Carpaine alleviates tendinopathy in mice by promoting the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of p65 via targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase LRSAM1.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no specific drugs or targets available for the treatment of tendinopathy. However, inflammation has recently been found to play a pivotal role in tendinopathy progression, thereby identifying it as a potential therapeutic target. Carpaine (CA) exhibits potential anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties and may offer a therapeutic option for tendinopathy. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CA in addressing tendinopathy and uncovering its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Herein, the efficacy of CA by local administration in vivo in comparison to the first-line drug indomethacin was evaluated in a mouse collagenase-induced tendinopathy (CIT) model. Furthermore, IL-1ß induced a simulated pathological inflammatory microenvironment in tenocytes to investigate its underlying mechanisms in vitro. Further confirmation experiments were performed by overexpressing or knocking down the selective targets of CA in vivo. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that CA was dose-dependent in treating tendinopathy and that the high-dose group outperformed the first-line drug indomethacin. Mechanistically, CA selectively bound to and enhanced the activity of the E3 ubiquitin ligase LRSAM1 in tendinopathy. This effect mediated the ubiquitination of p65 at lysine 93, subsequently promoting its proteasomal degradation. As a result, the NF-κB pathway was inactivated, leading to a reduction in inflammation of tendinopathy. Consequently, CA effectively mitigated the progression of tendinopathy. Moreover, the LRSAM1 overexpression demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating the tendinopathy progression and its knockdown abolished the therapeutic effects of CA. CONCLUSION: CA attenuates the progression of tendinopathy by promoting the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of p65 via increasing the enzyme activity of LRSAM1. The exploration of LRSAM1 has also unveiled a new potential target for treating tendinopathy based on the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway.

Functionalized self-assembled peptide RAD/Dentonin hydrogel scaffold promotes dental pulp regeneration.

RADA16-I is an ion-complementary self-assembled peptide with a regular folded secondary conformation and can be assembled into an ordered nanostructure. Dentonin is an extracellular matrix phosphate glycoprotein functional peptide motif-containing RGD and SGDG motifs. In this experiment, we propose to combine RAD and Dentonin to form a functionalized self-assembled peptide RAD/Dentonin hydrogel scaffold. Furthermore, we expect that the RAD with the addition of functional motif Dentonin can promote pulp regeneration. The study analyzed the physicochemical properties of RAD/Dentonin through circular dichroism, morphology scanning, and rheology. Besides, we examined the scaffold's biocompatibility by immunofluorescent staining, CCK-8 method, Live/Dead fluorescent staining, and 3D reconstruction. Finally, we applied ALP activity assay, RT-qPCR, and Alizarin red S staining to detect the effect of RAD/Dentonin on the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The results showed that RAD/Dentonin spontaneously assembles into a hydrogel with aß-sheet-based nanofiber network structure.In vitro, RAD/Dentonin has superior biocompatibility and enhances adhesive proliferation, migration, odontogenic differentiation, and mineralization deposition of hDPSCs. In conclusion, the novel self-assembled peptide RAD/Dentonin is a new scaffold material suitable for cell culture and has promising applications as a scaffold for endodontic tissue engineering.

Magnolol prevents ossified tendinopathy by inhibiting PGE2-induced osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs.

Magnolol is a compound that is extracted from magnolia, is used in Chinese medicine and is a type of lignan. Magnolol has various anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation and pro-autophagy effects. Ossified tendinopathy affects many athletes and people with repetitive tendon injuries. Ossified tendinopathy is a tremendous economic burden, and no effective and safe drugs are available to prevent the pathogenesis of ectopic ossification. In this study, we aimed to study how magnolol affects ossified tendinopathy by evaluating its effects on osteogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). Our data suggested that magnolol attenuated ectopic ossification in the Achilles tendon caused by Achilles tenotomy. Magnolol inhibited PGE2-induced ALP activity and prevented calcium deposits in TDSCs in vitro. Magnolol also exerted inhibitory effects on expression of osteogenic factors, such as Runx2, OCN, and BMP2 in vivo. Further investigation revealed the underlying mechanism by which magnolol prevents PGE2-induced ectopic ossification. Specifically, magnolol inhibits PGE2-induced PI3K/AKT/ß-catenin pathway activation in TDSCs. Our findings demonstrated that magnolol inhibited ossified tendinopathy through preventing osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs via downregulation PGE2-induced PI3K/AKT/ß-catenin pathways.

Ginsenoside-Rd Promotes Neurite Outgrowth of PC12 Cells through MAPK/ERK- and PI3K/AKT-Dependent Pathways.

Panax ginseng is a famous herbal medicine widely used in Asia. Ginsenosides have been identified as the principle active ingredients for Panax ginseng's biological activity, among which ginsenoside Rd (Rd) attracts extensive attention for its obvious neuroprotective activities. Here we investigated the effect of Rd on neurite outgrowth, a crucial process associated with neuronal repair. PC12 cells, which respond to nerve growth factor (NGF) and serve as a model for neuronal cells, were treated with different concentrations of Rd, and then their neurite outgrowth was evaluated. Our results showed that 10 µM Rd significantly increased the percentages of long neurite- and branching neurite-bearing cells, compared with respective controls. The length of the longest neurites and the total length of neurites in Rd-treated PC12 cells were much longer than that of respective controls. We also showed that Rd activated ERK1/2 and AKT but not PKC signalings, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 or/and AKT by LY294002 effectively attenuated Rd-induced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, Rd upregulated the expression of GAP-43, a neuron-specific protein involved in neurite outgrowth, while PD98059 or/and LY294002 decreased Rd-induced increased GAP-43 expression. Taken together, our results provided the first evidence that Rd may promote the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells by upregulating GAP-43 expression via ERK- and ARK-dependent signaling pathways.

[Ginger extracts improve renal injury of high fructose-fed SD rats by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines].

OBJECTIVE: To investigated the effects of ginger extracts on renal injury in high fructose-fed SD rats and the possible underlying mechanism. METHODS: Twenty rats were randomly divided into control group, fructose group, 20 and 50 mg/kg ginger extract groups, 5 rats in each group. The general situation and histopathological changes in the kidney of rats were observed. The expressions of monocyte chemokine protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR); the levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in supernatant of renal tissue homogenates were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the kidney mass and the ratio of kidney-to-body mass significantly decreased in fructose group, accompanied by renal tubular injury. Ginger extracts at 50 mg/kg evidently improved renal tubular injury, suppressed the expressions of renal MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA (P<0.05) and decreased the levels of MCP-1 (P<0.05), TNF-α (P<0.01), IL-6 (P<0.05) in kidney tissue homogenates. CONCLUSION: The supplement of ginger extracts can improve fructose-induced renal injury, which may be associated with the suppression on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Clinical study of hepatectomy combined with Jianpi Huayu Therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) possesses several advantages for treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The theory of 'Jianpi Huayu Therapy' rooted from 'Jin Kui Yao Lue' is one of the most important therapies in this respect. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical effect and safety of hepatectomy combining with 'Jianpi Huayu Therapy' in the treatment of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with HCC were randomized allocated into hepatectomy combined with 'Jianpi Huayu Therapy' group (treatment group, n=60) and hepatectomy alone group (control group, n=60). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary end-points. Liver function at the end of one week after surgery, complications, average days of hospitalization as well as performance status (PS) at the end of one month post operation were also compared. RESULTS: No significant differences existed between two groups on baseline analysis (p>0.05). No treatment related mortality occurred in either group. Post-operative complications were detected among 14 patients (23.3%) in the treatment group, and 12 (20.0%) in the control group (p=0.658). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at the end of one week after operation was lower in the treatment than control groups (p=0.042). No significant differences in other indexes of liver function were discovered between two groups. Average days of hospitalization reduced by 0.9 day in treatment group than in control (p=0.034). During follow-up, 104 patients (86.6%) developed recurrence. The rates of 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS and median DFS for all patients were 77.4%, 26.3%, 9.0% and 25.6 months (range, 6.0~68.0), respectively (78.2%, 29.2%, 14.3% and 28.7 months for the 48 patients in the treatment group and 75.0%, 23.3%, 6.4%, and 22.6 months for the 56 patients in the control group (p=0.045)). 101 patients had died at the time of censor, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates and median survival for all patients of 97.5%, 76.4%, 40.5% and 51.2 months (range, 10.0~72.0), respectively (98.3%, 78.0%, 43.6% and 52.6 months, for treatment and 96.7%, 74.7%, 37.4%, and 49.8 months, for controls, respectively (p=0.048)). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy combined with 'Jianpi Huayu therapy' was effective in the treatment of HCC, and reduced post-operative recurrence and metastasis and improved DFS and OS of HCC patients.

Ginger extract diminishes chronic fructose consumption-induced kidney injury through suppression of renal overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines in rats.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Renal inflammation is well known to play an important role in the initiation and progression of tubulointerstitial injury of the kidneys. Ginger, one of the most commonly used spices and medicinal plants, has been demonstrated to improve diet-induced metabolic abnormalities. However, the efficacy of ginger on the metabolic syndrome-associated kidney injury remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ginger on fructose consumption-induced adverse effects in the kidneys. METHODS: The fructose control rats were treated with 10% fructose in drinking water over 5 weeks. The fructose consumption in ginger-treated rats was adjusted to match that of fructose control group. The ethanolic extract of ginger was co-administered (once daily by oral gavage). The indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically, by ELISA and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: In addition to improve hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, supplement with ginger extract (50 mg/kg) attenuated liquid fructose-induced kidney injury as characterized by focal cast formation, slough and dilation of tubular epithelial cells in the cortex of the kidneys in rats. Furthermore, ginger also diminished excessive renal interstitial collagen deposit. By Real-Time PCR, renal gene expression profiles revealed that ginger suppressed fructose-stimulated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and its receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-2. In accord, overexpression of two important macrophage accumulation markers CD68 and F4/80 was downregulated. Moreover, overexpressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor-beta1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were downregulated. Ginger treatment also restored the downregulated ratio of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to PAI-1. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that ginger supplement diminishes fructose-induced kidney injury through suppression of renal overexpression of macrophage-associated proinflammatory cytokines in rats. Our findings provide evidence supporting the protective effect of ginger on the metabolic syndrome-associated kidney injury.

Modulation of hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c-mediated gene expression contributes to Salacia oblonga root-elicited improvement of fructose-induced fatty liver in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salacia oblonga root (SOR) is a traditionally herbal medicine for obesity and diabetes, which are closely associated with fatty liver. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of SOR in the treatment of dietary-induced fatty liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were co-administered with fructose in drinking water and vehicle or the aqueous-ethanolic extract of SOR (by gavage, once daily) for 10 weeks. Biochemical variables were determined enzymatically or by ELISA. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR and/or Western blot. RESULTS: SOR treatment (20mg/kg) diminished fructose-induced fatty liver indicated by decreases in excess triglyceride accumulation and the increased vacuolization and Oil Red O staining area in the livers of rats. Importantly, Hepatic gene expression profile revealed that SOR suppressed fructose-stimulated overexpression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1/1c mRNA and nuclear protein. In accord, overexpression of SREBP-1c-responsive genes, such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, was also downregulated. In contrast, overexpressed nuclear protein of carbohydrate response element binding protein and mRNA of its target gene liver pyruvate kinase were not altered. Additionally, SOR also did not affect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma- and -alpha, as well as their target genes, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a, acyl-CoA oxidase and CD36. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that modulation of hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c-mediated gene expression contributes to SOR-elicited improvement of fructose-induced fatty liver in rats. Our findings provide a better understanding of SOR in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Neuroprotection of tanshinone IIA against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with systemic inflammatory response. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been implicated in many inflammatory processes. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is one of the active ingredients in danshen, which derived from the dried root or rhizome of Salviae miltiorrhizae Bge. Recent studies have demonstrated that TSA has protective effects against focal cerebral I/R injury. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we put forward the hypothesis that TSA acts through inhibition of MIF expression during focal cerebral I/R injury in rats. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours. This was followed by reperfusion. We measured neurological deficits, brain water content, and infarct volume, and found that neurological dysfunction, brain edema, and brain infarction were significantly attenuated by TSA 6 hours after reperfusion. We also measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at 6 and 24 hours, and found that neutrophil infiltration was significantly higher in the vehicle+I/R group than in the TSA+I/R group. ELISA demonstrated that TSA could inhibit MIF expression and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by I/R injury. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed that MIF expression was significantly lower in the TSA+I/R group than in the vehicle+I/R group. MIF was found almost all located in neurons and hardly any located in astrocytes in the cerebral cortex. Western blot analysis and EMSA demonstrated that NF-κB expression and activity were significantly increased in the vehicle+I/R group. However, these changes were attenuated by TSA. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that TSA helps alleviate the proinflammatory responses associated with I/R-induced injury and that this neuroprotective effect may occur through down-regulation of MIF expression in neurons.

Neuroprotective effects of diallyl sulfide against transient focal cerebral ischemia via anti-apoptosis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Diallyl sulfide (DAS) is the main organosulfur component of garlic and it is known for multiple pharmacological actions. Recent studies have demonstrated that DAS has neuroprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury. While some of the possible mechanisms behind this protection have been explored, its ability to inhibit apoptosis has yet to be fully explained. In the present study, the effects of DAS on focal cerebral ischemia in rats were tested and its anti-apoptotic action was explored. METHODS: To examine the protective effects of DAS, focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was induced in rats by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 hours followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. The animals received DAS in quantities of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg (intraperitoneal; every day), for 7 days before transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The neurological score and infarct volume were measured at 24 hours after the end of reperfusion. Apoptotic cells were counted by terminal dUTP nick end labeling staining and apoptotic mechanisms were studied by fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis. RESULTS: For animals with induced ischemia/reperfusion, those pretreated with 200 mg/kg DAS showed an infarct volume (22.36 ± 0.67%) significantly lower than that of the non-treated ischemia/reperfusion group (38.23 ± 0.72%), and the percentage of terminal dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells (23.46 ± 1.02%) of the DAS-pretreated group was also significantly decreased compared to non-treated (36.41 ± 1.58%). Fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis indicated that DAS reduced caspase-3 expression and increased Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the mechanism by which DAS protects the brain from ischemia/reperfusion injury is related to its anti-apoptotic effects in part.

4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol ameliorates cerebral injury in rats by antioxidant action.

4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA), one of the phenolic constituents found in many herbal medicinal plants, exhibits beneficial effects in neurological disorders. In the present study, we evaluated 4-HBA's role in transient cerebral ischemia and its potential mechanism. Pre-treatment with 4-HBA (50,100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the cerebral infarct size and improved the neurological symptoms. Morphological examinations showed 4-HBA reduced the number of degenerated neurons. Oxidative stress was evaluated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Anti-oxidative mechanisms were studied by Immunofluorescence staining and western immunoblot analysis. 4-HBA increased the expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1) and ultimately inhibited oxidative stress. In addition, we evaluated the time course expression of NQO1, which was upregulated in the ischemic brain beginning at 1 h. Taken together, these results suggested that 4-HBA ameliorated cerebral injury in rats, This neuroprotective effect is likely related to its antioxidant activities.