Ziyuglycoside II alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia in mice via regulation of HSPC proliferation and differentiation

Ziyuglycoside II suppressed the progression of osteosarcoma by coordinating estrogen-related receptor gamma and p53 signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents. Despite ongoing research efforts, the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years, highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols. Ziyuglycoside II (ZYG II), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S. officinalis, has recently demonstrated antitumor properties. This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYG II on osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), which inhibits disease progression. The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines, as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma. Additionally, ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYG II exerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53. Results indicate that ZYG II administration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes. Furthermore, cell cycles were arrested at the G0/G1 phase, while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Expression of p53, ESRRG, p21, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased, while expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 proteins decreased. Multiple ZYG II and ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking. Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYG II to OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG. In conclusion, ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, leads to cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.

Unraveling the pathogenesis of bone marrow hematopoietic injury and the therapeutic potential of natural products

Bone marrow hematopoietic injury encompasses a range of pathological conditions that disrupt the normal function of the hematopoietic system, primarily through the impaired production and differentiation of bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Key pathogenic mechanisms include aging, radiation damage, chemical induction, infection and inflammation, and cross-talk with non-hematopoietic diseases. These pathological factors often lead to myelosuppression and myeloid skewing. Furthermore, we explored the potential and application prospects of natural products in the treatment of bone marrow hematopoietic injury. Natural products, particularly those derived from Chinese herbal medicines and other natural sources, have emerged as promising therapeutic options due to their distinctive mechanisms and minimal side effects. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of bone marrow hematopoietic injury could illuminate how natural products exert their effects, thereby optimizing treatment strategies and offering safer, more effective options for patients. Future research should leverage emerging technologies to further elucidate the composition and interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment, as well as the specific pathways through which natural products modulate hematopoietic dysfunction.

Damage of the Bone Marrow Stromal Precursors in Patients with Acute Leukemia at the Onset of the Disease and During Treatment

In patients with acute leukemia (AL), malignant cells and therapy modify the properties of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their descendants, reducing their ability to maintain normal hematopoiesis. The aim of this work was to elucidate the alterations in MSCs at the onset and after therapy in patients with AL. The study included MSCs obtained from the bone marrow of 78 AL patients (42 AML and 36 ALL) and healthy donors. MSC growth characteristics, gene expression pattern, proteome and secretome were studied using appropriate methods. The concentration of MSCs in the bone marrow, proliferative potential, the expression of several genes, proteomes and secretomes were altered in AL-MSCs. Stromal progenitors had been affected differently in ALL and AML patients. In remission, MSC functions remain impaired despite the absence of tumor cells and the maintenance of benign hematopoietic cells. AL causes crucial and, to a large extent, irreversible changes in bone marrow MSCs.

Ziyuglycoside II attenuated OVX mice bone loss via inflammatory responses and regulation of gut microbiota and SCFAs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Osteoporosis (OP) is a frequent clinical problem for the elderly. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has achieved beneficial results in the treatment of OP. Ziyuglycoside II (ZGS II) is a major active compound of Sanguisorba officinalis L. that has shown anti-inflammation and antioxidation properties, but little information concerning its anti-OP potential is available. Our research aims to investigate the mechanism of ZGS II in ameliorating bone loss by inflammatory responses and regulation of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.

METHODS

We predicted the mode of ZGS II action on OP through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and an OVX mouse model was employed to validate its anti-OP efficacy. Then we analyzed its impact on bone microstructure, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and pain mediators in serum, inflammation in colon, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota composition and SCFAs in feces.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified 55 intersecting targets of ZGS II related to OP. Of these, we predicted IGF1 may be the core target, which was successfully docked with ZGS II and showed excellent binding ability. Our in vivo results showed that ZGS II alleviated bone loss in OVX mice, attenuated systemic inflammation, enhanced intestinal barrier, reduced the pain threshold, modulated the abundance of gut microbiota involving norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Dubosiella, and increased the content of acetic acid and propanoic acid in SCFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that ZGS II attenuated bone loss in OVX mice by relieving inflammation and regulating gut microbiota and SCFAs.

