Analyzing the molecular mechanism of Scutellaria Radix in the treatment of sepsis using RNA sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction, which seriously threatens human health. The clinical and experimental results have confirmed that Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as Scutellariae Radix, has anti-inflammatory effects. This provides a new idea for the treatment of sepsis. This study systematically analyzed the mechanism of Scutellariae Radix treatment in sepsis based on network pharmacology, RNA sequencing and molecular docking. METHODS: Gene expression analysis was performed using Bulk RNA sequencing on sepsis patients and healthy volunteers. After quality control of the results, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. The active ingredients and targets of Scutellariae Radix were identified using The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Gene Ontology (GO) and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis were performed for disease-drug intersection targets. With the help of GEO database, Survival analysis and Meta-analysis was performed on the cross-targets to evaluate the prognostic value and screen the core targets. Subsequently, single-cell RNA sequencing was used to determine where the core targets are located within the cell. Finally, in this study, molecular docking experiments were performed to further clarify the interrelationship between the active components of Scutellariae Radix and the corresponding targets. RESULTS: There were 72 active ingredients of Scutellariae Radix, and 50 common targets of drug and disease. GO and PPI analysis showed that the intersection targets were mainly involved in response to chemical stress, response to oxygen levels, response to drug, regulation of immune system process. Survival analysis showed that PRKCD, EGLN1 and CFLAR were positively correlated with sepsis prognosis. Meta-analysis found that the three genes were highly expressed in sepsis survivor, while lowly in non-survivor. PRKCD was mostly found in Macrophages, while EGLN1 and CFLAR were widely expressed in immune cells. The active ingredient Apigenin regulates CFLAR expression, Baicalein regulates EGLN1 expression, and Wogonin regulates PRKCD expression. Molecular docking studies confrmed that the three active components of astragalus have good binding activities with their corresponding targets. CONCLUSIONS: Apigenin, Baicalein and Wogonin, important active components of Scutellaria Radix, produce anti-sepsis effects by regulating the expression of their targets CFLAR, EGLN1 and PRKCD.

Apigenin: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential against Cancer Spreading.

Due to its propensity to metastasize, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Thanks in part to their intrinsic low cytotoxicity, the effects of the flavonoid family in the prevention and treatment of various human cancers, both in vitro and in vivo, have received increasing attention in recent years. It is well documented that Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), among other flavonoids, is able to modulate key signaling molecules involved in the initiation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, including JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways, as well as the oncogenic non-coding RNA network. Based on these premises, the aim of this review is to emphasize some of the key events through which Apigenin suppresses cancer proliferation, focusing specifically on its ability to target key molecular pathways involved in angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle arrest, and cancer cell death.

Exploring the Role of Apigenin in Neuroinflammation: Insights and Implications.

Neuroinflammation, a hallmark of various central nervous system disorders, is often associated with oxidative stress and neuronal or oligodendrocyte cell death. It is therefore very interesting to target neuroinflammation pharmacologically. One therapeutic option is the use of nutraceuticals, particularly apigenin. Apigenin is present in plants: vegetables (parsley, celery, onions), fruits (oranges), herbs (chamomile, thyme, oregano, basil), and some beverages (tea, beer, and wine). This review explores the potential of apigenin as an anti-inflammatory agent across diverse neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease), cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and memory disorders, and toxicity related to trace metals and other chemicals. Drawing upon major studies, we summarize apigenin's multifaceted effects and underlying mechanisms in neuroinflammation. Our review underscores apigenin's therapeutic promise and calls for further investigation into its clinical applications.

Boswellic acid and apigenin alleviate methotrexate-provoked renal and hippocampal alterations in rats: Targeting autophagy, NOD-2/NF-κB/NLRP3, and connexin-43.

