Molecular Medicine Reports
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2024
·Vol. 30
·期 4
·1-10
·
IF 3.4
Ying Chen,Yu Li,Xiaojuan Li,Qingqing Fang,Feng Li,Shiyao Chen,Weichang Chen
Indole‑3‑propionic acid (IPA), a product of Clostridium sporogenes metabolism, has been shown to improve intestinal barrier function. In the present study, in vitro experiments using NCM460 human colonic epithelial cells were performed to investigate how IPA alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced intestinal epithelial cell injury, with the aim of improving intestinal barrier function. In addition, the underlying mechanism was explored. NCM460 cell viability and apoptosis were measured using the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier was evaluated by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The underlying molecular mechanism was explored using western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, a dual luciferase reporter gene assay and quantitative PCR. The results showed that 10 µg/ml LPS induced the most prominent decrease in cell viability after 24 h of treatment. By contrast, IPA effectively inhibited LPS‑induced apoptosis in the intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, >0.5 mM IPA improved intestinal barrier function by increasing TEER and upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens‑1, claudin‑1 and occludin). Furthermore, IPA inhibited the release of pro‑inflammatory cytokines (IL‑1β, IL‑6 and TNF‑α) in a dose‑dependent manner and this was achieved via regulation of the Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88/NF‑κB and TLR4/TRIF/NF‑κB pathways. In conclusion, IPA may alleviate LPS‑induced inflammatory injury in human colonic epithelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that IPA may be a potential therapeutic approach for the management of diseases characterized by LPS‑induced intestinal epithelial cell injury and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
研究领域:
胃肠病学
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免疫学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Natural Medicines
·
2020
·Vol. 75
·期 1
·37-47
·
IF 2.055
Han Jieru,Shi Guangyu,Li Wenhao,Xie Ying,Li Fuzhen,Jiang Deyou
Monosodium urate (MSU)-mediated inflammation is closely related to gouty arthritis (GA). Dioscin, an active ingredient, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory property. Nevertheless, the role of dioscin in GA and the underlying mechanism have not been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of dioscin on MSU-induced GA through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Histopathological analysis showed that dioscin alleviated the severity of GA concomitant with the lowered uric acid and creatinine levels. Moreover, the increasing IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels induced by MSU were decreased via administration of dioscin in mice and human synoviocytes. Western blotting results suggested that dioscin inhibited the activation of NLRP3 through down-regulating the protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), cleaved-caspase-1, as well as IL-1β. In addition, TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), p-IKKβ, p-p65, and NF-κB p65 in nuclei levels were significantly reduced by dioscin. Importantly, dioscin remarkably lowered the NF-κB p65-DNA activity in MSU-treated mice utilizing electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis. Taken together, dioscin had a protective effect against MSU-initiated inflammatory response via repressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and the activation of inflammasome NLRP3 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The above findings revealed that dioscin could be a potential drug for the treatment of GA.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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风湿病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Foods
·
2025
·Vol. 14
·期 4
·619
·
IF 5.1
Kaijie Shang,Zhiheng Zhao,Hua Chen,Xiaonan Bian,Xianquan Zhong,Xiaoping Hu,Xue Lin,Lu Wang
The consumption of wampee has traditionally been utilized to alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation and associated disorders; however, its exact mechanism has remained unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanism of wampee polyphenol extract (WPE) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). The findings revealed that WPE alleviated diverse symptoms of UC, regulated various inflammatory cytokines, and effectively protected the colon tissue structure and barrier integrity, thereby inhibiting LPS translocation. Moreover, WPE restored the richness and diversity of gut microbiota and optimized its structure at the phylum and genus levels, causing a notable improvement in short- chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, particularly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Consequently, WPE was demonstrated to effectively suppress the LPS-induced TLR4-p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway by modulating gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the use of wampee as a potential functional natural food for UC.
