The effects of astragaloside IV on gut microbiota and serum metabolism in a mice model of intracerebral hemorrhage

Astragaloside IV ameliorates Parkinson's disease by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB-dependent neuroinflammation

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a bioactive compound derived from Radix Astragali, a traditional Chinese herb widely used as a dietary supplement to enhance immune function. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that AS-IV exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of AS-IV on motor dysfunction, microglial polarization, and immune regulation mechanisms in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model. Our results showed that AS-IV (40 mg/kg) significantly improved motor function in PD mice, as evidenced by reduced descent time in the pole test, increased hanging score in the hanging test, increased stride lengths, and reduced paw angle in the gait test. Furthermore, AS-IV administration attenuated the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), promoted microglial polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), enhanced the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SNpc of PD mice. Mechanistically, AS-IV significantly downregulated the expression and phosphorylation levels of TLR4/p38 (JNK)/NF-κB pathway-related proteins, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), Phosphorylated-MKK3/6 (p-MKK3/6), Phosphorylated-mitogen-activated protein kinase 4/7 (p-MKK4/7), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), Phosphorylated-p38 (p-p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Phosphorylated-JNK (p-JNK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and Phosphorylated-NF-κB (p-NF-κB). To further validate the targeting effect of AS-IV, 1 mg/kg of LPS-EB Ultrapure was utilized as a specific TLR4 agonistwe to selectively activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway without triggering other inflammatory pathways, leading to elevated mRNA levels of TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and protein expression of TLR4, p-JNK, p-p38, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα in the SNpc of PD mice. Importantly, AS-IV pretreatment can't counteract these LPS-EB Ultrapure-triggered effects, demonstrating its dependence on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings indicate that AS-IV modulates microglial polarization and attenuates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thereby ameliorating motor dysfunction and neuronal loss in PD mice.

Targeting regulation of lipid metabolism with polysaccharide of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and the effective treatment of NAFLD has been listed as a key problem to be solved urgently in contemporary medicine. Polysaccharides in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have a wide range of pharmacological activities. A large number of preclinical studies have confirmed that TCM polysaccharides can interfere with the occurrence and development of NAFLD at multiple interrelated levels, such as improving lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, regulating oxidative stress, alleviating immune inflammatory response, and regulating intestinal microbiota, thus showing great potential as a new anti-NAFLD drug. This paper summarizes the prevention and treatment effect and mechanism of TCM polysaccharides on NAFLD, which provides a basis for the application of TCM polysaccharides in plant medicine and modern medicines, and provides a reference for promoting the development and utilization of TCM polysaccharide resources and the research and development of new drugs for NAFLD.

Astragaloside IV alleviated bone loss in mice with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis via modulating gut microbiota and fecal metabolism

Background

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the most potent components of Astragalus. It has been reported to promote bone formation and inhibit osteoclastogenesis, suggesting its potential as a candidate for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). The gut microbiota may play a crucial role in mediating the effects of AS-IV.

Objective

To investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the efficacy of AS-IV in treating PMOP.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, ovariectomy (OVX), and AS-IV-treated OVX group (80 mg/kg). Bone loss was evaluated using Micro-CT and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry assessed specific bone markers. Inflammatory levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intestinal barrier function was examined via colonic histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, while metabolomic profiling identified key metabolites. Correlation analysis was performed to explore relationships between differential bacteria, key metabolites, and bone loss.

Results

AS-IV improved the femur microarchitecture and modulated bone turnover in OVX mice. AS-IV treatment strengthened the intestinal barrier function and decreased gut permeability. This compound reduced colonic oxidative stress and serum and bone marrow inflammatory cytokine production. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that AS-IV modulated the gut microbiota composition, while metabolomic analysis showed its effects on pathways related to hormone biosynthesis, D-amino acid metabolism, and galactose metabolism.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the use of AS-IV for treating PMOP, highlighting the gut microbiota and its metabolites as key regulatory factors in AS-IV's therapeutic effects.

