Effect of matrine on the expression of substance P receptor and inflammatory cytokines production in human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Involvement of ionomic metabolism of both the cerebrospinal fluid and the spinal cord in the analgesic efficacy of matrine in rats

CONTEXT

Matrine has antinociceptive properties, and spinal cord ionomic changes are involved in bone cancer pain.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between ionomic metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and spinal cord and matrine's analgesic efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive effects of matrine were identified in rats via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection using the tail-immersion and formalin tests. Pharmacodynamic parameters for matrine against formalin-induced pain were calculated with nonlinear regression analysis. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technology was utilized to detect contents of the ionome in CSF and spinal cord. Variations in ionomic metabolism in different treated groups were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA).

RESULTS

In the tail-immersion test, matrine significantly prolonged tail-flick latency in rats. Matrine also dose-dependently yielded analgesia against formalin-induced biphasic pain, with an onset at around 10 min post-injection and a duration of 100 min. The ED50 and Emax values were 19.01 mg/kg and 71.86% for phase I and 40.30 mg/kg and 81.51% for phase II, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient study and PCA revealed significant reprogramming of ionomic metabolism in the CSF and the spinal cord in the NM (normal saline + matrine), NF (normal saline + formalin), and FM (formalin + matrine) groups, compared to the NN (normal saline + normal saline) group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings broaden the known analgesic spectrum of matrine and provide novel insights into the involvement of ionomic metabolism in its analgesic efficacy.

Effects of Sophora flavescens dietary supplementation on the growth performance, haematological indices, and intestinal bacterial community of Oreochromis niloticus

Sophora flavescens is considered to be of various medicinal and economic importance. Previous studies have shown that it has antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing functions. To explore the full potential of S. flavescens in fish feed development, we investigated the effects of different levels of S. flavescens added to the diet on the growth performance, haematological indices, and the intestinal bacterial community of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The feeding trial lasted for 56 days, and the initial weight of the fish was 40.00 ± 5.00 g. Nile tilapia were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (CN) and five S. flavescens supplementation groups (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.3% [w/w] of S. flavescens in diet). The growth performance of fish increased first and then decreased with the increase of S. flavescens supplemental level. Compared with other experimental groups, the growth performance of fish supplemented with 0.08% S. flavescens was significantly improved (p < 0.05). Haematological indices exhibited that erythrocyte (RBC), along with leucocyte (WBC) indices, exhibited a secondary trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of S. flavescens, reaching the highest level at 0.08% (p < 0.05). However, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) exhibited a secondary trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase of S. flavescens and reached the lowest value at 0.08% (p < 0.05). Compared with the CN, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) significantly decreased and changed when the additional amount of S. flavescens was 0.04% in each treatment group (p < 0.05). In another way, the gut microbial profiles revealed that Bacteroides dominated the gut communities, and compared with the control group, two uncultured bacteria were suppressed. In addition, when the supplemental level of S. flavescens was more significant than 0.04%, the proliferation of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Solibacillus silvestris, and Escherichia sp. in the gut of Nile tilapia was promoted. The results revealed that S. flavescens, as an additive to the Nile tilapia diet with levels ranging from 0.04% to 0.08%, can enhance the growth performance and immunity and promote the proliferation of intestinal beneficial bacteria of Nile tilapia.

Inhibition of gasdermin D (GSDMD) as a promising therapeutic approach for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, erythema, and skin barrier dysfunction. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is the key executioner of an inflammatory cell death mechanism known as pyroptosis. However, the role of GSDMD in the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. Through the analysis of publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, we observed an upregulation of Gsdmd mRNA in the skin tissue of AD patients. Moreover, we delved into the impact of GSDMD deletion and inhibition on AD-like skin lesions using a mouse model induced by the topical application of oxazolone (Oxa). We found that mice lacking GSDMD exhibited relieved AD signs and symptoms in terms of reduced skin thickness, scarring and scratching behavior compared to wild-type mice after induction of AD-like skin lesions. This was associated with decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced epidermal thickness, and decreased serum levels of IgE and IL-4. Western blot analysis further revealed decreased GSDMD cleavage in the skin of GSDMD knockout mice, and reduced expression of IL-1β and IL-18. Inhibition of GSDMD using the pharmacological agent disulfiram or the herbal compound matrine significantly attenuated the symptoms of AD-like skin lesions in wild-type mice, GSDMD cleavage and pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced as well. Our results suggest that GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis plays a critical role in the development of AD-like skin lesions, and targeting GSDMD may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.

Development of a mammalian neurosensory full-thickness skin equivalent and its application to screen sensitizing stimuli

Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are an increasingly popular research tool due to limitations associated with animal testing for dermatological research. They recapitulate many aspects of skin structure and function, however, many only contain two basic cell types to model dermal and epidermal compartments, which limits their application. We describe advances in the field skin tissue modeling to produce a construct containing sensory-like neurons that is responsive to known noxious stimuli. Through incorporation of mammalian sensory-like neurons, we were able to recapitulate aspects of the neuroinflammatory response including secretion of substance P and a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to a well-characterized neurosensitizing agent: capsaicin. We observed that neuronal cell bodies reside in the upper dermal compartment with neurites extending toward the keratinocytes of the stratum basale where they exist in close proximity to one another. These data suggest that we are able to model aspects of the neuroinflammatory response that occurs during exposure to dermatological stimuli including therapeutics and cosmetics. We propose that this skin construct can be considered a platform technology with a wide range of applications including screening of actives, therapeutics, modeling of inflammatory skin diseases, and fundamental approaches to probe underlying cell and molecular mechanisms.

Matrine regulates Th1/Th2 inflammatory responses by inhibiting the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis to alleviate atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease. Matrine is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophora flavescens, and it poses good therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological effects of matrine on AD and its underlying mechanism. An AD mouse model and inflamed human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) cells were established. Histopathological aspects were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The secretions of cytokines and chemokines were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry was carried out to analyze the proportions of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells. Herein, our results displayed that matrine diminished AD symptoms and decreased heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) expression. Matrine decreased the Th2 cytokine levels in the ear tissues and serum, and it also significantly repressed inflammatory cytokines (thymus activation regulated chemokine and interleukin-6) secretions by repressing the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis in inflamed HaCaT cells. Furthermore, matrine inhibited Th2 differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells when co-cultured with inflamed HaCaT cells. Matrine can regulate the Th1/Th2 inflammatory response by inhibiting the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis to alleviate AD. Therefore, it may be a candidate for AD treatment.

Functional analysis of 3 genes in xenobiotic detoxification pathway of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus against matrine

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causative agent of pine wilt disease. It has caused devastating damage to ecosystems worldwide, owing to the characteristic of being widely spread and uncontrollable. However, the current methods of control are mainly based on pesticides, which can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, the search for new drug targets and the development of environmentally friendly nematicides is especially valuable. In this study, three key genes of the xenobiotic detoxification pathways were cloned from B. xylophilus, which were subsequently subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The bioassay experiment was carried out to determine the concentration of matrine required for further tests. Subsequently, enzyme activity detection and three gene expression pattern analysis were performed on matrine treated nematodes. Finally, RNA interference was conducted to verify the functions carried out by the three genes in combating matrine. The results indicated that cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase of B. xylophilus were activated by matrine, which induced high expression of BxCYP33C4, BxGST1, and BxGST3. After RNA interference of three genes of B. xylophilus, the sensitivity of B. xylophilus to matrine was increased and the survival rate of nematodes was reduced to various degrees in comparison to the control group. Overall, the results fully demonstrated that BxCYP33C4, BxGST1, and BxGST3 are valuable drug targets for B. xylophilus. Furthermore, the results suggested that matrine has value for development and exploitation in the prevention and treatment of B. xylophilus.

