Ligusticum chuanxiong as a potential neuroprotectant for preventing serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in rat pheochromocytoma cells: functional roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases

Multi-target regulatory mechanism of Yang Xin Tang - a traditional Chinese medicine against dementia

BACKGROUND

Yang Xin Tang (YXT) is a traditional Chinese herbal preparation which has been reported to improve cognitive function and memory in patients with dementia. As the underlying mechanism of action of YXT has not been elucidated, we examined the effects of YXT and its major herbal components in regulating gene transcription and molecular targets related to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of YXT and selected herbal components were prepared and validated by standard methods. A series of biochemical and cellular assays were employed to assess the ability of the herbal extracts to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, reduce β-amyloid aggregation, stimulate the differentiation of neural progenitor cells, suppress cyclooxygenase, and protect neurons against β-amyloid or N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity. The effects of YXT on multiple molecular targets were further corroborated by a panel of nine reporter gene assays.

RESULTS

Extracts of YXT and two of its constituent herbs, Poria cocos and Poria Sclerotium pararadicis, significantly inhibited β-amyloid aggregation and β-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity. A protective effect of the YXT extract was similarly observed against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity in primary neurons, and this activity was shared by extracts of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. Although the YXT extract was ineffective, extracts of Poria cocos, Poria Sclerotium pararadicis and Radix Polygalae inhibited acetylcholine esterase, with the latter also capable of upregulating choline acetyltransferase. YXT and its components significantly inhibited the activities of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenases. Additionally, extracts of YXT and several of its constituent herbs significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and cAMP-responsive element binding protein, two molecular targets involved in learning and memory, as well as in the regulation of neurogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Several constituents of YXT possess multiple regulatory effects on known therapeutic targets of AD that range from β-amyloid to acetylcholinesterase. The demonstrated neuroprotective and neurogenic actions of YXT lend credence to its use as an alternative medicine for treating AD.

Integrative medicine in treating post-stroke depression: Study protocol for a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric diseases in patients with stroke, and it can increase the disability rate, mortality, and recurrence rate of stroke. Currently, many clinical studies have indicated that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and herbs, Western medicine, rehabilitation, repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation, and other treatment methods, are effective in treating PSD. However, no study has formulated a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates TCM, Western medicine, and rehabilitation for PSD. Thus, this trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of integrative medicine for treating PSD.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled study aims to form a set of effective clinical treatment schemes that integrate TCM, Western medicine, and rehabilitation for PSD. A total of 202 participants recruited from four centers will be randomized into either the integrative medicine or standard care group. Standard care—basic treatment, general nursing care, and exercise therapy—will be provided to all participants. The integrative medicine group will also receive acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Participants will receive acupuncture and rTMS treatments five times per week for 4 weeks and will be administered Chinese herbs, basic treatment, general nursing care, and exercise therapy for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes include the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL). And the secondary outcomes include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). All outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, week 4 (the end of the treatment courses), and week 8 (the end of follow-up). Safety assessments will be performed throughout the study.

Discussion

This study is expected to verify the efficacy and safety of integrative medicine for treating PSD, providing an evidence-based clinical reference for the future development of a standardized scheme.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05187975

Uncovering the Mechanism of Chuanhong Stroke Capsule in the Treatment of Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Background and Objective: Chuanhong Stroke Capsule (CHSC) has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) patients. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of CHSC in treating CIS using bioinformatics. Methods: The active compounds of CHSC were screened by searching Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacological Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Swiss absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Besides, the potential targets of active compounds were obtained through TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases. CIS targets were obtained from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. CHSC-CIS intersection targets were identified by matching the two, and prediction and analysis of biological functions and pathways of intersection targets was used the enrichments of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, herb-target, and compound-target network of CHSC-CIS were constructed by Cytoscape3.7.2, and herb-compound-pathway network was drawn with Sankey diagram. Finally, AutoDock was used for molecular docking verification, and identifying the active binding sites in target proteins. Results: A total of 293 putative targets were obtained from 62 active compounds in CHSC. Among them, 209 targets were related to CIS. PPI network showed that the top 16 key targets were RELA, JUN, FOS, MAPK1, AKT1, etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that CHSC was enriched in PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and TNF signaling pathways. In addition, GO enrichment analysis showed the significant enrichment of CHSC in the following categories: kinase binding, cellular response to nitrogen compound, etc. Network topology analysis showed that quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, etc., were the key components in CHSC. Finally, molecular docking studies suggested that the active components in CHSC had a good binding ability with the key targets. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that CHSC exerted the effect in treating CIS by the characteristics of multi-target and multi-pathway, thereby providing a theoretical basis for further study of the effective components and mechanism of CHSC in the treatment of CIS.

