Five new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa.

Five undescribed eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes, remophilanetriols E-I (1-5), along with seven known compounds (6-12) were isolated from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and experimental ECD spectra. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities of all compounds were evaluated in vitro by MTT methods, and compounds 2, 8, 10, and 12 exhibited excellent anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities. In addition, compound 2 can reduce the levels of ROS and apoptosis in TGF-ß1-induced BEAS-2B cells.

Chemical constituents from stipes of Lentinus edodes and their protective effects against Aß25-35-induced N9 microglia cells injury.

Nine undescribed compounds, along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the stipes of Lentinus edodes. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic and circular dichroism analyses. The protective effects against Aß25-35-induced N9 microglia cells injury of these compounds were tested by MTT method, and the levels of apoptosis and ROS were detected by flow cytometry. In addition, the binding sites and interactions of compound with amyloid precursor protein were revealed using molecular docking simulations. These findings further establish the structural diversity and bioactivity of stipes of L. edodes, and provide an experimental basis for targeting Alzheimer's disease as a potential strategy.

Futoquinol improves Aß25-35-induced memory impairment in mice by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK through the glycolysis pathway and regulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

Futoquinol (Fut) is a compound extracted from Piper kadsura that has a nerve cell protection effect. However, it is unclear whether Fut has protective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of Fut in AD and its underlying mechanism. UPLC-MS/MS method was performed to quantify Fut in the hippocampus of mice brain. The cognition ability, neuronal and mitochondria damage, and levels of Aß1-42, Aß1-40, p-Tau, oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune cells, and inflammatory factors were measured in Aß25-35-induced mice. The content of bacterial meta-geometry was predicted in the microbial composition based on 16S rDNA. The protein levels of HK II, p-p38MAPK, and p38MAPK were detected. PC-12 cells were cultured in vitro, and glucose was added to activate glycolysis to further explore the mechanism of action of Fut intervention in AD. Fut improved the memory and learning ability of Aß25-35 mice, and reduced neuronal damage and the deposition of Aß and Tau proteins. Moreover, Fut reduced mitochondrial damage, the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors. Fut significantly inhibited the expression of HK II and p-p38MAPK proteins. The in vitro experiment showed that p38MAPK was activated and Fut action inhibited after adding 10 mM glucose. Fut might inhibit the activation of p38MAPK through the glycolysis pathway, thereby reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors and improving Aß25-35-induced memory impairment in mice. These data provide pharmacological rationale for Fut in the treatment of AD.

Six New Compounds from the Herbaceous Stems of Ephedra intermedia Schrenket C. A. Meyer and Their Lung-Protective Activity.

