Danshensu prevents thrombosis by inhibiting platelet activation via SIRT1/ROS/mtDNA pathways without increasing bleeding risk

Systematic analysis of the interaction mechanism between platelets and coronary heart disease: from molecular pathways to new strategies for plant based antiplatelet therapy

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) stands as a predominant cardiovascular ailment globally, posing a severe menace to human health. Central to both hemostasis and the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerotic thrombosis are platelets. In recent years, their significance has expanded beyond mere involvement in clot formation; they have been implicated in heightened immune responses, contributing to tissue inflammation (evident in myocardial ischemia) and vascular inflammation (crucial in vulnerable plaque formation). While contemporary antiplatelet therapies have markedly enhanced clinical outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease, they inadvertently escalate the hazard of bleeding complications. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which platelets influence the progression of coronary artery disease and meticulously examines the prospective utility of herbal antiplatelet interventions. Our objective is twofold: firstly, to furnish clinicians with scientifically grounded and valuable therapeutic alternatives for managing coronary artery disease, and secondly, to stimulate research and development endeavors aimed at creating novel, more efficacious antiplatelet medications that strike a balance between efficacy and safety.

Ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae): A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), known as Danshen in China, is a widely utilized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Danshen is classified within the heart and liver meridians and renowned for its ability to activate collaterals and blood vessels, facilitate the removal of blood stasis without compromising vital Qi. It plays a pivotal role in promoting blood circulation and alleviating blood stasis. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, blood stasis, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper reviews the traditional use, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and clinical application of Danshen from 1981 to 2024. The goal is to offer valuable reference materials that can inform and guide future research related to Danshen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on Danshen based on classic books about Chinese herbal medicine and different electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SciFinder, TPL, and CNKI.

RESULTS

Traditional uses of Danshen have been documented in China for centuries. A large number of studies have shown that Danshen is rich in chemical components. To date, more than 318 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified, including diterpenoid quinones, phenolic acids, triterpenes, essential oils, neolignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, saccharides, and others. Crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from Danshen exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-atherosclerotic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, endothelial dysfunction protection, sedative and analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-depressive, anti-hepatic fibrosis, anti-pulmonary fibrosis, anti-renal fibrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic effects. The results of pharmacokinetic studies showed that the presence of various compounds within the extract of Danshen can significantly influence the pharmacokinetic characteristics of individual constituents through several mechanisms. These mechanisms may include enhanced bioavailability, reduced potential for toxicity, and alterations in the distribution of metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Danshen has been demonstrated to be a valuable medicinal resource in TCM. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications of Danshen, aiming to serve as a thorough reference for its further development and utilization. Additionally, further research in pharmacokinetics and toxicology is essential to enhance our understanding of its clinical applications and quality control.

Expanding the application of tyrosine: engineering microbes for the production of tyrosine and its derivatives

Aromatic compounds are widely used in the fields of medicine, chemical industry, and food, with a considerable market size. Tyrosine, an aromatic amino acid, boasts not only a wide range of applications but also serves as a valuable precursor for synthesizing a diverse array of high-value aromatic compounds. Amid growing concerns over environmental and resource challenges, the adoption of green, clean, and sustainable biotechnology for producing aromatic compounds is gaining increasing recognition as a viable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis and plant extraction methods. This article provides an overview of the current status of tyrosine biomanufacturing and explores the methods for generating derivatives, including resveratrol, levodopa, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, zosteric acid, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, tanshinol, naringenin, eriodictyol, and salidroside, using tyrosine as a primary raw material. Furthermore, this review examines the current challenges and outlines future directions for microbial fermentation for the production of tyrosine and its derivatives.

NR4A1 Acts as a Novel Regulator of Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence indicates that nuclear receptors play a critical regulatory role in platelet pathophysiology and thrombotic disorders. Although NR4A (the nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A) plays an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology, the expression profile and biological function of NR4A member 1 (NR4A1) in platelets have never been reported.

METHODS

We evaluated the functions and the underlying mechanisms of NR4A1 in platelet activation and thrombus formation using platelet-specific NR4A1-deficient mice and NR4A1-specific agonists. Using a hyperlipidemic mouse model and platelets from patients with hypercholesterolemia, we explored the influence of hypercholesterolemia on NR4A1 expression and the effects of NR4A1-specific agonists on platelet hyperreactivity induced by hypercholesterolemia.

