Buyang Huanwu Decoction ameliorates ischemic stroke by modulating multiple targets with multiple components: In vitro evidences

Sodium formononetin-3'-sulphonate alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Sodium formononetin-3'-sulphonate (Sul-F) may alleviate I/R injury in vivo with uncertain mechanism. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis participates in the process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our aim is to figure out the effect of Sul-F on cerebral I/R injury and to verify whether it works through suppressing ER stress-mediated apoptosis.

RESULTS

The cerebral lesions of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in SD rats were aggravated after 24 h of reperfusion, including impaired neurological function, increased infarct volume, intensified inflammatory response and poor cell morphology. After intervention, the edaravone (EDA, 3 mg/kg) group and Sul-F high-dose (Sul-F-H, 80 mg/kg) group significantly alleviated I/R injury via decreasing neurological score, infarct volume and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), as well as alleviating pathological injury. Furthermore, the ER stress level and apoptosis rate were elevated in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO group, and were significantly blocked by EDA and Sul-F-H. In addition, EDA and Sul-F-H significantly down-regulated the ER stress related PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 and IRE1 signal pathways, which led to reduced cell apoptosis rate compared with the MCAO group. Furthermore, there was no difference between the EDA and Sul-F-H group in terms of therapeutic effect on cerebral I/R injury, indicating a therapeutic potential of Sul-F for ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Sul-F-H can significantly protects against cerebral I/R injury through inhibiting ER stress-mediated apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra, which might be a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

A New Therapeutic Trend: Natural Medicine for Ameliorating Ischemic Stroke via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute cerebrovascular disease caused by sudden arterial occlusion, which is characterized by a high morbidity, mortality, and disability rate. It is one of the most important causes of nervous system morbidity and mortality in the world. In recent years, the search for new medicine for the treatment of IS has become an attractive research focus. Due to the extremely limited time window of traditional medicine treatment, some side effects may occur, and accompanied by the occurrence of adverse reactions, the frequency of exploration with natural medicine is significantly increased. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway is a classical pathway for cell metabolism, growth, apoptosis, and other physiological activities. There is considerable research on medicine that treats various diseases through this pathway. This review focuses on how natural medicines (including herbs and insects) regulate important pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the role it plays in improving IS. We found that many kinds of herbal medicine and insect medicine can alleviate the damage caused by IS through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, the prescription after their combination can also achieve certain results. Therefore, this review provides a new candidate category for medicine development in the treatment of IS.

Anti-Candida albicans Activity of Ononin and Other Secondary Metabolites from Platonia Insignis MART

Candida albicans is a human pathogen that is part of the healthy microbiome. However, it is often associated with opportunistic fungal infections. The treatment of these infections is challenging because prolonged exposure to antifungal drugs can culminate in fungal resistance during therapy, and there is a limited number of available drugs. Therefore, this study investigated the antifungal activity of ononin by in silico and in vitro assays, and in Tenebrio molitor as an alternative in vivo model of infection caused by C. albicans. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside derived from formononetin that has various biological activities. According in silico evaluation, ononin showed the best electron affinity in molecular docking with CaCYP51, with a binding free energy of -10.89 kcal/mol, superior to that of the antifungal drugs fluconazole and posaconazole. The ononin + CaCYP51 complex formed hydrogen bonds with Tyr132, Ser378, Phe380, and Met508, as well as hydrophobic connections with Tyr118, Leu121, Phe126, Leu131, Ile304, and Leu309, and interactions with the heme group. Ononin exerted anti-Candida albicans activity, with MIC between 3.9 and 7.8 µg/mL, and inhibited young and mature biofilms, with a reduction in cell density and metabolic activity of 50 to 80%. The compound was not cytotoxic to sheep red blood cells at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. Larvae of the mealworm T. molitor were used as an alternative in vivo model of C. albicans infection. Ononin was able to prolong larval survival at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg, and was not toxic up to a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, ononin reduced the fungal charge in treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that ononin has anti-Candida albicans activity and is a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.