The neuronal and renal deteriorations observed in patients exposed to methotrexate (MTX) therapy highlight the need for medical interventions to counteract these complications. Boswellic acid (BA) and apigenin (APG) are natural phytochemicals with prominent neuronal and renal protective impacts in various ailments. However, their impacts on MTX-provoked renal and hippocampal toxicity have not been reported. Thus, the present work is tailored to clarify the ability of BA and APG to counteract MTX-provoked hippocampal and renal toxicity. BA (250 mg/kg) or APG (20 mg/kg) were administered orally in rats once a day for 10 days, while MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered once on the sixth day of the study. At the histopathological level, BA and APG attenuated MTX-provoked renal and hippocampal aberrations. They also inhibited astrocyte activation, as proven by the inhibition of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These impacts were partially mediated via the activation of autophagy flux, as proven by the increased expression of beclin1, LC3-II, and the curbing of p62 protein, alongside the regulation of the p-AMPK/mTOR nexus. In addition, BA and APG displayed anti-inflammatory features as verified by the damping of NOD-2 and p-NF-κB p65 to reduce TNF-α, IL-6, and NLRP3/IL-1ß cue. These promising effects were accompanied with a notable reduction in one of the gap junction proteins, connexin-43 (Conx-43). These positive impacts endorse BA and APG as adjuvant modulators to control MTX-driven hippocampal and nephrotoxicity.

Neuroprotective effects of apigenin on retinal ganglion cells in ischemia/reperfusion: modulating mitochondrial dynamics in in vivo and in vitro models.

BACKGROUND: Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is implicated in various forms of optic neuropathies, yet effective treatments are lacking. RIR leads to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and subsequent vision loss, posing detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Apigenin (API), derived from a wide range of sources, has been reported to exert protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injuries in various organs, such as the brain, kidney, myocardium, and liver. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of API and its underlying mechanisms on RGC degeneration induced by retinal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR). METHODS: An in vivo model was induced by anterior chamber perfusion following intravitreal injection of API one day prior to the procedure. Meanwhile, an in vitro model was established through 1% oxygen and glucose deprivation. The neuroprotective effects of API were evaluated using H&E staining, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), Fluoro-Gold retrograde labeling, and Photopic negative response (PhNR). Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial crista morphology and integrity. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of API, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, flow cytometry assay, western blot, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, JC-1 kit assay, dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, as well as TMRE and Mito-tracker staining were conducted. RESULTS: API treatment protected retinal inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC), and improved the function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Additionally, API reduced RGC apoptosis and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by upregulating Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, while downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, API increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and decreased extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These effects were achieved by enhancing mitochondrial function, restoring mitochondrial cristae morphology and integrity, and regulating the expression of OPA1, MFN2, and DRP1, thereby regulating mitochondrial dynamics involving fusion and fission. CONCLUSION: API protects RGCs against RIR injury by modulating mitochondrial dynamics, promoting mitochondrial fusion and fission.

Apigenin intervenes in liver fibrosis by regulating PKM2-HIF-1α mediated oxidative stress.

Apigenin (API) is a natural flavonoid compound with antioxidant, anti fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and other effects, but there is limited research on the effect of API on liver fibrosis. This study aims to explore the effect and potential mechanism of API on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The results indicate that API reduces oxidative stress levels, inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and exerts anti liver fibrosis effects by regulating the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway. We observed that API alleviated liver tissue pathological damage and collagen deposition in CCl4 induced mouse liver fibrosis model, promoting the recovery of liver function in mice with liver fibrosis. In addition, the API inhibits the transition of Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) from dimer to tetramer formation by regulating the EGFR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway, thereby preventing dimer from entering the nucleus and blocking PKM2-HIF-1α access. This change leads to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver of liver fibrosis mice. At the same time, API downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and Desmin in the liver tissue of mice with liver fibrosis, inhibited the activation of HSC, and reduced collagen deposition. These results indicate that API can inhibit HSC activation and alleviate CCl4 induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway and reducing oxidative stress, laying an important foundation for the development and clinical application of API as a novel drug for treating liver fibrosis.

Apigenin and baicalein ameliorate thoracic aortic structural deterioration and cognitive deficit via inhibiting AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway in D-galactose-induced aging rats.

Apigenin and baicalein are structurally related flavonoids that have been reported to have multiple pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of apigenin and baicalein in D-galactose-induced aging rats. First, apigenin and baicalein showed remarkable antioxidant activity and anti-glycation activity in vitro. Secondly, the protective effects of apigenin and baicalein on aging rats were investigated. We found that apigenin and baicalein supplementation significantly ameliorated aging-related changes such as declines in the spatial learning and memory and histopathological damage of the hippocampus and thoracic aorta. In addition, our data showed that apigenin and baicalein alleviated oxidative stress as illustrated by decreasing MDA level, increasing SOD activity and GSH level. Further data showed that they significantly reduced the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inhibited the expression of RAGE, down-regulated phosphorylated nuclear factor (p-NF-κB (p65)). Our results suggested that the protective effects of apigenin and baicalein on aging rats were at least partially related to the inhibition of AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway and the improvement of oxidative damage. Overall, apigenin and baicalein showed almost equal anti-aging efficacy. Our results provided an experimental basis for the application of apigenin and baicalein to delay the aging process.

