Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of a ratio-optimized drug pair of Sophora flavescens Aiton and Coptis chinensis Franch and study on the mechanism of anti-colorectal cancer effect of two alkaloids thereof.

The drug pair consisting of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Sophorae flavescentis radix, Kushen) and Coptis chinensis Franch. (Coptidis rhizoma, Huanglian), as described in Prescriptions for Universal Relief (Pujifang), is widely used to treat laxation. Matrine and berberine are the major active components of Kushen and Huanglian, respectively. These agents have shown remarkable anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. A mouse model of colorectal cancer was used to determine the most effective combination of Kushen and Huanglian against anti-colorectal cancer. The results showed that the combination of Kushen and Huanglian at a 1:1 ratio exerted the best anti-colorectal cancer effect versus other ratios. Moreover, the anti-colorectal cancer effect and potential mechanism underlying the effects of matrine and berberine were evaluated by the analysis of combination treatment or monotherapy. In addition, the chemical constituents of Kushen and Huanglian were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 67 chemical components were identified from the Kushen-Huanglian drug pair (water extraction), and the levels of matrine and berberine were 129 and 232 µg/g, respectively. Matrine and berberine reduced the growth of colorectal cancer and relieved the pathological conditions in mice. In addition, the combination of matrine and berberine displayed better anti-colorectal cancer efficacy than monotherapy. Moreover, matrine and berberine reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota at phylum level and that of Helicobacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Candidatus_Arthromitus, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae, Rikenella, Odoribacter, Streptococcus, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and Anaerotruncus at the genus level. Western blotting results demonstrated that treatment with matrine and berberine decreased the protein expressions of c-MYC and RAS, whereas it increased that of sirtuin 3 (Sirt3). The findings indicated that the combination of matrine and berberine was more effective in inhibiting colorectal cancer than monotherapy. This beneficial effect might depend on the improvement of intestinal microbiota structure and regulation of the RAS/MEK/ERK-c-MYC-Sirt3 signaling axis.

NPLC0393 from Gynostemma pentaphyllum ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in mice by targeting protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A phosphatase.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with clinical hallmarks of progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. Gynostemma pentaphyllum ameliorates cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we determine the effect of triterpene saponin NPLC0393 from G. pentaphyllum on AD-like pathology in 3×Tg-AD mice and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. NPLC0393 was administered daily in vivo by intraperitoneal injection for 3 months and its amelioration on the cognitive impairment in 3×Tg-AD mice was assessed by new object recognition (NOR), Y-maze, Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests. The mechanisms were investigated by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry techniques, while verified by the 3×Tg-AD mice with protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) knockdown (KD) through brain-specific injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-ePHP-KD-PPM1A. NPLC0393 ameliorated AD-like pathology targeting PPM1A. It repressed microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by reducing NLRP3 transcription during priming and promoting PPM1A binding to NLRP3 to disrupt NLRP3 assembly with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD and pro-caspase-1. Moreover, NPLC0393 suppressed tauopathy by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation through PPM1A/NLRP3/tau axis and promoting microglial phagocytosis of tau oligomers through PPM1A/nuclear factor-κB/CX3CR1 pathway. PPM1A mediates microglia/neurons crosstalk in AD pathology, whose activation by NPLC0393 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.

Overview of research progress and application of experimental models of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in terms of global tumor incidence, and the rates of morbidity and mortality due to CRC are rising. Experimental models of CRC play a vital role in CRC research. Clinical studies aimed at investigating the evolution and mechanism underlying the formation of CRC are based on cellular and animal models with broad applications. The present review classifies the different experimental models used in CRC research, and describes the characteristics and limitations of these models by comparing the research models with the clinical symptoms. The review also discusses the future prospects of developing new experimental models of CRC.

The colonic metabolism differences of main alkaloids in normal and colitis mice treated with Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. herbal pair using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry method combined with chemometrics.

Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. is a herbal pair frequently used in treating ulcerative colitis. However, the bio-disposition profile of the major components in the inflamed gut remains unclear, which is essential to understand the pharmacological material basis of this herb pair. Here we established an integral quantitative and chemometric method to deduce the colonic metabolism differences of this herbal pair in normal and colitis mice. With this LC-MS method, a total of 41 components have been found in the Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. extract, and 28 metabolites were found in the colon after oral administration. Alkaloid and its phase I metabolites were the main components in the colon of normal and colitis mice. The results of principal component analysis at 6 h after oral administration showed significant colonic metabolism differences between normal and colitis mice. Heamap results showed that colitis induced significant changes in the colonic bio-disposition of this herbal pair extract. In particular, in the context of colitis, the phase I metabolism of berberine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine,and epiberberine has been inhibited. These results may provide a basis for understanding the pharmacological material basis of Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. in treating ulcerative colitis.

FX5, a non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, ameliorates diabetic cognitive impairment in mice.

Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a common diabetic complication characterized by learning and memory deficits. In diabetic patients, hyperactivated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to abnormal increase of glucocorticoids (GCs), which causes the damage of hippocampal neurons and cognitive impairment. In this study we investigated the cognition-improving effects of a non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist 5-chloro-N-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]thiophene-2-sulfonamide (FX5) in diabetic mice. Four weeks after T1DM or T2DM was induced, the mice were administered FX5 (20, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 8 weeks. Cognitive impairment was assessed in open field test, novel object recognition test, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test. We showed that FX5 administration significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairments in both type 1 and 2 diabetic mice. Similar cognitive improvement was observed in diabetic mice following brain GR-specific knockdown by injecting AAV-si-GR. Moreover, AAV-si-GR injection occluded the cognition-improving effects of FX5, suggesting that FX5 functioning as a non-steroidal GR antagonist. In PA-treated primary neurons (as DCI model in vitro), we demonstrated that FX5 (2, 5, 10 µM) dose-dependently ameliorated synaptic impairment via upregulating GR/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway, protected against neuronal apoptosis through repressing GR/PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß-mediated tauopathy and subsequent endoplasmic reticulum stress. In LPS-treated primary microglia, FX5 dose-dependently inhibited inflammation through GR/NF-κB/NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway. These beneficial effects were also observed in the hippocampus of diabetic mice following FX5 administration. Collectively, we have elucidated the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of non-steroidal GR antagonist FX5 on DCI and highlighted the potential of FX5 in the treatment of the disease.

Flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don exert antitumor activity in colorectal cancer through inhibited autophagy and promoted apoptosis via ATF4/sestrin2 pathway.

PURPOSE: Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB), mainly containing flavonoids, has been frequently used for cancer treatment. However, little research has investigated the antitumor activity of flavonoids from SB (FSB). The current study aimed to assess the antitumor effect of TFSB and elucidate the probable underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: FSB was prepared, and its chemical composition was characterized by HPLC-MS. Colorectal HCT116 cells were treated with various concentration of FSB. The viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and autophagy of HCT116 cells were studied, as were further confirmed in tumor xenografts. METHODS: Cell viability and proliferation were respectively examined by MTT and EdU staining. ROS was determined with DCFH-DA, and cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate cell migration. Immunofluorescence was employed to evaluate sestrin2 and ATF4 level. The protein expressions of p-AMPK, p-ULK1, p-mTOR, 4E-BP1, LC3-I/II, cleaved-caspase-3, Bax, and bcl-2 were investigated by western blot. ATF4 was overexpressed in experiments to explore the role of ATF4/sestrin2 pathway in FSB-mediated efficacy. RESULTS: FSB clearly reduced the cell viability, promoted ROS generation, and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells by down-regulated Bcl-2, and increased cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax. Furthermore, FSB significantly inhibited migration of colorectal cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanistic study indicated that FSB upregulated p-mTOR protein level, and reduced p-AMPK, p-ULK1, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and LC3-I/II expression, which were major autophagy-related genes. In addition, FSB could cause downregulation of endogenous mTOR inhibitor sestrin2 and ATF4 expression. Transient overexpression of ATF4 resulted in mTOR and sestrin2 inhibition, and significantly compromised the effects of FSB on apoptosis and autophagy in HCT116 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal, for the first time, that FSB exerts antitumor activity through autophagy inhibition and apoptosis induction via ATF4/sestrin2 pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Scutellaria barbata D. Don may have great potential in the application for the prevention and treatment of human colorectal cancer.

