Discovery and therapeutic implications of bioactive dihydroxylated phenolic acids in patients with severe heart disease and conditions associated with inflammation and hypoxia.

Our initial studies detected elevated levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid (DHPLA) in urine samples of patients with severe heart disease when compared with healthy subjects. Given the reported anti-inflammatory properties of DHPLA and related dihydroxylated phenolic acids (DPAs), we embarked on an exploratory multi-centre investigation in patients with no urinary tract infections to establish the possible pathophysiological significance and therapeutic implications of these findings. Chinese and Caucasian patients being treated for severe heart disease or those conditions associated with inflammation (WBC ≥ 10 ×109/L or hsCRP ≥ 3.0 mg/L) and/or hypoxia (PaO2 ≤ 75 mmHg) were enrolled; their urine samples were analyzed by HPLC, HPLC-MS, GC-MS and biotransformation assays. DHPLA was detected in urine samples of patients, but undetectable in healthy volunteers. Dynamic monitoring of inpatients undergoing treatment showed their DHPLA levels declined in proportion to their clinical improvement. In DHPLA-positive patients' fecal samples, Proteus vulgaris and P. mirabilis were more abundant than healthy volunteers. In culture, these gut bacteria were capable of reversible interconversion between DOPA and DHPLA. Furthermore, porcine and rodent organs were able to metabolize DOPA to DHPLA and related phenolic acids. The elevated levels of DHPLA in these patients suggest bioactive DPAs are generated de novo as part of a human's defense mechanism against disease. Because DHPLA isolated from Radix Salvia miltiorrhizae has a multitude of pharmacological activities, these data underpin the scientific basis of this medicinal plant's ethnopharmacological applications as well as highlighting the therapeutic potential of endogenous, natural or synthetic DPAs and their derivatives in humans.

Astragaloside III activates TACE/ADAM17-dependent anti-inflammatory and growth factor signaling in endothelial cells in a p38-dependent fashion.

Astragaloside III (AS-III) is a triterpenoid saponin contained in Astragali Radix and has potent anti-inflammatory effects on vascular endothelial cells; however, underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we provided the first piece of evidence that AS-III induced phosphorylation of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) at Thr735 and enhanced its sheddase activity. As a result, AS-III reduced surface TNFR1 level and increased content of sTNFR1 in the culture media, leading to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway and attenuation of downstream cytokine gene expression. Furthermore, AS-III induced TACE-dependent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation and activation of downstream ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Finally, AS-III induced activation of p38. Both TACE activation and EGFR transactivation induced by AS-III were significantly inhibited by p38 inhibitor SB203580. Taken together, we concluded that AS-III activates TACE-dependent anti-inflammatory and growth factor signaling in vascular endothelial cells in a p38-dependent fashion, which may contribute to its cardiovascular protective effect.

ADAM17 participates in the protective effect of paeoniflorin on mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Paeoniflorin (PF), the most abundant active ingredient of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Paeoniae Radix, has been recognized as a potential neuroprotectant due to its remarkable efficacy on mitigating cerebral infarction and preventing the neurodegenerative diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of PF remain incompletely understood. In this study, we first provided evidence for the protective effect of PF on hydrogen peroxide-induced injury on mouse brain microvascular endothelial bEnd.3 cells, and for transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signal induced by PF, suggesting that EGFR transactivation might be involved in the beneficial role of PF. Next, by detecting the phosphorylation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) at Thr 735 and performing loss-of-function experiments with the ADAM17 inhibitor and ADAM 17-siRNA, we showed that PF-induced transactivation of EGFR and downstream ERKs and AKT signaling pathways were dependent on ADAM17. Furthermore, PF-induced phosphorylation of ADAM17 and the EGFR transactivation were inhibited by the inhibitors of adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) or Src kinase that were applied to cells prior to PF treatment, implying the involvement of A1R, and Src in the activation of ADAM17. Finally, PF reduced the cell surface level of TNF-receptor 1 (TNFR1) and increased the content of soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) in the culture media, indicating that PF might enhance the shedding of sTNFR1. Taken together, we conclude that A1R and Src-dependent activation of ADAM17 participates in PF-induced EGFR transactivation and TNFR1 shedding on mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells, which may contributes to the neuroprotective effects of PF.

Hydroxy-Safflower Yellow A inhibits the TNFR1-Mediated Classical NF-κB Pathway by Inducing Shedding of TNFR1.

