JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2020
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IF 3.69
Pengfei Li,Jingkang Wang,Chunguo Wang,Long Cheng,Quantao Ma,Yaqi Li,Yongcheng An,Hongyu Dai,Yuhui Duan,Tieshan Wang,Xuan Ma,Minghui Zhang,Ting Wang,Baosheng Zhao
Ethnopharmacological relevance Hanchuan Zupa Granule (HCZP), a traditional Chinese ethnodrug, has the functions of supressing a cough, resolving phlegm, warming the lungs, and relieving asthma. In clinical practice employing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), HCZP is commonly used to treat acute colds, cough and abnormal mucous asthma caused by a cold, or “Nai-Zi-Lai” in the Uygur language. Studies have confirmed the use of HCZP to treat cough variant asthma (CVA) and other respiratory diseases . However, the pharmacological mechanisms of HCZP remain unrevealed. Aim of the study To investigate the anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic effects and the possible pharmacological mechanisms of HCZP in the treatment of CVA. Materials and methods A guinea pig CVA animal model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) combined with intraperitoneal injection of aluminium hydroxide adjuvant and atomized OVA. Meanwhile, guinea pigs with CVA received oral HCZP (at dosages of 0.571, 0.285 and 0.143 g/kg bodyweight). The number of coughs induced by aerosol capsaicin was recorded, and the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) of CVA guinea pigs was detected with the FinePointe series RC system. H&E staining of lung tissues was performed to observe pathological changes. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory cytokines. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were used to detect the expression of Th1-specific transcription factor (T-bet), Th2-specific transcription factor (GATA3), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction elements. These methods were performed to assess the protective effects and the potential mechanisms of HCZP on CVA. Results Great changes were found in the CVA guinea pig model after HCZP treatment. The number of coughs induced by capsaicin in guinea pigs decreased, the body weights of guinea pigs increased, and inflammation of the eosinophilic airway and AHR were reduced simultaneously. These results indicate that HCZP has a significant protective effect on CVA. A pharmacological study of HCZP showed that the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum decreased. The amount of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) increased, mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and GATA3 weakened, and mRNA and protein expression of T-bet increased. Conclusions HCZP ameliorated the symptoms of guinea pigs with CVA induced by OVA by regulating the Th1/Th2 imbalance and TLR4 receptors.
研究领域:
药理学
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传统中药
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呼吸系统疾病
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免疫学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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2018
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IF 2.064
Peng Pang,Ke Zheng,Sizhi Wu,Huachong Xu,Li Deng,Yucong Shi,Xiaoyin Chen
The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of baicalin on controlling the pulmonary infection and improving the prognosis in influenza A virus (IAV) infection. PCR and western blot were used to measure the changes of some key factors in RLRs signaling pathway. MSD electrochemiluminescence was used to measure the expression of pulmonary inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and KC/GRO. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg. The results showed that IAV infection led to low body weight and high viral load and high expression of RIG-I, IRF3, IRF7, and NF-κB mRNA, as well as RIG-I and NF-κB p65 protein. However, baicalin reduced the rate of body weight loss, inhibited virus replication, and downregulated the key factors of the RLRs signaling pathway. Besides, baicalin reduced the high expression inflammatory cytokines in lung and decreased the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg to arouse a brief but not overviolent inflammatory response. Therefore, baicalin activated a balanced host inflammatory response to limit immunopathologic injury, which was helpful to the improvement of clinical and survival outcomes.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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病毒学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food & Function
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2025
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IF 5.4
Yunpeng Wen,Shuping Chen,Teng Wei,Na Wu,Yao Yao,Lilan Xu,Jihua Mao,Yan Zhao,Yonggang Tu
Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC), the most vital functional lipid in egg yolk, has demonstrated neuroprotective, antibacterial, and cardioprotective effects. However, there is little information about its immunoregulation effect. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the effects and mechanisms of EYPC on intestinal immune homeostasis through an immunosuppressed mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). The protective effect of intestinal immunity was evaluated on the basis of immune organ indices, intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins, sIgA and cytokine secretion, nuclear transcription factor levels, and the equilibrium between Th1 and Th2 cells. It was shown that EYPC obviously inhibited thymus and spleen atrophy, enhanced the expression of TJ proteins, promoted the secretion of sIgA and cytokines, increased the levels of Th1 and Th2 cells, and also modulated the balance of Th1 and Th2 cells. The composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites were discussed to outline mechanisms. The results elucidated that EYPC could alleviate the gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by CTX via reducing the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and promoting the proliferation of Prevotella and Lactobacillus reuteri. Furthermore, EYPC improved the fecal metabolic profile, restoring the relative content of 13 metabolites and regulating bile secretion. Collectively, these findings suggested that EYPC may contribute to intestinal immune homeostasis through modulating gut microbiota and their metabolism, highlighting its potential as an immunomodulator.
