The Screening of Piwi-Interacting RNA Biomarkers in Sporadic Parkinson's Disease.

Background: piRNAs play key roles in various diseases. However, the role of piRNAs in sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore key piRNAs that can be used as biomarkers for sporadic Parkinson's disease. Methods: Differentially expressed piRNAs (DEPs) and their interaction were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, while the diagnostic value and expression of the selected piRNAs were detected. Results: 42 DEPs were screened between PD and controls. Moreover, most of the physiological piRNA-piRNA interactions and linkages in normal samples had been altered in the sporadic PD samples. 14 overlapping piRNAs were selected, and six key piRNA biomarkers were screened. The different expressions of piR-hsa-327831, piR-hsa-1968818, piR-hsa-3770447, piR-hsa-1325354, and piR-hsa-2524778 had high efficiency and sensitivity in the diagnosis of PD. Conclusion: PiR-hsa-327831, piR-hsa-1968818, piR-hsa-3770447, piR-hsa-1325354, piR-hsa-758566 and piR-hsa-2524778 could be biomarkers of PD.

Positive interactions among Corynebacterium glutamicum and keystone bacteria producing SCFAs benefited T2D mice to rebuild gut eubiosis.

Accumulating evidences strongly support the correlations between the compositions of gut microbiome and therapeutic effects on Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Notably, gut microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila are found able to regulate microecological balance and alleviate dysmetabolism of mice bearing T2D. In order to search out similarly functional bacteria, bacteriophage MS2 with a good specificity to bacteria carrying fertility (F) factor were used to treat T2D mice. Based on multi-omics analysis of microbiome and global metabolism of mice, we observed that gavage of bacteriophage MS2 and metformin led to a significant increase in the abundance of Corynebacterium glutamicum and A. muciniphila, respectively. Consequently, the gut microbiota were remodeled, leading to variations in metabolites and a substantial increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In which, the amount of acetate, propionate, and butyrate presented negative correlations to that of proinflammatory cytokines, which was beneficial to repairing the intestinal barriers and improving their functions. Moreover, main short fatty acid (SCFA) producers exhibited positive interactions, further facilitating the restoration of gut eubiosis. These findings revealed that C. glutamicum and its metabolites may be potential dietary supplements for the treatment of T2D. Moreover, our research contributes to a novel understanding of the underlying mechanism by which functional foods exert their anti-diabetic effects.

[Anemoside B4 regulates fatty acid metabolism reprogramming in mice with colitis-associated cancer].

The study aimed to investigate the effect of anemoside B4(B4) on fatty acid metabolism in mice with colitis-associated cancer(CAC). The CAC model was established by azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS) in mice. Mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose anemoside B4 groups. After the experiment, the length of the mouse colon and the size of the tumor were measured, and the pathological alterations in the mouse colon were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The slices of the colon tumor were obtained for spatial metabolome analysis to analyze the distribution of fatty acid metabolism-related substances in the tumor. The mRNA levels of SREBP-1, FAS, ACCα, SCD-1, PPARα, ACOX, UCP-2, and CPT-1 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). The results revealed that the model group showed decreased body weight(P<0.05) and colon length(P<0.001), increased number of tumors, and increased pathological score(P<0.01). Spatial metabolome analysis revealed that the content of fatty acids and their derivatives, carnitine, and phospholipid in the colon tumor was increased. RT-qPCR results indicated that fatty acid de novo synthesis and ß-oxidation-related genes, such as SREBP-1, FASN, ACCα, SCD-1, ACOX, UCP-2, and CPT-1 mRNA expression levels increased considerably(P<0.05, P<0.001). After anemoside B4 administration, the colon length increased(P<0.01), and the number of tumors decreased in the high-dose anemoside B4 group(P<0.05). Additionally, spatial metabolome analysis showed that anemoside B4 could decrease the content of fatty acids and their derivatives, carnitine, and phospholipids in colon tumors. Meanwhile, anemoside B4 could also down-regulate the expression of FASN, ACCα, SCD-1, PPARα, ACOX, UCP-2, and CPT-1 in the colon(P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). The findings of this study show that anemoside B4 may inhibit CAC via regulating fatty acid metabolism reprogramming.

