Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2024
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IF 4.4
Du Hongxu,Li Zhangxun,Su Lijuan,He Zhengke,Tan Xiaoyan,Hou Fengzhi,He Tanjie,Pan Yu,Xu Shuang,Cao Liting,Dong Shiqi,Ma Yue
Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of Baicalin derivative (Baicalin butyl ester, BE).Methods: BE was synthesized and identified using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Its anti-inflammatory potential was explored by an in vitro inflammation model. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the anti-inflammatory targets of BE, construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and analysis topological features and KEGG pathway enrichment. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between BE and its core targets. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate the network pharmacology results. The organizational efficiency was further evaluated through octanol-water partition coefficient and transmembrane activity analysis.Results: UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS, and HPLC analyses confirmed the successfully synthesis of BE with a high purity of 93.75%. In vitro anti-inflammatory research showed that BE could more effectively suppress the expression of NO, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments validated that BE’s anti-inflammatory effects was mediated through the suppression of SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, JAK2, AKT1, and NF-κB via PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding affinities of BA to the core targets were lower than those of BE. The Log p-value of BE (1.7) was markedly higher than that of BA (−0.5). Furthermore, BE accumulated in cells at a level approximately 200 times greater than BA.Conclusion: BE exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory activity relative to BA, possibly attributed to its better lipid solubility and cellular penetration capabilities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of BE may be mediated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
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JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
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2024
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IF 2.7
Hongmei Chang,Siqi Zhao,Yuzhu Lei,Yunhua Hu,Yizhong Yan,Guanling Song
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO 2 ) can cause a reduction in sperm counts, and lactate production in Sertoli cells plays a key role in spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nano-TiO 2 on lactate production in mouse Sertoli cell line (TM4 cells) and to investigate whether the effect is mediated through the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway. After TM4 cells were treated with different concentrations of nano-TiO 2 for 48 h, cell viability, contents of glucose and lactate, and the expression levels of GLUT3 and key enzymes (HK1, HK2, PFKM, ENO1, LDH) during lactate production were detected. PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway proteins were measured. In addition, PI3K agonist (IGF-1) was added to explore whether nano-TiO 2 regulates HIF-1α through PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby affecting the production of lactate in TM4 cells. The results showed that nano-TiO 2 significantly inhibited TM4 cell viability, increased glucose content, decreased lactate content, and downregulated the expression levels of GLUT3 and key enzymes during lactate production. Meanwhile, nano-TiO 2 decreased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway phosphorylated proteins and HIF-1α, and IGF attenuated this effect of nano-TiO 2 . Collectively, nano-TiO 2 downregulated the expression level of proteins and enzymes related to lactate production in TM4 cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway, resulting in the decrease of lactate production in TM4 cells.
