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Bao M, Bu Q, Pan M, Xu R, Chen Y, Yang Y, Wang C, Wang T. Coptidis rhizoma extract alleviates oropharyngeal candidiasis by gC1qR-EGFR/ERK/c-fos axis-induced endocytosis of oral epithelial cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118305. [PMID: 38729536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coptidis rhizoma, first recorded in the "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic", is one of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to treat infectious diseases, with reputed effectiveness against oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Studies have demonstrated the inhibitory properties of C. rhizoma (CRE) against Candida albicans, yet there is limited information available regarding its treatment mechanism for OPC. AIM OF THE STUDY Our previous research has suggested that CRE can prevent the formation of C. albicans hyphae and their invasion of the oral mucosa, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on OPC. Nevertheless, the precise therapeutic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Previous studies have revealed that a receptor for globular heads of C1q (gC1qR), a crucial co-receptor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), facilitates the EGFR-mediated internalization of C. albicans. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of action of CRE and its primary component, berberine (BBR), in treating OPC by exploring their effects on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS To identify the chemical components of CRE, we utilized Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MSE), revealing the presence of at least 18 distinct components. To observe the therapeutic effects of CRE on OPC at the animal level, we employed hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, scanning electron microscopy, and fungal load detection. Subsequently, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of CRE and its main component, BBR, in treating OPC. This was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both at the animal and cellular levels. Additionally, we assessed the ability of C. albicans to disrupt the epithelial barrier of FaDu cells by studying the protective effects of BBR on the fusion barrier using the transwell assay. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed the effects of BBR on the gC1qR-EGFR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Fos signaling pathway at the cellular level using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we validated the effects of BBR on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor through ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Finally, to confirm the outcomes observed at the cellular level, we validated the impact of CRE on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor in vivo using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. These comprehensive methods allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of CRE and BBR in treating OPC. RESULTS Our findings indicate that CRE and its primary component, BBR, effectively alleviated the symptoms of OPC by modulating the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor. The chemical composition of CRE and BBR was accurately identified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MSE. The gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor plays a crucial role in regulating downstream signaling pathways, emerging as a potential therapeutic target for OPC treatment. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we explored the therapeutic potential of CRE and BBR in OPC. Additionally, we employed overexpression and silencing techniques to confirm that BBR can indeed influence the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor and regulate the gC1qR-EGFR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Fos signaling pathway, leading to improved OPC outcomes. Furthermore, the significance of CRE's effect on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor was validated in vivo. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that CRE and its main component, BBR, can effectively alleviate OPC symptoms by targeting the gC1qR-EGFR heterodimer receptor. This discovery offers a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Qingru Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Min Pan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Ran Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Tianming Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Hu K, Jiang X, Zhang J, Xia D, Wu D, Shao J, Wang T, Wang C. Effect of Pulsatilla decoction on vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice. Evidences for its mechanisms of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155515. [PMID: 38484624 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection that affects the female reproductive tract. Pulsatilla decoction (PD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is a classic and effective prescription for VVC. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and potential mechanism of action of the n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla decoction (BEPD) in VVC treatment. METHODS High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the main active ingredients in BEPD. A VVC-mouse model was constructed using an estrogen-dependent method to evaluate the efficacy of BEPD in VVC treatment. Fungal burden and morphology in the vaginal cavity were comprehensively assessed. Candida albicans-induced inflammation was examined in vivo and in vitro. The effects of BEPD on the Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) /NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4)/Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) axis were analyzed using by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB), and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS BEPD inhibited fungal growth in the vagina of VVC mice, preserved the integrity of the vaginal mucosa, and suppressed inflammatory responses. Most importantly, BEPD activated the "silent" PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis and negatively regulated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thereby exerting a therapeutic efficacy on VVC. CONCLUSIONS BEPD effects on mice with VVC were dose-dependent. BEPD protects against VVC by inhibiting inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome via the activation of the PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. This study revealed the pharmacological mechanism of BEPD in VVC treatment and provided further evidence for the application of BEPD in VVC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifan Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Xia
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China.