RESULTS

NR4A1 was expressed in both human and mouse platelets. Platelet-specific NR4A1 deletion accelerated FeCl3-induced carotid arterial occlusive thrombus formation, enhanced collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism, and exacerbated microvascular microthrombi obstruction and infarct expansion in an acute myocardial infarction model. NR4A1-deficient platelets exhibited enhanced agonist-induced aggregation responses, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, dense granule release, α-granule release, platelet spreading, and clot retraction. Consistently, pharmacological activation of NR4A1 by specific agonists decreased platelet activation in both mouse and human platelets. Mechanistically, CAP1 (adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1) was identified as the direct downstream interacting protein of NR4A1. NR4A1 deletion decreased cAMP levels and phosphorylation of VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein), while NR4A1-specific agonists increased cAMP levels and phosphorylation of VASP in platelets. Importantly, NR4A1 expression in platelets was upregulated in the setting of hypercholesterolemia, which was derived from its upregulation in megakaryocytes in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner. Platelets from hypercholesterolemic patients and mice exhibited hyperreactivity. However, NR4A1-specific agonists significantly inhibited the activation of hypercholesterolemic platelets to the levels of healthy control platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first evidence that nuclear receptor NR4A1 negatively regulates platelet activation and thrombus formation. NR4A1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for managing thrombosis-based cardiovascular diseases, especially with hypercholesterolemia.

Okra polysaccharide mitigates carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress

Introduction

Thrombosis is a serious health hazard, which has been paid more and more attention.Okra polysaccharide (OP) is a biologically active substance extracted from okra which exhibits anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative properties. Nevertheless, the effect of OP on thrombosis is still unknown. In this study, we determined whether OP can suppress carrageenan-induced mice thrombosis and its involved mechanism.

Methods

Twenty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to four groups randomly (6 mice/group): Ctrl, Model, OP low lose (OP-L, 200 mg/kg body weight), and OP high lose (OP-H,400 mg/kg body weight) were administered via intragastric administration for 9 days. Tails were photographed before collecting for H&E and Masson staining. Liver and lung tissues were collected for H&E staining, RT-qPCR, Western blot and GSH content detection. Injury or dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) was assessed using RT-qPCR, Western blot and cell adhesion assays.

Results

OP can effectively improve carrageenan-induced thrombosis in tissues of mice (tail, liver, and lung) in vivo. In addition, OP inhibited inflammation by suppressing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and reduced oxidative damage by elevating the level of GSH and antioxidant enzyme in liver and lung tissues. In vitro, OP inhibited thrombin-induced human platelet clots retraction, and decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) by suppressing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level.

Discussion

In conclusion, OP can inhibit thrombosis in mouse model by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, which suggest that OP could act as a potential functional food for prevention of thrombus.

Exploring antithrombotic mechanisms and effective constituents of Lagopsis supina using an integrated strategy based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, metabolomics, and experimental verification in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thrombosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lagopsis supina (Stephan ex Willd.) Ikonn.-Gal. ex Knorring is an ancient Chinese herbal medicine used for treating thrombotic diseases. Nevertheless, the antithrombotic mechanisms and effective constituents of this plant have not been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aimed to elucidate the pharmacodynamics and mechanism of L. supina against thrombosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic network pharmacology was used to explore candidate effective constituents and hub targets of L. supina against thrombosis. Subsequently, the binding affinities of major constituents with core targets were verified by molecular docking analysis. Afterward, the therapeutic effect and mechanism were evaluated in an arteriovenous bypass thrombosis rat model. In addition, the serum metabolomics analysis was conducted using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

A total of 124 intersected targets of L. supina against thrombosis were predicted. Among them, 24 hub targets were obtained and their mainly associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and thrombosis approaches. Furthermore, 9 candidate effective constituents, including (22E,24R)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol, aurantiamide, (22E,24R)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,9 (11),22-trien-3β-ol, lagopsinA, lagopsin C, 15-epi-lagopsin C, lagopsin D, 15-epi-lagopsin D, and lagopsin G in L. supina and 6 potential core targets (TLR-4, TNF-α, HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, and CLEC1B) were acquired. Then, these 9 constituents demonstrated strong binding affinities with the 6 targets, with their lowest binding energies were all less than -5.0 kcal/mol. The antithrombotic effect and potential mechanisms of L. supina were verified, showing a positively associated with the inhibition of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) and coagulation cascade (TT, APTT, PT, FIB, AT-III), promotion of angiogenesis (VEGF), suppression of platelet activation (TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α), and prevention of fibrinolysis (t-PA, u-PA, PAI-1, PAI-1/t-PA, PAI-1/u-PA, and PLG). Finally, 14 endogenous differential metabolites from serum samples of rats were intervened by L. supina based on untargeted metabolomics analysis, which were closely related to amino acid metabolism, inflammatory and angiogenic pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our integrated strategy based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, metabolomics, and in vivo experiments revealed for the first time that L. supina exerts a significant antithrombotic effect through the inhibition of inflammation and coagulation cascade, promotion of angiogenesis, and suppression of platelet activation. This paper provides novel insight into the potential of L. supina as a candidate agent to treat thrombosis.