Hydroxy-safflower yellow A (HSYA) is the major active component of safflower, a traditional Asia herbal medicine well known for its cardiovascular protective activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HSYA on TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore the mechanisms involved. The results showed that HSYA suppressed the up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated AECs in a dose-dependent manner. High concentration (120 µM) HSYA significantly inhibited the TNF-α-induced adhesion of RAW264.7 cells to AECs. HSYA blocked the TNFR1-mediated phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and also prevented the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Moreover, HSYA reduced the cell surface level of TNFR1 and increased the content of sTNFR1 in the culture media. TNF-α processing inhibitor-0 (TAPI-0) prevented the HSYA inhibition of TNFR1-induced IκBα degradation, implying the occurrence of TNFR1 shedding. Furthermore, HSYA induced phosphorylation of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) at threonine 735, which is thought to be required for its activation. Conclusively, HSYA suppressed TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in AECs, at least in part by inhibiting the TNFR1-mediated classical NF-κB pathway. TACE-mediated TNFR1 shedding can be involved in this effect. Our study provides new evidence for the antiinflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects of HSYA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Inhibition of Paeoniflorin on TNF-α-induced TNF-α Receptor Type I /Nuclear Factor-κB Signal Transduction in Endothelial Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin (PAE) on TNF-α-induced TNF receptor type I (TNFR1)-mediated signaling pathway in mouse renal arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Mouse AECs were cultured in vitro and then they were treated by different concentrations PAE or TNF-α for various time periods. Expression levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the low dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 0.8 µmo/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the middle dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 8 µmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 µmol/L plus 6-h TNF-α 30 ng/mL) with Western blot analysis. Nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-κB (NE-κB) was detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 45-mm TNF-α 30 ng/mL), and the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 µmol/L plus 45-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL) by immunofluorescent staining. Expression levels of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated (protein) kinase (ph-ERK) and p38 (ph- p38) were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media) and the high dose PAE group (2-h PAE 80 µmol/L culture) by Western blot. NF-κB inhibitor-α (IκBα) protein expressions were detected in the normal group (cultured by serum-free culture media), the TNF-α group (cultured by 2-h serum-free culture media plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the high dose PAE group (cultured by 2-h PAE 80 µmol/L plus 30-min TNF-α 30 ng/mL), the p38 inhibitor group (SB group, pretreatment with SB238025 25 µmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 µmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min), the ERK inhibitor group (PD group, treated by PD98059 50 µmol/L for 30 min, then treated by PAE 80 µmol/L for 2 h, and finally treated by TNF-α 30 ng/mL for 30 min) by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels obviously increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, ICAM-1 protein expression levels were obviously inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of ph-p38 and ph-ERK were obviously higher in the hIgh dose PAE group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, IκBα protein expression levels obviously decreased in the TNF-α group (P < 0.01). Compared with the TNFα group, TNF-α-induced IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group (P < 0.01); the inhibition of PAE on IκBα degradation could be significantly inhibited in the SB group (P < 0.05). NF-κB/p65 signal was mainly located in cytoplasm in the normal group. NF-κB/p65 was translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus after stimulated by 45 min TNF-α in the TNF-α group, while it could be significantly inhibited in the high dose PAE group. CONCLUSIONS: PAE inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of lCAM-1. Its action might be associated with inhibiting TNFR1/NF-κB signaling pathway. p38 participated and mediated these actions.

Highly selective screening of the bioactive compounds in Huoxue capsule using immobilized ß(2)-adrenoceptor affinity chromatography.

A highly selective assay was developed for screening compounds that bind to the porcine recombinant ß2-adrenoceptor (ß2-AR) with affinity chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS). The methodology involved selective screening with immobilized ß2-AR, a highly accurate identification via Q-TOF-MS, and a functional evaluation of the screened compounds with a sensitive myograph system. Ferulic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), and naringin were confirmed to be the bioactive compounds in Huoxue capsule that specifically bound to the ß2-AR. These compounds produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of arteries that were contracted by treatment with phenylephrine, and the relaxation caused by these compounds was attenuated in the presence of ICI 118551, a type of ß2-AR antagonist. Our data indicate that the use of an immobilized receptor is potentially an alternative method for the rapid screening of bioactive compounds in a complex matrix because of its high specificity. ß2-AR affinity chromatography was valuable in focusing attention on the further investigation of ferulic acid, HSYA, and naringin as ß2-AR agonists.

[Pharmacokinetic effect of Sappan Lignum on hydroxysafflor yellow A in Carthami Flos].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacokinetic effect of Sappan Lignum on hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in Carthami Flos. METHOD: Concentration of HSYA in rat plasma was detected by RP-HPLC after rats were orally administered with extracts of Carthami Flos or Carthami Flos combined with Sappan Lignum. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 pharmacokinetic software. RESULT: In vivo pharmacokinetic models of HSYA were two-compartment open models in both of the Carthami Flos group and the Carthami Flos combined with Sappan Lignum group. After compatibility, HSYA showed a significant lower in apparent volumes of distribution of t(1/2Ka), t(1/2alpha) and V1/F, with slight advance in T(max). CONCLUSION: Sappan Lignum can accelerate absorption, distribution and metabolic process of HSYA in vivo and reduce its accumulation in vivo.

