Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Herba Epimedii: Enhancing Bone Healing Through Cytoskeletal Regulation of RhoA/Rock1 Pathway.

Herba Epimedii is widely used to promote bone healing, and their active ingredients are total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE). Ras homolog gene family member A / Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/Rock), an important pathway regulating the cytoskeleton, has been proven to affect bone formation. However, whether TFE promotes bone healing via this pathway remains unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effects of TFE were estimated using micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining of pathological sections. F-actin in osteoblasts was stained to investigate the protective effects of TFE on the cytoskeleton. Its regulatory effects on the RhoA/Rock1 pathway were explored using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Besides, flow cytometry, alkaline phosphatase and nodule calcification staining were performed to evaluate the effects on osteogenesis. The bone healing in rats was improved, the cytoskeletal damage in osteoblasts was reduced, the RhoA/Rock1 pathway was downregulated, and osteogenesis was enhanced after TFE treatment. Thus, TFE can promote bone formation at least partially by regulating the expression of key genes and proteins in the cytoskeleton. The findings of this study provided evidence for clinical applications and would contribute to a better understanding of Epimedium's mechanisms in treating bone defects.

Mangiferin attenuates osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoblastic ferroptosis through Keap1/Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis is a crucial contributor to impaired osteoblast function in osteoporosis. Mangiferin, a xanthonoid glucoside isolated from mangoes, exhibits anti-osteoporosis effects. However, its potential mechanism is not fully understood. PURPOSE: This study explores the potencies of mangiferin on osteoblastic ferroptosis and deciphers its direct target in the context of solute carrier family 7-member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidases 4 (GPX4) pathway. METHODS: In vivo models include bilateral ovariectomy induced osteoporosis mice, iron-dextran induced iron-overloaded mice, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-knockout mice. Mice are orally administrated mangiferin (10, 50 or 100 mg.kg-1.d-1) for 12 weeks. In vitro osteoblast models include iron-dextran induced iron-overloaded cells, erastin induced ferroptosis cells, and gene knockout cells. RNA sequencing is applied for investigating the underlying mechanisms. The direct target of mangiferin is studied using a cellular thermal shift assay, silico docking, and surface plasmon resonance. RESULTS: Mangiferin promotes bone formation and inhibits ferroptosis in vivo models (osteoporosis mice, iron-overloaded mice) and in vitro models (ferroptosis osteoblast, iron-overloaded osteoblasts). Mechanismly, mangiferin directly binds to the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and activates the downstream Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway in both the in vivo and in vitro models. Mangiferin failed to restore the osteoporosis and ferroptosis in Nrf2-knockout mice. Silencing Nrf2, SLC7A11 or GPX4 abolished the anti-ferroptosis effect of mangiferin in erastin-induced cells. Addition of the ferroptosis agonist RSL-3 also blocked the protective effects of mangiferin on iron-overloaded cells. Furthermore, mangiferin had better effects on osteogenesis than the ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) and the Nrf2 agonists (sulforaphane, dimethyl fumarate, and bardoxolone). CONCLUSIONS: We identify for the first time mangiferin as a ferroptosis inhibitor and a direct Keap1 conjugator that promotes bone formation and alleviates osteoporosis. This work also provides a potentially practical pharmacological approach for treating ferroptosis-driven diseases.

A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and potential uses of Portulaca oleracea L.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), popularly known as purslane, has been documented in ethnopharmacology in various countries and regions. Traditional application records indicated that PO might be used extensively to treat the common cold, dysentery, urinary tract infections, coughing, eye infections, skin problems, gynecological diseases, and pediatric illnesses. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This paper includes a systematic review of the traditional usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, and potential uses of PO to provide an overview of the research for further exploitation of PO resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article uses "Portulaca oleracea L." and "purslane" as the keywords and collects relevant information on PO from different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, ACS, Wiley, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and ancient meteria medica. RESULTS: PO is a member of the Portulacaceae family and is grown worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that purslane has the effect of improving eyesight, eliminating evil qi, quenching thirst, purgation, diuresis, hemostasis, regulating qi, promoting hair growth, detoxifying, and avoiding epidemic qi. Recent phytochemical investigations have shown that PO is a rich source of flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, esters, lignans, terpenoids, catecholamines, sterols, and cerebrosides. The purslane extracts or compounds have exhibited numerous biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, metabolic, muscle relaxant, anti-asthmatic and anti-osteoporosis properties. The significant omega-3 fatty acids, vital amino acids, minerals, and vitamins found in purslane also provide nutritional benefits. Purslane as a food/feed additive in the food industry and animal husbandry has caused concern. Its global wide distribution and tolerance to abiotic stress characteristics make it in the future sustainable development of agriculture a certain position. CONCLUSIONS: Based on traditional usage, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activity, PO is a potential medicinal and edible plant with diverse pharmacological effects. Due to purslane's various advantages, it may have vast application potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries and animal husbandry.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Osteoporosis Intervention and the Related Regulatory Mechanism of Gut Microbiome.

