ via histopathological analysis and other methodologies. Transcriptomic analysis of lung tissue from ALI mice was conducted to uncover the potential mechanisms underlying SZYQ's effects. Additionally, LPS was used to induce murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S), creating an in vitro ALI model; siRNA was introduced to further validate the pharmacological mechanisms of SZYQ's protective effects on ALI. Results This study identified a total of 37 chemical components within SZYQ, and network pharmacology results indicated that these components exert their effects via the Toll-like receptor pathway. The protective effects of SZYQ on ALI are manifested by the modulation of the immune response and the reduction of lung epithelial barrier damage. Transcriptomics, western blot, flow cytometry, and siRNA experiments demonstrated that SZYQ can inhibit levels of TLR2, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, p-IκB/IκB, p-IKKα/IKKα, MyD88, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC. Furthermore, SZYQ was observed to reduce the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppresses inflammasome activation, as well as decrease the incidence of cell pyroptosis. Conclusions This article demonstrated for the first time that SZYQ can enhance ALI through immune regulation. The proposed mechanism of action involved the TLR2-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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呼吸医学
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传统中医
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2024
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IF 4.3
Xin Zhao,Chao Chen,Weina Han,Min Liang,Yuanyuan Cheng,Yingjie Chen,Defeng Pang,Haoqi Lei,Xuefei Feng,Shifeng Cao,Zhixiong Li,Jinhui Wang,Yan Zhang,Baofeng Yang
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recent studies have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, as a critical process in the development and progression of lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of EEBR, a new compound synthesized by our team, on pyroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that EEBR significantly reduced the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells in vitro. Moreover, EEBR-induced pyroptosis in NSCLC cells, as evidenced by cell membrane rupture, the release of cytokines such as interleukin-18 and interleukin-1 beta and the promotion of Gasdermin D cleavage in a Caspase-1-dependent manner. Furthermore, EEBR promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and upregulated the protein level of NLRP3. Subsequent studies revealed that EEBR-induced pyroptosis was suppressed by the inhibition of NF-κB. Finally, EEBR effectively suppressed the growth of lung cancer xenograft tumours by promoting NSCLC pyroptosis in animal models. Taken together, our findings suggest that EEBR induces Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis through the NF-κB/NLRP3 signalling cascade in NSCLC, highlighting its potential as a candidate drug for NSCLC treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
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2024
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IF 6.9
Tingting Chen,Gaoxiang Ai,Guihong Liang,Lingfeng Zeng,Di Zhao,Jun Liu,Yaoxing Dou
Inflammatory bowel disease is linked to a higher occurrence of bone loss. Oxyberberine can effectively improve experimental inflammatory bowel disease. However, no study has shown the effect of oxyberberine on inflammatory bowel disease induced bone loss. The present study was performed to investigate the role of oxyberberine in inflammatory bowel disease induced osteoporosis in chronic inflammatory bowel disease mice model. The inflammatory bowel disease mice were orally given two doses of oxyberberine daily. Blood, colon, and bone specimens were collected for biomarker assessments and histological examinations. Bone biomechanical properties and key proteins and genes involved in the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway were evaluated. Additionally, the binding characteristics of oxyberberine and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were evaluated by in silico simulation. Results indicated that oxyberberine treatment significantly attenuated the macroscopic damage, colonic shortening, and histological injury from the colon. Furthermore, oxyberberine decreased serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The intervention with oxyberberine significantly mitigated the deterioration of bone mass, biomechanical properties, and microstructural parameters. Moreover, the upregulated osteoclast formation factors in model mice were significantly abolished by oxyberberine. In silico simulation results also showed that oxyberberine was firmly bound with target protein. Hence, our findings indicated that oxyberberine had the potential to mitigate inflammatory bowel disease induced inflammation in bone, inhibit osteoclast formation through regulating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, and might be a valuable approach in preventing bone loss associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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骨骼生物学
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胃肠病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2025
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IF 4.8
Huiping Ou,Zhanpan Wu,Jinhua Ning,Qiufeng Huang,Wancun Wang,Guochun Yang,Yingxun Zhou,Anguo Hou,Peng Li,Lingyun Chen,Wen Bin Jin
Introduction: A series of oridonin hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential, focusing on their ability to inhibit NO production in RAW264.7 cells and their therapeutic prospects for NLRP3-driven disorders.Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring NO inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The most active compound, 4c, was further analyzed using ELISA and WB to evaluate its effects on inflammatory proteins (p-NF-κB, p-IκB, NLRP3, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS). In vivo efficacy was tested in a murine acute lung injury model, with RT‒qPCR and WB used to assess inflammatory markers in lung tissues. Molecular docking predicted 4c’s binding mode with NLRP3, while RNA-seq and RT‒qPCR identified differentially expressed genes.Results: Compound 4c significantly inhibited NO production and suppressed key inflammatory proteins in vitro. In vivo, it alleviated acute lung injury, reduced IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA levels, and inhibited NLRP3, p-NF-κB, and IL-6 protein expression. Docking suggested covalent binding to NLRP3. RNA-seq revealed 4c upregulated Trdc, Stfa2, and Gsta2 while downregulating Spib, Csf2, and Nr4a1.Discussion: Compound 4c demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects via NLRP3 pathway inhibition and modulation of inflammatory genes. These findings highlight oridonin hybrids, particularly 4c, as promising candidates for NLRP3-driven inflammatory disorders, warranting further investigation.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