[Gly14]-Humanin ameliorates high glucose-induced endothelial senescence via SIRT6

High glucose (HG) induced endothelial senescence is related to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Humanin, a member of mitochondrial derived peptides (MDPs), is thought to contribute to aging-related cardiovascular protection. The goal of the study is to explore the pathogenesis of HG-induced endothelial senescence and potential anti-senescent effects of Humanin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to glucose to induce senescence, determined by β-galactosidase staining and the expressions of p21, p53, and p16. A clinically relevant dose of HG (15 mM, HG) induced endothelial senescence after 72 h incubation without elevated apoptosis. HG-induced senescence was attributed to the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by SIRT6 downregulation, as ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine blocked HG-induced senescence, while inactivation of SIRT6 increased ROS levels and promoted senescence. Strikingly. pretreatment with [Gly14]-Humanin (HNG) antagonized the downregulation of SIRT6 in response to HG and alleviated ROS production and cell senescence. HG-induced reduction of SIRT6 results in ROS overproduction and endothelial senescence. Humanin protects against HG-induced endothelial senescence via SIRT6. This study provides new directions for biological products related to Humanin to be a potential candidate for the prevention of vascular aging in diabetes.

The therapeutic effects of salvianolic acids on ischemic stroke: From molecular mechanisms to clinical applications

Ischemic stroke (IS), primarily caused by cerebrovascular occlusion, poses a significant public health challenge with limited effective therapeutic options. Evidence suggests that salvianolic acids (SAs), mainly from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, have been formulated into injections and are widely used in clinical treatments for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. The pharmacological properties of SAs include reducing neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress injury, inhibiting cellular apoptosis, preserving endothelial function, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, and promoting angiogenesis. Salvianolic acids for injection (SAFI) serve as a safe and effective treatment option for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions by influencing various signaling pathways and molecular targets associated with these diseases. In this review, we first discuss the pathogenesis of IS, then summarize the classification of SAs, elaborate detailed molecular mechanisms of their efficacy, and the related clinical applications of SAFI. We also emphasize the recent pharmacological advancements and therapeutic possibilities of this promising drug preparation derived from herbs for cerebrovascular conditions.

Current Advances in Nanomaterials Affecting Functions and Morphology of Platelets

Nanomaterials have been extensively used in the biomedical field due to their unique physical and chemical properties. They promise wide applications in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Nanodrugs are generally transported to target tissues or organs by coupling targeting molecules or enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) passively. As intravenous injection is the most common means of administration of nanomedicine, the transport process inevitably involves the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and blood cells. Platelets are known to not only play a critical role in normal coagulation by performing adhesion, aggregation, release, and contraction functions, but also be associated with pathological thrombosis, tumor metastasis, inflammation, and immune reactions, making it necessary to investigate the effects of NPs on platelet function during transport, particularly the way in which their physical and chemical properties determine their interaction with platelets and the underlying mechanisms by which they activate and induce platelet aggregation. However, such data are lacking. This review is intended to summarize the effects of NPs on platelet activation, aggregation, release, and apoptosis, as well as their effects on membrane proteins and morphology in order to shed light on such key issues as how to reduce their adverse reactions in the blood system, which should be taken into consideration in NP engineering.

Inhibition of vascular calcification by Compound Danshen Dripping Pill through multiple mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification refers to the abnormal accumulation of calcium in the walls of blood vessels and is a risk factor often overlooked in cardiovascular disease. However, there is currently no specific drug for treating vascular calcification. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases, but its effect on vascular calcification has not been reported.

PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of CDDP on vascular calcification in ApoE-/- mice and in vitro and elucidated its mechanism of action.

STUDY DESIGN

Firstly, we found that CDDP has the potential to improve calcification based on network pharmacology analysis. Then, we performed the following experiments: in vivo, ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet randomly supplemented with CDDP for 16 weeks. Atherosclerosis and vascular calcification were determined. In vitro, human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were used to determine the mechanisms for CDDP-inhibited vascular calcification.

