Anemarrhena asphodeloides modulates gut microbiota and restores pancreatic function in diabetic rats

Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic bioactive peptides: A comprehensive review of their sources, properties, and techno-functional challenges

The scourge of obesity arising from obesogens and poor dieting still ravages our planet as half of the global population may be overweight and obese by 2035. This metabolic disorder is intertwined with type 2 diabetes (T2D), both of which warrant alternative therapeutic options other than clinically approved drugs like orlistat with their tendency of abuse and side effects. In this review, we comprehensively describe the global obesity problem and its connection to T2D. Obesity, overconsumption of fats, the mechanism of fat digestion, obesogenic gut microbiota, inhibition of fat digestion, and natural anti-obesity compounds are discussed. Similar discussions are made for diabetes with regard to glucose regulation, the diabetic gut microbiota, and insulinotropic compounds. The sources and production of anti-obesity bioactive peptides (AOBPs) and anti-diabetic bioactive peptides (ADBPs) are also described while explaining their structure-function relationships, gastrointestinal behaviors, and action mechanisms. Finally, the techno-functional applications of AOBPs and ADBPs are highlighted.

Chinese herbal medicine decreases incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetes mellitus patients with regular insulin management

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while insulin is a potent mitogen. Identifying a new therapeutic modality for preventing insulin users from developing HCC is a critical goal for researchers.

AIM

To investigate whether regular herbal medicine use can decrease HCC risk in DM patients with regular insulin control.

METHODS

We used data acquired from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance research database between 2000 and 2017. We identified patients with DM who were prescribed insulin for > 3 months. The herb user group was further defined as patients prescribed herbal medication for DM for > 3 months per annum during follow-up. We matched the herb users to nonusers at a 1:3 ratio according to age, sex, comorbidities and index year by propensity score matching. We analyzed HCC incidence, HCC survival rates, and the herbal prescriptions involved.

RESULTS

We initially enrolled 657144 DM patients with regular insulin use from 2000 to 2017. Among these, 46849 patients had used a herbal treatment for DM, and 140547 patients were included as the matched control group. The baseline variables were similar between the herb users and nonusers. DM patients with regular herb use had a 12% decreased risk of HCC compared with the control group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.80-0.97]. The cumulative incidence of HCC in the herb users was significantly lower than that of the nonusers. Patients with a herb use of > 5 years cumulatively exhibited a protective effect against development of HCC (aHR = 0.82, P < 0.05). Of patients who developed HCC, herb users exhibited a longer survival time than nonusers (aHR = 0.78, P = 0.0001). Additionally, we report the top 10 herbs and formulas in prescriptions and summarize the potential pharmacological effects of the constituents. Our analysis indicated that Astragalus propinquus (Huang Qi) plus Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Dan Shen), and Astragalus propinquus (Huang Qi) plus Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (Tian Hua Fen) were the most frequent combination of single herbs. Meanwhile, Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan plus Dan Shen was the most frequent combination of herbs and formulas.

CONCLUSION

This large-scale retrospective cohort study reveals that herbal medicine may decrease HCC risk by 12% in DM patients with regular insulin use.

Exploring a novel therapeutic strategy: the interplay between gut microbiota and high-fat diet in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders

In the past two decades, the rapid increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and hyperuricemia, has been attributed to high-fat diets (HFD) and decreased physical activity levels. Although the phenotypes and pathologies of these metabolic diseases vary, patients with these diseases exhibit disease-specific alterations in the composition and function of their gut microbiota. Studies in germ-free mice have shown that both HFD and gut microbiota can promote the development of metabolic diseases, and HFD can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. Therefore, investigating the interaction between gut microbiota and HFD in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases. This review takes HFD as the starting point, providing a detailed analysis of the pivotal role of HFD in the development of metabolic disorders. It comprehensively elucidates the impact of HFD on the balance of intestinal microbiota, analyzes the mechanisms underlying gut microbiota dysbiosis leading to metabolic disruptions, and explores the associated genetic factors. Finally, the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a means to address metabolic disturbances induced by HFD is discussed. In summary, this review offers theoretical support and proposes new research avenues for investigating the role of nutrition-related factors in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in the organism.

