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Chen XL, Li SX, Ge T, Zhang DD, Wang HF, Wang W, Li YZ, Song XM. Epimedium Linn: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Applications and Quality Control. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400846. [PMID: 38801026 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Epimedium genus is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has functions of tonifying kidney and yang, strengthening tendons and bones, dispelling wind and emoving dampness. It is mainly used for the treatment of impotence and spermatorrhea, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to provide a systematic summary of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of the Epimedium Linn. In this paper, the relevant literature on Epimedium Linn. was collected from 1987 to the present day, and more than 274 chemical constituents, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lignans, phenanthrenes, and others, were isolated from this genus. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Epimedium Linn. has osteoprotective, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, and immune enhancing pharmacological effects. In addition, Epimedium Linn. has been commonly used to treat osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In this paper, the distribution of resources, chemical compositions, pharmacological effects, clinical applications and quality control of Epimedium Linn. are progressed to provide a reference for further research and development of the resources of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Xing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Teng Ge
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Fang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ze Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Mei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Application of "Taibai Qi Yao", Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, P. R. China
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Jiang J, Jiang BG, Liu B. A new flavonoid from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:2676-2680. [PMID: 37029621 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2199213] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Epimedium brevicornu Maxim (E. brevicornu) is a plant of Epimedium L. in Berberidaceae, which is widely distributed and has high medicinal value and many important clinical applications. In this experiment, a novel flavonoid compound (1) was isolated and identified the chemical structure from E. brevicornu. The extract of E. brevicornu was performed on normal silica column chromatography, ODS silica column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and RP-HPLC system to be isolated and purified and obtained 1. The HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectrometer were used to measure the accuracy molecular weights and determine the chemical structure of 1. In conclusion, we isolated and purified compound 1 (15.4 mg) and determined its chemical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Guo Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Bing Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
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Gonçalves LT, Costa DTD, Rouver WDN, Santos RLD. Testosterone modulates vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats. Life Sci 2024; 338:122405. [PMID: 38176584 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122405] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the effects of testosterone on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and oxidative stress in mesenteric resistance arteries. MAIN METHODS Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), aged 8 to 10 weeks, were divided into four groups: intact (SHAM), intact treated with testosterone (TTO; 3 mg/kg/day) via subcutaneous route (s.c.), intact treated with testosterone and anastrozole [aromatase enzyme inhibitor (TTO + ANA; 0.1 mg/kg/day, s.c.)] and intact treated with testosterone and finasteride [5 α-reductase enzyme inhibitor (TTO + FIN; 5 mg/kg/day, s.c.)] for four weeks. Concentration-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1 nmol/L - 10 μmol/L) were obtained in mesenteric resistance arteries previously contracted with phenylephrine (PE, 3 μmol/L), before and after the use of selective inhibitors. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed in the vessels and the endothelium analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. KEY FINDINGS TTO group showed a lower participation of nitric oxide (NO), increased oxidative stress, and participation of prostanoids and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH), possibly to maintain the vasodilator response. Lower participation of NO and prostanoids, combined to an increased participation of EDH, were observed in the TTO + ANA group, in addition to higher levels of ROS and altered endothelial morphology. The vasodilation to ACh was impaired in TTO + FIN, along increased participation of NO, reduction of prostanoids, and greater EDH-dependent vasodilation. SIGNIFICANCE Testosterone contributes to endothelial vasodilation by enhancing EDH through an increased participation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. While the decrease in NO appears to involve the participation of dihydrotestosterone, 17 β-estradiol seems to stimulate the action of the NO pathway and prostanoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Tinoco Gonçalves
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Débora Tacon da Costa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Wender do Nascimento Rouver
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Roger Lyrio Dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
