PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
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2025
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IF 6.3
Xian Zheng,Yuanyue Jiang,Wenbo Wang,Kekang Sun,Libin Zhou,Yanru Zhang,Jie Cui,Haiyan Yu,Wenbin Dong,Baofei Yan
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, characterized by recurrent flare-ups and limited effectiveness of available drug therapies. Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenoid compound extracted from Centella asiatica , has shown promising pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential in several inflammation-related diseases. However, AA's efficacy in treating UC and its precise mechanisms of action remain to be fully explored. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of AA's therapeutic effects on UC and to investigate its underlying mechanisms, with a focus on gut microbiota interactions. In our study, a dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC mouse model was used to evaluate AA's therapeutic potential and explore its impact on gut microbiota composition and function. We further used an antibiotic cocktail and fecal microbiota transplantation assays to substantiate the role of gut microbiota in AA's mechanisms of action. A metabolomic analysis was also conducted to identify key metabolic pathways and gut microbiota-derived metabolites involved in AA's effects. Our findings demonstrated that AA significantly alleviates symptoms of UC, including reducing weight loss, slowing disease progression, mitigating colonic inflammation, and restoring immune balance. Mechanistically, the beneficial effects of AA were strongly linked to alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites, particularly γ-glutamyltyrosine. This metabolite was found to regulate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that AA holds promise as a therapeutic agent for UC by modulating the gut microbiota and influencing critical inflammatory pathways.
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JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
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2024
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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
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EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2025
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IF 12.9
Yang Qihao,Wu Jianqun,Huang Songqiang,Zeng Jing,Jing Yihan,Wang Zhiyong,Zhang Chi,Wu Zenghui,Liu Song,Wang Zhao
Here we investigate the effects and mechanisms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in regulating chondrocyte mechanics during inflammation in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Primary porcine chondrocytes and human OA chondrocytes were isolated and cultured. Cell mechanical properties were measured using atomic force microscopy. RNA sequencing, immunocytochemistry, quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to elucidate associated signaling mechanisms. Porcine cartilage and human OA cartilage explants were collected. Human articular cartilage samples were obtained from ten donors. Anterior cruciate ligament transection surgery was performed to induce OA in male C57BL/6J mice. The therapeutic effects of EPA and activation of associated signaling were evaluated using histology, immunohistochemistry and micro-computed tomography. EPA reduced F-actin intensity and Young’s modulus in IL-1α-treated porcine chondrocytes and in human OA chondrocytes. Mechanistically, EPA inhibited IL-1α-induced increase in CD44 expression in porcine chondrocytes by suppressing phosphorylation of NF-κB subunits p65. In addition, EPA alleviated articular cartilage degeneration and decreased the expression of p-p65 and CD44 in IL-1α-treated porcine and human OA cartilage explants. Moreover, EPA suppressed the increase in Young’s modulus induced by CD44 ligands (A6 peptide and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid) in porcine chondrocytes. Finally, intraarticular injection of EPA emulsion-integrated hyaluronic acid injection attenuated OA-associated alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone and decreased CD44 expression in mice. Our data not only provide new insights into EPA’s chondroprotective actions and underlying mechanisms but also offer new evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of a novel EPA emulsion-integrated hyaluronic acid injection for OA treatment.
