Suppression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity by crocin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced thrombosis in rats

Supplementing Freezing Medium with Crocin Exerts a Protective Effect on Bovine Spermatozoa Through the Modulation of a Heat Shock-Mediated Apoptotic Pathway

The supplementation of freezing medium with crocin results in an amelioration of post-thawing sperm quality, as determined by motility and viability. This study aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effect of crocin. Bovine spermatozoa were cryopreserved in a freezing medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, or 1 mM of crocin. Sperm lysates were evaluated for their redox status and the expression of proteins implicated in the heat stress response (HSR) and apoptosis. Crocin protected spermatozoa from the accumulation of superoxide anion and ameliorated their post-thawing antioxidant capacity in terms of ROS scavenging activity and glutathione content. Moreover, crocin decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while it increased superoxide dimsutase-1 (SOD-1) levels. These effects were associated with an inhibition of apoptosis, as evidenced by a decreased Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio and decreased levels of caspase-cleaved substrates. Finally, crocin affected the heat shock response of spermatozoa, since it upregulated the levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp) 60, 70, and 90. In conclusion, the addition of crocin to the freezing medium ensured controlled amounts of ROS, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of spermatozoa, and upregulated the anti-apoptotic proteins and Hsps, thus contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

A Narrative Review of Protective Effects of Natural Compounds Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Injuries

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large amphipathic glycoconjugate molecule in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. This bacterial endotoxin binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and stimulates the inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. The current paper presents the protective effects of natural compounds against LPS-induced injuries. The relevant findings were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from the beginning of 2005 until the end of September 2023 were employed. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that thymoquinone, crocin, carvacrol, and quercetin effectively attenuated LPS-induced damages via lowering the level of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. These natural compounds could also amplify the antioxidant defense against LPS by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, a part of the protective effects of these phytochemicals against detrimental impacts of LPS is attributed to their ability to downregulate the TLR4 expression and to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Briefly, the protective effects of natural compounds mentioned in current review against LPS-caused damages mainly are mediated by their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Nattokinase's Neuroprotective Mechanisms in Ischemic Stroke: Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Coagulation

Aims: Nattokinase (NK), a potent serine endopeptidase, has exhibited a variety of pharmacological effects, including thrombolysis, anti-inflammation, and antioxidative stress. Building on previous research highlighting NK's promise in nerve regeneration, our study investigated whether NK exerted protective effects in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanisms. Results: The rats were administered NK (5000, 10000, 20000 FU/kg, i.g., 7 days before surgery, once daily). We showed that NK treatment dose dependently reduced the infarction volume and improved neurological symptoms, decreased the proinflammatory and coagulation cytokines levels, and attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the infarcted area of tMCAO rats. We also found that NK could exert neuroprotective effects in a variety of vitro models, including the microglia inflammation model and neuronal oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. Notably, NK effectively countered OGD/R-induced neuron death, modulating diverse pathways, including autophagy, apoptosis, PARP-dependent death, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, the neuroprotection of NK was blocked by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine endopeptidase inhibitor. We revealed that heat-inactive NK was unable to protect against tMCAO injury and other vitro models, suggesting NK attenuated ischemic injury by its enzymatic activity. We conducted a proteomic analysis and found inflammation and coagulation were involved in the occurrence of tMCAO model and in the therapeutic effect of NK. Innovation and Conclusion: In conclusion, these data demonstrated that NK had multifaceted neuroprotection in ischemic brain injury, and the therapeutic effect of NK was related with serine endopeptidase activity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 42, 228-248.

Study on risk factors of preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with lower limb fractures and construction and validation of risk prediction nomogram model

BACKGROUND

To explore the correlation between the levels of D-dimer (D-D), fibrinogen (FIB), fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and platelets (PLT) in peripheral blood of patients with lower limb fractures and the formation of deep vein thrombosis in lower limbs, and to establish a new thrombosis prediction model for patients with lower limb fractures.

METHODS

The patients were divided into DVT group and non DVT group according to whether there was deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. The differences in the levels of D-D, FIB, FDP and platelets between the two groups were analyzed and compared. ROC curve was used to evaluate the levels of D-D, FIB, FDP and PLT in the peripheral blood of patients with lower extremity fracture to predict the formation of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related risk factors of deep vein thrombosis, and the corresponding nomogram risk prediction model of lower limb deep vein thrombosis in patients with lower limb fractures was drawn according to the regression coefficient, which was verified by calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and consistency index (C-index).

