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Ma W, Zhao X, Wang Q, Wu X, Yang T, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Wang X. SCM-198 ameliorates the quality of postovulatory and maternally aged oocytes by reducing oxidative stress. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:178. [PMID: 39217393 PMCID: PMC11365136 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Oocyte aging is a key constraint on oocyte quality, leading to fertilization failure and abnormal embryonic development. In addition, it is likely to generate unfavorable assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. SCM-198, a synthetic form of leonurine, was found to rescue the rate of oocyte fragmentation caused by postovulatory aging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a more in-depth investigation of SCM-198 by exploring its relationship with aged oocytes after ovulation or maternal aging and clarifying whether it affects cell quality. The results indicate that, compared to the postovulatory aged group, the 50 µM SCM-198 group significantly improved sperm-egg binding and increased fertilization of aged oocytes, restoring the spindle apparatus/chromosome structure, cortical granule distribution, and ovastacin and Juno protein distribution. The 50 µM SCM-198 group showed significantly normal mitochondrial distribution, low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a small quantity of early oocyte apoptosis compared to the postovulatory aged group. Above all, in vivo supplementation with SCM-198 effectively eliminated excess ROS and reduced the spindle/chromosome structural defects in aged mouse oocytes. In summary, these findings indicate that SCM-198 inhibits excessive oxidative stress in oocytes and alters oocyte quality both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Qingxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yuqi Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, SAR, China.
| | - Xia Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Shen S, Wu G, Luo W, Li W, Li X, Dai C, Huang W, Liang G. Leonurine attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac injury and dysfunction via inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154519. [PMID: 36332391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a common risk factor for heart failure, and excessive angiotensin II (Ang II) leads to hypertensive cardiac alterations such as hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, remodeling, and dysfunction. Leonurine is the major active alkaloid compound obtained from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Leonurus japonicus Houtt. The effects of leonurine on Ang II-induced hypertensive cardiac injury remain unknown. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE In the present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of leonurine in Ang II-infused mice and explored the underlying mechanisms in cardiomyocytes. METHODS Cardiac injury was induced by Ang II infusion in experimental mice with or without leonurine (at 10 or 20 mg/kg) treatment. H9c2 cells and neonatal rat primary cardiomyocytes were used to investigate the mechanisms through which leonurine exerts its protection effects. RESULTS The results showed that leonurine significantly alleviated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation in both mice and cultured cardiomyocytes. Echocardiography revealed that leonurine preserved cardiac function in mice. Further investigations revealed that leonurine inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways to reduce inflammatory response and injuries in Ang II-challenged cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB in cardiomyocytes abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of leonurine. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that leonurine exerts protective effects against Ang II-induced hypertensive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Leonurine may be a promising agent for treating hypertensive heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Weixin Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chengyi Dai
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China.
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Li Z, Chen K, Rose P, Zhu YZ. Natural products in drug discovery and development: Synthesis and medicinal perspective of leonurine. Front Chem 2022; 10:1036329. [PMID: 36324522 PMCID: PMC9618625 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1036329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, those molecules derived from nature, have been used by humans for thousands of years to treat ailments and diseases. More recently, these compounds have inspired chemists to use natural products as structural templates in the development of new drug molecules. One such compound is leonurine, a molecule isolated and characterized in the tissues of Herb leonuri. This molecule has received attention from scientists in recent years due to its potent anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. More recently researchers have shown leonurine to be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular and nervous system diseases. Like other natural products such as paclitaxel and artemisinin, the historical development of leonurine as a therapeutic is very interesting. Therefore, this review provided an overview of natural product discovery, through to the development of a potential new drug. Content will summarize known plant sources, the pathway used in the synthesis of leonurine, and descriptions of leonurine’s pharmacological properties in mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Keyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Peter Rose
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhun Zhu,
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Leonurine Protects Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Oxidative Stress by Activating Mitophagy through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111724. [PMID: 35681421 PMCID: PMC9179429 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis bears an imbalance between bone formation and resorption, which is strongly related to oxidative stress. The function of leonurine on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) under oxidative stress is still unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying the protective effect of leonurine on H2O2 stimulated rat BMSCs. We found that leonurine can alleviate cell apoptosis and promote the differentiation ability of rat BMSCs induced by oxidative stress at an appropriate concentration at 10 μM. Meanwhile, the intracellular ROS level and the level of the COX2 and NOX4 mRNA decreased after leonurine treatment in vitro. The ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential were upregulated after leonurine treatment. The protein level of PINK1 and Parkin showed the same trend. The mitophage in rat BMSCs blocked by 3-MA was partially rescued by leonurine. Bioinformatics analysis and leonurine-protein coupling provides a strong direct combination between leonurine and the PI3K protein at the position of Asp841, Glu880, Val882. In conclusion, leonurine protects the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs from oxidative stress by activating mitophagy, which depends on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The results showed that leonurine may have potential usage in osteoporosis and bone defect repair in osteoporosis patients.
