Ramulus Cinnamomi essential oil exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7 cells through N-acylethanolamine acid amidase inhibition

Natural products alleviate atrial fibrillation by modulating mitochondrial quality control

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, is associated with high mortality rates and significant healthcare burdens. Mitochondrial homeostasis has recently emerged as a critical factor in AF pathogenesis but remains at the experimental stage. Current drug and surgical treatments for AF often involve side effects and require ongoing treatment plan evaluation and adjustment. In contrast, natural products (NPs), which have been utilized in China for over 2,000 years, show remarkable efficacy in treating AF and are receiving growing attention.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of NPs on mitochondrial quality control (MQC) and their impact on AF occurrence and progression. By constructing a novel NP-mitochondria-AF axis, we propose a framework to translate experimental findings into clinical practice and identify potential therapeutic strategies for AF.

METHODS

Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched (up to October 2024) using the following keywords: "atrial fibrillation," "traditional Chinese medicine," "mitochondrial biogenesis," "mitochondrial dynamics," "mitophagy," "apoptosis," "oxidative stress," "inflammation," and "Ca2+ concentration." NP targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, while disease targets were retrieved from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, GeneCards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was performed using the Metascape database. Protein-protein interactions were analyzed using the STRING database, and core monomers and hub genes were identified using Cytoscape 3.7.2.

RESULTS

We found a strong relationship between mitochondrial homeostasis and AF development. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that commonly used NPs regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, affecting AF progression through various hub genes, including protein kinase B-alpha (AKT1), jun proto-oncogene (JUN), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Molecular docking analysis revealed that NP core monomers exhibited binding affinities to hub genes below -5 kcal/mol and to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) below -7 kcal/mol.

CONCLUSION

NPs, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds, TCM monomers, and traditional Chinese patent medicines, alleviate AF by modulating MQC with minimal side effects and high efficacy. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of NPs as promising candidates for AF treatment and further underscore the importance of MQC in AF pathogenesis.

Traditional Chinese Herb Couples Mitigate Diabetic Macrovascular Disease via the AGE-RAGE Signaling Pathway

Cinnamomi Ramulus-Puerariae Lobatae Radix (CR-PLR) possesses antidiabetic macrovascular pathology pharmacological effects, but its precise pharmacological mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. A total of 197 CR-PLR targets were identified, with 1015 diabetic macrovascular disease-specific targets through network pharmacological analysis, and 55 intersecting targets were found. We screened five main active ingredients: Puerarin, 3'-methoxydaidzein, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and formononetin. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that CR-PLR might ameliorate diabetic macrovascular disease through the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. In vivo experiments verified that CR-PLR significantly reduced body weight and blood glucose, improved vascular function, and attenuated inflammatory responses (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-4, etc.) and lipid metabolism abnormalities (e.g., triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL), which was corroborated by the results of immunofluorescence experiments. WB analysis validated that CR-PLR modulates the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, thereby attenuating vascular inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. These findings provide novel insights into the therapeutic potential of CR-PLR, suggesting its application as a complementary treatment for diabetic macrovascular disease.

Investigating ferroptosis-related genes NFE2L2 in neutrophils for ankylosing spondylitis: therapeutic potential of cassia twigs

We determined the relationship between ferroptosis and immune cells in ankylosing spondylitis and the role of the Chinese herbal medicine Cassia twigs in treating ankylosing spondylitis. We analyzed clinical data on ankylosing spondylitis, transcriptome data, single-cell sequencing data, and genes related to ferroptosis and Cassia twigs. Clinical variables related to AS were selected through logistic regression analysis of the clinical data combined with machine learning. GSEA and enrichment analysis were performed on genes related to ferroptosis, combined with transcriptome data and drug-related genes, to identify the key genes and drug targets related to AS, as well as, the key immune cells. Then, the single-cell data and cell subtypes were analyzed. Finally, the interconnections between immune cells were analyzed through intercellular communication. Five variables, including neutrophils, were screened for clinical data analysis. The AUC of the experimental group was 0.859 and that of the validation group was 0.807. Ferroptosis gene NFE2L2 was identified as the final drug target of AS; it was upregulated in AS and downregulated in the control group by immunohistochemical verification, both of which were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Neutrophils were divided into two subgroups: high expression of NFE2L2 and low expression of NFE2L2. Through molecular docking, Cassia twigs were found to effectively act on the ferroptosis gene NFE2L2. Neutrophils act as important immune cells in AS. The twigs of the Chinese herb Cassia can treat AS by acting on the protein structure of the ferroptosis gene NFE2L2.

