Novel wine in an old bottle: Preventive and therapeutic potentials of andrographolide in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

Discovery of ASGR1 and HMGCR dual-target inhibitors based on supervised learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and biological evaluation

3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) and Asialoglycoprotein Receptor 1 (ASGR1) are potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this study, we employed an innovative approach that combined ligand-based supervised learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and various in-silico techniques. The objective was to effectively screen the Chemdiv and SPECS molecule databases to discover potential inhibitors targeting both HMGCR and ASGR1, resulting in a dual inhibition effect. Compound 8006-6092, K007-0721, and D011-1471 exhibited inhibition rates of 41.48 %, 61.48 %, and 49.63 %, respectively, at a concentration of 10 μM against HMGCR. In addition, they demonstrated significant binding to ASGR1, with dissociation constants (Kd) of 461.33 μM, 67.63 μM, and 695.50 μM, respectively. These findings suggest that these dual inhibitors, 8006-6092, K007-0721, and D011-1471, present promising outcomes, potentially warranting further optimization as lead compounds for the treatment of ASCVD.

Associations of serum uric acid, risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and mortality: results from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has long been recognized as a significant contributor to mortality rates, holding a prominent position in the hierarchy of causes of death. Nevertheless, the presence of a causal relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and the risk of ASCVD, as well as mortality rates, remains unclear.

METHODS

We initially conducted a comprehensive cohort study utilizing data sourced from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 to investigate the specific correlation between SUA levels and ASCVD. Then, we subsequently examined the link between SUA levels and all-cause and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality among ASCVD individuals.

RESULTS

We identified a U-shaped relationship between SUA levels and the risk of ASCVD in all participants (inflection point at 5.399, p value = 0.014). Similarly, SUA levels showed U-shaped trends with all-cause mortality (inflection point at 5.748, p value < 0.0001) and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality (inflection point at 5.936, p value < 0.0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a U-shaped association between SUA levels and the risks of ASCVD, all-cause mortality, and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality. However, further research is needed to better understand how SUA affects ASCVD and its underlying mechanisms.

Recent Advances in the Mutual Regulation of m6A Modification and Non-Coding RNAs in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease of the arteries, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent years have witnessed the pivotal role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in regulating various biological processes, including those implicated in atherosclerosis. Current evidence suggested that m6A regulators (writers, erasers, and readers) participated in the modification of multiple non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), thereby affecting their metabolism and functions. Meanwhile, ncRNAs have also emerged as key modulator of m6A regulators expression in turn. Therefore, understanding the mutual regulation between m6A modifications and ncRNAs is of great significance to identify novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis and has great clinical application prospects. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in the reciprocal regulation and provide insights into the interaction between m6A modification and ncRNAs in the context of atherosclerosis.

Fates of Diterpene Lactones in Storage Andrographis paniculata Extracts

INTRODUCTION

Diterpene lactones in Andrographis paniculata are essential bioactive compounds that contribute to the herb's medicinal properties. The main diterpene lactones in A. paniculata are andrographolide and its derivatives. Spontaneous degradation of the diterpene leads to a short-term stability and casts a significant problem in storage and distribution of A. paniculata raw materials and products.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the stability of diterpene lactones in A. paniculata extracts and their transformation dynamics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 1H NMR-based metabolomics workflow and HPLC-based quantitative determination were used to map the stability profiles in A. paniculata extract stored in the standard storage conditions over a 6-month period.

RESULTS

Qualitatively, NMR-based PCA detected both descending and ascending dynamics in transformation of diterpene lactones in A. paniculata extracts over a 6-month storage period. The contents of five lactone markers, compounds 1-5, in storage A. paniculata extracts were monitored to show that compounds 1 and 5 degraded with decelatory rates and presumably transformed via dehydration into compound 3, which otherwise increased also in a coherently decelatory manner. Lacking of the labile allylic hydroxyl group, compounds 2 and 4 were more stable and remained unchanged throughout the storage period.

CONCLUSION

The short-term stability of A. paniculata extracts and related products was primarily attributed to the dehydration of 1 and it allylic hydroxy analogs, for example, 5, into a diene as in 3. Compound 3 is hence recommended as a plausible candidate as the stability and age marker of A. paniculata raw materials and products.