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Cell Communication and Signaling
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2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·1-17
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IF 8.9
Xu Teng,Wang Yaning,Zhao Zechen,Wang Jinsong,Zhao Zhenyuan,Yang Yuemei,Song Xiaomeng,Lai Qingguo
Background Tumor dissemination is a life-threatening event which confers to most cancer-related deaths with limited effective therapeutic option. TNFα-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2) reveals pro-metastasis potential in several cancers. However, its definite role and underlying mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is largely unknown. Methods The impact of TNFAIP2 on tumor metastasis was assessed based on the conditional knockout mouse with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) induced OSCC model through feature and immunohistochemistry analysis. To explore the specific mechanism, enrichment analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were applied. Meanwhile, the nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) based RNA interference delivery system was designed to restrict tumor dissemination. Results The conditional knockout Tnfaip2 in epithelium reduced tumor initiation rate, differentiation degree and cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in mouse exposed to 4NQO. Enrichment analysis suggested nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling was associated with these effects. Western blot proved that TNFAIP2 prevented the ubiquitin proteasome degradation of inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta (IKKβ), a classical transcriptional activator protein in NF-κB signaling. Mechanistically, TNFAIP2 was demonstrated to competitively interact with kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) to avoid IKKβ from ubiquitination at K63 and proteasomal degradation subsequently, which finally sustained NF-κB signaling and facilitated tumor metastasis by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lymphangiogenesis. Notably, the synthetic small interfering RNA delivery systems nHAp@PLL-siTnfaip2 showed significant effect in attenuating tumor progression of OSCC mouse. Conclusion Above results showed TNFAIP2 promoted EMT and lymphangiogenesis of OSCC by regulating NF-κB signaling, a mechanism that was dependent on the interaction with KEAP1 competitively. The nHAp based TNFAIP2 interference might serve as a novel therapeutic in limiting OSCC metastasis.
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JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.8
Guo-Dong Zhuang,Si-Min Deng,Meng-Di Chen,Chao-Fan Deng,Wen-Ting Gu,Shu-Mei Wang,Dan Tang
Ethnopharmacological relevance Cognitive dysfunction associated with diabetes, known as diabetic encephalopathy (DE), is a grave neurodegenerative condition triggered by diabetes, and persistent inflammation plays a vital role in its development. The renowned traditional Chinese medicine Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD) is clinically proven to manage diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease and is famous for its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. However, the underlying mechanisms through which HLJDD affects DE remain to be elucidated. Aim of the study To explore the beneficial effects of HLJDD on improving cognitive dysfunction in DE mice. Study design and methods A diabetic mouse was established through a high-fat diet and subsequent administration of streptozotocin over five consecutive days. After the animals were confirmed to have diabetes, they were treated with HLJDD. After oral administration of HLJDD or metformin for 14 weeks, behavioral tests were used to assess their cognitive capacity. Biochemical analyses were then performed to detect levels of glucose metabolism, followed by histological analyses to assess pathological damage. Furthermore, AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB axis related proteins were detected by Western blot or immunofluorescence techniques. An advanced UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS analytical technique utilizing a chemical derivatization strategy was employed for comprehensive metabolic profiling of carbonyl compounds in the plasma of DE mice. Results Pharmacological assessment revealed that HLJDD effectively mitigated cognitive dysfunction, normalized glucose metabolic imbalances, and repaired neuronal damage in DE mice. It reduced neuroinflammation by attenuating carbonyl stress, deactivating astrocytes and microglia, and preserving dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, metabolomics analysis revealed 18 carbonyl compounds with marked disparities between DE and control mice, with 12 metabolites approaching normal levels post-HLJDD intervention. Further investigations showed that HLJDD regulated inflammation and pyroptosis through suppressing AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathways. Conclusion Our study indicated that HLJDD could ameliorate carbonyl stress via the regulation of carbonyl compound metabolism profiling, and inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation and pyroptosis to exert beneficial effects on DE.
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American Journal of Translational Research
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2020
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IF 3.375
Xiugui Wei,Hongyuan Wang,Xuemei Sun,Xiukun Huang,Wanpeng Xu,Yingqin Liang,Lin Liu,Siyan Mo,Xing Lin,Jun Lin
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of 4-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone from Acanthus ilicifolius (HBAI) on acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen in mice and its mechanism. Mice were continuously treated with HBAI (200, 100, 50 mg/kg) once a day for 10 days. After that, the mice were fasted for 8 hours, followed by intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg). The results showed that HBAI pretreatment significantly reduced acetaminophen-induced liver tissue congestion, hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. HBAI could effectively reduce the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Interestingly, the activities of liver catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione reductase were enhanced by HBAI pretreatment. Moreover, HBAI pretreatment alleviated acetaminophen-induced hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins and the mitochondrial function. Further study showed that HBAI pretreatment effectively promoted the expression of Nrf2 and its signal downstream HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, GCLM, and MGST-1, suggesting the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, HBAI attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65, IKKα/β, and IκBα, as well as the expression of NF-κBp50, which indicated that HBAI blocked the signal transduction of NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, HBAI protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting the NF-κB and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.