A universal gene expression signature-based strategy for the high-throughput discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable resource for drug discovery and has demonstrated excellent efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to develop a universal gene signature-based strategy for high-throughput discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs, especially Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

METHODS

The disease gene signature of liposaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells and drug gene signatures of 655 drug candidates were established via sequencing. Anti-inflammatory drugs were screened based on similarities between drug gene signatures and the reversed disease gene signature.

RESULTS

Through screening, 83 potential anti-inflammatory drugs were identified. The efficacy of the TCM formula Biyun Powder, along with individual TCMs, Centipedea Herba, Kaempferiae Rhizoma, and Schizonepetae Spica Carbonisata, was verified in vitro or in vivo. Mechanistically, they exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. Kaempferol and luteolin were identified as bioactive IκB kinase-β inhibitors in Kaempferiae Rhizoma and Schizonepetae Spica Carbonisata, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We developed a universal gene signature-based approach for the high-throughput discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs that is applicable to compounds and to TCM herbs/formulae and established a workflow (screening, validation of efficacy, and identification of the mechanism of action and bioactive compounds) that can serve as a research template for high-throughput drug research.

Study on the In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity and Potential Mechanism of Polygonum viviparum L

Oxidative stress refers to the phenomenon in which the redox balance of the body is disrupted in response to stimuli, leading to an excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species in vivo, which can lead to a variety of diseases. In contrast to artificial antioxidants, whose safety is controversial, natural antioxidants, which are widely available, pharmacologically active, and have little toxic side effects, are expected to be candidates for the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. Polygonum viviparum L. (PV) is a natural herbal medicine with antioxidant properties and is used as a traditional medicine in the Tibetan Plateau region. However, there are few studies that have focused on its antioxidant activity and mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the present study firstly demonstrated that PV could exert good in vitro antioxidant effects by scavenging DPPH radicals and inhibiting the production of hydroxyl radicals through in vitro experiments. Secondly, PV was proven to attenuate the effects of oxidative stress on body weight gain and thymus development by establishing the Senna leaf-induced diarrhea model in rats, as well as to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the intestinal tract and to enhance the rats' own antioxidant defenses, to mitigate the oxidative damage caused by diarrhea. Subsequently, the application of the cellular oxidative stress model evidenced that PV could play a protective role against cellular oxidative stress by inhibiting the overaccumulation of ROS in macrophages. Furthermore, the candidate antioxidant targets of PV were analyzed and screened using a comprehensive network pharmacology method, and their expression were then examined at the mRNA level and protein level. Our results suggest that PV may protect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in macrophages by activating BCL2L1 and inhibiting ESR1, JAK2/STAT3, and MMP2. These findings open new perspectives on the antioxidant mechanism of PV and the prospect of developing it as a novel natural antioxidant drug.

Screening and identification of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products by a trypsin assisted sensitive immunoassay based on streptavidin magnetic beads

Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) plays a critical role in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, a trypsin assisted highly immunoassay method was established to determine PAD4 activity and screen potent inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products. The method was applied to determine endogenous PAD4 activity in both cell and tissue lysates, as well as the inhibitory effects of 20 herbal plants and 50 purified natural products. The Cinnamomi ramulus extract showed strongest inhibitory potency with IC50 value lower than 5 μg/mL. Meanwhile, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), widely used as a dietary supplement, was discovered as a promising PAD4 inhibitor with an IC50 value lower than 4 μM. The inhibition kinetic analysis, drug affinity response target stability (DARTS) and molecular docking were performed to confirm the interaction between PQQ and PAD4. This method has great potential for researchers to monitor activities and discover potential inhibitors of PAD4.

Bioactive Phenylpropanoid Glycosides, Dimers, and Heterodimers from the Bark of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl

Six new phenylpropanoid glycosides (1-6), two new phenylethanol glycosides (7 and 8), one new phenylmethanol glycoside (9), three new phenylpropanoid dimers (10-12), two new phenylpropanoid-flavan-3-ol heterodimers (13 and 14), and six known relevant compounds (15-20) were isolated and identified from the well-liked edible and medicinal substance (the bark of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl). The structures of these isolates were determined by using spectroscopic analyses, chemical methods, and quantum chemical calculations. Notably, compounds 4-9 were rare apiuronyl-containing glycosides, and compounds 13 and 14 were heterodimers of phenylpropanoids and flavan-3-ols linked through C-9″-C-8 bonds. The antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of all isolates were evaluated. Compounds 10 and 12 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging capacities with IC50 values of 20.1 and 13.0 μM, respectively (vitamin C IC50 value of 14.3 μM). In the ORAC experiment, all these compounds exhibited different levels of capacity for scavenging free radicals, and compound 10 displayed extraordinary free radical scavenging capacity with the ORAC value of 6.42 ± 0.01 μM TE/μM (EGCG ORAC value of 1.54 ± 0.02 μM TE/μM). Compound 12 also showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 56.3 μM (acarbose IC50 of 519.4 μM).