RESULTS

In this study, we observed that CDDP reduced intimal calcification in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet, as well as the calcification in cultured SMCs and ECs. Mechanistically, CDDP inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by up-regulating the expression of DKK1 and LRP6, which are upstream inhibitors of Wnt, leading to a reduction in the expression of osteoblastic transition markers (ALP, OPN, BMP2, and RUNX2). Furthermore, CDDP enhanced the secretion of DKK1, which plays a role in mediating EC-SMC crosstalk in calcification. Additionally, VC contributes to vascular aging by inhibiting Sirt1 and increasing senescence parameters (SA-β-gal, p21, and p16). However, CDDP reversed these changes by activating Sirt1. CDDP also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that CDDP reduces vascular calcification by regulating the DKK1/LRP6/β-catenin signaling pathway in ECs/SMCs and interactions with the crosstalk of ECs and SMCs. It also reduces the senescence of ECs/SMCs, contributing to the Sirt1 activation, indicating CDDP's novel role in ameliorating vascular calcification.

Therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of natural products in thrombosis

Thrombotic disorders, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, are the leading cause of death in the global population and have become a health problem worldwide. Drug therapy is one of the main antithrombotic strategies, but antithrombotic drugs are not completely safe, especially the risk of bleeding at therapeutic doses. Recently, natural products have received widespread interest due to their significant efficacy and high safety, and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated their antithrombotic activity. In this review, articles from databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were filtered and the relevant information was extracted according to predefined criteria. As a result, more than 100 natural products with significant antithrombotic activity were identified, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids. These compounds exert antithrombotic effects by inhibiting platelet activation, suppressing the coagulation cascade, and promoting fibrinolysis. In addition, several natural products also inhibit thrombosis by regulating miRNA expression, anti-inflammatory, and other pathways. This review systematically summarizes the natural products with antithrombotic activity, including their therapeutic effects, mechanisms, and clinical applications, aiming to provide a reference for the development of new antithrombotic drugs.

Low platelet count at diagnosis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is correlated with the severity of disease and renal prognosis

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease that involves inflammation of blood vessels. There is increasing evidence that platelets play a crucial role not only in hemostasis but also in inflammation and innate immunity. In this study, we explored the relationship between platelet count, clinical characteristics, and the prognosis of patients with AAV. We divided 187 patients into two groups based on their platelet count. Clinicopathological data and prognostic information were retrospectively gathered from medical records. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for prognosis, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality. The cutoff point for platelet count was set at 264.5 × 109/L, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting progression to ESRD in patients with AAV. We observed patients with low platelet count (platelets < 264.5 × 109/L) had lower leukocytes, hemoglobin, complement, acute reactants, and worse renal function (P for eGFR < 0.001). They were also more likely to progress to ESRD or death compared to the high platelet count group (platelets > 264.5 × 109/L) (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0338, respectively). Low platelet count was potentially an independent predictor of poor renal prognosis in the multivariate regression analysis [HR 1.670 (95% CI 1.019-2.515), P = 0.014]. Lower platelet count at diagnosis is associated with more severe clinical characteristics and impaired renal function. Therefore, platelet count may be an accessible prognostic indicator for renal outcomes in patients with AAV.

Stepwise targeted strategies for improving neurological function by inhibiting oxidative stress levels and inflammation following ischemic stroke

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation accompanied by ischemic injury symptoms and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. This causes neuronal damage, for which no effective treatments or drugs exist. Herein, we provided a stepwise targeted drug delivery strategy and successfully prepared multifunctional ORD@SHp@ANG nanoparticles (NPs) that consist of a stroke homing peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-SHp), BBB-targeting peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-ANG), and ROS-responsive Danshensu (salvianic acid A) chain self-assembly. ORD@SHp@ANG NPs effectively crossed the BBB by ANG peptide and selectively targeted the ischemic brain sites using stroke-homing peptide. The results showed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs can effective at scavenging ROS, and protect SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative damage in vitro. Furthermore, ORD@SHp@ANG NPs showed excellent biocompatibility. These NPs recognized brain endothelial cells and crossed the BBB, regulated the transformation of microglia into the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and inhibited the production of inflammatory factors in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model, thereby reducing cerebral infarction, neuronal apoptosis and preserving BBB integrity. Sequencing revealed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs promote cell proliferation, activate immune responses, suppress inflammatory responses, and ameliorate ischemic stroke. In conclusion, this study reports a simple and promising drug delivery strategy for managing ischemic stroke.

