Albiflorin ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in Methotrexate-induced enteritis

Protective effects of albiflorin on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: Regulation of blood-biliary barrier integrity by ATF3

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity remains a clinical challenge with limited targeted therapeutic options. While recent advances have identified blood‒biliary barrier disruption as a critical pathogenic mechanism, effective interventions preserving this barrier are notably lacking. Albiflorin, a key bioactive constituent of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., exhibits unique bile acid modulation along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting its potential efficacy in preventing acetaminophen-induced liver injury. However, its specific role and underlying mechanisms in alleviating acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study's objective was to examine the pharmacological effects and primary molecular mechanisms of albiflorin in alleviating acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

METHODS

An acetaminophen-induced liver injury mouse model was created using a 300 mg/kg dose of acetaminophen. The hepatoprotective effects of albiflorin were assessed through histological and biochemical analyses. Blood‒biliary barrier integrity was evaluated via Evans blue dye tests, immunofluorescence, and bile acid assays. Transcriptomic analysis, gene overexpression and interference techniques, and ChIP‒qPCR were employed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of albiflorin.

RESULTS

Albiflorin significantly reduced acetaminophen-induced liver injury, as evidenced by improved biochemical profiles and hepatocyte morphology. It also prevented increases in blood‒biliary barrier permeability and bile acid levels. RNA sequencing identified 3,184 differentially expressed genes, revealing critical pathways involved in maintaining blood‒biliary barrier integrity. AF reversed the acetaminophen-induced changes in the expression of genes related to the blood‒biliary barrier, particularly occludin, claudin 5, ABCG5, and ABCG8. Albiflorin protected the blood‒biliary barrier and mitigated acetaminophen-induced liver injury by enhancing ATF3 protein stability, with ATF3 identified as a critical mediator of these protective effects.

CONCLUSION

This study provides pioneering evidence that albiflorin protects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury by interacting with ATF3 to regulate blood-biliary barrier proteins and maintain the integrity of the blood-biliary barrier. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of the blood‒biliary barrier in liver diseases and suggest a therapeutic strategy for drug overdose-induced liver injury.

Albiflorin inhibits inflammation to improve liver fibrosis by targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in mice

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic hepatic injury that currently lacks effective therapeutic interventions. Albiflorin (ALB), a pinane-type monoterpene derived from Paeonia lactiflora Pall, has notable anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. However, the potential role of ALB against liver fibrosis is largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that ALB significantly inhibited CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. This was evidenced by improvements in liver and kidney function indexes, fibrosis indicators, and histopathological findings. In vitro studies also showed that ALB inhibited TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell activation and reduced the expression of α-SMA and collagen I. Additionally, we found that ALB mitigates inflammation and ameliorates liver fibrosis by targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, as confirmed using the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 in CCl4-treated mice. Notably, combining ALB with metformin (MET) enhanced the inhibition of liver fibrosis progression. These findings highlight that ALB exerts anti-liver fibrosis effects by targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, underscoring its potential as a standalone treatment or as an adjuvant therapy.

The role of hydrogen sulfide in the regulation of necroptosis across various pathological processes

Necroptosis is a programmed cell death form executed by receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1, RIPK3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), which assemble into an oligomer called necrosome. Accumulating evidence reveals that necroptosis participates in many types of pathological processes. Hence, clarifying the mechanism of necroptosis in pathological processes is particularly important for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. For over 300 years, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been widely known in the scientific community as a toxic and foul-smelling gas. However, after discovering the important physiological and pathological functions of H2S, human understanding of this small molecule changed, believing that H2S is the third gas signaling molecule after carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO). H2S plays an important role in various diseases, but the related mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that H2S regulation of necroptosis is involved in various pathological processes. Herein, we focus on the recent progress on the role of H2S regulation of necroptosis in different pathological processes and profoundly analyze the related mechanisms.

