Calycosin alleviates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by inhibiting the inflammatory response and oxidative stress via the p38 MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways in mice

Calycosin, a Bioactive Isoflavone, Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Cell Damage Model via the Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Calycosin (CA), a bioactive isoflavone derived from Astragali Radix, has garnered interest in food sciences and pharmacology due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our previous studies found that CA induced host defense peptide production in porcine IPEC-J2 cells and alleviated hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular oxidative damage. However, it is still unknown whether CA can protect against pathogenic microorganisms or toxins that cause intestinal cell damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of CA against LPS-induced intestinal cell damage. Using IPEC-J2 intestinal cells to develop a damage model, we found that LPS exposure caused significant morphological damage and apoptosis. However, pretreatment with CA effectively attenuated these adverse effects. Mechanistically, CA alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanine and carbonyl production, while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression. Furthermore, CA restored the LPS-induced decrease in nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, and Nrf2 silencing abolished the protective effects of CA, indicating that its action is mediated through the Nrf2 pathway. Additionally, CA suppressed LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating inflammation-related gene expression and inhibiting the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CA protects intestinal cells from LPS-induced damage by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation via the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. These results suggest that CA has potential to be developed as a feed additive to prevent intestinal injury in animals, warranting further investigation in vivo.

Neuropharmacological effects of calycosin: a translational review of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications

Calycosin, a naturally occurring isoflavonoid found predominantly in Astragalus membranaceus, exhibits significant therapeutic potential in various neurological conditions. Its multifaceted bioactive properties-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic-position it as a promising candidate for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. This review explores calycosin's mechanisms of action, including its modulation of key signaling pathways such as HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB (high mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3 K)/Akt, ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), and Hsp90/Akt/p38. In cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, calycosin reduces oxidative stress markers like ROS (reactive oxygen species) and MDA (malondialdehyde), enhances antioxidant enzymes (SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GPX (glutathione peroxidase)), and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. It also inhibits autophagy via the STAT3/FOXO3a pathway and apoptosis by modulating Bax and Bcl-2 expression. In neuro-oncology, calycosin inhibits glioblastoma cell migration and invasion by modulating the TGF-β-mediated mesenchymal properties and suppressing the c-Met and CXCL10 signaling pathways. Additionally, it enhances the efficacy of temozolomide in glioma treatment through apoptotic pathways involving caspase-3 and caspase-9. Calycosin shows promise in Alzheimer's disease by reducing β-amyloid production and tau hyperphosphorylation via the GSK-3β pathway and improving mitochondrial function through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-Alpha (PGC-1α)/mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) signaling pathway. In Parkinson's disease, calycosin mitigates oxidative stress, prevents dopaminergic neuronal death, and reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TLR/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. It has also shown therapeutic potential in meningitis and even neuroprotective effects against hyperbilirubinemia-induced nerve injury. Despite these promising findings, further research, including detailed mechanistic studies and clinical trials, is needed to fully understand calycosin's therapeutic mechanisms and validate its potential in human subjects. Developing advanced delivery systems and exploring synergistic therapeutic strategies could further enhance its clinical application and effectiveness.

From Traditional Efficacy to Drug Design: A Review of Astragali Radix

Astragali Radix (AR), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is derived from the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, AMM) or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (A. membranaceus, AM). According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, AR is believed to tonify qi, elevate yang, consolidate the body's surface to reduce sweating, promote diuresis and reduce swelling, generate body fluids, and nourish the blood. It has been widely used to treat general weakness and chronic illnesses and to improve overall vitality. Extensive research has identified various medicinal properties of AR, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, cardiovascular-protective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective effects. With advancements in technology, methods such as computer-aided drug design (CADD) and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being applied to the development of TCM. This review summarizes the progress of research on AR over the past decades, providing a comprehensive overview of its traditional efficacy, botanical characteristics, drug design and distribution, chemical constituents, and phytochemistry. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of AR and its pharmaceutical potential, thereby facilitating further development and utilization.

Herbal formula alleviates heat stress by improving physiological and biochemical attributes and modulating the rumen microbiome in dairy cows

Heat stress significantly impacts dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare. This study evaluated a self-developed herbal formula as a dietary intervention to mitigate heat stress. A total of 198 lactating cows were divided into two groups: a Control group receiving standard total mixed rations and a Herbs group supplemented with herbal formula for 60 days. Various parameters were assessed, including milk yield and composition, antioxidant capacity, immune responses, stress-related gene expression, and rumen microbial composition. Compared to the Control group, cows in the Herbs group showed improved feed intake, milk yield and quality, rumination frequency, and enhanced antioxidant activity and immune response. Rumen microbiome analysis revealed a reduced relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Ochrobactrum in the Herbs group, along with an enrichment of beneficial genera such as Lachnospira. Functional predictions indicated that the Herbs group exhibited enhanced glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism, reflecting improved fermentation efficiency and energy utilization. In conclusion, the herbal formula improved physiological and biochemical attributes, boosted antioxidant and immune responses, and modulated the rumen microbiome, contributing to the alleviation of heat stress in dairy cows. These findings highlight its potential as a natural dietary strategy to support dairy cow health and productivity under heat stress conditions.

Therapeutic potential of plant polyphenols in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas characterized by early activation of pancreatic enzymes followed by macrophage-driven inflammation, and pancreatic acinar cell death. The most common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in its pathogenesis. Despite increasing incidence, currently, no specific drug therapy is available to treat or prevent acute pancreatitis, in particular severe acute pancreatitis. New therapeutic agents are very much needed. Plant polyphenols have attracted extensive attention in the field of acute pancreatitis due to their diverse pharmacological properties. In this review, we discuss the potential of plant polyphenols in inhibiting the occurrence and development of acute pancreatitis via modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, calcium overload, autophagy, and apoptosis, based on the currently available in vitro, in vivo animal and very few clinical human studies. We also outline the opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of plant polyphenols for the treatment of the disease. We concluded that plant polyphenols have a potential therapeutic effect in the management and treatment of acute pancreatitis. Knowledge gained from this review will hopefully inspire new research ideas and directions for the development and application of plant polyphenols for treating this disease.

Micheliolide ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis in mice through potentiating Nrf2-mediated anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is an acute inflammatory injury disease with significant mortality rate and currently without effective strategy being available. Inflammation and oxidative stress play central roles in the etiology of SAP. Micheliolide (MCL), an active monomeric component isolated from Michelia champaca, has been proved its multiple therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of MCL in SAP still remain unclear. Here, we found that caerulein with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SAP murine models exhibited severe pancreatic injury, including necrosis, edema, and vacuolation of acinar cells in the pancreas, elevated serum levels of amylase and lipase, and reduced number of the exocrine cells. As expected, MCL treatment alleviated these side effects. Mechanistically, MCL triggered nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation, thereby activating Nrf2-regulated antioxidative pathways and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65)-mediated inflammatory response, resulting in protection against pancreatic injury in SAP mice. In addition, Nrf2 gene deficiency abolished the beneficial effects of MCL on SAP-induced pancreatic inflammation and oxidative stress and blocked the ability of MCL to alleviate the pancreatic injury in SAP mice. Collectively, these findings indicated that the suppression of SAP-induced pancreatic injury by MCL was at least in part due to Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidation effect and inhibition of inflammation.

Demyelination in cuprizone mice is ameliorated by calycosin mediated through astrocyte Nrf2 signaling pathway

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in multiple sclerosis (MS), triggering demyelination predominantly through excessive peroxide production and the depletion of antioxidants. The accumulation of oxidative damage can be caused by dysregulation of astrocytes, which are the brain's main regulators of oxidative homeostasis. Calycosin, an essential bioactive component extracted from Astragalus, is recognized for its neuroprotective properties. Although recent research has highlighted calycosin's neuroprotective capabilities, its role in demyelinating conditions like MS remains unclear. In this work, we examined the possible molecular mechanism of calycosin's neuroprotective effect on cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demylination in mice. According to our research, calycosin successfully reduced demyelination and behavioral dysfuction in CPZ mice. Calycosin also decreased the production of oxidative stress and enhanced the expression of antioxidants in CPZ mice and in astrocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that calycosin promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) along with the upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Importantly, the application of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a specific inhibitor of Nrf2, effectively reversed the myelin-protective and antioxidant effects conferred by calycosin. This study suggested that calycosin might exert neuroprotection by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing demyelination via the activation of astrocyte Nrf2 signaling. These findings indicated that calycosin might be a potential candidate for treating MS.