The Combination of Individual Herb of Mi-Jian-Chang-Pu Formula Exerts a Synergistic Effect in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in Rats

Mi-Jian-Chang-Pu formula (MJCPF), composed of Crocus sativus L. and Acorus tatarinowii Schott, is a well-known TCM for treatment of hemiplegia, facial paralysis as well as language dysfunction caused by stroke both in ancient and modern times. By using pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolomics, our present study discusses whether the combination of individual herbs or major active components of MJCPF possess synergistic neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke (IS). 108 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into 9 groups, including sham group (N, vehicle), middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model group (M, vehicle), positive group (P, 36 mg/kg/day nimodipine), crocin I (A1, 40 mg/kg/day), β-asarone (B1, 15 mg/kg/day), crocin I + β-asarone (A1B1, 55 mg/kg/day), C. sativus (A, 580 mg/kg/day), A. tatarinowii (B, 480 mg/kg/day), and C. sativus + A. tatarinowii, also named MJCPF (AB, 1060 mg/kg/day) groups. All drugs were orally administered to rats once a day for 14 consecutive days. Neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct volume, body weight change, TTC, HE and IHC staining, behavioral evaluation, metabolic profiles, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. MCAO led to severe brain damage including large infarct volume, more severe brain tissue injury, and worse neurological function as compared to the sham rats. All treatment groups showed a significant neuroprotective effect on MCAO rats. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamics' results demonstrated that MJCPF had a synergistic effect evidenced by small infarct volume, more regular arrangement of neuronal cells, and more improved neural function, and the levels of inflammatory factors were closer to normality. A total of 53 differential metabolites between MCAO and sham groups were screened by integration of serum and brain metabolisms, all of which were restored at varying degrees in treatment. PCA and PLS-DA analysis showed that the levels of differential metabolites treated with MJCPF were closer to the sham group than the individual herb and single compound alone or A1B1 combination. The pharmacokinetic parameters further verified the above results that MJCPF could synergistically promote drug absorption greater than others. Our integrated pharmacodynamics, metabolomics, and pharmacokinetic approach reveals the synergistic effect of MJCPF on treatment of IS, which powerfully contribute to the understanding of scientific connotation of TMC formula.

Experimental Evidence of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Related Modern Preparations (Naoxintong Capsule and Yangyin Tongnao Granule) in Treating Cerebral Ischemia: Intestinal Microorganisms and Transcriptomics in Rats

Background

The traditional Chinese medicines of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHW), Naoxintong capsule (NXT), and Yangyin Tongnao granules (YYTN) have excellent effects in preventing and treating cerebrovascular disease and are widely tolerated by patients. However, their effects on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) remain unknown.

Methods

We evaluated gut microbiota alterations, the brain transcriptome, and nerve cell responses in rats with MCAO.

Results

Our results showed that BYHW, NXT, and YYTN not only effectively improved the damaged state of blood vessels in rats and restored nerve function, but also improved survival. Additional experiments showed that treatment with BYHW, NXT, and YYTN regulated the intestinal microflora. Transcriptome analyses showed that BYHW, NXT, and YYTN modulated the transcriptome of rats with MCAO. The common mechanism of the three prescriptions for the treatment of cerebral ischemia may be related to the intestinal flora regulation of 60S ribosomal protein L18 (Rpl18), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit, Ras homolog family member C, G protein subunit gamma 13 (Gng13), and Gng10 genes, among which Rpl18 is the most important. In addition, the three prescriptions had great specificity as anticerebral ischemia targets. Moreover, BYHW, NXT, and YYTN mitigated MCAO-induced hyperactivation of microglia and astrocytes.

Conclusion

This study provides a foundation for further research on the mechanisms and treatment of IS. The results strongly suggest that key gut microbiota can be used to study functional genomics of brain, leading to novel discoveries about key genes involved in important biological processes.