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INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 5.3
Xiang Meixian,Wu Songtao,Liu Minxin,Zhang Bin,Xia Xiankun,Tan Wenjing,Xiang Shijian
Iota-carrageenan oligosaccharides (iCOs), derived from marine red algae, are traditionally used as antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory agents in folk medicinal practice. Despite the prevailing emphasis on these aspects in their applications, the potential of iCOs as a prebiotic agent for gut health and its subsequent impact on intestinal disorders such as colitis remains largely unexplored. A DSS-induced colitis model was employed in C57BL/6 male mice to analyze the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to assess the therapeutic effects of iCOs on colitis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) identified pathways and genes affected by iCOs. ELISA measured inflammatory cytokines, while western blot and RT-qPCR evaluated protein and gene expressions, respectively. The iCOs increased beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , and Akkermansia . They enhanced short-chain fatty acid production and upregulated GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109A mRNA, influencing cytokine secretion. The iCOs reduced mRNA of SPHK1 , BDKRB1 , LCN2 , and so on, potentially through PI3K-Akt pathway inhibition, and promoted tight junction protein expression. Our findings highlight the novel therapeutic potential of iCOs in colitis, indicating a multifaceted approach to treatment that includes gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier restoration, and the suppression of inflammatory responses. Graphical abstract
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EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 4.7
Ming Luo,Yawei Du,Xuanchen Liu,Shuwen Zhang,Wenwen Zhu,Kaipeng Liu,Xiubao Ren,Ningning Zhang
Background Portal hypertension (PHT) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, with limited therapeutic options. Despite emerging evidence linking gut microbiota dysbiosis to PHT progression, the mechanisms by which microbial metabolites modulate liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dysfunction and the therapeutic efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the potential of FMT to alleviate PHT in cirrhotic rats, exploring the underlying mechanisms involving butyrate-mediated HDAC3 inhibition and PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling regulation in LSECs. Methods Cirrhosis with PHT was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride injection, followed by FMT or butyrate supplementation via oral gavage. Analyses included portal hemodynamic measurements, gut microbiota sequencing, serum SCFA metabolomics profiling, HDAC3 activity assays, NO level quantification, and assessments of liver fibrosis, liver function, and LSEC ultrastructure. LSECs were isolated for PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling analysis via qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Results A two-week FMT intervention in cirrhotic rats with PHT enriched butyrate-producing bacteria and increased serum butyrate levels, which were associated with reduced portal pressure and intrahepatic vascular resistance, without affecting liver fibrosis, function, or LSEC ultrastructure. FMT reduced HDAC3 activity by 2.17-fold and increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in primary LSECs by 1.69-fold and 1.25-fold, respectively, elevating plasma NO levels by 1.66-fold compared to untreated controls. In vitro experiments with primary LSECs confirmed these butyrate-mediated effects. Conclusion FMT alleviates cirrhotic PHT through butyrate-mediated HDAC3 inhibition and subsequent PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling activation in LSECs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut-liver axis via microbial metabolites for PHT management.
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JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 5.4
Zhengwen Zhang,Zhaojun Wang,Yushun Cui,Min Yao,Jiajian Lu,Mingzhen He,Yulin Feng,JunMao Li
Ethnopharmacological relevance Ainsliaea fragrans Champ. (AFC) , a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a well-documented history in the management of gynecological disorders, serves as the principal component of several Chinese patent medicines that have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy against cervicitis, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. However, its specific mechanism of action against cervicitis has not been fully elucidated. Purpose This study aims to determine the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of AFC in treating cervicitis, and identifying its key active components. Materials and methods First, an in vivo model of cervicitis was established using a phenolic mucilage solution, while an in vitro LPS induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was employed. The therapeutic effects of AFC were evaluated through HE staining, uterine index measurements, RT-qPCR and ELISA. The chemical constituents of AFC were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Subsequently, cellular metabolomics and network pharmacology were utilized to predict the potential targets, mechanisms, and active components of AFC in treating cervicitis. Finally, the underlying mechanisms and active ingredients were validated using methods such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, and molecular docking. Results Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that AFC ameliorated phenol mucilage-induced cervicitis in rats and significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 93 chemical constituents in AFC. Cellular metabolomics revealed 79 differential metabolites, including PGE2 and COX-2, among others. Integrated network pharmacology analysis identified potential targets including IDO1 and COX-2, and enriched signaling pathways such as TLR4 and PI3K/AKT-mTOR. Among the nine candidate compounds screened, luteolin, apigenin, and isorhamnetin ranked as the top three by degree value were hypothesized to be the primary active constituents of AFC against cervicitis. Subsequent experimental validation through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and molecular docking demonstrated that AFC treats cervicitis by modulating the PGE2/COX-2/IDO1-FLG in coordination with the TLR4 and PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathways, with luteolin, apigenin, and isorhamnetin confirmed as the key active compounds. Conclusion AFC exerts its therapeutic effects against cervicitis through coordinated regulation of the PGE2/COX-2/IDO1-FLG in conjunction with the TLR4 and PI3K/AKT-mTOR signaling pathways.