Naringin protects against inflammation and apoptosis induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury through deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Effective amelioration of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced intestinal injury and revealing its mechanisms remain the challenges in both preclinic and clinic. Potential mechanisms of naringin in ameliorating I/R-induced intestinal injury remain unknown. Based on pre-experiments, I/R-injured rat intestine in vivo and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-injured IEC-6 cells in vitro were used to verify that naringin-alleviated I/R-induced intestinal injury was mediated via deactivating cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Naringin improved intestinal damage using hematoxylin and eosin staining and decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase contents in plasma. Naringin decreased inflammation characterized by reducing IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IFN-ß contents in both plasma and IEC-6 cells. Naringin mitigated oxidative stress via recovering superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels in the I/R-injured intestine. Naringin reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2, and reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling-positive cells both in vivo and in vitro, and decreased Hoechst 33342 signals in vitro. cGAS, STING, p-TBK1, p-IRF3, and NF-κB expressions were up-regulated both in vivo and in vitro respectively and the up-regulated indexes were reversed by naringin. Transfection of cGAS-siRNA and cGAS-cDNA significantly down-regulated and up-regulated cGAS-STING signaling-related protein expressions, respectively, and partially weakened naringin-induced amelioration on these indexes, suggesting that deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling is the crucial target for naringin-induced amelioration on I/R-injured intestine.

Comparative Inhibitory Effects of Natural Biflavones from Ginkgo against Human CYP1B1 in Recombinant Enzymes and MCF-7 Cells.

Human cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is an extrahepatic enzyme overexpressed in many tumors and associated with angiogenesis. Ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, sciadopitysin, and amentoflavone, the primary biflavones found in Ginkgo biloba, have excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, the effect of biflavones on CYP1B1 activities remains unknown. In this study, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) was used to characterize the activities of CYP1 families. The impacts of four ginkgo biflavones on CYP1B1 activity and the cellular protein expression of CYP1B1 were systematically investigated. The results showed that amentoflavone with six hydroxyl substituents exhibited the most potent selective inhibitory effect on CYP1B1 activity with IC50 of 0.054 µM in four biflavones. Sciadopitysin, with three hydroxyl and three methoxy substituents, had the weakest inhibitory activity against CYP1B1. Ginkgetin and isoginkgetin, both with four hydroxyl and two methoxy substituents, showed similar inhibitory intensity towards CYP1B1 with IC50 values of 0.289 and 0.211 µM, respectively. Kinetic analysis showed that ginkgetin and amentoflavone inhibited CYP1B1 in a non-competitive mode, whereas sciadopitysin and isoginkgetin induced competitive or mixed types of inhibition. Notably, four ginkgo biflavones were also confirmed to suppress the protein expressions of CYP1B1 and AhR in MCF-7. Furthermore, molecular docking studies indicated more hydrogen bonds formed between amentoflavone and CYP1B1, which might explain the strongest inhibitory action towards CYP1B1. In summary, these findings suggested that biflavones remarkably inhibited both the activity and protein expression of CYP1B1 and the inhibitory activities enhanced with the increasing hydroxyl substitution, providing new insights into the anti-tumor potentials of biflavones.

Renal transporter OAT1 and PPAR-α pathway co-contribute to icaritin-induced nephrotoxicity.

This study aimed to investigate the potential nephrotoxicity of icaritin and the underlying mechanism by in vitro-in vivo experiment technology combined with proteomics technology. First, icaritin showed a significant cytotoxic effect on HK-2 cells, which was accompanied by increased LDH and TNF-α in the supernatant, decreased protein expressions of Bcl-2 and increased Bax and enhanced apoptosis of HK-2 cells as measured by TUNEL staining. Moreover, icaritin induced obvious tubular damage and up-regulation of BUN and CRE levels in plasma in mice. Second, intracellular uptake of icaritin was considerably higher in hOAT1-HEK293 cells than in mock-HEK293 cells, suggesting that icaritin might accumulate in renal cells via OAT1 uptake. Importantly, icaritin caused significant changes in the PPAR signaling pathway in HK2 cells through proteomic analysis. Then, in vitro and in vivo results verified that icaritin significantly downregulated the protein expression of PPAR-α as well as downregulated APOB, ACSL3, ACSL4, and upregulated 5/12/15-HETE, implying that a lipid metabolism disorder was involved in the icaritin-induced nephrotoxicity. Finally, icaritin was found to increase the accumulation of iron and LPO levels while reducing the activity of GPX4, suggesting that ferroptosis was involved in the nephrotoxicity induced by icaritin.

Anti-Postmenopausal osteoporosis effects of Isopsoralen: A bioinformatics-integrated experimental study.