Molecular Mechanism of Tetramethylpyrazine Ameliorating Neuroexcitotoxicity through Activating the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway

Background

Excitotoxicity plays a key role in nervous system disease and can trigger a critical cascade of reaction which affects cell viability and promotes neuronal death. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) reveals its effect in the treatment of neurovascular diseases by antiapoptosis. Recently, there were several studies that demonstrated that the PKA/CREB signaling pathway played a role in neural disease because of excitotoxicity, such as stroke, AD, and Parkinson's disease. In this study, we wanted to focus on the protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine against excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Methods

In order to verify whether tetramethylpyrazine can attenuate excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, we first used molecular docking technology to predict the combinational strength and mode of tetramethylpyrazine with the proteins in the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. Then, we determined the optimal concentration and time according to the model effect of glutamate (Glu) with different concentration gradients and action times in PC12 cells. After the determination of concentration and time of glutamate in the previous step as the model way, tetramethylpyrazine was added to determine its influence on the cell viability under different doses and times. The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, and 5CREB genes, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of these factors.

Result

Tetramethylpyrazine had a good docking score (-5.312) with PKA and had a moderately docking score (-3.838) with CREB. The CCK-8 cell activity assay showed that the activity of PC12 cells decreased gradually with the increase in glutamate concentration and time, and PC12 cells were treated with 10 mM/L glutamate (the half of the inhibitory concentration (IC50)) for 12 hours. Then, the cell viability increased gradually following the increased concentration of tetramethylpyrazine. When PC12 cells were treated with 0.1 mM/L tetramethylpyrazine, the cell viability was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry also showed that tetramethylpyrazine could decrease the apoptosis induced by glutamate. In the result of RT-PCR, the transcriptional levels of Bcl-2, PKA, and CREB were increased and Bax was decreased. Meanwhile, Western blot showed that expression levels of Bcl-2, PKA, CREB, and p-CREB were increased and Bax was decreased.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that tetramethylpyrazine can protect against apoptosis caused by neuroexcitotoxicity and the protective mechanism is closely related to the activation of the PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

The Protective Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Ligusticum chuanxiong: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antiapoptotic Activities

Ligusticum chuanxiong (LC) is a Chinese materia medica which is widely used in clinical settings to treat headaches, blood extravasation, and arthritis. Recent studies demonstrate that LC possesses versatile pharmacological functions, including antiatherosclerosis, antimigraine, antiaging, and anticancer properties. Moreover, LC also shows protective effects in the progression of different diseases that damage somatic cells. Oxidative stress and inflammation, which can induce somatic cell apoptosis, are the main factors associated with an abundance of diseases, whose progresses can be reversed by LC. In order to comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms associated with the protective effects of LC, we collected and integrated all its related studies on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. The results show that LC could exhibit the mentioned biological activities by modulating several signaling pathways, specifically the NF-κB, Nrf2, protein kinase, and caspase-3 pathways. In future investigations, the pharmacokinetic properties of bioactive compounds in LC and the signaling pathway modulation of LC could be focused.