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Zhang Q, Sun Q, Tong Y, Bi X, Chen L, Lu J, Ding W. Leonurine attenuates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Int Urol Nephrol 2022; 54:2275-2284. [PMID: 35106716 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-021-03093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cisplatin has been widely accepted as an effective chemotherapy drug with various side effects, including nephrotoxicity. The mechanisms of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) are complex, and there are limited renoprotective approaches. Leonurine is the main active compound of a Chinese herb and has recently been reported to have a protective effect on the kidneys. This study aimed to verify the renoprotective effect of leonurine in attenuating cisplatin-induced AKI and explore the potential associated mechanisms. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (Sham, Cisplatin, Leonurine, and Cisplatin + Leonurine). Mice in the leonurine-treated groups were pretreated with a daily intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg leonurine. AKI was induced by injecting cisplatin once intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg body weight. Mice were killed on day 5. Kidney injury was assessed using a serum biochemical and histological assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using a terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining assay and Western blot. Antioxidant enzymes were detected using commercial kits. The improvement in inflammasome activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS Leonurine treatment improved kidney function by preventing renal tubular injury and apoptosis. Expression of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components and inflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ERS were all alleviated by leonurine. CONCLUSION The results indicate that leonurine plays a protective role in cisplatin-induced AKI and may represent an effective multi-targeted intervention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qiuhong Sun
- Zibo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 44 Dongyi Road, Shandong, 255020, China
| | - Yan Tong
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiao Bi
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jianxin Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Wei Ding
- Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Lin Z, Ding Q, Li X, Feng Y, He H, Huang C, Zhu Y. Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms in Vascular Aging. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:806988. [PMID: 35059451 PMCID: PMC8764463 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.806988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Environment, diseases, lack of exercise, and aged tendency of population have becoming crucial factors that induce vascular aging. Vascular aging is unmodifiable risk factor for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia. Effective interventions to combat this vascular function decline is becoming increasingly urgent as the rising hospitalization rate caused by vascular aging-related diseases. Fortunately, recent transformative omics approaches have enabled us to examine vascular aging mechanisms at unprecedented levels and precision, which make our understanding of slowing down or reversing vascular aging become possible. Epigenetic viz. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA-based mechanisms, is a hallmark of vascular aging, its deregulation leads to aberrant transcription changes in tissues. Epigenetics mechanisms by mediating covalent modifications to DNA and histone proteins, consequently, influence the sensitivity and activities of signaling pathways in cells and tissues. A growing body of evidence supports correlations between epigenetic changes and vascular aging. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of epigenetic changes associated with vascular aging based on the recent findings with a focus on molecular mechanisms of action, strategies to reverse epigenetic changes, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and National Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xinzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuliang Feng
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hao He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chuoji Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
| | - YiZhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao SAR, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Enayati A, Banach M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Protective role of nutraceuticals against myocarditis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112242. [PMID: 34953630 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that mostly affects young adults. The disease is commonly caused by viral infection, medications, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Nearly 50% of the cases of myocarditis are due to post-viral immune response in a setting of an identifiable or non-identifiable infection. The clinical manifestation is nonspecific ranging from asymptomatic courses to sudden death in infants and young patients. This review describes the properties of phytochemicals as plant-derived active ingredients which can be used in the prevention and treatment of myocarditis and its associated risk factors. Meanwhile, it has illustrated epidemiological analyses, mechanism of action, and the metabolism of phytochemicals in animal and human clinical trials. We also mentioned the precise mechanism of action by which phytochemicals elicit their anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects and how they regulate signal transduction pathways. Nevertheless, comprehensive clinical trials are required to study the properties of phytochemicals in vivo, in vitro, and in silico for a proper management of myocarditis. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals function as potent adjunctive therapeutic drugs in myocarditis and its related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesheh Enayati
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Chair of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland.
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Lin Y, Li Y, Li X, Liu X, Wang X, Yu M, Zhu Y, Du M. SCM-198 ameliorates endometrial inflammation via suppressing the LPS-JNK-cJUN/cFOS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:1207-1215. [PMID: 34259317 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometritis is an inflammatory disease of the endometrium, which is responsible for endometrial dysfunction, decidualization failure, and increased incidence of early pregnancy loss. SCM-198, a synthetic form of leonurine, is well known to possess anti-inflammatory effects. SCM-198 has been reported to display beneficial effects on endometritis. However, the specific mechanisms of SCM-198 in preventing endometritis remain unknown. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanism of SCM-198 in inhibiting endometritis. The anti-inflammatory effects and the related signaling pathways of SCM-198 were studied in vitro using human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis results demonstrated that SCM-198 markedly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometrial inflammatory response by suppressing the LPS-JNK-cJUN/cFOS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway. The preventive and therapeutic effects of SCM-198 on endometrial inflammation were explored by using a mouse model of LPS-induced endometritis. SCM-198 produced essentially the same effects when administered either post-treatment (after LPS) or pre-treatment (before LPS) via vaginal or intraperitoneal administration. In vivo results indicated that SCM-198 is a potential effective drug for the treatment of endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikong Lin
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yunyun Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 518063, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 518063, China
| | - Min Yu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai JIAI Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 518063, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Meirong Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 518063, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