Screening immunomodulatory Q-markers in Astragali Radix based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis and spectrum-effect relationship

Astragali Radix (AR) is one of the famous traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for boosting immunity, whereas the quality markers (Q-markers) of AR have not been clearly researched. The immunomodulatory activities of the bioactive extractions and components were evaluated by NO inhibition rate; phagocytic index; IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokines in RAW264.7 cells; and the relative proliferation rate of spleen cells. The total saponins (TS) and the grade 2 (Xiaoxuan, XX) of AR showed the strongest immunomodulatory activities. At the concentration of 40 μg/mL, the TS increased spleen cells proliferation by 48.0% and upregulated the level of IL-1β and IL-6. Cytokines in the XX-treated group were at least 1.6 times higher than the control group. A total of 190 common peaks were detected in AR by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). The multivariate statistical analyses revealed that 41 compounds were positively correlated with immune responses, and bioactive compounds were verified by using RAW264.7 cell assay. Subsequently, the contents of six compounds in different commercial grades were determined, and the results showed the same trend in contents and activities. Finally, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, astragaloside IV, astragaloside II, astragaloside I, isomucronulatol-7-O-glucoside, and 9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-glucoside were screened out as immunomodulatory Q-markers of AR.

Phytochemical Compounds as Promising Therapeutics for Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Critical Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Intestinal fibrosis, a prominent consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presents considerable difficulty owing to the absence of licensed antifibrotic therapies. This review assesses the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as alternate methods for controlling intestinal fibrosis. Phytochemicals, bioactive molecules originating from plants, exhibit potential antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, targeting pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Compounds such as Asperuloside, Berberine, and olive phenols have demonstrated potential in preclinical models by regulating critical signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad and NFκB, which are integral to advancing fibrosis.

RESULTS

The main findings suggest that these phytochemicals significantly reduce fibrotic markers, collagen deposition, and inflammation in various experimental models of IBD. These phytochemicals may function as supplementary medicines to standard treatments, perhaps enhancing patient outcomes while mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged immunosuppressive usage. Nonetheless, additional clinical trials are necessary to validate their safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability in human subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, investigating phytochemicals may lead to crucial advances in the formulation of innovative treatment approaches for fibrosis associated with IBD, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.

Calycosin promotes axon growth by inhibiting PTPRS and alleviates spinal cord injury

Our former studies have identified the alleviating effect of Calycosin (CA) on spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, our purpose is to explore the influence of CA on SCI from the perspective of promoting axon growth. The SCI animal model was constructed by spinal cord compression, wherein rat primary cortex neuronal isolation was performed, and the axonal growth restriction cell model was established via chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) treatment. The expressions of axon regeneration markers were measured via immunofluorescent staining and western blot, and the direct target of CA was examined using silver staining. Finally, the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type S (PTPRS) was assessed using western blot. CA treatment increased neuronal process outgrowth and the expressions of axon regeneration markers, such as neurofilament H (NF-H), vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGlut1), and synaptophysin (Syn) in both SCI model rats and CSPG-treated primary cortical neurons, and PTPRS levels were elevated after SCI induction. In addition, PTPRS was the direct target of CA, and according to in vivo findings, exposure to CA reduced the PTPRS content. Furthermore, PTPRS overexpression inhibited CA's enhancement of axon regeneration marker content and neuronal axon lengths. CA improves SCI by increasing axon development through regulating PTPRS expression.

Inhibition of sepsis-induced pancreatic injury by leukotriene receptor antagonism via modulation of oxidative injury, and downregulation of inflammatory markers in experimental rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of montelukast on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pancreatitis. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: normal control, control montelukast, LPS group, and two LPS + montelukast-treated groups. Acute pancreatitis (AP) was induced by a single dose of LPS (6 mg/kg, i.p.), while montelukast was given in two different doses (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days prior to the injection of LPS. AP was demonstrated by significant increases in serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pancreatic enzymes lipase and amylase. Proinflammatory response activation was evident by elevated serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and increased pancreatic concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1β), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a neutrophil infiltration marker, has also been increased. Oxidative stress was confirmed by significant increases in the concentrations of lipid peroxides measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and decreases in the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the pancreatic tissues of animals treated with LPS. Histological examination confirmed the biochemical alterations. Montelukast treatment reversed all these biochemical indices and histopathological changes that LPS induced. Montelukast reduced the increase in serum levels of lipase, amylase, LDH, total nitrite/nitrate, TNF-α, IL-1β, and ICAM-1. MPO activities and TBARS concentrations were also suppressed while GSH content was increased in pancreatic tissues. These results show that montelukast may be a beneficial pharmacological agent in protection against LPS-induced oxidative pancreatic injury by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration, counteracting oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory mediators.

Blocking group 2 innate lymphoid cell activation and macrophage M2 polarization: potential therapeutic mechanisms in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma by calycosin

BACKGROUND

Calycosin, a flavonoid compound extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, has shown anti-asthma benefits in house dust mite-induced asthma. Recent studies have suggested that innate-type cells, including group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and macrophages, serve as incentives for type 2 immunity and targets for drug development in asthma. This work focuses on the effects of calycosin on the dysregulated ILC2s and macrophages in allergic asthma.

METHODS

In vivo, the asthmatic mouse model was established with ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge, and calycosin was intraperitoneally administered at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg. In vivo, mouse primary ILC2s were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-33 and mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with IL-4 and IL-13 to establish the cell models. Cells were treated with calycosin at doses of 5 and 10 µM.

RESULTS

In vivo, we observed significantly reduced numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, monocyte macrophages and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of OVA-exposed mice with 40 mg/kg calycosin. Histopathological assessment showed that calycosin inhibited the airway inflammation and remodeling caused by OVA. Calycosin markedly decreased the up-regulated IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, and suppression tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) induced by OVA in BALF and/or lung tissues of asthmatic mice. Calycosin repressed the augment of arginase 1 (ARG1), IL-10, chitinase-like 3 (YM1) and mannose receptor C-type 1 (MRC1) levels in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. In vivo, calycosin inhibited the IL-33-induced activation as well as the increase of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and ST2 in ILC2s. Calycosin also repressed the increase of ARG1, IL-10, YM1 and MRC1 induced by IL-4 and IL-13 in RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, we found that these changes were more significant in 40 mg/kg calycosin treatment than 20 mg/kg calycosin.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, this study showed that calycosin might attenuate OVA-induced airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice via preventing ILC2 activation and macrophage M2 polarization. Our study might contribute to further study of asthmatic therapy.

The Antioxidant Action of Astragali radix: Its Active Components and Molecular Basis

Astragali radix is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history and wide application. It is frequently used in prescriptions with other medicinal materials to replenish Qi. According to the classics of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali radix is attributed with properties such as Qi replenishing and surface solidifying, sore healing and muscle generating, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that some extracts and active ingredients in Astragali radix function as antioxidants. The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in Astragali radix offer beneficial effects in preventing and controlling diseases caused by oxidative stress. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the effective components and molecular mechanisms through which Astragali radix exerts antioxidant activity. In this paper, we review the active components with antioxidant effects in Astragali radix; summarize the content, bioavailability, and antioxidant mechanisms; and offer a reference for the clinical application of Astragalus and the future development of novel antioxidants.

