1
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Kadasah SF, Radwan MO. Overview of Ursolic Acid Potential for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, and Cancers via Nuclear Receptor Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 37893218 PMCID: PMC10604592 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) form a family of druggable transcription factors that are regulated by ligand binding to orchestrate multifaceted physiological functions, including reproduction, immunity, metabolism, and growth. NRs represent attractive and valid targets for the management and treatment of a vast array of ailments. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are ubiquitously distributed natural products in medicinal and aromatic plants, of which ursolic acid (UA) is an extensively studied member, due to its diverse bio-pertinent activities against different cancers, inflammation, aging, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver injury. In fact, PTs share a common lipophilic structure that resembles NRs' endogenous ligands. Herein, we present a review of the literature on UA's effect on NRs, showcasing the resulting health benefits and potential therapeutic outcomes. De facto, UA exhibited numerous pharmacodynamic effects on PPAR, LXR, FXR, and PXR, resulting in remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties, by lowering lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and mitigating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its subsequent liver fibrosis. Furthermore, UA reversed valproate and rifampicin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, UA showed great promise for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autoimmune arthritis by antagonizing RORγ. UA exhibited antiproliferative effects against skin, prostate, and breast cancers, partially via PPARα and RORγ pathways. Herein, for the first time, we explore and provide insights into UA bioactivity with respect to NR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan F. Kadasah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
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2
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Inhibition of α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Nitric Oxide Production by Phytochemicals Isolated from Millettia speciosa—In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030388. [PMID: 35161369 PMCID: PMC8840612 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The phytochemical constituents from the roots of Millettia speciosa were investigated by chromatographic isolation, and their chemical structures were characterized using the MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. A total of 10 compounds, including six triterpenoids, two flavonoids, and two phenolic compounds, were identified from the roots of M. speciosa. Out of the isolated compounds, eight showed inhibitory effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 43.9 to 449.5 µg/mL. Ursane-type triterpenes significantly suppressed NO production compared to the remaining compounds. In addition, these compounds also exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Among the tested compounds, 4, 5, and 10 exhibited excellent α-glucosidase inhibition, with IC50 values ranging from 1.1 to 2.2 µg/mL. Almost all of the test compounds showed little or no acetylcholinesterase inhibition, except for 5, which showed moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro. The molecular docking study of α-glucosidase inhibition by 3–5 and 10 was conducted to observe the interactions of these molecules with the enzyme. Compounds 4, 5, and 10 exhibited a better binding affinity toward the targeted receptor and the H-bond interactions located at the entrance of the enzyme active site pocket in comparison to those of 3 and the positive control acarbose. Our findings evidence the pharmacological potential of this species and suggest that the phytochemicals derived from the roots of M. speciosa may be promising lead molecules for further studies on the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetes drugs.
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3
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Rathor R, Suryakumar G, Singh SN. Diet and redox state in maintaining skeletal muscle health and performance at high altitude. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 174:305-320. [PMID: 34352371 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
High altitude exposure leads to compromised physical performance with considerable weight loss. The major stressor at high altitude is hypobaric hypoxia which leads to disturbance in redox homeostasis. Oxidative stress is a well-known trigger for many high altitude illnesses and regulates several key signaling pathways under stressful conditions. Altered redox homeostasis is considered the prime culprit of high altitude linked skeletal muscle atrophy. Hypobaric hypoxia disturbs redox homeostasis through increased RONS production and compromised antioxidant system. Increased RONS disturbs the cellular homeostasis via multiple ways such as inflammation generation, altered protein anabolic pathways, redox remodeling of RyR1 that contributed to dysregulated calcium homeostasis, enhanced protein degradation pathways via activation calcium-regulated protein, calpain, and apoptosis. Ultimately, all the cellular signaling pathways aggregately result in skeletal muscle atrophy. Dietary supplementation of phytochemicals could become a safe and effective intervention to ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy and enhance the physical performance of the personnel who are staying at high altitude regions. The present evidence-based review explores few dietary supplementations which regulate several signaling mechanisms and ameliorate hypobaric hypoxia induced muscle atrophy and enhances physical performance. However, a clinical research trial is required to establish proof-of-concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Rathor
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India.