Chuanxiong (Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong) Protects Ovariectomized Hyperlipidemic Rats from Bone Loss

Oxidative stress (OS) is the common mechanism for age-related diseases. The co-occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women makes it warranted to find a holistic approach for treatment of multiple diseases or conditions. The rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX), which has high anti-oxidant properties and is widely used for CVD treatment in China, might be the potential candidate. In the present study, CX ethanol extract (CXE) was applied to H₂O₂ induced MG63 cells to study its effects and mechanisms on osteoblastogenesis against OS. CXE was then administered to six-month-old Sprague Dawley sham or ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed either a low saturated fat-sucrose (LFS) or a high fat-sucrose (HFS) diet for 12 weeks, to confirm its anti-osteoporotic effects. The results demonstrated that CXE directly improved proliferation and differentiation in vitro in an H₂O₂-induced osteoblast cell model by attenuating cellular reactive oxygen species levels and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CXE significantly improved bone properties as revealed by the increase in trabecular bone mineral density and decrease in trabecular separation at proximal metaphysis of the tibia (PT) in HFS-fed OVX rats but not in LFS-fed OVX rats. CXE ameliorated dyslipidemia, greatly reduced lipid deposition and malondialdehyde levels, improved activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the livers of HFS-fed OVX rats. In conclusion, CXE could favor osteoblastogenesis against OS. The ability of CXE to reduce bone loss in HFS-fed OVX rats was associated with its abilities to correct dyslipidemia, and reduce lipid deposition and OS levels.

Ligusticum chuanxiong exerts neuroprotection by promoting adult neurogenesis and inhibiting inflammation in the hippocampus of ME cerebral ischemia rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cerebral ischemia, also known as stroke, can stimulate the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem cells (NSC_S) in subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and subgranularzone of the dentate gyrus in the adult hippocampus as a defense response to damage. However, the proliferation of endogenous NSC_S is insufficient for central nervous system repair. Neurogenesis and anti-neuroinflammation are two important aspects for neuroprotection. Rhizome Ligusticum chuanxiong (LC), the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum DC., has been widely used to treat stroke for over hundreds of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

PURPOSE

of the study: Previous reports on pharmacological mechanism of LC mainly focus on the cerebral blood flow and thrombolysis. We aim to explore whether LC provides neuroprotective effect by increasing neurogenesis and inhibiting the IL-1β, TNF-α and expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC extract was delivered to microsphere-embolized (ME) cerebral ischemia Wister rats to examine its neuroprotection. Body weight, neurological scores, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), TUNEL assay were conducted for neurological damage. Neurogenesis was evaluated by assessing the expression of Doublecortin (DCX) and neurogenic differentiation1 (NeuroD1) through immunofluorescence staining. Western blot performed to measure the protein levels of growth associated protein-43(GAP-43), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). IL-1β and TNF-α was detected by Elisa.

RESULTS

LC alleviated pathomorphological change and apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampus caused by ME surgery. Furthermore, LC significantly increased the DCX in the DG of adult rat hippocampus at 14 days after surgery. A significant upregulation of GAP-43 compared to the ME after LC was administered. Besides, LC decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α) and protein level of GFAP.

CONCLUSION

The finding suggested that LC had the ability to protect neurons by promoting the endogenous proliferation of neuroblast and production of neural differentiation factor in rats after ischemia injury. Meanwhile, LC can anti-neuroinflammation, which is important for the treatment of neuron injury. Accordingly, LC perhaps a promising medicine for neuron damage therapy after cerebral ischemia.

Preparation, optimization and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of Shunxin sustained release granules

Background

Shunxinzufang decoction is tutors, empirical formula and has been used in Chinese patients of HFpEF for several years. The aim of this study was to make into sustained release granules and select the best formula for the preparation of Shunxin sustained release granules and to evaluate its in vivo and in vitro drug release behavior.

Methods

Response surface methodology and Center composite design were applied to screen the optimal formula of Shunxin sustained release granules. HPLC was used to detect indicative ingredients—paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside and ferulic acid in Shunxin sustained release granules. The in vitro sustained release character of indicative ingredients was investigated in simulated digestive fluids. In-vivo process of active components was studied through pharmacokinetics.

