Ginsenoside Rk1 Ameliorates ER Stress-Induced Apoptosis through Directly Activating IGF-1R in Mouse Pancreatic [Formula: see text]-Cells and Diabetic Pancreas.

Hyperglycemia induces chronic stresses, such as oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which can result in [Formula: see text]-cell dysfunction and development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Ginsenoside Rk1 is a minor ginsenoside isolated from Ginseng. It has been shown to exert anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects; however, its effects on pancreatic cells in T2DM have never been studied. This study aims to examine the novel effects of Ginsenoside Rk1 on ER stress-induced apoptosis in a pancreatic [Formula: see text]-cell line MIN6 and HFD-induced diabetic pancreas, and their underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that Ginsenoside Rk1 alleviated ER stress-induced apoptosis in MIN6 cells, which was accomplished by directly targeting and activating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), thus activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (Bad)-B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) pathway. This pathway was also confirmed in an HFD-induced diabetic pancreas. Meanwhile, the use of the IGF-1R inhibitor PQ401 abolished this anti-apoptotic effect, confirming the role of IGF-1R in mediating anti-apoptosis effects exerted by Ginsenoside Rk1. Besides, Ginsenoside Rk1 reduced pancreas weights and increased pancreatic insulin contents, suggesting that it could protect the pancreas from HFD-induced diabetes. Taken together, our study provided novel protective effects of Ginsenoside Rk1 on ER stress-induced [Formula: see text]-cell apoptosis and HFD-induced diabetic pancreases, as well as its direct target with IGF-1R, indicating that Ginsenoside Rk1 could be a potential drug for the treatment of T2DM.

Isolation and identification of angiogenesis-promoting components in Huanglian Jiedu decoction using live cell bio-specific extraction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional heat-dissipating and detoxicating prescription used in Chinese medicine and has been extensively applied in the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. Preliminary research confirmed that HLJDD exerts a neuroprotective effect on brain tissue injury caused by cerebral ischemia by promoting angiogenesis. However, the components of HLJDD responsible for its medicinal activity in ischemic injury remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to identify the active components of HLJDD that could promote angiogenesis and investigate its underlying mechanism, as well as Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalings in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specific binding components of HLJDD with HUVECs were isolated and identified through a combination of live cell biospecific extraction, solid-phase extraction, and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometry (MS). Their pharmacological activity against oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) injury and in vitro pro-angiogenesis was validated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and tube formation analysis, respectively. Finally, we explored the effect of active ingredients on the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular docking was used to predict the potential binding of six active components to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (AKT) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) proteins, which are involved in the regulation of HIF-1α and are highly associated with angiogenesis. RESULTS: A total of 13 HUVECs-specific HLJDD components were identified, and 10 of them were shown to protect against OGD/R injury. We were the first to demonstrate that two of these components have a protective role in OGD/R-induced HUVECs injury. Additionally, seven of these 10 components exhibited angiogenesis-promoting activity, and two of these components were shown, for the first time, to promote angiogenesis in HUVECs. These effects might occur through the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Molecular docking results showed that all six active ingredients could stably bind to PI3K and AKT proteins, suggesting that these two proteins may be potential targets for six active ingredients. CONCLUSIONS: The approach employed in this study effectively identified proangiogenic components in HLJDD that might act via PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathways and other mechanisms involved in angiogenesis. In conclusion, this study was the first to demonstrate four compounds with new bioactivities and could also provide insight into the isolation and discovery of new bioactive compounds existing in Chinese medicine with potential clinical value.

Rapid separation and identification of 96 main constituents in Huanglian Jiedu decoction via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer.