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Zhang J, Zhao Q, Qin Y, Si W, Zhang H, Zhang J. The Effect of Epimedium Isopentenyl Flavonoids on the Broiler Gut Health Using Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087646. [PMID: 37108810 PMCID: PMC10141048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087646] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epimedium (EM), also known as barrenwort, is a traditional medicinal plant rich in isopentenyl flavonols, which have beneficial biological activities and can improve human and animal health, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) were used to analyse the main components of EM, and isopentenyl flavonols such as Epimedin A, B, and C as well as Icariin were the major components of EM. Meanwhile, broilers were selected as model animals to illuminate the mechanism of Epimedium isopentenyl flavonols (EMIE) on gut health. The results showed that supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM improved the immune response, increased cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate concentrations, and improved nutrient digestibility in broilers. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that EMIE altered the composition of cecal microbiome, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Candidatus Soleaferrea and Lachbospiraceae NC2004 group and Butyricioccus) and reducing that of harmful bacteria (UBA1819, Negativibacillus, and Eisenbergiella). Metabolomic analysis identified 48 differential metabolites, of which Erosnin and Tyrosyl-Tryptophan were identified as core biomarkers. Erosnin and tyrosyl-tryptophan are potential biomarkers to evaluate the effects of EMIE. This shows that EMIE may regulate the cecum microbiota through Butyricicoccus, with changes in the relative abundance of the genera Eisenbergiella and Un. Peptostreptococcaceae affecting the serum metabolite levels of the host. EMIE is an excellent health product, and dietary isopentenyl flavonols, as bioactive components, can improve health by altering the microbiota structure and the plasma metabolite profiles. This study provides the scientific basis for the future application of EM in diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qingyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuchang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Scientific Observing and Experiment Station of Animal Genetic Resources and Nutrition in North China of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Regulatory mechanism of icariin in cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114156. [PMID: 36584431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neurological diseases are widespread diseases with substantial rates of morbidity and mortality around the world. For the past few years, the preventive effects of Chinese herbal medicine on CVDs and neurological diseases have attracted a great deal of attention. Icariin (ICA), the main constituent of Epimedii Herba, is a flavonoid. It has been shown to provide neuroprotection, anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, and cardiovascular protection. The endothelial protection, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antioxidative stress, and anti-apoptosis properties of ICA can help stop the progression of CVDs and neurological diseases. Therefore, our review summarized the known mechanisms and related studies of ICA in the prevention and treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), to better understand its therapeutic potential.
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Seyedi Z, Amiri MS, Mohammadzadeh V, Hashemzadeh A, Haddad-Mashadrizeh A, Mashreghi M, Qayoomian M, Hashemzadeh MR, Simal-Gandara J, Taghavizadeh Yazdi ME. Icariin: A Promising Natural Product in Biomedicine and Tissue Engineering. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 36662090 PMCID: PMC9862744 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Among scaffolds used in tissue engineering, natural biomaterials such as plant-based materials show a crucial role in cellular function due to their biocompatibility and chemical indicators. Because of environmentally friendly behavior and safety, green methods are so important in designing scaffolds. A key bioactive flavonoid of the Epimedium plant, Icariin (ICRN), has a broad range of applications in improving scaffolds as a constant and non-immunogenic material, and in stimulating the cell growth, differentiation of chondrocytes as well as differentiation of embryonic stem cells towards cardiomyocytes. Moreover, fusion of ICRN into the hydrogel scaffolds or chemical crosslinking can enhance the secretion of the collagen matrix and proteoglycan in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. To scrutinize, in various types of cancer cells, ICRN plays a decisive role through increasing cytochrome c secretion, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as caspase stimulations. Surprisingly, ICRN can induce apoptosis, reduce viability and inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, and repress tumorigenesis as well as metastasis. Moreover, cancer cells no longer grow by halting the cell cycle at two checkpoints, G0/G1 and G2/M, through the inhibition of NF-κB by ICRN. Besides, improving nephrotoxicity occurring due to cisplatin and inhibiting multidrug resistance are the other applications of this biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Seyedi
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Royesh Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Mashhad 9188758156, Iran
- Department of Cancer and Oncology, Royesh Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Mashhad 9188758156, Iran
| | | | - Vahideh Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778, Iran
| | - Alireza Hashemzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Haddad-Mashadrizeh
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mashreghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778, Iran
| | - Mohsen Qayoomian
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Hashemzadeh
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Royesh Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Mashhad 9188758156, Iran
- Department of Cancer and Oncology, Royesh Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Mashhad 9188758156, Iran
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
