Baicalin regulates SirT1/STAT3 pathway and restrains excessive hepatic glucose production

Therapeutic potential of Baicalin against experimental obsessive compulsive disorder: Evidence from CSF, blood plasma, and brain analysis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex neuropsychiatric condition characterized by recurrent obsessions and compulsions, significantly impacting an individual's functionality and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective and therapeutic potential of baicalin, a flavonoid with known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotropic properties, in an animal model of OCD induced by 8-OH-DPAT (8HPAT). The research utilized in silico docking studies and in vivo experiments to assess baicalin's interactions with key intracellular targets: SIRT-1, Nrf2, HO-1, and PPAR-gamma, and its effects on neurochemical, neurobehavioral, and histopathological parameters. In silico results indicated a strong binding affinity of baicalin for SIRT-1, Nrf2, HO-1, and PPAR-gamma, suggesting potential regulatory roles in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. In-vivo findings demonstrated that baicalin, administered at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, significantly alleviated OCD-like behaviours, including excessive lever pressing, marble burying, and compulsive checking. Baicalin treatment normalized serotonin and dopamine levels and reduced glutamate levels in the brain, restoring neurotransmitter balance. Furthermore, baicalin decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta), improved complete blood count profile, and gross morphological and histopathological alterations by restoring neuronal density and cellular integrity in affected brain regions. Combining baicalin with fluvoxamine (10 mg/kg) showed synergistic effects, further enhancing neuroprotective outcomes. These results suggest that baicalin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for OCD, warranting further clinical investigation to explore its efficacy and underlying mechanisms in human subjects. The findings underscore the importance of targeting intracellular pathways and neurotransmitter systems in developing effective treatments for OCD and related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Investigating the Interplay Between the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/SIRT-1 Pathway and the p75NTR/PI3K/Akt/MAPK Cascade in Neurological Disorders: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Innovations

Neurological illnesses are debilitating diseases that affect brain function and balance. Due to their complicated aetiologies and progressive nature, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses are difficult to treat. These incurable conditions damage brain functions like mobility, cognition, and emotional regulation, but medication, gene therapy, and physical therapy can manage symptoms. Disruptions in cellular signalling pathways, especially those involving oxidative stress response, memory processing, and neurotransmitter modulation, contribute to these illnesses. This review stresses the interplay between key signalling pathways involved in neurological diseases, such as the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/SIRT-1 axis and the p75NTR/PI3K/Akt/MAPK cascade. To protect neurons from oxidative damage and death, the Nrf2 transcription factor promotes antioxidant enzyme production. The Keap1 protein releases Nrf2 during oxidative stress for nuclear translocation and gene activation. The review also discusses how neurotrophin signalling through the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) determines cell destiny, whether pro-survival or apoptotic. The article highlights emerging treatment approaches targeting these signalling pathways by mapping these connections. Continued research into these molecular pathways may lead to new neurological disease treatments that restore cellular function and neuronal survival. In addition to enhanced delivery technologies, specific modulators and combination therapies should be developed to fine-tune signalling responses. Understanding these crosstalk dynamics is crucial to strengthening neurological illness treatment options and quality of life.

Melatonin Exerts Positive Effects on Sepsis Through Various Beneficial Mechanisms

In recent years, our understanding of sepsis has greatly advanced. However, due to the complex pathological and physiological mechanisms of sepsis, the mechanisms of sepsis are currently not fully elucidated, and it is difficult to translate the research results into specific sepsis treatment methods. Melatonin possesses broad anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulatory properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for sepsis. In recent years, further research has deepened our understanding of the potential mechanisms and application prospects of melatonin in sepsis. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of melatonin in sepsis are multifaceted. In this review, based on a substantial body of clinical trials and animal research findings, we first highlighted the significance of melatonin as an important biomarker for disease progression and prognosis in sepsis. We also described the extensive regulatory mechanisms of melatonin in sepsis-induced organ damage. In addition to its broad anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects, melatonin exerts positive effects by regulating metabolic disorders, hemodynamics, cell autophagy, cellular ion channels, endothelial cell permeability, ferroptosis and other complex pathological mechanisms. Furthermore, as a safe exogenous supplement with low toxicity, melatonin demonstrates positive synergistic effects with other anti-sepsis agents. In the face of the urgent medical challenge of transforming the increasing knowledge of sepsis molecular mechanisms into therapeutic interventions to improve patient prognosis, melatonin seems to be a promising option.

