Ohwia caudata aqueous extract attenuates senescence in aging adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Stem cells exhibit pluripotency and self-renewal abilities. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can potentially be used to reconstruct various tissues. They possess significant versatility and alleviate various aging-related diseases. Unfortunately, aging leads to senescence, apoptosis, and a decline in regenerative capacity in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These changes necessitate a strategy to mitigate the effects of aging on stem cells. Ohwia caudata (O. caudata) has therapeutic effects against several illnesses. However, studies on whether O. caudata has therapeutic effects against aging are lacking. In this study, we aimed to identify potential therapeutic anti-aging effects in the crude aqueous extract of O. caudata on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Using 0.1 µM doxorubicin, we induced aging in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) and evaluated whether various concentrations of O. caudata aqueous extract exhibit anti-aging effects on them. The O. caudata extract exhibited significant antioxidant effects on hADMSCs without any toxicity. Furthermore, after treatment with the O. caudata aqueous extract, the levels of mitochondrial superoxide, DNA double-strand breaks, and telomere shortening were reduced in the hADMSCs subjected to doxorubicin-induced aging. The extract also suppressed doxorubicin-induced aging by upregulating klotho and downregulating p21 in hADMSCs. These findings indicated that the O. caudata extract exhibited anti-aging properties that modulated hADMSC homeostasis. Therefore, it could be a potential candidate for restoring the self-renewal ability and multipotency of aging hADMSCs.

A prospective review of the health-promoting potential of Jing Si Herbal Tea.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained considerable attention over the past few years for its multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway approach to treating different diseases. Studies have shown that TCMs as adjuvant therapy along with conventional treatment may benefit in safely treating various disorders. However, investigations on finding effective herbal combinations are ongoing. A novel TCM formula, "Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT)," has been reported recently for their health-promoting effects in improving overall body and mental health. JSHT is a combination of eight herbs recognized in Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for their anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties as well as protective effects against cardiovascular, metabolic, neural, digestive, and genitourinary diseases. Thus, to better understand the beneficial effects of the ingredients of JSHT on health, this review intends to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of the ingredients of JSHT on human health and diseases, and possible therapeutic effects with the related mode of actions and future prospects for their application in complementary therapies.

A combination of isoliquiritigenin with Artemisia argyi and Ohwia caudata water extracts attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathways in SD rats with doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity.

Ohwia caudata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi (Leguminosae) also called as "Evergreen shrub" and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (Compositae) also named as "Chinese mugwort" those two-leaf extracts frequently used as herbal medicine, especially in south east Asia and eastern Asia. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used as effective chemotherapeutic drugs in anticancer therapy around the world. However, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are seen in patients who receive DOX therapy, with the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiac toxicity remaining unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocytes have been shown to play crucial roles in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL, 10 mg/kg) is a bioactive flavonoid compound with protective effects against inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. Here, in this study, our aim is to find out the Artemisia argyi (AA) and Ohwia caudata (OC) leaf extract combination with Isoliquiritigenin in potentiating and complementing effect against chemo drug side effect to ameliorate cardiac damage and improve the cardiac function. In this study, we showed that a combination of low (AA 300 mg/kg; OC 100 mg/kg) and high-dose(AA 600 mg/kg; OC 300 mg/kg) AA and OC water extract with ISL activated the cell survival-related AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in DOX-treated cardiac tissue leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant markers SOD, HO-1, and Keap-1 and regulated mitochondrial dysfunction through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the water extract of AA and OC with ISL inhibited the inflammatory response genes IL-6 and IL-1ß, possibly through the NFκB/AKT/PI3K/p38α/NRLP3 signaling pathways. The water extract of AA and OC with ISL could be a potential herbal drug treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory disease, and apoptosis, which can lead to sudden heart failure.

Human adipose-derived stem cells preconditioned with a novel herbal formulation Jing Shi attenuate doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage.

