Ginseng under forest exerts stronger anti-aging effects compared to garden ginseng probably via regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, SIRT1/NF-κB pathway and intestinal flora

Randomized controlled trial of Bushen Yinao pill combined with conventional therapy on intestinal flora and cognitive function in older patients with Alzheimer's disease

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effects of the Bushen Yinao pill, combined with standard therapy, on gut flora, inflammatory markers, and cognitive function in older patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsA total of 136 AD patients treated at the department of neurology at a hospital in China from August 2022 to September 2023 were randomly assigned to two groups: 68 patients received standard treatment (control group, CTG), and 68 patients received the Bushen Yinao pill plus standard treatment (intervention group, ITG). Outcomes included Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, gut microbiota composition, inflammatory markers, cognitive function, overall efficacy, and safety.ResultsAfter treatment, the intervention group (ITG) showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores compared to the control group (CTG) (P < 0.05). The ITG also showed significant increases in beneficial bacterial flora in the gut and decreases in harmful bacteria compared to the CTG (P < 0.05). Inflammatory markers (Aβ, IL-6, TNF-α) were reduced, and cognitive function improved significantly more in the ITG (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe Bushen Yinao pill, when combined with standard therapy, may help to regulate gut microbiota, reduce inflammatory markers, and enhance cognitive function in AD patients, while also showing a favorable safety profile. Further research is recommended to validate these findings in other populations.

Ginseng in delaying brain aging: Progress and Perspectives

BACKGROUND

The Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) records that Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (ginseng) 'lightens the body and prolongs life'. Many investigations have documented that ginseng exerts neuroprotective effects by mitigating the aging of the brain. However, a comprehensive review of the impacts of ginseng on brain aging remains lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aims to review the advances in ginseng research regarding its role in delaying brain aging, focusing on its bioactive constituents, underlying mechanisms and potential side effects. The findings provide scientific pieces of evidence to support the medical utilization of ginseng in the delaying senescence and the management of aging-related diseases.

METHODS

This review includes studies on ginseng and brain aging in humans, retrieved from English-language research articles published between 2017 and the present in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The work focused on ginseng, brain aging, and aging-related diseases, utilizing keywords such as "Ginseng", "Brain aging", "central nervous system", "intracellular homeostasis", "peripheral system", etc. RESULTS: Ginseng comprises a varied spectrum of biologically bioactive constituents, such as ginsenosides, Maillard reaction products, ginseng polysaccharides, volatile oils, amino acids, proteins, etc. These components work to contribute to their significant medicinal value. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory that "the heart and brain are interconnected, the liver and brain are mutually supportive, the brain and spleen are related, the brain and lung are linked, and the brain and kidney work in harmony," we summarize that ginseng may sustain neural homeostasis through both central and peripheral perspectives. Additionally, the potential toxic side effects of ginseng are minimal.

CONCLUSION

Ginseng and its bioactive constituents exhibit considerable promise in delaying brain aging and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Future research should prioritize exploring the direct targets of ginseng and its active ingredients, and work toward establishing precise drug-target-efficacy relationships. This approach will facilitate the translation of these findings into clinically viable therapeutic approaches.

In-Depth Investigation on Potential Mechanism of Forest-Grown Ginseng Alleviating Alzheimer's Disease via UHPLC-MS-Based Metabolomics

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease is a central nervous system degenerative disease closely related to age with a complex pathogenesis. As a natural medicinal plant, forest-grown ginseng (GSF) contains abundant ginsenosides and offers significant neuroprotective effects.

METHODS

In this study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of GSF on the cell viability of PC12 cells in an AD model alongside metabolic changes in the serum and brains of mice, combined with an efficacy evaluation of PC12 cells in vitro and UHPLC-MS-based metabolomics in vivo. The goal of this study is to clarify the potential mechanism of GSF in treating AD.