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Bi Z, Zhang W, Yan X. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of icariin and icaritin. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113180. [PMID: 35676785 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and immunity dysregulation have received widespread attention in recent years due to their occurrence in the pathophysiology of many conditions. In this regard, several pharmacological studies have been conducted aiming to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals. Epimedium, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and anti-rheumatic agent. Icariin (ICA) is the main active ingredient of Epimedium and is, once ingested, mainly metabolized into Icaritin (ICT). Data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that ICA and its metabolite (ICT) regulated the functions and activation of immune cells, modulated the release of inflammatory factors, and restored aberrant signaling pathways. ICA and ICT were also involved in anti-inflammatory and immune responses in several diseases, including multiple sclerosis, asthma, atherosclerosis, lupus nephritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Yet, data showed that ICA and ICT exhibited similar but not identical pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, based on their higher solubility and bioavailability, as well as trends indicating that single-ingredient compounds offer broader and safer therapeutic capabilities, ICA and ICT delivery systems and treatment represent interesting avenues with promising clinical applications. In this study, we reviewed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms, as well as the pharmacokinetic properties of ICA and its metabolite ICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyang Bi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- Department of Health Care, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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Zheng J, Liao Y, Xu Y, Mo Z. Icariin attenuates ischemic stroke through suppressing inflammation mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:719-730. [PMID: 35451526 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke possesses the characteristics of high incidence, high disability, and high mortality. Icariin (ICA) is a flavonoid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Epimedium. The protective effect of ICA on ischemic stroke is worthy to be further studied. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following seven groups: sham, model, ICA low-dose (10 mg/kg), ICA medium-dose (20 mg/kg), ICA high-dose (40 mg/kg), positive control drug (12 mg/kg nimodipine) and endoplasmic reticulum stress induction (0.16 mg/kg tunicamycin) groups. The model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rats, including 2 h ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, was accomplished by applying the method of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 24 h reperfusion, neurological deficits, brain water content, pathological damage of brain tissues, the expression of inflammation-related targets, and the signal pathway-related proteins were explored. Compared with the model group, ICA significantly improved neurological deficits, brain edema and pathological damage after MCAO. In addition, ICA increased neuron survival, reduced microglial activation and expression of IL-1β, alleviating the inflammatory damage caused by ischemic stroke. Moreover, ICA suppressed the expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol requiring enzyme-1 α (IRE1α), phospho-IRE1α (p-IRE1α), protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), phospho-PERK (p-PERK), spliced XBP1 (XBP1s), unspliced XBP1 (XBP1u), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, and caspase-1. These results suggested that ICA offers neuroprotection against ischemic stroke by inhibiting ER stress-mediated inflammation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuling Liao
- Zhangshu Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Research Institute, Yichun, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhentao Mo
- Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Jia Z, Wang K, Zhang Y, Duan Y, Xiao K, Liu S, Ding X. Icariin Ameliorates Diabetic Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis by Restoring Autophagy via Regulation of the miR-192-5p/GLP-1R Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:720387. [PMID: 34349660 PMCID: PMC8326523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.720387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is one of the most common pathological features of diabetic nephropathy. Autophagy, an intracellular mechanism to remove damaged or dysfunctional cell parts and maintain metabolic homeostasis, is inhibited in diabetic neuropathy. Icariin is a traditional Chinese medicine extract known for nourishing the kidney and reinforcing Yang. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of Icariin on renal function, autophagy, and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic nephropathic rats and in high-glucose-incubated human renal tubular epithelial cells and rat renal fibroblasts (in vitro). Icariin improved diabetes, renal function, restored autophagy, and alleviated fibrosis in type 2 diabetic neuropathic rats and in vitro. After we applied autophagy-related gene 5-small interfering RNA, we found that fibrosis improvement by Icariin was related to autophagy restoration. By detecting serum sex hormone levels, and using dihydrotestosterone, siRNA for androgen receptor, and the androgen receptor antagonist Apalutamide (ARN-509), we found that Icariin had an androgen-like effect and restored autophagy and reduced fibrosis by regulating the androgen receptor. In addition, miR-192-5p levels were increased under high glucose but reduced after dihydrotestosterone and Icariin treatment. Furthermore, dihydrotestosterone and Icariin inhibited miR-192-5p overexpression-induced fibrosis production and autophagy limitation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) was downregulated by high glucose and overexpression of miR-192-5p and could be restored by dihydrotestosterone and Icariin. By using ARN-509, we found that Icariin increased GLP-1R expression by regulating the androgen receptor. GLP-1R-siRNA transfection weakened the effects of Icariin on autophagy and fibrosis. These findings indicate that Icariin alleviates tubulointerstitial fibrosis by restoring autophagy through the miR-192-5p/GLP-1R pathway and is a novel therapeutic option for diabetic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Jia
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaiwei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yameng Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yalei Duan
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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