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 4.7
Dan Wang,Yimeng Zou,Tianqi Zhao,Weiyue Cao,Jiachi Han,Qing Wu,Zhitong Li,Xinyu Li,Peijing Liu,Lin Bai,Guiping Ren
Background The blood FGF21 expression has been previously suggested to increase in patients developing atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. However, its impact on atopic march is rarely analyzed. The present work focused on investigating the role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21(FGF21) in atopic march mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The models were induced with Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and OVA in wild-type C57BL/6 and FGF21 −/− mice. RAW264.7 cells were induced by LPS with/without FGF21 or KLB-SiRNA for in vitro analyses. Results The data indicated that there were more severe allergic reactions including IgE levels and the proportion of mast cells in the blood of FGF21 −/− mice in relative to WT model mice during the progression from AD to asthma. However, exogenous administration of FGF21 inhibited allergies. In this study, we reported that FGF21 mitigated AD-like lesions and Th1/2 or Th17/Treg cell imbalance in AD mice, and significantly decreased TSLP, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A expression on skin. During the asthma phase, FGF21 improved airway remodeling by downgrading inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A; fibrotic markers α-SMA and Collagen I; and oxidative products MDA and ROS in wild-type model mice. Compared with WT model mice, the adverse consequences were aggravated in FGF21 −/− asthmatic mice. From the mechanistic perspective, FGF21 suppressed NF-κB/NLRP3, TGF-β1/Smad3 and JNK signaling pathways and increased Nrf2 expression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, β-Klotho knockdown attenuated the ameliorative impact of FGF21 on cellular damage. Blocking AMPKα in the LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells inhibited the reduction of FGF21 and the phosphorylation of JNK. Conclusions To conclude, FGF21 alleviated atopic march by inhibiting Th2/17 immune response, and reduced airway remodeling by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3, TGF-β1/Smad3 and AMPKα/JNK pathways. Moreover, this study provides a rationale and novel ideas for applying FGF21 in treating AD and asthma.
研究领域:
免疫学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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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
Wushi Chen,Yunqin Shen,Hongyun Jia,Shanshan Hou,Lingjie Li,Lixia Huang,Jiyi Cai,Yuhan Xing,Yanqiu Chen,Yan Yang
Ethnopharmacological relevance Humulus lupulus L. , an herb traditionally employed in medicinal practices across North America, Egypt, India, and China, demonstrates broad therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and diuretic effects. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid derived from Humulus lupulus L., retains these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its potential efficacy in allergic asthma remains largely unexplored. Aim of the study This study aimed to investigate the protective properties of XN against allergic asthma and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2), an innate immune sensor, in allergic asthma and its modulation by XN. Materials and methods The OVA-induced murine model of allergic asthma with XN administration in different dosages was constructed to evaluate the regulatory effects of XN on allergic asthma, particularly during the period of acute attack. Pathological alterations, T-cell polarization, inflammatory cytokine profiles, and oxidative stress markers were systematically assessed. Bioinformatic analysis, clinical case-control, and molecular docking combined with cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were applied to identify the specific target of XN to execute its effects. Human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cell models with various stimulations and treatments were used in this study to verify the mechanistic exploration. Results In allergic asthmatic mice, the results demonstrated that XN dose-dependently attenuated airway inflammation and immune balance, characterized by reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, IgE secretion, and Th2 immune response. AIM2 was recognized as a critical binding target of xanthohumol through database analysis, molecular docking, and CETSA. Clinically, elevated serum AIM2 levels in asthma patients correlated positively with eosinophil percentage, IgE levels, and systemic immune inflammation index (SII). Mechanistically, both in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that XN mitigated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby reducing double-stranded DNA release, a key activator of the AIM2 inflammasome. Moreover, XN dose-dependently suppressed AIM2 inflammasome activation, an effect further validated in Poly (dA:dT)-stimulated and AIM2-silenced 16HBE cells. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence implicating XN can improve OVA-induced allergic asthma by suppressing AIM2 inflammasome activation, highlighting XN as a promising therapeutic candidate for allergic asthma.
