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Kulhari U, Rajanan A, Ambujakshan A, Verma S, Mugale MN, Sahu BD. Biochanin A mitigates ulcerative colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF-kB (p65) axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23738. [PMID: 38764152 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic problem of the intestine and relapsing in nature. Biochanin A is a nature-derived isoflavonoid and has numerous bioactivities. However, its role against UC and intestinal inflammation remains obscure. We aimed to comprehensively explore the pharmacological effect of biochanin A in alleviating colitis and to evaluate the potential mechanisms. Initially, we explored the anti-inflammatory action of biochanin A (15, 30, and 60 μM) by employing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. In RAW 264.7 cells under LPS stimulation, biochanin A inhibited the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.0001), interleukin (IL)-1β (p < 0.0001), IL-18 (p < 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p < 0.01) release, nitrite production (p < 0.0001), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins. Next, we studied the effectiveness of biochanin A (20 and 40 mg/kg) in mouse colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) by assessing colon length, disease activity index (DAI) scoring, and performing colonoscopy and histological analysis. The pro-inflammatory cytokines were estimated using ELISA. Western blot studies were performed to assess underlying mechanisms. In mice, biochanin A treatment alleviated DAI score (p < 0.0001), restored colon length (p < 0.05) and morphology, and re-established colon histopathology. Biochanin A affects the phosphorylation of proteins associated with NF-κB (p65) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) axis and regulates colonic inflammation by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Altogether, our findings support the idea that the anticolitis potential of biochanin A is allied with anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB (p65) axis. Hence, biochanin A may be an alternative option to alleviate the risk of colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, India
| | - Ashitha Rajanan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, India
| | - Anju Ambujakshan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, India
| | - Smriti Verma
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, India
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Zhang H, Wang X, Zhao L, Zhang K, Cui J, Xu G. Biochanin a ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by improving colonic barrier function and protects against the development of spontaneous colitis in the Muc2 deficient mice. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:111014. [PMID: 38648921 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
There is an increasing appreciation that colonic barrier function is closely related to the development and progression of colitis. The mucus layer is a crucial component of the colonic barrier, responsible for preventing harmful bacteria from invading the intestinal epithelium and causing inflammation. Furthermore, a defective mucus barrier is also a significant characteristic of ulcerative colitis (UC). Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavonoid, has garnered increasing interest due to its significant biological activities. However, the impact of BCA on UC has not been reported yet. In this study, we used a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model and the Muc2 deficient (Muc2-/-) mice spontaneous colitis model to explore the mechanisms of BCA in the treatment of UC. Here, we verified that DSS-induced UC was observably attenuated and spontaneous colitis in Muc2-/- mice was relieved by BCA. Treatment with BCA improved colitis-related symptoms and reduced intestinal permeability by upregulating the levels of goblet cells and tight junction (TJ) proteins. In addition, we confirmed that BCA promotes autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway, thereby alleviating DSS-induced UC. In addition, the administration of BCA was able to reduce apoptosis and promote proliferation by suppressing Cleaved Caspase-3 (Cleaved Cas-3) expression, and increasing PCNA and Ki67 levels. Further research revealed that BCA treatment ameliorated spontaneous colitis and alleviated epithelial damage in Muc2-/- mice by restoring the intestinal barrier and promoting autophagy. Our results demonstrated that BCA alleviated UC by enhancing intestinal barrier function and promoting autophagy. These findings indicate that BCA may be a novel treatment alternative for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haina Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Xueqi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Linxian Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Jiaming Cui
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
| | - Guangmeng Xu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China.
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Chen J, Gao Y, Liu N, Hai D, Wei W, Liu Y, Lan X, Jin X, Yu J, Ma L. Mechanism of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Epilepsy and Related Therapeutic Agents. Neuroscience 2024; 546:157-177. [PMID: 38574797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most widespread and complex diseases in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting approximately 65 million people globally, an important factor resulting in neurological disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and progressive cognitive dysfunction. Medication is the most essential treatment. The currently used drugs have shown drug resistance in some patients and only control symptoms; the development of novel and more efficacious pharmacotherapy is imminent. Increasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation is involved in the occurrence and development of epilepsy, and high expression of NLRP3 inflammasome has been observed in the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) brain tissue of patients and animal models. The inflammasome is a crucial cause of neuroinflammation by activating IL-1β and IL-18. Many preclinical studies have confirmed that regulating NLRP3 inflammasome pathway can prevent the development of epilepsy, reduce the severity of epilepsy, and play a neuroprotective role. Therefore, regulating NLRP3 inflammasome could be a potential target for epilepsy treatment. In summary, this review describes the priming and activation of inflammasome and its biological function in the progression of epilepsy. In addition, we reviewes the current pharmacological researches for epilepsy based on the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome, aiming to provide a basis and reference for developing novel antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Dongmei Hai
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Lu Y, Lin M, Ou S, Sun L, Qian K, Kuang H, Wu Y. Astragalus polysaccharides ameliorate epileptogenesis, cognitive impairment, and neuroinflammation in a pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling mouse model. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1336122. [PMID: 38405667 PMCID: PMC10884767 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1336122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease where neuroinflammation plays a significant role in epileptogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them a potential candidate for neuroprotection against central nervous system disease. Nevertheless, the extent of their effectiveness in treating epilepsy remains enigmatic. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the potential of APS to mitigate epileptogenesis and its comorbidities by exploring its underlying mechanism. Methods: Initially, we employed pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure mice to validate APS' effectiveness. Subsequently, we employed network pharmacology analysis to probe the possible targets and signaling pathways of APS in treating epilepsy. Ultimately, we verified the key targets and signaling pathways experimentally, predicting their mechanisms of action. Results: APS have been observed to disturb the acquisition process of kindling, leading to reduced seizure scores and a lower incidence of complete kindling. Moreover, APS has been found to improve cognitive impairments and prevent hippocampal neuronal damage during the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindling process. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that APS potentially exerted their anti-epileptic effects by targeting cytokine and toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathways. Finally, experimental findings showed that APS efficiently inhibited the activation of astrocytes and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, APS impeded the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade in a PTZ-induced kindling mouse model. Conclusion: The outcomes of our study suggest that APS exerts an impact on epileptogenesis and mitigates cognitive impairment by impeding neuroinflammatory processes. The mechanism underlying these observations may be attributed to the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in a reduction of the release of inflammatory mediators. These findings partially agree with the predictions derived from network pharmacology analyses. As such, APS represents a potentially innovative and encouraging adjunct therapeutic option for epileptogenesis and cognitive deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Lu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Minglin Lin
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sijie Ou
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lanfeng Sun
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Kai Qian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Huimin Kuang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Feng Z, Zhang N, Bai J, Lin QY, Xie Y, Xia YL. Biochanin A inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116002. [PMID: 38091641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The heart undergoes pathological cardiac hypertrophy as an adaptive response to prolonged pathological stimulation, leading to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibroblast proliferation, and an increase in extracellular matrix. Chinese medicine monomers are now receiving much attention for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial remodeling. Biochanin A (BCA) is a kind of flavonoid structural monomer, which has a certain therapeutic effect on bone thinning disease, aging syndrome, lung cancer, etc. Moreover, it exhibits hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria and other pharmacological properties. It is still unknown whether BCA has an impact on the mechanism of TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Here, cardiac remodeling was induced by TAC. BCA was injected intraperitoneally at 25 and 50 mg/kg/day one week in advance. Masson, WGA, DHE and other pathological staining and serum were used to detect the inhibitory effect of BCA on cardiac hypertrophy in mice. The anti-hypertrophic effect of BCA was demonstrated by studying the pathological manifestations of Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in vitro. The results showed that BCA significantly reduced TAC-induced fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and myocardial hypertrophy. BCA inhibited Ang II-induced cell hypertrophy and oxidative stress in NRCMs in vitro and Ang II-induced CF migration, proliferation, and collagen secretion. This suggests that BCA plays a key role in inhibiting the progression of myocardial remodeling, suggesting that BCA may be a promising agent for the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Feng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The first affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Lin
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The first affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Xie
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The first affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yun-Long Xia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The first affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
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Palumbo L, Carinci M, Guarino A, Asth L, Zucchini S, Missiroli S, Rimessi A, Pinton P, Giorgi C. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Epileptic Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2825. [PMID: 37893198 PMCID: PMC10604217 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a dynamic process of defense and protection against the harmful action of infectious agents or other detrimental stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the uncontrolled regulation of this physiological process is strongly associated with serious dysfunctional neuronal issues linked to the progression of CNS disorders. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders worldwide. Indeed, NLRP3, one of the most well-studied inflammasomes, is involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, events that characterize this pathological condition. In this context, several pieces of evidence have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Based on an extensive review of the literature on the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy, in this review we discuss our current understanding of the connection between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and progressive neurodegeneration in epilepsy. The goal of the review is to cover as many of the various known epilepsy models as possible, providing a broad overview of the current literature. Lastly, we also propose some of the present therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3, aiming to provide potential insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sonia Missiroli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Singh L, Kaur N, Bhatti R. Neuroprotective potential of biochanin-A and review of the molecular mechanisms involved. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5369-5378. [PMID: 37039995 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Biochanin-A is a naturally occurring plant phytoestrogen, which mimics specific the agonistic activity of estrogens. Biochanin-A is known to possess numerous activities, including neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, along with the anticancer activity. Neuroinflammation is thought to play a pivotal pathological role in neurodegenerative disease. Sustained neuroinflammatory processes lead to progressive neuronal damage in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Activation of PI3K/Akt cascade and inhibition of MAPK signaling cascade have been observed to be responsible for conferring protection against neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. An increased oxidative stress promotes neuronal apoptosis via potentiating the TLR-4/NF-κB and inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling mediated increase in pro-apoptotic and decreases in antiapoptotic proteins. Various authors have explored biochanin-A's neuroprotective effect by using various cell lines and animal models. Biochanin-A has been reported to mediate its neuroprotective via reducing the level of oxidants, inflammatory mediators, MAPK, TLR-4, NF-κB, NADPH oxidase, AchE, COX-2 and iNOS. Whereas, it has been observed to increase the level of anti-oxidants, along with phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt proteins. The current review has been designed to provide insights into the neuroprotective effect of biochanin-A and possible signaling pathways leading to protection against neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the central nervous system. This review will be helpful in guiding future researchers to further explore biochanin A at a mechanistic level to obtain useful lead molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovedeep Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Navneet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Rajbir Bhatti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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