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Feng Y, Zhu P, Wu D, Deng W. A Network Pharmacology Prediction and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Explore the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus for Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16306. [PMID: 38003496 PMCID: PMC10671347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma treatment in traditional Chinese medicine has a lengthy history. Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb that is frequently utilized in therapeutic practice, is a component of many Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas that have been documented to have anti-glioma properties. Uncertainty persists regarding the molecular mechanism behind the therapeutic effects. Based on results from network pharmacology and molecular docking, we thoroughly identified the molecular pathways of Astragalus membranaceus' anti-glioma activities in this study. According to the findings of the enrichment analysis, 14 active compounds and 343 targets were eliminated from the screening process. These targets were mainly found in the pathways in cancer, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, protein phosphorylation, inflammatory response, positive regulation of phosphorylation, and inflammatory mediator regulation of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. The results of molecular docking showed that the active substances isoflavanone and 1,7-Dihydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy pterocarpene have strong binding affinities for the respective targets ESR2 and PTGS2. In accordance with the findings of our investigation, Astragalus membranaceus active compounds exhibit a multicomponent and multitarget synergistic therapeutic impact on glioma by actively targeting several targets in various pathways. Additionally, we propose that 1,7-Dihydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy pterocarpene and isoflavanone may be the main active ingredients in the therapy of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518107, China;
- Computer Aided Drug Discovery Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai 519003, China;
| | - Peng Zhu
- Computer Aided Drug Discovery Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai 519003, China;
| | - Dong Wu
- Computer Aided Drug Discovery Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai 519003, China;
| | - Wenbin Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518107, China;
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2
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Li L, Zhang Y, Luo Y, Meng X, Pan G, Zhang H, Li Y, Zhang B. The Molecular Basis of the Anti-Inflammatory Property of Astragaloside IV for the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:771-790. [PMID: 36925998 PMCID: PMC10013573 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s399423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragali Radix is a significant traditional Chinese medication, and has a long history of clinical application in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. AS-IV is an active saponin isolated from it. Modern pharmacological study shows that AS-IV has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activities. The popular inflammatory etiology of diabetes suggests that DM is a natural immune and low-grade inflammatory disease. Pharmacological intervention of the inflammatory response may provide promising and alternative approaches for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications. Therefore, this article focuses on the potential of AS-IV in the treatment of DM from the perspective of an anti-inflammatory molecular basis. AS-IV plays a role by regulating a variety of anti-inflammatory pathways in multiple organs, tissues and target cells throughout the body. The blockade of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway may be the central link of AS-IV's anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in a reduction in the tissue structure and function damage stimulated by inflammatory factors. In addition, AS-IV can delay the onset of DM and its complications by inhibiting inflammation-related oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis signals. In conclusion, AS-IV has therapeutic prospects from the perspective of reducing the inflammation of DM and its complications. An in-depth study on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AS-IV is of great significance for the effective use of Chinese herbal medicine and the promotion of its status and influence on the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Yudan Luo
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianghui Meng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixiang Pan
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300250, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Boli Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
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3
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The Role of Amino Acids in Endothelial Biology and Function. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081372. [PMID: 35456051 PMCID: PMC9030017 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium acts as an important component of the vascular system. It is a barrier between the blood and vessel wall. It plays an important role in regulating blood vessel tone, permeability, angiogenesis, and platelet functions. Several studies have shown that amino acids (AA) are key regulators in maintaining vascular homeostasis by modulating endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, survival, and function. This review summarizes the metabolic and signaling pathways of AAs in ECs and discusses the importance of AA homeostasis in the functioning of ECs and vascular homeostasis. It also discusses the challenges in understanding the role of AA in the development of cardiovascular pathophysiology and possible directions for future research.