The gut microbiome (GM) has become a crucial factor that can affect the progression of osteoporosis. A number of studies have demonstrated the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on GM and bone metabolism. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms of the relationship between osteoporosis and GM disorder and introduce several natural Chinese medicines that exert anti-osteoporosis effects by modulating the GM. It is underlined that, through the provision of the microbial associated molecular pattern (MAMP), the GM causes inflammatory reactions and alterations in the Treg-Th17 balance and ultimately leads to changes in bone mass. Serotonin and many hormones, especially estrogen, may play a crucial role in the interaction of the GM with bone metabolism. Additionally, the GM may affect the absorption of specific nutrients in the intestine, particularly minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Several natural Chinese herbs, such as Sambucus Williamsii, Achyranthes bidentata Blume, Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms, Pueraria Lobata, and Agaricus blazei Murill have exhibited anti-osteoporosis effects through regulating the distribution and metabolism of the GM. These herbs may increase the abundance of Firmicutes, decrease the abundance of Bacteroides, promote the GM to produce more SCFAs, modulate the immune response caused by harmful bacteria, and increase the proportion of Treg-Th17 to indirectly affect bone metabolism. Moreover, gut-derived 5-HT is an important target for TCM to prevent osteoporosis via the gut-bone axis. Puerarin could prevent osteoporosis by improving intestinal mucosal integrity and decrease systemic inflammation caused by estrogen deficiency.

AR/PCC herb pair inhibits osteoblast pyroptosis to alleviate diabetes-related osteoporosis by activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent complication of diabetes, characterized by systemic metabolic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture, particularly in the spine. Anemarrhenae Rhizoma/Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (AR/PCC) herb pair has been extensively employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine to manage diabetes; however, its potential to ameliorate diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) has remained obscure. Herein, we explored the protective efficacy of AR/PCC herb pair against DOP using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat diabetic model. Our data showed that AR/PCC could effectively reduce the elevated fasting blood glucose and reverse the osteoporotic phenotype of diabetic rats, resulting in significant improvements in vertebral trabecular area percentage, trabecular thickness and trabecular number, while reducing trabecular separation. Specifically, AR/PCC herb pair improved impaired osteogenesis, nerve ingrowth and angiogenesis. More importantly, it could mitigate the aberrant activation of osteoblast pyroptosis in the vertebral bodies of diabetic rats by reducing increased expressions of Nlrp3, Asc, Caspase1, Gsdmd and IL-1ß. Mechanistically, AR/PCC activated antioxidant pathway through the upregulation of the antioxidant response protein Nrf2, while concurrently decreasing its negative feedback regulator Keap1. Collectively, our in vivo findings demonstrate that AR/PCC can inhibit osteoblast pyroptosis and alleviate STZ-induced rat DOP, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating DOP.

Humulus lupulus L. Extract Protects against Senior Osteoporosis through Inhibiting Amyloid ß Deposition and Oxidative Stress in APP/PS1 Mutated Transgenic Mice and Osteoblasts

