Heat-Clearing Chinese Medicines in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation

Senolytics ameliorate the failure of bone regeneration through the cell senescence-related inflammatory signalling pathway

Stress-induced premature senescent (SIPS) cells induced by various stresses deteriorate cell functions. Dasatinib and quercetin senolytics (DQ) can alleviate several diseases by eliminating senescent cells. α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) is a widely used therapeutic approach for bone restoration but induces bone formation for a comparatively long time. Furthermore, bone infection exacerbates the detrimental prognosis of bone formation during material implant surgery due to oral cavity bacteria and unintentional contamination. It is essential to mitigate the inhibitory effects on bone formation during surgical procedures. Little is known that DQ improves bone formation in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-contaminated implants and its intrinsic mechanisms in the study of maxillofacial bone defects. This study aims to investigate whether the administration of DQ ameliorates the impairments on bone repair inflammation and contamination by eliminating SIPS cells. α-TCP and LPS-contaminated α-TCP were implanted into Sprague-Dawley rat calvaria bone defects. Simultaneously, bone formation in the bone defects was investigated with or without the oral administration of DQ. Micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that senolytics significantly enhanced bone formation at the defect site. Histology and immunofluorescence staining revealed that the levels of p21- and p16-positive senescent cells, inflammation, macrophages, reactive oxygen species, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells declined after administering DQ. DQ could partially alleviate the production of senescent markers and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes in vitro. This study indicates that LPS-contaminated α-TCP-based biomaterials can induce cellular senescence and hamper bone regeneration. Senolytics have significant therapeutic potential in reducing the adverse osteogenic effects of biomaterial-related infections and improving bone formation capacity.

Danlou tablet alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung and kidney injury by inhibiting the PARP1/HMGB1 pathway

Background

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common complications that significantly impact patient prognosis. Danlou tablet (DLT) is a traditional herbal preparation with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic potential in sepsis remains unknown.

Methods

The impact of DLT on ALI and AKI was evaluated using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) experimental sepsis animal model. The effects of DLT on macrophages were observed through LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell line. Inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, HE, PAS, and DHE staining, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, and serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were used to assess tissue injury. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of DLT in sepsis. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to validate the expression of mechanism-related proteins.

Results

DLT inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, improved structural and functional abnormalities in lung and kidney tissues in CLP mice, and alleviated pro-inflammatory responses of LPS-stimulated macrophages. PARP1 and HMGB1 were identified as key regulatory targets. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that DLT can effectively inhibit PARP1/HMGB1 and improve sepsis-associated ALI and AKI.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that DLT suppressed pro-inflammatory responses of macrophage and alleviated ALI and AKI in the CLP mice by inhibiting the transition activation of PARP1/HMGB1. These findings partially elucidate the mechanism of DLT in sepsis-associated ALI and AKI and further clarify the active components of DLT, thereby providing a scientific theoretical basis for treating sepsis with DLT.

QiShenYiQi pills preserve endothelial barrier integrity to mitigate sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The QiShengYiQi pill (QSYQ) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation. The effectiveness and safety of QSYQ in treating respiratory system disorders have been confirmed. Its pharmacological actions include anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and improving energy metabolism. However, the mechanism of QSYQ in treating sepsis-induced acute lung injury (si-ALI) remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Si-ALI presents a clinical challenge with high incidence and mortality rates. This study aims to confirm the efficacy of QSYQ in si-ALI and to explore the potential mechanisms, providing a scientific foundation for its application and insights for optimizing treatment strategies and identifying potential active components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The impact of QSYQ on si-ALI was evaluated using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) experimental sepsis animal model. The effects of QSYQ on endothelial cells were observed through coculturing with LPS-stimulated macrophage-conditioned medium. Inflammatory cytokine levels, HE staining, Evans blue staining, lung wet/dry ratio, and cell count and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were used to assess the degree of lung injury. Network pharmacology was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms of QSYQ in treating si-ALI. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were used to evaluate barrier integrity and validate mechanistically relevant proteins.

RESULTS

QSYQ reduced the inflammation and alleviated pulmonary vascular barrier damage in CLP mice (all P < 0.05). A total of 127 potential targets through which QSYQ regulates si-ALI were identified, predominantly enriched in the RAGE pathway. The results of protein-protein interaction analysis suggest that COX2, a well-established critical marker of ferroptosis, is among the key targets. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that QSYQ mitigated ferroptosis and vascular barrier damage in sepsis (all P < 0.05), accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress and the inhibition of the COX2 and RAGE (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that QSYQ maintains pulmonary vascular barrier integrity by inhibiting ferroptosis in CLP mice. These findings partially elucidate the mechanism of QSYQ in si-ALI and further clarify the active components of QSYQ, thereby providing a scientific theoretical basis for treating si-ALI with QSYQ.