研究领域:
营养学
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胃肠病学
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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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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Marine Drugs
·
2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·49
·
IF 5.4
Zi-Han Xu,Ming-Min Xie,Chun-Lan Xie,Xian-Wen Yang,Jun-Song Wang
Neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death are leading causes of death in the elderly and underlie various neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases involve complex pathophysiological mechanisms, including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. Compounds derived from deep-sea fungi exhibit low toxicity and potent neuroprotective effects, offering a promising source for drug development. In this study, we isolated 44 natural products from deep-sea-derived fungi and identified isobisvertinol (17) as a compound with anti-inflammatory and ferroptosis-inhibiting effects. Using LPS-induced microglial inflammation and RSL3-induced neuronal ferroptosis models, we found that17targets TLR4 to provide neuroprotection. Molecular docking studies revealed that17inhibits TLR4 activation by occupying the hydrophobic pocket at the TLR4-MD2 binding site. Additionally,17suppresses TLR4, reducing p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and inhibits ferroptosis by decreasing lipid peroxidation and modulating mitochondrial membrane potential. Metabolomic analysis showed that17rescues alterations in multiple metabolic pathways induced by RSL3 and increases levels of antioxidant metabolites, including glutamine, glutamate, and glutathione. In summary, our results indicate that isobisvertinol (17) targets TLR4 in neural cells to reduce inflammation and inhibit p38 MAPK phosphorylation, while regulating metabolic pathways, mainly GSH synthesis, to provide antioxidant effects and prevent ferroptosis in neurons.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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免疫学
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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 Immunology Research
·
2023
·
IF 4.1
Hui Du,Shiwen Tong,Ge Kuang,Xia Gong,Ningman Jiang,Xian Yang,Hao Liu,Nana Li,Yao Xie,Yang Xiang,Jiashi Guo,Zhenhan Li,Yinglin Yuan,Shengwang Wu,Jingyuan Wan
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose would lead to liver toxicity and even acute liver failure in severe cases by triggering an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Sesamin has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in several animal disease models. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of sesamin on APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) were explored. The results showed that pretreatment with sesamin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by decreased serum aminotransferase activities, hepatic pathological damages, and hepatic cellular apoptosis. But sesamin has no significant effects on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), APAP-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) production, and glutathione content in the liver of APAP-administered mice. Moreover, APAP-induced liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response also were remarkedly attenuated by sesamin, including reducing hepatic reactive oxygen species levels, promoting antioxidant generation, and inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as decreasing inflammatory cell recruitment. Notably, sesamin inhibited serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) releases and blocked hepatic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in APAP-administered mice. These findings indicated that sesamin could mitigate APAP-induced ALI through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which might be mediated by the deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling in mice.
研究领域:
肝病学
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药理学
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免疫学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Natural Medicines
·
2020
·Vol. 75
·期 1
·129-141
·
IF 2.055
An Meng-Fei,Wang Ming-Yue,Shen Chang,Sun Ze-Rui,Zhao Yun-Li,Wang Xuan-Jun,Sheng Jun
Abstract Isoorientin (ISO), a natural flavonoid compound, has been identified in several plants and its biological activity is determined and the study on lowering uric acid has not been reported. In view of the current status of treatment of hyperuricemia, we evaluated the hypouricemic effects of ISO in vivo and in vitro, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Yeast extract-induced hyperuricemia animal model as well as hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase (XOD) co-induced high uric acid L-O2 cell model and enzymatic experiments in vitro were selected. The XOD activity and uric acid (UA) level were inhibited after the treatment of ISO in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were also significantly reduced and liver damage was recovered in pathological histology after the ISO administration in hyperuricemia animal model. The results of mechanism illustrated that protein expressions such as XOD, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cathepsin B (CTSB), NLRP3, and its downstream caspase-1 as well as interleukin-18 (IL-18) were markedly downregulated by ISO intervention in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that ISO exerts a urate-lowering effect through inhibiting XOD activity and regulating TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome signal pathway, thus representing a promising candidate therapeutic agent for hyperuricemia. Graphic abstract Both animal models and in vitro experiments suggested that ISO may effectively lower uric acid produce. The mechanism might be the inhibition of XOD activity and NLRP3 inflammasome of upregulation.
研究领域:
药理学
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生物化学
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分子生物学
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医学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
NEUROSCIENCE
·
2024
·
IF 2.9
Tao Ye,Ning Zhang,Yunting He,Chunyan Chen,Qiqi Zha,Anbang Zhang,Xiuqi Sun,Xuemei Wu
Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury is frequently associated with neuroinflammation. The modulation of microglial polarization presents a promising approach for addressing cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. While electroacupuncture preconditioning has demonstrated efficacy in the management of ischemic stroke, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain inadequately understood. The investigation focused on elucidating the relationship between alterations in the TLR4/NF-κB/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway and microglial polarization subsequent to EA pretreatment. Established a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model following electroacupuncture (EA) treatment at the Baihui (GV 20) acupoint. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the sham, Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R), I/R + EA groups (n = 6). The results of Nissl Staining and TUNEL Stainingl showed that the number of curative neurons increased significantly after pretreatment, indicating an improvement in neuron formation and an increase in the number of austenite. The level of apoptosis in brain tissue in the I/R group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group. Electroacupuncture pretreatment can effectively inhibit apoptosis occurrence. In addition, electric acupuncture pretreatment protects rat blood–brain barrier integrity and mitochondrial function. After treatment, the number of M1-type microglia decreased, while the number of M2-type microglia increased. These results suggest that EA preconditioning may alleviate neurological deficits and neuronal apoptosis caused by cerebral I/R injury, while maintaining the integrity of the blood–brain barrier and promoting microglial polarization through the TLR4/NF-κB/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Our findings establish a new molecular mechanism and theoretical foundation for electroacupuncture therapy of ischemic stroke.
