Schisandra chinensis extract ameliorates age-related muscle wasting and bone loss in ovariectomized rats

Redox signaling and antioxidant defense in osteoclasts

Bone remodeling is essential for the repair and replacement of damaged or aging bones. Continuous remodeling is necessary to prevent the accumulation of bone damage and to maintain bone strength and calcium balance. As bones age, the coupling mechanism between bone formation and absorption becomes dysregulated, and bone loss becomes dominant. Bone development and repair rely on interaction and communication between osteoclasts and surrounding cells. Osteoclasts are specialized cells that are accountable for bone resorption and degradation, and any abnormalities in their activity can result in notable alterations in bone structure and worsen disease symptoms. Recent findings from transgenic mouse models and bone analysis have greatly enhanced our understanding of the origin, differentiation pathway, and activation stages of osteoclasts. In this review, we explore osteoclasts and discuss the cellular and molecular events that drive their generation, focusing on intracellular oxidative and antioxidant signaling. This knowledge can help develop targeted therapies for diseases associated with osteoclast activation.

Ashwagandha Ethanol Extract Attenuates Sarcopenia-Related Muscle Atrophy in Aged Mice

The investigation focused on the impact of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) extract (WSE) on age-related mechanisms affecting skeletal muscle sarcopenia-related muscle atrophy in aged mice. Beyond evaluating muscular aspects, the study explored chronic low-grade inflammation, muscle regeneration, and mitochondrial biogenesis. WSE administration, in comparison to the control group, demonstrated no significant differences in body weight, diet, or water intake, affirming its safety profile. Notably, WSE exhibited a propensity to reduce epidermal and abdominal fat while significantly increasing muscle mass at a dosage of 200 mg/kg. The muscle-to-fat ratio, adjusted for body weight, increased across all treatment groups. WSE administration led to a reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, mitigating inflammation-associated muscle atrophy. In a 12-month-old mouse model equivalent to a 50-year-old human, WSE effectively preserved muscle strength, stabilized grip strength, and increased muscle tissue weight. Positive effects were observed in running performance and endurance. Mechanistically, WSE balanced muscle protein synthesis/degradation, promoted fiber differentiation, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis through the IGF-1/Akt/mTOR pathway. This study provides compelling evidence for the anti-sarcopenic effects of WSE, positioning it as a promising candidate for preventing sarcopenia pending further clinical validation.

Phytochemical Compounds Involved in the Bone Regeneration Process and Their Innovative Administration: A Systematic Review

Bone metabolism is a complex process which is influenced by the activity of bone cells (e.g., osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts); the effect of some specific biomarkers (e.g., parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, osterix, RANKL, Runx2); and the characteristic signaling pathways (e.g., RANKL/RANK, Wnt/β, Notch, BMP, SMAD). Some phytochemical compounds-such as flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, anthocyanins, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids and others-presented a beneficial and stimulating effect in the bone regeneration process due to the pro-estrogenic activity, the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory effect and modulation of bone signaling pathways. Lately, nanomedicine has emerged as an innovative concept for new treatments in bone-related pathologies envisaged through the incorporation of medicinal substances in nanometric systems for oral or local administration, as well as in nanostructured scaffolds with huge potential in bone tissue engineering.

An integrated study of hormone-related sarcopenia for modeling and comparative transcriptome in rats

Sarcopenia is a senile disease with high morbidity, serious complications and limited clinical treatments. Menopause increases the risk of sarcopenia in females, while the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. To systematically investigate the development of hormone-related sarcopenia, we established a model of sarcopenia by ovariectomy and recorded successive characteristic changes. Furthermore, we performed the transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on this model to explore the underlying mechanism. In our study, we identified an integrated model combining obesity, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Functional enrichment analyses showed that most of the significantly enriched pathways were down-regulated and closely correlated with endocrine and metabolism, muscle dysfunction, cognitive impairment and multiple important signaling pathways. We finally selected eight candidate genes to verify their expression levels. These findings confirmed the importance of estrogen in the maintenance of skeletal muscle function and homeostasis, and provided potential targets for further study on hormone-related sarcopenia.