From Xiaoke to diabetes mellitus: a review of the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes mellitus treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin secretion defects or insulin resistance. The global incidence of DM has been gradually increasing due to improvements in living standards and changes in dietary habits, making it a major non-communicable disease that poses a significant threat to human health and life. The pathogenesis of DM remains incompletely understood till now, and current pharmacotherapeutic interventions are largely inadequate, resulting in relapses and severe adverse reactions. Although DM is not explicitly mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and clinical practice, it is often classified as "Xiaoke" due to similarities in etiology, pathogenesis, and symptoms. With its overall regulation, multiple targets, and personalized medication approach, TCM treatment can effectively alleviate the clinical manifestations of DM and prevent or treat its complications. Furthermore, TCM exhibits desirable therapeutic effects with minimal side effects and a favorable safety profile. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison and contrast of Xiaoke and DM by examining the involvement of TCM in their etiology, pathogenesis, treatment guidelines, and other relevant aspects based on classical literature and research reports. The current TCM experimental research on the treatment of DM by lowering blood glucose levels also be generalized. This innovative focus not only illuminates the role of TCM in DM treatment, but also underscores the potential of TCM in DM management.

Potential herb‒drug interactions between anti-COVID-19 drugs and traditional Chinese medicine

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide. Effective treatments against COVID-19 remain urgently in need although vaccination significantly reduces the incidence, hospitalization, and mortality. At present, antiviral drugs including Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid^TM), Remdesivir, and Molnupiravir have been authorized to treat COVID-19 and become more globally available. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for the treatment of epidemic diseases for a long history. Currently, various TCM formulae against COVID-19 such as Qingfei Paidu decoction, Xuanfei Baidu granule, Huashi Baidu granule, Jinhua Qinggan granule, Lianhua Qingwen capsule, and Xuebijing injection have been widely used in clinical practice in China, which may cause potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs) in patients under treatment with antiviral drugs and affect the efficacy and safety of medicines. However, information on potential HDIs between the above anti-COVID-19 drugs and TCM formulae is lacking, and thus this work seeks to summarize and highlight potential HDIs between antiviral drugs and TCM formulae against COVID-19, and especially pharmacokinetic HDIs mediated by metabolizing enzymes and/or transporters. These well-characterized HDIs could provide useful information on clinical concomitant medicine use to maximize clinical outcomes and minimize adverse and toxic effects.

The linkage of gut microbiota and the property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Cold-natured and sweet-flavored TCMs as an example

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a unique medical theory based on an extensive clinical practice for thousands of years, which guides TCM doctors choosing proper medicines to treat specific diseases. The nature and flavor of TCM are a high generalization of drug's characteristics according to the property theory. Despite intensive investigations, the modern interpretation of TCM property theory still confronts several challenges, which greatly hampers the elucidation of TCM's mechanisms as well as its application. Compelling evidence has proved that gut microbiota may be a potential indicator for TCM's efficacy and mechanism. Nevertheless, at present, the relationship between the gut microbiota and the nature and flavor of TCM has not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To fill the gap in this field, we developed a comprehensive study to investigate the relationship between gut microbial community and TCM's property.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched "PubMed" and "China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)" with the key word "gut microbiota", and screened the published articles related to TCM. In this review, we mainly applied cold-natured and sweet-flavored TCMs as an example to explore the modulation of cold-natured and sweet-flavored TCMs on gut microbiota, and identify the potential relationship between the alterations of gut microbiota and TCM's efficacy.

RESULTS

We found cold-natured and sweet-flavored TCMs possess several pharmacological activities and generally enrich beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which is in good accordance with their pharmacological effects. Simultaneously, these TCMs reduce the relative abundance of some harmful bacteria belonging to Firmicutes (Streptpcoccus, Enterococcus, Turicibacter, Anaerostipes and Oscillibacter) and Proteobacteria (Helicobacter, Enterobacter, Sutterella, Klebsiella, Desulfovibrio, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni). These results indicate that there are some intrinsic correlations between gut microbiota and the property of TCM, and gut microbiota may serve as a potential indicator to reflect the property of TCM.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot but comprehensive review provides an interesting proposal that the ancient theory of TCM property may be interpreted by the modern biological findings in gut microbiome.

A review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge., belonging to the family Liliaceae, are named 'Zhi-mu' according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. It is a medicinal plant that has long been used as a tonic agent in various ethnomedicinal systems in East Asia, especially in China, and also for treating arthralgia, hematochezia, tidal fever, night sweats, cough, dry mouth and tongue, hemoptysis, etc. THE ARM OF THE REVIEW: The review aims to provide a systematic overview of botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and to explore the future therapeutic potential and scientific potential of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed on Anemarrhena asphodeloides using scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, Elsevier, SpringerLink, ACS publications, ancient books, Doctoral and master's Theses. Collected data from different sources was comprehensively summarised for botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control of Anemarrhena asphodeloides.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis of the literature as mentioned above confirmed that the ethnomedical uses of Anemarrhena asphodeloides had a history of thousands of years in eastern Asian countries. Two hundred sixty-nine compounds have been identified from Anemarrhena asphodeloides, including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, steroids, organic acids, polysaccharides, benzophenones and other ingredients. Studies have shown that the extracts and compounds from Anemarrhena asphodeloides have extensive pharmacological activities, such as nervous system activity, antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiosteoporotic, antiallergic, antiplatelet aggregation, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-ageing, hair growth promoting, preventing cell damage, etc. Evaluating the quality and toxicity of Anemarrhena asphodeloides is essential to confirm its safe use in humans.

