Srolo Bzhtang, a traditional Tibetan medicine formula, inhibits cigarette smoke induced airway inflammation and muc5ac hypersecretion via suppressing IL-13/STAT6 signaling pathway in rats

Chemical profiling and mechanisms of Agarikon pill in a rat model of cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background and aim

Agarikon pill (AGKP), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, and has been used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment clinically. However, the active components and exact pharmacological mechanisms are still unclear. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of AGKP on COPD and identify the chemical constituents and active compounds.

Experimental procedure

The chemical components of AGKP were identified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS). Network pharmacology analysis was performed to uncover the potential mechanism of AGKP. The efficiencies and mechanisms of AGKP were further confirmed in COPD animal models.

Results and conclusion

Ninety compounds from AGKP, such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, anthracenes, derivatives, phenyl propionic acid, and other organic acids, were identified in our study. AGKP improved lung function and pathological changes in COPD model rats. Additionally, inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine levels were markedly reduced in COPD rats administered AGKP. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the inflammatory response is the crucial mechanism by which AGKP exerts therapeutic effects on COPD rats. WB and PCR data indicated that AGKP attenuated the inflammatory response in COPD model rats. AGKP reduces the pulmonary inflammatory response through the PI3K/AKT and MAPK TLR/NF-κB signaling pathways and exerts therapeutic effects via inhibition of inflammation and mucus hypersecretion on COPD model rats.

Effects of Tibetan medicine Longdan zhike tablet on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through MAPK pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Longdan zhike tablet (LDZK) is a Tibetan medicine formula commonly used in the highland region of Tibet, China, to ameliorate respiratory diseases, such as acute bronchitis and asthma. In Chinese traditional medicine, some herbal formulas with anti-inflammatory properties targeting the respiratory system are clinically adopted as supplementary therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the specific anti-COPD effects of LDZK remain to be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to identify the principal bioactive compounds in LDZK, and elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the LDZK on COPD.

METHODS

High-resolution mass spectrometry was utilized for a comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition of LDZK. The therapeutic effects of LDZK were assessed on the LPS-papain-induced COPD mouse model, and LPS-induced activation model of A549 cells. The safety of LDZK was evaluated by orally administering a single dose of 30 g/kg to rats and monitoring physiological and biochemical indicators after a 14-day period. Network pharmacology and Western blot analysis were employed for mechanism prediction of LDZK.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis identified a total of 45 compounds as the major constituents of LDZK. Oral administration of LDZK resulted in notable ameliorative effects in respiratory function, accompanied by reduced inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels in the lungs of COPD mice. Acute toxicity tests demonstrated a favorable safety profile at a dose equivalent to 292 times the clinically prescribed dose. In vitro studies revealed that LDZK exhibited protective effects on A549 cells by mitigating LPS-induced cellular damage, reducing the release of NO, and downregulating the expression of iNOS, COX2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Network pharmacology and Western blot analysis indicated that LDZK primarily modulated the MAPK signaling pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38/ERK/JNK.

CONCLUSIONS

LDZK exerts significant therapeutic effects on COPD through the regulation of the MAPK pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising adjunctive therapy for the treatment of chronic inflammation in COPD.

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Bergenia purparescens: A review comments and suggestions

Bergenia purpurascens (B. purpurascens, Saxifragaceae) has been used to treat several diseases in different countries, such as lung diseases, stomach problems, rheumatic pains, boosting immunity etc. However, the information on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant has rarely been comprehensively and critically reported. This paper aims to study and evaluate its therapeutic potential, including the traditional uses and all the latest information of phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. The main components of this plant are phenols compounds and the characteristic substance is bergenin.The results about modern pharmacology have shown that its pharmacological effects include antibacterial, antiviral, cough relieving, anti-inflammatory and so on. In addition, it could inhibit diabetic neuropathy, restore insulin secretion, treat cancer, protect liver and prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, its therapeutic fields may be cancer, diabetic and AD in the future. The information will help to further update and study pharmacologic effect and action mechanism of this herb, which is more widely, effectively, and safely used in clinic.