Exploring the effects of calycosin on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: a network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental study

Background

Chemotherapy with anthracyclines can cause cardiotoxicity, possibly leading to stopping treatment in some cancer patients. In cardio-oncology research, preventing and minimizing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is a hot issue. For the treatment of AIC, calycosin (CA), an isoflavone component in astragali radix (AR), has become a research focus. However, the elaborate mechanisms of calycosin treating AIC remain to be unrevealed.

Aim of the study

To explore the effects of CA on AIC through multiple dimensions concerning network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluations.

Methods

The study evaluated calycosin's potential targets and mechanisms for treating AIC using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The candidate genes/targets of CA and AIC were screened using the online-available database. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) between the common targets were constructed using the STRING platform, and the results were then visualized using Cytoscape. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the strength of the binding force between CA and the common targets. The possible pharmacological mechanisms of CA were explained by pathway enrichment and GSEA. Subsequently, the candidate targets were identified in vitro experiments.

Results

Network pharmacology effectively discovered the CA's multitarget intervention in AIC, including TNF, ABCC1, TOP2A, ABCB1, and XDH. CA binds to the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1(ABCB1) had the highest binding energy (-7.5 kcal/mol) according to the molecular docking analysis and was selected and visualized for subsequent analysis. In vitro experiments showed that ABCB1 exhibited significant time-curve changes under different doses of doxorubicin (DOX) compared with DMSO control experiments. The anti-AIC pharmacological mechanism of CA were revealed by highlighting the biological processes of oxidative stress (OR) and inflammation.

Conclusions

We employed a practicable bioinformatics method to connect network and molecular docking to determine the calycosin's therapeutic mechanism against AIC and identified some bioinformatics results in in vitro experiments. The results presented show that CA may represent an encouraging treatment for AIC.

Research trends on traditional Chinese medicine and acute pancreatitis: A bibliometric analysis from 2007 to mid-2023

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique medical system of historic significance, holding substantial influence within China and beyond. In recent years, the efficacy of TCM in treating acute pancreatitis has been substantiated. Despite over two decades of development in this domain, a bibliometric analysis illustrating TCM's role in acute pancreatitis remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of findings in the field of acute pancreatitis and TCM using machine learning and text-analyzing methodologies. The intent is to provide scientific and intuitive support to researchers and clinicians.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications and related literature from 2007 to mid-2023. Tools such as Excel, Citespace V, and Vosviewer were utilized for bibliometric analysis. That included assessing published and cited counts, co-authorship mapping, co-citation analysis, burst detection, and keyword analysis.

RESULTS

The study revealed a fluctuating growth trend in the number of publications and citations since 2007. As many as 147 institutions from 13 countries, with a total of 756 authors, have published 202 papers in 76 academic journals. Sichuan University in China and Tang Wenfu have been recognized as the most influential national institution and author. The most frequently published journal is "Pancreas", while the most cited is the "World Journal of Gastroenterology". Commonly used single herbs in this field include Baicalin, Emodin, Rhubarb, and Salvia miltiorrhizae. Frequently used herbal formulations include Da chengqi decoction, Chaiqin chengqi decoction, and Qing yi decoction. Current research hotspots primarily surround concepts like hmgb1, nf-kappab, nfr2, oxidative stress, exosomes, nlrp3, pyroptosis, etc. Potential future research themes could relate to pharmacology, reducing hmgb1, inflammatory response, cell activation, Qing Yi-decoction, etc. This review holds significant guiding importance for clinical and scientific research into TCM treatment for acute pancreatitis in the future.

Unveiling the potential anti-cancer activity of calycosin against multivarious cancers with molecular insights: A promising frontier in cancer research

BACKGROUND

Calycosin may be a potential candidate regarding chemotherapeutic agent, because already some studies against multivarious cancer have been made with this natural compound.

AIM

This review elucidated a brief overview of previous studies on calycosin potential effects on various cancers and its potential mechanism of action.

METHODOLOGY

Data retrieved by systematic searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus by using keywords including calycosin, cancer types, anti-cancer mechanism, synergistic, and pharmacokinetic and commonly used tools are BioRender, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, and ADMETlab 2.0.

RESULTS

Based on our review, calycosin is available in nature and effective against around 15 different types of cancer. Generally, the anti-cancer mechanism of this compound is mediated through a variety of processes, including regulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle, angiogenesis and metastasis, oncogenes, enzymatic pathways, and signal transduction process. These study conducted in various study models, including in silico, in vitro, preclinical and clinical models. The molecular framework behind the anti-cancer effect is targeting some oncogenic and therapeutic proteins and multiple signaling cascades. Therapies based on nano-formulated calycosin may make excellent nanocarriers for the delivery of this compound to targeted tissue as well as particular organ. This natural compound becomes very effective when combined with other natural compounds and some standard drugs. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs through a variety of strategies. Calycosin showed better pharmacokinetic properties with less toxicity in human bodies.

CONCLUSION

Calycosin exhibits excellent potential as a therapeutic drug against several cancer types and should be consumed until standard chemotherapeutics are available in pharma markets.

Potential of rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus extract for inflammatory induced diseases and its mechanisms of action

Orthosiphon aristatus has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb for various illnesses in Southeast Asia and Europe. The most dominant bioactive compound of the herb is rosmarinic acid (RosA) which has been demonstrated for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This review describes the recent progress of studies on multi-target molecular pathways of RosA in relation to targeted inflammatory-associated diseases. An inclusive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, PubMed, Medline, Wiley and Science Direct for studies reporting on the anti-inflammatory actions of RosA from 2008 until 2023. The keywords of the search were RosA and anti-inflammatory in relation to hepatoprotective, chondroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and toxicity. Only publications that are written in English are included in this review. The inhibition and deactivation of pro-inflammatory biomolecules by RosA were explained based on the initial inflammation stimuli and their location in the body. The activation of Nrf2/HO-1 expression to inhibit NF-κB pathway is the key mechanism for hepatoprotection. Besides NF-κB inhibition, RosA activates PPARγ to alleviate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial injury for cardioprotection. The regulation of MAPK and T-cell activation is important for chondroprotection, whereas the anti-oxidant property of RosA is the main contributor of neuroprotection. Even though less studies on the anti-inflammation of RosA extracts from O. aristatus, but the effective pharmacological properties of RosA has promoted it as a natural potent lead for further investigation.

Protective effects of cardamom aqueous extract against tamoxifen-induced pancreatic injury in female rats

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a commonly used drug for breast cancer treatment. Although effective, TAM has deleterious effects on many organs. The toxic effects of TAM on the pancreas and the underlying mechanisms however, have not fully investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TAM on the pancreatic tissue in female rats. We also examined whether cardamom aqueous extract (CAE) protects against TAM-induced pancreatic injury. TAM-intoxicated rats were injected with 45 mg/kg of TAM for 10 days, whereas rats in the CAE-treated group were administered 10 mL/kg of CAE for 20 days, starting 10 days prior to TAM administration. Treatment with TAM resulted in severe degeneration of the pancreatic acini and marked increases in the serum levels of pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, glucose, fatty acids and triglycerides along with decreased insulin serum levels. TAM led to oxidative stress as evident from a significant increase in the pancreatic levels of lipid peroxides and nitric oxide along with the depletion of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, inflammation was indicated by a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels, enhanced expression of the macrophage recruitment marker; CD68 as well as up-regulated protein levels of toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor kappa B and increased p-p38/MAPK ratio; which are important signals in the production of inflammatory cytokines. TAM also markedly increased the pancreatic levels of caspase-3 and BAX reflecting its apoptotic effects. The CAE treatment ameliorated all the biochemical and histological changes induced by TAM. The present study revealed, for the first time, that TAM has toxic effects on the pancreatic tissue through oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptotic effects. The present study also provides evidence that CAE exerts cytoprotective effects against these deleterious effects induced by TAM in the pancreatic tissue.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00198-w.