Fruit of Schisandra chinensis and its bioactive component schizandrin B ameliorate obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy

Schisandra chinensis fruit (Omiza in Korean), used for the production tea or liquor, and is known to enhance skeletal muscle function. However, the effect of Omiza extract (OM) on obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of OM on skeletal muscle mass and performance in obese mice. OM increased skeletal muscle weight, size and improved skeletal muscle performance. Further, it also suppressed obesity-induced increases in proinflammatory cytokines, MuRF1, and Atrogin1 in mouse skeletal muscle and enhanced the expression of MHC and the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR signaling molecules, thereby suppressing myostatin expression and regulating Smad-FOXO signaling. Schizandrin B, a major component of OM inhibited palmitic acid induced atrophy in C2C12 cells via Smad-FOXO regulation, suggesting that it partially contributed to the effects of OM against obesity-induced muscle atrophy. Taken together, OM may have the potential to prevent and treat obesity-induced muscle atrophy.

Gut Microbiota Ecosystem Governance of Host Inflammation, Mitochondrial Respiration and Skeletal Homeostasis

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis account for the leading causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction in older adults. Senescent chondrocyte overburden, inflammation, oxidative stress, subcellular organelle dysfunction, and genomic instability are prominent features of these age-mediated skeletal diseases. Age-related intestinal disorders and gut dysbiosis contribute to host tissue inflammation and oxidative stress by affecting host immune responses and cell metabolism. Dysregulation of gut microflora correlates with development of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in humans and rodents. Intestinal microorganisms produce metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and liposaccharides, affecting mitochondrial function, metabolism, biogenesis, autophagy, and redox reactions in chondrocytes and bone cells to regulate joint and bone tissue homeostasis. Modulating the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, or the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, in the gut microenvironment by probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation is advantageous to suppress age-induced chronic inflammation and oxidative damage in musculoskeletal tissue. Supplementation with gut microbiota-derived metabolites potentially slows down development of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. This review provides latest molecular and cellular insights into the biological significance of gut microorganisms and primary and secondary metabolites important to cartilage and bone integrity. It further highlights treatment options with probiotics or metabolites for modulating the progression of these two common skeletal disorders.

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (called bei-wuweizi in Chinese, S. chinensis) and Schisandra sphenanthera (called nan-wuweizi in Chinese, S. sphenanthera) are two highly similar plants in the Magnoliaceae family. Their dried ripe fruits are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of coughs, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and insomnia. They also are traditionally used as tonics in Russia, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera are similar in appearance, traditional applications, ingredient compositions, and therapeutic effects. This review, therefore, aims to provide a systematic insight into the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicology of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, and to explore and present the similarities and differences between S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search regarding S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera was collected by using electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and the online ethnobotanical database.

RESULTS

In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), there were 100 prescriptions containing S. chinensis, while only 11 contained S. sphenanthera. Totally, 306 and 238 compounds have been isolated and identified from S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, respectively. Among these compounds, lignans, triterpenoids, essential oils, phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols are the major composition. Through investigation of pharmacological activities, S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have similar therapeutic effects including hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and hypoglycemic effect. Besides, S. chinensis turns out to have more effects including reproductive regulation and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitussive and antiasthmatic, anti-fatigue, antiarthritic, and bone remodeling effects. Both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have inhibitory effects on CYP3A and P-gp, which can mediate metabolism or efflux of substrates, and therefore interact with many drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have great similarities. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are regarded to contribute to most of the bioactivities. Schisandrin A-C, schisandrol A-B, and schisantherin A, existing in both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera but differing in the amount, are the main active components, which may contribute to the similarities and differences. Study corresponding to the traditional use is needed to reveal the deep connotation of the use of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, a joint study of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera can better show the difference between them, which can provide a reference for clinical application. It is worth mentioning that the inhibition of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera on CYP3A and P-gp may lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions.