The role of SIRT1 in kidney diseases

SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +)-dependent class III histone deacetylase, exhibits a high level of expression within renal tissues. It has garnered considerable recognition for its pivotal role in modulating signaling pathways intricately linked with the aging process; however, it extends beyond this in the organism. The literature reports that SIRT1 regulates biological processes such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. Therefore, our study reviews the primary mechanisms by which SIRT1 induces kidney disease and the regulation of related signaling pathways in different models of renal disease. We also discuss commonly studied SIRT1-targeted interventional drugs reported in the literature, including inhibitors (e.g., Ex-527) and activators (e.g., resveratrol). This study aims to provide theoretical foundations and clinical insights for the development and screening of clinical drugs targeting SIRT1, aiming at enhanced scientific approaches for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.

A comparative study of the quality differences and seasonal dynamics of flavonoids between the aerial parts and roots of Scutellaria barbata

Introduction

Scutellaria barbata D. Don is a widely cultivated Chinese herbal medicine known for its medicinal properties. However, differences in the spatial distribution of metabolites, accumulation patterns of flavonoids, and pharmacological activities between the aerial parts and roots of S. barbata still remain unclear, posing challenges for its standardized cultivation and quality control. This study aimed to elucidate the quality differences between these plant parts and clarify their seasonal variations.

Methods

The chemical profiles were qualitatively analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The accumulation patterns of total flavonoids, scutellarin and baicalin in different parts of S. barbata were quantitatively analyzed by UV and HPLC respectively. The differences of pharmacological efficacy were evaluated by antioxidant assays and CCK-8 assay.

Results

In this research, there were 46 compounds identified in S. barbata that included 44 flavonoids. The aerial parts primarily accumulate flavonoids with 4'-hydroxyl group, while the root mainly accumulate flavonoids without this group. Additionally, the accumulation and variation of flavonoid components were seasonally dependent, with the aerial parts reaching peak content in spring during vigorous vegetative growth and the roots accumulating most flavonoids in autumn. The extracts from both parts exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, with notable differences between them.

Discussion

This study provides valuable insights into the quality differences and seasonal dynamics of the different parts of S. barbata, offering a reference for standardized harvesting and quality control.

Baicalin suppresses macrophage JNK-mediated adipose tissue inflammation to mitigate insulin resistance in obesity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix scutellariae (the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to treat a wide range of inflammation-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, and COVID-19-associated inflammatory states in the lung and kidney. Baicalin is the major anti-inflammatory component of Radix scutellariae and has shown the potential to inhibit inflammation in metabolic disorders. In this study, we explored the ability and underlying mechanisms of baicalin to modulate the macrophage to mitigate insulin resistance in obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Obese mice were administered baicalin (50 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 3 weeks. RAW264.7 and BMDM cells were stimulated with LPS and treated with baicalin for 24 h, while 3T3-L1 and primary white adipocytes were treated with the supernatants from baicalin-treated RAW264.7 cells for 24 h.

RESULTS

The results showed that baicalin significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance as well as decreased fat and adipose tissue macrophage levels in obese mice. Besides, baicalin significantly reduced serum and adipose tissue IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in obese mice, as well as suppressed LPS-induced IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 expression and release in macrophages. Furthermore, treatment with the supernatant from baicalin-treated RAW264.7 cells increased the levels of PGC-1α, SIRT1, p-IRS-1 and p-AKT in adipocytes. Moreover, baicalin treatment dramatically downregulated macrophage p-p38, p-JNK, and Ac-p65Lys310 levels while increasing SIRT1 both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, JNK inhibitor SP600125 blocked most of the effects of baicalin on SIRT1, Ac-p65Lys310 and pro-inflammatory factors in macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, these results demonstrated for the first time that baicalin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in obese adipose tissue macrophages mainly through suppressing JNK/SIRT1/p65 signaling. These findings amplified the mechanisms of baicalin and its potential to attenuate insulin resistance.

Protein posttranslational modifications in metabolic diseases: basic concepts and targeted therapies

Metabolism-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, are becoming increasingly prevalent, thereby posing significant threats to human health and longevity. Proteins, as the primary mediators of biological activities, undergo various posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, methylation, and SUMOylation, among others, which substantially diversify their functions. These modifications are crucial in the physiological and pathological processes associated with metabolic disorders. Despite advancements in the field, there remains a deficiency in contemporary summaries addressing how these modifications influence processes of metabolic disease. This review aims to systematically elucidate the mechanisms through which PTM of proteins impact the progression of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, the limitations of the current body of research are critically assessed. Leveraging PTMs of proteins provides novel insights and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. Numerous drugs designed to target these modifications are currently in preclinical or clinical trials. This review also provides a comprehensive summary. By elucidating the intricate interplay between PTMs and metabolic pathways, this study advances understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction, thereby facilitating the development of more precise and effective disease management strategies.