Calycosin protects against chronic prostatitis in rats via inhibition of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Currently, the effect and molecular mechanism of calycosin, the main active ingredient of Qinshi Simiao San, which can alleviate chronic prostatitis (CP), on CP remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of calycosin in CP in a rat CP model. The prostate tissue morphology was evaluated based on hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to evaluate inflammatory cytokine and immune factor levels (secretory immunoglobulin A [SIgA]; immunoglobulin G [IgG]) in prostate tissues and serum. Additionally, representative biomarkers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were detected using detection kits, and reactive oxygen species release was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/NF-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway was analyzed by western blotting. The results showed that calycosin substantially ameliorated the pathological damage to prostate tissues of the CP rats. Moreover, calycosin significantly downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IgG, and SIgA levels. Furthermore, we found that calycosin considerably suppressed oxidative stress and inhibited the activation of the p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with CP. In summary, our findings revealed that calycosin protects against CP in rats by inhibiting the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Calycosin attenuates the inflammatory damage of microglia induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Stroke seriously threatens human life and health worldwide, but only very few effective stroke medicines are currently available. Our previous studies have indicated that the phytoestrogen calycosin exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury rats. Therefore, the objective of this study is to further explore the protective effect of calycosin on inflammatory injury in microglia after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and to clarify whether its protective effect is related to the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Here, the OGD/R model of rodent microglia is established in vitro to simulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Through the CCK-8 test, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis, we find that the activity of microglia is decreased, the expressions of HMGB1 and TLR4 and the phosphorylation of NF-κB (p-NF-κB) are increased, and the releases of the inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α are increased after OGD/R. Pretreatment with calycosin could ameliorate these states, increase cell viability, reduce HMGB1, TLR4 and p-NF-κB expression, and reduce inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, the effect of calycosin is similar to that of TAK-242 (an inhibitor of TLR4), and the effect of the combined treatment is better than that of the single treatment. The results indicate that calycosin protects microglia from OGD/R injury and reduces the inflammatory response. Calycosin might alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Putative molecular targets for vitamin A in neutralizing oxidative stress in acute and chronic pancreatitis - a systematic review

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are debilitating diseases of gastrointestinal tract and constitute great threat for human health in high-income countries. Recent studies emphasize the impact of oxidative stress on development of these pathologies, and numerous authors evaluate the effect of the antioxidant therapy on the course of AP and CP. Though several antioxidative agents were discovered in the past decades, vitamins remain canonical antioxidants. Despite the fact that vitamin A is known for its antioxidative effect, there is little data about the impact of vitamin A on oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AP and CP. The scope of the review is to evaluate molecular targets for vitamin A, which may be involved in oxidative stress occurring in the course of AP and CP. Our research of available literature revealed that several mechanisms are responsible for attenuation of oxidative stress in AP and CP, including Nrf2, MAPK, AMPK, TLR3, and TLR4. Furthermore, these factors are at least partially expressed in vitamin A-dependent manner, though further investigations are required for elucidating in detail the role of vitamin A in defense against reactive oxygen species. Our review revealed that vitamin A might influence the expression of several molecular pathways involved in antioxidative defense and cytoprotection; thus, its administration during AP and CP may change the course of the disease.

Calycosin ameliorates spinal cord injury by targeting Hsp90 to inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis of nerve cells

BACKGROUND

Zhenbao pill is effective in protecting against spinal cord injury (SCI). We attempt to explore the characteristics of calycosin (a main monomer of Zhenbao pill) in SCI and its relative mechanism.

METHODS

The target of calycosin was screened using pharmacological network analysis. The SCI cell model was constructed using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the animal model was developed by compressing spinal cord with a vascular clamp. Flow cytometry was conducted to test reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell apoptosis. Detection of malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were performed using relative kits. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) was examined using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Motor function tests were carried out. The hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining were conducted.

RESULTS

In SCI models, ROS, MDA, and cell apoptosis were elevated, SOD and HSP90 levels were restrained, while calycosin addition reversed the above results. Besides, calycosin application or HSP90 overexpression enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) but weakened that of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and p38, while HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG treatment restrained the above results. Meanwhile, the injection of calycosin improved the motor function in SCI model rats. Furthermore, the pathologic results also clarified the positive effect of calycosin on SCI.

CONCLUSION

HSP90 was lowly expressed in SCI models. Calycosin alleviated SCI by promoting HSP90 up-regulation and inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis of nerve cells.

Phytochemicals with protective effects against acute pancreatitis: a review of recent literature

CONTEXT

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute abdominal inflammatory disease with episodes ranging from mild to fulminant symptoms which could include necrosis, systemic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction. Increasing experimental evidence demonstrates that specific bioactive ingredients from natural plants have a favourable therapeutic effect on AP.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize the protective effects and potential mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on the attenuation of AP.

METHODS

Experimental studies in vivo or in vitro between January 2016 and June 2021 were sought in PubMed and Web of Science using the following search terms: ('phytochemicals' OR 'medicinal plant' OR 'traditional medicine') AND ('pancreatitis' OR 'pancreatic damage' OR 'pancreatic injury'). Data concerning the basic characteristics of phytochemicals, therapeutic dose and potential molecular mechanisms related to AP were extracted in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 30 phytochemicals with potential therapeutic effects were reviewed and summarized systematically. According to their molecular pathways in AP, the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals were illustrated in detail.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities may be efficient candidate drugs for AP treatment. Importantly, more preclinical investigations are needed to illustrate the efficacy of future phytochemicals.

Calycosin mitigates chondrocyte inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SG-Tang), originated from the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, is often used to treat OA pain symptoms. Whereas its efficacy has been verified by several clinical studies, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Network pharmacology and UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis found that calycosin could be regarded as the active components of SG-Tang in treating OA. However, the effect of calycosin on cartilage destruction and the pathogenesis of OA are not known. Therefore, we evaluated the benefits of calycosin for OA and revealed the underlying mechanisms.

AIM OF STUDY

Using network pharmacology, UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis and experiments, the active components of SG-Tang were analyzed to explore their potential therapeutic mechanism in OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components of SG-Tang were detected by UPLC-QTOF-MS, and the possible active components and mechanism of SG-Tang in the treatment of OA were screened by network pharmacology. The OA mouse model was constructed by DMM. In total, 30 mice were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, DMM, and DMM + Calycosin. H&E, safranin O/fast green staining and the OARSI scores were used to evaluate joint injury in mice. In addition, OA models were established using chondrocytes treated with 10 ng/mL IL-1β. Treatment groups were treated with 100, 200 or 400 μM calycosin. CCK-8 assay was used for assessing the cytotoxic effects of calycosin. TUNEL staining and Western blotting were used to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. In addition, PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathway-related markers and cartilage matrix-related indicators were also detected.

RESULTS

In vivo studies showed that calycosin inhibited IL-1β-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. Meanwhile, calycosin could inhibit IL-1β-induced degradation of cartilage matrix, including downregulation of MMP3, MMP-13, collagen II and aggrecan. NF-κB and PI3K/AKT were also inhibited by calycosin in OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, calycosin inhibited IL-1β-induced apoptosis in mouse chondrocytes. In a mouse model of OA, our results suggest that calycosin has a chondroprotective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, calycosin may act as a protective agent against OA by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, this study suggested that calycosin is a potential candidate for the treatment of OA.

Identification of Phytogenic Compounds with Antioxidant Action That Protect Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Oxidative Damage

Oxidative stress contributes to intestinal dysfunction. Plant extracts can have antioxidant action; however, the specific phytogenic active ingredients and their potential mechanisms are not well known. We screened 845 phytogenic compounds using a porcine epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) oxidative stress model to identify oxidative-stress-alleviating compounds. Calycosin and deoxyshikonin were evaluated for their ability to alleviate H2O2-induced oxidative stress by measuring their effects on malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and antioxidant defense. Nrf2 pathway activation and the effect of Nrf2 knockdown on the antioxidative effects of hit compounds were investigated. Calycosin protected IPEC-J2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage, likely by improving the cellular redox state and upregulating antioxidant defense via the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Deoxyshikonin alleviated the H2O2-induced decrease in cell viability, ROS production, and MMP reduction, but had no significant effect on MDA accumulation and apoptosis. Nrf2 knockdown did not weaken the effect of deoxyshikonin in improving cell viability, but it weakened its effect in suppressing ROS production. These results indicate that the mechanisms of action of natural compounds differ. The newly identified phytogenic compounds can be developed as novel antioxidant agents to alleviate intestinal oxidative stress in animals.