Long-read transcriptome sequencing provides insight into lignan biosynthesis during fruit development in Schisandra chinensis

BACKGROUND

Schisandra chinensis, an ancient member of the most basal angiosperm lineage which is known as the ANITA, is a fruit-bearing vine with the pharmacological effects of a multidrug system, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-osteoporosis effects. Its major bioactive compound is represented by lignans such as schisandrin. Molecular characterization of lignan biosynthesis in S. chinensis is of great importance for improving the production of this class of active compound. However, the biosynthetic mechanism of schisandrin remains largely unknown.

RESULTS

To understand the potential key catalytic steps and their regulation of schisandrin biosynthesis, we generated genome-wide transcriptome data from three different tissues of S. chinensis cultivar Cheongsoon, including leaf, root, and fruit, via long- and short-read sequencing technologies. A total of 132,856 assembled transcripts were generated with an average length of 1.9 kb and high assembly completeness. Overall, our data presented effective, accurate gene annotation in the prediction of functional pathways. In particular, the annotation revealed the abundance of transcripts related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Remarkably, transcriptome profiling during fruit development of S. chinensis cultivar Cheongsoon revealed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, specific to coniferyl alcohol biosynthesis, showed a tendency to be upregulated at the postfruit development stage. Further the analysis also revealed that the pathway forms a transcriptional network with fruit ripening-related genes, especially the ABA signaling-related pathway. Finally, candidate unigenes homologous to isoeugenol synthase 1 (IGS1) and dirigent-like protein (DIR), which are subsequently activated by phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thus catalyze key upstream steps in schisandrin biosynthesis, were identified. Their expression was increased at the postfruit development stage, suggesting that they may be involved in the regulation of schisandrin biosynthesis in S. chinensis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide new insights into the production and accumulation of schisandrin in S. chinensis berries and will be utilized as a valuable transcriptomic resource for improving the schisandrin content.

Polyphenols and Their Effects on Muscle Atrophy and Muscle Health

Skeletal muscle atrophy is the decrease in muscle mass and strength caused by reduced protein synthesis/accelerated protein degradation. Various conditions, such as denervation, disuse, aging, chronic diseases, heart disease, obstructive lung disease, diabetes, renal failure, AIDS, sepsis, cancer, and steroidal medications, can cause muscle atrophy. Mechanistically, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the major contributors to muscle atrophy, by modulating signaling pathways that regulate muscle homeostasis. To prevent muscle catabolism and enhance muscle anabolism, several natural and synthetic compounds have been investigated. Recently, polyphenols (i.e., natural phytochemicals) have received extensive attention regarding their effect on muscle atrophy because of their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported polyphenols as strongly effective bioactive molecules that attenuate muscle atrophy and enhance muscle health. This review describes polyphenols as promising bioactive molecules that impede muscle atrophy induced by various proatrophic factors. The effects of each class/subclass of polyphenolic compounds regarding protection against the muscle disorders induced by various pathological/physiological factors are summarized in tabular form and discussed. Although considerable variations in antiatrophic potencies and mechanisms were observed among structurally diverse polyphenolic compounds, they are vital factors to be considered in muscle atrophy prevention strategies.

Curcumin Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Related Muscle Disorders in C2C12 Myoblast Cells

The purpose of the current study was to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spray dry powder containing 40% curcumin (CM-SD) in C2C12 myoblast cells. CM-SD increased DPPH radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner, and up to 30 μg/mL of CM-SD did not express cytotoxicity in C2C12 cells. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) drastically decreased the viability of C2C12 cells, but pre-treatment of CM-SD significantly increased the cell viability (p < 0.01). CM-SD significantly transactivated the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and NAD(P)H-dependent quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1. CM-SD also significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation and restored glutathione (GSH) depletion in H2O2-treated C2C12 cells. Moreover, CM-SD significantly reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-mediated interleukin (IL)-6 production in the conditioned medium. Results from the current study suggest that CM-SD could be a useful candidate against oxidative stress and inflammation-related muscle disorders.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview

Depression is known as "Yu Zheng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Jiuwei Zhenxin granules (JZG) is a type of TCM. According to TCM theory, it nourishes the heart and spleen, tonifies Qi, and tranquilizes the spirit, and may also has effects in the treatment of depression. Here, we systematically reviewed recent basic and clinical experimental studies of JZG and depression, including studies of the pharmacological mechanisms, active ingredients, and clinical applications of JZG in depression treatment. This review will deepen our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms, drug interactions, and clinical applications of TCM prescriptions and provide a basis for the development of new drugs in the treatment of depression.

Effect of gomisin A on osteoblast differentiation in high glucose-mediated oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Gomisin A is a lignan isolated from the hexane of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract with antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress mediated by high glucose is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the role of gomisin A in osteoblast differentiation under high glucose-induced oxidative stress in MC3T3 E1 cells and determines its relationship with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and mitochondrial biogenesis.

METHODS

MC3T3 E1 cells were treated by gomisin A following induced by high glucose levels and glucose oxidase to investigate the inhibitory effect of gomisin A against high glucose oxidative stress. Western blot analysis, alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and confocal microscopy were used to determine mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. To analyze the role of HO-1, the MC3T3 E1 cells were treated with the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP).

RESULTS

Gomisin A enhanced the expression of HO-1, increased mitochondrial biogenesis factors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, nuclear respiratory factor-1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A), antioxidant enzymes (copper-zinc superoxide dismutases and manganese superoxide dismutase), osteoblast differentiation molecules (bone morphogenic protein-2/7, osteoprotegerin and Runt-related transcription factor-2) and mineralization by upregulation of ALP and alizarin red staining, which were decreased by ZnPP and high glucose oxidative stress. Similarly, gomisin A inhibited ROS which was increased by ZnPP and the high glucose-mediated oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrated the antioxidative effects of gomisin A, and its role in mitochondrial biogenesis and osteoblast differentiation. It potentially regulated osteoblast differentiation under high glucose-induced oxidative stress via upregulation of HO-1 and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Thus, gomisin A may represent a potential therapeutic agent for prevention of bone fragility fractures and implant failure triggered by diabetes.

The Effect of Schisandra chinensis Baillon on Cross-Talk between Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Mitochondrial Signaling Pathway in Testes of Varicocele-Induced SD Rat

Schisandra chinensis Baillon (SC) has been utilized for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities in a broad variety of medical applications. However; SC uses for improving fertility in males and related disorders with proper scientific validation remain obscure. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SC on varicocele (VC)-induced testicular dysfunction and the potential molecular mechanism associated with VC-induced germ cell apoptosis. The male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups consisting of 10 rats in a normal control group (CTR), a control group administered SC 200 mg/kg (SC 200), a varicocele-induced control group (VC), and a varicocele-induced group administered SC 200 mg/kg (VC + SC 200). Rats were administrated 200 mg/kg SC once daily for 28 days after induction of varicocele rats and sham controls. At the end of the treatment period, body and reproductive organ weight, sperm parameters, histopathological damages, proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, biomarkers of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) were evaluated. The effects of SC extract on human sperm motility were also analyzed. SC treatment reduces VC-induced testicular dysfunction by significantly increasing testicular weight, sperm count and sperm motility, serum testosterone level, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase level, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Furthermore, the effects of SC on malondialdehyde (MDA) level, reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, apoptotic index, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, Glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp 78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase 3, and Bax:Bcl2 in VC-induced rats were significantly decreased. Treatment with SC extracts also increased sperm motility in human sperm. Our findings suggest that the SC ameliorate testicular dysfunction in VC-induced rats via crosstalk between oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial-mediated testicular germ cell apoptosis signaling pathways. SC promotes spermatogenesis by upregulating abnormal sex hormones and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6; TNF-α).