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MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
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2025
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IF 4.3
Wan Yu-hui,Cheng Zeng-jing,Fan Ling-xiang,Yang De-hong,Chen Bing-lin,Chen Xiang-xin,Zhu Qing
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. In its early stages, a substantial influx of blood into the subarachnoid space triggers excessive activation of microglia, which markedly contributes to early brain injury (EBI), a pivotal determinant of poor prognosis. Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPSs), as acidic heteropolysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Tremella, exhibit robust anti-inflammatory characteristics and many biological properties. Nonetheless, the impact of TFPSs on EBI after SAH has yet to be reported, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain elusive. We used in vivo and in vitro models to study the effects of TFPSs on microglia post-SAH. Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the targets of TFPSs and the pathways through which it exerts its therapeutic effects. These predictions were subsequently corroborated through flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction, both in vivo and in vitro. After 24 h post-SAH, TFPS-treated mice presented improved neurological function and reduced cerebral edema. TFPSs reversed microglial activation, enhanced phagocytic ability, and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Network pharmacology identified KDR as a potential target of TFPSs, with the P38 MAPK pathway as the downstream pathway. TFPSs attenuated KDR expression, inhibited the P38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased microglial phagocytic capacity post-SAH. This investigation revealed that TFPSs may ameliorate EBI after SAH, potentially via the regulation of the KDR-mediated P38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway and phagocytic function.
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
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2025
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IF 8.5
Kexin Liu,Yanling He,Shasha Li,Han Tao,Liang Wei,Jianqin Huang,Chenyu Jiang,Mohamed A. Farag,Lili Song,Fei Gao
Neuroinflammation, a critical innate immune response in the central nervous system (CNS), is closely associated with dysregulated inflammatory pathways. Targeting key mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the NF-κB/MAPK signaling axis offers a promising strategy for mitigating inflammatory cascades. In this study, three novel peptides derived from Carya cathayensis (DFR, GAR, NAK) were computationally screened via molecular docking and dynamics simulations for their iNOS inhibitory potential. DFR demonstrated superior binding affinity and stability, validated through in vitro assays where it significantly suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) production in BV2 microglia. To enhance therapeutic efficacy, DFR was engineered into a nanostructured delivery system (pADFR) through conjugation with a targeting ligand and PEGylation. In vivo evaluations revealed that pADFR alleviated LPS-induced behavioral deficits and reduced inflammatory mediators in mice, with mechanistic studies highlighting its suppression of NF-κB/MAPK pathway activation. This study underscores the potential of peptide-based nanostructures for targeted modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways, offering a platform for precision therapeutic development.