Surfactin Mitigates a High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes through Improving Pancreatic Dysfunction and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response

Surfactin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fmb50 was utilized to treat mice with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) induced by a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ). Our group’s earlier research indicated that surfactin could lower blood glucose and mitigate liver dysfunction to further improve HFD/STZ-induced T2DM through modulating intestinal microbiota. Thus, we further investigated the effects of surfactin on the pancreas and colon in mice with T2DM to elucidate the detailed mechanism. In the present study, mice with HFD/STZ-induced T2DM had their pancreatic and colon inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) reduced when given oral surfactin at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight. According to further research, surfactin also improved glucose metabolism by activating the phosphatidylinositol kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, further protecting islets β-cell, promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release and mitigating pancreas dysfunction. Additionally, after surfactin treatment, the colon levels of the tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-1 of T2DM mice were considerably increased by 130.64% and by 36.40%, respectively. These findings revealed that surfactin not only ameliorated HFD/STZ-induced pancreas inflammation and dysfunction and preserved intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota homeostasis but also enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in T2DM mice. Finally, in the further experiment, we were able to demonstrate that early surfactin intervention might delay the development of T2DM caused by HFD/STZ, according to critical biochemical parameters in serum.

Calycosin represses AIM2 inflammasome-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis to attenuate monosodium urate-induced gouty arthritis through NF-κB and p62-Keap1 pathways

Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory disease induced by monosodium urate (MSU), and is closely related to the activation of inflammasomes. Calycosin plays an anti-inflammatory role in arthritis. This study explored the mechanism of Calycosin in MSU-induced gouty arthritis. MSU-induced gouty arthritis mouse models with or without treatment of Calycosin were established, and physiological and pathological indicators were determined. Similarly, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 macrophages were used in vitro. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was tested. The degree of centrifugal infiltration was detected by immunofluorescence. ELISA and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were conducted to determine the levels of inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were utilized to detect the content of caspase-1. Protein expressions of NF-κB-, p62-Keap1 pathway-, and pyroptosis-related factors were examined by western blot. In MSU-induced mouse models, calycosin increased mechanical hyperalgesia but decreased the swelling index of the mouse knee joint in a time-dependent manner. MSU treatment increased inflammatory cells and LysM-eGFP⁺ neutrophils recruitment in vivo, and promoted the LDH content in vitro, and meanwhile, calycosin reversed the aforementioned effects of MSU. In addition, calycosin repressed the release of inflammatory factors, promoted p62 level and diminished the levels of AIM2, caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, Keap1, Cleaved GSDMD, and Cleaved caspase-1 and phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in MSU-induced mouse or cell models. Furthermore, AIM2 silencing also inhibited MSU-induced inflammation and pyroptosis. Collectively, calycosin may inhibit AIM2 inflammasomes-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis through NF-κB and p62-Keap1 pathways, ultimately playing a protective role in gouty arthritis.

Deoxyarbutin attenuates severe acute pancreatitis via the HtrA2/PGC-1α pathway

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is an inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas associated with high morbidity and mortality. SAP has been proven to trigger mitochondria dysfunction in the pancreas. We found that Deoxyarbutin (dA) recovered impaired mitochondrial function. High-temperature requirement protein A2 (HtrA2), a mitochondrial serine protease upstream of PGC-1α, is charge of quality control in mitochondrial homeostasis. The molecular docking study indicated that there was a potential interaction between dA and HtrA2. However, whether the protective effect of dA against SAP is regulated by HtrA2/PGC-1α remains unknown. Our study in vitro showed that dA significantly reduced the necrosis of primary acinar cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, recovered mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP exhaustion, while UCF-101 (HtrA2 inhibitor), and SR-18292 (PGC-1α inhibitor) eliminated the protective effect of dA. Moreover, HtrA2 siRNA transfection efficiently blocked the protective of dA on HtrA2/PGC-1α pathway in 266-6 acinar cells. Meanwhile, dA also decreased LC3II/I ration, as well as p62, and increased Parkin expression, while UCF-101 and Bafilomycin A1 (autophagy inhibitor) reversed the protective effect of dA. Our study in vivo confirmed that dA effectively alleviated severity of SAP by reducing pancreatic edema, plasma amylase, and lipase levels and improved the HtrA2/PGC-1α pathway. Therefore, this is the first study to identify that dA inhibits pancreatic injury caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired autophagy in a HtrA2/PGC-1α dependent manner.

Calycosin reduces myocardial fibrosis and improves cardiac function in post-myocardial infarction mice by suppressing TGFBR1 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Excessive myocardial fibrosis is the pathological basis of heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI). Although calycosin improves cardiac function, its effect on cardiac fibrosis and cardiac function after MI in mice and its precise mechanism remain unclear.

PURPOSE

Here, we firstly investigated the effects of calycosin on cardiac fibrosis and ventricular function in mice after MI and the role of transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) signaling in the amelioration of cardiac fibrosis and ventricular function.

METHODS

In vivo effects of calycosin on cardiac structure and function in mice with MI induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and echocardiography. The molecular mechanism of the interaction between TGFBR1 and calycosin was investigated using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting (WB). Subsequently, cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockout mice were used to verify the effects of calycosin. The effect of calycosin on primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation and collagen deposition was detected using cell counting (CCK-8), EdU assay, and WB in vitro. CFs infected with an adenovirus that encodes TGFBR1 were used to verify the effects of calycosin.

RESULTS

In vivo, calycosin attenuated myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction following MI in a dose-dependent pattern. Calycosin-TGFBR1 complex was found to have a binding energy of -9.04 kcal/mol based on molecular docking. In addition, calycosin bound steadily in the cavity of TGFBR1 during the MD simulation. Based on SPRi results, the solution equilibrium dissociation constant for calycosin and TGFBR1 was 5.11 × 10^-5 M. Calycosin inhibited the expression of TGFBR1, Smad2/3, collagen I, and collagen III. The deletion of TGFBR1 partially counteracted these effects. In vitro, calycosin suppressed CFs proliferation and collagen deposition after TGF-β1 stimulation by suppressing the TGFBR1 signaling pathway. The suppressive effects of calycosin were partially rescued by overexpression of TGFBR1.

CONCLUSION

Calycosin attenuates myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction following MI in mice in vivo via suppressing the TGFBR1 signaling pathway. Calycosin suppresses CFs proliferation and collagen deposition induced by TGF-β1 via inhibition of the TGFBR1 signaling pathway in vitro.

Combined anti-mediator therapy for severe destructive forms of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats

Introduction: Inflammatory mediators play a major role in pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis with TNF (tumor necrosis factor) as the most important one. Development of effective combined therapy could help to decrease tissue damage, improve results and, finally, diminish the mortality rate in this severe pathology.

Materials and methods: All the studies were performed on 120 female white Wistar rats, weighing 250±25g. Acute pancreatitis reproduced by an intracanalicular injection of bile salts compound.

Results and discussion: The data obtained in the course of the study on the pronounced pancreatoprotective effect of infliximab are explained by its key role in the onset of the systemic inflammatory response, and, therefore, with the blockade of tumor necrosis factor alpha in the early stages, there is no pronounced secondary damage to the pancreas, which is reflected in a significant decrease in edema from 4.87±0.03 in the model up to 2.75±0.04, and as a consequence, an improvement in the blood supply of the acinar tissue from 182.38±15.92 PU up to 287.92±14.64 PU, which is expressed in a decrease in the zones of necrosis and in a decrease in mortality and, finally, efficiency coefficient from 13480.000 to 4283.348. A selective blocker of cysteinyl leukotrienes has a less pronounced protective reaction against damage to pancreatocytes, but to a much greater extent than octreotide. That is expressed by changes in the efficiency coefficient to the level of 8621.18 in montelukast group and 12767.30 in octreotide group, respectively. On the other hand, the effect of the use of infliximab does not surpass that of montelukast, and their combined use has a pronounced additive effect, which is proved by the efficiency coefficient at the level of 2390.33. This reaction is explained by the fact that TNF alpha-mediated pathway of activation of leukotriene biosynthesis is the main, but not the only one.