Emerging mechanisms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and novel drug therapies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. It initiates with simple steatosis (NAFL) and can progress to the more severe condition of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH often advances to end-stage liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notably, the transition from NASH to end-stage liver diseases is irreversible, and the precise mechanisms driving this progression are not yet fully understood. Consequently, there is a critical need for the development of effective therapies to arrest or reverse this progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of NASH, examines the current therapeutic targets and pharmacological treatments, and offers insights for future drug discovery and development strategies for NASH therapy.

The Anti-Diabetic Potential of Baicalin: Evidence from Rodent Studies

Baicalin is a biologically active flavonoid compound that benefits the organism in various pathological conditions. Rodent studies have shown that this compound effectively alleviates diabetes-related disturbances in models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Baicalin supplementation limited hyperglycemia and improved insulin sensitivity. The anti-diabetic effects of baicalin covered the main insulin-sensitive tissues, i.e., the skeletal muscle, the adipose tissue, and the liver. In the muscle tissue, baicalin limited lipid accumulation and improved glucose transport. Baicalin therapy was associated with diminished adipose tissue content and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose output were also decreased as a result of baicalin supplementation. The molecular mechanism of the anti-diabetic action of this compound is pleiotropic and is associated with changes in the expression/action of pivotal enzymes and signaling molecules. Baicalin positively affected, among others, the tissue insulin receptor, glucose transporter, AMP-activated protein kinase, protein kinase B, carnitine palmitoyltransferase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase. Moreover, this compound ameliorated diabetes-related oxidative and inflammatory stress and reduced epigenetic modifications. Importantly, baicalin supplementation at the effective doses did not induce any side effects. Results of rodent studies imply that baicalin may be tested as an anti-diabetic agent in humans.

Pterostilbene exerts cytotoxicity on activated hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting excessive proliferation through the crosstalk of Sirt1 and STAT3 pathways

Pterostilbene (PTE), a natural analogue of resveratrol, abundantly exists in blueberries and grapes and has several beneficial potentials against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. In current study, we investigated the effects of PTE on hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an initiating event in the initiation of hepatic fibrosis. MTT assay revealed that PTE (3.125-12.5 μM) displayed cytotoxicity on activated HSCs, no cytotoxicity on AML-12 and quiescent HSCs. PTE significantly inhibited the expressions of α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ and TIMP-1/MMP13 ratio; suppressed inflammatory cascade activation to reduce inflammatory cytokines release, such as Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-6. PTE activated Sirt1 and decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, functioning as SRT1720 and Niclosamide. Sirt1 deficiency significantly elevated p-STAT3 expression, while STAT3 deficiency resulted in Sirt1 increasing and inhibited fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines expressions. In mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA), PTE significantly decreased ALT and AST activities, reduced fibrosis markers, STAT3 phosphorylation and activated Sirt1 expression. PTE showed cytotoxicity on activated HSCs to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis via regulating fibrogenesis, energy metabolism and inflammation and targeting the crosstalk of Sirt1 and STAT3. In conclusion, PTE could be potentially beneficial as a natural plant metabolite in preventing and treating hepatic fibrosis.

Baicalin inhibits pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the SIRT3-dependent signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The conserved sirtuin protein sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a vital protective protein for cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of SIRT3 accelerated the development of heart hypertrophy. On the other hand, myocardial hypertrophy was prevented by overexpressing SIRT3. SIRT3 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for managing or averting heart hypertrophy. Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from the Scutellaria baicalensis plant, has anti-cardiovascular properties, including protection against cardiac hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanism of the anti-hypertrophic effect of baicalin is not well known.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of baicalin on cardiac hypertrophy and explored its underlying molecular mechanisms.

STUDY-DESIGN/METHODS

Abdominal aortic constriction (AAC)-induced mouse cardiac hypertrophy and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy models were established. After baicalin treatment, cardiac hypertrophy was monitored by detecting the expression of hypertrophic genes and cell surface area. Echocardiogram was performed to check the heart function in vivo. Moreover, the protein expression of the SIRT3-dependent pathway was detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

In this work, we demonstrated that baicalin might suppress the cell surface area and the expression of the Ang II -induced myosin heavy chain β (β-MHC), brain natriuretic polypeptide (BNP), and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Additionally, it reduced the AAC rats' hypertrophic impact. We also found that baicalin prevents cardiac hypertrophy by regulating SIRT3/LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, we showed that baicalin upregulated the SIRT3 protein expression by inhibiting proteasome and by the activation of 20 S proteasome subunit beta type-5 (PSMB5).