Hemodynamic disturbance and mTORC1 activation: Unveiling the biomechanical pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) significantly endangers the lives of individuals with Marfan syndrome (MFS), yet the intricacies of their biomechanical origins remain elusive. Our investigation delves into the pivotal role of hemodynamic disturbance in the pathogenesis of TAA, with a particular emphasis on the mechanistic contributions of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade. We uncovered that activation of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) within smooth muscle cells, instigated by the oscillatory wall shear stress (OSS) that stems from disturbed flow (DF), is a catalyst for TAA progression. This revelation was corroborated through both an MFS mouse model (Fbn1 +/C1039G) and clinical MFS specimens. Crucially, our research demonstrates a direct linkage between the activation of the mTORC1 pathway and the intensity in OSS. Therapeutic administration of rapamycin suppresses mTORC1 activity, leading to the attenuation of aberrant SMC behavior, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and restoration of extracellular matrix integrity-collectively decelerating TAA advancement in our mouse model. These insights posit the mTORC1 axis as a strategic target for intervention, offering a novel approach to manage TAAs in MFS and potentially pave insights for current treatment paradigms.

Andrographolide: A promising therapeutic agent against organ fibrosis

Fibrosis is the terminal pathology of chronic illness in many organs, marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. These changes influence organ function, ultimately resulting in organ failure. Although significant progress has been achieved in comprehending the molecular pathways responsible for fibrosis in the last decades, effective and approved clinical therapies for the condition are still lacking. Andrographolide is a diterpenoid isolated and purified mainly from the aboveground parts of the Andrographis paniculata plant, which possesses good effects of purging heat, detoxifying, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In-depth research has gradually confirmed the anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral and other effects of Andro so that it can play a preventive and therapeutic role in various diseases. Over the past few years, an increasing number of research findings have indicated that Andro exerts antifibrotic effects in various organs by acting on transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic protein, mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, nuclear factor kappa-B and other signalling molecules to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and collagen buildup. This review presents a compilation of findings regarding the antifibrotic impact of Andro in tissue and cell models in vitro and in vivo. Emphasis is placed on the potential therapeutic benefits of Andro in diseases related to organ fibrosis. Existing studies and cutting-edge technologies on Andro pharmacokinetics, toxicity and bioavailability are briefly discussed to provide evidence for accelerating its clinical conversion and adoption.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the delivery of bioactives sourced from plants: part II - applications and preclinical advancements

INTRODUCTION

Numerous purified bioactive compounds, crude extracts, and essential oils have demonstrated potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, particularly in vitro or in silico; however, their in vivo applications are hindered by inadequate absorption and distribution in the organism. The incorporation of these phytochemicals into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) or nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) has demonstrated significant advancements and represents a viable approach to improve their bioavailability through different administration routes.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the potential applications of SLN and NLC, loading bioactive compounds sourced from plants for the treatment of several diseases. An overview of the preclinical developments on the use of these lipid nanoparticles is also provided as well as the requisites to be launched on the market.

EXPERT OPINION

Medicinal plants have gained even more value for the pharmaceutical industries and their customers, leading to many studies exploring their therapeutic potential. Several bioactives derived from plants with antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antiaging properties have been proposed and loaded into lipid nanoparticles. In vitro and invivo studies corroborate the added value of SLN/NLC to improve the bioavailability of several bioactives. Surface modification to increase their stability and target delivery should be considering.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic bioactive compounds from edible traditional Chinese medicines and their action of mechanisms explored by multitarget affinity ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Edible traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have a long‐standing history in tackling obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases, which, in turn, significantly promotes the exploration of functional food products derived from edible TCMs with lower toxicity and reduced side effects. However, most of bioactive components from TCMs and their mechanisms in regulating blood glucose and lipids remain elusive, which poses a challenge for the development of safer and more effective TCM products. In this context, the development of high‐throughput screening methods has become even more important for the identification of active components and the in‐depth evaluation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this work provides an overview of edible TCMs for managing glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and summarizes the most recent progresses in identifying hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic bioactive compounds in edible TCMs through various screening methods. One significant approach involves the utilization of multitarget‐based ultrafiltration liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. This technique enables the concurrent screening and identification of potential pharmacodynamically active components in TCMs, as well as the investigation of their mechanisms of action. The bioactive compounds identified may serve as crucial active agents in reducing blood glucose and lipids, exhibiting promising potential for incorporation into functional foods or natural health products.