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4
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Kozak J, Forma A, Czeczelewski M, Kozyra P, Sitarz E, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Sitarz M, Baj J. Inhibition or Reversal of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010277. [PMID: 33383973 PMCID: PMC7795012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis consisting in the re-differentiation of the epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones changing the cellular phenotype into a malignant one. EMT has been shown to play a role in the malignant transformation and while occurring in the tumor microenvironment, it significantly affects the aggressiveness of gastric cancer, among others. Importantly, after EMT occurs, gastric cancer patients are more susceptible to the induction of resistance to various therapeutic agents, worsening the clinical outcome of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for the newest pharmacological agents targeting EMT to prevent further progression of gastric carcinogenesis and potential metastases. Therapies targeted at EMT might be combined with other currently available treatment modalities, which seems to be an effective strategy to treat gastric cancer patients. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in gastric cancer treatment in terms of targeting EMT specifically, such as the administration of polyphenols, resveratrol, tangeretin, luteolin, genistein, proton pump inhibitors, terpenes, other plant extracts, or inorganic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kozak
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Paweł Kozyra
- Student Research Group, Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior in Warsaw, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Monika Sitarz
- Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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You L, Fang Z, Shen G, Wang Q, He Y, Ye S, Wang L, Hu M, Lin Y, Liu M, Jiang A. Astragaloside IV prevents high glucose‑induced cell apoptosis and inflammatory reactions through inhibition of the JNK pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:1603-1612. [PMID: 30628687 PMCID: PMC6390021 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a key pathophysiological step in early stage diabetes mellitus (DM) macrovascular complications and is also crucial in the inflammatory mechanisms of macrovascular complications. However, there is currently no effective intervention to improve endothelial dysfunction associated with DM macrovascular complications. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), which can be extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus, has potential therapeutic effects on DM and its complications. The present study evaluated the effect of AS-IV on high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury and its possible mechanism. The result indicated that AS-IV has a significant protective effect on high glucose-induced HUVEC injury. AS-IV could significantly promote cell proliferation, reduce apoptosis and decrease the protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in HUVECs. Furthermore, AS-IV could decrease the expression of phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, cytochrome c, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3 and the relative ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma-2 in HUVECs. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AS-IV could suppress apoptosis and inflammatory reactions promoted by high glucose conditions in HUVECs by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that AS-IV could inhibit the process of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic macrovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangzhen You
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Guoming Shen
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Ying He
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - She Ye
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Liu Wang
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Mengjie Hu
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yixuan Lin
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Aijuan Jiang
- Graduate Institute, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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Majumder A, Singh M, George AK, Behera J, Tyagi N, Tyagi SC. Hydrogen sulfide improves postischemic neoangiogenesis in the hind limb of cystathionine-β-synthase mutant mice via PPAR-γ/VEGF axis. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13858. [PMID: 30175474 PMCID: PMC6119702 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoangiogenesis is a fundamental process which helps to meet energy requirements, tissue growth, and wound healing. Although previous studies showed that Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) regulates neoangiogenesis via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and both VEGF and PPAR-γ expressions were inhibited during hyperhomocysteinemic (HHcy), whether these two processes could trigger pathological effects in skeletal muscle via compromising neoangiogenesis has not been studied yet. Unfortunately, there are no treatment options available to date for ameliorating HHcy-mediated neoangiogenic defects. Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a novel gasotransmitter that can induce PPAR-γ levels. However, patients with cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) mutation(s) cannot produce a sufficient amount of H2 S. We hypothesized that exogenous supplementation of H2 S might improve HHcy-mediated poor neoangiogenesis via the PPAR-γ/VEGF axis. To examine this, we created a hind limb femoral artery ligation (FAL) in CBS+/- mouse model and treated them with GYY4137 (a long-acting H2 S donor compound) for 21 days. To evaluate neoangiogenesis, we used barium sulfate angiography and laser Doppler blood flow measurements in the ischemic hind limbs of experimental mice post-FAL to assess blood flow. Proteins and mRNAs levels were studied by Western blots and qPCR analyses. HIF1-α, VEGF, PPAR-γ and p-eNOS expressions were attenuated in skeletal muscle of CBS+/- mice after 21 days of FAL in comparison to wild-type (WT) mice, that were improved via GYY4137 treatment. We also found that the collateral vessel density and blood flow were significantly reduced in post-FAL CBS+/- mice compared to WT mice and these effects were ameliorated by GYY4137. Moreover, we found that plasma nitrite levels were decreased in post-FAL CBS+/- mice compared to WT mice, which were mitigated by GYY4137 supplementation. These results suggest that HHcy can inhibit neoangiogenesis via antagonizing the angiogenic signal pathways encompassing PPAR-γ/VEGF axis and that GYY4137 could serve as a potential therapeutic to alleviate the harmful metabolic effects of HHcy conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
| | - Akash K. George
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
| | - Jyotirmaya Behera
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
| | - Suresh C. Tyagi
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentucky40202USA
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7
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Zhang DQ, Li JS, Zhang YM, Gao F, Dai RZ. Astragaloside IV inhibits Angiotensin II-stimulated proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells via the regulation of CDK2 activity. Life Sci 2018; 200:105-109. [PMID: 29567075 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the central active component extracted from Radix astragali, an herbal remedy widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is closely involved in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular complications, such as atherosclerosis. Here we investigated whether AS-IV inhibited agonist-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and the underlying mechanism. MAIN METHODS Quiescent cultured A10 cells (adult rat VSMCs) were treated with Angiotensin II (AngII) or AngII plus AS-IV for 48 h. The growth rate of A10 cells was analyzed by CCK8 assay. RT-PCR analysis was carried out to examine the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an important phenotypic modulation marker. In addition, whether the interference of AS-IV on AngII-mediated growth of VSMCs via regulation of cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. In order to explore the role of cell cycle machinery, we measured kinase activity of CDK2 by Kinase assay and the protein level of Cdc25 by western blot, respectively. KEY FINDINGS These data suggested that AS-IV exerted beneficial effects on AngII -induced abnormal growth in rat VSMCs through disturbing cell cycle, especially block G1/S transition by attenuating CDK2 activity, which may hinder the process of pathological vascular remodeling during atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Qing Zhang
- Jinjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinjiang, Fujian, China
| | - Jin-Song Li
- Jinjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinjiang, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Mei Zhang
- Jinjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinjiang, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Ruo-Zhu Dai
- First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.
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Zhang Y, Liu T, Chen Y, Dong Z, Zhang J, Sun Y, Jin B, Gao F, Guo S, Zhuang R. CD226 reduces endothelial cell glucose uptake under hyperglycemic conditions with inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Oncotarget 2017; 7:12010-23. [PMID: 26910838 PMCID: PMC4914265 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CD226 is a co-stimulatory adhesion molecule found on immune and endothelial cells. Here, we evaluated a possible role for CD226 in inhibiting glucose uptake in isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in wild-type (WT) and CD226 knockout (KO) mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM). CD226 expression increased under hyperglycemic conditions in the presence of TNF-α. Furthermore, CD226 knockdown improved glucose uptake in endothelial cells, and CD226 KO mice exhibited increased glucose tolerance. Levels of soluble CD226 in plasma were higher in T2DM patients following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) than under fasting conditions. Our results indicate that low-grade inflammation coupled with elevated blood glucose increases CD226 expression, resulting in decreased endothelial cell glucose uptake in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zilong Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinxue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Yizheng Sun
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Boquan Jin
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuzhong Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ran Zhuang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
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9
