JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 5.4
Yan Zhou,Tian Wen,Shan Yang,Binru Meng,Jing Wei,Jing Zhang,Lun Wang,Xiaofei Shen
Ethnopharmacological relevance Cichorium intybus is a traditional medicinal herb for hepatitis treatment in China and Europe. Sesquiterpene lactones are the main active ingredients in C. intybus . However, their structure-activity relationship (SAR) and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects require further elucidation. Aim of the study To identify new sesquiterpene lactones from C. intybus , and further evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects, SAR, and mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Methods Identification of sesquiterpene lactones from C. intybus using chromatographic fractionation, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The repression of inflammation was evaluated in RAW264.7 macrophages incubated with LPS. Western blotting was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The hepatoprotective effect was measured in LPS/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced acute hepatitis in mice. Results We identified 3 new sesquiterpene lactones and 15 known analogues from C. intybus . SAR analysis showed that the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety was essential for their anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, 8-deoxylactucin was identified as the most potent anti-inflammatory component in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages by reduction of nitric oxide production via inhibiting iNOS expression, and suppression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression. Mechanistically, 8-deoxylactucin not only blocked LPS-induced IKKα/β phosphorylation, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, and NF-κB nuclear accumulation, but also enhanced NRF2 expression and nuclear translocation, HO-1 and NQO1 expression, and reduced ROS generation in vitro . In vivo , 8-deoxylactucin mitigated LPS/D-GalN-induced acute hepatitis, which manifested as reduction in inflammatory infiltration, live injury, serum levels of AST and ALT, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and 4-hydroxynonenal. Conclusion 8-Deoxylactucin, the sesquiterpene lactone isolated from C. intybus , exerted anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects by blocking NF-κB activation and enhancing NRF2 activation.
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ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.4
Lei Huang,Jiayi Wang,Jieqin Yu,Mengxuan Bian,Xingdong Xiang,Guanjie Han,Weisin Chen,Ning Wang,Jun Ge,Shunyi Lu,Jian Zhang
Osteoporosis (OP) can result in slower bone regeneration than the normal condition due to abnormal oxidative stress and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a condition detrimental for bone formation, making the OP-related bone healing a significant clinical challenge. As the osteogenic differentiation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is closely related to bone regeneration; currently, this study assessed the effects of Picein on BMSCs in vitro and bone regeneration in osteoporotic bone defect in vivo. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. The production of (ROS), malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase activities, and glutathione was evaluated by using commercially available kits, and a flow cytometry analysis was adopted to detect macrophage polarization. Osteogenic capacity of BMSCs was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and Alizarin red S staining. The expression of osteogenic-related proteins (OPN, Runx-2, OCN) and osteogenic-related genes (ALP, BMP-4, COL-1, and Osterix) were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). In addition, proliferation, migration ability, and angiogenic capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated by EdU staining, scratch test, transwell assay, and tube formation assay, respectively. Angiogenic-related genes (VEGF, vWF, CD31) were also evaluated by RT-PCR. Results showed that Picein alleviated erastin-induced oxidative stress, enhanced osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs, angiogenesis of HUVECs, and protects cells against ferroptosis through Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 axis. Moreover, Picein regulate immune microenvironment by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages in vitro. In addition, Picein also reduce the inflammation levels and promotes bone regeneration in osteoporotic bone defect in OP rat models in vivo. Altogether, these results suggested that Picein can promote bone regeneration and alleviate oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, offering Picein as a novel antioxidant agent for treating osteoporotic bone defect.
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Scientific Reports
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2024
·Vol. 14
·期 1
·1-16
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IF 3.8
Zhu Chunyang,Lu Yangyang,Wang Shasha,Song Jialin,Ding Yixin,Wang Yan,Dong Chen,Liu Jiani,Qiu Wensheng,Qi Weiwei
Effective drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) are still lacking. Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (NTP), a commonly used antidepressant medication, has been demonstrated by numerous studies to have antitumor effects. This study first validated the ability of NTP to inhibit GC and preliminarily explored its underlying mechanism. To begin with, NTP inhibits the activity of AGS and HGC27 cells (Human-derived GC cells) in a dose-dependent manner, as well as proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Moreover, NTP induces cell apoptosis by upregulating BAX, BAD, and c-PARP and downregulating PARP and Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the mechanism of cell death caused by NTP is closely related to oxidative stress. NTP increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inducing glucose (GSH) consumption. While the death of GC cells can be partially rescued by ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Mechanistically, NTP activates the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1)—NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which is an important pathway involved in oxidative stress. RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis further revealed molecular changes at the mRNA and protein levels and provided potential targets and pathways through differential gene expression analysis. In addition, NTP can inhibited tumor growth in nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models constructed respectively using AGS and MFC (mouse-derived GC cells), providing preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that NTP exhibits significant anti-GC activity and is anticipated to be a candidate for drug repurposing.