Huanglian Jiedu decoction is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including heat clearing, detoxification, and attenuation of inflammation. However, the composition of Huanglian Jiedu decoction is still unclear due to its complexity and limitations of analytical methods. In this study, we established a fast and reliable analytical method based on ultra-performance LC-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer for high-speed separation and structural identification of multiple compounds in Huanglian Jiedu decoction. The analysis was carried out using a Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.9 µm) with gradient elution coupled to a high-definition mass spectrometer system operating in both positive and negative ESI modes. According to the chromatographic retention time, precise molecular weight, fragment ion peaks, and published data, the main chromatographic peaks were attributed to specific molecules whose chemical structures were determined. In total, 96 components were identified, including 34 flavonoids and their glycosides, 23 alkaloids, 18 organic acids, 13 terpenoids, and 8 miscellaneous compounds. This study revealed the detailed chemical composition of Huanglian Jiedu decoction, which is of great importance for quality control and further pharmacological and mechanistic studies.

Cell membrane-coated biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles for the bio-specific extraction of components from Gualou Guizhi decoction exhibiting activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury.

Gua-Lou-Gui-Zhi decoction (GLGZD) is a classical multiherb traditional Chinese medicine formula that has ameliorative effects on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury and has been applied for the treatment of stroke in clinical practice; however, its active ingredients remain unknown. The aim of this study was to develop an effective method for screening for components of GLGZD with potential therapeutic activity against OGD/R injury. Brain microvascular endothelial cell membrane-coated magnetic beads (CMs@rBMECs-MBs) were incubated with the GLGZD extract; the bound material was eluted and the constituents were identified using solid phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid MS). The biological activities of the identified GLGZD components were analyzed using OGD/R-exposed brain endothelial cells. Seven compounds bound to the CMs@rBMECs-MBs were identified as gallic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, and formononetin. Among them, six (except formononetin) protected brain endothelial cells against OGD/R injury in a concentration-dependent manner (20-120 µM; P < 0.01-0.05) and downregulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (P < 0.01) involved in the pathogenic mechanisms triggered by stroke. Our findings suggest that the screening of bioactive compounds using cell membrane-coated magnetic beads combined with solid phase extraction and UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid MS is an effective method for the bio-specific extraction and identification of ingredients responsible for the therapeutic activity of traditional Chinese medicines.

Screening of the active Ingredients in Huanglian Jiedu decoction through amide bond-Immobilized magnetic nanoparticle-assisted cell membrane chromatography.

Introduction: The Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) is a Chinese herbal formula that exerts neuroprotective effects by alleviating oxidative stress injuries and may potentially be prescribed for treating Alzheimer's disease; however, its active ingredients have not yet been identified. Cell membrane chromatography is a high-throughput method for screening active ingredients, but traditional cell membrane chromatography requires multiple centrifugation steps, which affects its separation efficiency. Magnetic nanoparticles are unparalleled in solid-liquid separation and can overcome the shortcomings of traditional cell membrane chromatography. Methods: In this study, the neuroprotective effects of the components of HLJDD were screened through a novel magnetic nanoparticle-assisted cell membrane chromatography method. Magnetic nanoparticles and cell membranes were stably immobilized by amide bonds. Magnetic bead (MB)-immobilized cell membranes of HT-22 cells were incubated with the HLJDD extract to isolate specific binding components. The specific binding components were then identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid MS after solid-phase extraction. The bioactivity of these components was analyzed in an HT-22 cellular model of glutamate-induced injury. Results and Discussion: The preparation method of the composite of cell membrane and MBs has the advantages of simple preparation and no introduction of toxic organic reagents. MBs not only provide support for cell membranes, but also greatly improve the separation efficiency compared with traditional cell membrane chromatography. Fifteen of these components were found to specifically bind to the cell membranes, and seven of them were confirmed to reduce varying degrees of glutamate-induced toxicity in HT-22 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the amide bond-based immobilization of magnetic nanoparticles on cell membranes, along with solid-phase extraction and UPLC, is an effective method for isolating and discovering the bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicines.

Identification of active ingredients mediating anti-platelet aggregation effects of BuyangHuanwu decoction using a platelet binding assay, solid phase extraction, and HPLC-MS/MS.