Prophylactic effects of apigenin against hyperglycemia-associated amnesia via activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in zebrafish.

The escalating focus on ageing-associated disease has generated substantial interest in the phenomenon of cognitive impairment linked to diabetes. Hyperglycemia exacerbates oxidative stress, contributes to ß-amyloid accumulation, disrupts mitochondrial function, and impairs cognitive function. Existing therapies have certain limitations, and apigenin (AG), a natural plant flavonoid, has piqued interest due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. So, we anticipate that AG might be a preventive medicine for hyperglycemia-associated amnesia. To test our hypothesis, naïve zebrafish were trained to acquire memory and pretreated with AG. Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to mimic hyperglycemia-induced memory dysfunction. Spatial memory was assessed by T-maze and object recognition through visual stimuli. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, antioxidant enzyme status, and neuroinflammatory genes were measured, and histopathology was performed in the brain to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism. AG exhibits a prophylactic effect and improves spatial learning and discriminative memory of STZ-induced amnesia in zebrafish under hyperglycemic conditions. AG also reduces blood glucose levels, brain oxidative stress, and AChE activity, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. AG prevented neuronal damage by regulating brain antioxidant response elements (ARE), collectively contributing to neuroprotective properties. AG demonstrates a promising effect in alleviating memory dysfunction and mitigating pathological changes via activation of the Nrf2/ARE mechanism. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of AG in addressing memory dysfunction and neurodegenerative changes associated with hyperglycemia.

Scutellarin activates IDH1 to exert antitumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Isochlorate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is an important metabolic enzyme for the production of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), which has antitumor effects and is considered to have potential antitumor effects. The activation of IDH1 as a pathway for the development of anticancer drugs has not been attempted. We demonstrated that IDH1 can limit glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to activate the tumor immune microenvironment. In addition, through proteomic microarray analysis, we identified a natural small molecule, scutellarin (Scu), which activates IDH1 and inhibits the growth of HCC cells. By selectively modifying Cys297, Scu promotes IDH1 active dimer formation and increases α-KG production, leading to ubiquitination and degradation of HIF1a. The loss of HIF1a further leads to the inhibition of glycolysis in HCC cells. The activation of IDH1 by Scu can significantly increase the level of α-KG in tumor tissue, downregulate the HIF1a signaling pathway, and activate the tumor immune microenvironment in vivo. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of IDH1-α-KG-HIF1a on the growth of HCC cells and evaluated the inhibitory effect of Scu, the first IDH1 small molecule agonist, which provides a reference for cancer immunotherapy involving activated IDH1.

Phytomedicine for neurodegenerative diseases: The road ahead.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are among the most common causes of death across the globe. NDs are characterized by progressive damage to CNS neurons, leading to defects in specific brain functions such as memory, cognition, and movement. The most common NDs are Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite extensive research, no therapeutics or medications against NDs have been proven to be effective. The current treatment of NDs involving symptom-based targeting of the disease pathogenesis has certain limitations, such as drug resistance, adverse side effects, poor blood-brain barrier permeability, and poor bioavailability of drugs. Some studies have shown that plant-derived natural compounds hold tremendous promise for treating and preventing NDs. Therefore, the primary objective of this review article is to critically analyze the properties and potency of some of the most studied phytomedicines, such as quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), apigenin, and cannabinoids, and highlight their advantages and limitations for developing next-generation alternative treatments against NDs. Further extensive research on pre-clinical and clinical studies for developing plant-based drugs against NDs from bench to bedside is warranted.

Apigenin ameliorates genitourinary dysfunction in a type 1 diabetic rat model via Drp1 modulation.

The present study aimed to explore the potential ameliorative effect of apigenin (APG) against diabetes-associated genitourinary complications in rats. A diabetic rat model was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). All experimental animals were treated with vehicle or vehicle plus APG at a dose of 0.78 mg/kg/day for 10 days, either once diabetes was confirmed or at the end of the 3rd week after confirmation of diabetes. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the fifth week. In addition to the histological assessment, an analysis of kidney function tests and serum testosterone was performed to assess diabetic genitourinary complications. Gene expression of the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1), was measured in renal and testicular tissues using qRT PCR. APG can increase body weight, reduce blood glucose levels, and improve renal and testicular functions in diabetic rats. APG decreased Drp1 overexpression in diabetic animals' kidneys and testes. In summary, our current work discloses that APG attenuates diabetic genitourinary lesions in rats via suppressing Drp1 overexpression.

