Food & Function
·
2022
·Vol. 13
·期 7
·3946-3956
·
IF 6.317
Zhe Wang,Chunhai Li,Xi He,Kang Xu,Zhipeng Xue,Ting Wang,Zhenshang Xu,Xinli Liu
The effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) on colitis and its underlying mechanism were rarely studied. In this study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 217-1 was used to ferment PG roots, and the concentrations of platycodin-D, flavonoids, and polyphenols and the DPPH free radical scavenging rate were significantly increased. Treatment with a PG root fermentation broth (PGRFB) could reduce dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Meanwhile, the PGRFB significantly reduced the content of inflammatory factors in mouse serum and the expression of inflammatory factor mRNA in the intestinal tract, regulated the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages, and increased the expression of tight junction protein mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells. In summary, it was proved that the PGRFB could inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the expression of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and lowering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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微生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
AQUACULTURE
·
2023
·
IF 4.5
Enzhuang Pan,Huimiao Feng,Zuwang Yang,Yue Xin,Xiaomeng Ji,Kaixin Ping,Yong Sun,Jingquan Dong
As a widely used fungicide at present, difenoconazole can enter the aquatic ecosystem and cause adverse effects on freshwater carp culture. The spleen, an important immune organ of carp, is vulnerable to damage by environmental toxins. Studies have shown that the inflammatory response is an important mechanism of immunotoxicity of difenoconazole. Whereas quercetin has anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity, the role and mechanism of quercetin in difenoconazole-induced inflammatory damage in the spleen of carp is unknown. In this study, we developed a model for carp with quercetin added to the diet and exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of difenoconazole. We found that quercetin protects against inflammatory damage in the splenic tissue of carp through histopathological observations. We found that quercetin alleviated ROS enrichment and disruption of redox homeostasis (dynamic balance of GSH, T-AOC, CAT, and MDA) in the spleen tissue of carp by fluorescence assay and biochemical assay. We found that quercetin was able to inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway (elevated p-NF-κB p65 expression level) and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1) in carp spleen tissue induced by difenoconazole by immunohistochemistry and qPCR analysis. In conclusion, this study confirms that the addition of quercetin as a supplement to the diets of freshwater cultured carp is effective against the spleen toxicity induced by difenoconazole. Mechanistically, quercetin may alleviate the difenoconazole-induced splenic inflammatory injury in carp by suppressing the excessive activation of ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis, providing new insights into the mechanism of quercetin alleviation of splenic inflammatory injury in carp.
研究领域:
水产养殖
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毒理学
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免疫学
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药理学
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环境科学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
·
2024
·
IF 6.9
Zhao Tong,Zhou Zhi-ruo,Wan Hui-qi,Feng Tian,Hu Xu-hui,Li Xiao-qian,Zhao Shi-mei,Li Hong-lin,Hou Ji-wei,Li Wei,Lu Da-yun,Qian Min-yi,Shen Xu
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease characterized by unremitting pulmonary myofibroblasts activation, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and inflammatory recruitment. PF has no curable medication yet. In this study we investigated the molecular pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of PF and discovered drug lead compounds for PF therapy. A murine PF model was established in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg). We showed that the protein level of pulmonary protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A, also known as PP2Cα) was significantly downregulated in PF patients and BLM-induced PF mice. We demonstrated that TRIM47 promoted ubiquitination and decreased PPM1A protein in PF progression. By screening the lab in-house compound library, we discovered otilonium bromide (OB, clinically used for treating irritable bowel syndrome) as a PPM1A enzymatic activator with an EC 50 value of 4.23 μM. Treatment with OB (2.5, 5 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 , i.p., for 20 days) significantly ameliorated PF-like pathology in mice. We constructed PF mice with PPM1A-specific knockdown in the lung tissues, and determined that by targeting PPM1A, OB treatment suppressed ECM deposition through TGF-β/SMAD3 pathway in fibroblasts, repressed inflammatory responses through NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in alveolar epithelial cells, and blunted the crosstalk between inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells and ECM deposition in fibroblasts. Together, our results demonstrate that pulmonary PPM1A activation is a promising therapeutic strategy for PF and highlighted the potential of OB in the treatment of the disease.