The anti-cholestatic effects of Coptis chinensis Franch. alone and combined with Tetradium ruticarpum (A. Jussieu) T. G. Hartley: dual effects on fecal metabolism and microbial diversity

Introduction: Drug dosages and combinations are the main factors that affect the efficacy of pleiotropic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Coptis chinensis Franch. (CF) is a representative TCM with multiple effects and is often combined with Tetradium ruticarpum (A. Jussieu) T. G. Hartley (TR) to treat cholestasis. The present study assessed the influence of CF dose and its combination with TR on the efficacy of CF in cholestasis treatment, including their effects on fecal metabolism and fecal microorganisms. Methods: Rats with α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 50 mg/kg)-induced cholestasis were administered low (0.3 g/kg) and high (0.6 g/kg) doses of CF, as well as CF combined with TR at doses of 0.6 g/kg and 0.9 g/kg, respectively. The anti-cholestatic effects of these treatments were assessed by determining their anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anti-oxidative stress properties. Additionally, fecal metabolomics and fecal microorganisms were analyzed. Results: Low dose CF had a more potent hypolipidemic effect than high dose CF, whereas high dose CF had more potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects. Combination with TR enhanced the hypolipidemic effect, but antagonized the anti-inflammatory effect, of CF. Analyses of fecal metabolomics and fecal microorganisms showed differences in the regulation of lipid- and amino acid metabolism-related pathways, including pathways of linoleic acid, tyrosine, and arachidonic acid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis between different doses of CF as well as between different doses of CF in combination with TR. These differences may contribute to differences in the anti-cholestatic effects of these preparations. Conclusion: CF dose influences its anti-cholestatic efficacy. The combination with TR had synergistic or antagonistic effects on the properties of CF, perhaps by altering fecal metabolism and fecal microbial homeostasis.

Calycosin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through the miR-375-3p/ROCK2 Axis

Objective: Septic patients are especially vulnerable to acute lung injury (ALI). Calycosin (CAL) has various promising pharmacological activities. This paper aims to expound on the role of CAL in mice with sepsis-induced ALI and the associated mechanisms.Methods: Mouse models of sepsis-induced ALI were established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pulmonary histopathological changes were observed by HE staining. Cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. Pulmonary edema was evaluated by measuring wet/dry weight. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to count inflammatory cells. In vitro LPS models were established using MLE-12 cells. miR-375-3p expression was determined by RT-qPCR. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA. The target relationship between miR-375-3p and ROCK2 was analyzed by the dual-luciferase assay. ROCK2 protein level was determined by Western blot.Results: miR-375-3p was weakly-expressed in mice with sepsis-induced ALI, and CAL treatment elevated miR-375-3p expression. CAL treatment mitigated pulmonary tissue damage and edema, decreased apoptosis and inflammatory cells, downregulated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in mice with sepsis-induced ALI. CAL treatment increased MLE-12 cell viability and decreased apoptosis and inflammation in MLE-12 cells. Inhibition of miR-375-3p partially abrogated CAL-mediated protective action on MLE-12 cells. miR-375-3p attenuated LPS-induced MLE-12 cell injury by targeting ROCK2.Conclusion: CAL upregulates miR-375-3p to target ROCK2, thus protecting against sepsis-induced ALI in mice.

Advances in Phytochemistry and Modern Pharmacology of Saposhnikovia Divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk (S. divaricata, Fangfeng) is a herb in the Apiaceae family, and its root has been used since the Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C.). Chromones and coumarins are the pharmacologically active substances in S. divaricata. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies have demonstrated their antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anticoagulant activities. Technological and analytical strategy theory advancements have yielded novel results; however, most investigations have been limited to the main active substances-chromones and coumarins. Hence, we reviewed studies related to the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of S. divaricata, analyzed the developing trends and challenges, and proposed that research should focus on components' synergistic effects. We also suggested that, the structure-effect relationship should be prioritized in advanced research.

Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract from Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. (EEP) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages.

METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with 0-200 µg/mL EEP or vehicle for 2 h prior to exposure to 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PGE2) production were determined by Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot assay was used to determine the protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor Kappa B alpha (Iκ B-α) and p38. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-κ B p65 (NF-κ B p65). Additionally, the anti-oxidant potential of EEP was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), superoxide anion (O2-) radical and nitrite scavenging activity were also measured.