Vitexin enhances radiosensitivity of mouse subcutaneous xenograft glioma by affecting the miR-17-5p/miR-130b-3p/PTEN/HIF-1α pathway.

PURPOSE: Vitexin can cooperate with hyperbaric oxygen to sensitize the radiotherapy of glioma by inhibiting the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. However, whether vitexin has a direct radiosensitization and how it affects the HIF-1α expression remain unclear. This study investigated these issues. METHODS: The SU3 cells-inoculated nude mice were divided into control, radiation, and vitexin + radiation groups. The vitexin + radiation-treated mice were intraperitoneally injected with 75 mg/kg vitexin daily for 21 days. On the 3rd, 10th, and 17th days during the vitexin treatment, the radiation-treated mice were locally irradiated with 10 Gy, respectively. In vitro, the microRNA (miR)-17-5p or miR-130b-3p mimics-transfected SU3 cells were used to examine the effects of vitexin plus radiation on expression of miR-17-5p- or miR-130b-3p-induced radioresistance-related pathway proteins. The effects of vitexin on miR-17-5p and miR-130b-3p expression in SU3 cells were also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the radiation group, the tumor volume, tumor weight, and expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glucose transporter-1/3 proteins, miR-17-5p, and miR-130b-3p in tumor tissues in the vitexin + radiation group decreased, whereas the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein increased. After treatment of miR-17-5p or miR-130b-3p mimics-transfected SU3 cells with vitexin plus radiation, the PTEN protein expression also increased, the HIF-1α protein expression decreased correspondingly. Moreover, vitexin decreased the miR-17-5p and miR-130b-3p expression in SU3 cells. CONCLUSION: Vitexin can enhance the radiosensitivity of glioma, and its mechanism may partly be related to the attenuation of HIF-1α pathway after lowering the inhibitory effect of miR-17-5p and miR-130b-3p on PTEN.

Apigenin Suppresses Innate Immune Responses and Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via Inhibition of STING/IRF3 Pathway.

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is crucial for the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including acute lung injury (ALI). Apigenin (4[Formula: see text],5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid widely found in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese medicinal herbs that exhibits a range of pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the efficacy of apigenin in STING pathway-mediated diseases remains unclear. Accordingly, this study screened Chinese medicines to identify potent agents that reduced the synthesis of type I interferons (IFNs). The results revealed apigenin as a potent compound with low cytotoxicity that markedly reduced the synthesis of type I IFNs in response to STING pathway agonists. Besides, apigenin markedly suppressed innate immune responses triggered by the STING agonist SR-717. Mechanistically, apigenin downregulated IFN beta 1 (IFNB1) expression mediated by the STING pathway via dose-dependent inhibition of STING expression, reduction of dimerization, nuclear translocation of phosphorylated IRF3, and disruption of the association between STING and IRF3. Moreover, apigenin effectively mitigated pathological pulmonary inflammation and lung edema in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. Apigenin further strongly attenuated the hallmarks of immoderate inflammation (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1[Formula: see text], and tumor necrosis factor [Formula: see text]) and innate immune responses (IFNB1, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and IFN-stimulated gene 15) by preventing the activation of the STING/IRF3 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, SR-717 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of apigenin in LPS-induced THP1-BlueTM ISG macrophages. Collectively, apigenin effectively alleviated innate immune responses and mitigated inflammation in LPS-induced ALI via inhibition of the STING/IRF3 pathway. These findings suggest the potential of apigenin as a prophylactic and therapeutic candidate for managing STING-mediated diseases.

Apigenin targets fetuin-A to ameliorate obesity-induced insulin resistance.