RESULTS

The PC12 cell results showed that GSF can promote the proliferation of PC12 cells, reduce the content of IL-8, increase the activity of SOD, and alleviate the inflammation and oxidative stress induced by Aβ25~35. The immunohistochemical results for the mouse brain tissue also showed that GSF could reduce the inflammatory response of mouse brain tissue by reducing the overexpression of IBa1. AD was alleviated by reducing Aβ protein deposition in the mouse brain tissue. An untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the differentially expressed metabolites in the serum and brain tissue of AD mice after treatment. Twenty and seventeen different metabolites were identified in the serum and brain tissue, respectively. The pathway enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that GSF could treat AD by up-regulating succinic acid semialdehyde, carbamoyl phosphate, Sphingosine 1-phosphate, L-cystathionine, 2-ketobutyric acid, Vanillylmandelic acid, and D-Ribose to regulate sphingomyelin metabolism, the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters and precursors, and energy metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

GSF can reduce neuroinflammation and alleviate Alzheimer's disease by regulating the metabolic disorders of amino acids, sphingolipids, unsaturated fatty acids, and arachidonic acid in mice serum and brain tissue metabolites. These results suggest a link between metabolite imbalance and AD, and reveal the basis for the mechanism of ginsenosides in AD treatment.

Effects of water stress on secondary metabolism of Panax ginseng fresh roots

The roots and rhizomes of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey are commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries. These components contain a large number of secondary metabolites known as ginsenosides, which serve as primary active ingredient. Environmental factors significantly influence the production of secondary metabolites, which are crucial for enhancing plant adaptability to ecological stress. P. ginseng is a shady plant that thrives in a constantly humid and temperate environment. However, it cannot withstand excessive moisture, making soil moisture a significant ecological stress affecting P. ginseng survival. In this study, we applied a water spray to maintain a water-saturated surface on 5-year-old fresh P. ginseng roots for a duration of 5 days, to establish a short-term water stress condition. The results revealed a notable increase in superoxide anion (O2·-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity (p < 0.01), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.01) in both the main root and fibrous root of P. ginseng. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxides (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities also elevated significantly under water stress (p < 0.01). Ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents also showed a marked increase (p < 0.01). The main root treated with water showed the most positive impact on the 5th day. Water stress boosted the activities of key enzymes including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS), squalene synthase (SS), squalene epoxidase (SE), and dammarenediol-II synthase (DS) involved in the ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway (p <0.01). This resulted in a significant an increase in the level of ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, Rf, Rg2+Rh1, Rc, and Rb3, by 42.4%, 21.0%, 15.7%, 157.9%, 18.3%, and 10.6% respectively, and an increase of 40.1% in total saponins content. Similarly, the fibrous root changes in the treated sample showed the most positive impact on the 4th day. Specifically, Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rf, Rg2+Rh1, Rc, Ro, and Rb2 increased by 41.8%, 20.5%, 17.3%, 84.3%, 30.7%, 35.6%, 8.6%, and 7.6%, respectively, and an increase of 4.2% in total saponins content. Furthermore, 1,3-disphosphoglycerate (1,3-DPG) contents and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activities, which are key intermediate of primary metabolism, were significantly elevated under water stress (p < 0.01). This indicates that the primary source of the raw materials used in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is sugars. Pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated that water stress could increase the contents of ginsenosides, improve the quality of ginseng, and enhance the efficacy of ginseng root to a certain extent.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging reveals the spatial distribution of compounds that may exacerbate inflammation in garden ginseng and ginseng under forest

Ginseng, a highly esteemed herbal medicine, has been utilized over 5000 years, predominantly in Far Eastern countries. Ginseng is categorized into garden ginseng (GG) and ginseng under forest (FG). However, in contrast to FG, excessive intake of GG may lead to potential adverse effects due to disruption of epithelial cell integrity, and the specific population groups that may be at higher risk. In this work, untargeted metabolomics were used to determine the heterogeneity between GG and FG, the data indicates that the content of Ethyl caffeate, Homoorientin, Citric acid and Quinic acid in GG were higher than in FG. Mass spectrometry imaging showed that ethyl caffeate and Homoorientin were concentrated on the brownish yellow exocarp of the primary root. Our experiments demonstrated that excessive exposure to ethyl caffeate and Homoorientin exacerbated the inflammatory response of HUVECs and reduced the expression of cell junctions. This suggest that the compounds causing adverse effects from excessive intake of GG are mainly concentrated in the yellow exocarp of the primary root of GG. These results suggest that untargeted metabolomics coupled with MALDI-MSI can visualize the spatial distribution of endogenous differential molecules of the same herb in different growth environments or developmental stages.