Isopsoralen (IPRN), which comes from the fruit of Psoralea corylifolia, has been identified as a kind of phytoestrogen and has been proven to be effective for the treatment of osteoporosis (OP). However, the mechanisms underlying IPRN's anti-OP effects, especially the anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) effects, remain indistinct. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of IPRN's anti-PMOP activity. In this study, the bioinformatics results predicted that IPRN could resist PMOP by targeting EGFR, AKT1, SRC, CCND1, ESR1 (ER-α), AR, PGR, BRCA1, PTGS2, and IGF1R. An ovariectomized (OVX) mice model and a H2 O2 -induced bone marrow mesenchyml stem cells (BMSCs) model confirmed that IPRN could inhibit the bone loss induced by OVX in mice and promote the osteogenic differentiation in H2 O2 -induced BMSCs by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, IPRN could significantly produce the above effects by upregulating ESR1. IPRN might be a therapeutic agent for PMOP by acting as an estrogen replacement agent and a natural antioxidant.

Protective effect of Rhein against vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity through regulating renal transporters and Nrf2 pathway.

Vancomycin (VCM)'s nephrotoxicity limits its application and therapeutic efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of rhein against VCM-induced nephrotoxicity (VIN). VIN models were established in rats and NRK-52E cells. Rhein up-regulated the expressions of renal organic anion transporter (Oat) 1, Oat3, organic cation transporter 2 (Oct2), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), mammal multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins 1 (Mate 1) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) to facilitate the efflux of plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and plasma indoxyl sulfate. Rhein increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to regulate the expression of Mrp2, P-gp, and Mate 1. The increased level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced number of apoptosis cells were observed after treatment of rhein. Rhein decreased the number of apoptosis cells as well as increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and decreased expressions of Bcl-2-like protein 4 (Bax). ML385, as a typical inhibitor of Nrf2, reversed the protective effects of rhein in cells. Rhein oriented itself in the site of Keap1, inhibiting the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. Rhein ameliorated VIN mainly through regulating the expressions of renal transporters and acting on Nrf2 pathway.

Unraveling the Structure-Dependent Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside Series Compounds on Human Cytochrome P450 1B1.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 1B1(CYP1B1) is an extrahepatic P450 isoenzyme that can participate in processes of undermining the effectiveness and safety of anti-cancer therapy. Ginsenosides are the main active ingredients in ginseng, which possesses rich pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer activity and organ protection. However, the effect of ginsenosides on the activity of CYP1B1 remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ginsenosides on CYP1B1 and reveal the structure-inhibitory activity relationship. METHODS: Firstly, recombinant CYP1B1 and EROD reactions were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of ginsenosides. Secondly, molecular docking was used to simulate the interactions between ginsenosides and CYP1B1. Finally, the structure-inhibitory activity relationship was analyzed. RESULTS: The ginsenosides, Rb2, Rd, and Rg3, significantly inhibited CYP1B1; the ginsenoside Rd showed the strongest inhibition effect, with a Ki value of 47.37 µM in non-competitive mode. Notably, ginsenoside Rd formed hydrogen bonds with two key amino acid residues of CYP1B1, and one bond was between the glycosyl in position 20 and ALA330, which also made ginsenoside Rd close to the heme iron of CYP1B1. In contrast, ginsenosides, Rb2 and Rg3, which showed weaker inhibition, interacted with only one CYP1B1 residue by the hydrogen bond, which was far away from the heme iron. Finally, the structure-inhibitory activity relationship analysis demonstrated that the number of glycosyls in position 20 and the type of sapogenins in the ginsenoside structure are the key factors determining inhibitory activity. Meanwhile, ALA330 was a vital amino acid in the potent inhibition of CYP1B1 by ginsenosides. CONCLUSION: A structure-dependent inhibitory effect on CYP1B1 was revealed for ginsenosides, among which ginsenoside Rd showed the strongest inhibition due to its mono-glycosyl in position 20 of the ginsenoside parent structure. These findings would provide evidence for the synthesis of novel CYP1B1 inhibitors to augment the anti-cancer therapeutic effect.