Analgesic Alkaloids Derived From Traditional Chinese Medicine in Pain Management

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent health problems. The establishment of chronic pain is complex. Current medication for chronic pain mainly dependent on anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and opioidergic drugs. However, they have limited therapeutic efficacy, and some even with severe side effects. We turned our interest into alkaloids separated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), that usually act on multiple drug targets. In this article, we introduced the best-studied analgesic alkaloids derived from TCM, including tetrahydropalmatine, aloperine, oxysophocarpine, matrine, sinomenine, ligustrazine, evodiamine, brucine, tetrandrine, Stopholidine, and lappaconitine, focusing on their mechanisms and potential clinical applications. To better describe the mechanism of these alkaloids, we adopted the concept of drug-cloud (dCloud) theory. dCloud illustrated the full therapeutic spectrum of multitarget analgesics with two dimensions, which are “direct efficacy”, including inhibition of ion channels, activating γ-Aminobutyric Acid/opioid receptors, to suppress pain signal directly; and “background efficacy”, including reducing neuronal inflammation/oxidative stress, inhibition of glial cell activation, restoring the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, to cure the root causes of chronic pain. Empirical evidence showed drug combination is beneficial to 30–50% chronic pain patients. To promote the discovery of effective analgesic combinations, we introduced an ancient Chinese therapeutic regimen that combines herbal drugs with “Jun”, “Chen”, “Zuo”, and “Shi” properties. In dCloud, “Jun” drug acts directly on the major symptom of the disease; “Chen” drug generates major background effects; “Zuo” drug has salutary and supportive functions; and “Shi” drug facilitates drug delivery to the targeted tissue. Subsequently, using this concept, we interpreted the therapeutic effect of established analgesic compositions containing TCM derived analgesic alkaloids, which may contribute to the establishment of an alternative drug discovery model.

Current views on neuropeptides in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving skin barrier dysfunction and immune imbalance. However, the mechanism of AD is not clear completely and may be related to heredity and environment. Neuropeptides are a class of peptides secreted by nerve endings, they may play roles in promoting vasodilation, plasma extravasation, chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and mediating pruritus. Since itching and immune cell infiltration are the main manifestations of atopic dermatitis, to further investigate the impact of neuropeptides on AD, our review summarized the mechanisms of several common neuropeptides in AD and hypothesized that neuropeptides may be the novel potential targets in AD treatment.

Cellular Function of Annexin A1 Protein Mimetic Peptide Ac2-26 in Human Skin Keratinocytes HaCaT and Fibroblast Detroit 551 Cells

Inflammation of the skin is the most common dermatological problem in human. The anti-inflammatory mediated responses of the skin cells provide a mechanism for combating these conditions. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is one of the proteins that has been shown to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect. However, the effects and mechanisms of AnxA1 in skin keratinocyte and fibroblast have not been reported yet. In the current study, we hypothesized that Ac2-26, AnxA1 mimetic peptide, ameliorates inflammation and wrinkle formation in human skin cells. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether Ac2-26 has anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle effects in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and fibroblast (Detroit 551) cells, respectively. Human HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ with or without Ac2-26, to identify the anti-inflammatory effect. Human Detroit 551 cells were treated with Ac2-26 to verify the anti-wrinkle effect. Initially, cell cytotoxicity was carried out in each cell line treated using Ac2-26 by MTT assay. Human MDA, IL-8, and procollagen secretion were detected by ELISA assay. The inflammatory chemokines were measured by qRT-PCR analysis. To demonstrate the mechanism, MAPK, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MMPs were analyzed by Western blotting. As a result, we identified that Ac2-26 significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated pro-inflammatory chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MDC, TARC, and TNF-α, by inhibiting the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT pathway in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT human keratinocytes. In addition, we also identified that Ac2-26 significantly induced collagen synthesis by generating pro-collagen, and suppressed collagen degradation by inhibiting the collagenase MMP-1 and MMP-8 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that Ac2-26 shows anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkling effect. These effects may lead to the development of preventive and therapeutic application for inflammation-related skin disease and wrinkle formation.

A Systematic Review of the Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics of Matrine

Matrine (MT) is a naturally occurring alkaloid and an bioactive component of Chinese herbs, such as Sophora flavescens and Radix Sophorae tonkinensis. Emerging evidence suggests that MT possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fibrotic, anti-allergic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. These pharmacological properties form the foundation for its application in the treatment of various diseases, such as multiple types of cancers, hepatitis, skin diseases, allergic asthma, diabetic cardiomyopathy, pain, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. However, an increasing number of published studies indicate that MT has serious adverse effects, the most obvious being liver toxicity and neurotoxicity, which are major factors limiting its clinical use. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that MT has low oral bioavailability and short half-life in vivo. This review summarizes the latest advances in research on the pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of MT, with a focus on its biological properties and mechanism of action. The review provides insight into the future of research on traditional Chinese medicine.

Semi-synthesis and characterization of some new matrine derivatives as insecticidal agents

BACKGROUND

Matrine is an important traditional plant-derived insecticide with broad-spectrum activity. However, due to its moderate activity, matrine is mainly applied in combination with other pesticides. In order to discover new potential natural-product-based crop protection agents, a series of matrine derivatives characterized by cyclohexylamine group were synthesized to screen their insecticidal activity against seven typically agricultural pests.

RESULTS

The structural configurations of compounds were characterized by IR, ¹ H NMR, ¹³ C NMR, MS and XRD, with the pure yields of 42%, 65% and 71%, respectively. Although all compounds showed poor insecticidal activity against five lepidoptera pests, the compounds 2 and 4 displayed remarkable insecticidal activities against Lipaphis erysimi and Mulberry Root-Knot Nematode with a concentration-dependent manner within 0.5~1.5 mg/ mL. Compared with matrine (60%), compounds 2 and 4 exhibited potent insecticidal activities against L. erysimi, with a corrected mortality of 83.3% and 89.7%, respectively. They also showed excellent control effects on Mulberry Root-Knot Nematode, with corrected mortality as high as 88% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

All four synthesized matrine derivatives showed poor insecticidal activity against five lepidoptera pests, but the compounds 2 and 4 exhibited much stronger insecticidal activities against L. erysimi and Mulberry Root-Knot Nematode than matrine. Combined with the structural characteristics of compounds 1~4, we conclude that 4-methylcyclohexylamine, not the carbon disulfide group or cyclohexylamine group alone, mainly contributed to the improvement of insecticidal activities of matrine derivatives against these two agricultural pests. This work provides a direction and foundation for structural optimization of the matrine pesticides in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Design and Synthesis of Molecular Hybrids of Sophora Alkaloids and Cinnamic Acids as Potential Antitumor Agents

Twenty-five sophora alkaloids-cinnamic acid hybrids (including matrine-cinnamic acid hybrids, sophoridine-cinnamic acid hybrids, and sophocarpine-cinnamic acid hybrids) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, HepG2 and A549) with cisplatin as a positive control. Some matrine-cinnamic acid and sophoridine-cinnamic acid compounds exhibited potent effect against all three cancer cell lines, such as compounds 5b, 5e, 5g, and 6d. The structure-activity relationship study of the synthesized compounds was also performed. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that compounds 5e and 6d could induce apoptosis in HepG2 cell line. Further, compounds 5e and 6d altered mitochondrial membrane potential and produced ROS leading to cell apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Overall, our findings suggested that these compounds may provide promising lead compounds for further development as antitumor agents by structural modification.