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Wu H, Li C, Wang Y, Zhang M, Wu D, Shao J, Wang T, Wang C. Transcriptomics Reveals Effect of Pulsatilla Decoction Butanol Extract in Alleviating Vulvovaginal Candidiasis by Inhibiting Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Activation via TLR4 Signaling. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:594. [PMID: 38794163 PMCID: PMC11124330 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050594] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Pulsatilla decoction is a well-known herbal remedy used in clinical settings for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, the specific mechanism that makes it effective is still unclear. Recent studies have shown that in cases of VVC, neutrophils recruited to the vagina, influenced by heparan sulfate (HS), do not successfully engulf Candida albicans (C. albicans). Instead, they release many inflammatory factors that cause damage to the vaginal mucosa. This study aims to understand the molecular mechanism by which the n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla decoction (BEPD) treats VVC through transcriptomics. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the primary active components of BEPD. A VVC mouse model was induced using an estrogen-dependent method and the mice were treated daily with BEPD (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) for seven days. The vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was analyzed for various experimental indices, including fungal morphology, fungal burden, degree of neutrophil infiltration, and cytokines. Various assessments were then performed on mouse vaginal tissues, including pathological assessment, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR, and transcriptome assays. Our results showed that BEPD reduced vaginal redness and swelling, decreased white discharge, inhibited C. albicans hyphae formation, reduced neutrophil infiltration and fungal burden, and attenuated vaginal tissue damage compared with the VVC model group. The high-dose BEPD group even restored the damaged vaginal tissue to normal levels. The medium- and high-dose groups of BEPD also significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LDH. Additionally, transcriptomic results showed that BEPD regulated several chemokine (CXCL1, CXCL3, and CXCL5) and S100 alarmin (S100A8 and S100A9) genes, suggesting that BEPD may treat VVC by affecting chemokine- and alarmin-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis. Finally, we verified that BEPD protects the vaginal mucosa of VVC mice by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and chemotaxis in an animal model of VVC via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. This study provides further evidence to elucidate the mechanism of BEPD treatment of VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Can Li
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Yemei Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Mengxiang Zhang
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jing Shao
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; (H.W.); (C.L.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (D.W.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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Dalabehera M, Rathore C, Rathee A, Lal UR. From plants to particles: herbal solutions and nanotechnology combating resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis. Ther Deliv 2024. [PMID: 38651887 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2023-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite having current advanced therapy, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) remains a common yet debated healthcare-associated topic worldwide due to multi-drug resistance Candida species. In our review, we outlined and highlighted upcoming values with scope of existing and emerging information regarding the possibility of using various natural molecules combined with modern technology that shows promising anti-candida activity in VVC. Furthermore, in this review, we compiled herbal drug molecules and their nanocarriers approach for enhancing the efficacy and stability of herbal molecules. We have also summarized the patent literature available on herbal drug molecules and their nanoformulation techniques that could alternatively become a new innovative era to combat resistance VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Dalabehera
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Charul Rathore
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Ankit Rathee
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Uma Ranjan Lal
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Punjab 160062 Mohali, India
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Zhang J, Jiang X, Shi G, Zhang H, Hu K, Wu D, Shao J, Liu T, Wang T, Wang C. Effect of the Pulsatilla decoction n-butanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata and on its virulence factors. Fitoterapia 2024; 173:105825. [PMID: 38219843 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105825] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) is more persistent and resistant to treatment than when caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and has been on the rise in recent years. The n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) has been shown to be effective in treating VVC caused by C. glabrata, but the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the experimenter conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BEPD on the virulence factors of C. glabrata, as well as its efficacy, with a focus on possible immunological mechanism in VVC caused by C. glabrata. The contents of Anemoside B4, Epiberberine, Berberine, Aesculin, Aesculetin, Phellodendrine and Jatrorrhizine in BEPD, detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, were 31,736.64, 13,529.66, 105,143.72, 19,406.20, 4952.67, 10,317.03, 2489.93 μg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments indicated that BEPD moderately inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, its adhesion, and biofilm formation, and affected the expression of efflux transporters in the biofilm state. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BEPD significantly reduced vaginal inflammatory manifestation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and LDH in mice with VVC caused by C. glabrata. Moreover, it inhibited the Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, P38, P65, and C-Fos proteins. The results suggested that although BEPD moderately inhibits the growth and virulence factors of C. glabrata in vitro, it can significantly reduce vaginal inflammation by down-regulating the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in mice with VVC infected by C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Gaoxiang Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Kaifan Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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Feng X, Zhang H, Hu K, Shi G, Wu D, Shao J, Wang T, Wang C. Longdan Xiegan decoction ameliorates vulvovaginal candidiasis by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome via the Toll-like receptor /MyD88 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116869. [PMID: 37390876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Longdan Xiegan decoction (LXD) is a standardized herbal prescription originally documented in the "Medical Formula Collection" by the eminent physician Wang Ang during the Qing dynasty. It has been used extensively to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, despite its effectiveness, the mechanism of action remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To elucidate the mechanism by which LXD relieves VVC via the Toll-like receptor/MyD88 pathway and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female Kunming mice (n = 96) were randomly divided into six groups: control, VVC model, LXD (10/20/40 mL/kg), and positive drug fluconazole. Mice were vaginally administered Candida albicans (C. albicans) solution (20 μL; 1 × 108 colony-forming units/mL), suspended for 5 min, and observed daily for changes in their condition. Continuous dilution was used to determine the number of colony-forming units. Gram, periodic acid-Schiff, Papanicolaou, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to determine the extent of infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 protein expression were determined using western blotting. RESULTS C. albicans infection destroyed the integrity of the vaginal mucosa, increased fungal burden and the influx of neutrophils into the vaginal cavity, and promoted the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. C. albicans stimulated the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in vaginal tissue. Fungal burden, hyphal formation, and C. albicans adhesion were reduced in the 20 and 40 mL/kg LXD groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that inflammation was reduced and the stratum corneum had recovered in the 20 and 40 mL/kg LXD groups. LXD (20 and 40 mL/kg) significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-18 levels and the number of neutrophils in vaginal lavage and decreased TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS This study systematically demonstrated the therapeutic effect of LXD on protein expression and pathological conditions in VVC mice. The results showed that LXD could eliminate the invasion of vaginal hyphae in mice, reduce the recruitment of neutrophils, and reduce the expression of TLR/MyD88 pathway-related proteins and NLRP3 inflammasome. The above results clearly indicate that LXD may profoundly regulate NLRP3 inflammasome through the TLR/MyD88 pathway and play a therapeutic role in VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Feng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Kaifan Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Gaoxiang Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, China.