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JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
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2024
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IF 3.3
Xi-you Li,Xiao-yuan Gu,Xiao-min Li,Jian-gang Yan,Xin-liang Mao,Qin Yu,Yu-lan Du,Hiroshi Kurihara,Chang-Yu Yan,Wei-xi Li
BACKGROUND Carnosine, a natural bioactive dipeptide derived from meat muscle, possesses strong antioxidant properties. Dexamethasone, widely employed for treating various inflammatory diseases, raises concerns regarding its detrimental effects on bone health. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of carnosine against dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress and bone impairment, along with its underlying mechanisms, utilizing chick embryos and a zebrafish model in vivo , as well as MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro . RESULTS Our findings revealed that carnosine effectively mitigated bone injury in dexamethasone-exposed chick embryos, accompanied by reduced oxidative stress. Further investigation demonstrated that carnosine alleviated impaired osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells and zebrafish by suppressing the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Moreover, mechanistic studies elucidated that carnosine promoted the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), thereby facilitating the transcription of its downstream antioxidant response elements, including heme oxyense-1 (HO-1), glutamate cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM), and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) to counteract dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Overall, this study underscores the potential therapeutic efficacy of carnosine in mitigating oxidative stress and bone damage induced by dexamethasone exposure, shedding light on its underlying mechanism of action by activating the NRF2 signaling pathway. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
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2025
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IF 8.2
Hongli Zhang,Ziyu Lan,Hui Wang,Haojie Yao,Ruiyan Zheng,Zijing Chen,Xiang Luo,Peng Wu,Yuanyuan Cheng,Zhongqiu Liu
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon, characterized by a complex clinical syndrome. Pubescenoside A (PBA), a phenylpropanoid derived from Ilex pubescens , exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects; however, the impact and underlying mechanism of PBA on UC remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism of PBA against UC using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Pubescenoside A effectively enhances weight loss in UC mice, decreases the disease activity index (DAI). Regarding colonic morphology, PBA ameliorates colorectal stenosis and shortening, reduces intestinal mucosal ulceration, diminishes inflammatory cell infiltration, and tends to normalize glandular arrangement. Furthermore, PBA effectively suppresses pro-inflammatory factors. Mechanism studies have shown that PBA can directly target Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1), subsequently promoting the interaction between Keap1 and DEAD-box RNA helicase 5 (DDX5) to enhance ubiquitination and degradation of DDX5, leading to a down-regulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) expression. Additionally, PBA disrupts the Keap1/Nrf2 complex, facilitating Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear entry to inhibit the Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Importantly, in Gpt-lgr5-creERT2 Keap1 flox/flox mice, the anti-UC effect of PBA was attenuated. Our results indicated that PBA mitigated UC by targeting Keap1, thereby promoting the ubiquitination degradation of DDX5 and facilitating the nuclear entry of Nrf2.
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JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
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2025
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IF 3.5
Liang Yongchao,Huo Hongjin,Wei Wei,Wang Dongxuan,Lu Jingjing,Yi Wenjie,Jiang Fei
Purpose Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a representative persistent organic pollutant that has been shown to impair male reproductive function. Epidemiological studies and animal models suggest that vitamin D may modify male reproductive function. However, whether 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 could mitigate the PFOS-induced damage of Sertoli cells, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Methods Mouse Sertoli cell line TM4 were pretreated with or without 10 nM or 100 nM 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 for 6 h, followed by 100 µM or 200 µM PFOS for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK8 assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by fluorescent staining, while malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured using commercial kits. siRNA transfection, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR), and Western blotting were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Molecular docking studies were conducted to explore the potential binding of PFOS to Keap1. Results PFOS increased MDA contents, decreased GSH levels, and induced cytotoxicity in mouse Sertoli cells. Mechanistically, PFOS might directly bind to Keap1, facilitating its degradation, leading to persistent activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Conversely, 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 attenuated PFOS-induced cytotoxicity by alleviating the Nrf2-ARE pathway, a protective effect which was abolished by vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockdown. Conclusion PFOS induces cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells by binding to Keap1 and persistently activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway. 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 emerges as a promising candidate for mitigating PFOS-induced testicular dysfunction. Graphical abstract
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Journal of Functional Foods
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2024
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IF 3.8
Jian Hua,Hao Guan,Xue-Jian Li,Hong-Hui Liao,Xiao-Lin He,Chen-Huan Yu,Ping Huang
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication with limited effective interventions in diabetic patients. Linderae Radix is a traditional herbal tonic used to treat various kidney and metabolic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of the main bioactive components, sesquiterpene lactones in L. Radix (SLR), on DN. The results showed that treatment with SLR reduced the levels of apoptotic rates, ROS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in high glucose-treated HK2 cells. Furthermore, SLR improved renal dysfunction but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the renal tissues of DN mice. Mechanistically, SLR upregulated the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 but downregulated NF-κB in high glucose-treated HK2 cells by targeting PPAR, which could be reversed by the PPARγ inhibitor SR202. Therefore, SLR improved DN by reducing oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response through activating PPARγ/Nrf2 pathway.