RESULTS

The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of EEP were 23.50±2.16 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g and 43.78±3.81 mg rutin equivalent/100 g. With EEP treatment (100 and 150 µg/mL), there was a notable decrease in NO and PGE2 production induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells by downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, with EEP treatment (150 µg/mL), there was a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as in the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, P<0.01 or P<0.05), by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κ B p65 in LPS-stimulated cells. In addition, EEP (100 and 150 µg/mL) led to an increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes activity of SOD and CAT, with a concomitant decrease in ROS production (P<0.01 or P<0.05). EEP also indicated the DPPH, OH, O2- radical and nitrite scavenging activity.

CONCLUSION

EEP inhibited inflammatory responses in activated macrophages through blocking MAPK/NF-κ B pathway and protected against oxidative stress.

The potential mechanism of Choulingdan mixture in improving acute lung injury based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacology and in vivo experiments

Choulingdan mixture (CLDM) is an empirical clinical prescription for the adjuvant treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). CLDM has been used for almost 30 years in the clinic. However, its mechanism for improving ALI still needs to be investigated. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was applied to characterize the overall chemical composition of CLDM. A total of 93 ingredients were characterized, including 25 flavonoids, 20 organic acids, 11 saponins, nine terpenoids, seven tannins and 21 other compounds. Then network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential bioactive components, target genes and signaling pathways of CLDM in improving ALI. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to demonstrate the interaction between the active ingredients and the disease targets. Finally, animal experiments further confirmed that CLDM significantly inhibits pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary edema and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI mice by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study enhanced the amount and accuracy of compounds of CLDM and provided new insights into CLDM preventing and treating ALI.

Discovery of the Diphenyl 6-Oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazine-3-carboxylate/carboxamide Analogue J27 for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis by Targeting JNK2 and Inhibiting the JNK2-NF-κB/MAPK Pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) and sepsis are both serious and complex conditions associated with high mortality, yet there are no effective treatments. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of diphenyl 6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazine-3-carboxylate/carboxamide analogues exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity. The optimal compound J27 decreased the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in mouse and human cells J774A.1 and THP-1 (IL-6 IC50 = 0.22 μM) through the NF-κB/MAPK pathway. J27 demonstrated remarkable protection against ALI and sepsis in vivo and exhibited good safety in subacute toxicity experiments. Pharmacokinetic study indicated that J27 had good bioavailability (30.74%). To our surprise, J27 could target JNK2 with a totally new molecular skeleton compared with the only few JNK2 inhibitors reported. Moreover, there is no report that JNK2 inhibitors could apply for ALI and sepsis. Therefore, this work provides a new lead structure for the study of JNK2 inhibitors and a new target of JNK2 to treat ALI and sepsis.

Traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of sepsis and related multi-organ injury

Sepsis is a common but critical illness in patients admitted to the intensive care unit and is associated with high mortality. Although there are many treatments for sepsis, specific and effective therapies are still lacking. For over 2,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a vital role in the treatment of infectious diseases in Eastern countries. Both anecdotal and scientific evidence show that diverse TCM preparations alleviate organ dysfunction caused by sepsis by inhibiting the inflammatory response, reducing oxidative stress, boosting immunity, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. This review reports on the efficacy and mechanism of action of various TCM compounds, herbal monomer extracts, and acupuncture, on the treatment of sepsis and related multi-organ injury. We hope that this information would be helpful to better understand the theoretical basis and empirical support for TCM in the treatment of sepsis.

The discovery of multi-target compounds with anti-inflammation activity from traditional Chinese medicine by TCM-target effects relationship spectrum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Zingiberis Rhizoma was widely used in the treatment of inflammatory disease. The discovery of new multi-target compounds for new drug from the TCM was a possible direction.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Multi-target compounds screening based on polypharmacology was an effective method. As an interdisciplinary field, polypharmacology screen multi-target compounds by various methods. So, a flexible screening framework to avoid the disadvantage of single methods is considered to have great significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research propose a common framework called Traditional Chinese medicine target-effect relationship spectrum (TCM-TERS). TCM-TERS was constructed based on the pharmacophore and molecular docking models, which provided predicted activity by compounds screening. TCM-TERS merge the results of different models and visualize the targeted activity of each compounds. Then the TCM-TERS were analyzed by the analytic hierarchy process and active components were chosen by the contributing factors. The activity of components was verified on the RAW264.7 by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

This article constructed TCM-TERS of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Zingiberis Rhizoma with the COX-2, mPGES-1, 5-LOX and SPLA2-IIA. Seven compounds were chosen with multiple targeted activity based on the TCM-TERS, which showed remarkable activity in RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

The TCM-TERS was an efficient interdisciplinary method for drug discovery of the TCM, which provide a flexible method to the researcher that can screen specific compounds with multiple screening methods.