Albiflorin ameliorates neuroinflammation and exerts neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's disease models

BACKGROUND

Albiflorin isolated from Paeoniae Alba Radix can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and possesses analgesia, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This study investigates albiflorin functions and related mechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.

METHODS

Cellular and animal models of PD were constructed. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assays. Levels of Iba-1 and TH were measured by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and pathway-related genes were measured by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Locomotor activity of mice was examined by open field test, rod climbing test, and rod rotating test.

RESULTS

For in vitro analysis, albiflorin inhibited LPS-induced microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Additionally, albiflorin inactivated NF-κB and MAPK pathways in LPS-treated BV2 cells. Moreover, albiflorin attenuated neurotoxicity mediated by LPS-stimulated microglia. For in vivo analysis, albiflorin improved MPTP-induced locomotor activity deficits and reduced MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron loss. In parallel, albiflorin inhibited activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in MPTP-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Albiflorin mitigates neuronal apoptosis and improves behavioral impairments in MPTP-induced PD mouse model through inhibition of activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via the NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Bletilla ochracea Schltr. protects against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcers by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation and modulating gut microbiota

Gastric ulcers (GUs) are superficial diffuse lesions of the gastric mucosa that are characterised by being vulnerable to infection, difficult to cure and liable to recur. Bletilla ochracea Schltr. (BO) has the effects of astringent hemostasis, muscle growth and pain relief. We examined the effects of BO on acute GUs and their potential mechanisms from the perspectives of inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiota. Results indicated that BO alleviated pathological injury to the gastric mucosa and markedly alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, BO significantly upregulated the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 protein, and downregulated the levels of NF-κB p65, TLR4 protein. Moreover, BO significantly increased promoting the nuclear transfer of Nrf2 and markedly reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Furthermore, BO effectively modulated gut microbiota by increasing the diversity of species and relative abundance. Our study provided evidence that BO alleviated ethanol-induced acute GUs by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting the NF-κB p65/TLR4 signalling pathway, regulating dysbiosis of gut microbiota.

Mangiferin mitigates methotrexate-induced liver injury and suppresses hepatic stellate cells activation in rats: Imperative role of Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mangifera indica (family Anacardiaceae), often acknowledged as mango and renowned for being a plant of diverse ethnopharmacological background since ancient times, harbors the polyphenolic bioactive constituent, mangiferin (MNG). MNG is a major phytochemical of Mangifera indica and other plants with a wide range of reported pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. MNG has also been utilized in traditional medicine; it is reportedly a major bioactive element in over 40 polyherbal products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and two prominent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiviral Cuban formulations. Despite the availability of evidence in support of MNG hepatoprotective properties, its hepatoprotective potential against MTX-induced liver injury and fibrosis has not been explored yet.

AIM

To unravel the hepatoprotective potential of MNG against MTX-induced hepatic injury and fibrosis and elucidate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were, randomly, distributed into five groups; two of which were administered MNG 50 mg/kg and MNG 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for ten days, and a single i.p. injection of MTX 40 mg/kg on the seventh day to establish hepatotoxicity. Blood and liver tissue samples were retrieved from all study groups and analyzed for liver functions, histopathological alterations, and oxidative stress, inflammatory, and fibrotic biomarkers.

RESULTS

MNG restored the MTX-induced degenerations in hepatic architecture and function. Moreover, it combated the MTX-elicited oxidative stress evidently by the significantly attenuated hepatic tissue levels of malondialdehyde, and the significantly elevated reduced glutathione and Nrf2 levels. MNG also halted inflammation depicted by the downregulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. It further demonstrated anti-fibrogenic potential as evidenced by the significant reduction in fibrous tissue deposition and hepatic expression of α-SMA.

CONCLUSION

The current study proved the hepatoprotective, and anti-fibrogenic effects of MNG against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity via the downregulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling axis, preceded by the amelioration of oxidative stress and Nrf2 signaling upregulation.

