Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. extract exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway

TaoHeChengQi Decotion alleviate chronic renal failure via regulation of PHD2/UCP1 and RIPK3/AKT/TGF-β pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a late stage in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there are no specific clinical drugs available. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a holistic therapeutic approach, may provide new strategies to improve the clinical management of CRF.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of TaoHeChengQi Decoction (THCQD) on CRF and to elucidate its potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal experiments were performed using 5/6 nephrectomy to establish a model of renal failure in rats, and serum, urine, and kidney samples were collected for study after low, medium, and high doses of (2, 4, and 8 g/kg) of THCQD were given by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Cellular experiments were performed using Ang II or TGF-β to stimulate HK-2 cells to produce symptoms similar to those of renal failure in vivo to evaluate the ameliorative effect and mechanism of THCQD. After clarifying the chemical composition of THCQD Tang, this study explored the pathogenesis of the disease by mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology, and used affinity ultrafiltration mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance, DARTS, and CETSA to investigate the pharmacological material basis of the compound, which was verified by immunoblotting and and immunofluorescence staining experiments.

RESULTS

THCQD attenuated renal injury, renal fibrosis and oxidative stress indices in serum (urine or kidney tissue) of CRF rats. Cellular experiments confirmed that THCQD also protected HK-2 cells from Ang II or TGF-β-induced injury. The mechanism of action was found to be related to the PHD2/UCP1 and RIPK3/AKT/TGF-β pathways by proteomic studies and verified by immunoblotting experiments. In addition, the pharmacodynamic material bases of PHD2/UCP1 and RIPK3/AKT/TGF-β pathways were confirmed to be amygdalin (Amy) and rhein (Rhe), respectively, by AUF-MS, SPR, CETSA and DARTS.

CONCLUSION

THCQD synergistically ameliorates 5/6 nephrectomy-induced CRF by activating PHD2/UCP2-mediated autophagy and targeting RIPK3 and its downstream TGF-β pathway. The basis of the synergistic effects of the above signaling pathways are Amy and Rhe, respectively.

The effect of Yinhuang Hanhua dropping pill on acute pharyngitis via a systematic "Compound-Target-Pathway" analysis

BACKGROUND

Yinhuang Hanhua dropping pill (YHHHDP) is a Chinese herbal formula that is commonly used in medical practice for managing of acute pharyngitis (AP) and other upper respiratory tract infections. However, the active components, molecular targets, and mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly understood.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to identify the active components and molecular mechanisms of YHHHDP in the therapy of AP.

METHODS

The efficacy of YHHHDP was assessed in an ammonia-induced AP rat model and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages based on HE staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and qRT-PCR. The active components, molecular targets, and pathways were investigated using integrating compositional analysis, metabolomics, and network pharmacological analysis. Furthermore, the interactions between active components and targets, as well as the key signaling pathways were verified using Western blotting (WB), Bio-layer interferometry(BLI), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), etc. RESULTS: YHHHDP significantly ameliorated the pathological damage and inflammatory response in the pharyngeal tissues of AP rats. YHHHDP also inhibited LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells. Research involving component analysis, network pharmacology, and metabolomics showed that baicalin, chlorogenic acid, and 10 other compounds are the active components of YHHHDP used in AP treatment. The core targets of these active ingredients were TNF-α, AKT1, and COX-2. The mechanism of action primarily involved the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Tryptophan and arachidonic acid metabolism were the primary metabolic pathways. Meanwhile, animal and Cellular verification experiments demonstrated that the active ingredients of YHHHDP can stably bind to key target proteins, thereby regulating key metabolites in tryptophan and arachidonic acid metabolism, inhibiting the expression of key proteins in the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors, and improving the symptoms of AP.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that 10 components, such as baicalin and luteolin, are the active ingredients of YHHHDP in AP treatment. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of TNF-α, AKT1, and COX-2, thereby exerting therapeutic effects through the regulation of arachidonic acid and tryptophan metabolism and the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. This study provided an invaluable scientific basis for the clinical application and development of YHHHDP.

Phenolic Acids Derivatives from Meehania Fargesii with Anti-inflammation Effects

Utilizing systematic plant chemistry separation techniques, two previously unreported phenolic acids (1-2) and eighteen (3-20) phenolic acids were isolated from 70 % ethanol extract of Meehania fargesii var. radicans (Vaniot) C.Y.Wu. The structures of the unreported compounds were determined using spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, ECD, and HR-ESI-MS. The activity of all isolated phenolic acids was evaluated for their ability to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Among the isolated compounds, compounds 1 and 19 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against NO production in RAW264.7 cells, with higher concentrations being more active than the indomethacin, without displaying cytotoxicity. This study provides a basis for the application and development of M. fargesii and the discovery of natural anti-inflammatory drugs.