Notoginsenoside R1 Promotes Migration, Adhesin, Spreading, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Cellular activities, such as attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation are indispensable for the success of bone tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the key precursor cells to regenerate bone. Bioactive compounds from natural products had shown bone regenerative potential. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a primary bioactive natural compound that regulates various biological activities, including cardiovascular protection, neuro-protection, and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of NGR1 on migration, adhesion, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs required for bone tissue engineering application has not been tested properly. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of NGR1 on the cellular activities of MSCs. Since human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) are commonly used MSCs for bone tissue engineering, we used hASCs as a model of MSCs. The optimal concentration of 0.05 μg/mL NGR1 was biocompatible and promoted migration and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Pro-angiogenic factor VEGF expression was upregulated in NGR1-treated hASCs. NGR1 enhanced the adhesion and spreading of hASCs on the bio-inert glass surface. NGR1 robustly promoted hASCs adhesion and survival in 3D-printed TCP scaffold both in vitro and in vivo. NGR1 mitigated LPS-induced expression of inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in hASCs as well as inhibited the RANKL/OPG expression ratio. In conclusion, the biocompatible NGR1 promoted the migration, adhesion, spreading, osteogenic differentiation, and anti-inflammatory properties of hASCs.

A strategy for attenuation of acute radiation-induced lung injury using crocetin from gardenia fruit

PURPOSE

Radiation-induced lung injury limits the implementation of radiotherapy plans and severely impairs the quality of life. Crocetin has the capability to protect against radiation. This study is aimed at estimate the preventive effect and mechanism of crocetin on acute radiation induced lung injury.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this study, we offer a strategy for radiation-induced lung injury by using crocetin, an extract of gardenia fruit. Histopathology, transcriptomics, flow cytometry, and other methods have served to examine the effect and mechanism of crocetin on acute radiation-induced lung injury.

RESULTS

Crocetin effectively alleviates radiation-induced alveolar wall thickening and alveolar destruction. The number of normal alveoli and lung structure of mice is well protected by the prevention of crocetin. It is found that crocetin inhibits necroptosis to achieve effective radioprotection by down regulating the Tnfrsf10b gene in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Crocetin inhibits necroptosis through transcriptional regulation of the Tnfrsf10b gene, thereby preventing radiation-induced lung injury. This work may provide a new strategy for the prevention of lung radiation injury by the extract from Chinese herbal medicine.

Hypaphorine exerts anti-inflammatory effects in sepsis induced acute lung injury via modulating DUSP1/p38/JNK pathway

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome attributed to infection, while sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has high morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to explore the specific mechanism of hypaphorine's anti-inflammatory effects in ALI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was adopted to construct ALI model both in vivo and in vitro. BEAS-2B cell viability and apoptosis was testified by the MTT assay and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18), and Western blot was adopted to examine the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl2, and Caspase3) and the DUSP1/p38/JNK signaling pathway. At the same time, lung injury score, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were monitored. The dry/wet weight method was used to examine lung edema, and the total protein content in BALF was determined to test pulmonary vascular permeability. As the data suggested, hypaphorine inhibited the LPS-mediated apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells. What is more, hypaphorine attenuated the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18) and inactivated the p38/JNK signaling pathway through upregulating DUSP1 in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, DUSP1 knockdown weakened the anti-inflammatory effect of hypaphorine on LPS-mediated lung injury. Furthermore, hypaphorine also relieved LPS induced ALI in rats with anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, hypaphorine prevented LPS-mediated ALI and proinflammatory response via inactivating the p38/JNK signaling pathway by upregulating DUSP1.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Depression: Effects on the Neuroendocrine-Immune Network

The neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems are two critical biological systems in the pathogenesis of depression. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the activation of the neuroinflammatory response of the immune system and hyperactivity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis of the neuroendocrine system commonly coexist in patients with depression and that these two systems bidirectionally regulate one another through neural, immunological, and humoral intersystem interactions. The neuroendocrine-immune network poses difficulties associated with the development of antidepressant agents directed toward these biological systems for the effective treatment of depression. On the other hand, multidrug and multitarget Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has great potential to assist in the development of novel medications for the systematic pharmacotherapy of depression. In this narrative essay, we conclusively analyze the mechanisms of action of CHM antidepressant constituents and formulas, specifically through the modulation of the neuroendocrine-immune network, by reviewing recent preclinical studies conducted using depressive animal models. Some CHM herbal constituents and formulas are highlighted as examples, and their mechanisms of action at both the molecular and systems levels are discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the crosstalk of these two biological systems and the systems pharmacology approach for understanding the system-wide mechanism of action of CHM on the neuroendocrine-immune network in depression treatment. The holistic, multidrug, and multitarget nature of CHM represents an excellent example of systems medicine in the effective treatment of depression.