Dendritic cells treated with HPV16mE7 in a three-dimensional model promote the secretion of IL-12p70 and IFN-γ.

Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA therapeutic vaccine represents a promising approach to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, the mechanism of the HPV DNA vaccine is poorly understood. Moreover, current strategies have met with only limited success in preclinical and dendritic cell-based (DC-based) clinical research. In addition, two-dimensional (2-D) DC monolayers poorly mimic the physiology function in vivo. We used a three-dimensional (3-D) DC culture model in vitro to explore the immune mechanism of the HPV DNA vaccine. DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes with interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The cells, growing in 3-D collagen gel, were treated with pcDNA3.1-HPV16mE7 in vitro for 48 h. Compared to DCs treated with E7 in a 2-D culture model, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD40 were significantly increased in the 3-D model (p<0.05), and a remarkable increase of IL-12 p70 was observed. However, we did not detect any obvious change in IL-10 in 3-D culture. In addition, we found that IFN-γ expression increased when HPV16mE7-DC cells were co-cultured with T-cells for 96 h in the 3-D model, and HPV16mE7-DCs stimulated the proliferation of T lymphocytes more efficiently in the 3-D model than in the 2-D model (p<0.05). These results suggest that DCs in 3-D culture model have a notable effect on the enhancement of the HPV16 DNA vaccine's immune reaction and indicate that the DC-based 3-D model is a novel approach to study the HPV vaccine.

MICU1 protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its control by the importer receptor Tom70.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is a main contributor to mitochondrial damage hence cardiomyocyte death in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. MICU1 has been recently identified as an important regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Here we try to identify the role of MICU1 in MI/R, and to investigate whether the mitochondrial importer receptor Tom70 possesses critical roles in the mitochondrial translocation of MICU1 and MI/R. Specific small interfering RNA (20 µg) against MICU1 and Tom70, and lentivirus vectors carrying the Tom70a sequences (3.3 × 107 TU) were delivered through intramyocardial injection. Seventy-two hours after injection, mice were subjected to 30 min of MI followed by 3 h (for cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage assessment) or 24 h (for cardiac function and infarct size determination) of reperfusion. MI/R had no significant effect on total MICU1 expression, but caused significant reduction of MICU1 in mitochondria. Knockdown of MICU1 significantly aggravated MI/R injury, as evidenced by enlarged infarct size, depressed cardiac function and increased myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, MICU1 deficiency resulted in markedly aggravated mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, consequently destructed mitochondrial morphology and suppressed mitochondrial function (evidenced by decreased ATP production). Interestingly, mitochondrial Tom70 was also decreased in MI/R. Genetic loss-function study revealed that mitochondrial MICU1 expression was depressed by Tom70 ablation. Furthermore, Tom70 deficiency significantly aggravated MI/R injury and worsened mitochondrial Ca2+ overload. However, supplementation of Tom70 significantly attenuated MI/R injury, preserved mitochondrial morphology and function, and inhibited mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, all of which were abolished by MICU1 suppression. Mitochondrial Tom70/MICU1 pathway protects against MI/R injury, in which mitochondrial localization of MICU1 is governed by Tom70, and MICU1 serves as an indispensable factor in Tom70's cardioprotection.

A comparative study on inhibition of total astragalus saponins and astragaloside IV on TNFR1-mediated signaling pathways in arterial endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Both total astragalus saponins (AST) and it's main component astragaloside IV (ASIV) have been used in China as cardiovascular protective medicines. However, the anti-inflammatory activities that are beneficial for cardiovascular health have never been compared directly and the molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. This study was conducted to compare the inhibitory effects of these drugs on TNFα-induced cell responses, related signaling pathways, and the underlying mechanisms in mouse arterial endothelial cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Real-time qRT-PCR was performed to determine the expression of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) genes. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-κB-p65. Western Blot analysis was used to identify TNFα-induced NF-κB-p65 phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and caspase-3 cleavage. Cell surface proteins were isolated and TNFα receptor-1(TNFR1) expression was determined. The results suggest that both AST and ASIV attenuate TNFα-induced up-regulation of CAMs mRNA and upstream nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65. However, TNFR1-mediated IκBα degradation, cleavage of caspase-3 and apoptosis were inhibited only by AST. These differences in the actions of AST and ASIV could be explained by the presence of other components in AST, such as ASII and ASIII, which also had an inhibitory effect on TNFR1-induced IκBα degradation. Moreover, AST, but not ASIV, was able to reduce TNFR1 protein level on the cell surface. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation demonstrated that TNFR1-mediated IκBα degradation was reversed by the use of TAPI-0, an inhibitor of TNFα converting enzyme (TACE), suggesting the involvement of TACE in the modulation of surface TNFR1 level by AST. CONCLUSION: ASIV was not a better inhibitor than AST, at least on the inhibition of TNFα-induced inflammatory responses and TNFR1-mediated signaling pathways in AECs. The inhibitory effect of AST was caused by the reduction of cell surface TNFR1 level, and TACE could be involved in this action.