Albiflorin Alleviates Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Liver Injury by Inactivating P38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Albiflorin (Alb) is a monoterpenoid component that is commonly found in Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. It is known for its impressive anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of Alb on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-associated liver injury has not been fully understood. To investigate this, we conducted a study using a rat model of SAP induced by administering two intraperitoneal injections of 20% L-arginine (3.3 g/kg) over a period of 2 h. Subsequently, the SAP-induced rats were randomly assigned into different groups with the treatment of gradient doses of Alb (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), with the normal saline as the sham group. The pathological changes in rat livers were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Furthermore, the levels of amylase (AMY), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Moreover, the serum levels of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, were quantified. Finally, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were conducted to determine phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and mitogen-associated protein kianse (MAPK) p38 in the liver tissues. TNF-α stimulated liver cells were used as a cell model to further confirm the involvement of NF-κB and p38 in the effect of Alb. Our study revealed that Alb effectively mitigated the hepatic pathological damage in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the levels of indicators associated with hepatic malfunction (AMY, AST, and ALT) in rats with SAP-induced liver injury. Additionally, Alb demonstrated its ability to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress markers in the liver tissues. Alb exerted dose-dependent inhibitory effects by modulating the P38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, our findings strongly support the hepatoprotective effect of Alb in rats with SAP-induced liver injury, suggesting that Alb protects against SAP-induced liver injury through the suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress via the P38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Molecular mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced intestinal injury and protective strategies

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid reductase inhibitor that manages various malignancies as well as immune-mediated inflammatory chronic diseases. Despite being frequently prescribed, MTX's severe multiple toxicities can occasionally limit its therapeutic potential. Intestinal toxicity is a severe adverse effect associated with the administration of MTX, and patients are significantly burdened by MTX-provoked intestinal mucositis. However, the mechanism of such intestinal toxicity is not entirely understood, mechanistic studies demonstrated oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions as key factors that lead to the development of MTX-induced intestinal injury. Besides, MTX causes intestinal cells to express pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This is followed by the activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway. Moreover, because of its dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) has been considered a critical signaling pathway that counteracts oxidative stress in MTX-induced intestinal injury. Several agents have potential protective effects in counteracting MTX-provoked intestinal injury such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, taurine, umbelliferone, vinpocetine, perindopril, rutin, hesperidin, lycopene, quercetin, apocynin, lactobacillus, berberine, zinc, and nifuroxazide. This review aims to summarize the potential redox molecular mechanisms of MTX-induced intestinal injury and how they can be alleviated. In conclusion, studying these molecular pathways might open the way for early alleviation of the intestinal damage and the development of various agent plans to attenuate MTX-mediated intestinal injury.

Albiflorin alleviates neuroinflammation of rats after MCAO via PGK1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Ischemic stroke is acknowledged as one of the most frequent causes of death and disability, in which neuroinflammation plays a critical role. Emerging evidence supports that the PGK1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling can modulate inflammation and oxidative injury. Albiflorin (ALB), a main component of Radix paeoniae Alba, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. However, how it exerts a protective role still needs further exploration. In our study, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established, and the Longa score was applied to investigate the degree of neurological impairment. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay were used to detect the level of lipid peroxidation. 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to measure the infarct area. Evans blue staining was employed to observe the integrality of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The injury of brain tissue in each group was observed via HE staining. Immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot assay were used for the measurement of inflammatory factors and protein levels. We finally observed that ALB relieved cerebral infarction symptoms, attenuated oxidative damage in brain tissues, and reduced neuroinflammation and cell injury in MCAO rats. The overexpression of PGK1 abrogated the protective effect of ALB after experimental cerebral infarction. ALB promoted PGK1 degradation and induced Nrf2 signaling cascade activation for subsequent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant damage. Generally speaking, ALB exerted a protective role in treating cerebral ischemia, and it might target at PGK1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Thus, ALB might be a potential therapeutic agent to alleviate neuroinflammation and protect brain cells after cerebral infarction.