RESULTS

The levels of D-D, FIB, FDP, and PLT in the DVT group were higher than those in the non DVT group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05); Moreover, FIB is superior to D-D, FDP, and PLT in predicting the risk of fractures and thrombosis, while PLT has the weakest predictive power. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that platelet, D-D, FIB and FDP were independent risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in patients with lower limb fractures (P < 0.05); Based on the independent risk factors mentioned above, the complex logistic regression formula was transformed into a visual column chart, and the consistency index (C-index) was 0.962 and 0.936, and the external verification C-index was 0.841. The calibration curve showed that the nomogram is in high agreement with the actual results. The AUC value of ROC curve indicated that the nomogram has high prediction value.

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of D-D, FIB, FDP and PLT in peripheral blood of patients with lower limb fracture and DVT were significantly increased. Early monitoring of D-D, FIB, FDP and PLT levels in patients with lower limb fracture can effectively screen for lower limb deep vein thrombosis.

Rare crocins ameliorate thrombus in zebrafish larvae by regulating lipid accumulation and clotting factors

Crocin-4 is a water-soluble carotenoid that exhibits cardiovascular protection effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the pharmacodynamic effects and mechanisms of its analogues crocin-1 and crocin-2' have not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of rare crocins on cardiovascular systems. In ox-LDL induced HUVECs model, 0.02, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 μg/mL crocin-1 and crocin-2' can increase cell viability by up to 80 %. Meanwhile, rare crocins at concentrations between 25-100 μg/mL crocin-1 and crocin-2' reduced the lipid accumulation by 30 % in cholesterol-induced zebrafish larvae. What's more, the therapeutic potential of rare crocins on thrombosis has also been explored. In vitro experiments, rare crocin-1 and crocin-2' at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 μg/mL protected Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) against lipopolysaccharides-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. In vivo studies revealed that rare crocins at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 μg/mL exerted significant antithrombotic effect on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced zebrafish and there was nearly no potential risk for the deformity of zebrafish at 300 μg/mL dosages. In brief, rare crocins was viewed as a potentially useful candidate for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant properties.

Zixue Powder attenuates septic thrombosis via reducing neutrophil extracellular trap through blocking platelet STING activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Microthrombosis is commonly seen in sepsis and COVID-19. Zixue Powder (ZXP) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula with the potential to treat microvascular and infectious diseases. However, the role and mechanism of ZXP in sepsis-associated thrombosis remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigating the therapeutic effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of ZXP in septic thrombosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ZXP's compositions were examined with UPLC-QTOF-MS. The efficacy of ZXP on sepsis-induced thrombosis was assessed through various methods: liver tissue pathology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining, platelet count was determined by a blood cell analyzer, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum tissue factor (TF), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), D-Dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were localized and expressed in liver tissues by immunofluorescence, and the number of NETs in peripheral blood was evaluated by ELISA, which measured the quantity of cf-DNA and MPO-DNA in serum. Platelet P-selectin expression and platelet-neutrophil aggregation were measured by flow cytometry, and plasma P-selectin expression was measured by ELISA. Furthermore, the mechanism of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway in ZXP's anti-sepsis thrombosis effect was investigated using the STING agonist, Western blot experiments, and immunoprecipitation experiments.

RESULTS

UPLC-QTOF-MS identified 40 chemical compositions of ZXP. Administration of ZXP resulted in significant improvements in liver thrombosis, platelet counts, and levels of TXB2, TF, PAI-1, and D-Dimer in septic rats. Moreover, ZXP inhibited NETs formation in both liver tissue and peripheral blood. Additionally, ZXP decreased the levels of P-selectin in both platelets and plasma, as well as the formation of platelet-neutrophil aggregates, thereby suppressing P-selectin-mediated NETs release. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining experiments revealed that ZXP attenuated P-selectin secretion by inhibiting STING-mediated assembly of platelet soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) complex, ultimately preventing inhibition of NETs formation.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that ZXP effectively mitigates platelet granule secretion primarily through modulation of the STING pathway, consequently impeding NET-associated thrombosis in sepsis. These findings offer valuable insights for future research on the development and application of ZXP.