CONCLUSION

These results offer the first proof that baicalin inhibits cardiac hypertrophy due to its effect on the SIRT3-dependent signaling pathway, indicating its potential for treating cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The present study provides a preliminary experimental basis for the clinical application of baicalin and baicalin-like compounds.

Flavonoids as Sirtuin Modulators

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are described as NAD+-dependent deacetylases, also known as class III histone deacetylases. So far, seven sirtuin genes (SIRTS 1-7) have been identified and characterized in mammals and also known to occur in bacteria and eukaryotes. SIRTs are involved in various biological processes including endocrine system, apoptosis, aging and longevity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, inflammation, etc. Among them, the best characterized one is SIRT1. Actually, small molecules seem to be the most effective SIRT modulators. Flavonoids have been reported to possess many positive effects favrable for human health, while a relatively less research has been reported so far on their funcions as SIRT modulation mechanisms. In this regard, we herein aimed to focus on modulatory effects of flavonoids on SIRTs as the most common secondary metabolites in natural products. Our literature survey covering the years of 2006-2021 pointed out that flavonoids frequently interact with SIRT1 and SIRT3 followed by SIRT6. It can be also concluded that some popular flavonoid derivatives, e.g. resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin derivatives came forward in terms of SIRT modulation.

Gandi Capsule Improved Podocyte Lipid Metabolism of Diabetic Nephropathy Mice through SIRT1/AMPK/HNF4A Pathway

Podocyte lipid accumulation is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study was aimed at clarifying the mechanism of Gandi capsule (GDC) ameliorating DN by regulating the lipid metabolism of podocytes. Network pharmacology methods were performed to screen the key molecules and potential targets of GDC for constructing the molecular-protein interaction network of GDC and conducting signal pathway enrichment analysis. GDC was predicted to ameliorate DN through SIRT1/AMPK/HNF4A pathway. Our results showed that GDC improved renal function in db/db mice. Besides, GDC exhibited effectiveness in relieving kidney tissue damage and renal lipid accumulation in db/db mice, and same effects were present in GDC-active ingredient baicalin. We further proved the new role of HNF4A in the lipid metabolism of DN mediated by SIRT1 and AMPK signaling pathways. The results suggested decreased expression of SIRT1 and p-AMPKα in the kidney tissue and increased expression of HNF4A of db/db mice compared with the control group. GDC and baicalin could reverse these expression changes. Furthermore, similar expression changes were observed in the murine podocyte cell line (MPC-5) treated with different concentrations of GDC and baicalin. Our research suggested that GDC and its active ingredient baicalin could alleviate the abnormal lipid metabolism in the kidney of db/db mice and might exert renal protection through the SIRT1/AMPK/HNF4A pathway.

Baicalin protects against insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction through activation of GALR2/GLUT4 signaling

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Activation of GALR2 has been proposed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of insulin resistance. The previous studies showed that baicalin could mitigate insulin resistance, but the detailed mechanism of baicalin on insulin resistance has not been fully explored yet.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we evaluated whether baicalin mitigated insulin resistance via activation of GALR2 signaling pathway.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Baicalin (25 mg/kg/d and 50 mg/kg/d) and/or GALR2 antagonist M871 (10 mg/kg/d) were injected individually or in combinations into obese mice once a day for three weeks, and normal and GALR2 knockdown myotubes were treated with baicalin (100 μM and 400 μM) or metformin (4 mM) in the absence or presence of M871 (800 nM) for 12 h, respectively. The molecular mechanism was explored in skeletal muscle and L6 myotubes.

RESULTS

The present findings showed that baicalin mitigated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and elevated the levels of PGC-1α, GLUT4, p-p38MAPK, p-AKT and p-AS160 in skeletal muscle of obese mice. Strikingly, the baicalin-induced beneficial effects were abolished by GALR2 antagonist M871 in obese mice. In vitro, baicalin dramatically augmented glucose consumption and the activity of PGC1α-GLUT4 axis in myotubes through activation of p38MAPK and AKT pathways. Moreover, baicalin-induced elevations in glucose consumption related genes were abolished by GALR2 antagonist M871 or silencing of GALR2 in myotubes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study for the first time demonstrated that baicalin protected against insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction mainly through activation of GALR2-GLUT4 signal pathway. Our findings identified that activation of GALR2-GLUT4 signal pathway by baicalin could be a new therapeutic approach to treat insulin resistance and T2DM in clinic.