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. aqueous extract attenuates nasal inflammation in allergic rhinitis by inhibiting MUC5AC production through suppression of the STAT3/STAT6 pathway

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic respiratory inflammatory disease, is among the most common chronic diseases reported worldwide. Mucus hypersecretion is a critical feature of AR pathogenesis. Although the Gleditsia sinensis extract has several beneficial effects on human health, its effects on allergic inflammation have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of G. sinensis aqueous extract (GSAE) on nasal inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. GSAE was administered orally for 1 week and then the clinical nasal symptoms were evaluated. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and interleukin (IL)-13 were measured in the serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inflammatory cells were then counted in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and histopathology in the nasal epithelium was evaluated. STAT3/STAT6 phosphorylation was examined in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) using western blot analysis. Oral administration of GSAE to OVA-induced AR mice alleviated nasal clinical symptoms and reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-13, and histamine levels. The accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid, nasal mucosa, mast cells, goblet cells, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in the nasal epithelium was also inhibited by GSAE. Treatment with GSAE inhibited the production of MUC5AC in IL-4/IL-13-stimulated primary human nasal epithelial cells through the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/STAT6 signaling pathway. These results indicated that GSAE reduces nasal inflammation suggesting that it is a potential treatment option for AR.

Guishaozichuan granules can attenuate asthma in rats via the MUC5AC/EGFR signaling pathway

Background: Guishaozichuan (GSZC) granules are a traditional Chinese medicine formulation created by Professor Li (Chinese-Japanese Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China) we studied the effect of GSZC granules in rats suffering from asthma. Methods: Specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into seven groups. Ovalbumin (OVA) and Al (OH)3 gel were used to create an asthma model. On day 1, rats were injected with OVA (10 mg) and an Al(OH)3 gel suspension (100 mg). One week later, rats were sensitized again. On day 15, rats were given aerosolized OVA (1%) for 30 min/day for 10 days. Gastric administration of OVA was 1 h before nebulization. At 24 h after the last stimulation, changes in airway resistance (RI) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) in rat lungs were measured after challenge with methacholine at increasing concentrations. The contents of immunoglobulin (Ig)E, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The percentage of eosinophils (EOS) and the white blood cell (WBC) count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted under an optical microscope. Pathologic alterations in lung tissue were evaluated by optical microscopy, and lung injury score calculated. Expression of mucin 5AC, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming (MUC5AC) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in lung tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression of MUC5AC and EGFR in lung tissue was measured by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: GSZC granules reduced RI markedly and improved Cdyn, decreased serum levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, %EOS and the WBC count in BALF. GSZC granules alleviated lung-tissue damage, diminished the Inflammation Score, and reduced mRNA and protein expression of MUC5AC and EGFR in lung tissue. Conclusion: GSZC granules could improve bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchial inflammation, and histopathologic damage in the lungs of rats suffering from asthma. This phenomenon may be related to its regulation of cytokine levels and the MUC5AC/EGFR signaling pathway.

Knockdown of Brg1 reduced mucus secretion in HDM stimulated airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

The Brg1 (Brahma-related gene 1) is an important chromatin remodeling factor protein. The Brg1 protein can promote the transcriptional activation or inhibit target genes through regulating ATP hydrolysis which rearranges the nucleosomes position and the histone DNA interaction. In this study, we explored the role of Brg1 in house dust mite (HDM) stimulated airway inflammation.

METHODS

The wild-type C57BL/6 mice (wild-type, WT) and alveolar epithelial cells specifically knockout Brg1 mice (Brg1^fl/fl) were selected as the experimental subjects. HDM was used to stimulate human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) to construct an model of airway inflammation in vitro. The asthma group was established with HDM, and the control group was treated with normal saline. Wright's staining for the detection of differential counts of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Invasive lung function was used to assess the airway compliance. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining were used to detect mucus secretion. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure mucin glycoprotein 5AC (MUC5AC) protein expression in airway epithelium. Western blotting was used to detect the MUC5AC and JAK1/2-STAT6 proteins in mouse lung tissues and 16HBE cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (CHIP) were used to detect whether Brg1 could regulate the JAK1/2-STAT6 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

The airway inflammation, pulmonary ventilation resistance, airway mucus secretion, MUC5AC and IL-13 in BALF and MUC5AC protein expression in lung tissue of Brg1 knockout mice stimulated by HDM were lower than those of wild-type mice. The expression of MUC5AC protein in HDM stimulated Brg1 knockdown 16HBE cells was significantly lower than that in the control group. In vivo and in vitro, it was found that the activation of JAK1/2-STAT6 signal pathway in mouse lung tissue or 16HBE cells was inhibited after knockdown of Brg1 gene. The Co-IP and CHIP results showed that Brg1 could bind to the JAK1/2 promoter region and regulate the expression of JAK1/2 gene.