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
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2024
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IF 7.7
Donghui Li,Wenbo Li,Sheng Li,Yangyang Zhang,Xianwen Hu,Shilin Liu,Yan Li
Nasal vaccine is a non-invasive vaccine that activates systemic and mucosal immunity in the presence of an adjuvant, thereby enhancing immune function. In this work, chitosan/oligochitosan/tween 80 (CS-COS-T80) co-stabilized emulsion was designed and further used as the nasal adjuvant. CS-COS-T80 emulsion exhibited outstanding stability under pH 6–8 with uniformly dispersed droplets and nano-scale particle size (<0.25 μm), and maintained stable at 4 °C for 150-day storage. Addition of model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) had no effect on the stability of CS-COS-T80 emulsion. In vivo nasal immunity indicated that CS-COS-T80 emulsion prolonged the retention time of OVA in the nasal cavity (from 4 to 8 h to >12 h), as compared to T80-emulsion. CS-COS-T80 emulsion produced a stronger mucosal immune response to OVA, with secretory IgA levels 5-fold and 2-fold higher than those of bare OVA and commercial adjuvant MF59, respectively. Compared to MF59, CS-COS-T80 induced a stronger humoral immune response and a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response of OVA after immunization. Furthermore, in the presence of CS-COS-T80 emulsion, the secretion of IL-4 and IFN-γ and the activation of splenocyte memory T-cell differentiation increased from 173.98 to 210.21 pg/mL and from 75.46 to 104.01 pg/mL, respectively. Therefore, CS-COS-T80 emulsion may serve as a promising adjuvant platform.
研究领域:
药学
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免疫学
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生物技术
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
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2023
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IF 5.2
Xiaoying Tian,Xi Liang,Hong He,Qingyu Cui,Qiqi Liu,Rongbo Fan,Tongjie Liu,Huaxi Yi,Pimin Gong,Qingzhu Wang,Lanwei Zhang
Scope Food allergy has become a world recognized public health problem due to its versatility and lack of efficacious methods for its treatment. Probiotics supplement is a potential way to prevent food allergy. Methods and results In this study, potential strains are screen out by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and their abilities of alleviating food allergy are examined using a mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA). The results show that six strains increase ratio of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)/interleukin (IL)-4 secreted by PBMCs with good abilities in intestinal adhesion and gastrointestinal tolerance. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis KV9 (KV9) and Lactobacillus vaginalis FN3 (FN3) attenuates allergic responses in allergy mice, including allergic symptoms, mast cells aggregation and activity, serum OVA-special-immunoglobulins E (OVA-sIgE) production. KV9 and FN3 upregulate the production of IFN-γ/IL-4 in splenocytes, increase the genes and proteins expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 in allergic mice spleen, and decrease the IRF-4. Conclusion The study demonstrates that KV9 and FN3 possess anti-allergic activities via activation of TLR4 pathway and modulating the expression of IRF-1 and IRF-4 which leads to T helper type 1 (Th1)/T helper type 2 (Th2) cell immunology balance.