Saponins from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge Alleviated Neuronal Ferroptosis in Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating the NOX4/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system caused by loss of neuronal or myelin function, accompanied by ferroptosis. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (A. membranaceus) is one of China's homologous lists of medicines and food, and its active component saponins have neuroprotective effects. This study examines the mechanism of saponins from A. membranaceus (AS) in treating AD. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analyzed the composition of AS. Ferroptosis models were established to evaluate the anti-AD efficacy. As a result, AS treatment inhibited ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice by restoring iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation (LPO) balance in the brain, thereby improving cognitive impairment and pathological damage. Mechanistically, AS treatment reduced Fe2+, MDA, and ROS levels and enhanced protein levels of SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1, and FPN1. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) overexpression revealed that AS treatment inhibited NOX4, thereby reducing NOX4 stability and regulating the NOX4/Nrf2 pathway in erastin-injured HT22 cells and significantly alleviating ferroptosis. Therefore, AS inhibited ferroptosis and improved AD by rebuilding iron homeostasis and LPO balance in the brain. AS has the potential to be a promising candidate medicine for AD.

Panaxadiol Attenuates Brain Damage by Inhibiting Ferroptosis in a Rat Model of Cerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common subtype of hemorrhage stroke, with a high disability, morbidity and mortality rate globally. Panaxadiol (PD), a triterpenoid sapogenin monomer, is isolated from the roots of ginseng, which has shown a variety of biological properties, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and neuroprotection. However, its effect and mechanism on ICH were still unknown. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six group (n = 6), namely, sham, ICH, ICH + 5 mg/kg PD, ICH + 10 mg/kg PD, ICH + 20 mg/kg PD, and ICH + 10 mg/kg PD + 50 mg/kg vismodegib. Rats were treated with type IV collagenase to induce an in vivo model of ICH, and then intraperitoneally injected with PD (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg vismodegib (an inhibitor of hedgehog signal). The effect and potential mechanism of PD on ICH were explored by behavioral test, brain water content measurement, Evans blue detection, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, iron level examination, Prussian blue staining, western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. An increase in the mNSS (13.17 ± 1.17), and a decrease in the rotarod latency (40.67 ± 9.31), modified Garcia score (9.83 ± 1.47), forelimb use times (3.33 ± 0.82), left forepaw placements (29.90 ± 4.38) and left turns (17.34 ± 3.55) in ICH rats were reversed with the PD treatment (6.83 ± 0.75, 113.5 ± 11.95, 17.50 ± 1.87, 8.17 ± 0.98, 63.56 ± 9.84, and 42.13 ± 4.52 respectively). PD treatment reduced the brain water content (73.13 ± 3.16 vs. 86.82 ± 4.74), the level of Evans blue (2.14 ± 0.25 vs. 4.03 ± 0.20) and cerebral hemorrhage in ICH rats. Also, PD injection decreased the iron level (0.06 ± 0.005 vs. 0.17 ± 0.02) and the expression of ACSL4 (0.56 ± 0.07 vs. 1.23 ± 0.16), with the increased expression of GPX4 (1.14 ± 0.08 vs. 0.21 ± 0.03) in ICH rats. Mechanically, PD treatment restored the decreased expression of SHH (0.96 ± 0.13 vs. 0.20 ± 0.03), GLI1 (0.89 ± 0.13 vs. 0.06 ± 0.007) and PTCH (0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.10 ± 0.01) in ICH rats. Inhibition of SHH signaling by vismodegib reversed the ameliorative effect of PD on ICH rats. PD improved brain damage by suppressing ferroptosis via the activation of the SHH/GLI signaling pathway, which could lay a theoretical foundation for the treatment of ICH.

Astragaloside IV- loaded biomimetic nanoparticles target IκBα to regulate neutrophil extracellular trap formation for sepsis therapy

This study explored the novel mechanism of Astragaloside IV (As) in treating sepsis and its application through a biomimetic nano-delivery system (As@ZM). Sepsis, a condition of organ dysfunction caused by an abnormal host response to infection, poses a significant threat to global health due to its high mortality rate. Our findings revealed a new mechanism for As in treating sepsis, which involved the reduction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release, potentially related to As binding with IκBα to inhibit the activation of the NF-κB pathway. As treated neutrophils also improved the immune microenvironment by crosstalk with endothelial cells and lung epithelial cells. However, the stability and bioavailability of As limited its clinical application. To address this issue, we had developed a ZIF-8-based nano-delivery system that achieved targeted delivery through neutrophil membrane coating, significantly enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of As. The innovative design of As@ZM offered a new strategy for sepsis treatment, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