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炎症研究
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
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2021
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IF 3.636
Feng-Ying Gao,Xin Zhou,Mai-Xin Lu,Miao Wang,Zhi-Gang Liu,Jian-Meng Cao,Xiao-Li Ke,Meng-Meng Yi,Deng-Gao Qiu
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in the innate immune response of fish. In this study, we isolated the cDNA sequence of Nile tilapia TLR1 ( On TLR1). The deduced OnTLR1 protein contains a signal peptide , 7 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), a C-terminal LRR (LRR-CT), a transmembrane region and a highly conserved TIR domain. In healthy Nile tilapia, the On TLR1 transcript was broadly expressed in all examined tissues, with the highest expression levels in the spleen . After infection with Streptococcus agalactiae , the On TLR1 transcripts were upregulated in the gill and kidney. After stimulation with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), the expression levels of On TLR1 were significantly downregulated in the intestine , whereas On TLR1 transcripts were significantly upregulated in the kidney. After challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the expression levels of On TLR1 were significantly upregulated in the spleen and kidney. The subcellular localization showed that On TLR1 was expressed in the cytoplasm. TLR1 significantly increased MyD88-dependent NF-κB activity. However, the results of a pull-down assay showed that On TLR1 did not interact with MyD88 or TIRAP. Binding assays revealed the specificity of OnTLR1 for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bacteria that included S. agalactiae , Aeromonas hydrophila and poly(I:C) and LPS. Taken together, these findings suggest that OnTLR1, as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR), might play an important role in the immune response to pathogen invasion.
研究领域:
免疫学
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分子生物学
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鱼类生物学
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病原识别
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
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2025
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IF 3.1
Yanyu Zhai,Kaili Lu,Yuan Yuan,Ziyao Zhang,Lixia Xue,Fei Zhao,Xiaofeng Xu,Hongmei Wang
BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) causes cognitive function disorder and has become the preeminent cause of dementia. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, semaglutide, have shown positive effects on promoting the cognitive function. However, research about the mechanism of semaglutide as a therapeutic intervention in AD is sparse.ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of semaglutide in a transgenic mouse model of AD pathology and explored the detailed mechanism by semaglutide modulated neuroinflammatory processes.MethodsMale amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice were treated with semaglutide or vehicle for 8 weeks. Morris water maze test was used to assess the therapeutic efficacy of semaglutide on recognition function. Pathology analysis was performed to detect the deposition of amyloid plaques. High-throughput sequencing analysis was applied to specify the mechanism. Microglia and astrocyte activation were assessed with immunofluorescent staining. Inflammation cytokine levels were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Related proteins and pathway were evaluated with western blot.ResultsSemaglutide treatment attenuated Aβ accumulation and enhanced cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Through transcriptomic profiling, immunohistochemical staining, and ELISA, semaglutide was substantiated to inhibit the overactivation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as to curtail the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, semaglutide robustly activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and suppressed the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade, thus reducing the Aβ deposition and dampening the inflammatory cascade.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that semaglutide mitigated neuroinflammation and decelerated the advance of AD in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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神经退行性疾病
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炎症研究
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2024
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IF 5.7
Yanan Zhao,Bin Li,Jiang Liu,Lei Chen,Hui Teng
The potential of natural phytochemicals in addressing ethanol-related public safety concerns has been garnering attention. Galangin, a potent flavonoid renowned for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics, is derived from the galanga plant, and propolis is derived from bees. Here, we documented the effects of galangin on ethanol-stimulated intestinal tight junction damage and investigated its potential protective mechanism in both in vivo and in vitro models, which has not been extensively investigated. Our results revealed that galangin efficaciously mitigated ethanol-induced intestine injury and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier. Concurrently, galangin significantly counteracted the ethanol-induced upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in both the mouse colon and Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, similar to galangin, inhibitors of MAPKs and the NF-κB p65 reduced ethanol-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and intestinal tight junction damage. To sum up, our results showed that galangin blocks the ethanol-induced perturbation of the intestinal barrier and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.