Results

The optimal formula of Shunxin sustained release granules consisted of 35% shunxinzufang extract and 65% HPMC/starch (HPMC/starch ratio = 2:1). Three indicative components can be separated well under selected HPLC conditions. Compared with Shunxinzufang extract, the active components of Shunxin sustained release granules have obvious sustained-release character and improved bioavailability.

Conclusion

Shunxin sustained release granules has obvious sustained-release character and improved bioavailability.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

Tetramethylpyrazine‑2'O‑sodium ferulate provides neuroprotection against neuroinflammation and brain injury in MCAO/R rats by suppressing TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation following cerebral ischemia is a serious risk factor in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of tetramethylpyrazine‑2'O‑sodium ferulate (TSF), a structurally modified compound from tetramethylpyrazine and ferulate, on cerebral ischemic injury and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Focal transient cerebral ischemia was induced in rat for 2 h by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and the protective effect of TSF was studied using different doses of the drug (10.8, 18, 30 mg/kg, intravenously); Ozagrel (18 mg/kg) was used as the positive control. The drugs were given immediately after MCAO and the efficacy and mechanisms were evaluated at 72 h of reperfusion. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and anti-inflammatory molecules such as IL-10 was measured; other factors such as neurological deficit, brain water content and infarct size and the level of MCP-1, ICAM-1, iNOS, CD11b, TLR-4/NF-κBp65 were also measured.

RESULTS

TSF at the doses of 18, 30 mg/kg significantly improved neurological deficit, reduced brain water content and infarct size, accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, ICAM-1, iNOS and an increase in the concentration of IL-10. The amount of CD11b and ICAM-1 was found largely decreased and the expression of TLR-4 and the nuclear NF-κBp65 was weakened in TSF-treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that TSF possesses a neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke which might be mediated through suppression of the inflammatory pathways in the brain following ischemic stroke.

Treatment of depression with Chai Hu Shu Gan San: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials

Background

Depression is a common mental disorder. Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat depression empirically. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Chai Hu Shu Gan San in treating depression.

Methods

Several databases, including PubMed, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang, Chongqing VIP, and the Cochrane library, were systematically searched from their date of foundation to January 1, 2017. In this review, wehave included randomized control trials that compared Chai Hu Shu Gan San (or its combination with a regular Western medicine) with a regular Western medicine alone for the treatment of depression. Two investigators independently extracted and analyzed the data using RevMan 5.2.0 software. Mean difference (with a 95% confidence interval) was used as efficacy indices for outcomes.

Results

We included 42 studies involving 3234 patients with depression in 15 different types of diseases. Meta analyses showed better effect of Chai Hu Shu Gan San than fluoxetine for pure depression (MD = − 1.59, from − 2.82 to − 0.37, 4 trials, I² = 26%), for post-stroke depression (MD = − 4.20, from − 6.20 to − 2.19, 7 trials, I² = 96%), and for postpartum depression (MD = − 4.10, from − 7.48 to − 0.72 7 trials, I² = 86%). None of the articles reported severe adverse events of oral administration of Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Furthermore, any adverse effects of using Chai Hu Shu Gan San alone were fewer than those of regular Western medicines.

Conclusions

This review found that Chai Hu Shu Gan San has some advantages in treating depression, especially post-stroke depression and post-partum depression. A meticulously designed and conducted randomized control trial is needed for further evaluation.