Role and mechanism of matrine alone and combined with acitretin for HaCaT cells and psoriasis-like murine models

BACKGROUND

Acitretin and matrine have been used in the treatment of psoriasis in China. This study was designed to investigate the role and related mechanisms of matrine alone and in combination with acitretin in the treatment of psoriasis in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were treated with matrine at different concentrations of 0 (blank control), 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/mL for 24, 48, 72 h, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium cell viability assay was used to assess the growth and proliferation of HaCaT cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Expression of protein was detected by Western blotting. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Then HaCaT cells were assigned to normal saline (NS) control group, matrine (0.4 mg/mL) group, acitretin (10 μmol/L) group, and matrine plus acitretin group, and the above methods were repeated. In animal experiments, the cumulative score (erythema, scaling, thickening) as a measure of the severity of inflammation was used to measure the skin performance of mice after treated with matrine 50 mg/kg, acitretin 4.5 mg/kg or combination of the two drugs on the psoriasis-like mouse models, respectively. Pathological findings of the lesions were observed, and the protein expressions in the lesions were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation inhibition was seen in HaCaT cells with treatment of matrine in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01, respectively). Cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest was observed in a dose-dependent way (P < 0.01). The expression of p21 (P < 0.05), LC3II/I (P < 0.01), and Beclin 1 (P < 0.01) increased and the expression of cyclin D1 (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing doses of matrine. Compared with the blank control, more autophagosomes were seen in HaCaT cells treated with matrine at 0.4 mg/mL by transmission electron microscopy (2.667 ± 1.202 vs. 21.33 ± 1.453, t = 9.899, P < 0.01). Cell proliferation inhibition and degree of the G0/G1 phase arrest was significantly higher in matrine plus acitretin group than those in matrine, acitretin, or the NS control group (P < 0.01, respectively). Compared with matrine or acitretin group, the expression of p21 (P < 0.05, P < 0.05) and LC3II/I (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in matrine plus acitretin group increased significantly and the expression of cyclin D1 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and p62 (P < 0.05, P < 0.05) was reduced significantly. Compared with matrine or acitretin, matrine plus acitretin significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (P < 0.05) and its downstream p-p70S6K (P < 0.05). In addition, the cumulative score of mice in the matrine plus acitretin group was significantly better than that in the matrine or acitretin group (1.480 ± 0.230 vs. 2.370 ± 0.241, P < 0.01; 1.480 ± 0.230 vs. 2.888 ± 0.341, P < 0.01). The expression of LC3 protein in the matrine plus acitretin group was also higher than that in the matrine, acitretin, or the NS control group (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Matrine has therapeutic potentials for psoriasis. Matrine and acitretin show synergistic effect via cell cycle arrest and autophagy induction by PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Substance P enhances cellular migration and inhibits senescence in human dermal fibroblasts under hyperglycemic conditions

Diabetes induces cellular dysfunction in dermal fibroblasts, such as impairment in migration, which is a major cause of chronic wound. Here, we demonstrated that the migration of human dermal fibroblasts was impaired under a high glucose culture condition. Substance P (SP) rescued the impaired migration of the fibroblasts. The activity of Rac1, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), and Src was required for SP-mediated rescue of fibroblast migration. SP activated Rac1 and Src, whereas, NSC23766, a Rac1 inhibitor, and PP1 and PP2, Src inhibitors, inhibited SP-mediated enhancement of fibroblast migration. Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the SP-mediated rescue of fibroblast migration. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity increased in human dermal fibroblasts cultured in a high glucose environment, but SP inhibited the β-galactosidase activity of the fibroblasts. These results suggest that SP promotes the migration of human dermal fibroblasts in diabetic-condition-mimicking cultures via the activity of Rac1, ROCK, and Src, and inhibits fibroblast senescence in hyperglycemic cultures.

Matrine suppression of self-renewal was dependent on regulation of LIN28A/Let-7 pathway in breast cancer stem cells

Matrine, a natural product extracted from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait, was the main chemical ingredient of compounds of Kushen injection, which has been widely used for its remarkable anticancer effects for years. The underlying mechanisms for Matrine regulations of human breast cancer stem cells (BrCSCs) are barely known. LIN28, a well-characterized suppressor of Let-7 microRNA biogenesis, playing vital roles in regulations of stem cells' renewal and tumorigenesis. Here we show that the compounds of Kushen injection derived Matrine could suppress the BrCSCs differentiation and self-renewal through downregulating the expression of Lin28A, resulting in the inactivation of Wnt pathway through a Let-7b-dependent way. In opposite to Matrine, Cisplatin treatment increases the ability of tumorsphere formation and the expression of BrCSCs markers, which was partially blocked by either Let-7b overexpression or CCND1 inhibition. Furthermore, Matrine sensitized BrCSCs to cisplatin's suppression of cancer expansion in vitro and in vivo. Our study uncovers the role of the LIN28A/Let-7 in BrCSCs renewal, and more importantly, elucidated a novel mechanism by which Matrine induces breast cancer involution.

Repurposing matrine for the treatment of hepatosteatosis and associated disorders in glucose homeostasis in mice

The present study investigated the efficacy of the hepatoprotective drug matrine (Mtr) for its new application for hepatosteatosis and associated disorders in glucose homeostasis. The study was performed in two nutritional models of hepatosteatosis in mice with various abnormal glucose homeostasis: (1) high-fructose diet (HFru) induced hepatosteatosis and glucose intolerance from hepatic, and (2) hepatosteatosis and hyperglycemia induced by high-fat (HF) diet in combination with low doses of streptozotocin (STZ). Administration of Mtr (100 mg/kg every day in diet for 4 weeks) abolished HFru-induced hepatosteatosis and glucose intolerance. These effects were associated with the inhibition of HFru-stimulated de novo lipogenesis (DNL) without altering hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Further investigation revealed that HFru-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was inhibited, whereas heat-shock protein 72 (an inducible chaperon protein) was increased by Mtr. In a type 2 diabetic model induced by HF-STZ, Mtr reduced hepatosteatosis and improved attenuated hyperglycemia. The hepatoprotective drug Mtr may be repurposed for the treatment of hepatosteatosis and associated disorders in glucose homeostasis. The inhibition of ER stress associated DNL and fatty acid influx appears to play an important role in these metabolic effects.