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Zhao B, Peng Q, Poon EHL, Chen F, Zhou R, Shang G, Wang D, Xu Y, Wang R, Qi S. Leonurine Promotes the Osteoblast Differentiation of Rat BMSCs by Activation of Autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:615191. [PMID: 33708763 PMCID: PMC7940513 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.615191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leonurine, a major bioactive component from Herba leonuri, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of leonurine on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as a therapeutic approach for treating osteoporosis. Materials and Methods Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were isolated from 4-weeks-old Sprague–Dawley rats. The cytocompatibility of leonurine on rBMSCs was tested via CCK-8 assays and flow cytometric analyses. The effects of leonurine on rBMSC osteogenic differentiation were analyzed via ALP staining, Alizarin red staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot. Additionally, autophagy-related markers were examined via qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses of rBMSCs during osteogenic differentiation with leonurine and with or without 3-methyladenine (3-MA) as an autophagic inhibitor. Finally, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated during rBMSC osteogenesis. Results Leonurine at 2–100 μM promoted the proliferation of rBMSCs. ALP and Alizarin red staining results showed that 10 μM leonurine promoted rBMSC osteoblastic differentiation, which was consistent with the qRT-PCR and Western blot results. Compared with those of the control group, the mRNA and protein levels of Atg5, Atg7, and LC3 were upregulated in the rBMSCs upon leonurine treatment. Furthermore, leonurine rescued rBMSC autophagy after inhibition by 3-MA. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was activated in rBMSCs upon leonurine treatment. Conclusion Leonurine promotes the osteoblast differentiation of rBMSCs by activating autophagy, which depends on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Our results suggest that leonurine may be a potential treatment for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingkun Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Peng
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Enoch Hin Lok Poon
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fubo Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwei Shang
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanzhi Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raorao Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengcai Qi
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Wang R, Peng L, Lv D, Shang F, Yan J, Li G, Li D, Ouyang J, Yang J. Leonurine Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis Through Upregulation of miR-29a-3p in Mice Post-myocardial Infarction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 77:189-199. [PMID: 33235025 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a pathological process that accelerates cardiac remodeling in myocardial infarction (MI), and miR-29 has become one of the foci of research into MF. As an alkaloid extracted from Herba leonuri, leonurine (LE) has been found to be an effective natural active ingredient for inhibiting fibrosis in many preclinical experiments. However, whether LE protects against MF after MI through modifying miR-29 remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of LE on MF, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. A mouse model of MI was established, followed by administration of LE for 4 weeks. We found that LE effectively improved cardiac function, and attenuated fibrosis and cardiac remodeling in mice post-MI. In vitro, LE simultaneously inhibited proliferation and migration of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II), and the activation of collagen synthesis and myofibroblast generation was markedly suppressed by LE. Notably, we found that all mature miR-29 family members were downregulated in the myocardial tissues of mice post-MI, whereas LE significantly upregulated miR-29a-3p expression, and such upregulation was also detected in LE-treated CFs under Ang II stimulation. Knockdown of miR-29a-3p by a specific miRNA inhibitor upregulated the protein levels of TGF-β, collagen III, and collagen I in CFs, and completely reversed the antifibrotic effects of LE on CFs. Our study suggests that LE exerts cardioprotective effects against MF, possibly through the upregulation of miR-29a-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Linqian Peng
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingyi Lv
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feifei Shang
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianghong Yan
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoxing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Bishan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Jiadan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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11
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Huang L, Xu DQ, Chen YY, Yue SJ, Tang YP. Leonurine, a potential drug for the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01995. [PMID: 33300684 PMCID: PMC7882174 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leonurus japonicus Houtt., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is often used as a gynecological medicine with the effect of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, clearing heat, and detoxificating. As the most important alkaloid in L. japonicus, leonurine has a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases are arrogant killers that threaten human lives and health around the world, but many drugs for treating them have certain side effects. This paper reviews the potential therapeutic effects of leonurine on cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases, summarizes the previous research progress, and focuses on its therapeutic effect in various diseases. Although leonurine plays a prominent role in the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases, there are still some shortages, such as low bioavailability, weak transmembrane ability, and poor fat solubility. Therefore, the structure modification of leonurine may solve these problems and provide reference value for the development of new drugs. At present, leonurine is in clinical trial, and it is hoped that our summary will help to provide guidance for its future research on the basic science and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
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12
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Cyclodextrin Ameliorates the Progression of Atherosclerosis via Increasing High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Plasma Levels and Anti-inflammatory Effects in Rabbits. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 73:334-342. [PMID: 30855405 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the therapeutic effects of cyclodextrin on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits, we evaluated the effects of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) therapy on the organ coefficient, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, and atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits fed a high-fat diet. Our results demonstrated that HPβCD therapy reduced plasma triglyceride levels and inflammatory cytokine levels but increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. HPβCD therapy produced a significant decrease in the atherosclerotic lesion area and reduced macrophage and collagen content in the lesions. The expression levels of inflammatory genes in aortic plaques were significantly reduced by HPβCD treatment, but the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) in aortic plaques and livers increased significantly. HPβCD therapy may produce additional antiatherosclerotic benefits likely via increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
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13
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Ning K, Wang MJ, Lin G, Zhang YL, Li MY, Yang BF, Chen Y, Huang Y, Li ZM, Huang YJ, Zhu L, Liang K, Yu B, Zhu YZ, Zhu YC. eNOS-Nitric Oxide System Contributes to a Novel Antiatherogenic Effect of Leonurine via Inflammation Inhibition and Plaque Stabilization. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 373:463-475. [PMID: 32238453 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leonurine (LEO) is a bioactive small molecular compound that has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and prevents the early progression of atherosclerosis; however, it is not clear whether LEO is effective for plaque stability. A novel mouse atherosclerosis model involving tandem stenosis (TS) of the right carotid artery combined with western diet (WD) feeding was used. Apolipoprotein E gene-deficient mice were fed with a WD and received LEO administration daily for 13 weeks. TS was introduced 6 weeks after the onset of experiments. We found that LEO enhanced plaque stability by increasing fibrous cap thickness and collagen content while decreasing the population of CD68-positive cells. Enhanced plaque stability by LEO was associated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-nitric oxide (NO) system. LEO restored the balance between endothelial NOS(E)- and inducible NOS(iNOS)-derived NO production; suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway; reduced the level of the inflammatory infiltration in plaque, including cytokine interleukin 6; and downregulated the expression of adhesion molecules. These findings support the distinct role of LEO in plaque stabilization. In vitro studies with oxidized low-density lipoprotein-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells revealed that LEO balanced NO production and inhibited NF-κB/P65 nuclear translocation, thus mitigating inflammation. In conclusion, the restored balance of the NOS-NO system and mitigated inflammation contribute to the plaque-stabilizing effect of LEO. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: LEO restored the balance between endothelial NOS and inducible NOS in NO production and inhibited excessive inflammation in atherosclerotic "unstable" and rupture-prone plaques in apolipoprotein E gene-deficient mice. The protective effect of LEO for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques was due to improved collagen content, increased fibrous cap thickness, and decreased accumulation of macrophages/foam cells. So far, LEO has passed the safety and feasibility test of phase I clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ning