Patchouli alcohol as a selective estrogen receptor ß agonist ameliorates AD-like pathology of APP/PS1 model mice.

Clinical evidence shows that postmenpausal women are almost twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) as men of the same age, and estrogen is closely related to the occurrence of AD. Estrogen receptor (ER) α is mainly expressed in the mammary gland and other reproductive organs like uterus while ERß is largely distributed in the hippocampus and cardiovascular system, suggesting that ERß selective agonist is a valuable drug against neurodegenerative diseases with low tendency in inducing cancers of breast and other reproductive organs. In this study we identified a natural product patchouli alcohol (PTA) as a selective ERß agonist which improved the cognitive defects in female APP/PS1 mice, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Six-month-old female APP/PS1 mice were administered PTA (20, 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1, i.g.) for 90 days. We first demonstrated that PTA bound to ERß with a dissociation constant (KD) of 288.9 ± 35.14 nM in microscale thermophoresis. Then we showed that PTA administration dose-dependently ameliorated cognitive defects evaluated in Morris water maze and Y-maze testes. Furthermore, PTA administration reduced amyloid plaque deposition in the hippocampus by promoting microglial phagocytosis; PTA administration improved synaptic integrity through enhancing BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling, ameliorated oxidative stress by Catalase level, and regulated Bcl-2 family proteins in the hippocampus. The therapeutic effects of PTA were also observed in vitro: PTA (5, 10, 20 µM) dose-dependently increased phagocytosis of o-FAM-Aß42 in primary microglia and BV2 cells through enhancing ERß/TLR4 signaling; PTA treatment ameliorated o-Aß25-35-induced reduction of synapse-related proteins VAMP2 and PSD95 in primary neurons through enhancing ERß/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathways; PTA treatment alleviated o-Aß25-35-induced oxidative stress in primary neurons through targeting ERß and increasing Catalase expression. Together, this study has addressed the efficacy of selective ERß agonist in the amelioration of AD and highlighted the potential of PTA as a drug lead compound against the disease.

Agrimol B inhibits colon carcinoma progression by blocking mitochondrial function through the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway.

Background: The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) stimulates the transcription of the downstream target proteins, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), which induces mitochondrial biogenesis and promotes colorectal tumorigenesis. Agrimol B (Agr) is a constituent of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. that exerts anticancer effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of Agr and its mechanism of action. Methods: The interaction between Agr and PGC-1α was predicted by molecular docking. After the treatment with different concentrations of Agr (0, 144, 288, and 576 nM), the cell viability, migration rate, proliferation rate, and apoptosis rate of human colon cancer HCT116 cells were determined. Mitochondrial activity, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed to measure the regulatory effect of Agr on mitochondrial function. Western blotting (WB) assay was used to examine the expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bax and Caspase-3, and the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2). Finally, subcutaneous tumor xenograft model mice were used to evaluate the effect of Agr on colorectal cancer (CRC) in vivo. Results: The molecular docking results revealed a high likelihood of Agr interacting with PGC-1α. Agr inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCT116 cells, promoted ROS production and mitochondrial oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial activity, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Agr induced cell apoptosis and, in combination with PGC-1α, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and suppressed the expression of NRF1 and TFAM. Agr also suppressed the expression of Bcl-2 and Cleaved-Caspase-3 and increased the expression of Bax and Caspase-3. In addition, the in vivo antitumor effect and mechanism of Agr were confirmed by using a subcutaneous tumor xenograft mouse model. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that Agr regulates the expression of PGC-1α, thereby inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and promoting tumor cell apoptosis. This work highlights the potential of Agr as a promising therapeutic candidate in CRC.