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Scientific Reports
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2025
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·40525
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IF 3.9
Ma Chunli,Wang Linghong,Cao Lili,Zhao Linyun,Zhang Xin,Ma Chengyou,Lian Hua,Bao Xiufang,Eerde Mutu,Buren Qiqige,Tong He,Dai Lili,Amu Guleng,Bao Yulong,Hong Mei,Wang Li
Acute liver injury (ALI) is a prevalent hepatic condition that poses significant risks to both life and overall health. Traditional Mongolian medicine utilizes Honghua Qinggan Thirteen-Flavor Pills (HHQG) as a primary formula for dispelling liver heat, illustrating both an extensive application in clinical settings and notable therapeutic effectiveness for treating liver ailments such as hepatitis and liver failure. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the hepatoprotective properties of HHQG remain inadequately understood.We employed a CCl 4 -induced mouse model of liver injury alongside network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking studies, and cellular assays to dissect the effects and mechanisms of action of HHQG. Our findings demonstrated that HHQG significantly improved CCl 4 -induced liver injury in mice, reducing pathological damage and inflammatory factors. Network pharmacology identified 184 overlapping targets, 6 key genes, and 5 key active components in HHQG. Molecular docking confirmed the binding affinity of these components to RASD1. Gene expression analysis in liver tissue revealed a positive correlation between mRNA expression of RASD1 and NLRP3. Cell experiments demonstrated the role of RASD1 in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory factors. Pretreatment of HHQG attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory response and the activation of PKCδ-NF-κB signaling pathway. In the CCl 4 -induced liver injury model, HHQG significantly reduced NLRP3, RASD1, and PKCδ-NF-κB expression.This study revealed that HHQG effectively mitigates CCl 4 -induced liver injury by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by regulating the PKCδ-NF-κB signaling pathway via RASD1. These findings provide novel theoretical support for the rational application of HHQG as a potential hepatoprotective agent.
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iScience
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2025
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IF 4.1
Jiayi Xiao,Qi Li,Zhu Li,Lingxin Kong,Yang Shang,Yongliang Xu,Mo Dong,Sijin Zhang,Zitao Li,Caijuan Li
Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Through online data mining, we identified the significant upregulation of the RNA-binding protein La Ribonucleoprotein 1 (LAR1) in BC. Functionally, LAR1 knockdown impeded S-phase entry, migration, and invasion of BC cells in vitro . Consistently, it markedly suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis in BALB/c nude mice. Mechanistically, LAR1 promoted AKT phosphorylation and IκBα degradation, leading to NF-κB activation, with the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC rescuing LAR1's effects. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and previous data of LAR1-mRNA interactome revealed Apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) as a key target. LAR1 bound to the APOC1 3'-UTR to stabilize its mRNA, and APOC1 overexpression counteracted the effects of LAR1 knockdown. In conclusion, our study defines the LAR1-APOC1-NF-κB axis as a crucial driver of BC progression, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for BC treatment.
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NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
·
2018
·Vol. 43
·期 5
·1058-1066
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IF 2.772
Nong Xiaolian,Lan Yuyan
Reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammatory responses in the spinal dorsal horn have been reported to play a pivotal role in pathological pain. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) enhances the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is involved in neuropathic pain (NP). Picroside II (PII), a major active component of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, has been investigated for its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Here, we explored the analgesic effects of PII on a model of CCI-induced NP and investigated the levels of the GFAP protein and the mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). CCI significantly induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Intraperitoneal administration of PII remarkably reversed the CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the spinal cord. Additionally, according to the in vitro data, the PII treatment inhibited LPS-induced increases in the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and suppressed the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 and the degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) in astrocytes without toxicity to astrocytes. Overall, the analgesic effect of PII correlated with the inhibition of spinal reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway in rats with NP.
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FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
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2025
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IF 8
Mingxiu Long,Hui Wang,Fang Zhang,Yaoqi Ran,Yongfu Li,Jingwen Luo,Zhaojun Chen,Zhuxi Tian,Shuming Tan,Xiong Liu
Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit polyphenols (RP) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, showing potential for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. However, their efficacy is limited by bioavailability and targeting efficiency. To address this, RP were encapsulated into acylated chitosan-crosslinked carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (ACs-CKGM) nanogel (RPNG). Experimental results demonstrated that RPNG significantly enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-3) and mucus secretion (MUC2). It effectively mitigated oxidative stress by restoring antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px and CAT) while reducing MPO, COX-2 and iNOS activation. Through integrated ELISA, western blot, and transcriptomic analyses, we emonstrated that RPNG specifically inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways, decreasing inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-10). Gut microbiome analysis showed RPNG reversed DSS-induced dysbiosis by enriching beneficial bacteria (e.g., Muribaculum sp.) and suppressing pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli ). These findings highlight RPNG as a novel targeted strategy for UC management, supported by multi-omics mechanistic insights.
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