Fetuin-A, a hepatokine secreted by hepatocytes, binds to insulin receptors and consequently impairs the activation of the insulin signaling pathway, leading to insulin resistance. Apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from plants, has beneficial effects on insulin resistance; however, its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of apigenin on insulin resistance. In Huh7 cells, treatment with apigenin decreased the mRNA expression of fetuin-A by decreasing reactive oxygen species-mediated casein kinase 2α (CK2α)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B activation; besides, apigenin decreased the levels of CK2α-dependent fetuin-A phosphorylation and thus promoted fetuin-A degradation through the autophagic pathway, resulting in a decrease in the protein levels of fetuin-A. Moreover, apigenin prevented the formation of the fetuin-A-insulin receptor (IR) complex and thereby rescued the PA-induced impairment of the insulin signaling pathway, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of IR substrate-1 and Akt, and translocation of glucose transporter 2 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Similar results were observed in the liver of HFD-fed mice treated with apigenin. Collectively, our findings revealed that apigenin ameliorates obesity-induced insulin resistance in the liver by targeting fetuin-A.

Food therapy of scutellarein ameliorates pirarubicin­induced cardiotoxicity in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis through regulation of NOX2­induced oxidative stress.

Pirarubicin (THP) is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs in clinical practice. However, its clinical application is limited due to its toxic and heart­related side effects. It has been reported that oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis are closely associated with cardiotoxicity caused by pirarubicin (CTP). Additionally, it has also been reported that scutellarein (Sc) exerts anti­inflammatory, antioxidant, cardio­cerebral vascular protective and anti­apoptotic properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of food therapy with Sc on CTP and its underlying molecular mechanism using echocardiography, immunofluorescence, western blot, ROS staining, and TUNEL staining. The in vivo results demonstrated that THP was associated with cardiotoxicity. Additionally, abnormal changes in the expression of indicators associated with oxidative stress, ferroptosis and apoptosis were observed, which were restored by Sc. Therefore, it was hypothesized that CTP could be associated with oxidative stress, ferroptosis and apoptosis. Furthermore, the in vitro experiments showed that Sc and the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) inhibitor, GSK2795039 (GSK), upregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and inhibited THP­induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and ferroptosis. However, cell treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin­1, or inducer, erastin, could not significantly reduce or promote, respectively, the expression of NOX2. However, GSK significantly affected ferroptosis and GPX4 expression. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that food therapy with Sc ameliorated CTP via inhibition of apoptosis and ferroptosis through regulation of NOX2­induced oxidative stress, thus suggesting that Sc may be a potential therapeutic drug against CTP.

Gut Microbiota and Inflammation Modulation in a Rat Model for Ulcerative Colitis after the Intraperitoneal Administration of Apigenin, Luteolin, and Xanthohumol.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the colon, with symptomatology influenced by factors including environmental, genomic, microbial, and immunological interactions. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by bacterial population alterations, contributes to intestinal homeostasis disruption and aberrant immune system activation, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory state. This study assesses the therapeutic efficacy of intraperitoneal (IP) injected flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, and xanthohumol) in the reduction of inflammatory parameters and the modulation of the gut microbiota in a murine model of ulcerative colitis. Flavonoids interact with gut microbiota by modulating their composition and serving as substrates for the fermentation into other anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of luteolin and xanthohumol treatment in enhancing the relative abundance of anti-inflammatory microorganisms, thereby attenuating pro-inflammatory species. Moreover, all three flavonoids exhibit efficacy in the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with luteolin strongly demonstrating utility in alleviating associated physical UC symptoms. This suggests that this molecule is a potential alternative or co-therapy to conventional pharmacological interventions, potentially mitigating their adverse effects. A limited impact on microbiota is observed with apigenin, and this is attributed to its solubility constraints via the chosen administration route, resulting in its accumulation in the mesentery.

Apigenin Self-Assembled Collagen Biomatrix for Reprogramming the Obese Wound Microenvironment for Its Management and Repair.

Wound management in obesity is complicated by excessive exudates from wounded areas, pressure ulcerations due to stacking of the fat layer, and vascular rarefaction. The current study explored the development of biomaterials for reprogramming the altered wound microenvironment under obese conditions. Self-assembled collagen biomatrix with trans and de novo browning activator, apigenin, was fabricated as a soft tissue regenerative wound dressing material. The as-synthesized self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited excellent thermal, mechanical, and biological stability with a superior wound exudate absorption capacity. The apigenin self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited porous 3-D microstructure that mimicked the extracellular matrix that promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. The apigenin self-assembled collagen multifunctional biomatrix triggered adaptive localized thermogenesis in the subcutaneous fat layer, resulting in the activation of angiogenesis and fibroblast spreading and migration. The in vivo wound healing assay performed in DIO-C57BL6 mice showed faster tissue regeneration within 9 days, with well-defined neo-epidermis, blood vessel formation, thick collagen deposition, minimal inflammation, and significant activation of browning in the subcutaneous adipose layer. This study paves the way forward for the development of specialized regenerative biomatrices that reprogram the obese wound bed for faster tissue regeneration.

Rational design of mitochondria-targeted fluorescent biosensors for in vivo elucidation of the interaction between breast cancer metastasis and mitochondrial autophagy.

Breast cancer lung metastases (BCLM) are a major cause of high mortality in patients. The shortage of therapeutic targets and rapid drug screening tools for BCLM is a major challenge at present. Mitochondrial autophagy, which involves the degradation of proteins associated with cancer cell aggressiveness, represents a possible therapeutic approach for the treatment of BCLM. Herein, four fluorescent biosensors with different alkyl chains were designed and synthesized to monitor mitochondrial autophagy. Among them, PMV-12 demonstrated the highest sensitivity to viscosity variance, the least impact on polarity, and the longest imaging time. The introduction of the C12-chain made PMV-12 anchored in the mitochondrial membrane without being disturbed by changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), thereby achieving the long-term monitor in situ for mitochondrial autophagy. Mitochondria stained with PMV-12 induced swelling and viscosity increase after treating with apigenin, which indicated that apigenin is a potential mitochondrial autophagy inducer. Apigenin was subsequently verified to inhibit cancer cell invasion by 92%. Furthermore, PMV-12 could monitor the process of BCLM in vivo and evaluate the therapeutic effects of apigenin. This work provides a fluorescent tool for elucidating the role of mitochondrial autophagy in the BCLM process and for anti-metastatic drug development.

Scutellarin Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Remodeling in Mice and TGF-ß-Induced Pro-fibrotic Phenotype in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells via MAPK and Smad2/3 Signaling Pathways.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and remodeling. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential player in these alterations. Scutellarin is isolated from Erigeron breviscapus. Its vascular relaxative, myocardial protective, and anti-inflammatory effects have been well established. This study was designed to detect the biological roles of scutellarin in asthma and its related mechanisms. The asthma-like conditions were induced by ovalbumin challenges. The airway resistance and dynamic compliance were recorded as the results of AHR. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected and processed for differential cell counting. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and Masson staining were conducted to examine histopathological changes. The levels of asthma-related cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For in vitro analysis, the 16HBE cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL transforming growth beta-1 (TGF-ß1). Cell migration was estimated by Transwell assays and wound healing assays. E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were analyzed by western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry staining. The underlying mechanisms of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Smad pathways were investigated by western blotting. In an ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mouse model, scutellarin suppressed inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration into the lungs and attenuated AHR and airway remodeling. Additionally, scutellarin inhibited airway EMT (upregulated E-cadherin level and downregulated N-cadherin and α-SMA) in ovalbumin-challenged asthmatic mice. For in vitro analysis, scutellarin prevented the TGF-ß1-induced migration and EMT in 16HBE cells. Mechanistically, scutellarin inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, ERK, JNK, and p38 in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, scutellarin can inactivate the Smad/MAPK pathways to suppress the TGF-ß1-stimulated epithelial fibrosis and EMT and relieve airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. This study provides a potential therapeutic strategy for asthma.

Natural Flavonoid Apigenin, an Effective Agent Against Nervous System Cancers.

Cancer is a serious public health concern worldwide, and nervous system (NS) cancers are among the most life-threatening malignancies. Efforts have been devoted to introduce natural anticancer agents with minimal side effects. Apigenin is an edible flavonoid that is abundantly found in many vegetables and fruits. Various pharmaceutical activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects have been reported for apigenin. This review provides insights into the therapeutic effects of apigenin and flavonoids with similar structure on glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Current evidence indicates that apigenin has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neurogenic, and neuroprotective effects have made this flavonoid a great option for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, apigenin has low toxicity on normal neuronal cells, while induces cytotoxicity on NS cancer cells via triggering several signal pathways and molecular targets. Anticancer effects of apigenin have been contributed to various mechanisms such as induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibition of migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Although apigenin is a promising pharmaceutical agent, its low bioavailability is an important issue that must be solved before introducing to clinic. Recently, nano-delivery of apigenin by liposomes and poly lactic-co-glycolide nanoparticles has greatly improved functionality of this agent. Hence, investigating pharmaceutical effects of apigenin-loaded nanocarriers on NS cancer cell lines and animal models is recommended for future studies.