Amyloid-ß (25-35) regulates neuronal damage and memory loss via SIRT1/Nrf2 in the cortex of mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. AD is pathologically characterized by synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline due to the aggregation of a large amount of amyloid-ß (Aß) protein in the brain. However, recent studies have discovered that the Aß is produced as an antimicrobial peptide that acts against bacteria and viruses. This has renewed interest in the effect of Aß on AD. Thus, in this study, we investigated the different concentrations of Aß25-35 on neuroprotection and further explore the related mechanisms. Firstly, we detected the cognitive function using the Y-maze test, novel object recognition memory task and Morris water maze test. Then, we analyzed the ultrastructure of synapses and mitochondria, in addition to evaluating SOD levels. We also examined the effect of Aß25-35 on the viability and structure of the primary neurons. The western blot analysis was used to measure the protein levels. The results showed that mice treated with high concentration of Aß25-35 impaired the learning-memory ability and disordered the structure of neurons and mitochondria. Meanwhile, high concentration of Aß25-35 decreased the SIRT1/Nrf2 related antioxidant capacity and induced apoptosis. In contrast, mice treated with low concentration of Aß25-35 increased SOD levels and SIRT1/Nrf2 expressions, and induced autophagy. Our data suggest that low concentration of Aß25-35 may increase SOD levels through SIRT1/Nrf2 and induce autophagy.

DW14006 as a direct AMPKα1 activator improves pathology of AD model mice by regulating microglial phagocytosis and neuroinflammation.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressively neurodegenerative disease with typical hallmarks of amyloid ß (Aß) plaque accumulation, neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation and neuronal death extension. In AD brain, activated microglia phagocytose Aß and neuronal debris, but also aggravate inflammation stress by releasing inflammatory factors and cytotoxins. Improving microglia on Aß catabolism and neuroinflammatory intervention is thus believed to be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is highly expressed in microglia with AMPKα1 being tightly implicated in neuroinflammatory events. Since indirect AMPKα1 activators may cause side effects with undesired intracellular AMP/ATP ratio, we focused on direct AMPKα1 activator study by exploring its potential function in ameliorating AD-like pathology of AD model mice. Here, we reported that direct AMPKα1 activator DW14006 (2-(3-(7-chloro-6-(2'-hydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)phenyl)acetic acid) effectively improved learning and memory impairments of APP/PS1 mice, and the underlying mechanisms have been intensively investigated. DW14006 reduced amyloid plaque deposition by promoting microglial o-Aß42 phagocytosis and ameliorated innate immune response by polarizing microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. It selectively enhanced microglial phagocytosis of o-Aß42 by upgrading scavenger receptor CD36 through AMPKα1/PPARγ/CD36 signaling and suppressed inflammation by AMPKα1/IκB/NFκB signaling. Together, our work has detailed the crosstalk between AMPKα1 and microglia in AD model mice, and highlighted the potential of DW14006 in the treatment of AD.

Xiaoyaosan regulates depression-related behaviors with physical symptoms by modulating Orexin A/OxR1 in the hypothalamus.

The functional regulation of the orexin system in the central nervous system is closely related to the occurrence and development of psychotic disorders. Abnormal changes in the lateral region of the hypothalamus are associated with the comorbidity of depression and physical symptoms, and how the traditional Chinese formula Xiaoyaosan regulates these changes may reveal aspects of the pathogenesis of depression. This study aimed to establish a rat model of depression in order to examine changes in Orexin A/OxR1 expression in the lateral region of the hypothalamus and the effects of Xiaoyaosan. Sixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in the experiment and randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the Xiaoyaosan group and the fluoxetine group. The depression model was established by 21-day chronic immobilization stress (CIS). Food intake and body weight were recorded, and the sucrose preference test (SPT) and open field test (OFT) were used to evaluate the model. Then, the expression of Orexin A/OxR1 in the hypothalamus was measured by ELISA, Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The expression of Orexin A and OxR1 in the lateral hypothalamic area was significantly down regulated in the model group, compared with the control group. Xiaoyaosan significantly reversed these changes with obvious curative effects. Abnormal changes in Orexin A/OxR1 in the lateral hypothalamic area of rats with depression caused by chronic stress are closely related to the pathogenesis of depression accompanied by physical symptoms. Xiaoyaosan can improve depression accompanied by physical symptoms by regulating Orexin A/OxR1.