Anisodamine (654-1/654-2) ameliorates septic kidney injury in rats by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis

Introduction

To investigate the protective effects of anisodamine (654-1/654-2) against acute kidney injury (AKI) in LPS-induced septic shock rats and explore its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

56 rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: control, LPS, LPS + 654-1, and LPS + 654-2 (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). The model was evaluated by monitoring MAP, HR, and plasma LD levels. ELISA and biochemical assay kits were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and kidney injury markers (BUN and CRE). Additionally, RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of action of 654-1/654-2, and verification was conducted by western blotting and RT-PCR.

Results

654-1/654-2 significantly restored the levels of MAP, HR, and plasma LD in septic shock rats. Furthermore, 654-1/654-2 (5 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated LPS-induced kidney structural damage and exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in levels of inflammatory cytokines and kidney injury markers. In addition, RNA-seq, WB, and RT-PCR analyses revealed that 654-1/654-2 exerted its effects by inhibiting the expressions of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and activating the Pi3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, thereby mitigating AKI.

Discussion

This study suggested that 654-1/654-2 could alleviate AKI in septic shock rats by improving inflammation invasion and cell apoptosis. Notably, 654-1/654-2 collectively suppressed inflammation response through the p38/JNK/AP-1/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, 654-1 promotes survival signaling via the Pi3K/Akt/Bcl-2 pathway, whereas 654-2 reduces apoptosis through the P53/Bax pathway. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of 654-1/654-2 in treating organ damage caused by septic shock.

Intestinal permeability in human cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is a link between cardiovascular diseases and intestinal permeability, but it is not clear. This review aimed to elucidate intestinal permeability in cardiovascular diseases by meta-analysis.

Methods

Multidisciplinary electronic databases were searched from the database creation to April 2023. All included studies were assessed for risk of bias according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The heterogeneity of each study was estimated using the I2 statistic, and the data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 16.0.

Results

In total, studies in 13 pieces of literature were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. These studies were conducted among 1,321 subjects mostly older than 48. Patients had higher levels of intestinal permeability markers (lipopolysaccharide, d-lactate, zonulin, serum diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, intestinal fatty acid binding protein, and melibiose/rhamnose) than controls (standard mean difference SMD = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.31-1.88; p < 0.00001). Similarly, lipopolysaccharide levels were higher in patients than in controls (SMD = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.02-2.21; p < 0.00001); d-lactate levels were higher in patients than in controls (SMD = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.23-2.08; p = 0.01); zonulin levels were higher in patients than in controls (SMD = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.45-2.03; p < 0.00001); serum diamine oxidase levels were higher in patients than in controls (SMD = 2.51; 95% CI = 0.29-4.73; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The results of the meta-analysis verified that the intestinal barrier was damaged and intestinal permeability was increased in patients with cardiovascular diseases. These markers may become a means of the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=414296, identifier CRD42023414296.

The signaling pathways of selected traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and their metabolites in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy: a review

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial-specific microvascular disease caused by diabetes that affects the structure and function of the heart and is considered to be the leading cause of morbidity and death in patients with diabetes. Currently, there is no specific treatment or preventive drug for DCM, and there is an urgent need to develop new drugs to treat DCM. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich experience in the treatment of DCM, and its characteristics of multi-target, multi-pathway, multi-component, and few side effects can effectively deal with the complexity and long-term nature of DCM. Growing evidence suggests that myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and advanced glycation end product deposition were the main pathologic mechanisms of DCM. According to the pathological mechanism of DCM, this study revealed the potential of metabolites and prescriptions in TCM against DCM from the perspective of signaling pathways. The results showed that TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, Nrf2, AMPK, NLRP3, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways were the key signaling pathways for TCM treatment of DCM. The aim of this study was to summarize and update the signaling pathways for TCM treatment of DCM, to screen potential targets for drug candidates against DCM, and to provide new ideas and more experimental evidence for the clinical use of TCM treatment of DCM.