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ming-Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ge Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Meng-Yao Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Bao-Feng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ying Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Zhi-Ming Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Jun Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Lei Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Kun Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Bo Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Zhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Chun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
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14
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Wang D, Hiebl V, Xu T, Ladurner A, Atanasov AG, Heiss EH, Dirsch VM. Impact of natural products on the cholesterol transporter ABCA1. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112444. [PMID: 31805338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In different countries and areas of the world, traditional medicine has been and is still used for the treatment of various disorders, including chest pain or liver complaints, of which we now know that they can be linked with altered lipid and cholesterol homeostasis. As ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an essential role in cholesterol metabolism, its modulation may be one of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the experienced benefit of traditional recipes. Intense research activity has been dedicated to the identification of natural products from traditional medicine that regulate ABCA1 expression. AIMS OF THE REVIEW This review surveys natural products, originating from ethnopharmacologically used plants, fungi or marine sources, which influence ABCA1 expression, providing a reference for future study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information on regulation of ABCA1 expression by natural compounds from traditional medicine was extracted from ancient and modern books, materia medica, and electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ResearchGate). RESULTS More than 60 natural compounds from traditional medicine, especially traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are reported to regulate ABCA1 expression in different in vitro and in vivo models (such as cholesterol efflux and atherosclerotic animal models). These active compounds belong to the classes of polyketides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, amino acids and others. Several compounds appear very promising in vivo, which need to be further investigated in animal models of diseases related to ABCA1 or in clinical studies. CONCLUSION Natural products from traditional medicine constitute a large promising pool for compounds that regulate ABCA1 expression, and thus may prevent/treat diseases related to cholesterol metabolism, like atherosclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. In many cases, the molecular mechanisms of these natural products remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fei Shan Jie 32, 550003, Guiyang, China
| | - Verena Hiebl
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tao Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fei Shan Jie 32, 550003, Guiyang, China
| | - Angela Ladurner
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, 05-552, Jastrzębiec, Poland; Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchevstr., 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elke H Heiss
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena M Dirsch
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Leonurine promotes neurite outgrowth and neurotrophic activity by modulating the GR/SGK1 signaling pathway in cultured PC12 cells. Neuroreport 2019; 30:247-254. [PMID: 30694908 PMCID: PMC6392205 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder that affects almost 10% of children and adolescents worldwide. Numerous synthetic chemical antidepressants used to treat depression have adverse side effects. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches for depression treatment are urgently needed. Leonurus cardiaca has recently been shown to be effective for the treatment of nervous system diseases such as depression, but its mechanism is not clear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying leonurine’s antidepressant activity. Leonurine was used to treat corticosterone-induced PC12 cells to examine its effect on neurite outgrowth and neurotrophic factors after treatment with the inhibitor of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and serum-inducible and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays were used to evaluate the viability of cells. High content analysis was used to detect cell area, total neurite length, maximum neurite length, and expression of GR, SGK1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophic factor-3 (NT-3), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2). The results showed that leonurine increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with the maximal prosurvival effect at 60 μM. Leonurine increased cell area, total neurite length, and maximum neurite length of corticosterone-induced PC12 cells, increased the expression of GR, BDNF, NT-3, and BCL-2, and decreased the expression of SGK1. After treatment with GR inhibitor RU486, the expressions of GR, BDNF, NT-3, and BCL-2 were significantly decreased and SGK1 was increased. In contrast, treatment with GSK650394 had the opposite effect of RU486. Our data indicate that leonurine promotes neurite outgrowth and neurotrophic activity in cultured PC12 cells, and its potential mechanism may involve the GR/SGK1 signaling pathway.
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Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort), an excellent traditional medicine for obstetrical and gynecological diseases: A comprehensive overview. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 117:109060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Lin D, Wu H, Zhou Z, Tao Z, Gao W, Jia T. The Effect of Leonurine on Multiterritory Perforator Flap Survival in Rats. J Surg Res 2019; 245:453-460. [PMID: 31445497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leonurine (Leo), a natural active compound of Leonurus cardiaca, has been shown to possess various biological activities. However, it is not known whether Leo promotes perforator flap survival. METHODS In this study, a perforator flap was outlined in the rat dorsum. The rats that survived surgery were divided randomly to control and Leo groups (n = 36 per group). Flap viability, flap perfusion, and level of protein linked with oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis were evaluated. RESULTS Relative to control group, the Leo group showed significantly higher the flap survival percentage (70.5% versus 90.2%, P < 0.05) and blood perfusion (197.1 versus 286.3, P < 0.05). Leo also increased 1.8-fold mean vessel density and upregulated 2.1-fold vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression compared with the control group, both of which indicate increased angiogenesis. Moreover, it significantly inhibited apoptosis by lowering caspase-3 activity. Superoxide dismutase expression was remarkably elevated in Leo group compared with the control group (56.0 versus 43.2 U/mg/protein, P < 0.01), but malondialdehyde quantities were significantly lower in the Leo group compared with control group (41.9 versus 57.5 nmol/mg/protein, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Leo may serve as an effective drug for improving perforator flap survival in rats via antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanisms and promotion of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damu Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongqiang Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zongwei Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Tao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weiyang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Tanghong Jia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Li Y, Lin Y, Huang X, Xu C, Liu X, Wang L, Yu M, Li D, Zhu Y, Du M. SCM-198 protects endometrial stromal cells from oxidative damage through Bax/Bcl-2 and ERK signaling pathways. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:580-587. [PMID: 31032514 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing amounts of evidence demonstrated that accumulative reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) are closely associated with endometrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the pathological process of multiple gynecological and reproduction-related diseases. SCM-198, an alkaloid active component of Leonurus japonicas Houtt, has been reported to have anti-oxidative activity. However, the specific mechanisms of SCM-198 in the prevention of endometrial damage remain unknown. In the present study, we assessed the effect of SCM-198 on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative injury in ESCs. ESCs were pretreated with SCM-198 for 4 h and then challenged with H2O2. Morphology changes, apoptosis rate, and intracellular ROS production were measured to assess the level of oxidative injury. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, active-caspase-3, and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. Classic inflammation cytokines were measured by real-time polymerase chain reactions. Our results showed that SCM-198 attenuated apoptosis and ROS generation of ESCs induced by H2O2. H2O2 induced the apparent apoptotic characteristics, including fragmentation of DNA, upregulation of Bax/Bcl2, activation of caspase-3, and secretion of inflammation cytokines, which were all ameliorated by SCM-198. Furthermore, H2O2-induced apoptosis-related ERK1/2 pathway activation was restrained by SCM-198 pretreatment. These findings suggested that SCM-198 could protect ESCs from oxidative injury, mainly by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yikong Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xixi Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Meirong Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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19
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Yang L, Liu G, Lian K, Qiao Y, Zhang B, Zhu X, Luo Y, Shang Y, Gu XL. Dietary leonurine hydrochloride supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway in broilers. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:1679-1692. [PMID: 30789669 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate the beneficial effects of dietary leonurine hydrochloride (LH) supplementation on intestinal morphology and barrier integrity and further illuminate its underlying antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated broilers. A total of 120 1-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 5 birds per cage. The experiment was designed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with LH (0 or 120 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1.5 mg/kg body weight) as treatments. On days 14, 16, 18, and 20 of the trial, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS or physiological saline. Compared with the control group, LPS-challenged broilers showed impaired growth performance (P < 0.05) from day 15 to day 21 of the trial, increased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels coupled with reduced glutathione (GSH) content and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (duodenal and jejunal mucosa), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content (duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosa), and compromised morphological structure of the duodenum and jejunum. Additionally, LPS challenge increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes and reduced tight junction (TJ) protein expression in the jejunum. However, dietary LH prevented LPS-induced reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in broilers. It also alleviated LPS challenge-induced increases in serum DAO levels, MDA content (duodenal and jejunal mucosa), and jejunal crypt depth (P < 0.05) but reduced villus height, GSH content (jejunal mucosa), and T-SOD activity (duodenal and jejunal mucosa) (P < 0.05). Additionally, LH supplementation significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and upregulated the mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin in the jejunal mucosa induced by LPS (P < 0.05). On the other hand, LH administration prevented LPS-induced activation of the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and attenuated IkB alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) in the jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, dietary LH supplementation attenuates intestinal mucosal disruption mainly by accelerating the expression of TJ proteins and inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexun Lian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Shang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Li Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
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20
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Wang R, Li D, Ouyang J, Tian X, Zhao Y, Peng X, Li S, Yu G, Yang J. Leonurine alleviates LPS-induced myocarditis through suppressing the NF-кB signaling pathway. Toxicology 2019; 422:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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Xie YZ, Zhang XJ, Zhang C, Yang Y, He JN, Chen YX. Protective effects of leonurine against ischemic stroke in mice by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway. CNS Neurosci Ther 2019; 25:1006-1017. [PMID: 31087454 PMCID: PMC6698971 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Leonurine has been shown to trigger antioxidant responses during ischemic stroke, and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) imparts protective effects against oxidative injury. The present study has determined that leonurine prevents ischemic injury of brain tissues via Nrf‐2 pathway activation. Methods Male ICR mice and Nrf‐2−/− mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and received leonurine treatment at 2 hours after pMCAO by intraperitoneal injection. Neurological deficit scores as well as infarct volume were assessed to determine the neuroprotective role of leonurine. Nrf‐2 was investigated using Western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of leonurine. Commercial kits were employed to determine reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), malonaldehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated by Western blotting and RT‐PCR analysis, and VEGF was localized using immunofluorescence. Results The application of leonurine on ICR mice resulted in an improvement in neurological deficit scores and a reduction in infarct volume. Leonurine upregulated nuclear Nrf‐2 protein and increased total Nrf‐2 protein expression and mRNA levels. Leonurine regulated SOD, MDA, CAT, GSH, and GSH‐Px, and it significantly inhibited ROS production in ICR mice. Leonurine improved VEGF expression and increased VEGF expression in neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. However, leonurine had no obvious beneficial effects on Nrf‐2−/− mice. Conclusions Leonurine exerted neuroprotective effects, promoted antioxidant responses, and upregulated VEGF expression by activating the Nrf‐2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Zhao Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China.,The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiang-Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jun-Na He
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan-Xia Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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22
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Leonurine: From Gynecologic Medicine to Pleiotropic Agent. Chin J Integr Med 2019; 26:152-160. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Yang L, Liu G, Zhu X, Luo Y, Shang Y, Gu XL. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of leonurine hydrochloride after lipopolysaccharide challenge in broiler chicks. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1648-1657. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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24
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Novel hepatoprotective role of Leonurine hydrochloride against experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mediated via AMPK/SREBP1 signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 110:571-581. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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25
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Suguro R, Chen S, Yang D, Yang Z, Miao L, Wu W, Zeng W, Liu X, Zhu YZ. Anti-hypercholesterolemic Effects and a Good Safety Profile of SCM-198 in Animals: From ApoE Knockout Mice to Rhesus Monkeys. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1468. [PMID: 30618759 PMCID: PMC6300478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several lipid-lowering agents have been introduced for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), currently marketed medications have not solved the problem completely. This study aims to investigate the effects of leonurine (SCM-198) on dyslipidemia in mammals with ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice, New Zealand white rabbits and senile Rhesus monkeys fed with high fat diet were dosed daily with leonurine or atorvastatin. The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined. Moreover, in Rhesus monkeys, bodyweight, arterial ultrasound of right common carotid artery, Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and ApoB levels, hematologic and toxicological examinations were detected. Serum TC and TG in both mice and rabbits were significantly reduced by SCM-198 and atorvastatin. In the 10 mg/kg SCM-198 group of monkeys, maximum TC reduction of 24.05% was achieved at day 150, while 13.16% LDL reduction achieved at day 60, without arterial morphologic changes or adverse events. Atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg) showed similar effects as SCM-198 in improving lipid profiles in monkeys, yet its long-term use could induce tolerance. Furthermore, leonurine suppressed genes expression of fatty acid synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBF) in liver in high fat diet feeding ApoE-/- mice. SCM-198, with a reliable safety profile, is of high value in improving lipid profiles in mammals, providing an alternative to a substantial population who are statin-intolerant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinkiko Suguro