Conclusion: The combined anti-mediator therapy provides a great opportunity to improve the standard therapy of acute pancreatitis.

GDF11 ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis through modulating macrophage M1 and M2 polarization by targeting the TGFβR1/SMAD-2 pathway

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), as a typical acute inflammatory injury disease, is one of the acute gastrointestinal diseases with a remarkable mortality rate. Macrophages, typical inflammatory cells involved in SAP, play an important role in the pathogenesis of SAP, which are separated into proinflammation M1 and antiinflammation M2. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), as a member of the TGF-β family also called BMP-11, has been discovered to suppress inflammation. However, the mechanism by which GDF11 inhibits inflammation and whether it can ameliorate SAP are still elusive. The present research aimed to investigate the roles of GDF11 in SAP and the potential immunomodulatory effect of macrophage polarization. The mouse and rat SAP model were constructed by caerulein and retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate respectively. The effects of GDF11 on SAP were observed by serology, histopathology and tissue inflammation, and the effects of GDF11 on the polarization of macrophages in vivo were observed. Raw264.7 and THP1 crells were used to study the effect of GDF11 on macrophage polarization in vitro. To further investigate the causal link underneath, our team first completed RNA and proteome sequencing, and utilized specific suppressor to determine the implicated signal paths. Herein, we discovered that GDF11 alleviated the damage of pancreatic tissues in cerulein induced SAP mice and SAP rats induced by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate, and further found that GDF11 facilitated M2 macrophage polarization and diminished M1 macrophage polarization in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, we further found that the regulation of GDF11 on macrophage polarization through TGFβR1/smad2 pathway. Our results revealed that GDF11 ameliorated SAP and diminished M1 macrophage polarization and facilitated M2 macrophage polarization. The Role of GDF11 in modulating macrophage polarization might be one of the mechanisms by which GDF11 played a protective role in pancreatic tissues during SAP.

Efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19: a systematic review

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made an important contribution to the prevention and control of the epidemic. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and explore the mechanisms of TCM for COVID-19. We systematically searched 7 databases from their inception up to July 21, 2021, to distinguish randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies (CSs), and case–control studies (CCSs) of TCM for COVID-19. Two reviewers independently completed the screening of literature, extraction of data, and quality assessment of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Eventually, 29 RCTs involving 3060 patients and 28 retrospective studies (RSs) involving 12,460 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that TCM could decrease the proportion of patients progressing to severe cases by 55% and the mortality rate of severe or critical patients by 49%. Moreover, TCM could relieve clinical symptoms, curtail the length of hospital stay, improve laboratory indicators, and so on. In addition, we consulted the literature and obtained 149 components of Chinese medicinal herbs that could stably bind to antiviral targets or anti-inflammatory or immune-regulating targets by the prediction of molecular docking. It suggested that the mechanisms involved anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and regulation of immunity. Our study made a systematic review on the efficacy of TCM for COVID-19 and discussed the possible mechanisms, which provided clinical reference and theoretical basis for further research on the mechanism of TCM for COVID-19.

Ingredients with anti-inflammatory effect from medicine food homology plants

Inflammation occurs when the immune system responses to external harmful stimuli and infection. Chronic inflammation induces various diseases. A variety of foods are prescribed in the traditional medicines of many countries all over the world, which gave birth to the concept of medicine food homology. Over the past few decades, a number of secondary metabolites from medicine food homology plants have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present review, the effects and mechanisms of the medicine food homology plants-derived active components on relieving inflammation and inflammation-mediated diseases were summarized and discussed. The information provided in this review is valuable to future studies on anti-inflammatory ingredients derived from medicine food homology plants as drugs or food supplements.

The role of flavonoids in inhibiting IL-6 and inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the synovial joints. RA has well-known clinical manifestations and can cause progressive disability and premature death along with socioeconomic burdens. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been implicated in the pathology of RA where it can stimulate pannus formation, osteoclastogenesis, and oxidative stress. Flavonoids are plant metabolites with beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and others. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in a variety of plants, vegetables, and fruits. Many flavonoids have demonstrated anti-arthritic activity mediated mainly through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review thoroughly discusses the accumulate data on the role of flavonoids on IL-6 in RA.

The modulation of SIRT1 and SIRT3 by natural compounds as a therapeutic target in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: A review

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent antitumor agent with a broad spectrum of activity; however, irreversible cardiotoxicity resulting from DOX treatment is a major issue that limits its therapeutic use. Sirtuins (SIRTs) play an essential role in several physiological and pathological processes including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. It has been reported that SIRT1 and SIRT3 can act as a protective molecular against DOX-induced myocardial injury through targeting numerous signaling pathways. Several natural compounds (NCs), such as resveratrol, sesamin, and berberine, with antioxidative, anti-inflammation, and antiapoptotic effects were evaluated for their potential to suppress the cardiotoxicity induced by DOX via targeting SIRT1 and SIRT3. Numerous NCs exerted their therapeutic effects on DOX-mediated cardiac damage via targeting different signaling pathways, including SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK, SIRT1/PGC-1α, SIRT1/NLRP3, and SIRT3/FoxO. SIRT3 also ameliorates cardiotoxicity by enhancing mitochondrial fusion.

Calycosin Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury via the Inhibition of Mitochondrial ROS-Mediated Inflammasome Activation

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) culminates in multiple organ failure via uncontrolled inflammatory responses and requires effective treatment. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of calycosin (CA), a natural isoflavonoid, on sepsis-induced ALI. CA attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced structural damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues by histopathological analysis. CA significantly reduced lung wet/dry ratio, inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and myeloperoxidase activity. Moreover, CA improved the survival of septic mice. CA also substantially inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels and cleaved caspase 1 expression and activity in lung tissues. Additionally, CA markedly suppressed oxidative stress by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione while decreasing malondialdehyde. In vitro assay showed that CA significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-18 levels and cleaved caspase 1 expression and activity in BMDMs. Moreover, CA blocked the interaction among NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1 in LPS-treated cells. CA markedly reduced mitochondrial ROS levels. Significantly, compared with CA treatment, the combination of CA and MitoTEMPO (mitochondria-targeted antioxidant) did not further reduce the IL-1β and IL-18 levels and cleaved caspase 1 expression and activity and decreased mitochondrial ROS levels. Collectively, the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to the protective effects of CA, which may be considered a potential therapeutic agent for septic ALI.

Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Astragalus membranaceus Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has been used for anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory activities. In this study, we confirmed that the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of AM were enhanced after it was fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The anti-oxidative effect was measured by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical levels, total phenolic contents (TPC), reducing power, and H2O2 levels. AM-LP MG5145 and MG5276 showed higher free radical scavenging activity than AM-NF (51.22%). In addition, AM-LP MG5145 and MG5276 showed higher TPC (49.11 mg GAE/mL), reducing power (OD700 = 0.37), and H2O2 (1.71 µM) than AM-NF. The calycosin contents determined to AM-NF (17.24 ng/mL), AM-LP MG5145 (139.94 ng/mL), and MG5276 (351.01 ng/mL) using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Anti-inflammatory effects were analyzed by investigating the inhibitory effects of fermented AM on cytotoxicity, NO production, and mRNA expression of COX-2, iNOS, NF-κB, and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. AM-LP MG5145 and MG5276 showed no cytotoxicity. AM-LP MG5145 (50.86%) and MG5276 (51.66%) inhibited NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, AM-LP MG5145 and MG5276 downregulated macrophage iNOS, COX2, TNF-α, and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, A. membranaceus fermented by L. plantarum MG5145 and MG5276 can be used in cosmetics and health foods as natural antioxidant compounds.