研究领域:
神经科学
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免疫学
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药理学
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中医
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2023
·Vol. 27
·期 2
·1-11
·
IF 3.4
Jing Zhao,Mingming Ma,Lei Li,Gaoli Fang
Oxysophoridine (OSR) is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides L. and exerts beneficial effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of OSR in cerebral I/R injury remains unclear. In the present study, a cerebral I/R injury rat model was established by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Hematoxylin and eosin and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were performed to assess histopathological changes and the extent of cerebral injury to the brain. A Cell Counting Kit‑8 and TUNEL assay and western blotting were performed to assess cell viability and apoptosis. Ferroptosis and oxidative stress were evaluated based on ATP and Fe2+ levels and DCFH‑DA staining. The protein expression levels of inflammatory factors were assessed using ELISA. The protein expression levels of members of the toll‑like receptor (TLR)4/p38MAPK signaling pathway were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The results demonstrated that OSR decreased brain injury and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus in I/R‑induced rats. OSR inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased levels of ATP, Fe2+ and acyl‑CoA synthetase long‑chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and transferrin 1 protein and increased the protein expression levels of ferritin 1 and glutathione peroxidase 4. Furthermore, OSR blocked TLR4/p38MAPK signaling in brain tissue in the I/R‑induced rat. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TLR4 overexpression induced generation of ROS, ATP and Fe2+, which promoted the expression of ferroptosis‑associated proteins in hippocampal HT22 neuronal cells. The ferroptosis inducer erastin decreased the effects of OSR on oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‑induced cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Together, the results demonstrated that OSR alleviated cerebral I/R injury via inhibition of TLR4/p38MAPK‑mediated ferroptosis.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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病理生理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2024
·
IF 7.7
Jiqi Huang,Yifan Su,Qianyu Wang,Mingxiao Feng,Dawei Zhang,Qian Yu,Chunyan Yan
Ganoderma lucidum spores are tiny mature germ cells ejected from the abaxial side of the pileus and were responsible for multiple pharmacological properties. The defatted G. lucidum spores are the byproducts after the extraction of G. lucidum spores oil by supercritical fluid extraction technology, which have not been given sufficient attention. In order to fully utilize the resources of G. lucidum spores, a glucomannan (SGL90–1, 6.4 kDa) was isolated from the defatted G. lucidum spores. SGL90–1 was composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 23.9:28.7:9.0:1.0. The backbone of SGL90–1 was consisted of →2,4)- α -D-Man p -(1→, →6)- β -D-Man p -(1→, →2,6)- α -D-Man p -(1→, →2)- α -D-Glc p -(1→, and →3,6)- β -D-Glc p -(1 → with seven side chains, and terminated with β -D-Man p -(1→, β -D-Glc p -(1→, α -L-Fuc p -(1→, and β -D-Gal f -(1→. Moreover, SGL90–1 could significantly elevate the phagocytic capability of RAW264.7 macrophages and promote the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ), and interlrukin-6 (IL-6) through activating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the potential of SGL90–1 as a natural functional food with strong immune-enhancing effect.
研究领域:
真菌学
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免疫学
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药理学
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生物化学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
·
2025
·
IF 2.5
Yingpei Miao,Shuqing Yu,Qingcui Zhang,Xiaomei Li,Bowei Xia,Li Yang,Xiaobin Li,Junwei He
Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJ) is a pivotal traditional Chinese medicine remedy for thrombosis; however, its potential mechanisms and active constituents remain unclear. In this study, LJ exhibits a significant antithrombotic effect on an arteriovenous bypass thrombosis rat, characterized by reductions in thrombus wet and dry weights, decreased maximum aggregation rate, increased thrombus formation inhibition rate, aggregation inhibition rate, alterations in fibrinogen and antithrombin III levels, and shortened coagulation indicators. Moreover, LJ significantly enhanced the erythrocyte staining area and intensity in an arachidonic acid-induced zebrafish heart. Network pharmacology indicated that LJ alleviates thrombosis by regulating TNF and IL-17 pathways. Metabolomics revealed that LJ significantly modulated 29 endogenous differential metabolites, linking it to the regulation of primary bile acid biosynthesis, IL-17, and TNF pathways. Zebrafish experiments and molecular docking suggested that kaempferol and apigenin exhibit antithrombotic effects by modulating TNF and IL-17 proteins. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation validated that kaempferol and apigenin have strong binding capabilities with TLR4, STAT3, TNF-α, and IL-17A, and their binding free energies are −20 to −27 and −13 to −15 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, LJ exerts its antithrombotic effect by regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting TLR4/STAT3/TNF-α/IL-17A pathways, with kaempferol and apigenin identified as bio-constituents. This plant holds significant potential for development and utilization in antithrombotic therapies. Graphical This study is the first to integrate network pharmacology, rat model, metabolomics, zebrafish model, molecular docking, and MD simulation techniques to elucidate the anti-thrombotic effect and mechanism of Leonurus japonicus by modulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting TLR4/STAT3/TNF-α/IL-17A pathways, with kaempferol and apigenin identified as primary pharmacological constituents.