CONCLUSION

The Brg1 may promote the secretion of airway mucus stimulated by HDM through regulating the JAK1/2-STAT6 pathway. Knockdown of Brg1 reduced mucus secretion in HDM stimulated airway inflammation.

Compound glycyrrhiza oral solution alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating SRC/MAPK pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from persistent cough and breathlessness, which can be ameliorated by the Chinese herbal medicine glycyrrhiza. Furthermore, the SRC/MAPK pathway is activated in the process of oxidative stress and inflammation, which afflict COPD progression. Thus, this research aimed at dissecting the mechanism of compound glycyrrhiza oral solution (CGOS) relieving oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD via the SRC/MAPK pathway.

METHODS

After a COPD rat model was established using lipopolysaccharide and cigarette smoke, rats underwent intragastric administration with CGOS and intratracheal injection with LV-NC and LV-SRC lentivirus into lungs. Then, pulmonary function-related indexes were evaluated, followed by analyses of arterial blood and inflammatory cell number in prepared bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Meanwhile, the contents of oxidative stress-related indicators (malondialdehyde, 3NT, 8-Isoprostane, glutathione, NO, and SOD) in pulmonary tissues were measured, along with RT-qPCR and ELISA detection of the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10). Moreover, western blot assay was utilized to assess p-SRC/SRC and p-p38/p38 ratios in pulmonary tissues.

RESULTS

CGOS treatment enhanced PaO₂ and reduced PaCO₂ in COPD rats, accompanied by declines in the number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. CGOS improved pulmonary function, decreased malondialdehyde, 3NT, 8-Isoprostane, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels, and increased GSH, NO, IL-4, and IL-10 levels and SOD activity. Mechanistically, CGOS suppressed the SRC/MAPK pathway, and SRC overexpression reversed the alleviating function of CGOS in COPD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, CGOS might alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD rats by inhibiting the SRC/MAPK pathway.

Srolo Bzhtang reduces inflammation and vascular remodeling via suppression of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Srolo Bzhtang (SBT), which consists of Solms-laubachia eurycarpa, Bergenia purpurascens, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and lac secreted by Laccifer lacca Kerr (Lacciferidae Cockerell), is a well-known traditional Tibetan medicinal formula and was documented to cure "lung-heat" syndrome by eliminating "chiba" in the ancient Tibetan medical work Four Medical Tantras (Rgyud bzhi). Clinically, it is a therapy for pulmonary inflammatory disorders, such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, whether and how SBT participates in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to determine the role of SBT in attenuating pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling caused by monocrotaline (MCT) and hypoxia. To elucidate the potential mechanism underlying SBT-mediated PAH, we investigated the changes in inflammatory cytokines and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MCT- and hypoxia-induced PAH rat models were used. After administering SBT for four weeks, the rats were tested for hemodynamic indicators, hematological changes, pulmonary arterial morphological changes, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum and lung tissues. Protein expression of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway was determined using western blotting.

RESULTS

SBT reduced pulmonary arterial pressure, vascular remodeling, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by MCT and hypoxia in rats. Furthermore, SBT significantly suppressed the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that SBT alleviates MCT- and hypoxia-induced PAH in rats, which is related to its anti-inflammatory actions involving inhibition of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Perspectives of herbs and their natural compounds, and herb formulas on treating diverse diseases through regulating complicated JAK/STAT signaling

JAK/STAT signaling pathways are closely associated with multiple biological processes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, differentiation, immune response, and epigenetics. Abnormal activation of the STAT pathway can contribute to disease progressions under various conditions. Moreover, tofacitinib and baricitinib as the JAK/STAT inhibitors have been recently approved by the FDA for rheumatology disease treatment. Therefore, influences on the STAT signaling pathway have potential and perspective approaches for diverse diseases. Chinese herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which are widespread throughout China, are the gold resources of China and have been extensively used for treating multiple diseases for thousands of years. However, Chinese herbs and herb formulas are characterized by complicated components, resulting in various targets and pathways in treating diseases, which limits their approval and applications. With the development of chemistry and pharmacology, active ingredients of TCM and herbs and underlying mechanisms have been further identified and confirmed by pharmacists and chemists, which improved, to some extent, awkward limitations, approval, and applications regarding TCM and herbs. In this review, we summarized various herbs, herb formulas, natural compounds, and phytochemicals isolated from herbs that have the potential for regulating multiple biological processes via modulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway based on the published work. Our study will provide support for revealing TCM, their active compounds that treat diseases, and the underlying mechanism, further improving the rapid spread of TCM to the world.