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a considerable contributor to global disease burden. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases since antiquity. Enhancing stem cell-mediated recovery through CHM represents a promising approach for protection against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Herein, we investigated whether human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) preconditioned with novel herbal formulation Jing Si (JS) improved protective ability of stem cells against doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage. The effect of JS on hADSC viability and migration capacity was determined via MTT and migration assays, respectively. Co-culture of hADSC or JS-preconditioned hADSCs with H9c2 cells was analyzed with immunoblot, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, LC3B staining, F-actin staining, and MitoSOX staining. The in vivo study was performed M-mode echocardiography after the treatment of JS and JS-preconditioned hADSCs by using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Our results indicated that JS at doses below 100 µg/mL had less cytotoxicity in hADSC and JS-preconditioned hADSCs exhibited better migration. Our results also revealed that DOX enhanced apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in DOX-challenged H9c2 cells, while H9c2 cells co-cultured with JS-preconditioned hADSCs alleviated these effects. It also enhanced the expression of autophagy marker LC3B, mTOR and CHIP in DOX-challenged H9c2 cells after co-culture with JS-preconditioned hADSCs. In Dox-challenged rats, the ejection fraction and fractional shortening improved in DOX-challenged SD rats exposed to JS-preconditioned hADSCs. Taken together, our data indicate that JS-preconditioned stem cells exhibit a cardioprotective capacity both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the value of this therapeutic approach for regenerative therapy.

9-POHSA prevents NF-kB activation and ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation in rat hepatocytes.

Liver inflammation has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, leading to the development of diseases like hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease. One factor that has been linked to liver inflammation is increased levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can be caused by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles that contribute to liver inflammation. There is promising research on a new class of lipids called fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), which have been shown to potentiate insulin release and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Specifically, one type of FAHFA called 9-POHSA (palmitoleic acid ester of 9-hydroxy stearic acid) has been studied for its potential to attenuate inflammation-related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes, which play a critical role in the progression of liver inflammation. This study found that following LPS treatment, tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were upregulated and increased cell migration, but 9-POHSA pre-treatment attenuated the upregulation of these markers and prevented cell migration induced by LPS. Using flowcytometry analysis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found to be responsible for CTGF upregulation. In addition, the effects of 9-POHSA were likely associated with its inhibition of the activation of the NF-kB. These results suggest that 9-POHSA has potential as a therapy for liver inflammation and fibrosis by attenuating inflammation-related indexes induced by LPS in hepatocytes. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms of liver inflammation and the potential for new treatments to address liver diseases.

Ohwia caudata aqueous extract attenuates doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including organ degeneration and cancer. Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells provide a valuable source for stem cell-based therapy and represent an emerging therapeutic approach for tissue regeneration. This study focused on screening the senomorphic properties of Ohwia caudata aqueous extract as an emerging strategy for preventing or treating mitochondrial dysfunction in stem cells. Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells were incubated with 0.1 µM doxorubicin, for 24 h to induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Next, the cells were treated with a series concentration of Ohwia caudata aqueous extract (25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for another 24 h. In addition, an untreated control group and a doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction positive control group were maintained under the same conditions. Our data showed that Ohwia caudata aqueous extract markedly suppressed doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing Tid1 and Tom20 expression, decreased reactive oxygen species production, and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential to promote mitochondrial stability. Ohwia caudata aqueous extract retained the stemness of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells and reduced the apoptotic rate. These results indicate that Ohwia caudata aqueous extract protects Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells against doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and can potentially prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in other cells. This study provides new directions for the medical application of Ohwia caudata.

Ohwia caudata extract relieves the IL-17A-induced inflammatory response of synoviocytes through modulation of SOCS3 and JAK2/STAT3 activation.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes accumulation, proliferation and activation, and the subsequent inflammatory mediators production play a key role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is well established that Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling triggers inflammation, and induces cytokine levels in RA. Ohwia caudata have long been used against many disorders. However, in RA, the effects of O. caudata have not been elucidated. In the current study, synoviocytes were used to evaluate the suppressive effects of O. caudate extract (OCE) on the pro-inflammatory cytokines production. In vitro, the underlying mechanisms by which OCE inhibits inflammatory response through regulation of suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and JAK2/STAT3 expression in IL-17A-treated HIG-82 synoviocytes were investigated. The results demonstrated that the proliferation of IL-17A-challenged cells were increased in comparison with non-stimulated control cells. The synoviocyte proliferation was decreased significantly of OCE concentrations in dose dependent manner. The p-JAK2, p-STAT3, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 were reduced in IL-17A-challenged cells treated with OCE. Furthermore, AZD1480 (a JAK2-specific inhibitor) or WP1066 (a STAT3-specific inhibitor) affected the inflammatory mediators production in IL-17A-challenged synoviocytes, and OCE failed to mitigate the IL-17A-induced inflammatory mediators and SOCS3, acting as a feedback inhibitor of the JAK/STAT3 pathway, in the presence of SOCS3 siRNA, indicating that the beneficial effects of OCE on the regulation of inflammatory response homeostasis were dependent on SOCS3 and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our study also showed that SOCS3 was markedly activated by OCE in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes, thereby decreasing the JAK/STAT3 pathway, and the IL-1ß, and IL-6 activation. Thus, O. caudate should be further investigated as a candidate anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent.