Screening of potential antioxidant bioactive Q-markers of paeoniae radix rubra based on an integrated multimodal strategy

Background

Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR) has been used widely to promote blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis in China clinical practice owing to its extensive pharmacological effects. However, the "quality markers" (Q-markers) of the antioxidant effects remains unknown.

Object

To explore the Q-markers of antioxidant activity based on multiple strategies, which would provide reference for the quality evaluation of PRR based on specific pharmacodynamic-oriented.

Methods

Firstly, the "fingerprint" profiles of 15 batches of PRR were acquired and identified by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS) and the common peaks extracted. Meanwhile, the MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of 15 batches of PRR on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HT-22 cells. The antioxidant activity of PRR was investigated simultaneously by superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) commercial kits. The relationship between common peaks and antioxidant indexes were constructed by grey relational analysis (GRA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for the identification of preselected Q-markers. Secondly, experimental verification was conducted to investigate the protective effect of the preliminary components on HT-22 cells undergoing oxidative stress. Finally, for the further validation of effectiveness of antioxidant Q-markers, network pharmacology was applied to explore potential targets, and the molecular docking technology was used to value the binding ability of the potential active components of PRR to the antioxidant targets.

Results

Thirty-seven common peaks from 15 batches of PRR were identified qualitatively by UHPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS. The MTT assay showed that PRR could reduce the oxidative damage induced by H2O2 upon HT-22 cells according to the index of MDA, SOD and GSH. Eight potential antioxidant components were screened by spectrum-effect correlation analysis: paeoniflorin, galloylpaeoniflorin, albiflorin, 1,2,3,4,6-o-pentagalloylglucose, benzoylpaeoniflorin, pinocembrin, oleanic acid, and isorhamnetin-3-o-nehesperidine. Each of these preliminary components showed significant protections on cellular oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), protein kinase B (AKT1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were predicted to be the major potential targets of PRR, and the good binding ability were presented between the potential active components of PRR and each target as a whole.

Conclusion

Eight components were identified as the antioxidant Q-markers of PRR based on an integrated multimodal strategy.

Protective function of albiflorin against ferroptosis in exhaustive exerciseinduced myocardial injury via the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

PURPOSE

It has been reported that exhaustive exercise (EE) causes myocyte injury, and eventually damages the function of the myocardia. Albiflorin (AF) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptosis effects. In this study, we determined whether AF could mitigate the EE-induced myocardial injury and research the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

The rat model of EE was built by forced treadmill running method. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with AF before EE once daily for one week. The relative factors levels were examined by commercial kits. The apoptosis was appraised using a TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay kit. The ACSL4, GPX4, Nrf2, pAKT/AKT, and HO-1 contents were assessed by western blot.

RESULTS

AF lessened EE-induced cardiac myocytes ischemic/hypoxic injury and reduced the contents of myocardial injury biomarkers in the serum. AF lessened EE-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in myocardial tissues. However, the influences of AF were overturned by the co-treatment of AF and LY294002. AF activated the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in myocardial tissues in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

AF could curb cardiac myocytes ferroptosis, thus diminishing the EE-induced myocardial injury through activating the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 cascade.

Cynaroside ameliorates methotrexate-induced enteritis in rats through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Introduction

Cynaroside exhibits various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, and cardioprotective effects. However, its involvement in methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal inflammation remains inadequately understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of cynaroside on MTX-induced intestinal inflammation and its potential mechanisms.

Methods

To assess the protective potential of cynaroside against intestinal inflammation, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a regimen of 7 mg/kg MTX for 3 days, followed by treatment with cynaroside at varying doses (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg). Histopathological evaluations were conducted alongside measurements of inflammatory mediators to elucidate the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Results

Administration of 7 mg/kg MTX resulted in decreased daily food intake, increased weight loss, and elevated disease activity index in rats. Conversely, treatment with cynaroside at 20 or 40 mg/kg ameliorated the reductions in body weight and daily food intake and suppressed the MTX-induced elevation in the disease activity index. Notably, cynaroside administration at 20 or 40 mg/kg attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, augmented goblet cell numbers and lowered serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, as well as the CD68-positive cell rate in the intestines of MTX-induced rats. Furthermore, cynaroside downregulated the expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase 1, and cleaved IL-1β in MTX-induced rats.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings indicated that cymaroside alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in MTX-induced rats.