| | - Geetha Suryakumar
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Som Nath Singh
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India
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4
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Qu Z, Zhou S, Li P, Liu C, Yuan B, Zhang S, Liu A. Natural products and skeletal muscle health. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 93:108619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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5
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Gómez-Pulido LDM, González-Cano RC, Domínguez E, Heredia A. Structure determination of oleanolic and ursolic acids: a combined density functional theory/vibrational spectroscopy methodology. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210162. [PMID: 34109042 PMCID: PMC8170201 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Raw samples of oleanolic and ursolic acids, a class of terpenoid acids mainly found in the leaf and fruit cuticles of some plant species, can be defined as a blend of clusters of different conformers aggregated in dimers and tetramers by means of hydrogen bonds and stabilized by non-electrostatic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz D. M. Gómez-Pulido
- IHSM La Mayora, Departamento de Mejora Genética y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rafael C. González-Cano
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Eva Domínguez
- IHSM La Mayora, Departamento de Mejora Genética y Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Heredia
- IHSM La Mayora, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
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6
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Sun Q, He M, Zhang M, Zeng S, Chen L, Zhou L, Xu H. Ursolic acid: A systematic review of its pharmacology, toxicity and rethink on its pharmacokinetics based on PK-PD model. Fitoterapia 2020; 147:104735. [PMID: 33010369 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound existing in various traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and it possesses diverse pharmacological actions and some undesirable adverse effects, even toxicological activities. Due to UA's low solubility and poor bioavailability, and its interaction with gut microbiota after oral administration, the pharmacokinetics of UA remain elusive, leading to obscurity in the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) profile and relationship for UA. Based on literatures from PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library, with keywords of "pharmacology", "toxicology", "pharmacokinetics", "PK-PD" and "ursolic acid", herein we systematically review the pharmacology and toxicity of UA, and rethink on its pharmacokinetics on the basis of PK-PD model, and seek to delineate the underlying mechanisms for the characteristics of pharmacology and toxicology of UA, and for the pharmacokinetic features of UA particularly from the organ tropism and the interactions between UA and gut microbiota, and lay a solid foundation for development of UA-derived therapeutic agents in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Man He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sha Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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7
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Zhang Y, Li X, Ciric B, Curtis MT, Chen WJ, Rostami A, Zhang GX. A dual effect of ursolic acid to the treatment of multiple sclerosis through both immunomodulation and direct remyelination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9082-9093. [PMID: 32253301 PMCID: PMC7183235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000208117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current multiple sclerosis (MS) medications are mainly immunomodulatory, having little or no effect on neuroregeneration of damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissue; they are thus primarily effective at the acute stage of disease, but much less so at the chronic stage. An MS therapy that has both immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative effects would be highly beneficial. Using multiple in vivo and in vitro strategies, in the present study we demonstrate that ursolic acid (UA), an antiinflammatory natural triterpenoid, also directly promotes oligodendrocyte maturation and CNS myelin repair. Oral treatment with UA significantly decreased disease severity and CNS inflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Importantly, remyelination and neural repair in the CNS were observed even after UA treatment was started on day 60 post immunization when EAE mice had full-blown demyelination and axonal damage. UA treatment also enhanced remyelination in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model in vivo and brain organotypic slice cultures ex vivo and promoted oligodendrocyte maturation in vitro, indicating a direct myelinating capacity. Mechanistically, UA induced promyelinating neurotrophic factor CNTF in astrocytes by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)/CREB signaling, as well as by up-regulation of myelin-related gene expression during oligodendrocyte maturation via PPARγ activation. Together, our findings demonstrate that UA has significant potential as an oral antiinflammatory and neural repair agent for MS, especially at the chronic-progressive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Bogoljub Ciric
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Mark T Curtis
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Wan-Jun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | | - Guang-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107;
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8
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Ebert SM, Al-Zougbi A, Bodine SC, Adams CM. Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Discovery of Mechanisms and Potential Therapies. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 34:232-239. [PMID: 31165685 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00003.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy proceeds through a complex molecular signaling network that is just beginning to be understood. Here, we discuss examples of recently identified molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and how they highlight an immense need and opportunity for focused biochemical investigations and further unbiased discovery work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Ebert
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa
| | - Asma Al-Zougbi
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sue C Bodine
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa
| | - Christopher M Adams