Six new compounds, (7R,8S,8'R)-balanophorone (1), (7'S,8'R,8R)-yunnanensin A (2), (3S)-thunberginol C (3), (8R,8'R)-maninsigin B (4), (7S,8R)-4,7,8-dihydroxy-9,9-dimethyl-chroman (5), and 4-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-1-one (6), along with eight known compounds (7-14), were isolated from the herbaceous stems of Ephedra intermedia Schrenket C. A. Meyer. Their structures were elucidated based on their spectroscopic (MS, NMR, IR, and UV) data, and their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3-6 were evaluated for their ability to protect human pulmonary epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) from injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. The results showed that compound 6 exhibited a significant protective effect against LPS-induced injury in BEAS-2B, and compound 5 exhibited a slightly protective effect at the concentration of 10 µM.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract and Przewalskin ameliorate Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibition of apoptosis, oxidative stress and collagen deposition via the TGF-ß1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae) (DS) is a key part of the traditional Chinese medicine, whose roots are used to remove blood stasis, relieve pain, eliminate carbuncle and calm the nerves. Our research team found that the DS extract could significantly reverse LPS-induced lung injury, and five new diterpenoid quinones in DS extract with excellent lung protective activity for the first time. However, the material basis and mechanism of DS on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) needs to be explored in depth. OBJECTIVE: Bleomycin (BLM) was employed to establish the PF model, and Transcriptome and Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ligand fishing technology were used to explore the material basis and mechanism of DS on PF, and provided theoretical research for clinical treatment of PF. METHODS: DS extract (24.58 or 49.16 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered daily from Day 8 to Day 28, followed by intratracheal BLM drip (5 mg/kg) to induce PF. Data about the influences of DS on PF were collected by transcriptome sequencing technology. Pulmonary ultrasound, airway responsiveness, lung damage, collagen deposition, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, oxidative stress (OS), immune cells, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, E-Cadherin and Collage Ⅰ were examined. The affinity component (Przewalskin) in DS extract targeted by TGF-ß1 was fished by SPR ligand fishing technology. Furthermore, an in vivo PF mouse model and an in vitro TGF-ß1 induced BEAS-2B cell model were established, to explore the mechanism of Przewalskin on PF from the apoptosis, OS and epithelial mesenchymal transformation pathway. RESULTS: DS extract improved pulmonary ultrasound, reduced lung damage and collagen deposition, downregulated TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, OS, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, E-Cadherin and Collage Ⅰ, transformed immune cells following Bleomycin challenge. Furthermore, affinity component (Przewalskin) also improved pulmonary ultrasound and airway responsiveness, reduced lung damage and collagen deposition, downregulated TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, OS in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Analysis using a mouse model revealed that DS extract and Przewalskin can relieve clinical symptoms of PF, reduce lung injury and improve lung function. Meanwhile, DS extract and Przewalskin can improve BLM-induced PF by inhibition of, OS, apoptosis and collagen deposition might via the TGF-ß1 pathway. This study provides references to identification of novel therapeutic targets, thereby facilitating drug development for PF.

Isolation of Calenduloside E from Achyranthes bidentata Blume and its effects on LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice by regulating the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver injury (ALI) is a frequent fatal liver disease with a high mortality. Calenduloside E (CE) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from Achyranthes bidentata Blume. It has been found that liver injury is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway protects the mitochondrial function to play a role in resistance to the disease. However, whether CE is protective against ALI through the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway is unclear. PURPOSE: To clarify the influences of Calenduloside E (CE) isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Blume on LPS/D-GalN-induced Acute liver injury (ALI). METHODS: A mouse model of ALI was developed, intraperitoneal injection of 10 µg/kg LPS and 700 mg/kg D-GalN, histopathological, oxidative stress, and immune inflammation of the mice were monitored. The mechanism of CE influencing liver injury was investigated by examining the gut microbiota, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway. The antagonistic effects of specific AMPK and SIRT3 blocker, as well as AMPKα1, AMPKα2, SIRT3 transfection-mediated silencing were investigated to confirm the role of the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway in this process. RESULTS: CE relieved liver pathological damage of mice and led to reduced oxidative stress and immune inflammation in mice, affected the balance of gut microbiota in mice with liver injury, as well as energy metabolism, and regulated mRNA and protein expressions of AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway. In addition, in vitro studies showed that CE relieved mitochondrial respiratory and protein expressions of AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway in LPS/D-GalN-induced AML12 and LX2 cells, and such effect was blocked by AMPK and SIRT3 inhibitors. Furthermore, silencing of AMPKα1, AMPKα2, and SIRT3 blocked the effects of CE. Overall, the influences of CE on mice with liver injury is tuned by the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: CE mediates mitochondrial function and eventually regulate energy metabolism by regulating the AMPK-SIRT3 signaling pathway. The results of this study provide molecular evidences for application of CE in treatment of ALI and provide references to the drug development for ALI.

