Magnolol as STAT3 inhibitor for treating multiple sclerosis by restricting Th17 cells

Effects of Oxidative Stress Gene Protein, Expression, and DNA Methylation on Multiple Sclerosis: A Multi-Omics Mendelian Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OS) is linked to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the causal relationship in terms of genetic pathophysiology remains ambiguous. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis to explore the relationship between OS genes and MS, utilizing an integrative multi-omics approach.

METHODS

We obtained data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MS from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (Discovery phase) and the FinnGen study (Replication phase). Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted using summary data to evaluate the association between molecular features of OS-related genes and MS. Additional colocalization analyses were undertaken to ascertain whether the identified signal pairs shared causal genetic variants.

RESULTS

Integration of multi-omics data, including mQTL-eQTL and eQTL-pQTL, revealed that the STAT3 gene is associated with MS, supported by Level 1 evidence. The CR1 gene shows an association with MS risk, evidenced by Level 3 support. Methylation at cg24718015 and cg17833746 in the STAT3 gene correlates with reduced expression of STAT3. At the protein level, high circulating levels of STAT3 are inversely associated with MS risk (OR: 0.43, 95% CI, 0.33-0.54). Elevated levels of TNFRSF1A are also linked with a decreased risk of MS (OR: 0.21; 95% CI, 0.12-0.37), while higher levels of CR1 are positively associated with an increased risk of MS (OR: 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.27).

CONCLUSION

This study identifies specific OS genes that are associated with MS and enhances our understanding of its pathogenesis.

Molecular Mechanisms of Magnolol in Gastric Precancerous Lesions: A Computational and Experimental Study

The formation of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs) has been identified as a critical step in tumorigenesis, and patients with GPLs have an increased risk of gastric cancer (GC). Magnolol is the primary biphenolic compound in Magnolia officinalis. It possesses various pharmacological properties, such as cardio- and neuroprotective properties, and inhibits tumor growth. However, its therapeutic effects on GPL treatment and the related mechanisms have not yet been studied. To address this, the mechanisms by which magnolol affects GPLs were elucidated via protein-chemical interaction prediction analysis, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and experimental verification. GPL-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, whereas magnolol targets were obtained from the STITCH database. The two groups of targets were compared by constructing a Venn diagram, and potential key GPL-related targets of magnolol were identified. Next, the interactions between the active compounds of magnolol and various epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were evaluated via molecular docking. The protein-compound complexes with the optimal binding affinity were analyzed via MD simulation. The efficacy of magnolol in the treatment of GPLs and the related mechanisms was further assessed using in vitro models. In this study, five core GPL-related targets of magnolol were identified. Molecular docking revealed that magnolol and ERBB2 had the strongest binding affinity, suggesting that ERBB2 is a potentially important target for the treatment of GPLs. Similarly, MD simulations revealed a strong affinity between magnolol and ERBB2. Overall, this study showed that magnolol can inhibit the malignant behavior of precancerous lesions in GC cells. Magnolol exerts its pharmacological effects by acting on multiple targets. ERBB2 might be a potential target of magnolol in GPL treatment.

Macrocyclic diterpenoids from Stellera chamaejasme roots alleviate imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation via STAT1/S100A9 signalling pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Psoriasis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with a significant impact on quality of life. Stellera chamaejasme, a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise for the treatment of psoriasis. We identified diterpenoids in S. chamaejasme, including a new compound, stellchamain A (SA, 1), with notable antipsoriasis properties. This study explored the effects of SA on psoriasis to determine the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of S. chamaejasme.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Compounds isolated by column chromatography were structurally identified using NMR spectroscopy. The effects of SA on IL-17A-treated HaCaT cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 and TUNEL assays. In vivo anti-psoriasis activity of SA was evaluated in a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. Network pharmacology, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) were elucidated the interactions between SA and the targets.

KEY RESULTS

SA was isolated from S. chamaejasme along with nine known analogues (2-10). In vivo, SA reduced IMQ-induced epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. Network pharmacology indicated that SA may function via the interleukin IL-17A/STAT1/S100A9 pathway. The results of SPR assays and molecular docking showed that SA binds to STAT1 with a KD value of 9.24 nM. DARTS and CETSA analyses confirmed a direct and relevant interaction between SA and STAT1.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

SA modulates the immunological microenvironment to treat psoriasis by targeting the IL-17A/STAT1/S100A9 axis, representing a potential new treatment for psoriasis and other IL-17A-mediated skin disorders.