研究领域:
药理学
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肺病学
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分子生物学
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治疗学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Wen-Jing Xiao,Su Dong,Yue Xuan,Xiao-Jie Huang,Jing-Rui Feng,Hong-Jing You,Yang Chen
Existing studies lack systematic investigation of the polysaccharide components in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), despite established anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of its bioactive constituents. This study isolated and characterized CRP-derived polysaccharides, focusing on CP-0's protective role against Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Structural characterization identified CP-0 and CP-1 as novel triple-helical heteropolysaccharides (MW 81,404 and 83,540 Da; glucose, ribose, mannose). Following isolation and physicochemical screening, CP-0 exhibited low cytotoxicity and high anti-inflammatory activity. Mechanistic analyses revealed that CP-0 attenuated LCWE-induced endothelial injury by reducing inflammatory infiltration, IL-1β levels, and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1/ICAM-1) while upregulating tight junction proteins ZO-1/2 in mouse microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs). CP-0 suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation via decreased colocalization of NLRP3/Caspase-1/ASC, and competitive binding assays confirmed its interaction with TLR2, which blocked NF-κB nuclear translocation. By targeting TLR2-mediated signaling pathways, CP-0 effectively mitigated LCWE-induced coronary arteritis in vitro, demonstrating potential as a therapeutic candidate for cardiovascular diseases through early-stage anti-inflammatory intervention.
研究领域:
生药学
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免疫药理学
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血管生物学
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天然产物化学
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炎症研究
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Drug Design Development and Therapy
·
2022
·
IF 4.319
Bozhi Ye,Xudong Chen,Shanshan Dai,Jibo Han,Xiaohe Liang,Shuang Lin,Xueli Cai,Zhouqing Huang,Weijian Huang
Background Emodin has recently been reported to have a powerful antiinflammatory effect, protecting the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Pyroptosis is a proinflammatory programmed cell death that is related to many diseases. The present study investigated the effect of emodin on pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes.Materials and methods Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, I/R, and I/R+Emodin groups. I/R model was subjected to 30 minutes’ ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxic conditions for 1 hour and normoxic conditions for 2 hours. The level of the pyroptosis was detected by Western blot, real-time PCR analysis, and ELISA.Results The level of gasdermin D-N domains was upregulated in cardiomyocytes during I/R or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment. Moreover, emodin increased the rate of cell survival in vitro and decreased the myocardial infarct size in vivo via suppressing the levels of I/R-induced pyroptosis. Additionally, the expression of TLR4, MyD88, phospho-IκBα, phospho-NF-κB, and the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in cardiomyocytes subjected to H/R treatment, while emodin suppressed the expression of these proteins.Conclusion This study confirms that emodin treatment was able to alleviate myocardial I/R injury and inhibit pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro. The inhibitory effect of emodin on pyroptosis was mediated by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Therefore, emodin may provide an alternative treatment for myocardial I/R injury.
研究领域:
药理学
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心脏病学
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细胞生物学
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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 MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
·
2024
·
IF 4.8
Wang Pengtao,Tao Wei,Li Qiujie,Ma Wanting,Jia Wei,Kang Yuting
Indole-3-aldehyde (I3A) is an intestinal microbial metabolite that regulates inflammation in various inflammatory diseases; however, its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of I3A in COPD. We constructed in vivo models using cigarette smoke (CS)-stimulated mice and in vitro models using cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-stimulated MH-S cells. The results demonstrated that I3A significantly alleviated bronchial obstruction in mice with COPD and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, I3A decreased the levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP2, MMP12, and inhibited the NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathways. Further investigation revealed that I3A inhibited NF-κB activity by suppressing p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in CSE-stimulated MH-S cells. The activation of the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways is mediated by histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and HDAC6, both of which are inhibited by I3A. Subsequent experiments indicated that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effect of I3A on pro-inflammatory cytokines and the HDACs/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways, highlighting the dependence of I3A's anti-inflammatory effects on the AHR receptor. Key messages
I3A effectively reduced lung inflammation in COPD mice by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.
In CSE-stimulated MH-S cells, I3A suppressed p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby inhibiting NF-κB activity.
The activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways by HDAC5 and HDAC6 was diminished by I3A.