Effects and mechanisms of frehmaglutin D and rehmaionoside C improve LPS-induced acute kidney injury through the estrogen receptor-mediated TLR4 pathway in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is an inflammatory disease with sex differences and there has no effective drugs to cure it. Frehmaglutin D (Fre D) and rehmaionoside C (Reh C) are two violetone compounds with estrogenic activity isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa. However, whether these two drugs exert protective effects on S-AKI through their estrogen-like activity are unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of Fre D and Reh C on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced S-AKI through the estrogen receptor pathway in vivo and in vitro and to explore the interaction between ER and TLR4 for the first time. METHODS: The LPS-induced female BALB/c mice S-AKI mouse model was established by adding the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780. Renal function, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune cells, and expression of key proteins of the ER-TLR4-IL-1ß pathway were tested. The affinity of Fre D and Reh C for the ER was investigated by molecular docking. Then, an in vitro S-AKI model was established, and ERα/ERß antagonists (MPP/PHTPP) were added and combined with gene overexpression techniques. The interaction between ER and TLR4 was further explored by Co-IP, GST pull-down and SPR techniques. RESULTS: Fre D and Reh C ameliorated LPS-induced renal damage, inflammation in mice, regulated the immune cells, decreased ROS levels, increased ERα and ERß protein expression, and decreased TLR4, caspase 11 and IL-1ß protein expression. These effects were blocked by ICI182,780. Molecular docking results showed that Fre D and Reh C bound ERα and ERß with similar potency. The results of in vitro suggested that Fre D and Reh C reduced the levels of inflammation, ROS and apoptosis, TLR4, caspase 11, and IL-1ß protein expression and increased ERα/ERß protein expression in cells. All of these effects were reversed by the addition of MPP/PHTPP and further enhanced after ERα/ERß gene overexpression with no significant difference in effects. Moreover, there was an indirect or direct interaction between ER and TLR4, and the binding of ERα and ERß to TLR4 was concentration dependent. CONCLUSION: Fre D and Reh C may improve S-AKI through the ER-TLR4-IL-1ß pathway and may act on both ERα and ERß receptors. Moreover, ERα and ERß may interact directly or indirectly with TLR4, which was studied for the first time.

Allantoin Derived From Dioscorea opposita Thunb Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure in Female Rats by Attenuating Apoptosis, Autophagy and Pyroptosis.

Background and objectives Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of malignant tumors and autoimmune diseases, but it has strong toxic and side effects and can cause permanent damage to the ovaries, which affects women's quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the anti-premature ovarian failure protective effect of allantoin isolated from Dioscorea opposita Thunb. Methods Firstly, 75 mg/kg CP was injected into rats to establish an in vivo model of premature ovarian failure (POF). The POF rats were divided into the normal control group (NC), premature ovarian failure group (POF), and POF group treated with allantoin (ALL I 140 mg/kg and ALL II 70 mg/kg, daily 21 days). It investigated the estrous cycles, hormone levels, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitophagy, and protein marker (Bax, Bcl2, LC3B, L-1ß, caspase-1 and NLRP3). Results The results indicated that allantoin alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in female rats, decreased the anoestrum, increased the level of estradiol (E2), and decreased the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased apoptosis rate, MMP, mitophagy and ROS in ovarian granulosa cells of POF rats, down-regulated L-1ß, caspase-1, LC3B-II/LC3B-I in ovarian tissue, and up-regulated the Bcl2 and NLRP3. Conclusions Our study revealed the ovarian-protective effect of allantoin in CP-induced premature ovarian failure for the first time, the effect was achieved through attenuation of the apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. The study underlines the potential clinical application of allantoin as a protectant agent for premature ovarian failure.

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of stroke and myocardial infarction prevention in hypertensive patients: Markov model based on the ACCOMPLISH trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the pharmacoeconomics of amlodipine combined with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide combined with benazepril in the treatment of hypertension using a Markov model to provide an evidence-based reference for clinical drug use. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we constructed two types of Markov model using data from the ACCOMPLISH (Avoiding Cardiovascular Events through Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension) trial to dynamically simulate the development of hypertension. The models were subjected to rollback analysis and cohort analysis to obtain the cost and effectiveness of the two drug regimens in preventing stroke and myocardial infarction in hypertensive patients. We conducted sensitivity analysis to determine the stability of the results. RESULTS: The cost-effectiveness of amlodipine combined with benazepril was 66,196.97 RMB with 6.59 QALYs and that of hydrochlorothiazide combined with benazepril was 74,588.50 RMB with 6.46 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of hydrochlorothiazide + benazepril was -64,550.23 compared with amlodipine + benazepril. The amlodipine + benazepril regimen was therefore more cost-effective than hydrochlorothiazide combined with benazepril. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the model was robust. CONCLUSION: Compared with the hydrochlorothiazide + benazepril treatment regimen, the amlodipine + benazepril regimen showed greater economic benefits.