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa.,Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa
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9
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Nano-suspension of ursolic acid for improving oral bioavailability and attenuation of type II diabetes: A histopathological investigation. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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10
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Mu H, Liu H, Zhang J, Huang J, Zhu C, Lu Y, Shi Y, Wang Y. Ursolic acid prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in mice through eNOS activation and inhibition of eNOS uncoupling. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2174-2183. [PMID: 30609217 PMCID: PMC6378202 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the known antitumour effects of ursolic acid (UA), increasing evidence indicates that this molecule plays a role in cardiac protection. In this study, the effects of ursolic acid on the heart in mice treated with doxorubicin (DOX) were assessed. The results showed that ursolic acid improved left ventrical fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventrical ejection fraction (LVEF) of the heart, increased nitrogen oxide (NO) levels, inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased cardiac apoptosis in mice treated with doxorubicin. Mechanistically, ursolic acid increased AKT and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation levels, and enhanced eNOS expression, while inhibiting doxorubicin induced eNOS uncoupling through NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) down-regulation. These effects of ursolic acid resulted in heart protection from doxorubicin-induced injury. Therefore, ursolic acid may be considered a potential therapeutic agent for doxorubicin-associated cardiac toxicity in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiman Mu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
- Graduated School of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Haiwen Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Huang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
- Life Science Institute of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Chen Zhu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
- Graduated School of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Yue Lu
- Graduated School of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Yueping Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Yi Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
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11
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Waldbauer K, Seiringer G, Sykora C, Dirsch VM, Zehl M, Kopp B. Evaluation of Apricot, Bilberry, and Elderberry Pomace Constituents and Their Potential To Enhance the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Activity. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:10545-10553. [PMID: 30320246 PMCID: PMC6173479 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pomace, the press residue from different fruits accumulating as waste product in food industry, contains high amounts of secondary metabolites that could be utilized for health-related applications. This study aims at evaluating the potential of pomaces of apricot, bilberry, and elderberry to serve as a source for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-activating compounds. Five extracts obtained from the lyophilized pomace of apricot and elderberry with solvents of different polarity were found to enhance A23187-stimulated eNOS activity when tested at 50 μg/mL in an [14C]-l-arginine to [14C]-l-citrulline conversion assay in the human endothelium-derived cell line EA.hy926 (p < 0.05). The bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts obtained with methanol/water (70:30) led to several active fractions from apricot pomace (p < 0.05) and elderberry pomace (p < 0.01). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based chemical analysis of the extracts and active fractions pointed mainly to triterpenoic acids as active compounds. One particular dihydroxytriterpenoic acid, characteristic for elderberry, was enriched as the main compound in the two most active fractions and might serve as a promising lead structure for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Waldbauer
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Günter Seiringer
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Sykora
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena M. Dirsch
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Zehl
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Kopp
- Faculty
of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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12
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Sayeed MA, Bracci M, Lucarini G, Lazzarini R, Di Primio R, Santarelli L. Regulation of microRNA using promising dietary phytochemicals: Possible preventive and treatment option of malignant mesothelioma. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 94:1197-1224. [PMID: 28841784 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive, lethal cancer, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Development of multi-drug resistance, therapy related side-effects, and disease recurrence after therapy are the major problems for the successful treatment of MM. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary phytochemicals can exert anti-cancer activities by regulating microRNA expression. Until now, only one dietary phytochemical (ursolic acid) has been reported to have MM microRNA regulatory ability. A large number of dietary phytochemicals still remain to be tested. In this paper, we have introduced some dietary phytochemicals (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, genistein, pterostilbene, resveratrol, capsaicin, ellagic acid, benzyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, 3,3'-diindolylmethane, diallyl disulphide, betulinic acid, and oleanolic acid) which have shown microRNA regulatory activities in various cancers and could regulate MM microRNAs. In addition to microRNA regulatory activities, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, genistein, resveratrol, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and sulforaphane have anti-mesothelioma potentials, and pterostilbene, capsaicin, ellagic acid, benzyl isothiocyanate, indole-3-carbinol, 3,3'-diindolylmethane, diallyl disulphide, betulinic acid, and oleanolic acid have potentials to inhibit cancer by regulating the expression of various genes which are also known to be aberrant in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Sayeed
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy.