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology - State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macau
| | - Siyao Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Lei Miao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Sichuan Primed Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology - State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macau
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26
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Yang L, Qiao Y, Liu G, Zhu X, Luo Y, Chen J, Liu X, Ma Z, Shang Y, Gu X. Effects of dietary supplementation with leonurine hydrochloride on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity and blood parameters in male broiler chicks. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2018.1547199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Shang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinli Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
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27
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Liao WT, Chiang JH, Li CJ, Lee MT, Su CC, Yen HR. Investigation on the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Nationwide Prescription Database in Taiwan. J Clin Med 2018; 7:E179. [PMID: 30037150 PMCID: PMC6069244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7070179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, affecting 5⁻10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It has serious reproductive implications and causes mood disorders and metabolic disorders, such as type-2 diabetes. Because PCOS reflects multiple abnormalities, there is no single drug that can treat all its symptoms. Existing pharmaceutical agents, such as oral contraceptives (OCs), are suggested as a first-line therapy for menstrual irregularities; however, OCs are not appropriate for women pursuing pregnancy. Additionally, insulin-sensitizing agents, which appear to decrease insulin levels and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, have been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. It is a common practice in Chinese society to receive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of gynecological problems and infertility. Current research demonstrates that several herbs and herbal formulas show beneficial effects in PCOS treatment. In this study, we conducted the first large-scale survey through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database to analyze TCM utilization patterns among women with PCOS in Taiwan during 1997⁻2010. The survey results revealed that 89.22% women with newly diagnosed PCOS had received TCM therapy. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San and Xiang-Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) were the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively, in the database. In addition, we found that the top five commonly prescribed single herbs and herbal formulas have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ting Liao
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404 Taiwan.
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Jen-Huai Chiang
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Tsung Lee
- Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Chiung Su
- Post Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Rong Yen
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404 Taiwan.
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan.
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28
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Zhu YZ, Wu W, Zhu Q, Liu X. Discovery of Leonuri and therapeutical applications: From bench to bedside. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 188:26-35. [PMID: 29360539 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite several advances in percutaneous coronary intervention and the discovery of new drugs, the incidence of myocardial infarction and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has not decreased markedly in China. The quality of life is affected seriously, which further results in great social and family burden. Many drugs, from the century-old aspirin to the newly FDA-approved Byvalson, have been proven to be effective in the treatment and prevention of CVD. As clinically reported, those life-saving drugs still have their side effects in regards to the narrow therapeutic indexes influenced by individual genetic variations. Herba Leonuri, also known as Chinese Motherwort, which are naturally present in plants and traditionally are used for the uterotonic action, postpartum blood stasis, breast pain as well as other gynecological disorders in China for thousands of years. Since the last two decades, our group has reported leonurine, a unique alkaloid found in Herba Leonuri, exhibits various bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic effects, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to improving micro-circulation. These bioactivities are related to the underlying mechanisms of ischemic heart diseases and cardiac fibrosis. Pharmacological studies have proven leonurine to be effective in treating CVD in various ways, particularly ischemic heart diseases. Besides the cardio protective effects, which are similar in the central nervous system, more specifically, inhibited mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production together with the restored mitochondrial function and redox state were observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats by leonurine treatment, which strongly reveals its neuroprotective effects and carries a therapeutic potential for recovery and prevention of stroke. Based on their mode of action, we propose that leonurine can be developed as drugs to treat ischemic heart diseases. Taking advantage of the most recent findings in pharmacological research including the effects of low toxicity and good pharmacokinetics characteristics, leonurine has a very attractive prospect of clinical application. Our recent promising pharmacological results may be able to eradicate the barrier hindering its sale on market. In sum, from bench to bedside is no longer a long way for leonurine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Weijun Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nan Tong University, Nan Tong, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
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29
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Zhang RH, Liu ZK, Yang DS, Zhang XJ, Sun HD, Xiao WL. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Leonurus: The herb to benefit the mothers and more. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2018; 147:167-183. [PMID: 29335190 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plants belonging to the genus Leonurus, also named motherwort, are traditionally used for anti-gynecological disorder in East Asia, and for sedative in Europe. Chemical investigation of the genus Leonurus not only enriched the natural products library, but also enlarged the pharmacological application of this traditional herb. In this review, we systematically summarized the structures of 259 compounds isolated from the genus Leonurus, featured with 147 labdane diterpenoids. The reported bioactivity studies up to 2017 are presented in the second part, with the main focus on the isolated compounds and also concerning the extracts. In addition to the traditional uterine contraction and sedative activity, recently the cardiovascular protection effect of leonurine has drawn most attention. Other than that, neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-platelet aggregation and many other activities have been assigned to various compounds from the genus Leonurus. Among 70 bioactivity references cited in this review, 57% of them were concentrated on two alkaloids (leonurine and stachydrine), whereas only 20% are about the 147 diterpenoids. Anti-inflammation is the major bioactivity discovered so far for the labdane diterpenoids from the genus Leonurus, whose further therapeutic potential still remains for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Zhi-Ke Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, PR China
| | - Da-Song Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Han-Dong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, PR China
| | - Wei-Lie Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China.