研究领域:
免疫学
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微生物学
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过敏
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Infectious Diseases
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2023
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IF 5.3
Wenzhu Yin,Bihua Deng,Zeyu Xu,Haiyan Wang,Fang Ma,Mingxu Zhou,Yu Lu,Jinqiu Zhang
Adjuvants are essential for the induction of robust immune responses against vaccine antigens. Small-molecule TLR7 agonists hold high potential for this purpose. In this communication, imiquimod (IMQ) bearing a cholesterol lipid moiety derivative, IMQ-Chol, was designed and synthesized as a vaccine adjuvant, which could release parent IMQ molecules in aqueous conditions via amide bond hydrolysis. We performed a series of immunological evaluations by cooperating with the inactivated foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). All of the results confirmed that IMQ-Chol could stimulate the body for a prolonged time to produce strong humoral and cellular immunity with a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response through a TLR7-related MAPK pathway. In addition, the results of the proof-of-concept vaccine indicated IMQ-Chol had a good effect on preventing and treating FMD in pigs.
研究领域:
免疫学
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病毒学
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药学
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兽医学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2018
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IF 3.115
Wenhao Xu,Meiqun Hu,Qihong Zhang,Jingbo Yu,Weike Su
Ethnopharmacological relevance Cassia occidentalis Linn. is a traditional ayruvedic edible shrub containing anthraquinones (AQs) as the principle active constituents. In folk medicine, it has a variety of uses including treatment of whooping cough (‘pertussis’) and inflammatory diseases . Despite these applications, limited data are available to validate the effects of C. occidentalis AQs on airways inflammation in asthma. Aim of the study To explore the anti-inflammatory potential of AQs extracted from C. occidentalis using an in vivo model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Materials and methods Extraction and optimization of AQs from C. occidentalis was performed by mechanochemistry. Allergic asthma in BALB/c mice was sensitized and challenged by OVA, and the effects of AQs investigated in a mouse model. OVA-specific IgE concentrations in serum, and Th1/Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN- γ ) concentrations, inflammatory cell counts and classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining. Th1/Th2 cytokine mRNA expression was analyzed using the 2 -ΔΔCt method. Results Treatment with AQs decreased inflammatory cell counts and production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in BALF, and OVA-specific IgE in serum. In contrast,Th1 cytokine IFN- γ production in BALF was promoted. AQs also decreased mRNA expression of Th1/Th2 cytokine in lung tissue. Histological studies demonstrated that AQs substantially inhibited OVA-induced cellular infiltration, mucus hypersecretion and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung. Conclusions These findings demonstrated the inhibitory effects of AQs, derived from C. occidentalis, on OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice. The results suggest a promising ethnopharmacological use for AQs in patients with asthma.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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民族药理学
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呼吸医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BMC BIOLOGY
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2024
·Vol. 22
·期 1
·1-17
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IF 4.4
Yang Yuxuan,Li Wenqing,Sun Kaineng,Sun Siyu,Zhang Yong,Chen Lin,Ni Yangyue,Hou Min,Xu Zhipeng,Chen Lu,Ji Minjun
Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a persistent gastrointestinal disease, is featured with impaired gut immunity. Previous studies have demonstrated that tuft cells can regulate the intestinal type 2 immune response by activating downstream ILC2 and Th2 cells and repair gut barrier upon invasion of parasitic helminths, bacteria, protozoans, and enteritis through different chemo-sensing receptors, such as bitter taste receptors. Berberine is a widely used in the treatment of diarrhea in clinic, however the mechanism underlying this effect is not clear. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between berberine and tuft cells in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced colitis.Results Our data showed that berberine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis and regulating type 2 innate immune lymphocytes (ILC2) and Th2 immune cells via tuft cells in the gut. Furthermore, the effect of berberine on colitis was partially abolished by U73122, a bitter taste receptor inhibitor, suggesting that bitter taste signalling pathway played an important role in the effect of berberine on relieving colitis.Conclusion sBerberine ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium -induced colitis through tuft cells and bitter taste signalling. Our study reveals the unique pharmacological mechanisms of berberine in the context of colitis, laying the foundation for further clinical applications of this compound.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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胃肠病学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