Wulingsan Alleviates MAFLD by Activating Autophagy via Regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Signaling Pathway

Here, we presented the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of Wulingsan (WLS) in rats with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). High-performance liquid chromatography was employed to identify the chemical components of WLS. After 2 weeks of HFD induction, MAFLD rats were treated with WLS in three different doses for 6 weeks, a positive control treatment or with a vehicle. Lipid metabolism, liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors as well as pathomorphological changes in liver parenchyma were assessed in all groups. Finally, the expressions of autophagy-related markers, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/unc-51-like kinase-1 (ULK1) signaling pathway-related genes, and proteins in liver were detected. The results revealed that WLS significantly ameliorated liver injury, the dysfunction of the lipid metabolism, the oxidative stress, and overall inflammatory status. Furthermore, WLS increased the expressions of LC3B-II, Beclin1, p-AMPK, and ULK1, along with decreased p62, p-mTOR, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c levels. In conclusion, we showed that WLS is capable of alleviating HFD-induced MAFLD by improving lipid accumulation, suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting autophagy.

An ethanolic extract of Arctium lappa L. leaves ameliorates experimental atherosclerosis by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses through PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS), a lipid-induced inflammatory condition of the arteries, is a primary contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Arctium lappa L. leaf (ALL), an edible and medicinal herb in China, has been documented and commonly used for treating stroke since the ancient times. However, the elucidations on its anti-AS effects and molecular mechanism remain insufficient.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the AS-ameliorating effects and the underlying mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of leaves of Arctium lappa L. (ALLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ALLE was reflux extracted using with 70% ethanol. An HPLC method was established to monitor the quality of ALLE. High fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS in rats were used to determine the in vivo effects; and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced RAW264.7 macrophage foam cells were used for in vitro assays. Simvatatin was used as positive control. Biochemical assays were implemented to ascertain the secretions of lipids and pro-inflammatory mediators. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Oil red O stains were employed to assess histopathological alterations and lipid accumulation conditions, respectively. CCK-8 assays were used to measure cytotoxicity. Immunoblotting assay was conducted to measure protein levels.

RESULTS

ALLE treatment significantly ameliorated lipid deposition and histological abnormalities of aortas and livers in AS rats; improved the imbalances of serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); notably attenuated serum concentrations of inflammation-associated cytokines/molecules including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, VCAM-1, ICAM-1and MMP-9. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ALLE suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of PI3K, Akt and NF-κB in AS rat aortas and in cultured foam cells. Additionally, the PI3K agonist 740Y-P notably reversed the in vitro inhibitory effects of ALLE on lipid deposition, productions of TC, TNF-α and IL-6, and protein levels of molecules of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

ALLE ameliorates HFD- and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, and underlying mechanisms involves inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. The findings of this study provide scientific justifications for the traditional application of ALL in managing atherosclerotic diseases.

A preparation technology of volatile components in Linggui Zhugan decoction based on the transfer of cinnamaldehyde and its anti-gastric ulcer effect

Purpose

This study aims to preserve the volatile components of Linggui Zhugan (LGZG) decoction, offering an experimental foundation for subsequent preparations efforts.

Methods

Two modern sample preparation processes were compared with the traditional method approach using HPLC fingerprints. After identifying the main volatile components in LGZG aqueous decoction, the inclusion method of inclusion compounds (IC-LGZG) was established and optimized at laboratory, pilot and production scales. Characterization, stability testing of IC-LGZG, and experiments on gastric ulcer rats were conducted to validate the transferability of chemical composition and pharmaceutical efficacy.

Results

The study focused on preserving the volatile components in LGZG modern preparations. HPLC analysis revealed cinnamaldehyde (CA) as the main volatile component in LGZG decoction. The optimized IC-LGZG preparation involved heating aromatic water to 40 °C, adding 20 g/L of β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), keeping warm and stirring at 300 r for 30 min. This process exhibited good repeatability across different verification tests at varying scales. IC-LGZG obtained effectively transferred CA molecules into the β-CD molecules via encapsulation, remaining stable when stored in sealed and dark conditions. Finally, CA, IC-LGZG and M-LGZG (a mixture of IC-LGZG and water-soluble extract powder) effectively prevented the formation of gastric ulcer by mitigating reductions in IL-10, SOD and the increase of TNF-α, NO, MDA in serum.

Conclusion

The IC-LGZG prepared using this process successfully transfers volatile components, both chemically and pharmacologically, making it suitable for modern preparations of LGZG.