Quantitative analysis of three bioactive components of Biancaea decapetala extracts in rat plasma and RAW264.7 cells using UPLC-MS/MS and its application to comparative pharmacokinetics in normal and diseased states

Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. (Fabaceae), traditionally utilized by the Hmong for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has its pharmacokinetic behavior under disease conditions largely unexplored. In view of this, a UPLC-MS/MS method was established for the determination of protosappanin B (PTB), protosappanin B-3-O-β-D-glucoside (PTD), and 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), key bioactive components of the herb, in rat plasma and RAW264.7 cells to explore the effect of disease state on the pharmacokinetic profiles changes of these three components in vitro and in vivo. These components were detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) process in positive and negative mode. Each calibration curve had a high R2 value of > 0.99. The intra- and inter-day precisions of PTD, PTB, 3-DSC were all < 15 %, and accuracy ranged from 85 % to 115 %. The RSD values pertaining to stability, recovery, matrix effect, and stability remained below 15.0 %. It was successfully applied for the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of these three components in rat plasma and RAW264.7 cells after administration of Biancaea decapetala extracts (BDE). In rat pharmacokinetic experiments, significant differences were observed in the AUC(0-t), MRT(0-t), and Clz/F values of PTD, PTB, 3-DSC between adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) and normal rats. In cellular pharmacokinetic experiments, comparison with the normal group revealed increased AUC(0-t) and MRT(0-t) for these three components in the LPS-induced inflammatory cell model, along with decreased Clz/F, which was consistent with in vivo experimental outcomes. These findings suggest an increased absorption rate and a decreased elimination rate of the three components of BDE in AA rats and inflammatory cells, indicating a potential alteration in the rate and extent of drug metabolism. This study provided a theoretical reference for further clarification of its pharmacodynamic basis.

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from Melodinus axillaris W.T.Wang exhibit anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Melodinus axillaris W.T.Wang has been widely used as an important medicine in China. In the folk of China, its whole plant has been used for fractures, rheumatic heart disease, testitis, hernia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia, etc. Despite its extensive use, there is a shortage of literature investigating the specific bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms responsible for their anti-inflammatory effects. This knowledge gap serves as the primary impetus for conducting this study, which aims to shed light on the previously unexplored therapeutic potential of M. axillaris.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the material basis and potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of M. axillaris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of M. axillaris using a systematic phytochemical method. The structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD calculation, and DP4+ analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract and compounds from M. axillaris were tested by an inflammation model of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB signaling pathways, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Eleven undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), axillines A-K (1-11), along with thirteen known analogs were isolated from M. axillaris. Compound 1 was the first representative of vincadine alkaloid with unprecedented 6/5/9/6/6 skeletons. Compounds 1-11 and ethanol extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Among them, compound 2 had the best activity of inhibiting NO release (IC50 = 3.7 ± 0.9 μM). Additionally, subsequent Western blot analysis revealed that 2 could significantly inhibit the up-regulation of NF-κB signaling pathways, iNOS, and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, thereby demonstrating its anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSION

This study provides support for the traditional use of M. axillaris in terms of its anti-inflammatory properties and highlights the potential of MIAs as promising candidates for further development as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Binding and Agonist Activities of Typical Glucocorticoids: Insights into Their Endocrine Disrupting Effects

Over the past decades, the synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) have been widely used in clinical practice and animal husbandry. Given the health hazard of these toxic residues in food, it is necessary to explore the detailed interaction mechanisms of typical GCs and their main target glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Hence, this work compared the GR binding and agonist activities of typical GCs. Fluorescence polarization assay showed that these GCs were potent ligands of GR. Their GR binding affinities were in the order of methylprednisolone>betamethasone≈prednisolone>dexamethasone, with IC50 values of 1.67, 2.94, 2.95, and 5.58 nM. Additionally, the limits of detection of dexamethasone, betamethasone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone were 0.32, 0.14, 0.19, and 0.09 μg/kg in fluorescence polarization assay. Reporter gene assay showed that these GCs induced GR transactivation in a dose-dependent manner, confirming their GR agonist activities. Among which, dexamethasone at the concentration of 100 nM produced a maximal induction of more than 11-fold over the blank control. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions played an important role in stabilizing the GC-GR-LBD complexes. In summary, this work might help to understand the GR-mediated endocrine disrupting effects of typical GCs.