Lipid nanoparticles loading triptolide for transdermal delivery: mechanisms of penetration enhancement and transport properties

Background

In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) including nanostructured lipid carries (NLC) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) captured an increasing amount of attention in the field of transdermal drug delivery system. However, the mechanisms of penetration enhancement and transdermal transport properties of NPs are not fully understood. Therefore, this work applied different platforms to evaluate the interactions between skin and NPs loading triptolide (TPL, TPL-NLC and TPL-SLN). Besides, NPs labeled with fluorescence probe were tracked after administration to investigate the dynamic penetration process in skin and skin cells. In addition, ELISA assay was applied to verify the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of TPL-NPs.

Results

Compared with the control group, TPL-NPs could disorder skin structure, increase keratin enthalpy and reduce the SC infrared absorption peak area. Besides, the work found that NPs labeled with fluorescence probe accumulated in hair follicles and distributed throughout the skin after 1 h of administration and were taken into HaCaT cells cytoplasm by transcytosis. Additionally, TPL-NLC could effectively inhibit the expression of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 in HaCaT cells, while TPL-SLN and TPL solution can only inhibit the expression of IL-6.

Conclusions

TPL-NLC and TPL-SLN could penetrate into skin in a time-dependent manner and the penetration is done by changing the structure, thermodynamic properties and components of the SC. Furthermore, the significant anti-inflammatory effect of TPL-NPs indicated that nanoparticles containing NLC and SLN could serve as safe prospective agents for transdermal drug delivery system.

Matrine inhibits itching by lowering the activity of calcium channel

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (SFR) is a medicinal herb with many functions that are involved in anti-inflammation, antinociception, and anticancer. SFR is also used to treat a variety of itching diseases. Matrine (MT) is one of the main constituents in SFR and also has the effect of relieving itching, but the antipruritic mechanism is still unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of MT on anti-pruritus. In acute and chronic itch models, MT significantly inhibited the scratching behavior not only in acute itching induced by histamine (His), chloroquine (CQ) and compound 48/80 with a dose-depended manner, but also in the chronic pruritus models of atopic dermatitis (AD) and acetone-ether-water (AEW) in mice. Furthermore, MT could be detected in the blood after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) and subcutaneous injection (s.c.). Finally, electrophysiological and calcium imaging results showed that MT inhibited the excitatory synaptic transmission from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord by suppressing the presynaptic N-type calcium channel. Taken together, we believe that MT is a novel drug candidate in treating pruritus diseases, especially for histamine-independent and chronic pruritus, which might be attributed to inhibition of the presynaptic N-type calcium channel.

Matrine suppresses KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer growth by inhibiting autophagy-mediated energy metabolism

Matrine is a natural compound extracted from the herb Sophora flavescens Ait which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases. Recently, matrine was reported to have antitumor effects against a variety of cancers without any obvious side effects; however, the molecular mechanisms of its antiproliferative effects on cancer are unclear. Here, we report that matrine inhibits autophagy-mediated energy metabolism, which is necessary for pancreatic cancer growth. We found that matrine significantly reduces pancreatic cancer growth in vitro and in vivo by insufficiently maintaining mitochondrial metabolic function and energy level. We also found that either pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate supplementation markedly rescues pancreatic cancer cell growth following matrine treatment. Inhibition of mitochondrial energy production results from matrine-mediated autophagy inhibition by impairing the function of lysosomal protease. Matrine-mediated autophagy inhibition requires stat3 downregulation. Furthermore, we found that the antitumor effect of matrine on pancreatic cancer growth depends on the mutation of the KRAS oncogene. Together, our data suggest that matrine can suppress the growth of KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer by inhibiting autophagy-mediated energy metabolism.

Matrine inhibits prostate cancer via activation of the unfolded protein response/endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling and reversal of epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the sixth global primary cause of malignancy-associated fatality. Increased invasiveness and motility in prostate cancer cells are associated with ubiquitin proteasome system-regulated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Impairment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes ER stress due to the accumulation of unfolded proteins and altered cell survival. In the current study, the effect and mechanism of matrine on cell apoptosis, viability, migration and invasion of human prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro through the unfolded protein response (UPR)/ER stress pathway were investigated. Matrine inhibited proteasomal chymotrypsin-like (CT-like) activity in the prostate carcinoma cellular proteasome. Upregulated vimentin and N-cadherin and downregulated E-cadherin were also observed in vitro and in vivo. In vitro analyses showed that matrine repressed cell motility, viability and invasion, arrested the cell cycle at the G₀/G₁ phase and induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis. Furthermore, matrine activated the UPR/ER stress signaling cascade in prostate cancer cells and tumor tissues of xenograft-bearing nude mice. Results also demonstrated that the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was downregulated, the pro-apoptotic protein Bak was upregulated and the cell growth and cell cycle-related proteins c-Myc, Cyclin B1, Cyclin D1 and CDK1 were downregulated. Moreover, matrine inhibited tumor growth and Ki-67 expression in xenograft-bearing nude mice. To the best of our knowledge, the present study indicated for the first time that matrine exerted marked anticancer functions in human prostate carcinoma in vivo and in vitro through activation of the proteasomal CT-like activity inhibition mediated by the UPR/ER stress signaling pathway.

The crystal structure of the Matrine derivative: 12-(1H-indol-1-yl)dodecahydro-1H,5H,10H-dipyrido[2,1-f:3′,2′,1′-ij][1,6]naphthyridin-10-one hydrate, C23H29N3O

C23H29N3O, orthorhombic P212121 (no. 19), a = 8.62130(10) Å, b = 18.25770(10) Å, c = 25.6873(2) Å, V = 4043.31(6) Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0305, wRref(F2) = 0.0807, T = 293(2) K.

Regulatory effects of antitumor agent matrine on FOXO and PI3K-AKT pathway in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells

We previously demonstrated that matrine could inhibit the proliferating, migrating, as well as invading processes of both PC-3 and DU145 cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been clearly defined. In this study, using various techniques such as high throughput sequencing technology, bioinformatics, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunoblot analysis, we aimed to understand whether matrine serves as a novel regulator of FOXO and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. DU145 and PC-3 cell lines were cultured for 24 h in vitro. Cells were treated with either matrine or control serum for 48 h, followed by extraction of total RNA. The RNA was sequenced using HiSeq 2500 high-throughput sequencing platform (Illumina). A gene library was established and quality analysis of read data carried out. Integrated database from the website DAVID was used to analyze Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway of differential genes was used for pathway analysis, screening for fold differences of more than two times. The FOXO and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways were screened, and expression levels of mRNA and core protein detected by real-time PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. High throughput sequencing and GO analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes before and after treatment played an important role in cell metabolic process, growth process, anatomical structure formation, cellular component organization, and biological regulation. KEGG signal pathway analysis revealed that FOXO and PI3K-AKT signal pathways had a significant difference between before and after matrine-treated androgen-independent prostate cancer cells PC-3 and DU145. Real-time PCR showed that matrine treatment led to a significant increase in the expression levels of FOXO1A, FOXO3A, FOXO4, and FOXO6 in DU145 and PC-3 cells (P<0.01 or P<0.05), whereas the PI3K expression levels decreased (P<0.01). Similarly, immunoblotting revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the expression levels of FOXO1A FOXO3A, FOXO4, and FOXO6 in both PC-3 and DU145 cells, whereas PI3K expression levels decreased (P<0.05). Matrine had a broad regulating effect on the mRNA expression profiles of both PC-3 and DU145 cells. Matrine may inhibit cell proliferation, migration, as well as invasion, and induce apoptosis in both PC-3 and DU145 cells through FOXO and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Matrine could therefore be used as a complementary drug to present chemotherapeutic agents, for treating androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of matrine derivatives containing benzo-α-pyrone structure as potent anti-lung cancer agents