Therapeutic targets by traditional Chinese medicine for ischemia-reperfusion injury induced apoptosis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a significant role in treating and preventing human diseases. Ischemic heart and cerebrovascular injuries are two types of diseases with different clinical manifestations with high prevalence and incidence. In recent years, it has been reported that many TCM has beneficial effects on ischemic diseases through the inhibition of apoptosis, which is the key target to treat myocardial and cerebral ischemia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms of various TCMs in treating ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through anti-apoptotic targets and pathways. However, clinical investigations into elucidating the pharmacodynamic ingredients of TCM are still lacking, which should be further demystified in the future. Overall, the inhibition of apoptosis by TCM may be an effective strategy for treating ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

Therapeutic Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on the Gut Microbiota and Hippocampal Metabolism in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a well-known Chinese herbal prescription. It has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia (CI) in China. However, the mechanism underlying the treatment of CI with BHD remains to be elucidated. In this study, we combined microbiomic and metabolomic strategies to explore the therapeutic effects of BHD on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Our results showed that BHD could effectively improve neurological severity scores and alleviate neuronal damage in rats with MCAO. BHD could also reduce the level of peripheral proinflammatory cytokines and inhibit neuroinflammation. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BHD could increase the relative abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, etc., while decreasing the relative abundances of the genera Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Coprococcus_2, Enterococcus, etc. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of hippocampal samples showed that 17 significantly differentially abundant metabolites and 9 enriched metabolic pathways were linked with BHD treatment. We also found that the regulatory effects of BHD on metabolites were correlated with the differentially abundant microbial taxa. The predicted function of the gut microbiota and the metabolic pathway enrichment results showed that purine metabolism, glutamatergic synapses, arginine and proline metabolism, and alanine, aspartic acid and glutamate metabolism were involved in the effects of BHD. These pathways may be related to pathological processes such as excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and energy metabolism disorder in CI. In summary, these findings suggest that regulation of hippocampal metabolism and of the composition and function of the gut microbiota may be important mechanisms underlying the effect of BHD in the treatment of CI.

Inhibition of Oxidative Stress: An Important Molecular Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Astragalus membranaceus, Carthamus tinctorius L., Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae, etc.) in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke by Regulating the Antioxidant System

Ischemic stroke is a severe cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and morbidity. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been utilized for thousands of years in China and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world, especially for the treatments of ischemic stroke. More and more evidences have implicated that oxidative stress has been closely related with ischemic stroke. This review will concentrate on the evidence of the action mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine and its active ingredient in preventing ischemic stroke by modulating redox signaling and oxidative stress pathways and providing references for clinical treatment and scientific research applications.

Major Chemical Compounds and Mineral Elements of Astragalus membranaceus Cultivated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with Different Planting Densities

Astragalus membranaceus is a well-known herb that is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, its commercial development has been limited due to wild resource shortages. This study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 to assess the effect of planting density on the major chemical compounds and mineral elements and biomass yield of A. membranaceus. The biomass yield (7,700.956 kg) reached the maximum at M2 planting density in 2018. In 2019, astragaloside IV reached its maximum concentration (0.117 %) at M2 group, which was significantly different from the concentrations obtained at the other groups. Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (0.062 %) reach its maximum concentration in 2019 at M5, but not significant with M2. The concentration of major chemical compounds among the five groups in 2018 and 2019 all conformed to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards. In 2018, the mineral elements (Al, Ba, Fe, Li and Mn) content was higher at M2 than other groups. However, a general decrease in the mineral elements content was observed at M2 group in 2019. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that the enrichment capacity was highest for phosphorus. In conclusion, according to the TOPSIS results, M2 planting density was recommended as the optimal application. For optimal economic benefits, A. membranaceus should be harvested when it is 2 years old.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction promotes neurogenesis via sirtuin 1/autophagy pathway in a cerebral ischemia model