Qing-Luo-Yin Eases T Cells-Mediated Angiogenesis in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats by Activating PPARγ

Introduction

Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY) is an anti-rheumatic herbal formula potentially activating PPARγ. The study investigated if and how this property contributes to its anti-angiogenesis effects.

Methods

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were orally treated by QLY or rosiglitazone (a PPARγ agonist), and their monocytes and lymphocytes were co-cultured reciprocally in vitro with different sera. Healthy littermates received blood transfusion from QLY-treated or AIA model rats. Two days ahead of sacrifice, a matrigel plug was implanted in the recipients. AIA serum-incubated THP-1 monocytes and Jurkat T cells were treated by a mixture comprised sinomenine, berberine and palmatine. Jurkat T cells-related media and T0070907 were used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

QLY and rosiglitazone similarly alleviated joint injuries, synovial angiogenesis and metabolic disorders in AIA rats. Although QLY impaired inflammatory phenotype of AIA rat monocytes in vivo, it cannot be achieved or sustained in vitro. Lymphocytes of QLY-treated AIA rats had a weak inflammatory phenotype and failed to induce inflammatory polarization of monocytes. AIA blood-induced angiogenesis in the matrigel plug, a phenomenon invisible in QLY group. QLY therapy inhibited pathogenic functions of AIA rats' lymphocytes, shown by changes of cytokines network in the recipients' joints, where these cells accumulated. The related compounds affected secretion of Jurkat T cells cultured in AIA serum, which lost the potential in activating HUVECs. This effect disappeared in presence of T0070907, a PPARγ inhibitor.

Conclusion

Angiogenesis amelioration during QLY therapy is an indirect result from PPARγ activation-caused functional changes of T cells.

Traditional Chinese medicine provides candidates for mutiple seclorsis: A review based on the progress of MS and potent treatment medicine

Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative autoimmune neurological disease, characterized by immune cells infiltration, demyelination, axonal loss and neuron degeneration. At present, the precise mechanism of the disease is still not very clear. Latest studies clarified that immune imbalance, microglia polarization, oxidative stress, the destruction of blood-brain barrier(BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier(BSCB), and intestinal flora imbalance may participate in the pathogenesis and promote the progress of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and their bioeffective components were found to have capacity to regulate these mechanisms, and have the advantages of multi-target activity, low toxicity and side effects, making TCM promising therapy candidates. In this review, we summarized the progress of TCM in treating MS or its animal model in recent five years, in order to further demonstrate the mechanism of MS and provide more potential effective drug choice.

Interaction between Th17 and central nervous system in multiple sclerosis

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Inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation by aerobic exercise improves vasodilatation in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Aortic endothelial diastolic dysfunction is an early complication of diabetes and the abnormal differentiation of Th17 cells is involved in the development of diabetes. However, the exact role of exercise on regulating the Th17 cells differentiation and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated in diabetic mice.

METHODS

db/db and db/m+ mice were randomly divided into exercise and sedentary groups. Mice in exercise group were exercised daily, 6 days/week, for 6 weeks and mice in sedentary groups were placed on a nonmoving treadmill for 6 weeks. Vascular endothelial function was measured via wire myograph and the frequencies of Th17 from peripheral blood in mice were assessed via flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Our data showed that exercise improved insulin resistance and aortic endothelial diastolic function in db/db mice. In addition, the proportion of Th17 cells and IL-17A level in peripheral blood of db/db mice were significantly increased, and exercise could promote Th17 cell differentiation and reduce IL-17A level. More importantly, STAT3 or ROR-γt inhibitors could promote Th17 cell differentiation in db/db mice, while exercise significantly down-regulated p-STAT3/ROR-γt signaling in db/db mice, suggesting that exercise regulated Th17 differentiation through STAT3/ROR-γt signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that exercise improved vascular endothelial function in diabetic mice via reducing Th17 cell differentiation through p-STAT3/ROR-γt pathway, suggesting exercise may be an important non-pharmacological intervention strategy for the treatment of diabetes-related vascular complications.

Understanding the role of potential biomarkers in attenuating multiple sclerosis progression via multiomics and network-based approach

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disorder marked by neuroinflammation and demyelination. Understanding its molecular basis is vital for developing effective treatments. This study aims to elucidate the molecular progression of MS using multiomics and network-based approach.