Inhibition of the PERK/TXNIP/NLRP3 Axis by Baicalin Reduces NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Macrophages Infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a significant threat to global health as it induces granuloma and systemic inflammatory responses during active tuberculosis. Mtb can induce macrophage pyroptosis, leading to the release of IL-1β and tissue damage, promoting its spread. Here, we established an in vitro Mtb-infected macrophage model to seek an effective antipyroptosis agent. Baicalin, isolated from Radix Scutellariae, was found to reduce pyroptosis in Mtb-infected macrophages. Baicalin could inhibit activation of the PERK/eIF2α pathway and thus downregulates TXNIP expression and subsequently reduces activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in reduced pyroptosis in Mtb-infected macrophages. In conclusion, baicalin reduced pyroptosis by inhibiting the PERK/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis and might thus be a new adjuvant host-directed therapy (HDT) drug.

Glycyrrhizin improves the pathogenesis of psoriasis partially through IL-17A and the SIRT1-STAT3 axis

Background

The anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin has been widely recognized, while the specific mechanism of glycyrrhizin in psoriasis remains poorly understood.

Results

In the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis (IMD), we found that glycyrrhizin can substantially improve the adverse symptoms in mice. The hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that glycyrrhizin can also improve the pathological state of skin cells in IMD mice. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found that glycyrrhizin substantially inhibited the expression of IL-17A and IFN-γ in the serum of IMD mice. In order to simulate the effect of IL-17A on keratinocytes in psoriasis, we treated HaCaT cells with 100 ng/mL IL-17A (IL-17A-HaCaT cells) for 48 h. Then, using cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and ELISA assays, we found that glycyrrhizin inhibited the proliferation of IL-17A-HaCaT cells and reversed the promotion of IL-6, CCL20, and TNF-α induced by IL-17A. Further, western blotting (WB) results indicated that glycyrrhizin promoted the expression of SIRT1 and inhibited the expression of STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). By treating IL-17A-HaCaT cells with EX-527 (a potent and selective inhibitor of SIRT1), combined with CCK-8 and WB experiments, we initially found that EX-527 inhibited the proliferation of IL-17A-HaCaT cells and promoted the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and acetylated STAT3 (a-STAT3). However, when glycyrrhizin was added at the same time, the proliferation of IL-17A-HaCaT cells increased, and the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and a-STAT3 reduced. We then knocked down the expression of SIRT1 via small interfering RNA in IL-17A-HaCaT cells, and the results were consistent with those of EX-527.

Conclusions

Together, these results indicated that glycyrrhizin improved psoriasis by inhibiting the expression of IL-17A and IFN-γ in vivo and suppressed the proliferation of IL-17A-HaCaT cells and the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and a-STAT3 by upregulating SIRT1 in vitro.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-021-00421-z.

The Immunomodulating Effect of Baicalin on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Background

Obesity is a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation state, which causes insulin resistance, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. Baicalin is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular immunological effects of baicalin on obesity-induced inflammation.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to four groups: the normal chow, high-fat diet (HFD), BC2 (HFD + baicalin 200 mg/kg), and BC4 (HFD + baicalin 400 mg/kg) group; the three groups except normal chow were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity followed by baicalin treatment with two doses for 8 weeks. The body weight, epididymal fat weight, liver weight, food intake, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), and serum lipids were measured. We evaluated insulin resistance by measuring the serum insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Also, the major obesity-associated immune cells including monocytes, macrophages, T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells in the blood, fat, and liver and the inflammatory and insulin signaling-related gene expressions in the fat and liver were evaluated.

Results

Baicalin significantly reduced the body weight and liver weight and improved serum fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, free fatty acid, HDL cholesterol, and the levels of glucose and triglyceride at each time point in the OGTT and OFTT. In the analysis of immune cells, baicalin significantly decreased inflammatory Ly6C^hi monocytes, M1 adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), and M1 Kupffer cells. On the contrary, baicalin increased anti-inflammatory M2 ATMs and liver CD4+ T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio. In the analysis of inflammatory and insulin signaling molecules, baicalin significantly downregulated the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, F4/80, and C-C motif chemokine 2 while upregulated the insulin receptor mRNA expression.

Conclusion

From these results, baicalin can be a promising treatment option for obesity and its related metabolic diseases based on its anti-inflammatory property.