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Human Cell
·
2025
·Vol. 39
·期 1
·1-17
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IF 3.1
Guo Yan,Liu Ying,Zhou Mingkai,Zhao Yulan
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to septic cardiomyopathy, driving myocardial inflammation and apoptosis. This study found that Sushi-repeat containing protein X-linked 2 (Srpx2) is associated with mitochondrial damage and is downregulated in the myocytes of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats. Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg) to establish a septic cardiomyopathy model. Adeno-associated viruses (8.5 × 10 11 vg/mL) containing Srpx2-overexpressing plasmids were injected into rats through their tail vein. Srpx2 overexpression improved hemodynamics and decreased myocardial damage in LPS-treated rats. H9C2 cells were treated with LPS (10 μg/mL) to establish an in vitro septic model. The cells were then transfected with Srpx2-overexpressing plasmids. Srpx2 overexpression ameliorated mitochondrial damage, which was evidenced by restoring mitochondrial morphology, enhancing the complex activities, and elevating ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential levels in cardiomyocytes. Srpx2 overexpression reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels and superoxide generation in cardiomyocytes. Srpx2 overexpression decreased cleaved caspase-3 and 9 protein levels. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta levels were also reduced in cardiomyocytes with Srpx2 overexpression, suggesting reversal of inflammation. The RNA-sequencing data indicated that Srpx2 might regulate the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway to protect cardiomyocytes. Srpx2 overexpression increased the p-PI3K and p-AKT protein levels. The treatment of H9C2 cells with 10 μM LY294002, a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of Srpx2 against mitochondrial damage and apoptosis. In conclusion, Srpx2 alleviates mitochondrial damage by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby reducing apoptosis and inflammation in septic cardiomyopathy. Graphical abstract
研究领域:
心脏病学
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分子生物学
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免疫学
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线粒体研究
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信号转导
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NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 3.1
Man Tian,Yu Huiyong,Li Lei,Nie Weicheng,Wang Chengxiang
Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) infections present a global health crisis, with escalating resistance to last-line antibiotics. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) demonstrate multi-component synergy against resistant pathogens. This study deciphered the antibacterial mechanisms of bioactive TCM components targeting MDR-KP through integrative pharmacology and experimental validation. Four core TCMs ( Scutellaria baicalensis , Forsythia suspensa , Lonicera japonica , Aloe vera ) were screened via Chinese Pharmacopoeia and TCMSP database. Network pharmacology identified core components and enriched pathways. Clinically isolated MDR-KP strains (resistant to meropenem, polymyxin E, and tigecycline) were characterized. Synergistic effects were evaluated using checkerboard assays, biofilm quantification, and membrane permeability assays. Molecular docking and RT-qPCR analyzed target interactions, while ELISA and CCK-8 assessed anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity. Consequently, luteolin, wogonin, and kaempferol were identified as key components targeting PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Their triple combination (2/4/8 μg/mL) exhibited potent synergy (FIC = 0.38), reducing biofilm biomass by 68% (p < 0.001) and extracellular polysaccharide thickness from 15.1 μm to 3.1 μm (p < 0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed a 144.8% increase in membrane permeability. Molecular docking revealed high-affinity binding to PI3K (− 6.78 kcal/mol), AKT1 (− 6.60 kcal/mol), and MAPK1 (− 7.24 kcal/mol), with RT-qPCR showing significant downregulation of these genes (p < 0.001). The combination suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 release by 72% and 65%, respectively, while maintaining 95.5% cell viability at therapeutic concentrations. In Conclusion, this study unveils a triple-action mechanism of luteolin-wogonin-kaempferol against MDR-KP, simultaneously disrupting resistance pathways, biofilms, and hyperinflammation. The regimen offers a safe, multi-target therapeutic strategy for combating drug-resistant infections.