Matrine, an active component of root extracts from Sophora flavescens Ait, is the main chemical ingredient of Fufang Kushen injection which was approved by Chinese FDA (CFDA) in 1995 as an anticancer drug to treat non-small cell lung cancer and liver cancer in combination with other anticancer drugs. Owning to its druggable potential, matrine is considered as an ideal lead compound for modification. We delineate herein the synthesis and anticancer effects of 17 matrine derivatives bearing benzo-α-pyrone structures. The results of cell viability assays indicated that most of the target compounds showed improved anticancer effects. Further studies showed that compound 5i could potently inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo with no obvious side effects. Moreover, compound 5i could induce G1 cell cycle arrest and autophagy in lung cancer cells through up-regulating P27, down-regulating CDK4 and cyclinD1 and attenuating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Suppression of autophagy attenuated 5i induced proliferation inhibition. Collectively, our results infer that matrine derivative 5i bears therapeutic potentials for lung cancer.

Inflammaging and cardiovascular disease: Management by medicinal plants

BACKGROUND

In aging, a host of molecular and cellular changes occur which accelerate alteration and progression of inflammatory diseases. These conditions in the elderly people cause appearance of a phenomenon which has been denoted as "inflammaging". Understanding the pathogenesis and finding new methods for management of inflammaging are essential.

PURPOSE

In this paper we tried not only to explain inflammaging and its treatments with concentrating on medical plants but to collect a sufficient collection of anti-inflammatory plants with focusing on their mechanism of action.

METHOD

In this review paper, by searching in indexing cites, desired articles were obtained since 1995 by using keywords of inflammation, inflammaging, inflammation pathophysiology, free radicals and inflammation, aging inflammation, inflammatory disease, and plants or herbal medicine in inflammation.

SECTIONS

In advanced age the generation of free radicals increases in cardiovascular system. Pathological inflammation is also associated with production of excess free radicals More importantly, chronic inflammation makes aged people susceptible to age-related diseases. Some medicinal plants have been shown promising results in inhibition of inflammaging. Some other sections such as inflammation and inflammaging in cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress in cardiovascular complications, prevention and treatment strategies are presented.

CONCLUSION

The results of published papers show that the symptoms of several inflammatory diseases can be inhibited or treated by active ingredients from medicinal plants.

Anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic Chinese herbal medicines: A mechanistic overview

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is an integral component of complementary/alternative medicine and it is increasingly becoming the preferred therapeutic modality for the treatment of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has attested to the popularity and efficacy of indigenous herbal therapies including CHM as a first line of treatment for some diseases including liver disorders. However, the WHO and drug discovery experts have always recommended that use of indigenous herbal remedies must go hand-in-hand with the requisite mechanistic elucidation so as to constitute a system of verification of efficacy within the ethnobotanical context of use. Although many CHM experts have advanced knowledge on CHM, nonetheless, more enlightenment is needed, particularly mechanisms of action of CHMs on fibro-hepato-carcinogenesis. We, herein, provide in-depth mechanisms of the action of CHMs which have demonstrated anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic effects, in pre-clinical and clinical studies as published in PubMed and other major scientific databases. Specifically, the review brings out the important signaling pathways, and their downstream targets which are modulated at multi-level by various anti-fibro-hepatocarcinogenic CHMs.

MASM, a Matrine Derivative, Offers Radioprotection by Modulating Lethal Total-Body Irradiation-Induced Multiple Signaling Pathways in Wistar Rats

Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens Ait and has many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-fibrosis, and immunosuppressive properties. In our previous studies, the matrine derivative MASM was synthesized and exhibited potent inhibitory activity against liver fibrosis. In this study, we mainly investigated its protection against lethal total-body irradiation (TBI) in rats. Administration of MASM reduced the radiation sickness characteristics and increased the 30-day survival of rats before or after lethal TBI. Ultrastructural observation illustrated that pretreatment of rats with MASM significantly attenuated the TBI-induced morphological changes in the different organs of irradiated rats. Gene expression profiles revealed that pretreatment with MASM had a dramatic effect on gene expression changes caused by TBI. Pretreatment with MASM prevented differential expression of 53% (765 genes) of 1445 differentially expressed genes induced by TBI. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in a total of 21 pathways, such as metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Our data indicated that pretreatment of rats with MASM modulated these pathways induced by TBI, suggesting that the pretreatment with MASM might provide the protective effects on lethal TBI mainly or partially through the modulation of these pathways, such as multiple MAPK pathways. Therefore, MASM has the potential to be used as an effective therapeutic or radioprotective agent to minimize irradiation damages and in combination with radiotherapy to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.

Effects of Laser Printer-Emitted Engineered Nanoparticles on Cytotoxicity, Chemokine Expression, Reactive Oxygen Species, DNA Methylation, and DNA Damage: A Comprehensive in Vitro Analysis in Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells, Macrophages, and Lymphoblasts

BACKGROUND

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) incorporated into toner formulations of printing equipment become airborne during consumer use. Although information on the complex physicochemical and toxicological properties of both toner powders and printer-emitted particles (PEPs) continues to grow, most toxicological studies have not used the actual PEPs but rather have primarily used raw toner powders, which are not representative of current exposures experienced at the consumer level during printing.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the biological responses of a panel of human cell lines to PEPs.

METHODS

Three physiologically relevant cell lines--small airway epithelial cells (SAECs), macrophages (THP-1 cells), and lymphoblasts (TK6 cells)--were exposed to PEPs at a wide range of doses (0.5-100 μg/mL) corresponding to human inhalation exposure durations at the consumer level of 8 hr or more. Following treatment, toxicological parameters reflecting distinct mechanisms were evaluated.

RESULTS

PEPs caused significant membrane integrity damage, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine release in different cell lines at doses equivalent to exposure durations from 7.8 to 1,500 hr. Furthermore, there were differences in methylation patterns that, although not statistically significant, demonstrate the potential effects of PEPs on the overall epigenome following exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro findings obtained in this study suggest that laser printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles may be deleterious to lung cells and provide preliminary evidence of epigenetic modifications that might translate to pulmonary disorders.