The anti-rotavirus effect of baicalin via the gluconeogenesis-related p-JNK-PDK1-AKT-SIK2 signaling pathway

Rotavirus (RV) infection is a leading cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis in children < 5 years of age, and by now, the prevention and treatment of RV are still the major public health problems due to a lack of specific clinical drugs. Thus, the aims of this study are to explore the anti-RV effect of baicalin and its influence on glucose metabolism. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that baicalin had an anti-RV attachment effect with the strongest effect at a concentration of 100 μM, and also inhibited the replication of RV at concentrations of 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 μM. Moreover, baicalin helped to overcome the weight loss and reduced the diarrhea rate and score with the best therapeutic effect at a concentration of 0.3 mg/g in RV-infected neonatal mice. Interestingly, baicalin decreased glucose consumption in RV-infected Caco-2 cells with the optimal concentration of 125 μM. Next, metabolomic analysis indicated that there were 68 differentially expressed metabolites, including an increase in pyruvic acid, asparagine, histidine and serine, and a decrease in dihydroxyacetone phosphate, which suggested that the underlying signaling pathway was gluconeogenesis. Further studies demonstrated that baicalin inhibited gluconeogenesis via improving glucose 6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK). Moreover, baicalin upregulated the potential gluconeogenesis proteins named salt inducible kinase 2, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 and down-regulated phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, which are associated with G-6-Pase and PEPCK expressions. Therefore, baicalin improved the gluconeogenesis disruption caused by RV.

Polysulfide-mediated sulfhydration of SIRT1 prevents diabetic nephropathy by suppressing phosphorylation and acetylation of p65 NF-κB and STAT3

Diabetic kidney disease is known as a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. Polysulfides, a class of chemical agents with a chain of sulfur atoms, are found to confer renal protective effects in acute kidney injury. However, whether a polysulfide donor, sodium tetrasulfide (Na₂S₄), confers protective effects against diabetic nephropathy remains unclear. Our results showed that Na₂S₄ treatment ameliorated renal dysfunctional and histological damage in diabetic kidneys through inhibiting the overproduction of inflammation cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as attenuating renal fibrosis and renal cell apoptosis. Additionally, the upregulated phosphorylation and acetylation levels of p65 nuclear factor κB (p65 NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in diabetic nephropathy were abrogated by Na₂S₄ in a sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)-dependent manner. In renal tubular epithelial cells, Na₂S₄ directly sulfhydrated SIRT1 at two conserved CXXC domains (Cys371/374; Cys395/398), then induced dephosphorylation and deacetylation of its targeted proteins including p65 NF-κB and STAT3, thereby reducing high glucose (HG)-caused oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, inflammation response and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. Most importantly, inactivation of SIRT1 by a specific inhibitor EX-527, small interfering RNA (siRNA), a de-sulfhydration reagent dithiothreitol (DTT), or mutation of Cys371/374 and Cys395/398 sites at SIRT1 abolished the protective effects of Na₂S₄ on diabetic kidney insulting. These results reveal that polysulfides may attenuate diabetic renal lesions via inactivation of p65 NF-κB and STAT3 phosphorylation/acetylation through sulfhydrating SIRT1.

Exosomal miR-590-3p derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts confers radioresistance in colorectal cancer

Radiotherapeutic resistance is a major obstacle for the effective treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in chemoresistance and radioresistance. Here, we aimed to investigate whether miR-590-3p participates in the radioresistance of CRC. High expression of miR-590-3p and low expression of CLCA4 were found in both CRC tissues and cell lines. CLCA4 was indicated to be a target gene of miR-590-3p. CAF-derived exosomes were extracted and co-cultured with CRC cells, which were then exposed to radiation. CRC cells were transfected with plasmids and injected into nude mice to detect the in vivo effect of CAF-derived exosomes. Treatment with CAF-derived exosomes decreased the sensitivity of CRC cells to radiation. CAF-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-590-3p increased cell survival and the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT while lowering the expressions of cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase 3, and γH2AX in cells. Furthermore, in vivo experimental results confirmed that CAF-derived exosomal miR-590-3p stimulated tumor growth in mice following radiotherapy. Our results demonstrate that miR-590-3p delivery via exosomes derived from CAFs enhances radioresistance in CRC through the positive regulation of the CLCA4-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Baicalin Protects Against 17α-Ethinylestradiol-Induced Cholestasis via the Sirtuin 1/Hepatic Nuclear Receptor-1α/Farnesoid X Receptor Pathway

Estrogen-induced cholestasis (EIC) is characterized by impairment of bile flow and accumulated bile acids (BAs) in the liver, always along with the liver damage. Baicalin is a major flavonoid component of Scutellaria baicalensis, and has been used in the treatment of liver diseases for many years. However, the role of baicalin in EIC remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that baicalin showed obvious hepatoprotective effects in EIC rats by reducing serum biomarkers and increasing the bile flow rate, as well as by alleviating liver histology and restoring the abnormal composition of hepatic BAs. In addition, baicalin protected against estrogen-induced liver injury by up-regulation of the expression of hepatic efflux transporters and down-regulation of hepatic uptake transporters. Furthermore, baicalin increased the expression of hepatic BA synthase (CYP27A1) and metabolic enzymes (Bal, Baat, Sult2a1) in EIC rats. We showed that baicalin significantly inhibited hepatic inflammatory responses in EIC rats through reducing elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB. Finally, we confirmed that baicalin maintains hepatic BA homeostasis and alleviates inflammation through sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/hepatic nuclear receptor-1α (HNF-1α)/farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway. Thus, baicalin protects against estrogen-induced cholestatic liver injury, and the underlying mechanism involved is related to activation of the Sirt1/HNF-1α/FXR signaling pathway.