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ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
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2019
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IF 4.527
Sihong Li,Ishfaq Muhammad,Hongxiao Yu,Xiaoqi Sun,Xiuying Zhang
In this study, we identified AFB1 adducts as potential markers and investigated the role of curcumin in alleviating AFB1-induced liver damage by suppressing the production of AFB1 adducts and oxidative stress in AA broilers liver. A total of 64 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four groups, including control group, AFB1 group (5 mg/kg AFB1), cur + AFB1 group (300 mg/kg curcumin+5 mg/kg AFB1) and curcumin group (300 mg/kg). Serum biochemical parameters, liver antioxidant abilities, AFB1 adducts and oxidative stress mechanism were studied in broilers. AFB1 administration accompany with signs of liver injury, including hepatic histological lesions, increased serum enzymes activities , decreased liver antioxidant enzymes activities and the suppression of ROS and 8-OHdG. Meanwhile, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was depressed by AFB1 treatment. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA showed that AFB1 significantly increased AFB1-DNA adduct in liver ( p < 0.05) and AFB1-lysine adduct in serum ( p < 0.05). Importantly, supplementation of curcumin can ameliorate these alterations. Intriguingly, curcumin alleviated AFB1-induced toxicity and oxidative stress by inhibiting the generation of ROS, 8-OHdG and AFB1 adducts, and activated Nrf2 signaling pathway in broilers. Conclusively, our experiments suggest that curcumin could be considered as a potential agent for prevention of AFB1-induced toxicity and oxidative stress, and AFB1 adducts could be suitable therapeutic targets.
研究领域:
兽医学
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毒理学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
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2024
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IF 6.9
Yang Qin,He Wen-hao,Xie Li,Chen Tao,Liu Ruo-fan,Hu Jia-jia,Guo Jia-yin,Tan Guo-zhu,Wu Fu-ling,Gu Peng,Chen Peng,Chen Yu
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced acute liver injury (ALI) is characterized by extensive oxidative stress, and the clinical interventions for this adverse effect remain limited. Astilbin is an active compound found in the rhizome of Smilax glabra Roxb . with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Due to its low oral bioavailability, astilbin can accumulate in the intestine, which provides a basis for the interaction between astilbin and gut microbiota (GM). In the present study we investigated the protective effects of astilbin against APAP-induced ALI by focusing on the interaction between astilbin and GM. Mice were treated with astilbin (50 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 , i.g.) for 7 days. After the last administration of astilbin for 2 h, the mice received APAP (300 mg/kg, i.g.) to induce ALI. We showed that oral administration of astilbin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI by altering the composition of GM and enriching beneficial metabolites including hydroxytyrosol (HT). GM depletion using an “antibiotics cocktail” or paraoral administration of astilbin abolished the hepatoprotective effects of astilbin. On the other hand, administration of HT (10 mg/kg, i.g.) caused similar protective effects in APAP-induced ALI mice. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver tissue revealed that HT inhibited reactive oxygen species and inflammation-related signaling in APAP-induced ALI; HT promoted activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway to combat oxidative stress following APAP challenge in a sirtuin-6-dependent manner. These results highlight that oral astilbin ameliorates APAP-induced ALI by manipulating the GM and metabolites towards a more favorable profile, and provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for alleviating APAP-induced ALI.