Through the activation of the AHR receptor, I3A suppressed the activities of HDAC5/6, leading to a decrease in inflammatory factor levels.
Graphical abstract
研究领域:
呼吸病学
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免疫学
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药理学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Brain and Behavior
·
2026
·Vol. 16
·期 10
·e71773
·
IF 2.8
Xin-ying Cai,Wen-jun Li,Cai-xia Chen,Lu Peng,Li-chao Yang,Xiao-ning Lin,Hong-tao Liu,Jian-bo Jia,Yan-chao Jiao,Ying Li
Background Glycyrrhizic acid (Gly-A) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various central nervous system disorders. Acute fatigue and chronic fatigue (CF) are associated with serious physical and psychological effects. However, the underlying pathophysiology and effective therapeutic strategies for these conditions remain poorly understood. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Gly-A against fatigue, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of its action. Methods We established a mouse model of acute exercise-induced fatigue and evaluated fatigue-related indices. To identify specific pathways involved in Gly-A's therapeutic effects, we employed RNA sequencing, network pharmacology, and in vitro oxygen-deficit models, aiming to clarify the mechanisms. Additionally, we established a mouse model of CF to compare the therapeutic efficacy of Gly-A with positive control drugs by assessing identical parameters. Results Gly-A significantly improved fatigue-related indices without affecting body weight. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology analyses showed that Gly-A modulates oxidative stress responses and targets the NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B)/NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3) signaling and apoptotic pathways. In the CF mouse model, oral administration of Gly-A significantly increased motor activity, alleviated anxiety and depression, and improved neurocognitive function compared to model mice, exhibiting superior efficacy to positive control drugs. These findings suggest that Gly-A exerts anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis in CF. Conclusions Gly-A exhibits therapeutic potential against acute exercise-fatigue and CF, primarily by attenuating apoptosis through the inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
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DOI
高影响因子
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
·
2023
·
IF 6.8
Jiani Sun,Lei Gan,Siji Lv,Tao Wang,Chaoqun Dai,Jing Sun
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been reported to affect populations by disrupting the human endocrine system. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an EDC that is present in various consumer products. Exposure to DEHP could contribute to reproductive system dysfunction, with subsequent adverse female reproductive outcomes. Granulosa cells (GCs) play essential roles in ovarian function and fertility. To further reveal the underlying mechanism by which DEHP impairs female fertility and affects the normal function of GCs, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed. Transcript sequencing was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in GCs after DEHP treatment. SLC39A5 was shown to be overexpressed in the DEHP group compared to the normal control group. DEHP treatment and overexpression of SLC39A5 activated NF-κB-related factors, followed by an increase in the transcript expression level of NLRP3. NLRP3 inflammasomes play crucial roles in pyroptosis by acting as sensors. Pyroptosis is a type of inflammation-related cell death associated with various diseases, including ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. Activation of NF-κB contributed to the upregulation of pyroptosis in GCs, while pyroptosis factors were downregulated after the inhibition of NF-κB with JSH-23. The same phenomenon was also observed in a mouse model in which DEHP-treated mice had higher expression levels of NF-κB and pyroptosis markers in GCs. Moreover, this phenomenon could be partially reversed by the NF-κB inhibitor JSH-23. DEHP treatment also disrupted the normal expression of ovarian function-related genes and inhibited the proliferation of GCs. Reproductive system impairment was observed in mice exposed to DEHP. DEHP-treated mice had a lower body weight, smaller reproductive organs, fewer healthy follicles, and diminished ovarian reserve. Thus, DEHP contributes to ovarian dysfunction by inducing pyroptosis via the SLC39A5/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis in GCs.