Baicalin and its aglycone: a novel approach for treatment of metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

The current strategies for prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are not fully effective and frequently accompanied by many negative effects. Therefore, novel ways to prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are urgently needed. The roots of Scutellaria radix are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicines for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dysentery, and other respiratory disorders. Baicalin and baicalein are the major and active ingredient extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on baicalin and baicalein was carried out.

RESULTS

Emerging evidence indicated that baicalin and baicalein possessed hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-dyslipidemic, anti-lipogenic, anti-obese, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects, being effective for treating obesity, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and dyslipidemia. Besides, baicalin and baicalein are almost non-toxic to epithelial, peripheral, and myeloid cells.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this study is to focus on the therapeutic applications and accompanying molecular mechanisms of baicalin and baicalein against hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, and trying to establish a novel anti-obese and anti-diabetic strategy.

High-Intensity Training and Saffron: Effects on Breast Cancer-related Gene Expression

PURPOSE

Exercise training and some herbal components have an anticancer function and can suppress tumor growth. However, the role of these protective factors in altering breast cancer-related gene expression is still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of 4 wk of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract (SAE) on Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and p53 gene expression in female mice breast tumor tissue induced by 4T1 cell line.

METHODS

This study was performed on female BALB/c mice. The 4T1 breast cancer cells were subcutaneously implanted, and mice were randomly sorted into the following groups: control, HIIT, SAE, HIIT + SAE (n = 10 mice per group), and sham (n = 4 mice per group). Mice were sacrificed at the end of the intervention period, and the expression of SIRT-1, hTERT, and p53 was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The mRNA level of SIRT1 was increased in the HIIT + SAE group compared with the HIIT and control groups (P = 0.007 and P = 0.03, respectively). Moreover, the amount of mRNA of p53 was increased after a 4-wk HIIT compared with the control and HIIT + SAE groups in tumor tissue (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). No change was found in the mRNA expression of hTERT between groups (P = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that HIIT may reduce tumor burden through the upregulation of p53 associated with tumor suppression pathway. In contrast, the combination of HIIT and SAE did not alter p53 and SIRT1 expression levels and may suppress tumor growth by other mechanisms.

Reversal of ciprofloxacin-induced testosterone reduction by probiotic microbes in mouse testes

CPFX is a highly effective antibiotic, but it has been reported to significantly impair both testicular function and structure in rats. In this study, we assessed reversal of CPFX-induced variation in mice testicular structure and testosterone synthesis by probiotic microbes in the infected model and normal model. We detected testicular weight, testicular structure and Leydig cell variables in numbers. We detected the levels of serum testosterone and steroidogenic enzymes, as well as DBC1, Sirt1, NF-κB, and related redox state and inflammatory response in the testes. The results showed that probiotic microbes had significantly elevated serum testosterone levels and steroidogenic enzymes, higher Sirt1, anti-oxidative enzymes and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, and lower NF-κB, DBC1, oxidative damage, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The results suggest that the testis-protective, antiinflammatory and antioxidation effects of probiotics largely resulted from its ability to decrease oxidative stress and preserve antioxidant activity by stabilizing antioxidant defense systems, reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response.

Baicalin ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome through AMP-activated protein kinase

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder and regarded as the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. PCOS is characterized by reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders. Baicalin (BAL) is one of the most potent bioactive flavonoids isolated from the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis. In the present study, we investigated the potential effects of BAL on PCOS in dehydroepiandrosterone-treated rats. We found that BAL notably reduced the serum levels of free testosterone, total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estradiol in PCOS rats. The increase of serum insulin level and HOMA-IR was markedly inhibited by BAL. Moreover, BAL decreased body weights, increased the number of rats with the regular estrous cycle, and ameliorated ovarian histological changes and follicular development in the DHEA-treated PCOS rats. The increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-18) and decrease of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in PCOS rats were suppressed by BAL. BAL induced a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, including 3β-HSD, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, StAR, in ovarian tissues in PCOS rats. Furthermore, BAL inhibited the decrease of AMPK protein level and phosphorylation, the decrease of Akt phosphorylation and the increase of 5α-reductase enzyme 1 expression in ovarian tissues in PCOS rats. The effects of BAL were inhibited by an inhibitor of AMPK, dorsomorphin. The upregulation of AMPK contributed to the beneficial effects of BAL. The results highlight the potential role of BAL for the intervention of PCOS.