Stroke is one of the main causes of disease-related mortality worldwide. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) has been used to protect against stroke and stroke-induced disability for several years in China. Studies have shown that BHD can relieve neuronal damage in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the mechanism remains unclear. A middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO-R) model was used in the present study. The animals were treated with BHD (5, 10 and 20 g/kg) or rapamycin. Infarct size and modified neurological severity score were calculated on day 5 following MCAO-R surgery. Cellular changes around the ischemic penumbra were revealed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. The protein expression levels of nestin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin on the X chromosome (DCX) and autophagy-related proteins (beclin 1, LC3-II and p62) in the peri-ischemic area of the brain were detected. The results demonstrated that post-surgical treatment with BHD reduced the brain infarct size and improved neurological deficits in MCAO-R rats. BHD protected against MCAO-R-induced neuronal impairment and promoted neurogenesis, increased the protein expression of nestin, BDNF and DCX and markedly enhanced autophagy by increasing beclin 1 and LC3-II and decreasing p62. Meanwhile, BHD promoted the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an important regulator of autophagy. In conclusion, the present study suggested that post-surgical treatment with BHD could protect rat brains from I/R injury, potentially through the SIRT1/autophagy pathway.

Network pharmacology-based prediction of the active compounds and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction for ischemic stroke

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is used to promote blood circulation and is widely used in Chinese clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of ischemic cerebral vascular diseases. However, the mechanism and active compounds of BYHWD used to treat ischemic stroke are not well understood. The current study aimed to identify the potential active components of BYHWD and explore its mechanism using network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses. The compounds of BYHWD were obtained from public databases. Oral bioavailability and drug-likeness were screened using the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) criteria. Components of BYHWD, alongside the candidate targets of each component and the known therapeutic targets of ischemic stroke were collected. A network of target gene compounds and cerebral ischemia compounds was established using network pharmacology data sources. The enrichment of key targets and pathways was analyzed using STRING and DAVID databases. Moreover, three of key targets [IL6, VEGFA and hypoxia-inducible-factor-1α (HIF-1α)] were verified using western blot analysis. Network analysis determined 102 compounds in seven herbal medicines that were subjected to ADME screening. A total of 42 compounds as well as 79 genes formed the principal pathways associated with ischemic stroke. The 16 key compounds identified were baicalein, beta-carotene, baicalin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, isorhamnetin, bifendate, formononetin, calycosin, astragaloside IV, stigmasterol, sitosterol, Z-ligustilide, and dihydrocapsaicin. The core genes in this network were IL6, TNF, VEGFA, HIF-1α, MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, STAT3, IL1B and IL10. Furthermore, the TNF, IL17, apoptosis, PI3K-Akt, toll-like receptor, MAPK, NF-κB and HIF-1 signaling pathways were identified to be associated with ischemic stroke. Compared with the control group (no treatment), BYHWD significantly inhibited the expression of IL6 and increase the expression of HIF-1α and VEGFA. Network pharmacology analyses can help to reveal close interactions between multi-components and multi-targets and enhance understanding of the potential effects of BYHWD on ischemic stroke.

Exploring the Oxidative Stress Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in Intervention of Vascular Dementia Based on Systems Biology Strategy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the oxidative stress mechanism of modified Buyang Huanwu decoction (MBHD) in intervention of vascular dementia (VD) based on systems biology strategy.

METHODS

In this study, through the reverse virtual target prediction technology and transcriptomics integration strategy, the active ingredients and potential targets of MBHD treatment of VD were analyzed, and the drug-disease protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Then, bioinformatics analysis methods are used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, and finally find the core biological process. After that, in animal models, low-throughput technology is used to detect gene expression and protein expression of key molecular targets in oxidative stress-mediated inflammation and apoptosis signaling pathways to verify the mechanism of MBHD treatment of VD rats. Finally, the potential interaction relationship between MBHD and VD-related molecules is further explored through molecular docking technology.