CONCLUSION

Anemarrhena asphodeloides is widely used in traditional medicine and have diverse chemical constituents with obvious biological activities. Nevertheless, more studies should be carried out in animals and humans to evaluate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its biological activity and confirm its safe use.

Neuroprotective Effect of Ponicidin Alleviating the Diabetic Cognitive Impairment: Regulation of Gut Microbiota

Cognitive impairment is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, which is caused by constitutive hyperglycaemia. Ponicidin is a diterpenoid isolated from a Chinese traditional herb (Rabdosia rubescens) and demonstrates the various pharmacological effects. The goal of this study was to scrutinise the neuroprotective effect of ponicidin against diabetic nephropathy (DN) induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Intraperitoneal administration of STZ (55 mg/kg) was used for the induction of diabetes and rats were received oral administration of ponicidin (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) until 28 days. The body weight, food intake, water intake and blood glucose level were assessed at regular time interval. Plasma insulin level, antioxidant, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis marker and faecal gut microbiota compositions were estimated. DN-induced group rats revealed the augmented glucose level, water intake, food intake and reduced body weight. Ponicidin significantly (P < 0.001) repressed the glucose level and water food intake and improved the body weight and plasma insulin. Ponicidin significantly (P < 0.001) repressed the malonaldehyde (MDA) level and boosted the level of glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the brain and serum level. Ponicidin significantly (P < 0.001) repressed the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and enhanced the level of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the brain and serum level. DN group rats exhibited the enhanced relative abundance of Firmicutes, along with enhancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and repressing the Bacteroidetes relative abundance. Ponicidin effectually restored the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus genera. Our findings clearly demonstrated that ponicidin has a neuroprotective effect against diabetic cognitive impairment through modulating the gut microbiome.

The Interaction between Flavonoids and Intestinal Microbes: A Review

In recent years, research on the interaction between flavonoids and intestinal microbes have prompted a rash of food science, nutriology and biomedicine, complying with future research trends. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and human health, but once the intestinal flora dysregulation occurs, it may contribute to various diseases. Flavonoids have shown a variety of physiological activities, and are metabolized or biotransformed by gut microbiota, thereby producing new metabolites that promote human health by modulating the composition and structure of intestinal flora. Herein, this review demonstrates the key notion of flavonoids as well as intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding about how flavonoids regulate the diseases by gut microbiota. Emphasis is placed on the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction that affects the metabolic fate of flavonoids and their metabolites, thereby influencing their metabolic mechanism, biotransformation, bioavailability and bioactivity. Potentially by focusing on the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota as well as their metabolites such as bile acids, we discuss the influence mechanism of flavonoids on intestinal microbiota by protecting the intestinal barrier function and immune system. Additionally, the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction plays a crucial role in regulating various diseases. We explain the underlying regulation mechanism of several typical diseases including gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guideline for the promotion of gastrointestinal health as well as the treatment of diseases.

Dissection of the Active Ingredients and Potential Mechanism of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei-Decoction in Treating COVID-19 Based on In Vivo Substances Profiling and Clinical Symptom-Guided Network Pharmacology

This work was aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei-decoction (HSYFD) for treating patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on clinical symptom-guided network pharmacology. Experimentally, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography technique coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was used to profile the chemical components and the absorbed prototype constituents in rat serum after its oral administration, and 11 out of 108 compounds were identified. Calculatingly, the disease targets of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei symptoms of COVID-19 were constructed through the TCMIP V2.0 database. The subsequent network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis explored the molecular mechanism of the absorbed prototype constituents in the treatment of COVID-19. A total of 42 HSYFD targets oriented by COVID-19 clinical symptom were obtained, with EGFR, TP53, TNF, JAK2, NR3C1, TH, COMT, and DRD2 as the core targets. Enriched pathway analysis yielded multiple COVID-19-related signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and JAK-STAT pathway. Molecular docking showed that the key compounds, such as 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and scopoletin, had high binding activity to the core targets like COMT, JAK2, and NR3C1. Our work also verified the feasibility of clinical symptom-guided network pharmacology analysis of chemical compounds, and provided a possible agreement between the points of views of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine on the disease.