[Aqueous extract of Epimedium sagittatum mitigates pulmonary fibrosis in mice].

This study aims to investigate the intervention effect of the aqueous extract of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim on the mouse model of bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, so as to provide data support for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Ninety male C57BL/6N mice were randomized into normal(n=10), model(BLM, n=20), pirfenidone(PFD, 270 mg·kg~(-1), n=15), and low-, medium-, and high-dose E. sagittatum extract(1.67 g·kg~(-1), n=15; 3.33 g·kg~(-1), n=15; 6.67 g·kg~(-1), n=15) groups. The model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of BLM(5 mg·kg~(-1)) in the other five groups except the normal group, which was treated with an equal amount of normal saline. On the day following the modeling, each group was treated with the corresponding drug by gavage for 21 days. During this period, the survival rate of the mice was counted. After gavage, the lung index was calculated, and the morphology and collagen deposition of the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in lung cell suspensions were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD), and malondialdehyde(MDA) the in lung tissue were measured. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling(TUNEL) was employed to examine the apoptosis of lung tissue cells. The content of interleukin-6(IL-6), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2(CCL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-8(MMP-8), transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-ß1), alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), E-cadherin, collagen Ⅰ, and fibronectin in the lung tissue was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression levels of F4/80, Ly-6G, TGF-ß1, and collagen Ⅰ in the lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of CCL-2, IL-6, and MMP-7 in the lung tissue were determined by qRT-PCR. The content of hydroxyproline(HYP) in the lung tissue was determined by alkaline hydrolysation. The expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin was detected by immunofluorescence, and the protein levels of α-SMA, vimentin, E-cadherin in the lung tissue were determined by Western blot. The results showed the aqueous extract of E. sagittatum increased the survival rate, decreased the lung index, alleviated the pathological injury, collagen deposition, and oxidative stress in the lung tissue, and reduced the apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the aqueous extract of E. sagittatum down-regulated the protein levels of F4/80 and Ly-6G and the mRNA levels of CCL-2, IL-6, and MMP-7 in the lung tissue, reduced the content of IL-6, CCL-2, and MMP-8 in the alveolar lavage fluid. In addition, it lowered the levels of HYP, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, fibronectin, and vimentin, and elevated the levels of E-cadherin in the lung tissue. The aqueous extract of E. sagittatum can inhibit collagen deposition, alleviate oxidative stress, and reduce inflammatory response by regulating the expression of the molecules associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thus alleviating the symptoms of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

P-coumaric acid ameliorates Aß25-35-induced brain damage in mice by modulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. There is great potential for natural products to be used in the development of anti-AD drugs. P-coumaric acid (PCA), a small molecule phenolic acid widely distributed in the plant kingdom, has pharmacological effects such as neuroprotection, but its anti-AD mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism of PCA intervention in the Aß25-35-induced AD model using gut microbiomics and serum metabolomics combined with in vitro and in vivo pharmacological experiments. PCA was found to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and neuronal cell damage in Aß25-35-injected mice as measured by behavioral, pathological and biochemical indicators. 16S rDNA sequencing and serum metabolomics showed that PCA reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory-associated microbiota (morganella, holdemanella, fusicatenibacter and serratia) in the gut, which were closely associated with metabolites of the glucose metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism and phospholipid metabolism pathways in serum. Next, in vivo and in vitro pharmacological investigations revealed that PCA regulated Aß25-35-induced disruption of glucose metabolism through activation of PI3K/AKT/Glut1 signaling. Additionally, PCA ameliorated Aß25-35-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB and by modulating upstream MAPK signaling. In conclusion, PCA ameliorated cognitive deficits in Aß25-35-induced AD mice by regulating glucose metabolism and neuroinflammation, and the mechanism is related not only to restoring homeostasis of gut microbiota and serum metabolites, but also to PI3K/AKT/Glut1 and MAPK/NF-κB signaling.

[Effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aß_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice with Alzheimer's disease].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on ß-amyloid protein 25-35(Aß_(25-35))-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease(AD) mice to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of AD by aqueous extract of Corni Fructus. Sixty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a positive control group(huperizine A, 0.2 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), a medium-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(2.6 g·kg~(-1)), and a high-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(5.2 g·kg~(-1)). The AD model was induced by lateral ventricular injection of Aß_(25-35) in mice except for those in the sham group, and AD model mice were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 24 days. The behavioral test was performed one week before animal dissection. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal region. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis level of primary hippocampal cells in mice. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of ß-amyloid protein 1-42(Aß_(1-42)) and phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein Tau(p-Tau) in mouse brain tissues. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the expression of related proteins in mouse brain tissues. MTT assay was used to detect the effect of compounds in aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aß_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking was employed to analyze the interactions of caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol with ß-amyloid precursor protein(APP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could improve the learning and memory abilities of Aß_(25-35)-induced mice by increasing the duration of the autonomous activity, the rate of autonomous alternation, the preference coefficient, and the discrimination coefficient, and reduce Aß_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice by increasing the expression levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) in brain tissues, decreasing the expression levels of Aß_(1-42), p-Tau, IL-6, TNF-α, cysteine aspartate-specific protease 3(caspase-3), cysteine aspartate-specific protease 9(caspase-9), and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and decreasing the number of activated glial cells in brain tissues. The results of cell experiments showed that esculetin and(+)-lyoniresinol could improve Aß_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking results showed that caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol had good binding affinity with APP and weak binding affinity with IL-6 and TNF-α. Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and brain damage in Aß_(25-35)-induced mice by reducing the number of apoptotic cells and activated glial cells in the brain and decreasing the expression level of inflammatory factors. Caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol may be the material basis for the anti-AD effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus.

[Platycladi Semen oil ameliorates Aß_(25-35)-induced brain injury in mice based on network pharmacology and gut microbiota].

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Platycladi Semen oil(SP) on Aß_(25-35)-induced brain injury in mice to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Male Kunming(KM) mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group(brain injection of Aß_(25-35), 200 µmol·L~(-1), 0.15 µL·g~(-1)), a positive drug group(donepezil, 10 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-and high-dose SP groups(0.5 and 1 mL·kg~(-1)). Learning and memory ability, neuronal damage, levels of Aß_(1-42)/Aß_(1-40), p-Tau, related indicators of apoptosis and oxidative stress, and immune cells, and protein and mRNA expression related to the sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5(S1PR5) signaling pathway of mice in each group were determined. In addition, compounds in SP were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The mechanism of SP against AD was investigated by network pharmacology, 16S rDNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota(GM), and molecular docking techniques. The results showed that SP could improve the learning and memory function of Aß_(25-35)-induced mice, reduce hippocampal neuronal damage, decrease the levels of Aß_(1-42)/Aß_(1-40), p-Tau, and indicators related to apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brain, and maintain the homeostasis of immune cells and GM. Network pharmacology and sequencing analysis for GM showed that the therapeutic effect of SP on AD was associated with the sphingolipid signaling pathway. Meanwhile,(Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and(Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, the components with the highest content in SP, showed good binding activity to SPHK1 and S1PR5. Therefore, it is inferred that SP exerts anti-apoptosis and antioxidant effects by regulating GM and inhibiting SPHK1/S1P/S1PR5 pathway, thereby improving brain injury induced by Aß_(25-35) in mice. Moreover,(Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and(Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid may be the material basis for the anti-AD effect of SP.