New perspectives on the therapeutic potential of quercetin in non-communicable diseases: Targeting Nrf2 to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, metabolic diseases, and skeletal diseases, pose significant challenges to public health worldwide. The complex pathogenesis of these diseases is closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a critical transcription factor, plays an important role in regulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses to protect the cells from oxidative damage and inflammation-mediated injury. Therefore, Nrf2-targeting therapies hold promise for preventing and treating NCDs. Quercetin (Que) is a widely available flavonoid that has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It modulates the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation. Que modulates mitochondrial function, apoptosis, autophagy, and cell damage biomarkers to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting its efficacy as a therapeutic agent against NCDs. Here, we discussed, for the first time, the close association between NCD pathogenesis and the Nrf2 signaling pathway, involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), cardiovascular disease, cancers, organ damage, and bone damage. Furthermore, we reviewed the availability, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics, and therapeutic applications of Que in treating NCDs. In addition, we focused on the challenges and prospects for its clinical use. Que represents a promising candidate for the treatment of NCDs due to its Nrf2-targeting properties.

Gualou-Xiebai herb pair and its active ingredients act against atherosclerosis by suppressing VSMC-derived foam cell formation via regulating P2RY12-mediated lipophagy

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease characterized by lipid accumulation in the aortic wall and the formation of foam cells overloaded with large lipids inclusions. Currently, Western medicine is primarily used to improve lipid metabolism disorders and reduce inflammatory reactions to delay AS progression, but these medicines come with serious side effects and drug resistance. Gualou-Xiebai (GLXB) is a renowned herb pair that has been proven effective against AS. However, the potential molecular mechanism through which GLXB exerts the anti-atherosclerotic effects of increasing lipophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore the role of lipophagy and the therapeutic mechanism of GLXB in AS.

METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS for the determination of the main components of GLXB-containing serum. An AS mouse model was established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) to ApoE-/- mice for 12 weeks. Ultrasonography monitoring was used to confirm the successful establishment of the AS model. Plaque areas and lipid deposition were evaluated using HE staining and aorta imagingafter GLXB treatment. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were utilized to observe the P2RY12 and lipophagy levels in AS mice. VSMCs were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to induce foam cell formation. The degree of lipophagy and the related molecular mechanisms were assessed after treating the VSMCs with GLXB-containing serum or si-P2RY12 transfection. The active components of GLXB-containing serum that act on P2RY12 were screened and verified by molecular docking and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

Seventeen components of GLXB were identified in rat serum by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. GLXB significantly reduced lipid deposition in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. GLXB strikingly increased lipophagy levels by downregulating P2RY12, p62, and plin2, upregulating LC3Ⅱ protein expression, and increasing the number of autophagosomes. Notably, the lipophagy inhibitor CQ and the P2RY12 receptor agonist ADPβ abolished the GLXB-induced increase in lipophagy. Last, we confirmed that albiflorin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and hesperetin from GLXB significantly inhibited P2RY12.

CONCLUSION

GLXB activates lipophagy and inhibits lipid accumulation-associated VSMC-derived foam cell formation through suppressing P2RY12 activation, resulting in anti-atherosclerotic effects. The GLXB components albiflorin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and hesperetin are the potential active effectors against P2RY12.

Shenlian extract improves atherosclerosis by relieving adventitial inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shenlian (SL) extract, a Chinese medicinal compound mainly pointing at inflammation response of atherosclerosis, is composed of Salvia miltiorrhizae Bunge and Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. Salvia miltiorrhizae Bunge has been reported to activate blood to remove stasis, while another herb, Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, has been revealed to clear endogenous heat toxins. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of these two herbs have been reported closely relating to inflammation. However, from the point of view of adventitial inflammation, the in-depth study of SL extract in anti-atherosclerotic effects by relieving adventitial inflammation is still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effects of adventitial inflammation in atherosclerosis progression and if SL extract could reverse the process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel atherosclerosis model based on adventitial inflammation was established. High-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice were implanted a cotton thread soaked with LPS on the right common carotid artery (RCCA). Meanwhile, three time points were set (week 2, 4, and 12) to accurately evaluate the effect of SL extract on the whole process of atherosclerosis with adventitial inflammation. The pathological changes of phenotype transformation of VAFs, vascular cell proliferation and collagen synthesis were observed dynamically by immunohistochemistry (IHC), BrdU method and sirius red staining. Then primary VAFs were stimulated by LPS to mirror the process of adventitial inflammation in vitro. The VAFS phenotype conversion and its function alterations including proliferation, migration, inflammatory secretion was assessed. Finally, we established a co-culture model of activated VAFs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to observe the impacts of activated VAFs on phenotype transformation and migration of VSMCs.