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American Journal of Translational Research
·
2025
·Vol. 17
·期 10
·7749
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IF 1.6
Xiaowen Li,Ruikang Guo,Lingling Liang,Hao Liang,Guangqi Zhou,Qinglan Lu,Yonghui Huang,Zhen Qi,Xiaojie Li
Objective: Periodontitis, a prevalent oral disease leading to alveolar bone defects, remains a primary cause of tooth loss in adults. The biologic mechanisms driving bone loss in periodontitis are still poorly understood, limiting the development of genetic treatment. This study investigates potential therapeutic targets for alveolar bone loss by analyzing transcriptomic data related to the osteogenic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Methods: Using in vitro and in vivo models, we examined the role of neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY1R) and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway in osteogenic differentiation and bone loss. A combination of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and histologic techniques was employed to pinpoint key signaling events that influence bone remodeling in periodontitis and to identify potential intervention points. Results: Transcriptomic profiling during iPSC osteogenic differentiation revealed significant upregulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY1R. Suppression of NPY1R reduced the osteogenic capacity of iPSCs. Activation of the PAM pathway was observed during osteogenesis, and treatment with LY294002, a PAM pathway inhibitor, led to decreased osteogenic activity. In vivo experiments using a rat periodontitis model confirmed increased expression of NPY1R and activation of the PAM pathway, suggesting a role in bone repair processes. Conclusion: The NPY/NPY1R axis and the PAM signaling pathway appear to regulate bone regeneration and may be involved in preventing alveolar bone loss in periodontitis. These findings provide a new direction for therapy targeting bone defects associated with periodontal disease.
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MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
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2021
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IF 4.407
Limei Ao,Han Gao,Lifen Jia,Shimin Liu,Jie Guo,Bingzhen Liu,Qiumei Dong
Matrine (Mat) is an alkaloid of tetracycline quinazine, and previous studies have demonstrated its specific effect on relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of Mat on joint synovial angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of RA has not been elucidated. In this study, body weight, joint swelling, arthritis index (AI) score, histopathological changes, immunohistochemical, and western blot- were used in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats to detect pro-inflammatory factors and, - expression levels of key cytokines and proteins along the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-angiopoietin (Ang) axis and VEGF-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. In vitro experiments were conducted to observe the effect of Mat on the proliferation, migration and lumen formation of RA-fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results showed that Mat reduced the degree of paw swelling and AI score in CIA rats, joint synovial tissue proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and neovascularization; moreover, it down-regulated the expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, and pro-angiogenic factors VEGF, placental growth factor, HIF-α, Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and phosphorylation-Akt in the ankle joint of CIA rats. In addition, the in vitro experiments showed that Mat inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA-FLS and inhibited the proliferation and lumen formation of HUVECs. Therefore, Mat exerts an anti-angiogenesis effect by regulating the HIF-VEGF-Ang axis and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This inhibits the pathogenesis and improve the symptoms of RA, and may be offered as a candidate drug for the treatment of RA.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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病理学
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分子生物学
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Materials Today Bio
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2026
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IF 10.2
Haohua Lai,Li Dong,Dongdong Jiang,Chen Shi,Wenbo Zhong,Chengxiang Sha,Junwei Yan,Xiao Wang,Jing Zhang,Ziyi Yu,Zhaowei Yin,Bin Liang
Osteochondral defects (OCDs) remain challenging to repair due to the complex structural and biological heterogeneity of the cartilage–bone interface. Here, we developed a bilayer microsphere–scaffolds composite by integrating melt electrowriting (MEW) scaffolds with two types of functionalized hydrogel microspheres (HMPs). The upper layer consisted of disulfide-containing poly ethylene glycol diacrylate (HB-PBHE)/thiolated hyaluronic acid (SH-HA) microspheres encapsulating kartogenin (KGN) liposomes (HM@PHK) to promote chondrogenesis, while the lower layer was formed by GelMA/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) microspheres loaded with curcumin (Cur) liposomes (HM@GMAC) to provide osteoinductive, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory cues. This bilayer construct exhibited uniform architecture, favorable mechanics, and controlled drug release. In vitro, the system promoted bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) migration, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and attenuated oxidative stress–induced apoptosis while modulating macrophage polarization. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both layers activated the PI3K-AKT pathway, with the upper phase regulating the PI3K-AKT-SOX9 axis for chondrogenesis and the lower phase promoting osteogenesis and cytoprotection via PI3K-AKT-RUNX2/BAX signaling. In vivo implantation in rat femoral condyle defects demonstrated superior cartilage–bone reconstruction. Collectively, this multifunctional bilayer microsphere–scaffolds system provides stratified regulation of osteochondral repair through coordinated structural support, bioactive delivery, and immunomodulation, offering a clinically translatable approach to osteochondral defect regeneration.