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Zhu R, Zheng J, Chen L, Gu B, Huang S. Astragaloside IV facilitates glucose transport in C2C12 myotubes through the IRS1/AKT pathway and suppresses the palmitate-induced activation of the IKK/IκBα pathway. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1697-1705. [PMID: 27082050 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV is a monomer isolated from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, which is one of the most widely used plant-derived drugs in traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes therapy. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of astragaloside IV on glucose in C2C12 myotubes and the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects. Four-day differentiated C2C12 myotubes were exposed to palmitate for 16 h in order to establish a model of insulin resistance and 3H glucose uptake, using 2-Deoxy‑D‑[1,2-3H(N)]-glucose (radiolabeled 2-DG), was detected. Astragaloside IV was added 2 h prior to palmitate exposure. The translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was evaluated by subcellular fractionation, and the expression of insulin signaling molecules such as insulin receptor β (IRβ), insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1/protein kinase B (AKT) and inhibitory κB kinase (IKK)/inhibitor-κBα (IκBα), which are associated with insulin signal transduction, were assessed in the basal or the insulin‑stimulated state using western blot analysis or RT-PCR. We also examined the mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4). Taken together, these findings demonstrated that astragaloside IV facilitates glucose transport in C2C12 myotubes through a mechanism involving the IRS1/AKT pathway, and suppresses the palmitate-induced activation of the IKK/IκBα pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 95th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Putian, Fujian 351100, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 95th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Putian, Fujian 351100, P.R. China
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 95th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Putian, Fujian 351100, P.R. China
| | - Bin Gu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 95th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Putian, Fujian 351100, P.R. China
| | - Shengli Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 95th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Putian, Fujian 351100, P.R. China
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Dimasi DP, Pitson SM, Bonder CS. Examining the Role of Sphingosine Kinase-2 in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Barrier Integrity. Microcirculation 2016; 23:248-65. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David P. Dimasi
- Centre for Cancer Biology; University of South Australia and SA Pathology; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Stuart M. Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology; University of South Australia and SA Pathology; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- School of Medicine; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology; University of South Australia and SA Pathology; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- School of Medicine; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
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11
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Yan M, Zhang Y, Qin H, Liu K, Guo M, Ge Y, Xu M, Sun Y, Zheng X. Cytotoxicity of CdTe quantum dots in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: the involvement of cellular uptake and induction of pro-apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:529-42. [PMID: 26893560 PMCID: PMC4745859 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s93591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) have been proposed to induce oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in CdTe QDs-mediated mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, the direct interactions of CdTe QDs with HUVECs and their potential impairment of other organelles like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in HUVECs are poorly understood. In this study, we reported that the negatively charged CdTe QDs (−21.63±0.91 mV), with good dispersity and fluorescence stability, were rapidly internalized via endocytosis by HUVECs, as the notable internalization could be inhibited up to 95.52% by energy depletion (NaN3/deoxyglucose or low temperature). The endocytosis inhibitors (methyl-β-cyclodextrin, genistein, sucrose, chlorpromazine, and colchicine) dramatically decreased the uptake of CdTe QDs by HUVECs, suggesting that both caveolae/raft- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis were involved in the endothelial uptake of CdTe QDs. Using immunocytochemistry, a striking overlap of the internalized CdTe QDs and ER marker was observed, which indicates that QDs may be transported to ER. The CdTe QDs also caused remarkable ER stress responses in HUVECs, confirmed by significant dilatation of ER cisternae, upregulation of ER stress markers GRP78/GRP94, and activation of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase-eIF2α-activating transcription factor 4 pathway (including phosphorylation of both protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase and eIF2α and elevated level of activating transcription factor 4). CdTe QDs further promoted an increased C/EBP homologous protein expression, phosphorylation of c-JUN NH2-terminal kinase, and cleavage of ER-resident caspase-4, while the specific inhibitor (SP600125, Z-LEVD-fmk, or salubrinal) significantly attenuated QDs-triggered apoptosis, indicating that all three ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathways were activated and the direct participation of ER in the CdTe QDs-caused apoptotic cell death in HUVECs. Our findings provide important new insights into QDs toxicity and reveal potential cardiovascular risks for the future applications of QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kezhou Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yakun Ge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingen Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Information Science and Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Xie X, Wu MY, Shou LM, Chen LP, Gong FR, Chen K, Li DM, Duan WM, Xie YF, Mao YX, Li W, Tao M. Tamoxifen enhances the anticancer effect of cantharidin and norcantharidin in pancreatic cancer cell lines through inhibition of the protein kinase C signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2014; 9:837-844. [PMID: 25624908 PMCID: PMC4301527 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin is an active constituent of mylabris, a traditional Chinese therapeutic agent. Cantharidin is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Cantharidin has been previously reported to efficiently repress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. However, excessively activated protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to improve cell survival following the adminstration of cantharidin. Tamoxifen is widely used in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. In addition, an increasing number of studies have found that tamoxifen selectively inhibits PKC and represses growth in estrogen receptor-negative cancer cells. Administration of a combination of PKC inhibitor and PP2A inhibitors has been demonstrated to exert a synergistic anticancer effect. The proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl]2, 5-diphenyltetrazo-lium bromide assay. The expression levels of ERα and ERβ in various pancreatic cancer cell lines were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the protein levels of PKCα and phosphorylated PKCα in pancreatic cell lines were analyzed by western blot analysis. In the present study, tamoxifen was found to exert a cytotoxic effect against pancreatic cancer cells independent of the hormone receptor status. Tamoxifen repressed the phosphorylation of PKC, and amplified the anticancer effect induced by cantharidin and norcantharidin. The findings reveal a novel potential strategy against pancreatic cancer using co-treatment with tamoxifen plus cantharidin or cantharidin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yao Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Liu-Mei Shou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Long-Pei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Fei-Ran Gong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Dao-Ming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Ming Duan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Feng Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Xiang Mao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Wittchen ES, Aghajanian A, Burridge K. Isoform-specific differences between Rap1A and Rap1B GTPases in the formation of endothelial cell junctions. Small GTPases 2014; 2:65-76. [PMID: 21776404 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.2.2.15735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1 is a Ras-like GTPase that has been studied with respect to its role in cadherin-based cell adhesion. Rap1 exists as two separate isoforms, Rap1A and Rap1B, which are 95% identical and yet the phenotype of the isoform-specific knockout mice is different. We and others have previously identified a role for Rap1 in regulating endothelial adhesion, junctional integrity and barrier function; however, these early studies did not distinguish a relative role for each isoform. To dissect the individual contribution of each isoform in regulating the endothelial barrier, we utilized an engineered microRNA-based approach to silence Rap1A, Rap1B or both, then analyzed barrier properties of the endothelium. Electrical impedance sensing experiments show that Rap1A is the predominant isoform involved in endothelial cell junction formation. Quantification of monolayer integrity by VE-cadherin staining revealed that knockdown of Rap1A, but not Rap1B, increased the number of gaps in the confluent monolayer. This loss of monolayer integrity could be rescued by re-expression of exogenous Rap1A protein. Expression of GFP-tagged Rap1A or 1B revealed quantifiable differences in localization of each isoform, with the junctional pool of Rap1A being greater. The junctional protein AF-6 also co-immunoprecipitates more strongly with expressed GFP-Rap1A. Our results show that Rap1A is the more critical isoform in the context of endothelial barrier function, indicating that some cellular processes differentially utilize Rap1A and 1B isoforms. Studying how Rap1 isoforms differentially regulate EC junctions may thus reveal new targets for developing therapeutic strategies during pathological situations where endothelial barrier disruption leads to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S Wittchen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Interferon-γ safeguards blood-brain barrier during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:3308-20. [PMID: 25307346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The function of blood-brain barrier is often disrupted during the progression of multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the molecular mechanism of blood-brain barrier modulation during neuroinflammation remains unclear. Herein, we show that the expression of interferon-γ (IFNγ) receptor on endothelial cells (ECs) protected mice from the brain inflammation during EAE. IFNγ stabilized the integrity of the cerebral endothelium and prevented the infiltration of leukocytes into the brain. Further analysis revealed that IFNγ increased the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens protein 1 and occludin, as well as membranous distribution of claudin-5, in brain ECs. Silencing claudin-5 abolished the IFNγ-mediated improvement of EC integrity. Taken together, our results show that IFNγ, a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine, stabilizes blood-brain barrier integrity and, therefore, prevents brain inflammation during EAE.