Tailored Sitting Tai Chi Program for Subacute Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The initiation of exercise during rehabilitation at the subacute stage could provide stroke survivors with an approach to recovery that capitalizes on unique physiological conditions and promotes spontaneous recovery. We aimed to examine the effects of a tailored sitting Tai Chi program on recovery outcomes among subacute stroke survivors. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week assessor-blind randomized controlled trial in China. Subacute stroke survivor-caregiver dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to either the sitting Tai Chi group (n=80) or attention control group (n=80). Outcomes including upper limb function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity & Wolf Motor Function Test), balance control (Berg Balance Scale), sitting balance control (Trunk Impairment Scale), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form), shoulder range of motion, shoulder pain (ShoulderQ), activities of daily living (Modified Barthel Index), and quality of life (Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale) were measured at baseline, in-process, immediately post, and 4-week postintervention. RESULTS: Immediately postintervention, the sitting Tai Chi group (n=69) showed significant upper limb function improvement in the primary outcomes including the performance time (regression coefficient of the group-by-time interaction, B=-21.415 [95% CI, -31.000 to -11.831]) and functional ability (B=10.146 [95% CI, 4.886-15.406]) domains of the Wolf Motor Function Test, balance control (B, 4.972 [95% CI, 1.356-8.588]), and sitting balance control (B=4.397 [95% CI, 2.699-6.096]). Compared with the control group (n=65), improvements were also observed in secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms (B=-1.626 [95% CI, -2.304 to -0.948]), shoulder extension (B=4.518 [95% CI, 0.893-8.144]), activities of daily living (B=5.510 [95% CI, 0.450-10.569]), and quality of life (B=15.680 [95% CI, 7.255-24.105]). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the effectiveness of a tailored sitting Tai Chi program in improving recovery outcomes among subacute stroke survivors and provide additional knowledge to support the clinical implementation of such a program. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT04138407.

Substrate-dependent Inhibition of Hypericin on Human Carboxylesterase 2: Implications for Herb-drug Combination.

BACKGROUND: Hypericin is the main active ingredient of St. John's wort, a Chinese herb commonly used for treating depression. Previous studies shown that hypericin can strongly inhibit human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activities; however, its potential interactions that inhibit human carboxylesterases 2 (hCE2) are unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of hypericin on hCE2. METHODS: The inhibition mechanism of hypericin on hCE2 was studied by using N-(2-butyl-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro- 1H-phenalen-6-yl)-2-chloroacetamide (NCEN). The type of inhibition of hypericin on hCE2 and the corresponding inhibition constant (Ki) value were determined. The inhibition of hypericin on hCE2 in living cells was discussed. The risk of herb-drug interactions (HDI) of hypericin in vivo was predicted by estimating the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC) in the presence or absence of hypericin. To understand the inhibition mechanism of hypericin on the activity of hCE2 in-depth, molecular docking was performed. RESULTS: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of hypericin against the hydrolysis of NCEN and irinotecan (CPT-11) were calculated to be 26.59 µM and 112.8 µM, respectively. Hypericin inhibited the hydrolysis of NCEN and CPT-11. Their Ki values were estimated as 10.53 µM and 81.77 µM, respectively. Moreover, hypericin distinctly suppressed hCE2 activity in living cells. In addition, the AUC of hCE2 metabolic drugs with metabolic sites similar to NCEN was estimated to increase by up to 5 % in the presence of hypericin. More importantly, the exposure of CPT-11 in the intestinal epithelium was predicted to increase by 2 % - 69 % following the oral coadministration of hypericin. Further, molecular simulations indicated that hypericin could strongly interact with ASP98, PHE307, and ARG355 to form four hydrogen bonds within hCE2. CONCLUSION: These findings regarding the combination of hypericin-containing herbs and drugs metabolized by hCE2 are of considerable clinical significance.

Activation of PGC-1α via isoliquiritigenin-induced downregulation of miR-138-5p alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a metabolic disease, has received wide attention worldwide. However, there is no approved effective drug for NAFLD treatment. In the study, H&E and Oil Red O staining were employed to detect liver histopathological changes and the accumulation of lipid droplets. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, bioinformatics, luciferase assay, immunofluorescence staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and siRNA were used to further elucidate the mechanism of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) against NAFLD. The results showed that ISL significantly reduced the liver-to-body weight ratios and biochemical index. And the staining results showed that ISL remarkedly ameliorated liver histopathological changes of NAFLD. Furthermore, ISL significantly increased the levels of PPARα, CPT1α, and ACADS, which were involved in lipid metabolism, and inhibited the ROS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 expression by activating PGC-1α. Bioinformatics and luciferase assay analysis confirmed that miR-138-5p might bind to PGC-1α mRNA in NAFLD. Importantly, the expression of miR-138-5p was increased in the NAFLD, which was significantly decreased by ISL. In addition, the miR-138-5p inhibitor also promoted lipid metabolism and inhibited inflammatory response in NAFLD via PGC-1α activation. The above results demonstrate that ISL alleviates NAFLD through modulating miR-138-5p/PGC-1α-mediated lipid metabolism and inflammatory reaction in vivo and in vitro.