Sulfuretin Attenuates MPP⁺-Induced Neurotoxicity through Akt/GSK3β and ERK Signaling Pathways

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. It is caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in PD. Sulfuretin is a potent antioxidant that is reported to be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we examined the protective effect of sulfuretin against 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium (MPP⁺)-induced cell model of PD in SH-SY5Y cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Sulfuretin significantly decreased MPP⁺-induced apoptotic cell death, accompanied by a reduction in caspase 3 activity and polyADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, it attenuated MPP⁺-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Consistently, sulfuretin decreased p53 expression and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, sulfuretin significantly increased the phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β, and ERK. Pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and ERK abolished the cytoprotective effects of sulfuretin against MPP⁺. An inhibitor of GSK3β mimicked sulfuretin-induced protection against MPP⁺. Taken together, these results suggest that sulfuretin significantly attenuates MPP⁺-induced neurotoxicity through Akt/GSK3β and ERK signaling pathways in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings suggest that sulfuretin might be one of the potential candidates for the treatment of PD.

Grifola frondosa polysaccharides induce breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway

Grifola frondosa, a type of food and medical fungus, has been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects. As the most typical cancer diagnosed among female patients, breast cancer remains a huge concern threatening human health globally. In the present study, the anti-breast cancer effects of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs) and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, as well as in nude mice bearing MCF-7 tumor xenografts. GFPs exerted cytotoxic effects on the cells, as indicated by a decrease in cell viability, and an increase in the apoptototic rate, lactate dehydrogenase release and reactive oxygen species accumulation, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. The increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8, and the reduced levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-extra large (Bcl-xL) were observed in the cells incubated with GFPs and in the tumor tissues of the mice treated with GFPs. Moreover, the GFPs significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β and extracellular signal-regulated kinases in a time-dependent manner. Finally, the inhibition of MCF-7 tumor xenograft growth further confirmed the anti-breast cancer effects of GFPs. All these findings revealed that GFPs induced human breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway, and provide experimental evidence to support the use of Grifola frondosa as a potential treatment for breast cancer.

Two new phthalide dimers from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong

Two pairs of diastereoisomers, namely (3'Z)-(3S,8S,3a'S,6'R)-4,5-dehydro-3.3a',8.6'-diligustilide (1) and (3'Z)-(3S,8R,3a'S,6'R)-4,5-dehydro-3.3a',8.6'-diligustilide (3), chuanxiongdiolide R3 (2), and chuanxiongdiolide R1 (4), were isolated from the 95% ethanolic aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong. Among these Phthalide dimers, compounds 1 and 2 were new ones. The structures of the new isolates were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra.

Bu Shen Tiao Chong recipe restores diminished ovary reserve through the BDNF pathway

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular pathway of BSTCR (Bu Shen Tiao Chong recipe) in retrieving diminished ovary reserve (DOR).

METHODS

The DOR model was established through injecting cyclophosphamide and the effect of BSTCR was examined under this background.

RESULTS

BSTCR was shown to restore depleted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), CDC2, cyclin B, GSH1, and P38 levels as well as impaired oocyte maturation and the higher apoptosis induced in DOR. BSTCR also enhances the response of oocytes to in vitro fertilization, with higher implantation rate, birth rate, and placenta weight.

CONCLUSION

BSTCR might exert its beneficial role in oocyte maturation and restore DOR through regulating the BDNF pathway. And this pathway itself is probably through the consequence on several serum hormones such as FSH, E2, Inhibin B, etc.

Analysis of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and its active components by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy

As complicated mixture systems, active components of Chuanxiong Rhizoma are very difficult to identify and discriminate. In this paper, the macroscopic IR fingerprint method including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2DCOS-IR), was applied to study and identify Chuanxiong raw materials and its different segmented production of HPD-100 macroporous resin. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is rich in sucrose. In the FT-IR spectra, water eluate is more similar to sucrose than the powder and the decoction. Their second derivative spectra amplified the differences and revealed the potentially characteristic IR absorption bands and combined with the correlation coefficient, concluding that 50% ethanol eluate had more ligustilide than other eluates. Finally, it can be found from 2DCOS-IR spectra that proteins were extracted by ethanol from Chuanxiong decoction by HPD-100 macroporous resin. It was demonstrated that the above three-step infrared spectroscopy could be applicable for quick, non-destructive and effective analysis and identification of very complicated and similar mixture systems of traditional Chinese medicines.