Involvement of mast cells and proteinase-activated receptor 2 in oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia in mice

The chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin induces neuropathic pain, a dose-limiting side effect, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we show the potential involvement of cutaneous mast cells in oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia in mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin induced mechanical allodynia, which peaked on day 10 after injection. Oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia was almost completely prevented by congenital mast cell deficiency. The numbers of total and degranulated mast cells was significantly increased in the skin after oxaliplatin administration. Repetitive topical application of the mast cell stabilizer azelastine hydrochloride inhibited mechanical allodynia and the degranulation of mast cells without affecting the number of mast cells in oxaliplatin-treated mice. The serine protease inhibitor camostat mesilate and the proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) antagonist FSLLRY-NH2 significantly inhibited oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia. However, it was not inhibited by the H1 histamine receptor antagonist terfenadine. Single oxaliplatin administration increased the activity of cutaneous serine proteases, which was attenuated by camostat and mast cell deficiency. Depletion of the capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents by neonatal capsaicin treatment almost completely prevented oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia, the increase in the number of mast cells, and the activity of cutaneous serine proteases. These results suggest that serine protease(s) released from mast cells and PAR2 are involved in oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia. Therefore, oxaliplatin may indirectly affect the functions of mast cells through its action on capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents.

Matrine improves cognitive impairment and modulates the balance of Th17/Treg cytokines in a rat model of Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease

Matrine (MAT) has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, little is known about its effects on Th17/Treg cytokines and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we injected Aβ_1-42 to the hippocampus of the rat to induce AD. Three groups of the AD rats were treated with MAT (25, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day, respectively) by intraperitoneal injection for 5 weeks. Levels of Th17 cell cytokines [interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-23] and regulatory T (Treg) cell cytokines [transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and IL-35] in homogenates of the brain cortex and hippocampus were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The mRNA expressions of Th17 cell specific transcription factor RORγt and Treg cell specific transcription factor Foxp3 in the brain cortex and hippocampus were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Learning and memory ability of the rats were evaluated by Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. ELISA detections showed the AD rats had increased levels of IL-17A and IL-23 as well as decreased levels of TGF-β and IL-35. Matrine (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) significantly reversed the alternations of Th17/Treg cytokines induced by Aβ_1-42 injection, decreased RORγt mRNA expression, increased Foxp3 mRNA expression and improved the learning and memory ability in the AD rats. The findings demonstrated that the AD rats had imbalance of Th17/Treg cytokines in the brain. MAT could dose-dependently restore the balance of Th17/Treg cytokines and attenuate the cognitive impairment in AD rats.

Icariin inhibits TNF-α/IFN-γ induced inflammatory response via inhibition of the substance P and p38-MAPK signaling pathway in human keratinocytes

Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in the etiology of atopic dermatitis. We demonstrated that Herba Epimedii has anti-inflammatory potential in an atopic dermatitis mouse model; however, limited research has been conducted on the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of icariin, the major active ingredient in Herba Epimedii, in human keratinocytes. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential and mechanisms of icariin in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced inflammatory response in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) by observing these cells in the presence or absence of icariin. We measured IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, MCP-1 and GRO-α production by ELISA; IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1) mRNA expression by real-time PCR; and P38-MAPK, P-ERK and P-JNK signaling expression by western blot in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells before and after icariin treatment. The expression of TNF-α-R1 and IFN-γ-R1 during the stimulation of the cell models was also evaluated before and after icariin treatment. We investigated the effect of icariin on these pro-inflammatory cytokines and detected whether this effect occurred via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways. We further specifically inhibited the activity of two kinases with 20μM SB203580 (a p38 kinase inhibitor) and 50μM PD98059 (an ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor) to determine the roles of the two signal pathways involved in the inflammatory response. We found that icariin inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and MCP-1 production in a dose-dependent manner; meanwhile, the icariin treatment inhibited the gene expression of IL-8, IL-1β, ICAM-1 and TACR1 in HaCaT cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Icariin treatment resulted in a reduced expression of p-P38 and p-ERK signal activation induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ; however, only SB203580, the p38 alpha/beta inhibitor, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ in cultured HaCaT cells. The differential expression of TNF-α-R1 and IFN-γ-R1 was also observed after the stimulation of TNF-α/IFN-γ, which was significantly normalized after the icariin treatment. Collectively, we illustrated the anti-inflammatory property of icariin in human keratinocytes. These effects were mediated, at least partially, via the inhibition of substance P and the p38-MAPK signaling pathway, as well as by the regulation of the TNF-α-R1 and IFN-γ-R1 signals.

Matrine inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Matrine is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens. It has been demonstrated to exhibit antiproliferative properties, promote apoptosis and inhibit cell invasion in a number of cancer cell lines. It has also been shown to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy when it is combined with other chemotherapy drugs. However, the therapeutic efficacy of matrine for prostate cancer remains poorly understood. In the present study, we showed that matrine inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of both DU145 and PC-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also reduced the cell population at S phase and increased the cell population at sub-G1 phase. The increases in both the apoptotic cell population and cell population at S and sub-G1 phases consistently indicated a pro-apoptotic effect of matrine. Decreases in levels of P65, p-P65, IKKα/β, p-IKKα/β, IKBα and p-IKBα as detected by immunoblot analysis in the matrine-treated DU145 and PC-3 cells suggested an involvement of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, it is a novel promising addition to the current arsenal of chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Pharmacokinetic study of 14-(3-methylbenzyl)matrine and 14-(4-methylbenzyl)matrine in rat plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method (HPLC-MS) was developed and validated to determine the 14-(3-methylbenzyl)matrine (3MBM) and 14-(4-methylbenzyl)matrine (4MBM) levels in rat plasma in the present study. The analytes were separated using a C18 column (1.9 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm) equipped with a Security Guard C18 column (5 μm, 2.1 mm × 10 mm), followed by detection via triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. Sample pretreatment involved one-step protein precipitation with isopropanol:ethyl acetate (v/v, 25:75), and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride was used as an internal standard. The method was linear in the concentration range of 5-2000 ng/ml for both compounds. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 15%, and all relative errors (REs) were within 15%. The proposed method enables the unambiguous identification and quantification of these two compounds in vivo. This study is the first to determine the 3MBM and 4MBM levels in rat plasma after oral administration of these compounds. These results provide a meaningful basis for evaluating the clinical applications of these medicines.

Determination of Matrine in Rat Plasma after Oral Administration of Novel Korean Herbal Medicine KIOM-MA128 and Application of PK

KIOM-MA128 is a novel Korean herbal medicine with antiatopic, anti-inflammatory, and antiasthmatic effects. Matrine is thought to be a potential chemical marker of KIOM-MA128, but pharmacokinetic studies on KIOM-MA128 had not been performed. This study describes a simple and rapid method using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to determine the concentration of matrine in rats plasma after administration of KIOM-MA128. The isocratic mobile phase consisted of methanol and distilled water, and the flow rate was 0.15 mL/min. The accuracy and precision of the assay, as well as stability tests, were performed in accordance with FDA regulations for the validation of bioanalytical methods. The half-life and T max of matrine after administration of KIOM-MA128 were 4.29 ± 2.20 h and 1.8 ± 1.23 h, respectively. C max and AUCinf of matrine after administration of KIOM-MA128 at 4 g/kg and 8 g/kg were 595.10 ± 182.91 ng/mL, 5336.77 ± 1503.84 ng/mL·h and 850.46 ± 120 ng/mL, 9583.10 ± 888.92 ng/mL·h, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after oral administration of KIOM-MA128.