NLRP3 inflammasome and gut microbiota-brain axis: a new perspective on white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke, characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury. In recent decades, studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota-brain axis. This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury. The NACHT, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context. This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These mechanisms include metabolic pathways (involving short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, lactic acid, bile acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and tryptophan), neural pathways (such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve), and immune pathways (involving microglia and T cells). We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, inducing neuroinflammation, and interfering with nerve regeneration. Finally, we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury. Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota-brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage, paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.

Liangxue Tongyu Prescription exerts neuroprotection by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis of rats with acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Liangxue Tongyu Prescription (LTP) is a classic herbal formula for treating acute intracerebral hemorrhage (AICH) in China. Previous studies have shown that LTP significantly ameliorates neurological impairments and gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with AICH. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether LTP exerts its neuroprotective effect on AICH rats through the microbiota-gut-brain axis and explore its potential underlying mechanism. In the current study, AICH models were established by injecting autologous whole blood into the right caudate nucleus of rats. Behavioural and pathological evaluations demonstrated that LTP ameliorated neuronal and intestinal damage in AICH rats. Analysis via western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tunel staining indicated that LTP upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor(NGF) and reduced neuronal cell apoptosis. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that LTP mitigated dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in AICH rats. LTP increased the levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), glutamate (GLU) and modulated brain-gut peptides such as gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), ghrelin in AICH rats. Furthermore, LTP enhanced vagus nerve discharge. In summary, this research provides evidence suggesting that LTP's influence on AICH may involve modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, offering a potential scientific rationale for its therapeutic efficacy in improving outcomes of AICH.

Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology reveals the protective effect of astragaloside IV on alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant contributor to liver damage. However, the clinical options for the treatment of ALD are limited. Astragaloside IV (AST-IV) is a saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceus (AM). This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of action of AST-IV in ALD by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish a rat model of ALD. AST-IV and polyene phosphatidyl choline (PPC; a positive control drug) were administered to rats with ALD for 4 weeks. We measured the body weight, liver index, ALT, AST, TC, TG, inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA) and used H&E and ORO staining to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of both AST-IV and PPC on ALD. Subsequently, we performed untargeted metabolomics to predict the influence of AST-IV on lipid metabolism in rats with ALD. We then used a network pharmacology approach to identify the core targets through which AST-IV corrected lipid metabolism disorders and validated these targets through molecular docking, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Finally, we calculated the relationships between ALD-related biochemical markers, differential liver metabolites, and core targets using Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

AST-IV improved pathological damage and reduced lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes of rats with ALD. Furthermore, AST-IV inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats with ALD. The metabolomic results showed that AST-IV corrected hepatic lipid metabolism disorders by targeting linoleic acid, necrosis, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the core targets of AST-IV exerting the above effects were p-RIPK3, p-MLKL, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, PPARα, PCSK9. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between ALD-related serum biochemical indices, core targets, and liver differential metabolites.

CONCLUSION

AST-IV corrects the metabolic disorders of linoleic acid, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid, and alleviates necrosis in rats with ALD through the core targets p-RIPK3, p-MLKL, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, PPARα, and PCSK9. This study is the first to reveal the mechanism of ALD protection through AST-IV from the perspective of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Therefore, a novel target has been identified to exert protection against ALD. This study provides a reference for ALD treatment.

Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Colonic Adenomatous Polyps Development by Orchestrating Gut Bifidobacterium and Serum Metabolome

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural triterpenoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine. Previous studies have highlighted its benefits against carcinoma, but its interaction with the gut microbiota and effects on adenomatous polyps are not well understood. This present study investigates the effects of AS-IV on colonic adenomatous polyp (CAP) development in high-fat-diet (HFD) fed [Formula: see text] mice. [Formula: see text] mice were fed an HFD with or without AS-IV or Naringin for 8 weeks. The study assessed CAP proliferation and employed 16S DNA-sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to explore correlations between microbiome and metabolome in CAP development. AS-IV was more effective than Naringin in reducing CAP development, inhibiting colonic proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), tumor associated biomarkers (c-Myc, Cyclin D1), and Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins (Wnt3a, β-catenin). AS-IV also inhibited the proliferative capabilities of human colon cancer cells (HT29, HCT116, and SW620). Multiomics analysis revealed AS-IV increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and significantly modulated serum levels of certain metabolites including linoleate and 2-trans,6-trans-farnesal, which were significantly correlated with the number of CAP. Finally, the anti-adenoma efficacy of AS-IV alone was significantly suppressed post pseudoaseptic intervention in HFD-fed [Formula: see text] mice but could be reinstated following a combined with Bifidobacterium pseudolongum transplant. AS-IV attenuates CAP development in HFD-fed [Formula: see text] mice by regulating gut microbiota and metabolomics, impacting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway. This suggests a potential new strategy for the prevention of colorectal cancer, emphasizing the role of gut microbiota in AS-IV's antitumor effects.

Buyang huanwu decoction promotes remyelination via miR-760-3p/GPR17 axis after intracerebral hemorrhage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The repairment of myelin sheaths is crucial for mitigating neurological impairments of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the current research on remyelination processes in ICH remains limited. A representative traditional Chinese medicine, Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), shows a promising therapeutic strategy for ICH treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the pro-remyelination effects of BYHWD on ICH and explore the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The collagenase-induced mice ICH model was created for investigation. BYHWD's protective effects were assessed by behavioral tests and histological staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used for displaying the structure of myelin sheaths. The remyelination and oligodendrocyte differentiation were evaluated by the expressions of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP), MBP/TAU, Olig2/CC1, and PDGFRα/proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) through RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Transcriptomics integrated with disease database analysis and experiments in vivo and in vitro revealed the microRNA-related underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Here, we reported that BYHWD promoted the neurological function of ICH mice and improved remyelination by increasing PLP, MBP, and TAU, as well as restoring myelin structure. Besides, we showed that BYHWD promoted remyelination by boosting the differentiation of PDGFRα+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells into olig2+/CC1+ oligodendrocytes. Additionally, we demonstrated that the remyelination effects of BYHWD worked by inhibiting G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17). miRNA sequencing integrated with miRNA database prediction screened potential miRNAs targeting GPR17. By applying immunofluorescence, RNA in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, we confirmed that BYHWD suppressed GPR17 and improved remyelination by increasing miR-760-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

BYHWD improves remyelination and neurological function in ICH mice by targeting miR-760-3p to inhibit GPR17. This study may shed light on the orchestration of remyelination mechanisms after ICH, thus providing novel insights for developing innovative prescriptions with brain-protective properties.

Effects of Astragaloside IV on Hearing, Inflammatory Factors, and Intestinal Flora in Mice Exposed to Noise

Long-term exposure to noise can cause irreversible hearing loss. Considering that there is no effective drug treatment, it is important to seek preventive treatment for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although astragaloside IV (AS-IV) protects against NIHL by reducing serum inflammatory factors, there is scarce information on the regulation of inflammatory factors by AS-IV to prevent NIHL. We investigated the hearing thresholds and relationship between the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and intestinal microbiota of c57bl/6j mice exposed to noise (103 dB SPL 4 h·d-1) for 7 days, treated with or without AS-IV. Our results revealed a lower hearing threshold and lower serum levels of TNF-α, TNF-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ in the mice treated with AS-IV. Additionally, AS-IV increased the abundance levels of the phylum Firmicutes, class Bacillus, order Lactobacillus, and family Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), and decreased those of the phylum Bacteroidetes and order Bacteroidales (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus and Bacilli negatively correlated with TNF-α, TNF-γ, and IL-1β; Erysipelotrichaceae negatively correlated with INF-γ; and Clostridiales positively correlated with IL-1β. In conclusion, AS-IV reduces the elevation of hearing thresholds in mice, preventing hearing loss in mice exposed to noise, and under the intervention of AS-IV, changes in the levels of inflammatory factors correlate with intestinal flora. We suggest that AS-IV improves intestinal flora and reduces inflammation levels in c57bl/6j mice exposed to noise.