Characterization and structure-based protein engineering of a regiospecific saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus

Acetylation contributes to the bioactivity of numerous medicinally important natural products. However, little is known about the acetylation on sugar moieties. Here we report a saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT7-3 is discovered through a stepwise gene mining approach and characterized as the xylose C3'/C4'-O-acetyltransferse of astragaloside IV (1). To elucidate its catalytic mechanism, complex crystal structures of AmAT7-3/1 and AmAT7-3A310G/1 are obtained, which reveal a large active pocket decided by a specific sequence AADAG. Combining with QM/MM computation, the regiospecificity of AmAT7-3 is determined by sugar positioning modulated by surrounding amino acids including #A310 and #L290. Furthermore, a small mutant library is built using semi-rational design, where variants A310G and A310W are found to catalyze specific C3'-O and C4'-O acetylation, respectively. AmAT7-3 and its variants are also employed to acetylate other bioactive saponins. This work expands the understanding of saponin acetyltransferases, and provide efficient catalytic tools for saponin acetylation.

Immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of Tiepishihu Xiyangshen granules on cyclophosphamide induced immuno-suppression via TLR4/MAPKs and PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signal pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tiepishihu Xiyangshen granules (TXG) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of Panax quinquefolius L, Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo and Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. It has long been used as a nutritional supplement and an immune enhancer in China. However, the immunomodulatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of TXG have not been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of TXG and clarify the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

TXG was administered by gavage for 18 days. From the 15th day, the immunosuppression model was induced by intraperitoneally injecting 80 mg/kg CTX for 3 days. The immune regulatory effects of TXG on immune organs were verified by calculating the organ index and observing the spleen tissue structure through HE staining. The effects of TXG on immune cells were examined by recording the PBWC, the proliferation rate of lymphocyte and the T lymphocyte phenotype. The effects of TXG on immune molecules were measured by detecting serum hemolysin and the content of cytokines. In parallel, kit was utilized to detect its antioxidant capacity. RNA seq and Western blot were used to analyze the possible immune regulation mechanism of TXG. HPLC and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS were used to identify the chemical components in TXG.

RESULTS

At the level of immune organs, TXG effectively reduced the adverse reaction to the body and the substantial damage to the spleen after chemotherapy by improving the spleen damage. At the level of immune molecules, TXG upregulated the expression of cytokines and antibodies. At the level of immune cells, TXG antagonized bone marrow suppression by increasing the PBWC of immunosuppressed mice. Meanwhile, TXG upregulated the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ lymphocytes and ameliorated the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. And the mechanism of TXG to improve immunity might be through TLR4/MAPKs and PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirmed that TXG has prominent immunomodulatory activities, and the immunity regulations of TXG may be achieved by regulating TLR4/MAPKs and PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signal pathways.

Sanguisorba parviflora (Maxim.) Takeda alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia by regulating haematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 gene expression

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that the saponins of Sanguisorba parviflora (Maxim.) Takeda (Sp. T) relieved cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression in leukopenic mice. Haematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) participated in the survival of neutrophils through the regulation of mitochondrial function. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively identify the role of HAX-1 in the mechanism of leukopenia alleviation by Sp. T.

METHODS

HAX-1 gene and protein expression levels in peripheral blood neutrophils were examined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemical assays. Neutrophil apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial function was determined via assessments of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) integrity levels.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The HAX-1 gene expression level in the peripheral blood neutrophils was significantly lower in patients with leukopenia than in healthy donors. The saponins of Sp. T induced HAX-1 expression and promoted myeloid progenitor cell (mEB8-ER cell) viability. HAX-1 overexpression reduced the production of ROS and maintained ΔΨm integrity. Cyclophosphamide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis could be abrogated by treatment with Sp. T or metformin.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Our data suggest a mechanism through which Sp. T protects against chemotherapy-induced leukopenia by regulating HAX-1 gene expression in a mitochondrial-dependent manner.

Sanguisorba parviflora (Maxim) Takeda alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia via regulating the hematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 gene

WHAT IS KNOWN AND THE OBJECTIVE

Our previous studies have shown that saponins of Sanguisorba parviflora (Maxim) Takeda (Sp. T) relieved cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression in mice with leukopenia. The hematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) participated in the survival of neutrophils through the regulation of mitochondrial function. This study aimed to comprehensively identify the role of HAX-1 in Sp. T to alleviate leukopenia.

METHODS

HAX-1 expression was examined in the peripheral blood neutrophils using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Neutrophil apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial function was evaluated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) integrity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Our study indicated that the expression of the HAX-1 gene was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood neutrophils of leukopenia patients compared with healthy donors. The saponins of Sp. T induced HAX-1 expression and promoted myeloid progenitor cell (mEB8-ER cell) viability, while overexpression of HAX-1 reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintained the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Cyclophosphamide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis could be abrogated by treatment with Sp. T or the addition of metformin.

WHAT IS NEW AND OUR CONCLUSION

Our data support a mechanism where Sp. T protects against chemotherapy-induced leukopenia by regulating HAX-1 gene expression in a mitochondrial-dependent manner.