研究领域:
药理学
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中医药学
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心血管疾病
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系统生物学
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计算生物学
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动物学
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生物信息学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Neuroscience
·
2024
·
IF 3.2
Shuo Li,Alhamdu Adamu,Yucai Ye,Fankai Gao,Rulin Mi,Guofang Xue,Zhaojun Wang
Objective: To investigate the effect of (+)-borneol on neuroinflammation and microglia phenotype polarization in epileptogenesis and its possible mechanism.Methods: Based on mouse models of status epilepticus (SE) induced by pilocarpine, and treated with 15 mg/kg (+)-borneol, western-blot was used to detect the expressions of NeuN, Iba-1, TLR4, p65 and p-p65 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2. To explore the effect of (+)-borneol on microglia in vitro, we used the kainic acid-induced microglia model and the concentration of (+)-borneol was 25 μM according to CCK-8 results. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the supernatant of each group was detected by ELISA. The nitric oxide (NO) content in the supernatant was detected by Griess method. The expressions of Iba-1 and TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway-related proteins (TLR4, p65, p-p65) were detected by Western-Blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect microglia’s M1 and M2 phenotype polarization and the expression of Iba-1 and TLR4.Results: (+)-borneol reduced hippocampal neuronal injury, apoptosis, and microglia activation by inhibiting the TLR-NFκB signaling pathway in SE mice. TLR4 agonist LPS partially reversed the neuroprotective effect of (+)-borneol. In the KA-induced microglia model, (+)-borneol inhibited microglia activation, M1 phenotype polarization, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway. LPS treatment inhibited the therapeutic effects of (+)-borneol.Conclusion: (+)-borneol inhibits microglial neuroinflammation and M1 phenotype polarization through TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway and reduces neuronal damage and apoptosis in SE mice. Therefore, (+)-borneol may be a potential drug for epilepsy modification therapy.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
·
2023
·Vol. 29
·期 4
·1000-1011
·
IF 5.5
Di Zhang,Bei Jing,Zhen-ni Chen,Xin Li,Hui-mei Shi,Ya-chun Zheng,Shi-quan Chang,Li Gao,Guo-ping Zhao
Introduction Sciatica causes intense pain. No satisfactory therapeutic drugs exist to treat sciatica. This study aimed to probe the potential mechanism of ferulic acid in sciatica treatment. Methods Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation, chronic constriction injury (CCI), mecobalamin, and ferulic acid. We conducted RNA sequencing, behavioral tests, ELISA, PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. TAK-242 and JSH23 were administered to RSC96 and GMI-R1 cells to explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate inflammation. Results RNA sequencing showed that TLR4/NF-κB pathway is involved in the mechanism of sciatica. CCI induced cold and mechanical hyperalgesia; destroyed the sciatic nerve structure; increased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-β protein levels and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, TLR4, and IBA-1 mRNA levels; and decreased IL-10 and INF-γ protein levels and IL-4 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that IBA-1, CD32, IL-1β, iNOS, nNOS, COX2, and TLR4 expression was increased while S100β and Arg-1 decreased. CCI increased TLR4, IBA-1, IL-1β, iNOS, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels. Treatment with mecobalamin and ferulic acid reversed these trends. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RSC96 cell apoptosis by reducing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl protein and mRNA levels and increasing Bax and Bad mRNA and IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels, while ferulic acid inhibited cell apoptosis by decreasing IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK levels and increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl levels. In GMI-R1 cells, Ferulic acid attenuated LPS-induced M1 polarization by decreasing the M1 polarization markers IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and CD32 and increasing the M2 polarization markers CD206, IL-4, IL-10 and Arg-1. After LPS treatment, IL-1β, iNOS, TLR4, Myd88, p-p38MAPK, and p-NF-κB levels were obviously increased, and Arg-1 expression was reduced, while ferulic acid reversed these changes. Conclusion Ferulic acid can promote injured sciatic nerve repair by reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration though the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
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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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炎症研究
✓ 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）