miR-483-5p-Containing exosomes treatment ameliorated deep vein thrombosis‑induced inflammatory response

Peripheral vascular condition, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a common ailment that may lead to deadly pulmonary embolism. Inflammation is closely connected to venous thrombosis, which results in blood stasis, leading to ischemia and hypoxia, as indicated by research. The objective of this research was to investigate the mechanism by which exosomes derived from adipose stem cells (ADSCs) prevent deep vein thrombosis. Our data showed that Exo-483 effectively reduced the thrombus weight in DVT rats by intravenous injection. Exo-483 decreased the expression of tissue factor (TF) protein, the influx of inflammatory cells into the thrombosed vein wall, and the levels of cytokines in the serum. Furthermore, Exo-483 suppressed the expression of Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and decreased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes. In an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model, the tube-forming and migratory abilities of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and EA.hy926 cells were suppressed by Exo-483 pretreatment.Exo-483 is also linked to regulating Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) production downstream of MAPK1.By decreasing the mitochondrial localization and phosphorylation at the S616 site of DRP1, it diminishes the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Moreover, according to Bioinformatics analysis, miR-483-5p was anticipated to target MAPK1. The research conducted by our team revealed that the miR-483-5p exosome derived from ADSCs exhibited anti-inflammatory properties through the modulation of downstream DRP1-NLRP3 expression by targeting MAPK1.The findings of this research propose that miR-483-5p may be regarded as an innovative treatment target for DVT.

Low-grade endotoxemia in acute pulmonary embolism: Links with prothrombotic plasma fibrin clot phenotype

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can traverse the intestinal barrier and enter bloodstream, causing endotoxemia and triggering inflammation. Increased circulating LPS was reported in arterial thromboembolism. We investigated whether increased LPS levels occur in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and if it is associated with a prothrombotic state.

METHODS

We studied 120 normotensive PE patients (aged 59 [48-68] years) on admission, after 5-7 days, and after a 3-month anticoagulation. Serum LPS levels, along with zonulin, a marker of gut permeability, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), fibrin clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), fibrinolysis proteins, and platelet markers were assessed.

RESULTS

Median LPS concentration on admission was 70.5 (61.5-82) pg/mL (min-max, 34-134 pg/mL), in association with C-reactive protein (r = 0.22, p = 0.018), but not with fibrinogen, D-dimer or platelet markers. Patients with more severe PE had higher LPS levels compared with the remainder. Median zonulin level was 3.26 (2.74-4.08) ng/mL and correlated with LPS (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). Patients with baseline LPS levels in the top quartile (≥82 pg/mL; n = 29) compared to lower quartiles had 18.6 % increased ETP, 14.5 % reduced Ks, and 25.3 % prolonged CLT, related to higher plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) levels. LPS decreased by 23.4 % after 5-7 days and by 40.4 % after 3-month anticoagulation together with reduced zonulin by 18.4 % and 22.3 %, respectively, compared to baseline (all p < 0.001). LPS levels were not related with fibrin characteristics and other variables assessed at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-grade endotoxemia is detectable in patients with acute PE and may contribute to increased thrombin generation and PAI-1-mediated hypofibrinolysis.

Ziqi Dihuang decoction ameliorates thrombosis in septic rats by inhitbiting plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Introduction

Sepsis is now a global medical burden with high morbility and mortality. The focus of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ziqi Dihuang (ZQDH) decoction on inflammatory and thrombosis-related parameters in septic rats.

Mothods

A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Sham group, CLP group, ZQDH-1ow group (0.735 g/kg) and ZQDH-high group (1.47 g/kg). Rats in ZQDH groups were given ZQDH decoction by gavage for 7 days before CLP. White blood cells (WBC), inflammatory cell infiltration of liver, kidney and lung, as well as serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were used to assess systemic inflammatory response. Coagulation and fibrinolytic indexes included platelet count, coagulation function, fibrin deposition, and levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in serum, liver, kidney and lung.

Results

LPS rats showed significant changes in inflammatory and thrombosis-related parameters such as increased WBC and inflammatory factors, decreased platelet counts, and increased tPA and PAI-1 concentrations in serum and organs. ZQDH decoction pretreatment can significantly inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung, and inhibit the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and ROS in a dose-dependent manner. ZQDH decoction also ameliorated thrombocytopenia, renal fibrin deposition, and tPA and PAI-1 levels in serum and organs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ZQDH decoction can dose-dependently relieve systemic inflammatory injury and regulate fibrinolysis system in septic rats, which may be mediated by PAI-1.

Sarcopenia and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Targeting the Muscle-Brain Axis

Declines in physical performance and cognition are commonly observed in older adults. The geroscience paradigm posits that a set of processes and pathways shared among age-associated conditions may also serve as a molecular explanation for the complex pathophysiology of physical frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive decline. Mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, metabolic alterations, declines in cellular stemness, and altered intracellular signaling have been observed in muscle aging. Neurological factors have also been included among the determinants of sarcopenia. Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are synapses bridging nervous and skeletal muscle systems with a relevant role in age-related musculoskeletal derangement. Patterns of circulating metabolic and neurotrophic factors have been associated with physical frailty and sarcopenia. These factors are mostly related to disarrangements in protein-to-energy conversion as well as reduced calorie and protein intake to sustain muscle mass. A link between sarcopenia and cognitive decline in older adults has also been described with a possible role for muscle-derived mediators (i.e., myokines) in mediating muscle-brain crosstalk. Herein, we discuss the main molecular mechanisms and factors involved in the muscle-brain axis and their possible implication in cognitive decline in older adults. An overview of current behavioral strategies that allegedly act on the muscle-brain axis is also provided.

Crocin molecular signaling pathways at a glance: A comprehensive review

Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid that is synthesized in the flowers of the Crocus genus. Numerous in vitro and in vivo research projects have been published about the biological and pharmacological properties and toxicity of crocin. Crocin acts as a memory enhancer, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and so on. Here, we introduce an updated and comprehensive review of crocin molecular mechanisms based on previously examined and mentioned in the literature. Different studies confirmed the significant effect of crocin to control pathological conditions, including oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. The neuroprotective effect of crocin could be related to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Notch, and cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein signaling pathways. The crocin also protects the cardiovascular system through the inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors. The regulatory effect of crocin on PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways can play an effective role in the treatment of metabolic disorders. The crocin has anticancer activity through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinases-signal transducer and activator of transcription suppression. Also, the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 and p53 signaling pathway activation may be effective in the anticancer effect of crocin. Finally, among signaling pathways regulated by crocin, the most important ones seem to be those related to the regulatory effect on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Combination therapy of Ulinastatin with Thrombomodulin alleviates endotoxin (LPS) - induced liver and kidney injury via inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Sepsis is a type of systemic inflammation response syndrome that leads to organ function disorders. Currently, there is no specific medicine for sepsis in clinical practice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important endotoxin that causes sepsis. Here, we report an effective two-drug combination therapy to treat LPS-induced liver and kidney injury in endotoxic rats. Ulinastatin (UTI) and Thrombomodulin (TM) are biological macromolecules extracted from urine. In our study, combination therapy significantly improved LPS-induced liver and kidney pathological structure and functional injury, and significantly improved the survival rate of endotoxic rats. Results of TUNEL staining and Western blot showed that UTI combined with TM inhibited the excessive apoptosis of liver and kidney cells caused by LPS. The drug combination also promoted the proliferation of liver and kidney cells, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor or necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide, and down-regulated the expression of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB phosphorylation to inhibit inflammation. In addition, the combination of UTI and TM also promoted the production of a variety of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues and inhibited the production of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) to enhance antioxidant defenses. Our experiments also proved that UTI combined with TM did not reduce the anticoagulant effect of TM. These results suggested that UTI combined with TM can improve endotoxin-induced liver and kidney damage and mortality by inhibiting liver and kidney cell apoptosis, promoting proliferation, and inhibiting inflammation and oxidative injury.

Intraperitoneal Lavage with Crocus sativus Prevents Postoperative-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion in a Rat Model: Evidence from Animal and Cellular Studies

Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are considered the major complication following abdominal surgeries. The primary clinical complications of peritoneal adhesion are intestinal obstruction, infertility, pelvic pain, and postoperative mortality. In this study, regarding the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Crocus sativus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Crocus sativus on the prevention of postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion. Male Wistar-Albino rats were used to investigate the preventive effects of C. sativus extract (0.5%, 0.25% and 0.125% w/v) against postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion compared to pirfenidone (PFD, 7.5% w/v). We also investigated the protective effects of PFD (100 μg/ml) and C. sativus extract (100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) in TGF-β1-induced fibrotic macrophage polarization. The levels of cell proliferation and oxidative, antioxidative, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory, fibrosis, and angiogenesis biomarkers were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro models. C. sativus extract ameliorates postoperational-induced peritoneal adhesion development by attenuating oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)]; inflammatory mediators [interleukin- (IL-) 6, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)]; fibrosis [transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, IL-4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)]; and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] markers, while propagating antioxidant [glutathione (GSH)], anti-inflammatory (IL-10), and fibrinolytic [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] markers and tPA/PAI ratio. In a cellular model, we revealed that the extract, without any toxicity, regulated the levels of cell proliferation and inflammatory (TNF-α), angiogenesis (VEGF), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), M1 [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)] and M2 [arginase-1 (Arg 1)] biomarkers, and iNOS/Arg-1 ratio towards antifibrotic M1 phenotype of macrophage, in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the current study indicated that C. sativus reduces peritoneal adhesion formation by modulating the macrophage polarization from M2 towards M1 cells.

The addition of crocin in the freezing medium extender improves post-thaw semen quality

Semen cryopreservation is arguably the most important method or technique contributing to the advancement of modern animal production. However, the quality of sperm after thawing is still highly variable. The addition of antioxidant compounds to the freezing medium has been used customarily to counteract the harmful effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that are produced during the freeze/thaw process. Crocin, a potent antioxidant, improves the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. In this study, we evaluated the potential of crocin (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) as an extender additive to diminish the damaging effects of cryopreservation on bovine spermatozoa. Post-thaw semen quality was assessed by means of motility, viability and lipid peroxidation (LPO). We further investigated the effect of crocin supplementation upon freezing on sperm quality parameters during their incubation at 37°C for up to 2 hr. Overall, the data assessment indicates that crocin facilitated a general improvement of the quality of freeze/thawed spermatozoa, under the present experimental conditions. Crocin (1 mM) maintained a higher percentage of alive spermatozoa with intact acrosome with rapid and progressive motility, compared to the control extender. Moreover, the spermatozoa cryopreserved in the presence of crocin exhibited higher values in CASA kinematic parameters (VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH) immediately after thawing. Furthermore, the positive effect of crocin on motility parameters was also sustained over a period of 2 hr incubation at 37°C. This effect of crocin may be attributed to the observed inhibition of LPO during the incubation period. Thus, the results indicate that the addition of crocin (especially at a final concentration of 1 mM) in the freezing extender medium may benefit the preservation of the quality parameters of spermatozoa that are compromised by the freeze/thaw heat shock and the stress during handling for IVF or artificial insemination.

Physically Cross-Linked Hyaluronan-Based Ultrasoft Cryogel Prepared by Freeze-Thaw Technique as a Barrier for Prevention of Postoperative Adhesions

Postsurgical peritoneal adhesions are a common and serious postoperative complication after various peritoneal surgeries, such as pelvic and abdominal surgery. Various studies have shown that peritoneal adhesions can be minimized or prevented by physical anti-adhesion barriers, including membranes, knits, and hydrogels. Hydrogels have attracted great attention in preventing peritoneal adhesions because the dimensional architecture of hydrogels is similar to that of the native extracellular matrix. However, chemical cross-linkers had to be used in the preparation of chemical hydrogels, which may have problems in cytotoxicity or unwanted side effects. This fact prompts us to create alternative cross-linking methods for the development of biocompatible hydrogels as physical barriers. Herein, we report a physically cross-linked flexible hyaluronan (HA) cryogel prepared via a freeze-thaw technique as a novel anti-adhesion biomaterial for completely preventing postsurgical peritoneal adhesions. In vitro studies demonstrated that this physically cross-linked HA cryogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility, the inherently desirable biocompatibility and functionality of HA being integrally retained as much as possible. Intriguingly, the rheological properties and appropriate biodegradability of the cryogels were readily tailored and tunable by way of the gelation process. In vivo assessments suggested that the cryogel, as a physical barrier, satisfactorily prevented fibroblast penetration and attachment between the injured tissues and nearby normal organs. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism studies revealed that the HA cryogel could prevent peritoneal adhesion by inhibiting inflammatory response and modulation of the fibrinolytic system. Our results show that HA ultrasoft cryogel is a promising clinical candidate for prolonged adhesion prevention.

Anti-thrombotic activity of phenolic acids obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza f. alba in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells via the NF-κB/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Over the past 100 years, Salvia miltiorrhiza f. alba (Lamiaceae) (RSMA) roots have been used to cure thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) in local clinics. This study aimed to confirm the anti-thrombotic efficacy of 12 phenolic acids obtained from RSMA and to clarify the possible underlying mechanisms. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments demonstrated that most of the phenolic acids markedly inhibited PAI-1 protein and mRNA levels but increased t-PA protein and mRNA levels in TNF-α-induced EA.hy926 cells (P < 0.05 or 0.001), with lithospermic acid displaying the strongest effect. In vitro anticoagulation and antiplatelet aggregation assays showed that lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), decreased fibrinogen concentration (FIB), and inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in rat blood. Both lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B markedly down-regulated the expression of factor Xa and factor IIa on the external surface of EA.hy926 cells and demonstrated significant anti-factor IIa and anti-factor Xa activity using chromogenic substrates in vitro. Western blot results revealed that both lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B also significantly inhibited the expression of TF, p-p65, p-p38, and pJNK proteins induced by TNF-α. These results indicated that all of the phenolic acids appeared to have some anti-thrombotic activity, with salvianolic acid B and lithospermic acid markedly decreasing the chance of thrombosis by regulating the NF-κB/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in response to TNF-α.

Prothrombotic effects of high uric acid in mice via activation of MEF2C-dependent NF-κB pathway by upregulating let-7c

Serum uric acid is reportedly associated with thrombosis development. However, still unclear is the mechanism of high uric acid in thrombosis with the involvement of let-7c. In an aim to fill this void, we conducted this study by treating mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells with high uric acid. Analysis indicated that let-7c was upregulated in hyperuricemia patients as well as in mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with high uric acid. Furthermore, high uric acid inhibited myocyte enhancer factor-2C, but activated nuclear factor-kappa B pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Then the targeting relationship between let-7c and myocyte enhancer factor-2C was verified. On the one hand, high uric acid shortened activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time of mice and declined tissue plasminogen activator level. Additionally, the treatment prolonged thrombin time and elevated the levels of thrombosis related molecules or proteins such as Fibrinogen and D-dimer. Nevertheless, these alternations could be reversed by inhibition of let-7c and nuclear factor-kappa B pathway or overexpressing myocyte enhancer factor-2C. To sum up, our results uncovered the pro-thrombotic effect of high uric acid in mice by activating myocyte enhancer factor-2C-dependent nuclear factor-kappa B pathway via let-7c upregulation.

AS3288802, a highly selective antibody to active plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), exhibits long efficacy duration in cynomolgus monkeys

Antibodies have strong affinity to their target molecules, a characteristic that is utilized in antibody drugs. For antibody drugs, target molecule specificity and long duration pharmacokinetics, along with strong affinity to the target molecule are important characteristics. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is one of the key regulators of the fibrinolysis system, and the benefits of PAI-1 activity inhibition have been widely reported for multiple thrombosis and fibrosis-related diseases. Here, we generated a novel antibody, AS3288802, with high selectivity for active PAI-1. AS3288802 exhibited prolonged and strong inhibition of PAI-1 activity in cynomolgus monkey blood in vivo. Given that AS3288802 showed prolonged antigen inhibition activity due to its high target molecule selectivity, we propose that increasing target molecule selectivity may be a key strategy for lengthening the efficacy duration of antibody drugs. AS3288802 may be a promising anti-PAI-1 antibody drug with multiple clinical applications including thrombosis and fibrosis-related diseases.