Emodin Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Regulating the Immune Response in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The intestinal barrier injury caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can induce enterogenous infection, further aggravating the inflammatory reactions and immune responses. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that emodin protects the intestinal function and is involved in the immune response in SAP.

METHODS

The network pharmacology was established using the Swiss target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis. The SAP mice model was induced by cerulein (50 μg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg) hyperstimulation. The pharmacological effect of emodin in treating SAP was evaluated at mRNA and protein levels by various methods.

RESULTS

The network analysis provided the connectivity between the targets of emodin and the intestinal barrier-associated proteins and predicted the BAX/Bcl-2/caspase 3 signaling pathway. Emodin alleviated the pathological damages to the pancreas and intestine and reduced the high concentrations of serum amylase and cytokines in vivo. Emodin increased the expression of intestinal barrier-related proteins and reversed the changes in the apoptosis-related proteins in the intestine. Simultaneously, emodin regulated the ratio of T helper type 1 (TH1), TH2, TH17, γδ T cells, and interferon γ/interleukin 17 producing γδ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings partly verified the mechanism underlying the regulation of the intestinal barrier and immune response by emodin.

Calycosin attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition repression upon inhibiting the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway

The precise etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are not completely understood, and no satisfactory treatment exists. This work aimed to examine the effects of calycosin (CA, an isoflavone compound) on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and explore the underlying mechanism. In this study, we established a mice model of PF induced by 5 mg/mL bleomycin (BLM), and mice were orally administrated with 7 mg/kg or 14 mg/kg CA once a day for three weeks. In vitro, after pretreated with 80 μM CA, MLE-12 cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The results showed that CA treatment ameliorated the severity of fibrosis and the lung tissue damage, as well as suppressed the secretion of inflammation factors in a dose-dependent manner of the PF mice model induced by BLM. Subsequently, CA inhibited the BLM-induced PF progression by repressing EMT, evidenced by the reverse of the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of vimentin, α-SMA, and fibronectin. Moreover, the elevated phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β induced by BLM (or TGF-β1) was decreased by CA treatment, leading to the rescue of the high expression of β-catenin. CA prevented the translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The repressed effects of CA on the TGF-β1-induced EMT and the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin axis, as well as the translocation of β-catenin were all reversed by a AKT activator SC79. Taken together, CA ameliorated PF by the EMT inhibition upon suppressing the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder, involving acinar cell death and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, there are limited effective therapeutic agents for AP. Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from Betula platyphylla that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BA on AP and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. AP was induced in mice through six intraperitoneal injections of cerulein. After the last cerulein injection, the mice were sacrificed. Our results revealed that pre- and post-treatment with BA significantly reduced the severity of pancreatitis, as evidenced by a decrease in histological damage in the pancreas and lung, serum amylase and lipase activity and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, BA pretreatment reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, augmentation of chemokines, and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in the pancreas of AP mice. In addition, mice that were pretreated with BA showed a reduction in Iκ-Bα degradation and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity in the pancreas. Moreover, BA reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation in pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). These findings suggest that BA may have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on AP via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Pretreatment with chitosan oligosaccharides attenuate experimental severe acute pancreatitis via inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating intestinal homeostasis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a severe acute abdominal disease. Recent evidence shows that intestinal homeostasis is essential for the management of acute pancreatitis. Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) possess antioxidant activity that are effective in treating various inflammatory diseases. In this study we explored the potential therapeutic effects of COS on SAP and underlying mechanisms. Mice were treated with COS (200 mg·kg-1·d-1, po) for 4 weeks, then SAP was induced in the mice by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. We found that COS administration significantly alleviated the severity of SAP: the serum amylase and lipase levels as well as pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity were significantly reduced. COS administration suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, CXCL2 and MCP1) in the pancreas and ileums. Moreover, COS administration decreased pancreatic inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress in SAP mice, accompanied by activated Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. We further demonstrated that COS administration restored SAP-associated ileal damage and barrier dysfunction. In addition, gut microbiome analyses revealed that the beneficial effect of COS administration was associated with its ability to improve the pancreatitis-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis; in particular, probiotics Akkermansia were markedly increased, while pathogenic bacteria Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus were almost eliminated. The study demonstrates that COS administration remarkably attenuates SAP by reducing oxidative stress and restoring intestinal homeostasis, suggesting that COS might be a promising prebiotic agent for the treatment of SAP.

Pancreatitis initiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Pathophysiology explaining clinical evidence

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant lethal disease due to its asymptomatic at its early lesion of the disease and drug resistance. Target therapy associated with molecular pathways so far seems not to produce reasonable outcomes. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation-initiated tumorigenesis may be helpful for development of an effective therapy of the disease. A line of studies showed that pancreatic tumorigenesis was resulted from pancreatitis, which was caused synergistically by various pancreatic cells. This review focuses on those players and their possible clinic implications, such as exocrine acinar cells, ductal cells, and various stromal cells, including pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, adipocytes and endothelial cells, working together with each other in an inflammation-mediated microenvironment governed by a myriad of cellular signaling networks towards PDAC.

Pharmaceutical Values of Calycosin: One Type of Flavonoid Isolated from Astragalus

Astragalus is a popular Materia Medica in China, and it could be applied in the treatment of various diseases. It contains a variety of chemically active ingredients, such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Plant-derived bioactive chemicals are considered natural, safe, and beneficial. Among the infinite plant-identified and isolated molecules, flavonoids have been reported to have positive effects on human health. Calycosin is the most important active flavonoid substance identified predominantly within this medicinal plant. In recent years, calycosin has been reported to have anticancer, antioxidative, immune-modulatory, and estrogenic-like properties. This review collected recent relevant literatures on calycosin and summarized its potential pharmaceutical properties and working mechanism involved, which provided solid basis for future clinical research.

CTRP3 ameliorates cerulein-induced severe acute pancreatitis in mice via SIRT1/NF-κB/p53 axis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common and life-threatening clinical acute abdominal disease. C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3), a novel paralog of adiponectin, has been identified as a crucial regulator in multiple types of inflammatory disorders. However, the biological role of CTRP3 in SAP remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to characterize the role of CTRP3 in SAP and illuminate the potential mechanisms involved. In the current study, SAP mouse models were induced by seven hourly intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 μg/kg) and an immediate intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg) after the last cerulein administration. Histological examination and serological analysis demonstrated that SAP mouse models were successfully established. Herein, we found that CTRP3 expression was significantly decreased in the pancreatic tissues of SAP mice compared with normal control mice. Furthermore, we explored the effects of CTRP3 rescue in SAP mice and discovered that CTRP3 overexpression attenuated pathological lesions, inhibited inflammatory mediator release and repressed acinar cell apoptosis. Notably, mechanistic studies revealed that CTRP3 overexpression suppressed NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and p53 acetylation to alleviate cerulein-induced SAP in mouse models through activation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylase. Collectively, our data indicate that CTRP3 may exert its protective effects in SAP mice via regulation of SIRT1-mediated NF-κB and p53 signaling pathways, implying a promising therapeutic strategy against SAP.

Discovery of natural products capable of inducing porcine host defense peptide gene expression using cell-based high throughput screening

Background

In-feed antibiotics are being phased out in livestock production worldwide. Alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed to maintain animal health and production performance. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory capabilities. Enhancing the synthesis of endogenous HDPs represents a promising antibiotic alternative strategy to disease control and prevention.

Methods

To identify natural products with an ability to stimulate the synthesis of endogenous HDPs, we performed a high-throughput screening of 1261 natural products using a newly-established stable luciferase reporter cell line known as IPEC-J2/pBD3-luc. The ability of the hit compounds to induce HDP genes in porcine IPEC-J2 intestinal epithelial cells, 3D4/31 macrophages, and jejunal explants were verified using RT-qPCR. Augmentation of the antibacterial activity of porcine 3D4/31 macrophages against a Gram-negative bacterium (enterotoxigenic E. coli) and a Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) were further confirmed with four selected HDP-inducing compounds.