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30
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Xie X, Zhu T, Chen L, Ding S, Chu H, Wang J, Yao H, Chao J. MCPIP1-induced autophagy mediates ischemia/reperfusion injury in endothelial cells via HMGB1 and CaSR. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1735. [PMID: 29379093 PMCID: PMC5788920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocyte chemotactic protein-1-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) plays a important role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Autophagy is involved in activating endothelial cells in response to I/R. However, researchers have not clearly determined whether MCPIP1 mediates I/R injury in endothelial cells via autophagy, and its downstream mechanism remains unclear. Western blotting analyses and immunocytochemistry were applied to detect protein levels were detected in HUVECs. An in vitro scratch assay was used to detect cell migration. Cells were transfected with siRNAs to knockdown MCPIP1 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression. The pharmacological activator of autophagy rapamycin and the specific calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) inhibitor NPS-2143 were used to confirm the roles of autophagy and CaSR in I/R injury. I/R induced HMGB1 and CaSR expression, which subsequently upreguated the migration and apoptosis of HUVECs and coincided with the increase of autophagy. HMGB1 was involved in cell migration, whereas CaSR specifically participated in I/R-induced HUVEC apoptosis. Based on these findings, I/R-induced MCPIP1 expression regulates the migration and apoptosis of HUVECs via HMGB1 and CaSR, respectively, suggesting a new therapeutic targetof I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Tiebing Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China. .,Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Shuang Ding
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Han Chu
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Honghong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China. .,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China. .,Department of Respiration, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Jia M, Li C, Zheng Y, Ding X, Chen M, Ding J, Du R, Lu M, Hu G. Leonurine Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects in the Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression Model in Mice by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:886-895. [PMID: 29016795 PMCID: PMC5737563 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leonurine is an active alkaloid that is extracted from Traditional Chinese Medicine Herba leonuri. Emerging evidence indicates that leonurine produces neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect of leonurine in neuropsychiatric disorders, especially in major depression, remains unknown. Methods We used the chronic mild stress mouse model to explore the antidepressant effects of leonurine and the potential mechanisms. Behavioral tests including sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test were taken to evaluate depression symptoms. Moreover, the contents of monoamine neurotransmitters in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Neuronal morphology was detected by transmission electron microscopy. Results Administration of leonurine (60 mg/kg) for 4 weeks significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors of chronic mild stress mice, including increased sucrose preference and reduced immobility time in forced swimming test and tail suspension test. We further found that leonurine (60 mg/kg) effectively restored the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, noradrenaline, and dopamine in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of chronic mild stress mice, accompanied by amelioration of hippocampal neuronal damage. Furthermore, leonurine (60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and TNF-α, and suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that leonurine exerts antidepressant-like effects, which may be mediated, at least in part, by improving monoamine neurotransmitters and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Our study provides insight into the potential of leonurine in depression therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Chenxin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Xiaojing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Jianhua Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Renhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jia, Li, Zheng, X. Ding, and Hu); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Drs Chen, J. Ding, Du, Lu, and Hu)
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Dietary onion ameliorates antioxidant defence, inflammatory response, and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Lin YR, Wu MY, Chiang JH, Yen HR, Yang ST. The utilization of traditional Chinese medicine in patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based study. Altern Ther Health Med 2017; 17:427. [PMID: 28851349 PMCID: PMC5576320 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with gynecological disorders seek traditional medicine consultations in Asian countries. This study intended to investigate the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) in Taiwan. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of one million individuals randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We included 46,337 subjects with newly diagnosed DUB (ICD-9-CM codes 626.8) from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2010. The patients were categorized into TCM seekers and non-TCM seekers according to their use of TCM. RESULTS Among the subjects, 41,558 (89.69%) were TCM seekers and 4,779 (10.31%) were non-TCM seekers. Patients who were younger tended to be TCM seekers. Most of the patients had also taken Western medicine, especially tranexamic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More than half of TCM seekers (55.41%) received combined treatment with both Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture. The most commonly used TCM formula and single herb were Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (Bupleurum and Peony Formula) and Yi-Mu-Cao (Herba Leonuri), respectively. The core pattern of Chinese herbal medicine for DUB patients consisted of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Xiang-Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi), and Yi-Mu-Cao (Herba Leonuri). CONCLUSIONS TCM use is popular among patients with DUB in Taiwan. Further pharmacological investigations and clinical trials are required to validate the efficacy and safety of these items.