Mechanism of Xiaojianzhong decoction in alleviating aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury revealed by transcriptomics and metabolomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aspirin, as a first-line drug for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, currently has high clinical usage. However, reports of aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury are increasing. Xiaojianzhong decoction (XJZD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been shown to alleviate gastric mucosal injury, although its potential mechanism of action requires further study.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of XJZD in preventing aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aspirin was used to induce damage in the morning, while XJZD was applied as an intervention in the afternoon. The compounds in the XJZD were analyzed by means of both high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The overall condition of the aspirin-related gastric mucosal injury was evaluated. The expressions of inflammatory factors and tight-junction-related proteins and apoptosis were observed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression levels of the apoptosis-related proteins were detected using Western blot. Transcriptomics was used to perform the integrative analysis of gastric tissues, which was then validated. Molecular dynamics was used to explore the interaction of key compounds within the XJZD with relevant targets. Finally, non-targeted metabolomics was used to observe any metabolic changes and construct a network between the differentially expressed genes and the differential metabolites to elucidate their potential relationship.

RESULTS

XJZD can alleviate inflammation response, maintain the gastric mucosal barrier's integrity, reduce apoptosis and necroptosis levels, and promote the proliferation and repair of gastric mucosal tissues. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of TNF-α signaling. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that the cinnamaldehyde within XJZD played an important role in its effects. In addition, XJZD can correct metabolic disorders, mainly regulating amino acid metabolism pathways. Moreover, six differential genes (Cyp1a2, Cyp1a1, Pla2g4c, etc.) were determined to alleviate both gastric mucosal injury and inflammation by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism, Tryptophan metabolism, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report that XJZD can inhibit necroptosis and gastric mucosal injury induced by aspirin, thereby revealing the complex mechanism of XJZD in relation to alleviating gastric mucosal injury from multiple levels and perspectives.

Aucubin alleviates methotrexate-induced enteritis in rats by inducing autophagy

One of the toxic side effects of methotrexate (MTX) is enteritis. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside derived from traditional medicinal herbs, has been proven to have anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidation properties. This work explored the effect and mechanism of aucubin in treating MTX-induced enteritis in a rat model. Two doses of aucubin (5 and 10 mg/kg) were adopted for the assessment of its pharmacological activity. We observed that in rats with MTX-induced enteritis, the body weight and small intestinal weight decreased. The intestine barrier was injured, as reflected by pathological examinations and an increase in D-lactate and diamine oxidase concentration in serum. Intestinal inflammation was shown by the observation of macrophages in the intestine and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was shown to be activated by the enhancement of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1, IL-18 and IL-1β. Moreover, autophagy was reflected by transmission electron microscopy as slightly induced, along with changes in autophagy-related markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin1. Remarkably, aucubin treatment attenuated the MTX-induced disease activity index increase, intestinal damage, inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but provoked autophagy. Rapamycin, an autophagy activator, showed similar therapeutic effects to aucubin on MTX-induced enteritis. However, 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of aucubin. These findings prompted the hypothesis that aucubin alleviates MTX-induced enteritis by aggravating autophagy. This study might provide evidence for further investigation on the therapeutic role of aucubin in MTX-resulted enteritis.