Baicalin ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance and gluconeogenic activity through inhibition of p38 MAPK/PGC-1α pathway

BACKGROUND

Although the results of our and other studies show that baicalin can enhance glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and adipocytes of mice, the specific metabolic contribution of baicalin on hepatic insulin resistance and gluconeogenic activity is still unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate whether baicalin is involved in regulation of hepatic insulin resistance and gluconeogenic activity and its underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

In the present study, high-fat diet-induced obese mice were given 50 mg/kg baicalin intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 21 consecutive days, and hepatocytes were treated with baicalin (100 μM) or metformin (100 μM) in the presence of glucagon (200 nM) for 12 h. Then insulin resistance indexes and genes related to gluconeogenesis were examined in liver tissues.

RESULTS

The present findings showed that baicalin decreased body weight, HOMA-IR, and alleviated high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. Furthermore, baicalin markedly suppressed p-p38 MAPK, p-CREB, FoxO1, PGC-1α, PEPCK and G6Pase expression in liver of obese mice and hepatocytes. Moreover, inhibition of gluconeogenic genes by baicalin was also strengthened by p38MAPK inhibitor in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

Baicalin suppressed expression of PGC-1α and gluconeogenic genes, and reduced glucose production in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Baicalin ameliorated hepatic insulin resistance and gluconeogenic activity mainly through inhibition of p38 MAPK/PGC-1α signal pathway. This study provides a possibility of using baicalin to treat hyperglycemia and hepatic insulin resistance in clinic.

Baicalein and baicalin promote antitumor immunity by suppressing PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway to prevent the immune evasion of tumor cells is a powerful approach for treating multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that baicalein and baicalin are directly cytotoxic to some tumors, here we demonstrate that in addition to direct cytotoxicity, these two flavonoids stimulate the T cell mediated immune response against tumors through reduction of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Interestingly, more significant tumor regression was observed in BALB/c mice than in BALB/c-nu/nu mice after baicalein and baicalin treatment. PD-L1 upregulation induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was significantly inhibited by these two flavonoids in vitro. Both baicalein and baicalin enhanced the cytotoxicity of T cells to eliminate tumor cells, which was abrogated after HCC cells were transfected with a PD-L1 overexpression plasmid or after T cells were pretreated with an anti-PD-1 blocking antibody. Further mechanistic research indicated that the IFN-γ-induced expression and promoter activity of PD-L1 were suppressed by these two flavonoids, and these effects were mediated by STAT3 activity inhibition. Therefore, baicalein and baicalin decreased STAT3 activity, further downregulated IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and subsequently restored T cell sensitivity to kill tumor cells. Our findings provide novel insight into the anticancer effects of baicalein and baicalin through which tumor growth is inhibited by PD-L1 expression downregulation and suggest that these flavonoids have great potential for clinical treatment.

PGC-1α activation: a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes?

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) has gained popularity as a very attractive target for diabetic therapies due to its role in lipid and glucose metabolism. Pharmacological activation of PGC-1α is thought to elicit health benefits. However, this notion has been questioned by increasing evidence, which suggests that insulin resistant is exacerbated when PGC-1α expression is far beyond normal physiological limits and is prevented under the condition of PGC-1α deficiency. This narrative review suggests that PGC-1α, as a master metabolic regulator, exerts roles in insulin sensitivity in a tissue-specific manner and in a physical activity/age-dependent fashion. When using PGC-1α as a target for therapeutic strategies against insulin resistance and T2DM, we should take these factors into consideration.Level of evidence: Level V, narrative review.

Baicalin suppresses lung cancer growth by targeting PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase

Baicalin is the main bioactive component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Baical Skullcap Root, and its anti-tumor activity has been studied in previous studies. PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is highly expressed in many cancer cells and stimulates the tumorigenic properties, and so, it is a pivotal target for agent to cure cancers. We reported for the first time that baicalin suppressed PBK/TOPK activities by directly binding with PBK/TOPK in vitro and in vivo. Ex vivo studies showed that baicalin suppressed PBK/TOPK activity in JB6 Cl41 cells and H441 lung cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of PBK/TOPK in H441 cells decreased their sensitivity to baicalin. In vivo study indicated that injection of baicalin in H441 tumor-bearing mice effectively suppressed cancer growth. The PBK/TOPK downstream signaling molecules Histone H3 and ERK2 in tumor tissues were also decreased after baicalin treatment. Taken together, baicalin can inhibit proliferation of lung cancer cells as a PBK/TOPK inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo.