Quercetin as a promising intervention for rat osteoarthritis by decreasing M1-polarized macrophages via blocking the TRPV1-mediated P2X7/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by an imbalance between M1 and M2 polarized synovial macrophages. Quercetin has shown protective effects against OA by altering M1/M2-polarized macrophages, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, rat chondrocytes were treated with 10 ng/mL of IL-1ß. To create M1-polarized macrophages in vitro, rat bone marrow-derived macrophages (rBMDMs) were treated with 100 ng/mL LPS. To mimic OA conditions observed in vivo, a co-culture system of chondrocytes and macrophages was established. ATP release assays, immunofluorescence assays, Fluo-4 AM staining, Transwell assays, ELISA assays, and flow cytometry were performed. Male adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to create an OA model. Histological analyses, including H&E, and safranin O-fast green staining were performed. Our data showed a quercetin-mediated suppression of calcium ion influx and ATP release, with concurrent downregulation of TRPV1 and P2X7 in the chondrocytes treated with IL-1ß. Activation of TRPV1 abolished the quercetin-mediated effects on calcium ion influx and ATP release in chondrocytes treated with IL-1ß. In the co-culture system, overexpression of P2X7 in macrophages attenuated the quercetin-mediated effects on M1 polarization, migration, and inflammation. Either P2X7 or NLRP3 knockdown attenuated IL-1ß-induced M1/M2 polarization, migration, and inflammation. Moreover, overexpression of TRPV1 reduced the quercetin-mediated suppressive effects on OA by promoting M1/M2-polarized macrophages in vivo. Collectively, our data showed that quercetin-induced suppression of TRPV1 leads to a delay in OA progression by shifting the macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 subtypes via modulation of the P2X7/NLRP3 pathway.

2D-HPLC-MS Technology Combined with Molecular Network for the Identification of Components in Tibetan medicine Aconitum pendulum.

In this study, a comprehensive approach was employed, utilizing 2D-HPLC-MS technology in conjunction with the molecular network to unravel the intricate chemical composition of the Tibetan medicinal plant APB. Through the implementation of 2D-HPLC, enhanced separation of complex mixtures was achieved, enabling the isolation of individual compounds for subsequent analysis. The molecular network approach further aided in elucidating structural relationships among these compounds, contributing to the determination of potential bioactive molecules. This integrated strategy efficiently identified a wide array of chemical components present within the plant. The findings revealed a diverse spectrum of chemical constituents within APB, including alkaloids, among others. This research not only advances understanding of the phytochemical profile of this traditional Tibetan medicine but also provides valuable insights into its potential therapeutic properties. The integration of 2D-HPLC-MS and molecular network proves to be a powerful tool for systematically exploring and identifying complex chemical compositions in herbal medicines, paving the way for further research and development in the field of natural product discovery.

A comprehensive review of Shengdeng in Tibetan medicine: textual research, herbal and botanical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

"Shengdeng", a group of Tibetan medicines with diverse biological origins, has long been utilized in Tibet for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It showcases remarkable efficacy in alleviating rheumatism, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. This study aimed to clarify the plant species used as "Shengdeng" and summarize their botanical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology to promote its utilization and development. "Shengdeng" is derived from a remarkable collection of 14 plant species belonging to six distinct families. Extensive phytochemical investigations have led to the identification of 355 chemical constituents within "Shengdeng". Pharmacological studies conducted on "Shengdeng" have revealed a wide range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activities. Notably, flavonoids and triterpenoids emerge as the predominant groups among these constituents, contributing to the therapeutic potential and diverse applications of "Shengdeng". The present review provides a concise summary of the recent advancements in textual research concerning the herbal and botanical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of "Shengdeng". It is crucial to note that future research on "Shengdeng" should prioritize the analysis of its active ingredients and the establishment of rigorous quality standards. These aspects are essential for ensuring consistency, efficacy, and safety in its clinical application.

Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities and immunomodulatory effects of pigment extracts from Wugong Mountain purple red rice bran.

The study was to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities and the immunomodulatory effects on cyclophosphamide-induced (cy-induced) immunosuppressed mice of purple red rice bran pigment extracts (PRBP). The phytochemical composition of total anthocyanins, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were evaluated. Moreover, UV-Vis, FT-IR and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS spectra analysis identified for the first time the presence of seventeen anthocyanins in PRBP, including five anthocyanin aglycones and twelve acetylated anthocyanins, suggesting that PRBP were a highly acylated anthocyanin profile. The DPPH, ABTS+, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and FRAP assays showed that PRBP had excellent antioxidant activities. Further, the results of animal experiments showed that PRBP alleviated immune organ damage and recovered damaged immune function, such as preventing the reduction of body weight, spleen and thymus organ indexes, and significantly increasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in spleen which indicated that PRBP alleviated immunosuppression in Cy-induced mice. The immunomodulatory activity of PRBP was reflected by the upregulation of MAPK signaling pathways after gavage. Taken together, these results suggest that PRBP possessed a certain antioxidant and immunomodulatory abilities. These findings will lead to a better understanding of the biological properties of PRBP and broaden its utilization in food processing.