RESULTS

There are a total of 54 MBHD components, 252 potential targets, and 360 VD genes. The results of GO enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis showed that MBHD may regulate neuronal apoptosis, nitric oxide synthesis and metabolism, platelet activation, NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, etc. Among them, SIRT1, NF-κB, BAX, BCL-2, CASP3, and APP may be important targets for MBHD to treat VD. Low-throughput technology (qRT-PCR/WB/immunohistochemical technology) detects oxidative stress-mediated inflammation and apoptosis-related signaling pathway molecules. The molecular docking results showed that 64474-51-7, cycloartenol, ferulic acid, formononetin, kaempferol, liquiritigenin, senkyunone, wallichilide, xanthinin, and other molecules can directly interact with NF-κB p65, BAX, BCL-2, and CASP3.

CONCLUSION

The active compounds of MBHD interact with multiple targets and multiple pathways in a synergistic manner, and have important therapeutic effects on VD mainly by balancing oxidative stress/anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic, enhancing metabolism, and enhancing the immune system.

Global Profiling and Structural Characterization of Metabolites of Ononin Using HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn After Oral Administration to Rats

Ononin is a bioactive isoflavone of legumes. To explore the "effective forms" of ononin, its metabolites were characterized using HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ after oral administration to rats. Metabolites (106), including 94 new metabolites, were characterized, which contained 17 phase I, 23 hydroxylated and methylated, 54 sulfated, 10 glucuronidated, and 2 sulfated and glucuronidated metabolites. Six hydroxylated metabolites of formononetin (aglycone of ononin) were simultaneously detected for the first time. Twenty-three hydroxylated and methylated metabolites were the new metabolites of ononin, and the number of hydroxylation and methylation was 1-3 and 1-2. Twenty metabolites have ononin-related bioactivities, and many metabolites have the same bioactivities. Their probable mechanisms of action may be additive and/or synergistic effects, especially because of the addition of the blood concentrations of these compounds. The results provide a foundation for a better understanding of the "effective forms" of ononin.

Astragaloside and/or Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Cultured Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cell Death through Downregulation of PHLPP-1

The incidence of ischemic stroke, a life-threatening condition in humans, amongst Asians is high and the prognosis is poor. In the absence of effective therapeutics, traditional Chinese medicines have been used that have shown promising results. It is crucial to identify traditional Chinese medicine formulas that protect the blood-brain barrier, which is damaged by an ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to elucidate such formulas. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were used to establish an in vitro ischemia-reperfusion model for oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) experiments to evaluate the function of two traditional Chinese medicines, namely, astragaloside (AS-IV) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), in protecting against BMEC. Our results revealed that AS-IV and HSYA attenuated the cell loss caused by OGD by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. In addition, these compounds promoted the migration and invasion of BMECs in vitro. Furthermore, we found that BMECs rescued by AS-IV and HSYA could be functionally activated in vitro, with AS-IV and HSYA showing synergetic effects in rescuing BMECs survival in vitro by reducing the expression of PHLPP-1 and activating Akt signaling. Our results elucidated the potential of AS-IV and HSYA in the prevention and treatment of stroke by protecting against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Investigation of Invigorating Qi and Activating Blood Circulation Prescriptions in Treating Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome of Ischemic Stroke Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Ischemic stroke (IS) is characterized by high morbidity and high mortality. The integration of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine has shown promising benefits in relieving symptoms, promoting neurological recovery, and improving the quality of life of patients with IS. In TCM, Qi-deficiency along with blood-stasis (QDBS) syndrome is one of the common types of IS that is treated by invigorating Qi and activating blood circulation. In TCM theory, improving the corresponding degree of prescription-syndrome correlation (PSC) is helpful to improve clinical efficacy. In this study, we intend to use similar prescriptions that invigorate Qi and activate blood circulation: Buyang Huanwu granules (BHG), Naoxintong capsules (NXTC), and Yangyin Tongnao granules (YTG). The goal is to evaluate their level of PSC inpatients with IS with QDBS syndrome and find relevant biomarkers to provide an objective basis for precise treatment of TCM and improve the clinical therapeutic effects. A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled intervention trial will be conducted in IS patients with QDBS syndrome, followed by an add-on of Chinese patent medicine. A total of 160 subjects will be randomly assigned to the BHG, NXTC, YTG, and placebo groups in a 1:2:1:1 allocation ratio. All subjects will undergo 28 days of treatment and then followed for another 180 days. The primary outcome is the changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after 28 days of medication. The secondary outcomes include the modified Rankin scale score, activity of daily living scale score, and TCM symptom score. Data will be analyzed in accordance with a predefined statistical analysis plan. Ethical approval of this trial has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ID: 2017-Y-004-02). Written informed consent of patients will be required. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015189), and the results will be disseminated to the public through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside Attenuates OGD/R-Induced Damage by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α Pathway in HT22 Cells

Neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a major pathological process that occurs after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CG) is a representative component of isoflavones in Radix Astragali (RA). Previous studies have shown that CG has potential neuroprotective effects. However, whether CG alleviates neuronal apoptosis through antioxidant stress after ischemia-reperfusion remains unknown. To investigate the positive effects of CG on oxidative stress and apoptosis of neurons, we simulated the ischemia-reperfusion process in vitro using an immortalized hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. CG significantly improved cell viability and reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. In addition, CG treatment upregulated the expression of SIRT1, FOXO1, PGC-1α, and Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression of Bax. In summary, our findings indicate that CG alleviates OGD/R-induced damage via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Thus, CG maybe a promising therapeutic candidate for brain injury associated with ischemic stroke.

Metabolites of Medicarpin and Their Distributions in Rats

Medicarpin is a bioactive pterocarpan that has been attracting increasing attention in recent years. However, its metabolic fate in vivo is still unknown. To clarify its metabolism and the distribution of its metabolites in rats after oral administration, the HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ technique was used. A total of 165 new metabolites (13 phase I and 152 phase II metabolites) were tentatively identified, and 104, 29, 38, 41, 74, 28, 24, 15, 42, 8, 10, 3, and 17 metabolites were identified in urine, feces, plasma, the colon, intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart, brain, and thymus, respectively. Metabolic reactions included demethylation, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, glycosylation, and vitamin C conjugation. M1 (medicarpin glucuronide), M5 (vestitol-1'-O-glucuronide) were distributed to 10 organs, and M1 was the most abundant metabolite in seven organs. Moreover, we found that isomerization of medicarpin must occur in vivo. At least 93 metabolites were regarded as potential new compounds by retrieving information from the Scifinder database. This is the first detailed report on the metabolism of ptercarpans in animals, which will help to deepen the understanding of the metabolism characteristics of medicarpin in vivo and provide a solid basis for further studies on the metabolism of other pterocarpans in animals.

The Role of Astragaloside IV against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Suppression of Apoptosis via Promotion of P62-LC3-Autophagy

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) caused by ischemic stroke treatments leads to brain injury, and autophagy plays a role in the pathology. Astragaloside IV is a potential neuroprotectant, but its underlying mechanism on cerebral I/R injury needs to be explored. The objective of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of Astragaloside IV against cerebral I/R injury. Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion method (MCAO) and oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) method were used to simulate cerebral I/R injury in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and HT22 cells, respectively. The neurological score, 2,3,5-Triphe-nyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and transmission electron microscope were used to detect cerebral damage in SD rats. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assay were tested in vitro. Fluorescent staining and flow cytometry were applied to detect the level of apoptosis. Western blotting was conducted to examine the expression of proteins associated with autophagy. Results: This study found that Astragaloside IV could decrease the neurological score, reduce the infarct volume in the brain, and alleviate cerebral I/R injury in MCAO rats. Astragaloside IV promoted cell viability and balanced Bcl-2 and Bax expression in vitro, reduced the rate of apoptosis, decreased the expression of P62, and increased the expression of LC3II/LC3I in HT22 cells after OGD/R. Conclusions: These data suggested that Astragaloside IV plays a neuroprotective role by down-regulating apoptosis by promoting the degree of autophagy.