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Eligini S, Songia P, Cavalca V, Crisci M, Tremoli E, Colli S. Cytoskeletal architecture regulates cyclooxygenase-2 in human endothelial cells: autocrine modulation by prostacyclin. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3847-56. [PMID: 22495438 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium is a highly dynamic tissue that controls vascular homeostasis. This requires constant rearrangements of the shape or function of endothelial cells that cannot set aside the role of the cytoskeleton. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms by means of which cytoskeletal alterations induce cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression in human endothelial cells using compounds that interfere with microtubule or actin architecture. Microtubule disruption by nocodazole markedly increased Cox-2 expression and activity, and provoked paracellular gap formation, a cardinal feature of endothelial barrier dysfunction. The Cox-2 metabolite prostacyclin down-regulated Cox-2 through an autocrine receptor-mediated mechanism, and partially prevented the disassembly of endothelial monolayers. There was also an interaction between microtubules and actin filaments in nocodazole-induced Cox-2 expression. Nocodazole provoked the dissolution of the F-actin cortical ring and stress fiber formation, increased actin glutathionylation, and concomitantly lowered intracellular levels of reduced glutathione. The restoration of glutathione levels by N-acetylcysteine opposed Cox-2 expression and preserved the integrity of endothelial monolayers. Among the signaling pathways connecting microtubule disruption with Cox-2 up-regulation, crucial roles are played by Src family kinase activation, serine/threonine phosphatase 2A inhibition, and the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase p38. Our findings provide a mechanistic insight into the observation that Cox-2 is induced in endothelial cells under cytoskeleton-perturbing conditions such as those occurring in the presence of atherogenic/inflammatory stimuli and oxidative stress. In this scenario, Cox-2 up-regulation by endothelia exposed to noxious conditions can be considered protective of the vasodilatory and anti-thrombotic properties of the vessel wall.
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Chang YX, Sun YG, Li J, Zhang QH, Guo XR, Zhang BL, Jin H, Gao XM. The experimental study of Astragalus membranaceus on meridian tropsim: the distribution study of astragaloside IV in rat tissues. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2012; 911:71-5. [PMID: 23217309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 10/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, TCM with different meridian tropism have different therapeutic effects. In view of the meridian tropism of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), astragaloside IV, one of the effective phytochemicals of Huangqi, was appointed and observed its distribution in rat tissues following a single intravenous (i.v.) dose. A simple and accurate LC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed and validated for astragaloside IV quantification in heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney using warfarin as an internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was performed on a Eclipse plus C18 (4.6mm×100mm, 1.8μm) when the flow rate was set at 0.300mLmin(-1) and ammonium acetate aqueous solution - acetonitrile was used as mobile phase. The intra- and inter-day precisions of the quality control samples were within 15% and accuracies were within 90.0-110%. The recoveries were more than 90.0% at high, medium and low concentrations, respectively. This method was successfully applied for distribution of astragaloside IV after intravenous (i.v.) dose of 4mgkg(-1) astragaloside IV in rats. Astragaloside IV concentration was highest in liver and kidney and remained much higher than that in other tissues over the experiment course. Lung, heart and spleen were also detected to contain astragaloside IV. The results clearly demonstrated that astragaloside IV was one of the material bases of the meridian tropism of Huangqi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xu Chang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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18
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Szabó C, Papapetropoulos A. Hydrogen sulphide and angiogenesis: mechanisms and applications. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 164:853-65. [PMID: 21198548 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vascular tissues, hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is mainly produced from L-cysteine by the cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) enzyme. Recent studies show that administration of H(2)S to endothelial cells in culture stimulates cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. In addition, administration of H(2)S to chicken chorioallantoic membranes stimulates blood vessel growth and branching. Furthermore, in vivo administration of H(2)S to mice stimulates angiogenesis, as demonstrated in the Matrigel plug assay. Pathways involved in the angiogenic response of H(2)S include the PI-3K/Akt pathway, the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, as well as ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Indirect evidence also suggests that the recently demonstrated role of H(2)S as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterases may play an additional role in its pro-angiogenic effect. The endogenous role of H(2)S in the angiogenic response has been demonstrated in the chicken chorioallantoic membranes, in endothelial cells in vitro and ex vivo. Importantly, the pro-angiogenic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (but not of fibroblast growth factor) involves the endogenous production of H(2)S. The pro-angiogenic effects of H(2)S are also apparent in vivo: in a model of hindlimb ischaemia-induced angiogenesis, H(2)S induces a marked pro-angiogenic response; similarly, in a model of coronary ischaemia, H(2)S exerts angiogenic effects. Angiogenesis is crucial in the early stage of wound healing. Accordingly, topical administration of H(2)S promotes wound healing, whereas genetic ablation of CSE attenuates it. Pharmacological modulation of H(2)S-mediated angiogenic pathways may open the door for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Szabó
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 77555-1102, USA.