Protective effects of Scoparia dulcis L. extract on high glucose-induced injury in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and the accumulation of inflammatory factors result in blood-retinal barrier dysfunction and the pathogenesis of DR. Scoparia dulcis L. extract (SDE), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been recently recognized for its various pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative activities. However, there is no relevant research on the protective effect of SDE in DR. In this study, we treated high glucose (50 mM) in human retinal epithelial cells (ARPE-19) with different concentrations of SDE and analyzed cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS production. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of Akt, Nrf2, catalase, and HO-1, which showed that SDE dose-dependently reduced ROS production and attenuated ARPE-19 cell apoptosis in a high-glucose environment. Briefly, we demonstrated that SDE exhibited an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory ability in protecting retinal cells from high-glucose (HG) treatment. Moreover, we also investigated the involvement of the Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in SDE-mediated protective effects. The results suggest SDE as a nutritional supplement that could benefit patients with DR.

PKC-δ-dependent mitochondrial ROS attenuation is involved as 9-OAHSA combats lipoapotosis in rat hepatocytes induced by palmitic acid and in Syrian hamsters induced by high-fat high-cholesterol high-fructose diet.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a global concern, often undetected until reaching an advanced stage. Palmitic acid (PA) is a type of fatty acid that increases and leads to liver apoptosis in MAFLD. However, there is currently no approved therapy or compound for MAFLD. Recently, branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), a group of bioactive lipids, have emerged as promising agents to treat associated metabolic diseases. This study utilizes one type of FAHFA, oleic acid ester of 9-hydroxystearic acid (9-OAHSA), to treat PA-induced lipoapoptosis in an in vitro MAFLD model using rat hepatocytes and a high-fat high-cholesterol high-fructose (HFHCHFruc) diet in Syrian hamsters. The results indicate that 9-OAHSA rescues hepatocytes from PA-induced apoptosis and attenuates lipoapoptosis and dyslipidemia in Syrian hamsters. Additionally, 9-OAHSA decreases the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS) and stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane potential in hepatocytes. The study also demonstrates that the effect of 9-OAHSA on mito-ROS generation is at least partially mediated by PKC-δ signaling. These findings suggest that 9-OAHSA shows promise as a therapy for MAFLD.

Recuperative herbal formula Jing Si maintains vasculature permeability balance, regulates inflammation and assuages concomitants of "Long-Covid".

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide health threat that has long-term effects on the patients and there is currently no efficient cure prescribed for the treatment and the prolonging effects. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been reported to exert therapeutic effect against COVID-19. In this study, the therapeutic effects of Jing Si herbal tea (JSHT) against COVID-19 infection and associated long-term effects were evaluated in different in vitro and in vivo models. The anti-inflammatory effects of JSHT were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and in Omicron pseudotyped virus-induced acute lung injury model. The effect of JSHT on cellular stress was determined in HK-2 proximal tubular cells and H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The therapeutic benefits of JSHT on anhedonia and depression symptoms associated with long COVID were evaluated in mice models for unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). JSHT inhibited the NF-ƙB activities, and significantly reduced LPS-induced expression of TNFα, COX-2, NLRP3 inflammasome, and HMGB1. JSHT was also found to significantly suppress the production of NO by reducing iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Further, the protective effects of JSHT on lung tissue were confirmed based on mitigation of lung injury, repression in TMRRSS2 and HMGB-1 expression and reduction of cytokine storm in the Omicron pseudotyped virus-induced acute lung injury model. JSHT treatment in UCMS models also relieved chronic stress and combated depression symptoms. The results therefore show that JSHT attenuates the cytokine storm by repressing NF-κB cascades and provides the protective functions against symptoms associated with long COVID-19 infection.

Combined effect of traditional Chinese herbal-based formulations Jing Si herbal tea and Jing Si nasal drop inhibits adhesion and transmission of SARS-CoV2 in diabetic SKH-1 mice.

Multiple studies show increased severity of SARS-CoV2-infection in patients with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. In this study, we have prepared two herbal-based formulations, a pleiotropic herbal drink (Jin Si Herbal Tea, JHT) and a nasal drop (Jin Si nasal drop, JND), to provide preventive care against SARS-CoV2 infection. The effect of JHT and JND was determined in SARS-CoV2-S-pseudotyped lentivirus-infected bronchial and colorectal cell lines and in SKH-1 mouse models. For preliminary studies, ACE2 receptor abundant bronchial (Calu-3) and colorectal cells (Caco-2) were used to determine the effect of JHT and JND on the host entry of various variants of SARS-CoV2-S-pseudotyped lentivirus. A series of experiments were performed to understand the infection rate in SKH-1 mice (6 weeks old, n = 9), find the effective dosage of JHT and JND, and determine the combination effect of JHT and JND on the entry and adhesion of various variant SARS-CoV2-S-pseudotyped lentiviruses, which included highly transmissible delta and gamma mutants. Furthermore, the effect of combined JHT and JND was determined on diabetes-induced SKH-1 mice against the comorbidity-associated intense viral entry and accumulation. In addition, the effect of combined JHT and JND administration on viral transmission from infected SKH-1 mice to uninfected cage mate mice was determined. The results showed that both JHT and JND were effective in alleviating the viral entry and accumulation in the thorax and the abdominal area. While JHT showed a dose-dependent decrease in the viral load, JND showed early inhibition of viral entry from day 1 of the infection. Combined administration of 48.66 mg of JHT and 20 µL of JND showed rapid reduction in the viral entry and reduced the viral load (97-99%) in the infected mice within 3 days of treatment. Moreover, 16.22 mg of JHT and 20 µL JND reduced the viral infection in STZ-induced diabetic SKH-1 mice. Interestingly, combined JHT and JND also inhibited viral transmission among cage mates. The results, therefore, showed that combined administration of JHT and JND is a novel and an efficient strategy to potentially prevent SARS-CoV2 infection.

Artemisia argyi extract induces apoptosis in human gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cells via the PI3K/MAPK signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot (Asteraceae), also called "Chinese mugwort", is frequently used as a herbal medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern parts of Russia. It is known as "ai ye" in China and "Gaiyou" in Japan. In ancient China, the buds and leaves of A. argyi were commonly consumed before and after Tomb-sweeping Day. It is used to treat malaria, hepatitis, cancer, inflammatory diseases, asthma, irregular menstrual cycle, sinusitis, and pathologic conditions of the kidney and liver. Although A. argyi extract (AAE) has shown anti-tumor activity against various cancers, the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of AAE remains to be further studied in lung cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to demonstrate the anti-tumor effect of AAE and its associated biological mechanisms in CL1-0 parent and gemcitabine-resistant (CL1-0-GR) lung cancer cells. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Human lung cancer cells CL1-0 and CL1-0-GR cells were treated with AAE. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT, colony, and spheroid formation assays. Migration, invasion, and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the extent of epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT). JC-1 and MitoSOX fluorescent assays were performed to investigate the effect of AAE on mitochondria. Apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V staining. RESULT: We found that A. argyi significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis, accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased ROS levels in both parent cells (CL1-0) and gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cells (CL1-0-GR). AAE-induced apoptosis is regulated via the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. It also prevents CL1-0 and CL1-0-GR cancer cell invasion, migration, EMT, colony formation, and spheroid formation. In addition, AAE acts cooperative with commercial chemotherapy drugs to enhance tumor spheroid shrinkage. CONCLUSION: Our study provides the first evidence that A. argyi treatment suppresses both parent and gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cells by inducing ROS, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and apoptosis, and reducing EMT. Our finding provides insights into the anti-cancer activity of A. argyi and suggests that A. argyi may serve as a chemotherapy adjuvant that potentiates the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.

Artemisia argyi extract ameliorates IL-17A-induced inflammatory response by regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 expression in HIG-82 synoviocytes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that results in joint destruction and disability in the adult population. RA is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Many pro-inflammatory mediators are associated with RA, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, IL-17 upregulates the production of other pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-1ß and IL-6, and promotes the recruitment of neutrophils in RA. Artemisia argyi, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and microbial infections. In this study, synoviocytes (HIG-82) were treated with varying doses of A. argyi extract (AAE) following IL-17A stimulation. Proliferation of the IL-17A-stimulated cells was increased compared to that of the non-stimulated control cells. However, cell proliferation decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner following AAE treatment. Treatment of IL-17A-stimulated cells with AAE resulted in decreased levels of phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB, p-IκB-α, and COX-2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were increased in the IL-17A-stimulated group but decreased in the AAE treatment group. Additionally, we found that AAE facilitated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and promoted its nuclear translocation, thereby inducing the expression of heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, AAE did not attenuate IL-17A-induced inflammatory mediator production in the presence of ML385, an Nrf2-specific inhibitor. These results suggest that the downregulation of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the transcription factor NF-κB by AAE may be a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation associated with RA.

Artemisia argyi exhibits anti-aging effects through decreasing the senescence in aging stem cells.

Aging is accompanied by functional loss of many cellular pathways, creating an increased risk of many age-related complications (ARC). Aging causes stem cell exhaustion with a concomitant increase in cellular dysfunction. Recently, interest in senotherapeutics has been growing rapidly to promote healthy aging and as an intervention for ARCs. This research focused on screening the senomorphic properties of Artemisia argyi, as an emerging strategy for longevity, and prevention or treatment of ARCs. In this study, we aimed to find the clinical efficacy of daily consumption of Artemisia argyi water extract (AAW) on aging. In vitro 0.1µM Doxorubicin induced senescent human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells was treated with different concentrations of AAW to show its anti-aging effect. 15 months old SHR rats (n=6) were treated with 7.9 mg/ml AAW for 4 weeks and anti-aging effect was evaluated. In vitro study showed the protective effect of AAW in telomere shortening and helps in maintaining a balance in the expression of anti-aging protein Klotho and TERT. AAW effectively reduced mitochondrial superoxide and also provided a protective shield against senescence markers like over-expression of p21 and formation of double strand breaks, which is known to cause premature aging. Moreover, animal studies indicated that AAW promoted the expression of Klotho in naturally aging rats. In addition, AAW successfully restored the decline cardiac function and improved the grip strength and memory of aging rat. These findings showed that therapeutic targeting of senescent stem cells by AAW restored stem cell homeostasis and improves overall health.

Artemisia Leaf Extract protects against neuron toxicity by TRPML1 activation and promoting autophagy/mitophagy clearance in both in vitro and in vivo models of MPP+/MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Cellular clearance mechanisms, including the autophagy-lysosome pathway, are commonly affected in the pathogenesis of PD. The lysosomal Ca2+ channel mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1) is one of the most important proteins involved in the regulation of autophagy. Artemisia argyi Lev. et Vant., is a traditional Chinese herb, that has diverse therapeutic properties and is used to treat patients with skin diseases and oral ulcers. However, the neuroprotective effects of A. argyi are not explored yet. HYPOTHESIS: This study aims is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of A. argyi in promoting the TRPML1-mediated autophagy/mitophagy-enhancing effect METHODS: In this study, we used 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+)-induced PD model established in an SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line as well as in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in C57BL/6 J mice. MTT assay was conducted to measure the cell viability and further MitoSoX and DCFDA assay were used to measure the ROS. Western blot analysis was used to access levels of TRPML1, p-DRP1 (ser616), p-AKT, PI3K, and ß-catenin, Additionally, IF and IHC analysis to investigate the expression of TRPML1, LC3B, ß-catenin, TH+, α-synuclein. Mitotracker stain was used to check mitophagy levels and a lysosomal intracellular activity kit was used to measure the lysosomal dysfunction. Behavioral studies were conducted by rotarod and grip strength experiments to check motor functions. RESULTS: In our in vitro study, A. argyi rescued the MPP+-induced loss of cell viability and reduced the accumulation of mitochondrial and total reactive oxygen species (ROS). Subsequently, it increased the expression of TRPML1 protein, thereby inducing autophagy, which facilitated the clearance of toxic accumulation of α-synuclein. Furthermore, A. argyi played a neuroprotective role by activating the PI3K/AKT/ß-catenin cell survival pathway. MPP+-mediated mitochondrial damage was overcome by upregulation of mitophagy and downregulation of the mitochondrial fission regulator p-DRP1 (ser616) in SH-SY5Y cells. In the in vivo study, A. argyi ameliorated impaired motor function and rescued TH+ neurons in the SNpc region. Similar to the results of the in vitro study, TRPML1, LC3B, and ß-catenin expression was enhanced in the SNpc region in the A. argyi-treated mice brain. CONCLUSION: Thus, our results first demonstrate that A. argyi can exert neuroprotective effects by stimulating TRPML1 and rescuing neuronal cells by boosting autophagy/mitophagy and upregulating a survival pathway, suggesting that A. argyi can further be exploited to slow the progression of PD.