Screening of bioactive ingredients of Tsantan Sumtang in ameliorating H9c2 cells injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tsantan Sumtang (TS), a traditional Tibetan medicine, has been used in the clinic for the treatment of myocardial ischemia (MI) for ages, however, the bioactive ingredients that are responsible for improving MI remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the chemical components of TS and their medicinal efficacies at cell levels, in order to expound the bioactive ingredients in TS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, a response-surface methodology was employed to determine the optimum ethanol reflux extraction process of polyphenols in TS (PTS) due to their close correlation with MI improvement. Second, a serum pharmacochemistry technique was used to analyze the compounds of PTS absorbed into the blood of rats. Third, hypoxia-, H₂O₂-, and adriamycin (ADM)-induced H9c2 cell injury models were used to investigate the cardioprotective effects of these compounds in vitro. Fourth, protective effects of isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol on mitochondrial function were further tested.

RESULTS

The optimum extraction conditions for obtaining PTS were an ethanol concentration of 78.22%, an extraction time of 67.4 min, and a material-liquid ratio of 1:72.60 mL/g. Serum pharmacochemistry analysis detected 21 compounds, of which 11 compounds were always present in the blood within 5 h. Cytotoxicity and the protective effect of 11 compounds in hypoxia-, H₂O₂-, and ADM-induced H9c2 cell injury models shown that isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol had almost no cytotoxicity, and they could elevate the survival rate in injured H9c2 cells. Furthermore, isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol could decrease mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) releasion, inhibite mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, ameliorate the change of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) to exert mitochondrial protection effect.

CONCLUSION

Isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol exhibited cardioprotective effect at cell levles, these three compounds might be the bioactive ingredients in TS. These findings elucidate the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of TS, guiding its clinical use.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 enhances Arginase-1 expression, which reduces LPS-induced mouse peritonitis by targeting JAK1/STAT6

The polarization of macrophages is critical to inflammation and tissue repair, with unbalanced macrophage polarization associated with critical dysfunctions of the immune system. Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is a hydroxylase mainly controlled by the inflammation-limiting aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which plays a critical role in mycoplasma infection, oxidative stress injury, and cancer. Arginase-1 (Arg-1) is a surrogate for polarized alternative macrophages and is important to the production of nitric oxide (NO) by the modulation of arginine. In the present study, we found CYP1A1 to be upregulated in IL-4-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and human peripheral blood monocytes. Using CYP1A1-overexpressing RAW264.7 cells (CYP1A1/RAW) we found that CYP1A1 augmented Arg-1 expression by strengthening the activation of the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway in macrophages treated with IL-4. 15(S)-HETE, a metabolite of CYP1A1 hydroxylase, was elevated in IL-4-induced CYP1A1/RAW cells. Further, in macrophages, the loss-of-CYP1A1-hydroxylase activity was associated with reduced IL-4-induced Arg-1 expression due to impaired 15(S)-HETE generation. Of importance, CYP1A1 overexpressing macrophages reduced the inflammation associated with LPS-induced peritonitis. Taken together, these findings identified a novel signaling axis, CYP1A1-15(S)-HETE-JAK1-STAT6, that may be a promising target for the proper maintenance of macrophage polarization and may also be a means by which to treat immune-related disease due to macrophage dysfunction.

Exploration of the Hepatoprotective Effect and Mechanism of Swertia mussotii Franch in an Acute Liver Injury Rat Model

Background and Objective:

Swertia mussotii Franch, also known as “Zangyinchen”, is one of a Tibetan traditional herb used for treatment of liver diseases over thousands of years at Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has been confirmed to be hepatoprotective. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.

Materials and Method:

In this study, we evaluated the effect of S. mussotii treatment in a carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury rat model by examining the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin levels and performing histological observations of the liver tissues. Meanwhile, the metabolomics analysis was used to explore the molecular mechanism of S. mussotii treatment by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

The results showed that S. mussotii treatment could effectively improve the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin in acute liver injury rat model. Histological observation showed that S. mussotii treatment could effectively alleviate liver injury. Moreover, the metabolomics analysis showed that S. mussotii treatment could normalize the levels of many fatty acid metabolism related metabolites. And the results of pathway analysis showed that these metabolites significantly enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis pathway (myristic acid, dodecanoic acid and capric acid) and linoleic acid metabolism pathway (13-OxoODE).

Conclusion:

The results indicated that S. mussotii treatment could significantly improve acute liver injury through affecting the pathways related to lipid metabolism.