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Tam JCW, Lau KM, Liu CL, To MH, Kwok HF, Lai KK, Lau CP, Ko CH, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lau CBS. The in vivo and in vitro diabetic wound healing effects of a 2-herb formula and its mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 134:831-838. [PMID: 21291991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herbs Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR) have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the principal herbs in treating diabetic foot ulcer. AIM OF STUDY Diabetic complications, such as foot ulcer, impose major public health burdens worldwide. In our previous clinical studies, two Chinese medicine formulae F1 and F2 have achieved over 80% limb salvage. A simplified 2-herb formula (NF3) comprising of RA and RR in the ratio of 2:1 was used for further study. NF3 was examined for the ulcer healing effect in diabetic rats, and its potential mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS A chemically induced diabetic foot ulcer rat model was used for studying the wound healing effect. In the in vitro mechanistic studies, human fibroblast cells (Hs27), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mouse macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were assessed for tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. RESULTS Our in vivo results demonstrated a significant reduction of wound area at day 8 in NF3 (0.98g/kg) group as compared to control (p<0.01). NF3 could significantly stimulate Hs27 proliferation in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). Besides, NF3 could significantly increase the cell migration and tube formation (p<0.05-0.001) of HUVEC in the angiogenesis study. Furthermore, significant inhibition of nitric oxide production (p<0.01) was found in NF3-treated macrophage cells, suggesting its anti-inflammatory activity. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents for the first time scientific evidence towards the efficacy of the two-herb formula NF3 in enhancing diabetic wound healing through the actions of tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Chor Wing Tam
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Zhang Y, Hu G, Lin HC, Hong SJ, Deng YH, Tang JY, Seto SW, Kwan YW, Waye MMY, Wang YT, Lee SMY. Radix Astragali extract promotes angiogenesis involving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-related phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-dependent pathway in human endothelial cells. Phytother Res 2011; 23:1205-13. [PMID: 19274678 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in a wide range of physiological processes and many diseases are associated with dysregulation of angiogenesis. Radix Astragali, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a potential candidate for treating such diseases. However, the biological effects of Radix Astragali on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated fully. This study describes the angiogenic effects of Radix Astragali extract (RAE) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. It was shown that RAE treatment stimulated HUVEC to proliferate. A significant increase in migration was observed in RAE-treated HUVEC using the wound healing migration assay. In addition, a significant increase in the number of branching points was observed during endothelial cell capillary formation after RAE treatment. It was shown that RAE enhances vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression, and that a specific blocker of VEGF receptor 2 (KDR/Flk) inhibited the RAE-induced HUVEC proliferation. In addition, a decrease in the RAE-induced HUVEC proliferation was observed after treatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Taken together, these data suggest that RAE is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and that its pro-angiogenic effects involve the VEGF-KDR/Flk and PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Tomás Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao, China
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He CL, Fu BD, Shen HQ, Jiang XL, Zhang CS, Wu SC, Zhu W, Wei XB. Xiang-Qi-Tang Increases Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli-Induced Survival Rate and Regulates Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Interleukin-1 and Soluble Endothelial Protein C Receptor in Chicken. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:379-82. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Liang He
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
| | - Ben-Dong Fu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
| | - Hai-Qing Shen
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
| | - Xiao-Lin Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture
| | - Chang-Shuai Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
| | - Shuai-Cheng Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
| | - Wei Zhu
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University