Isoliquiritigenin-mediated miR-23a-3p inhibition activates PGC-1α to alleviate alcoholic liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), one of the most prevalent forms of liver disease, has received wide attention worldwide. However, limited efficient and appropriate therapeutic agents were responded to ALD. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid isolated from liquorice, possesses multiple pharmacological activities. PURPOSE: The current study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of ISL against ALD and further elucidate the involvement of miR-23a-3p/peroxisome proliferative activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) in vivo and in vitro experiments. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In the study, H&E and Oil Red O staining were employed to detect liver histopathological changes and the accumulation of lipid droplets. Quantitative real-time PCR, bioinformatics, luciferase assay, immunofluorescence staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS), Western blot, and siRNA were used to further explore the mechanism of ISL protection. RESULTS: ISL significantly reduced the liver-to-body weight ratios and biochemical index. The staining results showed that ISL remarkedly ameliorated the histopathological changes in the liver. Furthermore, ISL promoted fatty acid metabolism via induction in the expression of PGC-1α-target genes PPARα, CPT1α, and ACADs, and inhibited the ROS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 expression. Bioinformatics and Luciferase assay analysis confirmed that miR-23a-3p might bind to PGC-1α mRNA in ALD. Significantly, the expression of miR-23a-3p was increased in the ALD, which was significantly decreased by ISL. In addition, the miR-23a-3p inhibitor also promoted lipid metabolism in ALD via PGC-1α activation. CONCLUSIONS: We first demonstrated that ISL could alleviate ALD, and further verified that ISL exerted protective effects through modulating miR-23a-3p/PGC-1α-mediated lipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro.

Sesamin Protects against and Ameliorates Rat Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury with Involvement of Activating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may induce cell/tissue injuries, leading to multiple organ failure. Based on our preexperiments, we proposed that sesamin could protect against and ameliorate intestinal I/R injuries and related disorders with involvement of activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. This proposal was evaluated using SD intestinal I/R injury rats in vivo and hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) injured rat small intestinal crypt epithelial cell line (IEC-6 cells) in vitro. Sesamin significantly alleviated I/R-induced intestinal histopathological injuries and significantly reduced serum biochemical indicators ALT and AST, alleviating I/R-induced intestinal injury in rats. Sesamin also significantly reversed I/R-increased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and MPO activity in serum and MDA in tissues and I/R-decreased GSH in tissues and SOD in both tissues and IEC-6 cells, indicating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects. Further, sesamin significantly decreased TUNEL-positive cells, downregulated the increased Bax and caspase-3 protein expression, upregulated the decreased protein expression of Bcl-2 in I/R-injured intestinal tissues, and significantly reversed H/R-reduced IEC-6 cell viability as well as reduced the number of apoptotic cells among H/R-injured IEC-6 cell, showing antiapoptotic effects. Activation of Nrf2 is known to ameliorate tissue/cell injuries. Consistent with sesamin-induced ameliorations of both intestinal I/R injuries and H/R injuries, transfection of Nrf2 cDNA significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, respectively. On the contrary, either Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) or Nrf2 siRNA transfection significantly decreased the expression of these proteins. Our results suggest that activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway is involved in sesamin-induced anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects in protection against and amelioration of intestinal I/R injuries.

GDF-15 Suppresses Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting oxLDL-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Macrophages.

The growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) may be involved in atherosclerosis. However, the role of GDF-15 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. The main goal of this study was to verify the role and mechanism of GDF-15 in atherogenesis. We first compared the serum GDF-15 level between patients with coronary atherosclerosis and healthy people. And then one ApoE-/- mouse model of atherosclerosis was used to explore the effects of GDF-15 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) accumulation, atherosclerosis-related gene expression, and lipid accumulation-related protein expression in mouse macrophages. As a result, the level of serum GDF-15 in patients with coronary atherosclerosis was significantly higher than that in healthy people. In the mouse model, GDF-15 expression was elevated in the core of plaque, and it was secreted mainly by the macrophages. In addition, GDF-15 decreased oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation and inflammation activation in macrophages. GDF-15 decreased the mRNA expressions of CD36, LOX1, and TLR4 that are associated with lipoprotein accumulation in macrophages. Further study showed that GDF-15 might suppress oxLDL-induced lipoprotein accumulation via inhibiting CD36 and LOX1 and decrease inflammation in macrophages by inhibiting TLR4. Thus, GDF-15 may suppress atherosclerosis and plaque formation by inhibiting lipoprotein accumulation and inflammation activation.

Yangonin modulates lipid homeostasis, ameliorates cholestasis and cellular senescence in alcoholic liver disease via activating nuclear receptor FXR.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a progressive disease beginning with simple steatosis but can progress to alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. The morbidity of ALD is on the rise and has been a large burden on global healthcare system. It is unfortunately that there are currently no approved therapeutic drugs against ALD. Hence, it is of utmost urgency to develop the efficacious therapies. The ability of many molecular targets against ALD is under investigation. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the ligand-activated transcription factor superfamily, has been recently demonstrated to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of ALD. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine whether Yangonin (YAN), a FXR agonist previously demonstrated by us, exerts the hepatoprotective effects against ALD and further to clarify the mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. STUDY DESIGN: The alcoholic liver disease model induced by Lieber-Decarli liquid diet was established with or without Yan treatment. METHODS: We determined the liver to body weight ratios, the body weight, serum and hepatic biochemical indicators. The alleviation of the liver histopathological progression was evaluated by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to demonstrate YAN treatment-mediated alleviation mechanisms of ALD. RESULTS: The data indicated that YAN existed hepatoprotective activity against ALD via FXR activation. YAN improved the lipid homeostasis by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis and increasing fatty acid ß-oxidation and lipoprotein lipolysis through modulating the related protein. Also, YAN ameliorated ethanol-induced cholestasis via inhibiting bile acid uptake transporter Ntcp and inducing bile acid efflux transporter Bsep and Mrp2 expression. Besides, YAN improved bile acid homeostasis via inducing Sult2a1 expression and inhibiting Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1 expression. Furthermore, YAN attenuated ethanol-triggered hepatocyte damage by inhibiting cellular senescence marker P16, P21 and Hmga1 expression. Also, YAN alleviated ethanol-induced inflammation by down-regulating the inflammation-related gene IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α expression. Notably, the protective effects of YAN were cancelled by FXR siRNA in vitro and FXR antagonist GS in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: YAN exerted significant hepatoprotective effects against liver injury triggered by ethanol via FXR-mediated target gene modulation.

Luteolin ameliorates LPS-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome in mice.

BACKGROUND: Chemical liver injury is one of the main causes of acute liver failure and death. To date, however, treatment strategies for acute liver injury have been limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic targets and effective drugs. NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a complex of multiple proteins that has been shown to induce cell death under inflammatory and stress pathologic conditions and is thought to provide new targets for the treatment of a variety of diseases. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether luteolin has a protective effect on the liver and further elucidate whether it is realized through the thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)-NLRP3 axis. STUDY DESIGN: Acute hepatic injury in mice caused by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was treated with or without luteolin. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice and mouse primary hepatocytes were selected. TXNIP protein knockdown was achieved by siRNA, qPCR and Western blot were performed to explore the mechanism of luteolin in alleviating acute liver injury. RESULTS: The results indicated that luteolin had a markedly protective effect on acute liver injury induced by LPS in mice by inhibiting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis. Luteolin inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by suppressing TXNIP, apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), caspase-1, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-18 to reduce liver injury. In addition, luteolin inhibits LPS-induced liver inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammation-related gene tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, and IL-6. What's more, luteolin alleviated LPS-induced hepatocyte injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating MDA, SOD, and GSH levels. However, the protective effect of luteolin on acute LPS-induced liver injury in mice was blocked by si-TXNIP in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These combined data showed that luteolin may alleviate LPS-induced liver injury through the TXNIP-NLPR3 axis, providing new therapeutic targets and therapeutic drugs for subsequent studies.

Puerarin sensitized K562/ADR cells by inhibiting NF-κB pathway and inducing autophagy.