RESULTS

SL extract improved atherosclerosis progression by reducing lipid content, adventitial inflammation and plaque formation. HE results showed sham-operated group (Sham) appeared light infiltrated inflammation only in adventitia at week 2, and the degree of inflammation infiltrated in model was more severe than that in Sham at week 2, 4, and 12. At week 12, the sham and model group showed evidently thickened media and intima. The phenotypic transformation, proliferation and migration of vascular adventitial fibroblasts (VAFs) as well as inflammatory secretion enhanced remarkably in vivo and vitro, but SL extract reversed these changes. Moreover, SL extract downregulated JAK2-STAT3-MMP2 signal pathway. The VSMCs transformed from contractile phenotype into synthetic phenotype and the migration of VSMCs increased after co-culture with activated VAFs. In contrast, SL extract could suppress theses effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, atherosclerotic inflammation could be a "outside-in" signaling. Adventitial inflammation not only accelerated intimal plaque formation in atherosclerosis, but also worsened the degree of vascular lesion. And SL extract improved atherosclerosis by relieving adventitial inflammation, and the underlying mechanisms could be associated with curbing phenotypic transformation, proliferation and migration of VAFs and VSMCs.

Ginsenoside Rg1, lights up the way for the potential prevention of Alzheimer's disease due to its therapeutic effects on the drug-controllable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine, Shen Nong, BenCao Jing, and Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Panax ginseng, and its prescriptions have been used for the treatment of dementia, depression, weight loss, Xiaoke disease (similar to diabetes), and vertigo. All these diseases are associated with the drug-controllable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the main active ingredients of P. ginseng and its congener Panax notoginseng, possesses therapeutic potentials against AD and associated diseases. This suggests that ginsenoside Rg1 might have the potential for AD prevention and treatment. Although the anti-AD effects of ginsenoside Rg1 have received more attention, a systematic review of its effects on depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is not available.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This systematic literature review comprehensively summarized existing literature on the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 in AD prevention for the propose of providing a foundation of future research aimed at enabling the use of such drugs in clinical practice.

METHODS

Information on ginsenoside Rg1 was collected from relevant published articles identified through a literature search in electronic scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). The keywords used were "Ginsenoside Rg1," "Panax ginseng," "Source," "Alzheimer's disease," "Brain disorders," "Depression," "Obesity," "Diabetes," and "Hypertension."

RESULTS

The monomer ginsenoside Rg1 can be relatively easily obtained and has therapeutic potentials against AD. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 against the drug-controllable risk factors of AD including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Thus, ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates diseases resulting from AD risk factors by regulating multiple targets and pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Ginsenoside Rg1 has the potentials to prevent AD by alleviating depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Alpinia katsumadai Hayata Volatile Oil Is Effective in Treating 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Mucositis by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Modulating the GC/GR Pathway and the mPGES-1/PGE2/EP4 Pathways

This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of AKHO on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Mouse body weight, diarrhea score, and H&E staining were applied to judge the therapeutic effect of AKHO. 16S rDNA and nontargeted metabolomics have been used to study the mechanism. WB, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry were adopted to validate possible mechanisms. The results demonstrated that AKHO significantly reduced diarrhea scores and intestinal damage induced by 5-FU in mice. AKHO lowered the serum levels of LD and DAO, and upregulated the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in the ileum. Also, AKHO upregulated the abundance of Lactobacillus in the gut and suppressed KEGG pathways such as cortisol synthesis and secretion and arachidonic acid metabolism. Further validation studies indicated that AKHO downregulated the expressions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), and PGE2 receptor EP4, as well as upregulated the expression of glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR), leading to improved intestinal epithelial barrier function. Taken together, AKHO elicited protective effects against 5-FU-induced mucositis by regulating the expressions of tight junction proteins via modulation of GC/GR and mPGES-1/PGE2/EP4 pathway, providing novel insights into the utilization and development of this pharmaceutical/food resource.