METHODS

We procured differentially expressed genes in MS patients and healthy controls by accessing mRNA dataset from a publicly accessible database. The DEGs were subjected to a non-trait weighted gene co-expression network (WGCN) for hub DEGs identification. These hub DEGs were utilized for enrichment, protein-protein interaction network (PPIN), and feed-forward loop (FFL) analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 880 MS-associated DEGs. WGCN revealed a total of 122 hub DEGs of which most significant pathway, gene ontology (GO)-biological process (BP), GO-molecular function (MF) and GO-cellular compartment (CC) terms were assembly and cell surface presentation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, regulation of catabolic process, NAD(P)H oxidase H2O2 forming activity, postsynaptic recycling endosome. The intersection of top 10 significant pathways, GO-BP, GO-MF, GO-CC terms, and PPIN top cluster genests identified STAT3 and CREB1 as key biomarkers. Based on essential centrality measures, CREB1 was retained as the final biomarker. Highest-order subnetwork FFL motif comprised one TF (KLF7), one miRNA (miR-328-3p), and one mRNA (CREB1) based on essential centrality measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insights into the roles of potential biomarkers in MS progression and offers a system-level view of its molecular landscape. Further experimental validation is needed to confirm these biomarkers' significance, which will lead to early diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Proteome Profiling of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model and the Effect of a SUMO E1 Inhibitor

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, causing demyelination and inflammation in the central nervous system. The pathology of MS has been extensively studied using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. However, the molecular mechanisms are still largely unclear and require further investigation. In this study, we carried out quantitative proteomic analysis of the brain and spinal cord tissues in mice induced with EAE using a data-independent acquisition strategy and identified 744 differentially regulated proteins in the brain and 741 in the spinal cord. The changed proteins were highly related with phagocytosis, lysosomal enzymes, inflammasome activation, complements, and synaptic loss processes. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis revealed the elevation of the SUMOylation process in EAE with the increase of SUMOylation-related enzymes and modification targets. Furthermore, to test the possibility of treating MS by targeting SUMOylation, we explored the application of a selective SUMO E1 inhibitor, TAK-981. Intriguingly, TAK-981 suppressed the global SUMOylation level in the brain and significantly alleviated the symptoms of EAE in mice. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of MS pathology, reveal the important role of SUMOylation in disease progression, and demonstrate the potential of the SUMO E1 inhibitor as a novel treatment for MS.

Salidroside facilitates neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke by promoting axonal sprouting through promoting autophagy

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease characterized by high incidence, disability, mortality, and recurrence. The limitations of current pharmacological treatments, which have primarily single neuroprotective action and a narrow therapeutic time window, lead to unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Activation of autophagy can facilitate neural regeneration.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether salidroside can promote axonal sprouting through autophagy resulting in protecting neurons.

METHODS

In vivo, a Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/IR) model was used, and in vitro, an Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced primary neuronal cell model was employed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of salidroside. BDA neurotracer, immunofluorescence, and Western blot (WB) were utilized to determine its impact on axonal sprouting and the levels of related proteins (MAP2, GAP43, and PSD-95). Proteomics, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and WB were applied to identify the effects on autophagy-related proteins (beclin1, LC3, p62, and LAMP2), autophagosomes and lysosomes. The mechanism of salidroside in promoting axonal sprouting through inducing autophagy was further confirmed by blocking with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA.

RESULTS

Salidroside reduced neurologic deficits and infarct volume induced by MCAO/IR in vivo and protected OGD/R induced primary neuronal cells in vitro. Both in vivo and in vitro, it increased the number and length of axons and upregulated the expression of key axonal proteins (MAP2, GAP43, and PSD-95) and mediated autophagy-related proteins. Mechanistic studies showed that the promoting effects of salidroside on autophagy and axonal sprouting disappeared after the blockade by 3-MA.

CONCLUSION

This study reports for the first time that the neuroprotective effect of salidroside in ischemic stroke can be executed through mediating autophagy-related protein (beclin1, LC3, p62, and LAMP2), resulting in induced axonal sprouting or mature protein (MAP2, GAP43, and PSD-95).

STATs, promising targets for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Cytokines play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with over 50 cytokines undergoing signal transduction through the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Recent studies have solidly confirmed the pivotal role of STATs in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this review provides a detailed summary of the immunological functions of STATs, focusing on exploring their mechanisms in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, with the rapid advancement of structural biology in the field of drug discovery, many STAT inhibitors have been identified using structure-based drug design strategies. In this review, we also examine the structures of STAT proteins and compile the latest research on STAT inhibitors currently being tested in animal models and clinical trials for the treatment of immunological diseases, which emphasizes the feasibility of STATs as promising therapeutic targets and provides insights into the design of the next generation of STAT inhibitors.