Results

A total of 48 natural products with a minimum Z-score of 2.0 were identified after high-throughput screening, with 21 compounds giving at least 2-fold increase in luciferase activity in a follow-up dose-response experiment. Xanthohumol and deoxyshikonin were further found to be the most potent in inducing pBD3 mRNA expression, showing a minimum 10-fold increase in IPEC-J2, 3D4/31 cells, and jejunal explants. Other compounds such as isorhapontigenin and calycosin also enhanced pBD3 mRNA expression by at least 10-fold in both IPEC-J2 cells and jejunal explants, but not 3D4/31 cells. In addition to pBD3, other porcine HDP genes such as pBD2, PG1-5, and pEP2C were induced to different magnitudes by xanthohumol, deoxyshikonin, isorhapontigenin, and calycosin, although clear gene- and cell type-specific patterns of regulation were observed. Desirably, these four compounds had a minimum effect on the expression of several representative inflammatory cytokine genes. Furthermore, when used at HDP-inducing concentrations, these compounds showed no obvious direct antibacterial activity, but significantly augmented the antibacterial activity of 3D4/31 macrophages (P < 0.05) against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that these newly-identified natural HDP-inducing compounds have the potential to be developed as novel alternatives to antibiotics for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of infectious diseases in livestock production.

Calycosin: a Review of its Pharmacological Effects and Application Prospects

Introduction: Calycosin (CA), a typical phytoestrogen extracted from root of Astragalus membranaceus. On the basis of summarizing the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies of CA in recent years, we hope to provide useful information for CA about treating different diseases and to make suggestions for future research.Areas covered: We collected relevant information (January 2014 to March 2020) on CA via the Internet database. Keywords searched includ pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology, and the number of effective references was 118. CA is a phytoestrogen with wide range of pharmacological activities. By affecting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, WDR7-7-GPR30, Rab27B-β-catenin-VEGF, etc. signaling pathway, CA showed the effect of anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporosis, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. Therefore, CA is prospective to be used in the treatment of many diseases.Expert opinion: Research shows that CA has a therapeutic effect on a variety of diseases. We think CA is a promising natural medicine. Therefore, we propose that the research directions of CA in the future include the following. Carrying out clinical research trials in order to find the most suitable medicinal concentration for different diseases; Exploring the synergistic mechanism of CA in combination with other drugs; Exploring ways to increase the blood circulation concentration of CA.

Exploring the In Vivo Existence Forms (23 Original Constituents and 147 Metabolites) of Astragali Radix Total Flavonoids and Their Distributions in Rats Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn

Astragali Radix total flavonoids (ARTF) is one of the main bioactive components of Astragali Radix (AR), and has many pharmacological effects. However, its metabolism and effective forms remains unclear. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ technique was used to screen and tentatively identify the in vivo original constituents and metabolites of ARTF and to clarify their distribution in rats after oral administration. In addition, modern chromatographic methods were used to isolate the main metabolites from rat urine and NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate their structures. As a result, 170 compounds (23 original constituents and 147 metabolites) were tentatively identified as forms existing in vivo, 13 of which have the same pharmacological effect with ARTF. Among 170 compounds, three were newly detected original constituents in vivo and 89 were new metabolites of ARTF, from which 12 metabolites were regarded as new compounds. Nineteen original constituents and 65 metabolites were detected in 10 organs. Four metabolites were isolated and identified from rat urine, including a new compound (calycoisn-3'-O-glucuronide methyl ester), a firstly-isolated metabolite (astraisoflavan-7-O-glucoside-2'-O-glucuronide), and two known metabolites (daidzein-7-O-sulfate and calycosin-3'-O-glucuronide). The original constituents and metabolites existing in vivo may be material basis for ARTF efficacy, and these findings are helpful for further clarifying the effective forms of ARTF.

Saikosaponin A-Induced Gut Microbiota Changes Attenuate Severe Acute Pancreatitis through the Activation of Keap1/Nrf2-ARE Antioxidant Signaling

Objective

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a serious and life-threatening disease associated with multiple organ failure and a high mortality rate and is accompanied by distinct oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Saikosaponin A has strong antioxidant properties and can affect the composition of gut microbiota. We sought to determine the effects of Saikosaponin A interventions on SAP by investigating the changes of gut microbiota and related antioxidant signaling.

Methods

A SAP model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through the injection of sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct and confirmed by elevated levels of serum lipase and amylase. The model was fed a standard diet either with saline solution or with Saikosaponin A. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Saikosaponin A-induced rats into the rat model was performed to test the effects of gut microbiota. The composition of gut microbiota was analyzed by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We measured apoptotic status, inflammatory biomarkers, and Keap1-Nrf2-ARE ((Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element) antioxidant signaling.

Results

Saikosaponin A intervention attenuated SAP lesions and reduced the levels of serum amylase and lipase, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses by reducing pathological scores and affecting the serum level of oxidative and inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, the expression of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE was increased. Saikosaponin A intervention improved microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotella species. FMT resulted in similar results as those caused by the Saikosaponin A intervention, suggesting Saikosaponin A may exert its function via the improvement of gut microbiota composition.

Conclusions

Saikosaponin A-induced gut microbiota changes attenuate SAP progression in the rat model and may be a potential natural drug for adjuvant treatment of SAP. Further work is needed to clear up the points.

Calycosin inhibited autophagy and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating AMPK/SKP2/CARM1 signalling pathway

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a common and serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oxidative stress and autophagy are the primary molecular mechanisms involved in muscle atrophy. Calycosin, a major component of Radix astragali, exerts anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐autophagy effects. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of calycosin on skeletal muscle atrophy in vivo and in vitro. 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) rats were used as a model of CKD. We evaluated bodyweight and levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum albumin (Alb). H&E staining, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress biomarkers, autophagosome and LC3A/B levels were performed and evaluated in skeletal muscle of CKD rat. Calycosin treatment improved bodyweight and renal function, alleviated muscle atrophy (decreased the levels of MuRF1 and MAFbx), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in skeletal muscle of CKD rats. Importantly, calycosin reduced autophagosome formation, down‐regulated the expression of LC3A/B and ATG7 through inhibition of AMPK and FOXO3a, and increased SKP2, which resulted in decreased expression of CARM1, H3R17me2a. Similar results were observed in C2C12 cells treated with TNF‐α and calycosin. Our findings showed that calycosin inhibited oxidative stress and autophagy in CKD induced skeletal muscle atrophy and in TNF‐α‐induced C2C12 myotube atrophy, partially by regulating the AMPK/SKP2/CARM1 signalling pathway.

Effects of Egr1 on pancreatic acinar intracellular trypsinogen activation and the associated ceRNA network

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive disorder with high morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of early growth response protein 1 (Egr1), and the effect of competing endogenous (ce)RNA network on trypsinogen activation. Pancreatic acinar intracellular trypsinogen activation (PAITA) is an important event in the early stage of AP; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study used taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S)-treated AR42J cells (pancreatic cell line) to establish a PAITA model. A gene microarray and bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the potential key targets in PAITA. The results demonstrated that Egr1, an important transcription factor, was significantly overexpressed in PAITA. In Egr1 small interfering (si)RNA-transfected cells, Egr1 expression was decreased and trypsinogen activation was significantly decreased compared with negative control siRNA-transfected cells, indicating that in TLC-S-induced PAITA, overexpression of Egr1 enhanced trypsinogen activation. A ceRNA network [mRNA-microRNA (miRNA/miR)-long non-coding (lnc)RNA] generated using the PAITA model revealed that the effects of Egr1 on PAITA may be regulated by multiple ceRNA pairs, and the lncRNAs (including NONRATT022624 and NONRATT031002) and miRNAs [including Rattus norvegicus (rno)-miR-214-3p and rno-miR-764-5p] included in the ceRNA pairs may serve roles in PAITA by regulating the expression of Egr1. The results of the present study may provide novel targets for researching the underlying mechanisms of, and developing treatments for AP.