Aralia saponin A isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. ameliorates LPS/D-GalN induced acute liver injury via SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 pathway in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Acute liver injury (ALI) refers to a disease in which the liver is affected by factors such as chemical substances, alcohol, and virus infection in a short time, resulting in damage to liver cells. Achyranthes bidentata Bl. with the hepatoprotective activity has attracted great attention. In this study, a pentacyclic triterpenoid (Aralia saponin A, AsA) was isolated from roots of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. and its anti-ALI activity, as well as the mechanisms, were investigated for the first time. METHODS: AsA (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered over a period of 1 weeks, following which liver injury was induced by LPS (10 µg/kg)/D-GalN (700 mg/kg). H&E staining of liver, Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and cytokines was employed to investigate ALI relevant features. The mitochondrial morphology and levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxidative stress balance, apoptosis, average fluorescence intensity of 2-DG, natural killer (NK) cells in liver tissues were determined to assess the oxidative stress damage and inflammatory injury. Transcriptomics and metabonomics analysis were employed to clarify the mechanisms. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), Sphingosine kinase-1 (SPKH1), Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF-2), Phospho-NF- kappaB p65 (p-P65), NF- kappaB p65 (P65), Proto-oncogene ras (Ras), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac), Phospholipase C (PLC), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), CC chemokine ligand-2 (Ccl2) were analyzed. The mediating role of SPHK1 in the observed effects caused by AsA was assessed by investigatin SPHK1 transfection silencing/overexpression against AsA in AML12 cells induced by LPS/D-GalN. RESULTS: AsA can ameliorate liver function, inflammation, mitochondrial structure and oxidative stress in the ALI model. Meanwhile, AsA led to downregulated expression of proteins associated with sphingolipid signaling pathway. Silencing of SPHK1 led to enhanced protective effects of AsA, while over-expression of SPHK1 led to degraded protective effects of AsA in LPS/D-GalN-induced AML12 cells, suggesting that ALI is regulated by active molecules of AsA by means of SPHK1 mediation. CONCLUSIONS: AsA can ameliorate LPS/D-GalN-induced ALI by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via the SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 pathway. In this way, a molecular justification is provided for AsA application in ALI treatment.

Six sesquiterpenoids from the stems and leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat and their anti-asthma activities.

Six previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids, chrysanthterpenoids H-M (1-6), were isolated from the stem and leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Structure elucidation of isolated compounds was unambiguously determined based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Furthermore, computational prediction of ECD was used to propose the absolute configurations of the compounds. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-asthma effects on RBL-2H3 cells in vitro. The results showed that Compounds 2 and 3 significantly inhibited the release of ß-aminohexosidase and improved RBL-2H3 degranulation by chromogenic substrate and high-content imaging. These results suggest that Compounds 2 and 3 may exhibit anti-asthma activities.

Salviamilthone A-O, diterpenoid quinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Fifteen undescribed diterpenoid quinones salviamilthone A-O (1-15), together with three known diterpenoid quinones (16-18), were isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR data, while the relative and absolute configurations were confirmed by NOESY correlations and comparison between experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In the evaluation of bioactivities, salviamilthone J (10), salviamone (18) (10 µM) significantly increased cell viability and decreased the expression of IL-1ß in lipopolysaccharide-induced BEAS-2B cells. These data provide the molecular justification for the usage of Salvia miltiorrhiza in treating acute lung injury.

Epimedium sagittatum Maxim ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephropathy by restraining inflammation and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Modern pharmacological studies show that Epimedium sagittatum Maxim (EPI) has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of EPI on adriamycin-induced nephropathy are unclear. AIM: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of EPI on adriamycin-induced nephropathy in rats. METHODS: The chemical composition of EPI was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. Network pharmacology was used to collect the effects of EPI on adriamycin nephropathy; renal histological changes, podocyte injury, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress levels, apoptosis levels, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were examined. Moreover, analyze the effects of icariin (the representative component of EPI) on adriamycin-induced apoptosis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway of NRK-52e cells. RESULTS: Network pharmacological results suggested that EPI may ameliorate adriamycin-induced nephropathy by inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that EPI could improve pathological injury, renal function, podocyte injury, and inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, icariin inhibited adriamycin-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in NRK-52e cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that EPI ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephropathy by reducing inflammation and apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, icariin may be the pharmacodynamic substance basis for this effect.