Zinc and L-carnitine combination with or without methotrexate prevents intestinal toxicity during arthritis treatment via Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 pathways: an In vivo and molecular docking approach

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antifolate that is inescapable and widely used to treat autoimmune diseases and is the gold standard medicine for the arthritic condition. Despite its importance, it is more prone to gastrointestinal toxicity, which is most common in arthritis patients during MTX treatment. Combination therapies are required to ensure MTX's antiarthritic activity while providing gastrointestinal protection. Zinc (Zn) and L-carnitine (Lc) are well-known potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements with promising results in pre-clinical studies. Arthritis was induced in Wistar rat's ankles with Freund's adjuvant and treated with either MTX (2.5 mg/kg b.w per week for two weeks) or Zn (18 mg/kg b.w. per day) Lc (200 mg/kg b.w. per day) individually or in combination (MTX + Zn Lc). The antiarthritic effects were evaluated by body weight, paw volume, ankle tissue, and joint histopathology. At the same time, anti-toxicity/gastrointestinal protective activity was examined by tissue oxidative stress markers, antioxidants, mitochondrial function, inflammatory mediators, and antioxidant signaling proteins and their binding mechanism. Repercussions of MTX intoxication induced upregulation of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant depletion, ATP depletion, decreased expression of Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3, and the overexpression of inflammatory mediators attenuated by co-treatment with Zn Lc. Zn Lc markedly mitigated MTX-instigated intestinal injury by activating antioxidant signaling mechanisms Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 signaling and tissue architectural anomalies and exhibited an enhanced antiarthritic effect. In conclusion, we report that Zn Lc and MTX combination could presumably protect the intestine from low-dose MTX which managed arthritis but induced severe intestinal damage with increased inflammation and downregulated Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 pathway.

Deciphering the Mechanism of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction in Treating Psoriasis by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Purpose

This study aims to confirm the efficacy of Xijiao Dihuang decoction (XJDHT), a classic prescription, in treating psoriasis and to explore the potential therapeutic mechanism.

Methods

For pharmacodynamic analysis, a mouse model of imiquimod cream (IMQ)-induced psoriasis was constructed. Active ingredients and genes of XJDHT, as well as psoriasis-related targets, were obtained from public databases. Intersecting genes (IGEs) of XJDHT and psoriasis were collected by Venn Diagram. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of IGEs is constructed through the STRING database. The Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and Cytohubba plug-ins of Cytoscape software were used to identified hub genes. In addition, we conducted enrichment analysis of IGEs using the R package clusterProfiler. Hub genes were validated via external GEO databases. The influence of XJDHT on Hub gene expression was examined by qPCR and ELISA, and molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding efficacy between active ingredients and hub genes.

Results

The results revealed that XJDHT possesses 92 potential genes for psoriasis, and 8 Hub genes were screened. Enrichment analysis suggested that XJDHT ameliorate psoriasis through multiple pathways, including AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, IL-17 and TNF signaling pathway. Validation data confirmed the differential expression of IL6, VEGFA, TNF, MMP9, STAT3, and TLR4. Molecular docking revealed a strong affinity between active ingredients and Hub genes. The efficacy of XJDHT in improving psoriatic lesions in model mice was demonstrated by PASI score and HE staining, potentially attributed to the down-regulation of VEGFA, MMP9, STAT3, TNF, and IL-17A, as evidenced by ELISA and qPCR.

Conclusion

This study employed network pharmacology and in vitro experiments to identify the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of XJDHT on psoriasis, providing a new theoretical basis for its clinical application in the treatment of psoriasis.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Alleviates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Andrographis paniculata is a herbal plant used in traditional medicinal approaches to treat various ailments and diseases. Methotrexate (MTX) is a clinically used immunosuppressant and anticancer drug. One of the increasing concerns with MTX use is liver toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effect of aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity. Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups, and the drugs were administered. MTX (20 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally injected into rats on the ninth day alone. Aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata (500 mg/kg b.w./day) was orally administered for 10 days. We confirmed the beneficial effect of aqueous extracts of Andrographis paniculata on restoring the hepatic enzyme markers, lipid profile, antioxidant level, anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10), anti-apoptosis (bcl-2), significant suppression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, and IL-6), apoptosis marker (caspase 3) and cellular tissue damage caused by MTX. Overall, we revealed that Andrographis paniculata reduces critical aspects of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and apoptosis, thus protecting against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Albiflorin ameliorates mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis by PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway

Background: The most common type of glomerulonephritis in China is mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) featured with mesangial cell overproliferation and inflammation, as well as fibrosis. Albiflorin (AF) is an effective composition extracted from Paeonia Alba Radix and has been administrated for various diseases. Nevertheless, there is no research reporting the effect of AF on MPGN.Purpose: Our work aims to probe into the role and possible mechanism of AF on MPGN.Research Design: We investigated the effects of AF on mesangial cell overproliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and identified the related signaling pathways.Study Sample: human mesangial cells (HMCs) and male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.Data Analysis: SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze the data.Results: AF attenuated the proliferation and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. In detail, AF decreased the ki67 expression in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated HMCs and MPGN rats, and the mRNA expression or contents of inflammatory cytokines were reduced after AF treatment. The fibrosis of LPS-treated HMCs and MPGN rats was also reduced by AF. Moreover, AF effectively restrained 24 h urinary protein, improved kidney function, and mitigated dyslipidemia and pathological injury of MPGN rats. Additionally, we found that the protective effects of AF were accompanied by the blocking of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, and the inhibitory effects of AF on MPGN were reversed by insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), the PI3K agonist.Conclusions: AF alleviates MPGN via restraining mesangial cell overproliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling.

Effect of 3,3'-diselenodipropionic Acid on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

3,3'-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a synthetic organoselenium compound, has received considerable attention because of its antioxidant properties and safety. Its protective effect against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse ulcerative colitis (UC) and the role of T helper 17 (Th17) cell proliferation were investigated. Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to one of five groups: control (Con), DSePA, DSS, low-dose DSePA (LSe), and high-dose DSePA (HSe). Mice in the DSS, LSe, and HSe groups drank 2% DSS to induce UC, and received normal saline, 1 and 2 mg/mL DSePA solution by intraperitoneal injection, respectively. The DSePA group only received 2 mg/mL DSePA solution. After 5 weeks, DSS challenge induced UC in the mice, which manifested as decreased body weight, shortened colon length, the loss of goblet cells, activated proliferating cells, and multiple signs of intestinal lesions by histological observation, all of which were reversed to varying degrees by DSePA administration. DSS upregulated the colonic protein expression of the macrophage marker F4/80 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), whereas DSePA administration downregulated the expression of these factors. DSS upregulated the mRNA expression of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt, mainly expressed in Th17 cells), IL-17A, and IL-17F and the levels of IL-17A and IL-17F in the colon, whereas DSePA administration decreased them. No difference was observed between the Con group and the DSePA group without DSS induction. Thus, DSePA administration ameliorated DSS-induced UC by regulating Th17-cell proliferation and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

The Protective Effects of Nutraceutical Components in Methotrexate-Induced Toxicity Models—An Overview

There are multiple concerns associated with methotrexate (MTX), widely recognized for anti-neoplastic and anti-inflammatory effects in life-threatening disease conditions, i.e., acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, due to long-term side effects and associated toxicity, which limits its valuable potential. MTX acts as an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, leading to suppression of purine and pyrimidine synthesis in high metabolic and turnover cells, targeting cancer and dysregulated immune cells. Due to low discrimination between neoplastic cells and naturally high turnover cells, MTX is prone to inhibiting the division of all fast-dividing cells, causing toxicity in multiple organs. Nutraceutical compounds are plant-based or food-derived compounds, used for their preventive and therapeutic role, ascertained in multiple organ dysfunctions, including cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Gut microbiota and microbiota-derived metabolites take part in multiple physiological processes, their dysregulation being involved in disease pathogenesis. Modulation of gut microbiota by using nutraceutical compounds represents a promising therapeutic direction to restore intestinal dysfunction associated with MTX treatment. In this review, we address the main organ dysfunctions induced by MTX treatment, and modulations of them by using nutraceutical compounds. Moreover, we revealed the protective mechanisms of nutraceuticals in MTX-induced intestinal dysfunctions by modulation of gut microbiota.