Total ginsenosides extend healthspan of aging Drosophila by suppressing imbalances in intestinal stem cells and microbiota

BACKGROUND

Disruption of stem cell and microbial homeostasis accelerates the aging process. Hence, maintaining these balances effectively delays aging and alleviates the symptoms of age-related diseases. Recent research indicates that targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and immune deficiency (IMD) signalling may play a positive role in maintaining homeostasis in aging intestinal stem cells (ISC) and microbial equilibrium. Previous research has suggested that total ginsenosides (TG) derived from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer may exhibit potential anti-aging properties by mitigating ER stress and mediating the IMD pathway. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether TG improve ISC and microbial homeostasis by modulating ER stress and the IMD pathway to promote healthy aging.

PURPOSE

To elucidate whether TG promotes healthspan in Drosophila and its underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on its role in regulating ER stress and the IMD pathway to maintain ISC and intestinal microbiota homeostasis.

METHODS

High performance liquid chromatography was performed to detect the main saponin monomer in TG. Survival rate, gut length, barrier function, and feeding/excretion behaviour assays were used to evaluate the effects of TG on the lifespan and gut health of Drosophila. At the stem cell level, "esg-luciferase" reporter system, esg-GFP/delta stem cell fluorescent labelling, and phospho-histone H3+ mitotic activity assays were employed to determine whether TG prevented natural aging or oxidative stress-associated ISC over-proliferation in Drosophila. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the effects of TG on ER stress during aging. Overexpression or interference of ER stress target genes and their related c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) gene was manipulated using gene editing technology to verify the molecular mechanism by which TG maintains age-related ISC proliferation homeostasis. Molecular docking and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to verify the direct interactions between TG and ER stress target genes. In addition, at the intestinal flora level, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyse the effect of TG on the diversity and abundance of Drosophila intestinal flora and the possible functional pathways involved. RT-qPCR was performed to determine whether TG mediated the expression of target genes in the IMD pathway. A dominant bacterial species-specific mono-association analysis were performed to verify whether the effects of TG on IMD target genes and ISC proliferation depended on the direct control of the dominant bacterial species.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that administration of TG delays the decline in gut morphology and function in aging Drosophila. TG prevents age-associated ISC hyperproliferation by inhibiting ER stress IRE1-mediated JNK signaling. Furthermore, oral TG prevented aging-associated ISC and gut microbiota dysbiosis by remodelling the gut microbiota and inhibiting Acetobacter-mediated activation of IMD target genes.

CONCLUSION

TG promotes healthy aging by inhibiting the excessive proliferation of ISC and alleviating intestinal microbial imbalance, thereby providing new insights for the research and development of anti-aging TG products.

Impact and potential value of immunosenescence on solid gastrointestinal tumors

Solid gastrointestinal tumors often respond poorly to immunotherapy for the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), which is exacerbated by immune system alterations. Immunosenescence is the process of increased diversification of immune genes due to aging and other factors, leading to a decrease in the recognition function of the immune system. This process involves immune organs, immune cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The most fundamental change is DNA damage, resulting in TME remodeling. The main manifestations are worsening inflammation, increased immunosuppressive SASP production, decreased immune cell antitumor activity, and the accumulation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, making antitumor therapy less effective. Senotherapy strategies to remove senescent cells and block key senescence processes can have synergistic effects with other treatments. This review focuses on immunoenescence and its impact on the solid TME. We characterize the immunosenescent TME and discuss future directions for antitumor therapies targeting senescence.

Research on the anti-aging mechanisms of Panax ginseng extract in mice: a gut microbiome and metabolomics approach

Introduction: Aged-related brain damage and gut microbiome disruption are common. Research affirms that modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis can help reduce age-related brain damage. Methods: Ginseng, esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine, is recognized for its anti-aging capabilities. However, previous Ginseng anti-aging studies have largely focused on diseased animal models. To this end, efforts were hereby made to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ginseng-supplemented aged mice to those pre-treated with antibiotics. Results: As a result, FMT with specific modifications in natural aging mice improved animal weight gain, extended the telomere length, anti-oxidative stress in brain tissue, regulated the serum levels of cytokine, and balanced the proportion of Treg cells. Besides, FMT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria of Lachnospiraceae, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, etc. and decreased the levels of potential pathogenic bacteria of Helicobacter and Lachnoclostridium in the fecal samples of natural aged mice. This revealed that FMT remarkably reshaped gut microbiome. Additionally, FMT-treated aged mice showed increased levels of metabolites of Ursolic acid, β-carotene, S-Adenosylmethionine, Spermidine, Guanosine, Celecoxib, Linoleic acid, etc., which were significantly positively correlated with critical beneficial bacteria above. Additionally, these identified critical microbiota and metabolites were mainly enriched in the pathways of Amino acid metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, etc. Furthermore, FMT downregulated p53/p21/Rb signaling and upregulated p16/p14, ATM/synapsin I/synaptophysin/PSD95, CREB/ERK/AKT signaling in brain damage following natural aging. Discussion: Overall, the study demonstrates that reprogramming of gut microbiota by FMT impedes brain damage in the natural aging process, possibly through the regulation of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Ginseng fermentation solution affects the gut microbiota in zebrafish with alcoholic liver disease via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Ginsenosides have received increased amounts of attention due to their ability to modulate the intestinal flora, which may subsequently alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The effects of ginseng fermentation solution (GFS) on the gut microbiota and metabolism in ALD patients have not been explored.