Effects of Borneol on Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Notoginsenoside R1 and Ginsenosides Rg1 and Re in Panax notoginseng in Rabbits.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Borneol on the pharmacokinetics of notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) and the ginsenosides Rg1 (GRg1) and Re (GRe) in Panax notoginseng. Reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry was employed to determine the concentrations of the three compounds in rabbit plasma. In comparison with rabbits administrated Panax notoginseng extract alone, animals simultaneously taking Panax notoginseng extract and Borneol exhibited significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of NGR1, GRg1, and GRe, such as increasing their bioavailability. Quantities of NGR1, GRg1, and GRe in rabbit tissues were also increased after combining administration of Borneol. In addition, the apparent permeability coefficients (P app) of NGR1, GRg1, and GRe were raised by Borneol significantly in Caco-2 cells. However, no significant changes were observed in the efflux ratio (Er) of NGR1, GRg1 and GRe. These data indicate that Borneol has the properties of enhancing the intestinal absorption, increasing the distribution, and inhibiting the metabolism of NGR1, GRg1, and GRe. The underlying mechanism might be attributed to the loosening of the intercellular tight junction.

Tanshinone IIA and Baicalin inhibiting the formation of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene induced cytotoxicity: correlation with scavenging free radical.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is formed by incomplete combustion of organic materials, and causes oxidative damage to cells and tissues due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibition of Tanshinone IIA and Baicalin on the formation of BaP as well as the cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by BaP. The results showed that BaP formations in mainstream smoke were inhibited by 21µg/cigarette of Tanshinone IIA with a 12.8% decrease, and by 60µg/cigarette of Baicalin with an 11.1% decrease, respectively. Tanshinone IIA could protect HUVECs from the damage caused by BaP in a dose-dependent manner from 7.5 to 30µg/ml. 6µg/ml Baicalin significantly increased the cell survival rate from 47.37% to 84.21% compared with BaP-treated cells. Both Tanshinone IIA and Baicalin markedly attenuated the increase of LDH release, enhanced the activity of SOD and GPx and inhibited the generation of MDA in BaP-damaged HUVECs in vitro. In vivo exploration showed that the two compounds were capable of enhancing the activity of SOD and inhibiting generation of MDA in mainstream smoke-damaged in mice. Superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical were obviously inhibited by Tanshinone IIA and Baicalin. These data demonstrate an inhibition of Tanshinone IIA and Baicalin on the formation of BaP and the cytotoxicity on HUVECs related to free Radical induced by BaP.

Effects of ionic liquid and nanogold particles on high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection and their application in highly efficient separation and sensitive analysis of five phenolic acids in Xuebijing injection.

A novel high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) analytical system was developed in this study by integratedly utilizing ionic liquid (IL) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and an additive of gold nanoparticles. The resulted pilot study was first performed to assess the effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and gold nanoparticles on the chromatographic characteristics of five phenolic acids in Xuebijing injection, including danshensu (DSS), protocatechuic acid (PA), protocatechuic aldehyde (PAH), hydroxy safflower yellow A (HSYA) and ferulic acid (FA). It was notable to observe that retainability of the phenolic acids were markly lowered by IL addition. Compared with the cases without IL addition, the retention times of DSS, PA, PAH, HSYA and FA have decreased 2.851, 1.532, 1.53, 0.818 and 0.552 min, respectively when 0.6% IL in the mobile phase. In addition, the corresponding theoretical plate numbers and peak areas for these compounds were significantly increased. Area response for DSS, PA, PAH, HSYA and FA were enhanced by 772%, 628%, 584%, 703% and 600%, respectively. It was observed that nano-gold catalysis power enabled peak areas of DSS, PAH, FA and PA to enhance 5.7, 6.2, 8.5 and 66.5 times relative to the case with addition of IL. Altogether, the optimized HPLC-ECD system was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics study of Xuebijing injection with underlying applicability to in vivo and in vitro analysis of a variety of natural product from Chinese medicine plants, TCM formulae and associated patent TCM preparation.