Elucidating the distinctive regulatory effects and mechanisms of active compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge via network pharmacology: Unveiling their roles in the modulation of platelet activation and thrombus formation

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. (DS), as an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of usage for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Modern studies have shown that the chemical components of DS have many biological activities such as cardiovascular protection, anti-arrhythmia, anti-atherosclerosis, improvement of microcirculation, protection of myocardium, inhibition and removal of platelet aggregation. Nevertheless, the action mechanism of DS as well its active compounds on platelet activation has not been fully uncovered. This study aimed to find out the potential targets and mechanisms of DS in the modulation of platelet activation and thrombosis, using network pharmacology and biological experimental. These compounds with anti-thrombotic activity in DS, cryptotanshinone (CPT), isoeugenol (ISO) and tanshinone IIA (TSA), together with the corresponding targets being Src, Akt and RhoA are screened by network pharmacology. We confirmed that ISO, CPT and TSA dose-dependently inhibited platelet activation in vitro, mainly by inhibiting agonist-induced clot retraction, aggregation and P-selectin and ATP release. The western blot findings indicated that ISO, CPT, and TSA led to reduced levels of p-Akt and p-ERK in activated platelets. Additionally, ISO and TSA were observed to decrease p-cSrc expression while increasing RhoA expression. ISO, CPT, and TSA demonstrated a potential to restrict the advancement of carotid arterial thrombosis in vivo. We confirm that ISO, CPT and TSA are the key anti-thrombotic active compounds in DS. These active compounds exhibit unique inhibitory effects on platelet activation and thrombus formation by modulating the Akt/ERK and cSrc/RhoA signaling pathways.

Jiawei Kongsheng Zhenzhong Pill: marker compounds, absorption into the serum (rat), and Q-markers identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Background: The Jiawei Kongsheng Zhenzhong pill (JKZP), a Chinese herbal prescription comprised of eight Chinese crude drugs, has been historically employed to treat neurological and psychological disorders. Nevertheless, the ambiguous material basis severely hindered its progress and application. Purpose: The current study aimed to establish a rapid analytical method for identifying the chemical components of the JKZP aqueous extract and the components absorbed into the rat serum to investigate the quality markers (Q-markers) responsible for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. Methods: The qualitative detection of the chemical components, prototype components, and metabolites of the aqueous extracts of JKZP, as well as the serum samples of rats that were administered the drug, was performed using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography- quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology. This analysis combined information from literature reports and database comparisons. Moreover, the study was conducted to anticipate the potential Q-markers for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP based on the "five principles" of Q-marker determination. Results: A total of 67 compounds and 111 serum components (comprising 33 prototypes and 78 metabolites) were detected and identified. Combining the principles of quality transmission and traceability, compound compatibility environment, component specificity, effectiveness, and measurability, the study predicted that five key compounds, namely, senkyunolide H, danshensu, echinacoside, loganin, and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, may serve as potential pharmacological bases for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. Conclusion: To summarize, the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique can be employed to rapidly and accurately identify compounds in JKZP. Five active compounds have been predicted to be the Q-markers for the neuroprotective effects of JKZP. This discovery serves as a reference for improving quality, advancing further research and development, and utilizing Chinese herbal prescriptions.

Tumor Microenvironment and Metabolism: Role of the Mitochondrial Melatonergic Pathway in Determining Intercellular Interactions in a New Dynamic Homeostasis

There is a growing interest in the role of alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in the pathoetiology and pathophysiology of cancers, including within the array of diverse cells that can form a given tumor microenvironment. The 'exhaustion' in natural killer cells and CD8+ t cells as well as the tolerogenic nature of dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment seems determined by variations in mitochondrial function. Recent work has highlighted the important role played by the melatonergic pathway in optimizing mitochondrial function, limiting ROS production, endogenous antioxidants upregulation and consequent impacts of mitochondrial ROS on ROS-dependent microRNAs, thereby impacting on patterned gene expression. Within the tumor microenvironment, the tumor, in a quest for survival, seeks to 'dominate' the dynamic intercellular interactions by limiting the capacity of cells to optimally function, via the regulation of their mitochondrial melatonergic pathway. One aspect of this is the tumor's upregulation of kynurenine and the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which acts to metabolize melatonin and increase the N-acetylserotonin/melatonin ratio, with effluxed N-acetylserotonin acting as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mimic via its activation of the BDNF receptor, TrkB, thereby increasing the survival and proliferation of tumors and cancer stem-like cells. This article highlights how many of the known regulators of cells in the tumor microenvironment can be downstream of the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway regulation. Future research and treatment implications are indicated.