As aging progresses, ß-amyloid (Aß) deposition and the resulting oxidative damage are key causes of aging diseases such as senior osteoporosis (SOP). Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is an important medicinal plant widely used in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries due to its strong antioxidant ability. In this study, APP/PS1 mutated transgenic mice and Aß-injured osteoblasts were used to evaluate the protective effects of hops extracts (HLE) on SOP. Mice learning and memory levels were assessed by the Morris water maze. Mice femurs were prepared for bone micro-structures and immunohistochemistry experiments. The deposition of Aß in the hippocampus, cortex and femurs were determined by Congo red staining. Moreover, protein expressions related to antioxidant pathways were evaluated by Western blotting. It was found that HLE markedly improved learning abilities and ameliorated memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, as well as regulated antioxidant enzymes and bone metabolism proteins in mice serum. Micro-CT tests indicated that HLE enhanced BMD and improved micro-architectural parameters of mice femur. More importantly, it was discovered that HLE significantly reduced Aß deposition both in the brain and femur. Further in vitro results showed HLE increased the bone mineralization nodule and reduced the ROS level of Aß-injured osteoblasts. Additionally, HLE increased the expression of antioxidant related proteins Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, FoxO1 and SOD-2. These results indicated that Humulus lupulus L. extract could protect against senior osteoporosis through inhibiting Aß deposition and oxidative stress, which provides a reference for the clinical application of hops in the prevention and treatment of SOP.

Structural characterization and protective effect against renal fibrosis of polysaccharide from Ligustrum lucidum Ait.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for tonifying the kidney and liver for decades. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore and identify polysaccharides from FLL and elucidate its protective effect against renal fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polysaccharides were extracted and isolated from FLL. The purified fraction was identified by serial phytochemical work, such as gel-permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were applied as a renal fibrosis model. The male UUO mice were pretreated with heteropolysaccharide (Poly) 1 week prior to surgery and continuously treated for 7 days after the operation. Renal fibrosis was assessed by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Masson's trichrome staining in paraffin-embedded slides. The murine mesangial cells SV40-MES13 upon angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment were developed as an in vitro fibrotic model. The cells were treated by Poly in the presence of Ang II. Molecular expression was detected by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: We identified a heteropolysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose (molar ratio, 0.73:0.27) with a predicted chemical structure characterized by a backbone composed of 1,5-α-Araf, 1,3,5-α-Araf, 1,6-α-Galp, and 1,3,6-ß-Galp and side chains comprised of T-α-Araf, T-α-Arap, and 1,3-α-Araf. Pretreatment of UUO mice with Poly effectively alleviated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Moreover, Poly pretreatment down-regulated the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin (FN), profibrotic factor VEGF, proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and Rantes in the obstructed kidney. Similarly, the incubation of SV40-MES13 cells with Poly significantly inhibited Ang II-induced elevation in accumulation and expression level of FN and attenuated Ang II-evoked up-regulation in protein expression of MCP-1 and Rantes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study isolated and identified a naturally occurring heteropolysaccharide in FLL and revealed its potential in protecting the kidneys from fibrosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Complicated With Osteoporosis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis (OP) are progressive degenerative diseases caused by multiple factors, placing a huge burden on the world. Much evidence indicates that OP is a common complication in AD patients. In addition, there is also evidence to show that patients with OP have a higher risk of AD than those without OP. This suggests that the association between the two diseases may be due to a pathophysiological link rather than one disease causing the other. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have also proved their common pathogenesis. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, some classic and specific natural Chinese medicines are widely used to effectively treat AD and OP. Current evidence also shows that these treatments can ameliorate both brain damage and bone metabolism disorder and further alleviate AD complicated with OP. These valuable therapies might provide effective and safe alternatives to major pharmacological strategies.

Anti-osteoporosis effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma / Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex herb pair and its major active components in diabetic rats and zebrafish.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Anemarrhenae Rhizoma/Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (AR/PCC) herb pair has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis. However, the anti-diabetic osteoporotic active components of AR/PCC remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the major active ingredients in AR/PCC for its protective effects against bone deterioration induced by diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extracts of AR/PCC with different proportions (AR:PCC = 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1, w/w) were prepared. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated with the AR/PCC extracts. The absorbed phytochemical compounds in serum of diabetic rats were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method and their contents in the AR/PCC extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector-evaporative light scattering detector method. The absorbed compounds in the extracts were considered as the major potential active components in AR/PCC, and their combination was defined as M-AR/PCC. A component-knockout approach was applied to evaluate the contribution of each compound in M-AR/PCC. The larvae and adults of diabetic zebrafish models were then used to evaluated the anti-diabetic osteoporotic performance of the M-AR/PCC. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to study the regulation effects of M-AR/PCC on osteogenesis and osteoclastgensis in diabetic zebrafish models. RESULTS: The phenotypes of diabetic osteoporosis rats induced by streptozotocin were reversed by the oral administration of AR/PCC extracts with different ratios, as evidenced by the increased bone mineral density, bone volume density, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and decreased trabecular separation of femoral metaphysis. Seven phytochemical compounds were detected in the serum and their contents in AR/PCC varied dramatically with different proportions, including 1 xanthone glycoside and 6 alkaloids. By using diabetic zebrafish larvae model and compound-knockout strategy, each compound in M-AR/PCC were proved to play an indispensable role in the positive regulatory actions in the bone mass of diabetic zebrafish. Furthermore, the herb pair with a ratio of 1:1 and the related M-AR/PCC showed the best therapeutic effects on diabetic osteoporosis. They showed similar performances on the inhibition of the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and the promotion of the alkaline phosphatase activity in diabetic adult zebrafish model. The M-AR/PCC treatment could decrease the blood glucose, upregulate the mRNA expression levels of osteoblast-related genes (alp, runx2b and opg) and downregulate the expression of osteoclast-related genes (acp5α, rankl and sost) in streptozotocin-induced zebrafish. CONCLUSION: AR/PCC herb pair and its major active components possess potent anti-diabetic osteoporotic effect on streptozotocin-induced in vivo models. The combination of the seven active compounds derived from AR/PCC herbal pair could be a potential agent for protection against osteoporosis associated with diabetes.

Amelioration of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and its phenol glycosides on hypercalciuria via stimulating PTH1R/PKA/TRPV5 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Our early studies performed on aged rats, ovariectomized (OVX) rats and diabetic mice, indicated the calciotropic role of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., in mediating calcium homeostasis which was partially attributed to its stimulation on renal calcium reabsorption. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explicate the underlying molecular mechanism and explore the potential bioactive ingredients in FLL. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The OVX C57BL/6 J mice were orally administered with low (FL, 75 mg/kg), middle (FM, 225 mg/kg) or high (FH, 675 mg/kg) dose of extract of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi for 10 weeks. The biological properties of trabecular bone were measured by micro-CT and H&E staining. The molecular expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunostaining. The potential active components were identified by cell membrane chromatography (CMC) and explored in renal tubular cells with Fluo-3/AM fluorescent staining to indicate intracellular calcium level. The male mice fed with high calcium diet (1.2% Ca) and orally treated with active components for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Treatment of OVX mice with FLL extract suppressed the elevation in urinary calcium level (FH, 0.081 ± 0.012, vs. OVX, 0.189 ± 0.038 mg/mg), and increased bone mineral density (FH, 62.41 ± 2.57, vs. OVX, 43.72 ± 8.43 mg/ccm) and percentage of trabecular bone area. It also decreased circulating PTH level (FH, 66.69 ± 10.94, vs. OVX, 303.50 ± 26.56 pg/ml) and up-regulated TRPV5 expression in renal cortex of OVX mice as well as enhanced the expression of PTH receptor (PTH1R) and the ratio of p-PKA/PKA. The PKA inhibitor H89 abolished the induction of serum, prepared from rats treated with FLL extract, on PKA/TRPV5 signaling in renal tubular cells. The CMC identified phenol glycosides, including salidroside and oleuropein, which increased intracellular calcium content, promoted expression of PTH1R and TRPV5 and ratio of p-PKA/PKA as well as decreased calcium excretion in urine of mice fed with high calcium diet. CONCLUSION: Salidroside and oleuropein are major ingredients contributing to the anti-hypercalciuria effects of FLL via acting on PTH1R/PKA/TRPV5 signaling in kidney. Further translational research would be required.

Structural elucidation and anti-diabetic osteoporotic activity of an arabinogalactan from Phellodendron chinense Schneid.

Phellodendron chinense Schneid. was widely used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis in China. In this study, an arabinogalactan, named as PPCP-1, was isolated from the bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid., and purified by DEAE-cellulose DE52 and Sephacryl S-200 HR column chromatography. The structure of PPCP-1 was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of →3)-ß-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-ß-d-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Manp-(1→ with branches of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and terminal α-l-Araf. Pharmacologically, the oral administration of PPCP-1 preserved osteoporosis associated with hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, improving glucose tolerance, decreasing the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as well as down-regulating the expression of receptor for AGEs in tibias of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Collectively, the present study suggested that the arabinogalactan PPCP-1 from Phellodendron chinense Schneid. might potentially be used as functional foods for bone health and/or developed for drug discovery for alleviating diabetic osteoporosis.

Xanthohumol ameliorates memory impairment and reduces the deposition of ß-amyloid in APP/PS1 mice via regulating the mTOR/LC3II and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways.

OBJECTIVES: Xanthohumol (XAN) is a unique component of Humulus lupulus L. and is known for its diverse biological activities. In this study, we investigated whether Xanthohumol could ameliorate memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, and explored its potential mechanism of action. METHODS: APP/PS1 mice were used for in vivo test and were treated with N-acetylcysteine and Xanthohumol for 2 months. Learning and memory levels were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Inflammatory and oxidative markers in serum and hippocampus and the deposition of Aß in the hippocampus were determined. Moreover, the expression of autophagy and apoptosis proteins was also evaluated by western blot. KEY FINDINGS: Xanthohumol significantly reduced the latency and increased the residence time of mice in the target quadrant. Additionally, Xanthohumol increased superoxide dismutase level and reduced Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1ß levels both in serum and hippocampus. Xanthohumol also significantly reduced Aß deposition in the hippocampus and activated autophagy and anti-apoptotic signals. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthohumol effectively ameliorates memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice by activating mTOR/LC3 and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways, which provides new insight into the neuroprotective effects of Xanthohumol.

Timosaponin AIII attenuates inflammatory injury in AGEs-induced osteoblast and alloxan-induced diabetic osteoporosis zebrafish by modulating the RAGE/MAPK signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) deposition causes inflammatory injury in osteoblasts and contributes to diabetic osteoporosis. The receptor for advanced glycation end product/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (RAGE/MAPK) signaling pathway is closely linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic osteoporosis. Timosaponin AIII, a steroidal saponin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Asparagaceae), shows anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporosis effects. PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of timosaponin AIII on diabetic osteoporosis and whether its effect is dependent on protecting osteoblasts against AGEs-induced injury via RAGE/MAPK signaling suppression. METHODS: An alloxan-induced diabetic osteoporosis zebrafish model was applied to investigate the effects of timosaponin AIII in vivo, and alendronate was used as a positive control. Moreover, related mechanisms were explored in primary rat osteoblasts. Molecular docking was applied to investigate the interactions between timosaponin AIII and RAGE. RESULTS: Timosaponin AIII treatment reversed alloxan-induced reduction in the mineralized area of the larvae head skeleton, accompanied by a decreased level of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the zebrafish. Additionally, AGEs significantly influenced RAGE expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, interleukin 1ß expression, interleukin 6 expression, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression, and increased cell apoptosis. Timosaponin AIII significantly downregulated AGEs-induced interleukin 1ß, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, and upregulated alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. Timosaponin AIII also significantly reduced the expression of RAGE and had additive effects on downstream P38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in AGEs-induced osteoblast. Molecular docking predicted that hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions occurred between timosaponin AIII and RAGE. CONCLUSION: These data clarified that timosaponin AIII attenuates diabetic osteoporosis via a novel mechanism involved suppressing the RAGE/MAPK signaling pathway. Our finding highlights the potential value of timosaponin AIII as an anti-diabetic osteoporosis agent.

Bajitianwan attenuates D-galactose-induced memory impairment and bone loss through suppression of oxidative stress in aging rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are both senile diseases, which are closely related to oxidative stress. Bajitianwan (BJTW) is a classic Chinese formulation consisting of seven herbal drugs: the root of Morinda officinalis F.C.How., root and rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, the root bark of Lycium chinense Mill., the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, the root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., sclerotium with host wood of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf and root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. BJTW has been used for the treatment of osteoporosis and AD for hundreds of years. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of BJTW in the amelioration of memory impairment and bone loss induced by D-galactose and to explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aging model was established in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (100 mg/kg), and the rats were treated with huperzine-A, alendronate sodium, or the aqueous extract of BJTW for 4 months. Cognitive performance was evaluated with the Morris water maze. Rat femurs were scanned using microcomputed tomography to obtain three-dimensional imagery of bone microstructure. The impact of D-galactose on the expression of Forkhead box O1 and superoxide dismutase 2 in femur tissue was also evaluated. RESULTS: For the model group, BJTW treatment significantly reduced the latency time for finding the target platform in the directional swimming test and increased time spent swimming in the target quadrant with the probe test. Additionally, BJTW treatment alleviated D-galactose-induced bone loss through regulation of levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand. Furthermore, BJTW treatment increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels in serum, reduced malondialdehyde content in hippocampus, and upregulated expression of Forkhead O1, which upregulated superoxide dismutase 2 in the femur. CONCLUSIONS: BJTW had positive effects on age-related memory impairments and bone loss. It may be a promising antioxidant candidate for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis.

Preparation and application of polyvinyl alcohol-decorated cell membrane chromatography for screening anti-osteoporosis components from Liuwei Dihuang decoction-containing serum.

Cell membrane chromatography is a powerful tool for screening active components from complex matrices. New cell membrane carriers need to be developed to increase the coverage of cell membranes on the surface of stationary phases, thereby improving cell membrane chromatographic retention. In this work, we prepared polyvinyl alcohol-poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride modified silica gel as a cell membrane carrier. Osteoblast cell was used as cell membrane source, which was widely used to evaluate the osteogenic activity of drugs. The new cell membrane chromatographic stationary phase was used to screen anti-osteoporosis components in Liuwei Dihuang decoction-containing serum. The chemical structures of the new modified materials were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis characterization. Compared with the common cell membrane column, the cell membrane coverage of this modified material was increased by 30%, and thus provided a stronger retention effect in positive drugs. Nineteen metabolites in rat serum samples were retained on the cell membrane chromatography and identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Among those, four components (morroniside, catalpol, loganin, and acteoside) were selected for in vitro pharmacodynamics validation. They significantly increased the osteoblast proliferation. The new modified material was successfully applied to screen anti-osteoporosis components from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction-containing serum.

Identification of high-risk patients for ADR induced by traditional Chinese medicine injection: a nested case-control study.

The adverse drug reaction (ADR) of traditional Chinese medicine injection (TCMI) has become one of the major concerns of public health in China. There are significant advantages for developing methods to improve the use of TCMI in routine clinical practice. The method of predicting TCMI-induced ADR was illustrated using a nested case-control study in 123 cases and 123 controls. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) models, which mapped the influence of basic characteristics and routine examinations to ADR, were established to predict the risk of ADR. The software was devised to provide an easy-to-use tool for clinic application. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated through its application to new patients with 95.7% accuracy of cases and 91.3% accuracy of controls. By using the method, the patients at high-risk could be conveniently, efficiently and economically recognized without any extra financial burden for additional examination. This study provides a novel insight into individualized management of the patients who will use TCMI.