Novel phthalide derivatives from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong and their inhibitory effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

Five new phthalide derivatives, including one with a new skeleton and one unusual phthalide dimer, were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong.

ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for glycyrrhizic acid-mediated neuroprotection against glutamate-induced toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells

The present study focuses on the neuroprotective effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA, a major compound separated from Glycyrrhiza Radix, which is a crude Chinese traditional drug) against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 (DPC12) cells. The results showed that GA treatment improved cell viability and ameliorated abnormal glutamate-induced alterations in mitochondria in DPC12 cells. GA reversed glutamate-suppressed B-cell lymphoma 2 levels, inhibited glutamate-enhanced expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, and reduced cytochrome C (Cyto C) release. Exposure to glutamate strongly inhibited phosphorylation of AKT (protein kinase B) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs); however, GA pretreatment enhanced activation of ERKs but not AKT. The presence of PD98059 (a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase [MEK] inhibitor) but not LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor) diminished the potency of GA for improving viability of glutamate-exposed DPC12 cells. These results indicated that ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for the neuroprotective effect of GA against glutamate-induced toxicity in DPC12 cells. The present study provides experimental evidence supporting GA as a potential therapeutic agent for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Involvement of the ERK pathway in the protective effects of glycyrrhizic acid against the MPP+-induced apoptosis of dopaminergic neuronal cells

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a major compound separated from Radix Glycyrrhizae, has been shwon to exert various biochemical effects, including neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of GA against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‑induced damage to differentiated PC12 (DPC12) cells. Compared with the MPP+-treated cells, GA markedly improved cell viability, restored mitochondrial dysfunction, suppressed the overexpression of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and suppressed the overproduction of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and intracellular Ca2+ overload. The protective effects of GA on cell survival were further confirmed in primary cortical neurons. GA markedly increased the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), as well as its migration from the cytoplasm to nucleus. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, blocked GA-enhanced ERK activation and reduced cell viability. However, pre-treatment with GA had no effects on the expression of phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and total AKT (t-AKT). These results indicate that the GA-mediated neuroprotective effects are associated with its modulation of multiple anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors, particularly the ERK signaling pathway. This study provides evidence supporting the use of GA as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neuronal injury.

Liquiritin modulates ERK‑ and AKT/GSK‑3β‑dependent pathways to protect against glutamate‑induced cell damage in differentiated PC12 cells

Glutamate has a key role in the neuronal cell damage associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Liquiritin (LQ), a major constituent of Glycyrrhiza Radix, possesses various pharmacological activities. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of LQ against glutamate‑induced cell damage in the differentiated PC12 (DPC12) rat pheochromocytoma cell line. Pretreatment with 25 and 50 µM LQ for 3 h resulted in a significant increase in cell viability and inhibited excessive lactate dehydrogenase release in glutamate‑exposed DPC12 cells. LQ also ameliorated glutamate‑induced nuclear and mitochondrial apoptotic alterations, intracellular calcium overload and the abnormal expression of apoptosis‑related proteins, including cytochrome c, B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2 and Bcl2‑associated X protein. Treatment with LQ alone or in combination with glutamate was found to enhance the phosphoactivation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinases (ERKs), AKT and its downstream element glycogen synthase kinase‑3β (GSK3β), in a time‑dependent manner. However, no effect was observed on the expression of total‑ERKs, ‑AKT and ‑GSK3β. Furthermore, pre‑incubation with 10 µM PD98059 or LY94002, inhibitors of ERK and phosphatidylinositide 3‑kinase, respectively, for 30 min significantly suppressed the LQ‑induced increase in glutamate‑exposed DPC12 cell viability. To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first experimental evidence that LQ has a neuroprotective effect against glutamate toxicity in DPC12 cells, predominantly through the ERK and AKT/GSK‑3β pathways. Therefore, LQ may have potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of buyang huanwu decoction on ventricular remodeling and differential protein profile in a rat model of myocardial infarction