| | - Xu-Bin Wei
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University
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Drew CP, Gardner IA, Mayo CE, Matsuo E, Roy P, MacLachlan NJ. Bluetongue virus infection alters the impedance of monolayers of bovine endothelial cells as a result of cell death. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 136:108-15. [PMID: 20359753 PMCID: PMC2891053 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the cause of bluetongue, an emerging, arthropod-transmitted disease of ungulates. Bluetongue is characterized by vascular injury with hemorrhage, tissue infarction and widespread edema, lesions that are consistent with those of the so-called viral hemorrhagic fevers. To further investigate the pathogenesis of vascular injury in bluetongue, we utilized an electrical impedance assay and immunofluorescence staining to compare the effects of BTV infection on cultured bovine endothelial cells (bPAEC) with those of inducers of cell death (Triton X-100) and interendothelial gap formation (tissue necrosis factor [TNF]). The data confirm that the adherens junctions of BTV-infected bPAECs remained intact until 24h post-infection, and that loss of monolayer impedance precisely coincided with onset of virus-induced cell death. In contrast, recombinant bovine TNF-alpha caused rapid loss of bPAEC monolayer impedance that was associated with interendothelial gap formation and redistribution of VE-cadherin, but without early cell death. The data from these in vitro studies are consistent with a pathogenesis of bluetongue that involves virus-induced vascular injury leading to thrombosis, hemorrhage and tissue necrosis. However, the contribution of cytokine-induced interendothelial gap formation with subsequent edema and hypovolemic shock contributes to the pathogenesis of bluetongue remains to be fully characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton P. Drew
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Ian A. Gardner
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Christie E. Mayo
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Eiko Matsuo
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Polly Roy
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - N. James MacLachlan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Qi-Shao-Shuang-Gan, a Combination of Astragalus membranaceus Saponins with Paeonia lactiflora Glycosides, Ameliorates Polymicrobial Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Mice. Inflammation 2010; 34:10-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-010-9202-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Gao XH, Xu XX, Pan R, Li Y, Luo YB, Xia YF, Murata K, Matsuda H, Dai Y. Saponin fraction from Astragalus membranaceus roots protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture by inhibiting inflammation and upregulating protein C pathway. J Nat Med 2009; 63:421-9. [PMID: 19548065 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-009-0348-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in intensive care units. Uncontrolled systemic inflammation and an impaired protein C pathway are two important contributors to sepsis pathophysiology. Based on the beneficial effects of the saponin fraction from Astragalus membranaceus roots (SAM) against inflammation, liver dysfunction, and endothelium injury, we investigated the potential protective roles and underlying mechanisms of SAM on polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. SAM, orally administered 1 h before and after CLP, significantly elevated the survival rate of mice. At 96 h after CLP operation, all mice in the model group died, whereas 33.3% of mice in the SAM (400 mg/kg)-treated group survived. SAM attenuated both inflammatory factors and their abilities to induce tissue dysfunction, which was mainly evidenced by decreased infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, tissue edema, and lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, lowered levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, as well as downregulated expressions of iNOS and IL-1beta mRNA in livers. Furthermore, we addressed the effects of SAM on the protein C (PC) pathway, closely linked with sepsis. In CLP-induced septic mice, SAM elevated the impaired expression of PC mRNA in livers. In vitro, SAM reversed the decreased expressions of thrombomodulin (TM) and endothelial PC receptor (EPCR) mRNA induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in endothelial cells. These findings suggest that SAM is able to restore the impaired protein C pathway. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that SAM has protective effects on polymicrobial sepsis in mice. The mechanisms of action involve anti-inflammation and upregulation of the PC pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-hua Gao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, 1 Shennong Road, 210038 Nanjing, China
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