Puerarin is an isoflavone isolated from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. In the present study, reversal effect and underlying mechanisms of puerarin on multidrug resistance (MDR) were investigated in K562/ADR cells. K562/ADR cells exhibited adriamycin (ADR) resistance and higher levels of MDR1 expression compared with K562 cells. Puerarin enhanced the chemosensitivity of K562/ADR cells and increased the ADR accumulation in K562/ADR cells. The expression levels of MDR1 were down-regulated by puerarin in K562/ADR cells. Luciferase reporter assay further demonstrated the inhibitory effect of puerarin on TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. The phosphorylation of IκB-α was significantly suppressed by puerarin. In silico docking analyses suggested that puerarin well matched with the active sites of IκB-α. Moreover, a large number of autophagosomes were found in the cytoplasm of K562/ADR cells after puerarin treatment. The significant increase in LC3-II and beclin-1 was also observed, indicating autophagy induction by puerarin in K562/ADR cells. Puerarin induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in K562/ADR cells. Finally, puerarin inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and JNK. In conclusion, puerarin-sensitized K562/ADR cells by downregulating MDR1 expression via inhibition of NF-κB pathway and autophagy induction via Akt inhibition.

Targeting renal OATs to develop renal protective agent from traditional Chinese medicines: Protective effect of Apigenin against Imipenem-induced nephrotoxicity.

Imipenem (Imp) is a widely used broad-spectrum antibiotic. However, renal adverse effects limit its clinical application. We previously reported that organic anion transporters (OATs) facilitated the renal transport of Imp and contributed its nephrotoxicity. Natural flavonoids exhibited renal protective effect. Here, we aimed to develop potent OAT inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and to evaluate its protective effect against Imp-induced nephrotoxicity. Among 50 TCMs, Tribuli Fructus, Platycladi Cacumen, and Lycopi Herba exhibited potent inhibition on OAT1/3. After screening their main components, Apigenin strongly inhibited Imp uptake by OAT1/3-HEK293 cells with IC50 values of 1.98 ± 0.36 µM (OAT1) and 2.29 ± 0.88 µM (OAT3). Moreover, Imp exhibited OAT1/3-dependent cytotoxicity, which was alleviated by Apigenin. Furthermore, Apigenin ameliorated Imp-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits, and reduced the renal secretion of Imp. Apigenin inhibited intracellular accumulation of Imp and sequentially decreased the nephrocyte toxicity in rabbit primary proximal tubule cells (rPTCs). Apigenin, a flavone widely distributed in TCMs, was a potent OAT1/3 inhibitor. Through OAT inhibition, at least in part, Apigenin decreased the renal exposure of Imp and consequently protected against the nephrotoxicity of Imp. Apigenin can be used as a promising agent to reduce the renal adverse reaction of Imp in clinic.

[Bloodletting acupuncture at jing-well points along three-yang meridians of foot combined with acupuncture on migraine:a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic effect of bloodletting acupuncture at jing-well points along three-yang meridians of foot combined with routine acupuncture and simple routine acupuncture on migraine. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with migraine were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one, of which, 4 cases were dropped out in the observation group, 1 case was dropped out in the control group. In the observation group, bloodletting acupuncture at jing-well points combined with routine acupuncture were applied. The bloodletting acupuncture was applied at corresponding jing-well points of three-yang meridians of foot [Lidui (ST 45), Zhiyin (BL 67), Zuqiaoyin (GB 44)] according to pain location. And routine acupuncture was adopted at Sizhukong (TE 23), Shuaigu (GB 8), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Zulinqi (GB 41), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Waiguan (TE 5). In the control group, routine acupuncture was applied, acupoint selection and operation were the same as the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 30 min a time, 5 days as one course with 2 days interval, and 2 courses were required. Before treatment, immediately after needle withdrawal, 4 h after needle withdrawal and after 2 courses of treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was compared in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the migraine comprehensive score was observed in the two groups, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. RESULTS: Immediately after needle withdrawal, 4 h after needle withdrawal and after 2 courses of treatment, the VAS scores in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), the VAS scores immediately after needle withdrawal, 4 h after needle withdrawal and after 2 courses of treatment in the observation group were lower than those in the same time of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the migraine comprehensive scores in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), the reducing degree in the observation group was greater than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 92.3% (24/26), which was higher than 89.7% (26/29) in the control group, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bloodletting acupuncture at jing-well points along three-yang meridians of foot combined with routine acupuncture and simple routine acupuncture have analgesic effect, and the combined therapy is superior to simple routine acupuncture.