Novel anti-aging herbal formulation Jing Si displays pleiotropic effects against aging associated disorders.

Common characteristics of aging include reduced somatic stem cell number, susceptibility to cardiac injuries, metabolic imbalances and increased risk for oncogenesis. In this study, Pleiotropic anti-aging effects of a decoction Jing Si herbal drink (JS) containing eight Traditional Chinese Medicine based herbs, with known effects against aging related disorders was evaluated. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) from 16 week old adult and 24 month old aging WKY rats were evaluated for the age-related changes in stem cell homeostasis. Effects of JS on self-renewal, klotho and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase expression DNA damage response were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The effects were confirmed in senescence induced human ADMSCs and in addition, the potential of JS to maintain telomere length was evaluated by qPCR analysis in ADMSCs challenged for long term with doxorubicin. Further, the effects of JS on doxorubicin-induced hypertrophic effect and DNA damage in H9c2 cardiac cells; MPP+-induced damages in SH-SY5Y neuron cells were investigated. In addition, effects of JS in maintaining metabolic regulation, in terms of blood glucose regulation in type-II diabetes mice model, and their potential to suppress malignancy in different cancer cells were ascertained. The results show that JS maintains stem cell homeostasis and provides cytoprotection. In addition JS regulates blood glucose metabolism, enhances autophagic clearances in neurons and suppresses cancer growth and migration. The results show that JS acts on multiple targets and provides a cumulative protective effect against various age-associated disorders and therefore it is a candidate pleiotropic agent for healthy aging.

Anti-Invasion and Antiangiogenic Effects of Stellettin B through Inhibition of the Akt/Girdin Signaling Pathway and VEGF in Glioblastoma Cells.

Angiogenesis and invasion are highly related with tumor metastatic potential and recurrence prediction in the most aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). For the first time, this study reveals that marine-sponge-derived stellettin B reduces angiogenesis and invasion. We discovered that stellettin B reduces migration of glioblastoma cells by scratch wound healing assay and invasion via chamber transwell assay. Further, stellettin B downregulates Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathways, which are essential for invasion and angiogenesis in glioblastoma. This study further demonstrates that stellettin B affects filamentous actin (F-actin) rearrangement by decreasing the cross-linkage of phosphor-Girdin (p-Girdin), which attenuates glioblastoma cell invasion. Moreover, stellettin B blocks the expression and secretion of a major proangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in glioblastoma cells. Stellettin B also reduces angiogenic tubule formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo, we observed that stellettin B decreased blood vesicle formation in developmental zebrafish and suppressed angiogenesis in Matrigel plug transplant assay in mice. Decreased VEGF transcriptional expression was also found in stellettin B⁻treated zebrafish embryos. Overall, we conclude that stellettin B might be a potential antiangiogenic and anti-invasion agent for future development of therapeutic agents for cancer therapy.

Application of a smartphone nurse call system for nursing care.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, a patient presses the nurse call button and alerts the central nursing station. This system cannot reach the primary care nurse directly. The aim of this study was to apply a new smartphone system through the cloud system and information technology that linked a smartphone and a mobile nursing station for nursing care service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A smartphone and mobile nursing station were integrated into a smartphone nurse call system through the cloud and information technology for better nursing care. RESULTS: Waiting time for a patient to contact the most responsible nurse was reduced from 3.8 min to 6 s. The average time for pharmacists to locate the nurse for medication problem was reduced from 4.2 min to 1.8 min by the new system. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of the smartphone nurse call system, patients received a more rapid response. This improved patients' satisfaction and reduced the number of complaints about longer waiting time due to the shortage of nurses.