Adding of Allium mongolicum regel extracts to lamb feedlot diets influences 4-alkyl-branched fatty acids deposition and the meat quality during storage

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Allium mongolicum Regel extracts on the 4-alkyl-branched fatty acid deposition and meat quality during storage. Small-tailed Han sheep were divided into four groups (n = 15) and fed for 75 days with a basal diet (CK), CK supplemented with A. mongolicum Regel powder (AMR), A. mongolicum Regel water-soluble extract (AWE), or A. mongolicum Regel ethanol-soluble extract (AFE). The results revealed that both AMR and AWE diets decreased the 4-alkyl-branched fatty acids content in longissimus thoracis. Diet × storage time interactions were observed for acid value (AV), peroxidase (POx), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N). Patterns of change for AV, POx, and GSH-Px over time leading to the interactions were not readily apparent and changes were more governed by main effects. Dietary supplementation with AMR and AWE increased the total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, and inhibited total bacteria counts compared to those in the CK lambs. The AWE diet also decreased the yellowness and hue angle. Overall, A. mongolicum Regel and its extracts could be used as a source of natural bioactive compounds in the lambs' diet to extend the storage time of their meat.

The Role of Nutritional Factors in the Modulation of the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in People with Autoimmune Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disease marked by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and the presence of autoantibodies. The gut microbiota has been shown to be involved in the alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as strengthening immunity, thus its’ possible involvement in the pathogenesis of T1DM has been highlighted. The goal of the present study is to analyze information on the relationship between the structure of the intestinal microbiome and the occurrence of T1DM. The modification of the intestinal microbiota can increase the proportion of SCFA-producing bacteria, which could in turn be effective in the prevention and/or treatment of T1DM. The increased daily intake of soluble and non-soluble fibers, as well as the inclusion of pro-biotics, prebiotics, herbs, spices, and teas that are sources of phytobiotics, in the diet, could be important in improving the composition and activity of the microbiota and thus in the prevention of metabolic disorders. Understanding how the microbiota interacts with immune cells to create immune tolerance could enable the development of new therapeutic strategies for T1DM and improve the quality of life of people with T1DM.

Gut microbiota, bile acids, and nature compounds

Natural compounds (NPs) have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy in various diseases and drug discovery. In the past decades, studies on gut microbiota have shown that the efficacy of NPs can be affected by the interactions between gut microbiota and NPs. On one hand, gut microbiota can metabolize NPs. On the other hand, NPs can influence the metabolism and composition of gut microbiota. Among gut microbiota metabolites, bile acids (BAs) have attracted widespread attention due to their effects on the body homeostasis and the development of diseases. Studies have also confirmed that NPs can regulate the metabolism of BAs and ultimately regulate the physiological function of the body and disease progresses. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the interactions among NPs, gut microbiota, and BAs. In addition, we also discuss the role of microbial BAs metabolism in understanding the toxicity and efficacy of NPs. Furthermore, we present personal insights into the future research directions of NPs and BAs.

The underlying mechanisms of anti-hepatitis B effects of formula Le-Cao-Shi and its single herbs by network pharmacology and gut microbiota analysis

Formula Le-Cao-Shi (LCS), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used as folk remedy for treating hepatitis B for a long time. In our previous study, the anti-hepatitis B effects of LCS have been verified. In the present study, the anti-hepatitis B activities of LCS and its three single herbs were investigated in vitro by HepG2.2.15 cellular model, and the mechanisms against hepatitis B were deciphered via network pharmacology and gut microbiota analysis. By network pharmacology method, twelve key compounds that played a vital role in LCS were filtered from 213 ingredients. The targets RORA, CDK2, RELA, AKT1, IKBKG, PRKCβ and CASP3 were directly related to hepatitis B pathway, which indicated that LCS could exert anti-hepatitis B effect by co-regulating cell cycle and inflammatory pathways. The interactions between candidate compounds and target proteins that were directly involved in hepatitis B pathway were validated by molecular docking simulation and RT-PCR. By gut microbiota analysis, it was revealed that LCS could alter the disordered microbial composition in the infected ducks towards normal, especially the restoration of three key strains, namely Streptococcus alactolyticus, Enterococcus cecorum and Bacteroides fragilis. The above findings could provide a scientific basis for further development and utilization of LCS against hepatitis B.