BuyangHuanwu decoction (BHD) is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine because of its antithrombotic effect, which is attributed to the inhibition of platelet aggregation; however, its active compounds remain unknown. In this study, we developed a method involving platelet binding, solid-phase extraction, and HPLC-MS/MS for screening BHD compounds with potential anti-platelet aggregation properties. Five compounds showing platelet binding affinity were identified as 6-hydroxykaempferol-di-O-glucoside, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, galloylpaeoniflorin, and formononetin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside. The results of anti-platelet aggregation experiments in vitro confirmed that these compounds inhibited adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation. Our results suggest that a platelet binding assay combined with solid-phase extraction and HPLC-MS/MS is an effective method for screening anti-platelet aggregation agents in traditional Chinese medicines.

Biospecific isolation and characterization of angiogenesis-promoting ingredients in Buyang Huanwu decoction using affinity chromatography on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells combined with solid-phase extraction, and HPLC-MS/MS.

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) was reported to exert angiogenesis-promoting effects, but its active ingredients remain unknown. In this study, we developed a method to screen potential angiogenesis-promoting compounds in BHD, which involved biospecific isolation using live rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) and characterization using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Six compounds showed binding affinity to rBMECs and were further identified as 6-hydroxykaempferol-di-O-glucoside, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside, galloylpaeoniflorin, formononetin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside, and (3R)-7,2'-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxy-isoflavan. The results indicated that five of them except 6-hydroxykaempferol-di-O-glucoside showed a protective effect against oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury in rBMECs and upregulated the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor, suggesting a mechanism underlying their angiogenic activity. Our findings suggest that biospecific live cell-based isolation combined with SPE and HPLC-MS/MS is an effective method for screening potential bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines.

Effect of stimulating the acupoints Feishu (BL 13) and Dazhui (GV 14) on transdermal uptake of sinapine thiocyanate in asthma gel.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of stimulating the acupoints Feishu (BL 13) and Dazhui (GV 14) on the transdermal uptake of sinapine thiocyanate contained in a gel used for the management of asthma. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups using a random number table: the Feishu (BL 13) acupoint group, the Dazhui (GV 14) acupoint group, and the nonacupoint group or control group. Using microdialysis technology, preprocessed skin probes were implanted into the rats at Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14), and a nonacupoint site. Asthma gel was then placed on the skin at Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14) acupoints, and the nonacupoint for all groups. Dialysate was collected every 30 min for 12 h. The normalized concentration of sinapine thiocyanate in the skin was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The rat in vivo transdermal experiment demonstrated that the quantity-time equation showed a good linear correlation with zero-order kinetics (r > 0.99). The transdermal behavior was in accordance with the first-order rate open model in which the transdermal penetration rates and the accumulative amounts of sinapine thiocyanate in the skin at the acupoint sites were greater than those through the skin of the nonacupoint site. The systemic maximum concentration and the area under the curve of sinapine thiocyanate in the acupoint groups were significantly greater than in the nonacupoint group. A lag time was observed in both acupoint groups, but not in the nonacupoint group. CONCLUSION: Stimulating the acupoints promotes the percutaneous absorption of sinapine thiocyanate and also controls its release, reducing concentration fluctuations in the blood.

Effect of ferulic acid on the brain pharmacokinetics of tetramethylpyrazine in conscious rats.

1. In traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis is often coprescribed with Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is one of the most important active ingredients isolated from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort; ferulic acid (FA) is the main water-soluble component of Angelica sinensis. 2. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effect of FA on the brain pharmacokinetics of TMP in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of TMP were investigated in brain microdialysates after oral and intravenous administration of TMP (4 mg/kg) to rats in the absence and presence of FA (5 mg/kg). Samples were collected at timed intervals for the measurement of TMP by a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method. 3. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis for brain microdialysates. The brain pharmacokinetic data for TMP showed significant increases in Cmax, t1/2, AUC0-inf and MRT0-inf after combination with FA. After intragastric administration with FA, there were significant decreases in the Tmax (from 38.33 ± 5.77 to 21 ± 5.48 min; p < 0.01) of TMP. This study indicated that potential drug-drug interaction between TMP and FA should be taken into consideration and the combined administration is beneficial in improving the bioavailability of TMP in the brain.