PURPOSE

This research aimed to explore the regulatory effect of GFS on ALD both in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

This study assessed the anti-ALD efficacy of GFS using an LO2 cell model and a zebrafish model. Untargeted metabolomics was used for differentially abundant metabolite analysis, and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to examine the effect of GFS on ALD.

RESULTS

The LO2 cell line experiments demonstrated that GFS effectively mitigated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and reduced apoptosis by upregulating PI3K and Bcl-2 expression and decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. In zebrafish, GFS improved morphological and physiological parameters and diminished oxidative stress-induced ALD. Meanwhile, the results from Western blotting indicated that GFS enhanced the expression of PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 proteins while reducing Bax protein expression, thereby ameliorating the ALD model in zebrafish. Metabolomics data revealed significant changes in a total of 46 potential biomarkers. Among them, metabolites such as prostaglandin F2 alpha belong to arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, GFS also partly reversed the imbalance of gut microbiota composition caused by alcohol. At the genus level, alcohol consumption elevated the presence of Flectobacillus, Curvibacter, among others, and diminished Elizabethkingia within the intestinal microbes of zebrafish. Conversely, GFS reversed these effects, notably enhancing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Archaea. Correlation analyses further indicated a significant negative correlation between prostaglandin F2 alpha, 11,14,15-THETA, Taurocholic acid and Curvibacter.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a novel mechanism by which GFS modulates anti-ALD activity through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by influencing the intestinal flora-metabolite axis. These results indicate the potential of GFS as a functional food for ALD treatment via modulation of the gut flora.

Anti-aging mechanism and effect of treatment with raw and wine-steamed Polygonatum sibiricum on D-galactose-induced aging in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating gut microbiota

Background

Polygonatum sibiricum (PS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) first recorded in Mingyi Bielu. The book documents that PS can nourish five internal organs, be taken for a long time, relax the body and prolong lifespan. Presently, PS is widely used in TCM to prevent premature graying of hair. Based on TCM theory and clinical trials, the wine steaming processed product from PS provides a better effect. However, no published study has elucidated the anti-aging mechanism.

Purpose

The study aim was to investigate the anti-aging mechanism of PS and its wine steaming processed product in mice, specifically focusing on the effect of D-galactose (D-gal) surrounding the intestinal flora and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Keap1/Nrf2/ARE) pathway.

Methods

The chemical components in Raw PS (RPS) and Wine-steamed PS (WPS) were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). An aging model using Kunming mice was established through intraperitoneally injected D-gal. Concentrations of RPS and WPS at 5, 10, or 15 g/kg/day levels were administered intragastrically, respectively. The body weight, liver and spleen indexes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in serum and brain tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained brain tissue was histopathologically examined. The expressions of Keap1, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the brain tissue at the mRNA and protein levels were respectively detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Moreover, an Illumina Hiseq platform was used for 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the proportions of intestinal flora in aging mice.

Results

The proportions of saccharides, flavonoids, and triterpene acids were different between RPS and WPS. In the aging model mice, WPS outperformed RPS in improving body weight and mental state by increasing the spleen index, SOD and GSH-PX activities, decreasing the liver index and MDA activities, and restoring the histopathological morphology in D-gal-induced aging mice. At the mRNA levels, RPS and WPS significantly reduced the expression of Keap1 and increased the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1. The trend in protein expressions was similar to that of the mRNA results, and WPS had a stronger effect than RPS. Fecal microbiota analysis showed that RPS and WPS restored intestinal microbiota proportions to normal levels.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that PS and its WPS had a positive effect in relieving oxidative stress in aging mice. WPS outperformed RPS, which might be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway and regulation of intestinal flora.

Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 ameliorated senescence via modulation of the AMPK/Sirt1 signaling pathway and gut microbiota in mice

Aging is a degenerative disease in which organisms and neurological functions decline. Emerging research has underscored the vital role of the gut microbiota in age-related processes. However, the identification of aging-associated core microbiota remains limited. In this investigation, we isolated a strain of B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 from the feces of centenarians and assessed its impact on aging using a mouse model induced by D-gal. Our study revealed the exceptional probiotic attributes of B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08. Administration of B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 significantly ameliorated age-related memory impairment, motor dysfunction, and anxiety-like behaviors in aging mice (p < 0.01). Moreover, tissue staining analysis demonstrated that B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 reduced the intensity of SA-β-gal-positive in the hippocampus of aging mice. It also reversed pathological damage and structural abnormalities in brain and intestinal tissue. B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 inhibited neuroinflammation induced by TLR4/NF-κB (p < 0.01) and preserved the blood-brain barrier integrity by activating the AMPK/Sirt1 pathway (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it mitigated neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress by upregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (p < 0.01) and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including GSH-Px (p < 0.01), SOD (p < 0.01), and CAT (p < 0.01). Besides, analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data demonstrated that treatment with B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 restored intestinal microbiota homeostasis after senescence. It enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria while suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In summary, our study unveiled that this novel strain of B. pseudocatenulatum NCU-08 exerts anti-aging effects through regulating the AMPK/Sirt1 pathway and intestinal microbiota. It holds promise as a functional food for promoting anti-aging effects and offers a novel approach to address aging and associated metabolic disorders.

Along the microbiota-gut-brain axis: Use of plant polysaccharides to improve mental disorders

With the development of gut microbiota-specific interventions for mental disorders, the interactions between plant polysaccharides and microbiota in the intestinal and their consequent effects are becoming increasingly important. In this review, we discussed the role of plant polysaccharides in improving various mental disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The chemical and structural characteristics and metabolites of these plant polysaccharides were summarised. Plant polysaccharides and their metabolites have great potential for reshaping gut microbiota profiles through gut microbiota-dependent fermentation. Along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, the consequent pharmacological processes that lead to the elimination of the symptoms of mental disorders include 1) regulation of the central monoamine neurotransmitters, amino acid transmitters and cholinergic signalling system; 2) alleviation of central and peripheral inflammation mainly through the NLRP3/NF-κB-related signalling pathway; 3) inhibition of neuronal apoptosis; and 4) enhancement of antioxidant activities. According to this review, monosaccharide glucose and structure -4-α-Glcp-(1→ are the most potent compositions of the most reported plant polysaccharides. However, the causal structure-activity relationship remains to be extensively explored. Moreover, mechanistic elucidation, safety verification, and additional rigorous human studies are expected to advance plant polysaccharide-based product development targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis for people with mental disorders.

The Role of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation in Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is one of several chronic inflammatory skin diseases with a high rate of recurrence, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), as an important precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), has been reported to be a promising agent in treating various diseases, its positive effects including those induced via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For this reason, we have aimed to explore the possible role of NMN in the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis models were constructed with imiquimod (IMQ) stimulation for 5 days in vivo and with M5 treatment in keratinocyte cell lines in vitro. NMN treatment during the IMQ application period markedly attenuated excess epidermal proliferation, splenomegaly, and inflammatory responses. According to GEO databases, Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) levels significantly decreased in psoriasis patients' lesion tissues; this was also the case in the IMQ-treated mice, while NMN treatment reversed the SIRT1 decline in the mouse model. Moreover, NMN supplementation also improved the prognoses of the mice after IMQ stimulation, compared to the untreated group with elevated SIRT1 levels. In HEKa and HaCaT cells, the co-culturing of NMN and M5 significantly decreased the expression levels of proinflammation factors, the phosphorylation of NF-κB, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) levels, and reactive oxygen species levels. NMN treatment also recovered the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration ability and reduced mtDNA in the cytoplasm, leading to the inhibition of autoimmune inflammation. The knockdown of SIRT1 in vitro eliminated the protective and therapeutic effects of NMN against M5. To conclude, our results indicate that NMN protects against IMQ-induced psoriatic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating the SIRT1 pathway.