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Journal of Ginseng Research
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2026
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IF 7.5
Qianru Yang,Xiaoxue Chen,Jintong Cai,Zhengwen Xie,Yuhan Nie,Jinghui Sun,He Li,Chunmei Wang
Background Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair is a classic representative one of the "combination of tonification and astringency" in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng tonifies lung Qi and benefits heart Qi, while Schisandra restrains the lung, nourishes the kidney, calms the mind, and soothes the spirit. When they are used in combination, one can play a tonifying role and another can serve as an astringency, with tonification but without stagnation and with astringency but without depression, so the combination can not only enhance the efficacy of replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin but also strengthen the effect of astringing and consolidating. However, the underlying mechanism and action of its combined use in the prevention and treatment of asthma remain unclear. Methods An asthma model in mice was established by using ovalbumin (OVA) combined with aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH) 3 ), so as to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effect of Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair and determine its optimal compatibility ratio. For further validation, an in vitro asthma model was developed by stimulating human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) with interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The chemical profile of the herb pair extract was comprehensively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Potential bioactive components and anti-asthma mechanisms were predicted through network pharmacology analysis and subsequently verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Results Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair could improve the behavior of asthmatic mice, alleviate the pathological damage of lung tissue, reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum of asthmatic mice and the asthma model BEAS-2B cells, increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decrease the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). A total of 72 bioactive components were identified from the Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair extract, and the herb pair could inhibit the expression of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice and BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair can effectively alleviate the airway inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in mice to exert an anti-asthmatic effect. Among different compatibility ratios and compared with single herbs, the 2:1 ratio of the herb pair exhibits the optimal therapeutic efficacy.
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Materials Today Bio
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2026
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IF 11
Xin Sui,Ling-Feng Li,Bing-Wen Zhong,Zhan-Hua Cao,De-Feng Yang,Yuan Zhuang,Jia-Mu Ren,Tong-tong Yan,Bing Han,Zhi-Hui Liu
Mechanical tensile forces play a crucial role in modulating bone tissue behavior and the response of surrounding cells in vivo. During orthodontic tooth movement, tensile stresses within the periodontal ligament on the tension side stimulate bone deposition. Drawing inspiration from this biological process, our work introduces a strategy using mechanically active materials to enhance bone defect healing. We utilize liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), a class of soft active materials known for excellent actuation performance. LCEs apply stable mechanical forces to target bone tissue, mimicking the traction of the periodontal ligament and actively promoting bone regeneration. By employing a sequential thiol-Michael/thiol-ene click reaction, optimizing component ratios, and utilizing low-temperature crosslinking, the driving temperature of LCE was significantly reduced to 27.3°C. This advancement eliminates limitations on its medical applications in tissue regeneration. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that LCE-induced tensile forces enhance bone regeneration. The LAMB1-ITGB4 signaling axis mediates the process via the PI3K-AKT pathway. This mechanobiological approach opens new avenues for bone defect healing and provides mechanistic insights into how mechanical tensile forces promote bone regeneration.
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