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Ibrahim M, Ahmed IA, Mikail MA, Ishola AA, Draman S, Isa MLM, Yusof AM. Baccaurea angulata fruit juice reduces atherosclerotic lesions in diet-induced Hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Lipids Health Dis 2017; 16:134. [PMID: 28687076 PMCID: PMC5501101 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of large and medium-sized arteries linked to oxidative stress, dyslipidemia as well as chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit juice on the aorta of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits, to detect an accumulation of fatty streak and evaluate the percentage of atherosclerotic lesion accrued. Methods Thirty-five healthy male adults New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups. Four groups were fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL of BA fruit juice per kg of rabbit daily (atherogenic groups), while the other three groups were fed commercial rabbit pellet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mL of juice per kg of rabbit daily (normocholesterolemic groups) for 90 days. The thoracic and abdominal aorta between the heart origin and bifurcation into iliac arteries of all the rabbits were carefully removed and analyzed accordingly. Results The supplementation of the high-cholesterol diet of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with only 0.5 mL BA/kg rabbit per day significantly (p < 0.001) improved aortic lipid profile, attenuated aortic fatty streak development and reduced intima thickening. Higher BA doses used (1.0 and 1.5 mL/kg rabbit per day) also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased further the development of aortic fatty streaks, reduced the thickening of the tunica intima layer and preserved endothelial healing following arterial injury. Conclusion Therefore, BA fruit is a potential novel functional food with effective anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and hypocholesterolemic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ibrahim
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
| | - Idris Adewale Ahmed
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. .,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Maryam Abimbola Mikail
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Afeez Adekunle Ishola
- Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, 25200, Malaysia
| | - Samsul Draman
- Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, 25200, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Lokman Md Isa
- Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, 25200, Malaysia
| | - Afzan Mat Yusof
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, 25200, Malaysia
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Yang D, Jia W, Zhu YZ. Leonurine, a Potential Agent of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Recent Updates and Future Perspectives. Nat Prod Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1601101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Herba Leonuri, also named Chinese Motherwort, has been extensively investigated as an effective agent on the uterus system. Our group has been studying the natural products of Herba Leonuri for several years, and during this period, many biological activities of the drug were recognized. Leonurine (4-guanidino- N-butyl-syringate) is an alkaloid present in Herba Leonuri. Recently, growing evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential of leonurine in multiple diseases, especially cardiovascular. In this review, we discuss the biological activities of leonurine, as well as recent advances involving this alkaloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 201203
| | - Wanwan Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 201203
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 201203
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
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Roles of Chinese herbal medicines in ischemic heart diseases (IHD) by regulating oxidative stress. Int J Cardiol 2016; 220:314-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kato Y, Fujinaka R, Juri M, Yoshiki Y, Ishisaka A, Kitamoto N, Nitta Y, Ishikawa H. Characterization of a Monoclonal Antibody against Syringate Derivatives: Application of Immunochemical Detection of Methyl Syringate in Honey. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:6495-6501. [PMID: 27477590 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b01328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Syringic acid is one of the key skeletal structures of plant-derived chemicals. The derivatives of syringic acid have certain biological functions. In this study, a monoclonal antibody to syringic acid-based phytochemicals was prepared and characterized. The obtained antibody reacted with methyl syringate, syringic acid, and leonurine. Methyl syringate is a characteristic compound found in manuka honey, other honey varieties, and plants. Manuka honey was fractionated using HPLC, and the reactivity of the fractions with the antibody was examined. The antibody reacted with the fraction in which methyl syringate was eluted. The amount of methyl syringate in honeys as estimated by ELISA using the antibody had a good linearity compared with that estimated by HPLC. These results suggest that the antibody is applicable for the immunochemical detection of syringic acid derivatives in plants and foods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yoko Nitta
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University , 111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama 719-1197, Japan
| | - Hirohito Ishikawa
- Healthcare Systems, Company, Ltd. , 2-22-8 Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0858, Japan
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Liu XH, Pan LL, Deng HY, Xiong QH, Wu D, Huang GY, Gong QH, Zhu YZ. Leonurine (SCM-198) attenuates myocardial fibrotic response via inhibition of NADPH oxidase 4. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 54:93-104. [PMID: 23127783 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.10.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In our previous studies, we have reported that leonurine, a plant phenolic alkaloid in Herba leonuri, exerted cardioprotective properties in a number of preclinical experiments. Herein, we investigated the roles and the possible mechanisms of leonurine for reducing fibrotic responses in angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts and post-myocardial infarction (MI) rats. In in vitro experiments performed in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, leonurine (10-20 μM) pretreatment attenuated Ang II-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin and types I and III collagen. A small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown strategy for NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) revealed that Nox4 was required for Ang II-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts. In vivo studies using a post-MI model in rats indicated that administration of leonurine inhibited myocardial fibrosis while reducing cardiac Nox4 expression, ROS production, NF-κB activation, and plasma MMP-2 activity. In conclusion, our results provide the first evidence that leonurine could prevent cardiac fibrosis and the activation of cardiac fibroblasts partly through modulation of a Nox4-ROS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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Schraml E, Grillari J. From cellular senescence to age-associated diseases: the miRNA connection. LONGEVITY & HEALTHSPAN 2012; 1:10. [PMID: 24472232 PMCID: PMC3922944 DOI: 10.1186/2046-2395-1-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence has evolved from an in-vitro model system to study aging in vitro to a multifaceted phenomenon of in-vivo importance as senescent cells in vivo have been identified and their removal delays the onset of age-associated diseases in a mouse model system. From the large emerging class of non-coding RNAs, miRNAs have only recently been functionally implied in the regulatory networks that are modified during the aging process. Here we summarize examples of similarities between the differential expression of miRNAs during senescence and age-associated diseases and suggest that these similarities might emphasize the importance of senescence for the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases. Understanding such a connection on the level of miRNAs might offer valuable opportunities for designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Department of Biotechnology, BOKU VIBT University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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Norata GD, Catapano AL. Leonurine: a new comer in the natural compounds affecting atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2012; 224:37-8. [PMID: 22560329 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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