Oxysophoridine inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in hepatic fibrosis via regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) runs through multiple stages of liver diseases and promotes these diseases progression. Oxysophoridine (OSR), derived from Sophora alopecuroides l., is a bioactive alkaloid that has been reported to antagonize alcoholic hepatic injury. However, whether OSR suppresses HF and the mechanisms involved in Nrf2 remain unknown.

PURPOSE

Since the dysregulation of inflammation and oxidative stress is responsible for the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis in the liver. We hypothesized that OSR may attenuate HF by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress through activating Nrf2 signaling.

METHODS

In this study, we employed LPS-stimulated HSC-T6 cells, RAW264.7 cells, and a CCl4-induced C57BL/6 mouse fibrotic model to evaluate its suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as fibrosis.

RESULTS

The result showed that OSR significantly reduced α-SMA and TGF-β1 at a low dose of 10 μM in vitro and at a dose of 50 mg/kg in vivo, which is comparable to Silymarin, the only Chinese herbal active ingredient that has been marketed for anti-liver fibrosis. Moreover, OSR effectively suppressed the expression of iNOS at a dose of 10 μM and COX-2 at a dose of 40 μM, respectively. Furthermore, OSR demonstrated inhibitory effects on the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in vitro and almost extinguished cytokine storm in vivo. OSR exhibited antioxidative effects by reducing MDA and increasing GSH, thereby protecting the cell membrane against oxidative damage and reducing LDH release. Moreover, OSR effectively upregulated the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and p62, but decreased p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, and Keap1. Alternatively, mechanisms involved in Nrf2 were verified by siNrf2 interference, siNrf2 interference revealed that the anti-fibrotic effect of OSR was attributed to its activation of Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

The present study provided an effective candidate for HF involved in both activation of Nrf2 and blockage of NF-κB, which has not been reported in the published work. The present study provides new insights for the identification of novel drug development for HF.

Huangqi-Guizhi-Wuwu decoction regulates differentiation of CD4+ T cell and prevents against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis progression in mice

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelination disorder caused by an overactive immune response. Its pathological characteristics include CNS inflammation, white matter demyelination, glial cell proliferation, and so on. Huangqi-Guizhi-Wuwu Decoction (HGWD), which is recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, is used clinically for the therapy of MS, but its mechanism is still elusive.

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to investigate the impact of HGWD on the classical animal model for MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and explore the underlying action mechanism.

RESULTS

HGWD ameliorated the pathogenesis of EAE mice, and improved their neurobehavior and pathological tissue damage. Network pharmacology predictions revealed the action mechanism of HGWD in EAE mice might be related to its effect on the immune system of mice. HGWD effectively suppressed the inflammatory infiltration in CNS, while also preventing the elevation of CD4+T cells of mice with EAE. HGWD could increase the ratio of Treg cells, up-regulate the secretion of IL-10 and Foxp3 mRNA expression, inhibit the ratio of Th1 and Th17 cells, down-regulate the IFN-γ and IL-17 protein expression, as well as the RORγT and T-bet gene expression in EAE mice. In addition, HGWD-containing serum modulated Th1/Th17/Treg cell differentiation in vitro. Moreover, HGWD inhibited the p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT3 and p-STAT4 proteins and elevated the p-STAT5 protein in lymphoid tissues of EAE mice.

CONCLUSION

HGWD improved the progress of EAE by regulating the proportion of CD4+T cell subtype differentiation, which might be exerted through JAK/STAT signaling pathway, providing a pharmacological basis for the clinical treatment of MS.

Immunological dimensions of neuroinflammation and microglial activation: exploring innovative immunomodulatory approaches to mitigate neuroinflammatory progression

The increasing life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of age-related neurodegenerative conditions. Within this framework, neuroinflammation emerges as a significant contributing factor. It involves the activation of microglia and astrocytes, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). These instances result in neuronal damage and neurodegeneration through activated nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing (NLR) family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Due to limited effectiveness regarding the inhibition of neuroinflammatory targets using conventional drugs, there is challenging growth in the search for innovative therapies for alleviating neuroinflammation in CNS diseases or even before their onset. Our results indicate that interventions focusing on Interleukin-Driven Immunomodulation, Chemokine (CXC) Receptor Signaling and Expression, Cold Exposure, and Fibrin-Targeted strategies significantly promise to mitigate neuroinflammatory processes. These approaches demonstrate potential anti-neuroinflammatory effects, addressing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. While the findings are promising, immunomodulatory therapies often face limitations due to Immune-Related Adverse Events. Therefore, the conduction of randomized clinical trials in this matter is mandatory, and will pave the way for a promising future in the development of new medicines with specific therapeutic targets.