Erxian Decoction Attenuates TNF-α Induced Osteoblast Apoptosis by Modulating the Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Erxian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for treatment of osteoporosis for many years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effect of EXD in preventing osteoblast apoptosis and the underlying mechanism of prevention. Putative targets of EXD were predicted by network pharmacology, and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed. Evaluations of bone mineral density, serum estradiol level, trabecular area fraction, serum calcium levels, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in ovariectomized rats, as well as cell proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, and western blotting in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were performed for further experimental validation. Ninety-three active ingredients in the EXD formula and 259 potential targets were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that EXD significantly influenced the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In vivo experiments indicated that EXD treatment attenuated bone loss and decreased TNF-α levels in rats with osteoporosis. In vitro experiments showed that EXD treatment increased cell viability markedly and decreased levels of caspase-3 and the rate of apoptosis. It also promoted phosphorylation of Akt, nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in TNF-α-induced MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results suggest that EXD exerted profound anti-osteoporosis effects, at least partially by reducing production of TNF-α and attenuating osteoblast apoptosis via Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Integrated pathological cell fishing and network pharmacology approach to investigate main active components of Er-Xian decotion for treating osteoporosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxidative damage to osteoblasts was a key factor in the development of osteoporosis. Er-Xian Decotion (EXD) is widely used in China for the treatment of osteoporosis, which has a variety of antioxidant active ingredients. EXD may be an important source of protection against oxidative damage in osteoblasts, but the anti-osteoporotic active components of EXD is currently unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work established an effective and reliable drug screening method to find main active ingredients in EXD (M-EXD) that can protect osteoblasts against oxidative stress and achieve anti-osteoporosis effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H2O2-induced osteoblast cell fishing with UHPLC-QTOF/MS was firstly used to discover the potential active components from EXD. Afterword, the EXD compound-osteoporosis target network was constructed using network pharmacology, thus potentially anti-osteoporosis ingredients were founded, and their combination were defined as the M-EXD. Finally, pharmacology effects of M-EXD was evaluated by ovariectomized rats, prednisolone induced-zebrafish and H2O2-induced osteoblasts. RESULTS: 40 candidate active ingredients in EXD were initially screened out via pathological cell fishing. According to network pharmacology result, M-EXD consisted of 13 ingredients since they had a close relationship with 65 osteoporosis-related targets. Pharmacological evaluation showed that M-EXD significantly ameliorated oxidative stress in H2O2-induced osteoblast model, evidently reversed the activity of ALP, ROS, GSH-px, NO and MDA compared with the model group. M-EXD showed better anti-oxidative activities than individual ingredients, presenting obvious synergetic effects. In osteoporosis rat and zebrafish models, M-EXD also demonstrated good anti-osteoporotic properties by mitigating the osteoporosis bone loss and increasing serum bone morphogenetic protein 2, and reversing osteocalcin expression in bone tissue. It significantly ameliorated oxidative stress in the in-vivo models. Moreover, M-EXD and EXD showed similar anti-osteoporotic and anti-oxidative properties, while the rest components of EXD had no satisfactory anti-osteoporotic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our work successfully identified the main active components in EXD, which could represent the efficacy of EXD on treating osteoporosis, and meanwhile, it also provided an effective strategy to investigate active ingredients from natural medicines, which might be helpful for drug development and application.

6-Gingerol Attenuates Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Cell Apoptosis in Human AC16 Cardiomyocytes through HMGB2-JNK1/2-NF-κB Pathway.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a key factor in deterioration of myocardial function. The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation have been found in I/R injury. 6-Gingerol, an important bioactive ingredient of ginger, has been reported to have cardiovascular pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanism through which it is beneficial is unclear. In this work, I/R induced the increase in the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level in AC16 cardiomyocytes. 6-Gingerol administration decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improved oxidative stress indexes. 6-Gingerol administration also inhibited I/R-induced HMGB2 expression upregulation and JNK activation and reduced Cleaved Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) and Caspase-3 expression. HMGB2 treatment mimicked the effect of I/R-induced cell damage, which was reversed by 6-gingerol administration. On the other hand, transcriptional activity of NF-κB was reduced in 6-gingerol treated cells. Thus, overall results indicated that 6-gingerol administration protected I/R-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis via JNK/NF-κB pathway in the regulation of HMGB2. This work supported the efficacy of 6-gingerol on cardiovascular disease and partially revealed its mechanism, which was helpful for understanding the therapeutic effects of this natural drug.

[Rapid screening of anti-osteoporosis active ingredients from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction by osteoblast membrane chromatography/ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry].

A method was established for determination of potential anti-osteoporosis ingredients from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction by osteoblast cell membrane chromatography/ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CMC/UPLC-TOF/MS). The osteoblasts were used as the source of cell membrane for the preparation of CMC stationary phase. An osteoblast CMC column (10 mm×2 mm) was prepared by coating silica gel (0.05 g) with cell membrane. The active ingredients in the aqueous extract of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (90 g/L) were first screened by CMC. Water was used as the mobile phase, and the flow rate was 0.20 mL/min. Then, the eluates of the CMC were qualitatively analyzed by UPLC-TOF/MS using a WATERS ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (10 mm×2 mm). Acetonitrile-water was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. This method could quickly and selectively identify 16 potential anti-osteoporotic active ingredients from Liuwei Dihuang Decoction. Due to high catalpol content in Liuwei Dihuang Decoction and its good affinity with CMC column, catapol was selected for in vivo and in vitro pharmacological examinations. It was found that catalpol (1-10 µmol/L) could significantly promote the proliferation of osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. It also significantly increased the area of bone staining in osteoporosis zebrafish model. The osteoblast CMC/UPLC-TOF/MS method could quickly screen the anti-osteoporosis active ingredients in complex traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and had the advantages of simple operation, high efficiency and high sensitivity.