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) is a well-known and canonical Chinese medicine formula from “Correction on Errors in Medical Classics” in Qing dynasty. Here, we show that BYHWD could alleviate the ventricular remodeling induced by left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation in rats. BYHWD treatment (18 g/kg/day) decreased heart weight/body weight (HW/BW), left ventricle (LV) dimension at end diastole (LVDd) and increased LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) significantly compared to model group at the end of 12 weeks. The collagen volume of BYHWD group was more significantly decreased than that of model group. Proteomic analysis showed that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was downregulated; heat shock protein beta-6 (HSPB6) and peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6) were upregulated in BYHWD-treated group among successfully identified proteins. The apoptotic index (AI) was reduced by BYHWD accompanied by decreased expression of Bax and caspase 3 activity, increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and phosphorylation of HSPB6 compared to that of model group. Taken together, these results suggest that BYHWD can alleviate ventricular remodeling induced by LAD artery ligation. The antiremodeling effects of BYHWD are conferred by decreasing AI through affecting multiple targets including increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreased caspase 3 activity that might be via upregulated PRDX6, phosphorylation of HSPB6 and subsequently reduction of ANF.

Advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of chuanxiong

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan-Xiong, CX), the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae), is one of the most popular plant medicines in the World. Modern research indicates that organic acids, phthalides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, ceramides and cerebrosides are main components responsible for the bioactivities and properties of CX. Because of its complex constituents, multidisciplinary techniques are needed to validate the analytical methods that support CX's use worldwide. In the past two decades, rapid development of technology has advanced many aspects of CX research. The aim of this review is to illustrate the recent advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of CX, and to highlight new applications and challenges. Emphasis is placed on recent trends and emerging techniques.

[Analysis of volatile oils of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. from different geographical origins by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry]

The volatile oils of 23 Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. samples from 4 different regions were analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC/TOF MS). The group-type separation of 4 terpenoids and phthalides was well accomplished based on a DB-Petro x DB-17 column system. With the MS library search, 215 compounds were tentatively identified based on the NIST database and the 43 compounds of them were confirmed by using the retention index or comparing with the standard compounds in a typical sample from Xindu City. Twenty three samples were apparently classified into 4 groups by partial least square-discriminant analysis. A brief list of 20 differential compounds is presented, including cnidilide, 3-n-butylphthalide and butylidene phthalide. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), stable free radical scavenging assay was adopted to differentiate the antioxidative potency of these samples, which was expressed as EC50. Based on the orthogonal partial least square model the biochemical discrimination of samples was achieved with ligustilide, senkyunolide A and neocnidilide as important differential compounds according to geographical origins. All the results indicated that phthalides exert a great influence on the chemical and biochemical classifications of Rhizoma Chuanxiong, and the samples from Pengzhou City have the highest contents of phthalides.

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort: a review of chemistry and pharmacology

CONTEXT

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort (LC; Umbelliferae) is an effective medical plant, which has been extensively applied for many years to treat various diseases with other Chinese herbal medicines. Although a considerable amount of scientific research was reported on LC in the last decade, it is currently scattered across various publications. The present review comprises the chemical and pharmacological research on LC in the last decade.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to bring together most of the scientific research available on LC and evaluate its effects and mechanisms.

METHODS

The information for 82 cases included in this review was compiled using major databases such as Medline, Elsevier, Springer, Pubmed, and Scholar.

RESULTS

The compounds contained in LC can be divided into five kinds, essential oil (EO), alkaloids, phenolic acids, phthalide lactones, and other constituents. A great deal of pharmacological research has been done, which mainly focuses on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antifibrosis, antinociception, antiinflammation, and antineoplastic activity.

CONCLUSION

A large number of pharmacological and chemical studies during the last 10 years have demonstrated the vast medicinal potential of LC. It is still very clear that LC is a plant with widespread use now and also with extraordinary potential for the future. The documents strongly support the view that LC has beneficial therapeutic properties and indicates its potential as an effective adaptogenic herbal remedy.