Bazi Bushen capsule improves the deterioration of the intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis through microbiota-gut-brain axis

Purpose

The senescence-accelerated prone mouse 8 (SAMP8) is a widely used model for accelerating aging, especially in central aging. Mounting evidence indicates that the microbiota-gut-brain axis may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of central aging-related diseases. This study aims to investigate whether Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) attenuates the deterioration of the intestinal function in the central aging animal model.

Methods

In our study, the SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the model group, the BZ-low group (0.5 g/kg/d BZBS), the BZ-high group (1 g/kg/d BZBS) and the RAPA group (2 mg/kg/d rapamycin). Age-matched SAMR1 mice were used as the control group. Next, cognitive function was detected through Nissl staining and two-photon microscopy. The gut microbiota composition of fecal samples was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Ileum tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the intestinal barrier function was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, including P53, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Macrophage infiltration and the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also detected the inflammasome and pyroptosis levels in ileum tissue by western blotting.

Results

BZBS improved the cognitive function and neuronal density of SAMP8 mice. BZBS also restored the intestinal villus structure and barrier function, which were damaged in SAMP8 mice. BZBS reduced the expression of SASP factors and the infiltration of macrophages in the ileum tissues, indicating a lower level of inflammation. BZBS enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells, which are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. BZBS modulated the gut microbiota composition, by which BZBS inhibited the activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis in the intestine.

Conclusion

BZBS could restore the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and prevent the deterioration of intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggested that BZBS attenuated the cognitive aging of SAMP8 mice, at least partially, by targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Ginseng promotes the function of intestinal stem cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in D-galactose-induced aging mice

BACKGROUND

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are the reservoir source of various types of intestinal cells, and the decline of stem cell function in the gut may be a potential factor for aging-related disease. The present study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer (Araliaceae, Panax genus) that could restore gut aging by enhancing intestinal function and regulating ISCs in aging mice based on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

METHODS

A total of 60 ICR male mice were randomly divided into control, model, metformin, and ginseng water decoction (GWD) 3.6, 1.8, and 0.9 g/kg groups. The aging model was induced by 1 % D-galactose (s.c. 0.1 mL/10 g) for 28 days. Moreover, GWD was given to aging mice intragastrically (i.g.) once a day for 28 successive days. The learning memory ability, pathological status, and function in the ileum tissue, the activity of digestive enzymes, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the colon were evaluated, and the related mechanism was investigated.

RESULTS

Ginseng can decrease the escape latency time and increase the swimming speed and the number of crossing platforms in aging mice. Moreover, the pathology of ileum tissue improved, the length of the intestinal villi increased, and the width of the villi and the depth of the crypts decreased. The activities of trypsin, α-amylase, and lipase increased in duodenal content and intestinal mucosa. In the colon, the content of SCFA, such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, increased, indicating that ginseng significantly improves intestinal function impairment. The mRNA expressions and protein levels of β-catenin, C-myc, GSK-3β, Lgr5, and Olfm4 were upregulated in the ginseng group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ginseng improves intestinal function and regulates the function of ISCs in order to protect intestinal health by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in aging mice.

Baicalin Exhibits a Protective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxic Damage in Canine Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Renal failure is a common chronic disease in dogs that substantially affects both their quality of life and longevity. The objective of this study was to assess the protective mechanisms of baicalin in cisplatin-induced Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells' apoptosis model and explore the impacts of baicalin at varying doses on various indexes, such as cisplatin-induced MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, and inflammatory factors. (Methods) MDCK cells in the logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (20 μmol/L cisplatin), and a baicalin-protection group (20 μmol/L cisplatin + 50, 25 μmol/L baicalin) and received the corresponding treatments for 24 h. The effects of cisplatin on MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, inflammatory factors, and other indicators were studied, and the relieving effect of baicalin on cisplatin-induced MDCK cell damage was explored. Calcein/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that cisplatin induced the apoptosis of MDCK cells, while baicalin effectively reduced the damage caused by cisplatin. The ELISA results demonstrated a significant elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels within the MDCK cells following treatment with cisplatin (p < 0.01). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities remarkably declined (p < 0.01), while tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression within the MDCK cells were apparently elevated (p < 0.01). However, baicalin treatment resulted in opposite changes in these factors. The findings suggested that baicalin exhibits potential in mitigating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in MDCK cells. As revealed with the Western blot results, cisplatin promoted P62, P53, and BAX protein levels, increased mTOR phosphorylation, inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced Beclin1 and BCL-2 protein levels. However, a contrasting trend was observed following baicalin treatment. Cisplatin can inhibit the activity of MDCK cells, lead to abnormalities in oxidation and antioxidation functions and cell inflammatory factors, and accelerate cell apoptosis. Moreover, baicalin can significantly alleviate the damage of cisplatin to MDCK cells.