Small molecule IVQ, as a prodrug of gluconeogenesis inhibitor QVO, efficiently ameliorates glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic mice.

Gluconeogenesis is a major source of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), thus targeting gluconeogenesis to suppress glucose production is a promising strategy for anti-T2DM drug discovery. In our preliminary in vitro studies, we found that a small-molecule (E)-3-(2-(quinoline-4-yl)vinyl)-1H-indol-6-ol (QVO) inhibited the hepatic glucose production (HGP) in primary hepatocytes. We further revealed that QVO suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis involving calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß- and liver kinase B1-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways as well as AMPK-independent mitochondrial function-related signaling pathway. To evaluate QVO's anti-T2DM activity in vivo, which was impeded by the complicated synthesis route of QVO with a low yield, we designed and synthesized 4-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)vinyl]quinoline (IVQ) as a prodrug with easier synthesis route and higher yield. IVQ did not inhibit the HGP in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that IVQ was quickly converted to QVO in mice and rats following administration. In both db/db and ob/ob mice, oral administration of IVQ hydrochloride (IVQ-HCl) (23 and 46 mg/kg every day, for 5 weeks) ameliorated hyperglycemia, and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis and activated AMPK signaling pathway in the liver tissues. Furthermore, IVQ caused neither cardiovascular system dysfunction nor genotoxicity. The good druggability of IVQ has highlighted its potential in the treatment of T2DM and the prodrug design for anti-T2DM drug development.

ONTD induces growth arrest and apoptosis of human hepatoma Bel-7402 cells though a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-dependent pathway.

ONTD (3-Oxo-29-noroleana-1,9(11),12-trien-2,20-dicarbonitrile) is a novel synthetic derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), which has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities through its mechanisms are not fully understood. Previously, we demonstrated that ONTD induces apoptosis of human hepatoma cells via a MAPK-dependent mitochondrial pathway. Recently, ONTD was found to increase sub-G1 accumulation and Annexin-V positive staining, indicating apoptotic induction effect. It was also be found that ONTD increase the PPAR-γ activity, reduce the phosphorylation of Akt and increase phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) protein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Bel-7402 cells, and these were associated with the inhibition of cells proliferation. More importantly, these effects could be diminished by GW9662, a specific PPAR-γ antagonist, suggesting that ONTD can act as a ligand of PPAR-γ. Taken together, our novel observations suggested that ONTD may have potential implication in HCC prevention and treatment, and showed for the first time that the anti-tumor effect of ONTD may also be mediated through modulation of the PPAR-γ activation and mediated by the PTEN/Akt signaling pathway. The present study also supports ONTD as a potential drug candidate for chemoprevention or chemotherapy of HCC.

LC-MS/MS analysis and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of components from BushenHuoxue decoction.

CONTEXT: BushenHuoxue decoction (BSHXD) is a Chinese medicine prescription, which is composed of nine Chinese medical materials, used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE: This study develops sensitive and convenient LC-MS/MS methods to analyze chemical components from BSHXD, and assess the anti-inflammatory activities thereof. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition from BSHXD water extract was qualitative analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Twelve reference compounds were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Anti-inflammatory activities of target components were assessed by ELISA at 20 and 100 µg/mL. RESULTS: It is the first time that 88 compounds were qualitatively identified from BSHXD, of which 12 with potential in treating OA according to the literature were quantified. Within BSHXD the contents of quercetin, isopsoralen, icarisideII, osthole, and isoimperatorin increased remarkably compared with those in single herb which make up BSHXD, the contents were 0.1999, 0.4634, 0.0928, 0.5364, and 0.1487 mg/g. ELISA data displayed that BSHXD and the five compounds mentioned inhibited the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and NO released from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell, with maximum inhibition rates of 104.05% (osthole, 100 µg/mL), 100.03% (osthole, 100 µg/mL), and 93.46% (isopsoralen, 20 µg/mL), respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Content changes of 12 compounds in BSHXD and single herbs which comprise the prescription were measured and analyzed. Contents of five compounds increased may be explained by solubilization between drugs and chemical reaction. ELISA results reported that the increased contents of the five compounds could inhibit expression of the inflammatory factors.