研究领域:
毒理学
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生殖生物学
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分子生物学
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内分泌学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2022
·
IF 5.195
Zhenhua Bian,Yuwen Qin,Lin Li,Lianlin Su,Chenghao Fei,Yu Li,Minmin Hu,Xiaowei Chen,Wei Zhang,Chunqin Mao,Xiaohang Yuan,Tulin Lu,De Ji
Ethnopharmacological relevance the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (SC) is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating intestinal diseases . It is also traditionally used as health product and medicine in Russia and other countries. However, the effect of SC ethanol extract on anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been systematically studied yet. Aim of the study We investigated the protective effects and underlying action mechanisms of SC extract (SCE) for UC treatment. Materials and methods An animal model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was established. After oral administration of SCE, the Disease Activity Index (DAI) was calculated, the length of colon measured, levels of proinflammatory factors determined, and histopathology carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy of SCE on UC. The effects of SCE on the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome) signaling pathway were evaluated by western blotting . High-throughput sequencing was done to reveal the effect of SCE on the change of the gut microbiota (GM) in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Results SCE significantly reduced the DAI score, restored colon-length shortening, and ameliorated colonic histopathologic injury in mice with DSS-induced colitis. SCE inhibited the inflammatory response by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in mice with UC. SCE also maintained gut barrier function by increasing the levels of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin . 16S rRNA sequencing showed that SCE could reverse the GM imbalance caused by UC. Conclusions SCE can ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, and that its effects might be associated with suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and GM regulation, which may provide significant supports for the development of potential candidates for UC treatment.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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微生物学
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传统中医
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Science & Nutrition
·
2026
·Vol. 14
·期 4
·e71768
·
IF 5
Yunyun Zhi,Keli Zhou,Xueqing Huang,Yonghui Li,Ye Zhu,Yiqiang Xie,Shouzhong Ren
Gastric mucosal injury refers to the pathological changes characterized by congestion, edema, bleeding and erosion of the gastric mucosa caused by various factors. This condition is a significant feature of gastritis in which the inflammatory response plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. The herbal pair Daphniphyllum calycinum – Polygonum hydropiper (DCPH), known for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been shown to alleviate gastric mucosal injury. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which DCPH alleviates gastric mucosal injury by integrating network pharmacology with both in vivo and in vitro experimental validation. The results indicated that DCPH treatment significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of the cells and decreased the expression of inflammation‐related factors. DCPH suppressed macrophage M1 polarization while inducing apoptosis in damaged cells. Furthermore, DCPH diminished structural gastric mucosal damage and gastric inflammation. DCPH promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of LC3II/I and Beclin1, and downregulating P62 accumulation, thereby inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and M1 polarization, and reducing the release of inflammatory factors. However, these effects can be reversed by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ). In conclusion, DCPH alleviates gastric mucosal injury via regulating autophagy and targeting TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3, thereby offering insights for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The schematic diagram illustrated the proposed mechanism of DCPH in mouse macrophages. DCPH promotes autophagy to suppress the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway and M1 polarization, thereby attenuating cellular oxidative stress and inflammation.
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
·
2022
·
IF 5.846
Kai-Wen Ren,Xiao-Hong Yu,Yu-Hui Gu,Xin Xie,Yu Wang,Shi-hao Wang,Hui-Hua Li,Hai-Lian Bi
Atrial fibrosis and atrial inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Basic helix–loop–helix family member E40 (Bhlhe40) is an important transcription factor, which is involved in tumors, inflammation, apoptosis, viral infection, and hypoxia. However, its role and molecular mechanism in AF remain unclear. In this study, a mouse model of AF was induced by Ang II infusion. The atrial diameter was evaluated using echocardiography. Induction and duration of AF were measured by programmed electrical stimulation. Atrial structural remodeling was detected using routine histologic examinations. Our results showed that Bhlhe40 was significantly upregulated in angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated atrial cardiomyocytes and atrial tissues and in tissues from patients with AF. Cardiac-specific knockdown of Bhlhe40 in mice by a type 9 recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV9)-shBhlhe40 significantly ameliorated Ang II-induced atrial dilatation, atrial fibrosis, and atrial inflammation, as well as the inducibility and duration of AF. Mechanistically, cardiac-specific knockdown of Bhlhe40 attenuated Ang II-induced activation of NF-κB/NLRP3, TGF-1β/Smad2 signals, the increased expression of CX43, and the decreased expression of Kv4.3 in the atria. This is the first study to suggest that Bhlhe40 is a novel regulator of AF progression, and identifying Bhlhe40 may be a new therapeutic target for hypertrophic remodeling and heart failure.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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分子生物学
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转化医学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2025
·
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
·
免疫学
·
呼吸医学
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传统中医
✓ 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）