Protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A on MSCs against senescence induced by d-galactose

Recent Insights on the Role of Nuclear Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Application

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate a broad array of biological processes, including inflammation, lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Among the diverse family of NRs, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), estrogen receptor (ER), liver X receptor (LXR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), retinoid X receptor (RXR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) have garnered significant attention for their roles in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). NRs influence the pathophysiology of AD through mechanisms such as modulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, regulation of inflammatory pathways, and improvement of neuronal function. However, the dual role of NRs in AD progression, where some receptors may exacerbate the disease while others offer therapeutic potential, presents a critical challenge for their application in AD treatment. This review explores the functional diversity of NRs, highlighting their involvement in AD-related processes and discussing the therapeutic prospects of NR-targeting strategies. Furthermore, the key challenges, including the necessity for the precise identification of beneficial NRs, detailed structural analysis through molecular dynamics simulations, and further investigation of NR mechanisms in AD, such as tau pathology and autophagy, are also discussed. Collectively, continued research is essential to clarify the role of NRs in AD, ultimately facilitating their potential use in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of AD.

Repurposing cyclovirobuxine D as a novel inhibitor of colorectal cancer progression via modulating the CCT3/YAP axis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second in mortality worldwide and requires effective and affordable remedies. Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) is the main effective component of Huangyangning tablet, an approved traditional patent medicine, which is mainly used for cardiovascular treatment. As a multibioactive natural compound, CVB-D possesses underlying anticancer activities.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cell viability and clone-forming ability were determined in human CRC lines. Western blot, immunofluorescence assay, transmission electron microscopy and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining were utilized to investigate cell autophagy and senescence. The molecular mechanisms were explored by virtual prediction and experimental validation. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX), dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS), and azomethane (AOM)/DSS mouse models were employed for in vivo studies.

KEY RESULTS

CVB-D inhibited the growth and development of advanced CRC cells / mice by inducing autophagic and senescent activities through the chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 3 (CCT3)/yes-associated protein (YAP) axis. CVB-D acted as a promising inhibitor of CCT3 by interacting with its ATP site. In PDX tumours, CVB-D showed potential therapeutic effects by targeting CCT3. Treatment with CVB-D alleviated the mouse model of colitis induced by DSS and attenuated AOM/DSS-induced formation of adenomatous polyps by its action on CCT3.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our study has provided a scientific basis for the suggestion that CVB-D may be recognized as a prospective drug candidate for the therapy of CRC in patients.

The Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting the formation of amyloid plaques

OBJECTIVES

The herbs in Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD) are beneficial in the treatment of cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms of THSWD in treating diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD) are not entirely explored. This study is aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of THSWD in DACD model rats and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Ultra-high-phase liquid chromatography was employed to identify the main compounds contained in the THSWD extract. DACD rat model was induced by feeding with a high-sugar and high-fat diet and injecting streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). DACD rats were gavaged with THSWD for 1 week. The learning and memory abilities of the rats were measured by using the Morris water maze. Western blotting was used to detect the changes in DACD rat targets. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the correlation between proteins.

RESULTS

The results show that THSWD effectively reduced the escape latency, hippocampal neuron damage, glycosylated hemoglobin, type A1C, and blood lipid levels in DACD rats. Furthermore, DACD rats showed significantly increased amyloid precursor protein, β-secretase, Aβ1-40 , Aβ1-42 , Tau phosphorylation, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) expression. However, THSWD treatment can reverse this phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONS

THSWD can improve the learning and memory abilities of DACD rats by inhibiting the expression of AEGs-AGE receptors pathway, which provides an experimental basis for the clinical application of THSWD. In addition, the experiment combines pharmacological and statistical methods, which offers a new perspective for the study of Chinese herbal medicine.