Effects of ginseng consumption on the biomarkers of oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor involved in the initiation and development of chronic diseases. Despite its widespread acceptance as an antioxidant, the effects of ginseng on OS in human clinical trials have not been comprehensively analyzed. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize the results of previous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the impact of ginseng consumption on OS indicators. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles on the effects of ginseng consumption on oxidative stress markers up to March 20, 2023. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess effect sizes. Twelve RCTs with 15 effect sizes revealed that the effects of ginseng lowered serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.08; p = 0.03) and significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.45; p = 0.04), oxidative dismutase (SOD) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.57; p < 0.0001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.61; p = 0.005), and glutathione reductase (GR) (SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.81; p < 0.0001) levels compared to the effects of placebo. However, the effects on serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were not significant. Moreover, subgroup analysis based on intervention duration showed that ginseng consumption increased GPx (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.78; p = 0.039) and CAT (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.21; p = 0.002) levels after more than 4 weeks of intervention. According to the results of this meta-analysis, ginseng supplementation dramatically reduced MDA levels and increased TAC, SOD, GSH, and GR levels. Our results open up a new line of defense against oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Research Progress on the Anti-Aging Potential of the Active Components of Ginseng

Aging is a cellular state characterized by a permanent cessation of cell division and evasion of apoptosis. DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction, telomere damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors associated with senescence. Aging increases β-galactosidase activity, enhances cell spreading, and induces Lamin B1 loss, which further accelerate the aging process. It is associated with a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-aging effects. The active components of ginseng, including saponins, polysaccharides, and active peptides, have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and age-delaying effects. DNA damage is the main factor associated with aging, and the mechanism through which the active ingredients of ginseng reduce DNA damage and delay aging has not been comprehensively described. This review focuses on the anti-aging mechanisms of the active ingredients of ginseng. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of ideas for further research on natural products and aging.

Alleviation of D-gal-induced senile liver injury by Rg3, a signature component of red ginseng

To investigate the mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 regulates oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation through NF/KB pathway to delay mouse liver injury. This work randomized Balbc mice as four groups: Normal, D-gal, Rg3-L, Rg3-H. Paraffin-embedded liver tissue sections were prepared, later, BAX/BCL-2 protein expression was observed by HE, Sirius red, TUNEL and immunofluorescence to detect apoptotic injury and α-SMA/TGF-β protein expression to detect fibrosis, and liver inflammation-related protein NF-KB was detected. HE and TUNEL staining showed that Rg3 reduced necrotic cells and fibrosis in liver-injured mice, Rg3 increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-18 and reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 can effectively antagonize D-gal's role in mouse liver injury, and its mechanism may be associated with regulating inflammatory pathway by Rg.

β-Nicotinamide mononucleotide activates NAD+/SIRT1 pathway and attenuates inflammatory and oxidative responses in the hippocampus regions of septic mice

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is one of the common serious complications in sepsis, and the pathogenesis of SAE remains unclear. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been reported to be downregulated in the hippocampus and SIRT1 agonists can attenuated the cognitive dysfunction in septic mice. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a key substrate to maintain the deacetylation activity of SIRT1. As an intermediate of NAD+, β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) has been reported to be promising in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemic injury. Thus we sought to investigate the potential role of NMN in SAE treatment. The SAE model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in vivo, and neuroinflammation model was established with LPS-treated BV-2 cells in vitro. Memory impairment was assessed by Morris water maze and fear conditioning tests. As a result, the levels of NAD+, SIRT1 and PGC-1α were significantly reduced in the hippocampus of septic mice, while the acetylation of total lysine, phosphorylation of P38 and P65 were enhanced. All these changes induced by sepsis were inverted by NMN. Treating with NMN resulted in improved behavior performance in the fear conditioning tests and Morris water maze. Apoptosis, inflammatory and oxidative responses in the hippocampus of septic mice were attenuated significantly after NMN administration. These protective effect of NMN against memory dysfunction, inflammatory and oxidative injuries were reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor, EX-527. Similarly, LPS-induced activation of BV-2 cells were attenuated by NMN, EX-527 or SIRT1 knockdown could reverse such effect of NMN in vitro. In conclusion, NMN is protective against sepsis-induced memory dysfunction, and the inflammatory and oxidative injuries in the hippocampus region of septic mice. The NAD+/SIRT1 pathway might be involved in one of the mechanisms of the protective effect.

The ginsenoside Rh2 protects porcine oocytes against aging and oxidative stress by regulating SIRT1 expression and mitochondrial activity

Post-ovulatory aging, a major problem faced by oocytes cultured in vitro, causes oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes. The ginsenoside Rh2 is one of the main monomeric components of ginseng, but its effects on porcine oocytes are unknown. In the present study, in vitro aging (IVA) and accelerated induction of aging using H₂O₂ resulted in DNA damage and an increased incidence of abnormal spindle formation in porcine oocytes. Rh2 supplementation increased the antioxidant capacity, reduced the occurrence of early apoptosis, and improved the development of in vitro fertilized blastocysts. It also rescued the abnormal aggregation of mitochondria and the decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential under mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, Rh2 enhanced mRNA expression of the anti-aging and mitochondrial biogenesis-related genes silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α), and the antioxidant gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). The protection of porcine oocytes against aging and oxidative stress by Rh2 was confirmed using the SIRT1-specific inhibitor EX-527. Our results reveal that Rh2 upregulates SIRT1/PGC-1α to enhance mitochondrial function in porcine oocytes and improve their quality. Our study indicates that Rh2 can be used to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes.

Screening of Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from the Roots and Rhizomes of Panax Ginseng by Affinity Ultrafiltration Screening Coupled with UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS Method

Panax ginseng was a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological activities and one of its important activities was hypoglycemic activity; therefore, panax ginseng has been used in China as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In vivo and in vitro tests have revealed that ginsenosides, which are derived from the roots and rhizomes of panax ginseng have anti-diabetic effects and produce different hypoglycemic mechanisms by acting on some specific molecular targets, such as SGLT1, GLP-1, GLUTs, AMPK, and FOXO1. α-Glucosidase is another important hypoglycemic molecular target, and its inhibitors can inhibit the activity of α-Glucosidase so as to delay the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and finally reduce postprandial blood sugar. However, whether ginsenosides have the hypoglycemic mechanism of inhibiting α-Glucosidase activity, and which ginsenosides exactly attribute to the inhibitory effect as well as the inhibition degree are not clear, which needs to be addressed and systematically studied. To solve this problem, affinity ultrafiltration screening coupled with UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS technology was used to systematically select α-Glucosidase inhibitors from panax ginseng. The ligands were selected through our established effective data process workflow based on systematically analyzing all compounds in the sample and control specimens. As a result, a total of 24 α-Glucosidase inhibitors were selected from panax ginseng, and it was the first time that ginsenosides were systematically studied for the inhibition of α-Glucosidase. Meanwhile, our study revealed that inhibiting α-Glucosidase activity probably was another important mechanism for ginsenosides treating diabetes mellitus. In addition, our established data process workflow can be used to select the active ligands from other natural products using affinity ultrafiltration screening.

Nicotinamide n-Oxide Attenuates HSV-1-Induced Microglial Inflammation through Sirtuin-1/NF-κB Signaling

HSV-1 is a typical neurotropic virus that infects the brain and causes keratitis, cold sores, and occasionally, acute herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). The large amount of proinflammatory cytokines induced by HSV-1 infection is an important cause of neurotoxicity in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia, as resident macrophages in CNS, are the first line of defense against neurotropic virus infection. Inhibiting the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines in overactivated microglia is a crucial strategy for the treatment of HSE. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nicotinamide n-oxide (NAMO), a metabolite mainly produced by gut microbe, on HSV-1-induced microglial inflammation and HSE. We found that NAMO significantly inhibits the production of cytokines induced by HSV-1 infection of microglia, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, NAMO promotes the transition of microglia from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type. More detailed studies revealed that NAMO enhances the expression of Sirtuin-1 and its deacetylase enzymatic activity, which in turn deacetylates the p65 subunit to inhibit NF-κB signaling, resulting in reduced inflammatory response and ameliorated HSE pathology. Therefore, Sirtuin-1/NF-κB axis may be promising therapeutic targets against HSV-1 infection-related diseases including HSE.