Traditional Chinese medicine: a treasured natural resource of anticancer drug research and development

To discover and develop novel natural compounds, active ingredients, single herbs and combination formulas or prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with therapeutic selectivity that can preferentially kill cancer cells and inhibit the amplification of cancer without significant toxicity is an important area in cancer therapy. A lot of valuable TCMs were applied as alternative or complementary medicines in the United States and Europe. But these TCMs, as one of the main natural resources, were widely used to research and develop new drugs in Asia. In TCMs, some specific herbs, animals, minerals and combination formulas were recorded and exploited due to their active ingredients and specific natural compounds with antitumor activities. The article focused on the antitumor properties of natural compounds and combination formulas or prescriptions in TCMs, described its influence on tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and revealed its mechanisms of antitumor and inhibitory action. Among the nature compounds, triptolide, berberine, matrine, oxymatrine, kurarinone and deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) with specific molecular structures have been separated, purified, and evaluated their antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo. Cancer is a multifactorial and multistep disease, so the treatment effect of combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs involving multi-targets and multi-signal pathways on tumor may be superior than that of agents targeting a single molecular target alone. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang and Yanshu injection, as well known combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs, have shown an excellent therapeutic effect on cancer.

Matrine induces the apoptosis of lung cancer cells through downregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and the Akt signaling pathway

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‑related mortality in humans. The prognosis for advanced lung cancer patients is extremely poor. Current standard care is rather ineffective for prolonging patient life while preserving satisfactory quality of life due to adverse side-effects. Matrine extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal plant Sophora flavescens was shown to induce cancer cell death in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of matrine on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells and the molecular basis of matrine-induced apoptosis. The results showed that matrine inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in lung cancer A549 and 95D cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic effects of matrine on lung cancer cells appeared to act via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) signaling pathway and downregulation of the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family proteins. Matrine exerts its cancer-killing effect via promoting apoptosis in lung cancer cells and may be a useful adjuvant therapeutic scheme for treating advanced lung cancer patients.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and mechanism of action of extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora (Desf.) Müll. Arg

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Macrosiphonia longiflora (Desf.) Müll. Arg (Apocynaceae), popularly known as 'velame' and 'velame branco', is a native subshrub that grows in the Brazilian Cerrado. This plant is widely used in traditional medicine in the form of decoction and infusion, particularly as anti-inflammatory, depurative, anti-rheumatic, antisyphilitic and antiulcer remedy. There is no available information in the literature that has addressed its pharmacological activity and phytochemical analysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory pharmacological profile of the hydroethanolic extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora, using in vivo and in vitro acute inflammation experimental models, as well as investigate the roles of cytokines and nitric oxide in its mechanism of action, and including phytochemical analysis constitution of its hydroethanolic extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroethanolic (70%) extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora (HEMl) was prepared by maceration. The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed according to procedures described in the literature. Selected secondary metabolites detected were quantified by spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Its cytotoxic potential in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-k1) epithelial cell lines was evaluated using Alamar Blue. in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edemas, carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and interferon (INF)-γ. Effects of HEMl on the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, INF-γ and TNF-α) concentrations in the peritoneal lavage were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits, while the Griess method was employed to determine nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the peritoneal lavage, as well as in the supernatants of RAW 264.7 cells.

RESULTS

Preliminary phytochemical analysis, revealed the presence of phenolics compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of relatively high content of phenolics and flavonoids in HEMl. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of the quantified compounds and demonstrated the presence of ellagic acid in the detected matrix of compounds. HEMl appeared to be non-cytotoxic. It effectively inhibited (p<0.05) paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. Furthermore, HEMl also significantly reduced exudates volume and leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and LPS-induced peritonitis, neutrophils counts in LPS-induced peritonitis. HEMl also acts by effectively inhibiting the following inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β and IL-10 levels in the peritoneal lavage, but had no effect on IL-17 level in the peritonitis model. In addition, HEMl had no effect on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) present in the peritoneal lavage and cells supernatants. The concentration of NO, as assessed by measurement of nitrite (NO2(-)), showed that pretreatment with HEMl reduced NO significantly in the peritoneal lavage and in RAW 264.7 cells co-stimulated with LPS and INF-γ.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study indicate that HEMl possesses very low cytotoxic potential. In addition, it demonstrated a potent anti-inflammatory activity in both the in vivo and in vitro models of acute inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect is partly related to the inhibition of IL-1β, IL-10, and nitric oxide releases, but independent of TNF-α and IL-17 modulation. Phytochemical analysis revealed the predominant presence of the flavonoids (naringin, rutin, myricetin, morin, quercetin, (±)-naringenin, and luteolin) and phenols (ellagic acid), which are possibly involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HEMl. The current study provided supportive evidence for the popular use of HEMl in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, and shed more light on the possible roles of the inflammatory cytokines in its mechanisms of action as anti-inflammatory agent.

Matrine induces caspase-independent program cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma through bid-mediated nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor

Matrine, a clinical drug in China, has been used to treat viral hepatitis, cardiac arrhythmia and skin inflammations. Matrine also exhibits chemotherapeutic potential through its ability to trigger cancer cell death. However, the mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the major determinant for the cell death induced by matrine in human hepatocellular carcinoma. We use human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and human hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft in nude mice as models to study the action of matrine in hepatocellular cancers. We found that caspase-dependent and -independent Program Cell Death (PCD) occurred in matrine-treated HepG2 cells, accompanied by the decreasing of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the increasing ROS production. Further studies showed that AIF released from the mitochondria to the nucleus, and silencing of AIF reduced the caspase-independent PCD induced by matrine. What’s more, AIF nuclear translocation, and the subsequent cell death as well, was prevented by Bid inhibitor BI-6C9, Bid-targeted siRNA and ROS scavenger Tiron. In the in vivo study, matrine significantly attenuated tumor growth with AIF release from mitochondria into nucleus in nude mice. These data imply that matrine potently induce caspase-independent PCD in HepG2 cells through Bid-mediated AIF translocation.

Anti-tumor activities of matrine and oxymatrine: literature review

Matrine (MT) and oxymatrine (OMT), two kinds of alkaloid components found in the roots of Sophora species, have various pharmacological activities and are demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-virus, anti-fibrotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. They are recently proved to have anti-cancer potentials, such as inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, accelerating apoptosis, restraining angiogenesis, inducing cell differentiation, inhibiting cancer metastasis and invasion, reversing multidrug resistance, and preventing or reducing chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced toxicity when combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs. In this review, we summarize the recent investigations regarding the anti-cancer activities and possible molecular targets of MT and OMT for cancer prevention and treatment in order to provide clues and references for further study.

Matrine inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human colon cancer LoVo cells by inactivating Akt pathway

The present study has investigated the anti-tumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of matrine on human colon cancer LoVo cells. Matrine inhibited the proliferation of the cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The concentration required for 50 % inhibition (IC50) was 1.15, 0.738, and 0.414 mg/ml, when cell were incubated with matrine for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Matrine induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase by downregulating cyclin D1 and upregulating p27 and p21. Matrine induced cell apoptosis by reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and increasing the activation of caspase-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Matrine displayed its anti-tumor activity by inactivating Akt, the upstream factor of the above proteins. Matrine significantly reduced the protein levels of pAkt, and increased the protein levels of other downstream factors, pBad and pGSK-3β. Specific inhibition of pAkt induced cell apoptosis, and synergized with matrine to inhibit the proliferation of LoVo cells; whereas activation of Akt neutralized the inhibitory effect of matrine on cell proliferation. The present study has demonstrated that matrine inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human colon cancer LoVo cells by inactivating Akt pathway, indicating matrine may be a potential anti-cancer agent for colon cancer.