研究领域:
药理学
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胃肠病学
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免疫学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
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2024
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IF 6.1
Ting Fang,Juan Xiong,Xin Huang,Xinyu Fang,Xuqing Shen,Yuanying Jiang,Hui Lu
Strategies aimed at targeting fungal extracellular heat shock protein 90 (eHsp90) using vaccines and antibodies have demonstrated encouraging potential in the prevention and management of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). However, the precise underlying mechanism by which eHsp90 contributes to the heightened virulence of Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) remains an enigma, awaiting further elucidation. In our current research, we have found that the 47-kDa fragment of C. albicans Hsp90 (CaHsp90), which serves as the primary antigenic determinant, is not degraded within C. albicans cells. Moreover, we have discovered that extracellular CaHsp90 (eCaHsp90) is derived from the components of lysed C. albicans cells. We also generated recombinant CaHsp90 in Escherichia coli , and found that eCaHsp90 spreads beyond the initial C. albicans colonization site, thereby enhancing the overall virulence of the organism. Our results further clarify that eCaHsp90 activates the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and upregulates the expression of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). This upregulation results in the activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and subsequent macrophage pyroptosis, ultimately increasing the virulence of C. albicans . This study provides valuable insights into the mechanism by which eCaHsp90 contributes to the virulence of C. albicans , offering a pharmacological basis for antifungal strategies targeting fungal eHsp90.
研究领域:
微生物学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
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病理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Inflammation Research
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2025
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IF 4.1
Zhongzhu Ai,Dongfeng Yuan,Yun Li,Jingyi Cai,Daonian Zhou,Wei Liu
Background Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is characterized by the pathological dilation of anal vascular cushions, causing pain, itching and bleeding. Recent evidence links HD onset and progression to rectal inflammation. Medical Hemorrhoid Gel (MHG), a multi-component botanical preparation, has gained empirical validation for HD management. This study aims to systematically evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of MHG in treating HD.Methods The phytochemical composition of MHG was characterized using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analyses. In vivo, the efficacy was assessed in a croton oil preparation (COP)‑induced HD rat model (n=10 per group) via anorectal coefficient (ARC) measurement, macroscopic severity score, Evans blue extravasation quantification, and H&E/PAS staining. Transcriptomic sequencing of anorectal tissues was integrated with experimental validation using ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting to delineate molecular mechanism. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison post hoc test (significance at p<0.05).Results MHG significantly reduced ARC, macroscopic severity score, and Evans blue extravasation, restored intestinal villus structure and goblet cell numbers, and alleviated inflammation. Acute toxicity tests showed that MHG did not cause anorectal abnormalities or systemic toxicity in rats. Transcriptomic analysis integrated with experimental validation suggested the therapeutic mechanism of MHG involves inflammation response and NF-κB pathway. Specifically, MHG suppressed the levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α, while it enhanced the levels of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10. Mechanistic studies revealed that MHG inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced the phosphorylation level of p65 and enhanced IκBα expression. Phytochemical analysis identified 20 constituents that contribute to the bioactivity of MHG.Conclusion Our study substantiated that MHG exerts anti-hemorrhoidal effects through NLRP3 inflammasome suppression via NF-κB pathway regulation. This mechanistic insight provides scientific validation for clinical application of MHG in HD management.
研究领域:
药理学
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炎症研究
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分子生物学
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胃肠病学
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植物化学
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毒理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
·
2025
·Vol. 20
·期 1
·1-20
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IF 2.8
Zhu Liang,Bi Yanchi,Liang Ting,Zhang Po,Xiao Xiao,Yu Tengbo
Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered an advancing chronic degenerative joint disease, leading to severe physical functional impairment of patients. Its development is closely related to increased inflammation and oxidative stress within the joint. Ginkgetin (GK), a natural non-toxic chemical, has proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects.Methods First, this study utilizes network pharmacology to explore the intrinsic connection between GK and OA. In vitro, SW1353 human cartilage cells were stimulated with Tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP), and different GK concentrations were pre-treated to evaluate its protective effects. GK's anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects were comprehensively assessed via MTT assay, western blot, cell immunofluorescence, ELISA, and transcriptome sequencing. Potential underlying mechanisms were also explored. In vivo, OA was induced in rats via anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and GK's impact on cartilage protection was further assessed via histological analysis and western blot.Results Network pharmacology has revealed that GK regulates OA via several key pathways, especially NF-κB, HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, and substances like reactive oxygen species. In vitro experiments showed GK effectively reverses oxidative stress damage from TBHP, inhibits inflammatory factor release, and protects Extracellular matrix (ECM) from degradation. These functions may be achieved via the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed GK significantly reduced proteoglycan loss from ACLT and inhibited matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and ADAMTS5 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5) production, effectively preventing cartilage degeneration in rats.Conclusion These findings suggest that GK has potential as a therapeutic agent for OA, offering new strategies and directions for OA treatment.
研究领域:
药理学
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风湿病学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子