Microdialysis combined with UPLC-MS/MS method for determination of tetramethylpyrazine and ferulic acid in striatum of awake and anesthetic rats subjected to cerebral ischemia.

A rapid, sensitive and selective ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed for the simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic investigation of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and Ferulic acid (FA) in rat striatum. The method was validated over the concentration range of 1.15-505ng/mL for TMP and 3.23-101ng/mL for FA, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 1.15ng/mL and 3.23ng/mL, respectively. This method can be successfully applied in pharmacokinetic studies of TMP and FA in striatum of awake and anesthetic rats. The cerebral blood flow velocity (CBF) during middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was monitored by Laser speckle contrast imaging, to observe whether the compatibility of TMP and FA could improve CBF against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Infarct volume was examined to evaluate severity of ischemic brain injury. The pharmacokinetic study indicated that T1/2, Cmax, MRT and AUC0-inf were changed after combined administration of TMP and FA, when compared with either drug alone both in awake and anesthetic groups. The pharmacodynamics results showed that co-administration of drugs could enhance the CBF during middle cerebral artery occlusion and reduced the infarct volume. Taken together, the compatibility treatment of TMP and FA might be a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Further study is required to optimize the compatibility proportion.

Optimization and evaluation of pluronic lecithin organogels as a transdermal delivery vehicle for sinomenine.

The purpose of the present study was to prepare and optimize sinomenine (SIN) pluronic lecithin organogels system (PLO), and to evaluate the permeability of the optimized PLO in vitro and in vivo. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the PLO and the optimized formulation was pluronic F127 of 19.61%, lecithin of 3.60% and SIN of 1.27%. The formulation was evaluated its skin permeation and drug deposition both in vitro and in vivo compared with gel. Permeation and deposition studies of PLO were carried out with Franz diffusion cells in vitro and with microdialysis in vivo. In vitro studies, permeation rate (Jss) of SIN from PLO was 146.55 ± 2.93 µg/cm(2)/h, significantly higher than that of gel (120.39 µg/cm(2)/h) and the amount of SIN deposited in skin from the PLO was 10.08 ± 0.86 µg/cm(2), significantly larger than that from gel (6.01 ± 0.04 µg/cm(2)). In vivo skin microdialysis studies showed that the maximum concentration (Cmax) of SIN from PLO in "permeation study" and "drug-deposition study" were 150.27 ± 20.85 µg/ml and 67.95 µg/ml, respectively, both significantly higher than that of SIN from gel (29.66 and 6.73 µg/ml). The results recommend that PLO can be used as an advantageous transdermal delivery vehicle to enhance the permeation and skin deposition of SIN.

[Study on recovery and its influencing factors of ferulic acid and tetramethylpyrazine in cerebral microdialysis probe].

To establish a method for detecting microdialysis recovery of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA) and investigating the influencing factors, providing the basis for further in vivo microdialysis experiments. The concentration of FA and TMP in dialysates were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography ( HPLC) and probe recovery were calculated respectively. The influence of the flow rates, medium concentration, temperature and in vivo probe stability on the recovery of FA and TMP were investigated by using concentration difference method (incremental method and decrement method). The recovery obtained by incremental method were similar to by decrement method. The in vitro recovery rate of FA and TMP decreased with the increase of 1-2.5 µL min(-1), and increased obviously with the temperature of 25-42 degrees C under the same conditions. The concentration of FA and TMP had no obvious effect on the probe recovery under the same flow rate. In addition, the recovery of TMP and FA remained stable and showed similar trends under the condition of four concentration cycles, indicating that the intra day reproducibility of the concentration difference method was good. The recovery of brain microdialysis probes in vivo 8 h maintained a relatively stable, but certain differences existed between different brain microdialysis probes, demonstrating that each probe was required for recovery correction in vivo experiment. Microdialysis sampling can be used for the local brain pharmacokinetic study of FA and TMP, and retrodialysis method can be used in probe recovery of FA and TMP in vivo.