Leonurus japonicus Houtt. modulates neuronal apoptosis in intracerebral hemorrhage: Insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Labiatae), commonly known as Chinese motherwort, is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to Asia. It is widely acknowledged in traditional medicine for its diuretic, hypoglycemic, antiepileptic properties and neuroprotection. Currently, Leonurus japonicus (Leo) is included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes Leo for its myriad pharmacological attributes, but its efficacy against ICH-induced neuronal apoptosis is unclear. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to identify the potential targets and regulatory mechanisms of Leo in alleviating neuronal apoptosis after ICH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed network pharmacology, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique, molecular docking, pharmacodynamic studies, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques to explore its potential mechanisms. RESULTS: Leo was found to assist hematoma absorption, thus improving the neurological outlook in an ICH mouse model. Importantly, molecular docking highlighted JAK as Leo's potential therapeutic target in ICH scenarios. Further experimental evidence demonstrated that Leo adjusts JAK1 and STAT1 phosphorylation, curbing Bax while augmenting Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION: Leo showcases potential in mitigating neuronal apoptosis post-ICH, predominantly via the JAK/STAT mechanism.

Comprehensive treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is one of the most common complications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC with PVTT usually indicates poor prognosis, which has a number of characteristics including a rapidly progressive disease course, worse liver function, complications connected with portal hypertension, and poorer tolerance to treatment. The exact mechanisms of PVTT remain unknown, even though some concerned signal transduction or molecular pathways have been identified. In western countries, sorafenib is the only recommended therapeutic strategy regardless of PVTT types. However, multiple treatment options including transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, hepatectomy, radiotherapy, and sorafenib available in the clinic. In this review, we enumerate and discuss therapeutics against patients with HCC having PVTT available in the clinic and put forward directions for future research.

Two new C21 steroidal glycosides isolated from Cynanchum komarovii.

The present study was designed to further investigate the C21 steroidal glycosides in Cynanchum plants. Two new steroidal glycosides based on a 13, 14:14, 15-disecopregnane-type aglycone, komaroside P (1) and komaroside Q (2), together with three known compounds (3-5) were isolated from the whole herbs of Cynanchum komarovii. The aglycones of compounds 1 and 2 were two new disecopregnane. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data and acid hydrolysis. All the compounds (1-5) showed potent inhibitory activities against human leukemia cell lines (HL-60) with IC50 values ranging from 16.6 to 26.3 µmol·L-1, compared to the positive control 5-fluorouracil (6.4 µmol·L-1).