Antinociceptive effect of matrine on vincristine-induced neuropathic pain model in mice

Chemotherapy drugs treatment causes neuropathic pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia are common components of neuropathic pain, so effectively therapeutic strategy is required. In this study, we evaluated the antinociceptive effects of matrine on vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in mice. Vincristine (100 μg/kg i.p.) was administered once per day for 7 days (day 0-6) in mice. Matrine (15, 30, 60 mg/kg, i.p.) was repeated administration in early phase (day 0-6) or late phase (day 7-13). Hyperalgesia and allodynia were evaluated by withdrawal response using von Frey filaments, plantar and cold-plate on 7, 14 and 21 day. Injection of vincristine produced mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia. Matrine was found to produce a protective role in both von Frey filaments and cold-plate test. The analysis of the effect supports the hypothesis that matrine is useful in therapy of vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that administration of matrine is associated with antinociceptive effect on mechanical and cold stimuli in a mice model of vincristine-induced neuropathy pain.

Matrine induction of reactive oxygen species activates p38 leading to caspase-dependent cell apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the most refractory cancers in the clinic; it is insensitive to chemotherapy and is usually excised. However, screening natural compounds from herbs is also considered a possible method for its therapy. In the present study, we investigated whether matrine, a natural compound isolated from Sophora flavescens Ait. and exerting an inhibitory effect on lung cancer cells, also indicates inhibition on NSCLC cells and elucidated its molecular mechanism. Firstly, it is confirmed that matrine induces apoptosis of human NSCLC cells with anti-apoptotic factors inhibited and dependent on caspase activity. In addition, we found that matrine increases the phosphorylation of p38 but not its total protein, and inhibition of the p38 pathway with SB202190 partially prevents matrine-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, matrine generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which is reversed by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Additionally, inhibition of cell proliferation and increase of phosphorylation of p38 was also partially reversed by NAC. Collectively, matrine activates p38 pathway leading to a caspase-dependent apoptosis by inducing generation of ROS in NSCLC cells and may be a potential chemical for NSCLC.

Matrine Inhibits Infiltration of the Inflammatory Gr1(hi) Monocyte Subset in Injured Mouse Liver through Inhibition of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1

Matrine (Mat) is a major alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens Ait, an herb which is used in the traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. The present study examined the impact of Mat on the CCl4-induced hepatic infiltration of Gr1(hi) monocytes to explore the possible mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. The results indicated that Mat protected mice from acute liver injury induced by single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 and attenuated liver fibrosis induced by repeated CCl4 injection. Meanwhile, the infiltrations of Gr1(hi) monocytes in both acute and chronic injured livers were all inhibited, and the enhanced hepatic expression of MCP-1 was suppressed. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Mat directly inhibited MCP-1 production in both nonparenchymal cells and hepatic stellate cells derived from CCl4-injured livers. Transwell chemotaxis assays showed that Mat significantly inhibited the chemotactic activity of MCP-1. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Mat could be contributed, at least in part, to its prevention of Gr1(hi) monocyte infiltration into the injured livers and inhibition of MCP-1 production and activity. These findings extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Mat.

Add-on effect of chinese herbal medicine bath to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review

Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasis. Phototherapy has been proven effective for psoriasis, but side effects have become a concern. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath combined with phototherapy has been used in clinical settings, but the additional benefit requires evaluation. This review aims to evaluate the additional benefit and safety of adding CHM bath to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris. Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and CQVIP were searched from their inceptions to 6 August 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM bath plus phototherapy to phototherapy alone for psoriasis vulgaris were included. Data was analyzed using Review Manager 5.1.0. Thirteen RCTs were included in the review, and eight were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed higher efficacy of CHM bath plus phototherapy when compared with phototherapy alone in terms of PASI 60 (RR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18-1.32). Mild adverse events were reported in ten studies, but these could be alleviated by reducing UV dosage or applying emollient. In conclusion, CHM bath appears to be a beneficial and safe adjunctive therapy to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the low methodological quality of the included studies.

Topically applied substance P enhanced healing of open excision wound in rats

Significant social and financial burden due to wounds need newer drugs/formulations to speed up the healing process. Substance P (SP), a neuropeptide, is associated with release of various cytokines and growth factors from inflammatory, epithelial and endothelial cells. In the present study, temporal effects of topically applied SP (10(-7)M in normal saline) were evaluated in the modulation of various cytokines and growth factors that participate in cutaneous wound healing. Gross examination of full thickness open excision wound in rats revealed that once daily topical application of SP significantly increased the wound closure, as compared to control group. SP treatment significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and decreased interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels on day 3. On the contrary, on day 7 level of TNF-α decreased and that of IL-10 increased. The mRNA and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) increased on days 3 and 7, and decreased on day 14 in SP-treated wounds. Histopathological evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin stained wound sections showed that SP treatment produced increased early leukocytes infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization. Results of the present study demonstrate that topical application of SP enhanced wound healing by modulating cytokines, growth factors and cells. Based on the results, it is suggested that SP could be of beneficial use in diabetic wounds where levels of VEGF, TGF-β1 and SP decrease along with impairment of inflammatory reaction.

Synthesis, characterization and activity evaluation of matrinic acid derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents

A series of new matrinic acid derivatives 5a–e was synthesized. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The anti-tumor activities were also investigated in vitro by evaluating the effect of synthesized compounds on the proliferation of A375, A549, HeLa, and HepG2 cells. Compound 5e was found to be the most potent against A375 and HeLa cells, with IC₅₀ values of 37 and 75.5 μg/mL, respectively. Compounds 5b, 5c, 5g, and 5h also exhibited antiproliferative activities against A549 cells, with IC₅₀ values within the 36.2–47 μg/mL range. For HepG2 cells, 5e and 5i, with IC₅₀ values of 78.9 and 61 μg/mL, respectively, showed higher antiproliferative activity than taxol.

Effects of matrine on JAK-STAT signaling transduction pathways in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The current study aims to investigate the effects of matrine on the JAK-STAT signaling transduction pathways in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and to explore its action mechanism. A total of 72 male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the control, model, and treatment groups. PF models were established by instilling BLM intratracheally. The treatment group was given daily matrine through gastric lavage. Six mice were sacrificed in each group at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. The lung tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of JAK, STAT1, and STAT3 was observed using immunohistochemistry and then determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Alveolitis and PF significantly improved in the treatment group compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The expression of JAK, STAT1, and STAT3 in the model group increased at day 7, peaked at day 14 and then decreased, but the expression was still higher than that in the control group at day 28 (P < 0.05). The three indices in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model group at any detection time point (P < 0.05). PF causes high expression of JAK, STAT1, and STAT3. Matrine exerts an anti-PF effect by inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling transduction pathways.