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2021
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IF 5.34
Xiaohan Wei,Baoping Zhang,Xiao Liang,Changshun Liu,Ting Xia,Yingjie Xie,Xue Deng,Xiaomei Tan
ABSTRACT Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated disease characterized by the typical symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea , nasal itching , and congestion. Higenamine (HG) is a plant-based alkaloid, possesses a wide range of activities, including vascular and tracheal relaxation, antioxidative, antiapoptotic , anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. So far, the effect and the underlying mechanism of HG on AR have not been studied. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of HG on AR and investigate its underlying mechanism. Methods The effects of HG on AR were evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced AR mouse model. Network pharmacology-based methods such as target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, pathway analysis, and molecular docking were used to identify the likely HG targets. Finally, we validated the mechanism of action of HG through its effects on these targets in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Results Oral administration of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg HG significantly alleviated rubbing and sneezing in AR mice and attenuated histopathological changes in the lung and nasal tissues . Additionally, HG reduced the levels of IgE, histamine, and IL-4 in the serum of AR mice, and regulated imbalance in Th1/Th2 cells. Using network pharmacology-based methods, we identified 29 HG targets related to AR. These targets are mainly involved in the PD-L1, relaxin, estrogen, HIF-1, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation , T cell receptor , and the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathways . Molecular docking showed that HG may well be suited to the receptor binding pockets of key target AKT1 , EGFR, c-Jun, NOS2 , and JAK2 . In HNEpCs, HG inhibited the histamine-induced mRNA expression and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8, as well as the expression of MUC5AC and the phosphorylation of NF-κB. Moreover, HG affected the changes of AKT1, EGFR, c-Jun, iNOS, and JAK2 induced by histamine. Conclusion Overall, our results suggest that HG may alleviate AR by activating AKT1 and suppressing the EGFR/JAK2/c-JUN signaling. HG, therefore, has great potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of AR.
研究领域:
免疫学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Oncotarget
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2017
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IF 5.168
Zhe Cheng,Ling-Ling Dai,Xi Wang,Liu-Qun Jia,Xiao-Gang Jing,Peng-Fei Li,Meng Liu,Huan Wang,Lin An
This study aims to explore how microRNA-145 (miR-145) affects airway remodeling and cytokine expression by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to regulate mucin 5AC (MUC5AC). Mice alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were divided into a control, blank, miR-145 mimics, mimic control, miR-145 inhibitors, inhibitor control, si- EGFR and miR-145 inhibitors + si- EGFR group. Asthma mice models with airway remodeling were induced with an Ovalbumin (OVA) solution and randomly divided into a normal, asthma, asthma + miR-145 mimics, asthma + miR-145 mimic control, asthma + si- EGFR or asthma + si- EGFR NC group. Airway remodeling degree and histomorphology was measured using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect Th2 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood, ELISA was used to measure inflammatory factors. qRT-PCR and western blotting was adapted to detect the expressions of EGFR and the relevant cytokines that are regulated by miR-145. The control, miR-145 mimics and si- EGFR groups showed a higher expression of miR-145 and a lower expression of EGFR and cytokines than the blank, mimic control, inhibitor control and miR-145 inhibitor + si- EGFR groups. Mice in the asthma + miR-145 mimics and asthma + si- EGFR groups showed lower WAt/Pbm, WAi/Pbm and WAm/Pbm, less inflammatory cells, less airway modeling and alleviated goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus obstruction than the asthma group. Furthermore, the expressions of EGFR and cytokines of transfected cells and lung tissues were negatively related to those of miR-145. MiR-145 can down-regulate MUC5AC by negatively targeting EGFR and thereby relieving airway remodeling.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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呼吸医学
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免疫学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子