研究领域:
药理学
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肝病学
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微生物学
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分子生物学
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Cell Death & Disease
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2025
·Vol. 16
·期 1
·1-16
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IF 9.6
Cui Zichen,Gu Guanghui,Chen Fei,Li Jianyi,Du Xiaofan,Chen Shuqing,Zhang Han,Li Chenxu,Shao Jiale,Xi Jiayi,Du Yukun,Zhao Qinghua,Xi Yongming
The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to enhanced osteoclast activity, causing severe bone destruction in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Immunity-related GTPase family M member 1 (Irgm1) plays an essential role in affecting the production of intracellular ROS. To detect whether deletion of Irgm1 could suppress osteoclastogenesis through cellular redox regulation, we first evaluated whether the Irgm1 level was significantly elevated in mice bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMDMs) from ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis mice. Moreover, bioinformatics network analysis was performed to identify Irgm1 as a key upregulated gene during osteoclast differentiation. Next, we found that macrophage-specific Irgm1 knockout (Irgm1-cKO, Lyz2-Cre; Irgm1 flox/flox ) in OVX mice resulted in slower bone loss compared with OVX mice from the control group (Irgm1 flox/flox ). We then demonstrated that loss of Irgm1 inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption function via suppressing ROS accumulation. Further mechanism revealed that Irgm1 could endogenously bind to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and keep Keap1 from ubiquitination and degradation. In the absence of Irgm1, Keap1 was downregulated and causing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to translocate to the nucleus, thereby activating the level of the antioxidant system to combat oxidative stress. Moreover, Irgm1 deficiency in RAW264.7 promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) through inhibiting the M1 phenotype polarization. Taken together, our results revealed that loss of Irgm1 significantly alleviates OVX-induced bone loss, thus laying the foundation for exploring Irgm1 as a novel targeting approach for the treatment of osteoporosis.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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免疫学
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遗传学
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药理学
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生物医学研究
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PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2023
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IF 7.9
Hongkang Zhu,Fanglin Shen,Xiaochen Wang,He Qian,Yu Liu
Background Sleep deprivation (SD) has become a global health concern with serious consequences containing memory deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The gut-brain axis serves as a crucial link between the brain and gut, and the utilization of chlorogenic acid (CGA) presents a compelling strategy for mitigating or potentially resolving various neuroinflammation-associated disorders. However, it is still unknown how CGA may interact with the gut, microbiota and the brain during SD. Purpose This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of microbiota-gut-brain axis by which CGA prevents SD-induced cognitive deficits. Study design and methods CGA (30, 60 mg/kg.bw.) was gavaged to C57BL/6 mice, and then submitted to 48-h SD. The cognitive and spatial learning abilities were investigated through behavioral tests. Furthermore, we explored the action mechanism of this compound with haematological analysis, histopathological examination, Western blot, ELISA and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing from colonic contents. Results The cognitive deficits induced by SD were significantly relieved by administration of CGA in a dose-dependent manner. The H&E staining of hippocampus and colon tissues indicated that pretreatment of CGA not only protected brain tissue from SD, but also maintained intestinal integrity. In the hippocampus, the increased pro-inflammatory neurometabolites were significantly prevented by CGA, and an immune profile capable of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory was improved via Nrf2/PPAR signaling pathways. The observed immunomodulatory effect was concomitant with augmentation of the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by the heightened expressions of tight junction proteins. 16s rRNA analysis of colonic contents revealed that levels of Clostridia_UCG-014 and LPS were significantly inhibited, and those of Lactobacillus and intestinal tight junction proteins were upregulated in the CGA group. Pathways of ko05322 (immune disease) and ko04610 (immune system) were significantly regulated by CGA. Based on PICRUSt2 algorithm, CGA probably influenced gut microbial functions via several metabolism pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism. Conclusion The present study first proved the efficacy and mechanism of CGA in alleviating SD-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammatory via creating a systemic protection, a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut with the brain. The intestinal barrier improvement and the reshaped “SD microbiota” profiles restored immunity functions, which were the main contributors to Nrf2/PPAR activation and the neuroprotective effect of CGA. Overall, this work provided novel insights of CGA, which would guide the more reasonable clinical use of CGA in the pathogenesis of sleep-related disorders.
研究领域:
神经科学
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免疫学
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微生物学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
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IF 8.5
Wenqian Wang,Qingfu Zhang,Tong Zhang,Fuping Lu,Fufeng Liu
Current therapeutic options for Parkinson's disease (PD) are limited in efficacy and burdened with severe side-effects. Inflammation, intertwined with oxidative stress and influenced by gut microbiota-related changes making the gut-brain axis the main target of innovative therapies. This study reveals the multiple protective effects of polysaccharides extracted from Ulva lactuca (UPE) on PD models. In vitro, UPE was shown to have direct cytoprotective effects, including mitigating 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced cell apoptosis, reducing reactive oxygen species levels, and maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential. In vivo, oral UPE significantly restored motor deficits and dopaminergic neuron loss caused by MPTP. These in vivo benefits were associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, oral UPE inhibits the excessive activation of glial cells and the excessive production of pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers in serum. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis of gut microbiota revealed that UPE reshaped the gut microbiota of PD mice by increasing the abundance of norank_f_Murbaculaceae and decreasing the abundance of Desulfovibrio . Mechanically, the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways are involved in the anti-PD effect of UPE. In general, UPE offers new perspectives on PD treatment and demonstrates the potential of natural polysaccharides in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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