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Yang L, Sun Y, Wei S, Wen H, Liu R, Wang X. Chemical profiling of Simiao pill and quantification of main effective constituents in it by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive Orbitrap and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2024; 47:e2300615. [PMID: 38234033 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300615] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Simiao pill is one of the most commonly used prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. However, methods based on more accurate and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses of the active ingredients are not yet perfect due to limited methodology. This not only hinders the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism of Simiao pill, but also its comprehensive clinical development and utilization. In this study, we employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive Orbitrap-mass spectrometry technology to perform rapid analysis and identification of the chemical constituents in Simiao pill. A total of 101 chemical components were identified, including 26 alkaloids, 15 terpenoids, 11 flavonoids, eight steroids, six fatty acids, five limonoids, four saponins, five phenylpropanoids, and 21 other compounds. In addition, we established a new method by high-throughput ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive Orbitrap-mass spectrometry combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry technology for quantification of 14 main active ingredients, such as adenosine (1), phellodendrine (2), mangnoflorine (3), β-ecdysterone (4), 25R-inokosterone (5), 25S-inokosterone (6), jatrorrhizine (7), palmatine (8), chikusetsu saponin IVa (9), limonin (10), atractylenolide III (11), atractylenolide I (12), obacunone (13), and atractylenolide II (14) in Simiao pill. This work laid a foundation for further analysis and quality control of effective components in Simiao pill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ye Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shuyun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wen
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ruicheng Liu
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P. R. China
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8
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Wu R, Xi Z, Liu M, Ren H, Dai R, Jiang X, Nik Nabil WN, Wang Y, Feng J, Chai Q, Dong Q, Xu H. Pulsatilla Decoction and its bioactive component β-peltatin induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Chin Med 2023; 18:61. [PMID: 37246229 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00774-0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PAC), a malignancy that is fatal and commonly diagnosed at a late stage. Despite considerable advancements in cancer treatment, the survival rate of PAC remains largely consistent for the past 60 years. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Pulsatilla Decoction (PD) has been clinically used to treat inflammatory diseases for millennia and recently as a supplementary anti-cancer treatment in China. However, the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effect remains unclear. METHODS The composition and quality control of PD were verified through analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed through PI staining and flow cytometry analysis, while apoptotic cells were measured by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI. We used immunoblotting to examine protein expressions. The in vivo effects of β-peltatin and podophyllotoxin were evaluated on a subcutaneously-xenografted BxPC-3 cell nude mice model. RESULTS The current study demonstrated that PD markedly inhibited PAC cell proliferation and triggered their apoptosis. Four herbal PD formula was then disassembled into 15 combinations of herbal ingredients and a cytotoxicity assay showed that the Pulsatillae chinensis exerted the predominant anti-PAC effect. Further investigation indicated that β-peltatin was potently cytotoxic with IC50 of ~ 2 nM. β-peltatin initially arrested PAC cells at G2/M phase, followed by apoptosis induction. Animal study confirmed that β-peltatin significantly suppressed the growth of subcutaneously-implanted BxPC-3 cell xenografts. Importantly, compared to podophyllotoxin that is the parental isomer of β-peltatin but clinically obsoleted due to its severe toxicity, β-peltatin exhibited stronger anti-PAC effect and lower toxicity in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that Pulsatillae chinensis and particularly its bioactive ingredient β-peltatin suppress PAC by triggering cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhichao Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mengfan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hangui Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rongchen Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wan Najbah Nik Nabil
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Pharmaceutical Services Program, Ministry of Health, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46200, Malaysia
| | - Yalin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiling Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qiong Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qihan Dong
- Chinese Medicine Anti-Cancer Evaluation Program, Greg Brown Laboratory, Central Clinical School and Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Hongxi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Bao MY, Li M, Bu QR, Yang Y, Song H, Wang CZ, Wang TM, Li N. The effect of herbal medicine in innate immunity to Candida albicans. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1096383. [PMID: 37483621 PMCID: PMC10359817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1096383] [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: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that often causes mucosal and systemic infections. Several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), have been implicated in the host recognition of C. albicans. These PRRs recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of C. albicans to activate innate immune cells, thereby rapidly inducing various inflammatory responses by activating intracellular signaling cascades. Herbal medicine and its active components deserve priority development due to their low toxicity and high antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. This review discussed the activities of herbal compounds against C. albicans and their related mechanisms, especially their regulatory role on innate immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) implicated in C. albicans infections. Our work aims to find new therapeutic drugs and targets to prevent and treat diseases caused by C. albicans infection with the mechanisms by which this fungus interacts with the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Ru Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Song
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Chang-Zhong Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tian-Ming Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ning Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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