2-phenylacetamide Separated from the seed of Lepidium apetalum Willd. inhibited renal fibrosis via MAPK pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress in SHR Rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal fibrosis with Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and oxidative stress are one of the major complications in hypertension. 2-phenylacetamide (PA), a major active component of Lepidium apetalum Willd. (L.A), has numerous pharmacological effects. Its analogues have the effect of anti-renal fibrosis and alleviating renal injury. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of PA for regulating the renal fibrosis in SHR based on the MAPK pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress. METHODS: The SHR rats were used as the hypertension model, and the WKY rats were used as the control group. The blood pressure (BP), urine volume were detected every week. After PA treatment for 4 weeks, the levels of RAAS, inflammation and cytokines were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (HE), Masson and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to observe the renal pathology, collagen deposition and fibrosis. Western blot was used to examine the MAPK pathway in renal. Finally, the SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) antagonism assay in the high NaCl-induced NRK52e cells was used, together with In-Cell Western (ICW), Flow Cytometry (FCM), High Content Screening (HCS) and ELISA to confirm the potential pharmacological mechanism. RESULTS: PA reduced the BP, RAAS, inflammation and cytokines, promoted the urine, and relieved renal pathological injury and collagen deposition, repaired renal fibrosis, decreased the expression of NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), SMAD3 and MAPK signaling pathway in SHR rats. Meanwhile,,the role of PA could be blocked by p38 antagonist SB203580 effectively in the high NaCl-induced NRK52e cells. Moreover, molecular docking indicated that PA occupied the ligand binding sites of p38 MAPK. CONCLUSION: PA inhibited renal fibrosis via MAPK signalling pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress in SHR Rats.

Ephedra Herb extract ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats via the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of Ephedra Herb (EH) extract on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS), providing an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of NS. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and kidn injury molecule-1 were used to evaluate the activities of EH extract on renal function. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were detected by kits. The levels of reactive oxygen species, immune cells, and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. A network pharmacological approach was used to predict the potential targets and mechanisms of EH extract in the treatment of NS. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins and CAMKK2, p-CAMKK2, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR and p-mTOR in the kidneys were detected by Western blot. The effective material basis of EH extract was screened by MTT assay. The AMPK pathway inhibitor (compound C, CC) was added to investigate the effect of the potent material basis on adriamycin-induced cell injury. EH extract significantly improved renal injury and relieve inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats. Network pharmacology and Western blot results showed that the effect of EH extract on NS may be associated with the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, methylephedrine significantly ameliorated adriamycin-induced NRK-52e cell injury. Methylephedrine also significantly improved the phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR, which were blocked by CC. In sum, EH extract may ameliorate renal injury via the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, methylephedrine may be one of the material bases of EH extract.

Effects of three types of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa improve lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in sepsis through the estrogen receptor pathway.

Objectives: To explore the effects and mechanism of three types of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa, namely Beijing No. 3 (BJ3H), Huaizhong No. 1 (HZ1H), and Taisheng (TS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury in the sepsis (S-AKI) mice model through the estrogen receptor pathway. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control (CON), model (LPS), astragalus injection (ASI), BJ3H, HZ1H, TS water extract groups, the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780 groups were added to each group. The antagonist groups received an intraperitoneal injection of ICI 0.5 hr before administration and an intraperitoneal injection of LPS 3 days after administration. The kidney pathology, function, inflammatory factors, immune cells, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and the protein expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the mice kidneys were detected. Results: ASI, BJ3H, HZ1H, and TS improved LPS-induced renal pathology in S-AKI mice, reduced the kidney and serum levels of inflammatory factors, positive rates of macrophages and neutrophils, levels of ROS and apoptosis, and the relative expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p-p65/NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 proteins in the kidney. In addition, they increased the positive rate of dendritic cells (DCs) in the mice kidneys. The overall effect of HZ1H was superior to that of ASI, BJ3H, and TS. However, after adding ICI, the regulatory effects of drugs were inhibited. Conclusion: The three types of fresh R. glutinosa may completely or partially affect the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway through the estrogen receptor pathway to exert a protective effect on S-AKI.