Qingrequzhuo capsule alleviated methionine and choline deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice through regulating gut microbiota, enhancing gut tight junction and inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Qingrequzhuo capsule (QRQZ), composed of Morus alba L., Coptis chinensis Franch., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam., Citrus × aurantium L., Carthamus tinctorius L., Rheum palmatum L., Smilax glabra Roxb., Dioscorea oppositifolia L., Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan, has been used to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in clinic. However, the mechanism of QRQZ on NASH remains unclear. Recent studies have found that the dysfunction of gut microbiota could impair the gut barrier and induce the activation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway, and further contribute to the inflammatory response in NASH. Modulating the gut microbiota to reduce inflammation could prevent the progression of NASH. In this study, a mouse model of NASH was generated by methionine and choline deficient diet (MCD) and treated with QRQZ. First, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of QRQZ on liver injury and inflammation in the NASH mice. Second, the changes in the gut microbiota diversity and abundance in each group of mice were measured through 16S rRNA sequencing. Finally, the effects of QRQZ on gut mucosal permeability, endotoxemia, and liver TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway levels were examined. Our results showed that QRQZ significantly reduced the lipid accumulation in liver and the liver injury in NASH mice. In addition, QRQZ treatment decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in liver. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that QRQZ affected the diversity of gut microbiota and a f f e c t e d t h e r e l a t i v e a b u n d a n c e s o f D u b o s i e l l a , Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Blautiain NASH mice. Besides, QRQZ could increase the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1 and occludin) in gut and decrease the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level in serum. Western blot results also showed that QRQZ treatment decreased the protein expression ofTLR4, MyD88 and the phosphorylation of IkB and NF-kBp65 and qPCR results showed that QRQZ treatment down-regulated the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a in liver. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that QRQZ could reduce the lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in NASH model mice. The mechanisms of QRQZ on NASH were associated with modulating gut microbiota, thereby inducing the tight junction of gut barrier, reducing the endotoxemia and inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NFkB signaling pathway in liver.

Timosaponin alleviates oxidative stress in rats with high fat diet-induced obesity via activating Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Anemarrhena asphodeloides originated from the rhizome of Liliaceae Anemarrhena asphodeloides. One of the active pharmacological components of Anemarrhena asphodeloides is timosaponin (TSA), which reduces blood lipids and shows antioxidation and anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanism is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TSA on oxidative stress induced by a long-term high-fat diet in obese rats. Body weight and the obesity index of the rats were measured during the experiment. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were used to detect oxidative stress indexes in serum and liver tissue. To observe the effect of TSA on the liver and adipose tissue of rats with oxidative stress, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining was used. The p-NF-κB, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and Nrf2 in Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. TSA was found to improve oxidative stress in obese rats by reducing MDA levels and increasing T-AOC and GSH-Px levels. Histological examination revealed that TSA effectively attenuated liver damage and improved obesity in rats. TSA was found to down-regulate the protein level of p-NF-κB and up-regulate the protein level of Nrf2/HO-1. These results suggested that TSA could effectively block inflammation and dyslipidemia in obese rats, thus improving oxidative stress, and its mechanism could be related to the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways.

Quantitative proteomics reveal the protective effects of EDS against osteoarthritis via attenuating inflammation and modulating immune response

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, Dioscorea nipponica Makino, and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge formula (EDS) are three traditional Chinese medicines commonly combined and used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on OA is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti osteoarthritis mechanism of EDS in the treatment of OA rats' model by quantitative proteomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A papain-induced rat OA model was established, and then EDS was intragastrically administered for 28 days. A label-free quantification proteomics was performed to evaluate the holistic efficacy of EDS against OA and identify the possible protein profiles mechanisms. The expression levels of critical changed proteins were validated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effects of EDS were then assessed by evaluating pathologic changes in the affected knee joint and measuring pressure pain threshold, acoustic reflex threshold, angle of joint curvature.

RESULTS

Proteomics analysis showed that 62 proteins were significantly upregulated and 208 proteins were downregulated in OA group compared to control group. The changed proteins were involved in activation of humoral immunity response, complement cascade activation, leukocyte mediated immunity, acute inflammatory response, endocytosis regulation, and proteolysis regulation. The EDS treatment partially restored the protein profile changes. The protective effects of EDS on pathologic changes in OA rats' knee joint and pain threshold assessment were consisted with the proteomics results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that EDS exerted synergistic therapeutic efficacies to against OA through suppressing inflammation, modulating the immune system, relieving joint pain, and attenuating cartilage degradation.