Bergapten mediated inflammatory and apoptosis through AMPK/eNOS/AKT signaling pathway of isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential and Underlying Mechanism of Bergapten in Renal Fibrosis: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive interstitial fibrosis, contributing to high global mortality due to limited treatment options. Contemporary findings highlight the potential of natural compounds for CKD treatment. Bergapten (BGT), a bioactive furocoumarin, is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but remains unexplored as an antifibrotic agent. The potential targets of BGT were identified using network pharmacology and in silico approaches. The antifibrotic effects of BGT were evaluated in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced normal rat kidney fibroblast (NRK-49F) cells. For in vivo validation, CKD was induced in mice using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Immunocytochemistry, histopathological analysis, and immunoblotting were conducted to assess the effects of BGT on fibroblast activation, renal microstructural changes, and expression of profibrotic markers. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 119 BGT-target genes involved in renal fibrosis, including those in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of BGT with TGF-β receptor 1 (TGFR1). In vitro studies demonstrated that BGT (30 μM) inhibited TGF-β1-induced fibrotic response in NRK-49F cells by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signaling. In vivo, oral administration of BGT (20 mg/kg) improved kidney function and alleviated histological damage, and pathological collagen deposition while mitigating renal inflammation. BGT suppressed the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, reduced the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and mitigated oxidative stress by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-I (HO-I) signaling pathway. This study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of BGT in alleviating renal fibrosis in experimental models of CKD. The observed effects were attributed to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling and activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Bergapten attenuates hemorrhagic shock induced multi-organ injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis

OBJECTIVES

Treatment of hemorrhagic shock (HS) induced multi-organ injury remains a challenge. Bergapten (BeG) is a bioactive coumarin-derived compound, and previous articles have suggested that BeG may serve as a prospective therapeutic modality for HS. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of BeG in the treatment of HS and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In this research, we established a rat model of HS, following which we assessed the protective effects of BeG on HS induced multi-organ injury. Subsequently, we scrutinized the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and pyroptosis in damaged organs. Additionally, we conducted examinations of AMPK and the downstream mitophagy pathway in damaged organs. Finally, we established a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in HK-2 cells to simulate the in vitro HS process. Following AMPK inhibition with compound C, we evaluated the levels of mitophagy and cellular pyroptosis in BeG-treated HK-2 cells subjected to H/R.

RESULTS

BeG treatment alleviated HS induced multi-organ injury. Subsequent analyses indicated that the therapeutic effects of BeG were related to the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Additionally, we found BeG treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK, thereby enhancing mitophagy. Lastly, we found that the inhibition of AMPK in vitro attenuates BeG's enhancement of mitophagy and its suppression of pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our research indicates that BeG has the potential to alleviate multi-organ injury induced by HS. The protective effect of BeG is likely associated with its promotion of mitophagy through AMPK activation, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

Bergapten attenuates sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice by regulating Th17/Treg balance

BACKGROUND

The abnormality of the immune system caused by infection is a contributor to the organ dysfunctions associated with sepsis. The balance between Th17/Treg cells is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. Bergapten is a natural furocoumarin and has been reported to alleviate the Th17/Treg imbalance. Here, we explored the effects of bergapten on the inflammation and immune state in mouse models of sepsis.

METHODS

The model was established using the cecal ligation and puncture method. Mice were administered 30 mg/kg bergapten. Histological examination, RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of bergapten in vivo.

RESULTS

Bergapten ameliorated lung damage, reduced lung wet/dry weight ratio, inhibited myeloperoxidase activity, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Bergapten also restrained sepsis-induced inflammation via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling. These effects were accompanied by the restored Th17/Treg balance induced by bergapten. Bergapten decreased the number of Th17 cells and elevated the number of Tregs, and this effect was mediated by the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)/Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and STAT3/retinoid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Bergapten exerted anti-inflammatory effects in acute lung injury by improving the Th17/Treg balance, which suggested a potential of bergapten as an immunomodulatory drug treating sepsis-associated diseases.

Ruta angustifolia Pers. (Narrow-Leaved Fringed Rue): Pharmacological Properties and Phytochemical Profile

The genus Ruta in the family Rutaceae includes about 40 species, such as the well-known plants R. graveolens L. (common rue) or R. chalepensis L. (fringed rue), but also much lesser-known species such as R. angustifolia Pers. (narrow-leaved fringed rue). This rue specie, originating from the Mediterranean region, is well-distributed in Southeast Asia, notably in the Indo-Chinese peninsula and other territories. In some countries, such as Malaysia, the plant is used to treat liver diseases and cancer. Extracts of R. angustifolia display antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic effects. Diverse bioactive natural products have been isolated from the aerial parts of the plant, notably quinoline alkaloids and furocoumarins, which present noticeable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and/or antiproliferative properties. The present review discusses the main pharmacological properties of the plant and its phytoconstituents, with a focus on the anticancer activities evidenced with diverse alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from the aerial parts of the plant. Quinoline alkaloids such as graveoline, kokusaginine, and arborinine have been characterized and their mode of action defined. Arborinine stands as a remarkable inhibitor of histone demethylase LSD1, endowed with promising anticancer activities. Other anticancer compounds, such as the furocoumarins chalepin and rutamarin, have revealed antitumor effects. Their mechanism of action is discussed together with that of other bioactive natural products, including angustifolin and moskachans. Altogether, R. angustifolia Pers. presents a rich phytochemical profile, fully consistent with the traditional use of the plant to treat cancer. This rue species, somewhat neglected, warrant further investigations as a medicinal plant and a source of inspiration for drug discovery and design.

Cardioprotective potential of the antioxidant-rich bioactive fraction of Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

This Study aimed to characterise the phenolic compounds in Garcinia pedunculata extract and assess their potential antioxidant activity as well as its cardioprotective potential in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in an experimental animal model. In vitro antioxidant properties were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, PMD assays. In vitro lipid peroxidation experiment was also performed with heart tissues. Cardioprotective and cardiotoxicity effects were determined using the cell line studies. The cardioprotective effect of GP was assessed in a rat model of isoproterenol-(ISO-) induced cardiac hypertrophy by subcutaneous administration. Heart weight/tail length ratio and cardiac hypertrophy indicators were reduced after oral administration of GP. Additionally, GP reduced oxidative stress and heart inflammation brought on by ISO. In H9c2 cells, the antihypertrophic and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract of GP were seen in the presence of ISO, which were further supported by the in vivo observations. This study makes a compelling case for the possibility that supplementing with dried GP fruit can prevent heart hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.