Breaking the vicious loop between inflammation, oxidative stress and coagulation, a novel anti-thrombus insight of nattokinase by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress

Thrombosis is a principle cause of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, the conventional anti-thrombotic approach often leads to bleeding complications despite extensive clinical management and monitoring. In view of the intense crosstalk between inflammation and coagulation, plus the contributing role of ROS to both inflammation and coagulation, it is highly desirable to develop safer anti-thrombotic agent with preserved anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities. Nattokinase (NK) possesses many beneficial effects on cardiovascular system due to its strong thrombolytic and anticoagulant activities. Herein, we demonstrated that NK not only effectively prevented xylene-induced ear oedema in mice, but also remarkably protected against LPS-induced acute kidney injury in mice through restraining inflammation and oxidative stress, a central player in the initiation and progression of inflammation. Fascinatingly, in line with our in vivo data, NK elicited prominent anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 macrophages via suppressing the LPS-induced TLR4 and NOX2 activation, thereby repressing the corresponding ROS production, MAPKs activation, and NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it mediates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and PAI-1 in activated macrophage cells. In particular, consistent with the macrophage studies, NK markedly inhibited serum PAI-1 levels induced by LPS, thereby blocking the deposition of fibrin in the glomeruli of endotoxin-treated animals. In summary, we extended the anti-thrombus mechanism of NK by demonstrating the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of NK in ameliorating LPS-activated macrophage signaling and protecting against LPS-stimulated AKI as well as glomeruler thrombus in mice, opening a comprehensive anti-thrombus strategy by breaking the vicious cycle between inflammation, oxidative stress and thrombosis.

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NK protects against LPS-induced AKI via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

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NK inhibits LPS-induced TRL4 and NOX2 activation in macrophages.

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NK inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo.

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NK inhibits LPS-induced PAI-I levels, thereby blocking glomerular thrombus in mice.

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NK may break the vicious loop between inflammation, oxidative stress and coagulation.

Effect of crocin on antioxidant gene expression, fibrinolytic parameters, redox status and blood biochemistry in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background

Diabetes is regarded as an epidemiological threat for the twenty-first century. Phytochemicals with known pharmaceutical properties have gained interest in the field of alleviating secondary complications of diseases. Such a substance is crocin, a basic constituent of saffron (Crocus sativus). The present study aimed at examining the beneficial effects of per os crocin administration on the antioxidant status, blood biochemical profile, hepatic gene expression and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1) in the liver, kidney and plasma (an important marker of pre-diabetic status and major factor of thrombosis in diabetes) of healthy rats, as well as of rats with nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Results

Diabetes disrupted the oxidation-antioxidation balance, while crocin improved the antioxidant state in the liver by significantly affecting SOD1 gene expression and/or by restoring SOD and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. In the kidney, crocin improved hydrogen peroxide decomposing activity and TAC. In blood, hepatic transaminases ALT and AST decreased significantly, while there was a trend of decrease regarding blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression of PAI-1 gene was affected in the liver by the dose of 50 mg kg⁻¹.

Conclusions

Crocin treatment contributed in restoring some parameters after diabetes induction, primarily by affecting significantly hepatic transaminases ALT and AST, SOD1 and PAI-1 gene expression and nephric H₂O₂ decomposing activity. In conclusion, crocin did contribute to the alleviation of some complications of diabetes.

Sparganin A alleviates blood stasis syndrome and its key targets by molecular docking

Blood stasis syndrome is implicated in the development of chronic conditions, including cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. Cyclo-(Tyr-Leu), named Sparganin A (SA), is a compound isolated from the ethanol extract of Rhizoma Sparganii. Here, the successful extraction of SA from Rhizoma Sparganii was verified by extensive spectral analysis using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. To determine the biological effects of SA, a mouse model of acute blood stasis was established by subcutaneous injection of adrenaline hydrochloride and placing the animals in an ice water bath. In this model, the concentration of TXB2, PAI-1, FIB, ET-1 was measured by ELISA, and thymus index (TI), hepatic index (HI), and spleen index (SI) were calculated. Molecular docking by SYBYL and functional analysis of the putative targets by STRING and Cytoscape were employed to identify the key targets of SA. The accumulated results documented that SA exhibits anticoagulative activity, and its key targets are VEGFA and SERPINE1. SA may be involved in the pathological process of complement and coagulation cascades. This study demonstrates that SA may be a promising drug to control coagulation in blood stasis syndrome.