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lazzarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Primio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Lory Santarelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
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13
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Wang Y, He Z, Deng S. Ursolic acid reduces the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease imbalance in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:1663-74. [PMID: 27274199 PMCID: PMC4876798 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s103829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activators of PPARs, particularly PPARγ, may be effective neuroprotective drugs against inflammatory responses in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Ursolic acid (UA) may act as a PPARγ agonist and serve as an anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, we used a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model to examine how UA acts as a neuroprotective agent to modulate the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance. METHODS The middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model (occlusion for 2 hours followed by reperfusion for 48 hours) was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats. UA was administered intragastrically 0.5, 24, and 47 hours after reperfusion. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (a PPARγ antagonist) was intraperitoneally administered 1, 24.5, and 47.5 hours after reperfusion. Forty-eight hours after reperfusion, neurological deficits and infarct volume were estimated. The PPARγ level and the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The activation of MAPK signaling pathways was also assessed. RESULTS UA-treated (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) rats showed significant improvement in neurological deficit score, infarct volume, and the number of intact neurons compared with control rats (P<0.01). Both the PPARγ protein level and the percentage of PPARγ-positive cells were increased in the UA-treated groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the UA-treated groups exhibited reduced protein levels of MMP2, MMP9, and activated MAPKs (P<0.01) but an increased level of TIMP1 (P<0.01). UA exerted its protective effects in a dose-dependent manner. Co-treatment with UA and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether completely abolished the UA-induced changes in PPARγ expression; however UA continued to exert a significant but partial neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION UA can act as a PPARγ agonist to improve the metalloprotease/anti-metalloprotease balance, possibly by inhibiting the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby attenuating cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Therefore, UA may serve as a novel neuroprotective therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shumin Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Waldbauer K, Seiringer G, Nguyen DL, Winkler J, Blaschke M, McKinnon R, Urban E, Ladurner A, Dirsch VM, Zehl M, Kopp B. Triterpenoic Acids from Apple Pomace Enhance the Activity of the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:185-194. [PMID: 26682617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pomace is an easy-accessible raw material for the isolation of fruit-derived compounds. Fruit consumption is associated with health-promoting effects, such as the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Increased vascular nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, for example, due to an enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, could be one molecular mechanism mediating this effect. To identify compounds from apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) pomace that have the potential to amplify NO bioavailability via eNOS activation, a bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol/water (70:30) extract has been performed using the (14)C-L-arginine to (14)C-L-citrulline conversion assay (ACCA) in the human endothelium-derived cell line EA.hy926. Phytochemical characterization of the active fractions was performed using the spectrophotometric assessment of the total phenolic content, as well as TLC, HPLC-DAD-ELSD, and HPLC-MS analyses. Eleven triterpenoic acids, of which one is a newly discovered compound, were identified as the main constituents in the most active fraction, accompanied by only minor contents of phenolic compounds. When tested individually, none of the tested compounds exhibited significant eNOS activation. Nevertheless, cell stimulation with the reconstituted compound mixture restored eNOS activation, validating the potential of apple pomace as a source of bioactive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Waldbauer
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Günter Seiringer
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieu Linh Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Winkler
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Blaschke
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ruxandra McKinnon
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Urban
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angela Ladurner
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena M Dirsch
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Zehl
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Kopp
- Department of Pharmacognosy and ‡Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Ishii M, Nakahara T, Ikeuchi S, Nishimura M. β-Amyrin induces angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells through the Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 467:676-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Wu TC, Chan JS, Lee CY, Leu HB, Huang PH, Chen JS, Lin SJ, Chen JW. Rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, improves neovascularization in the ischemic hindlimb of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2015; 14:81. [PMID: 26077117 PMCID: PMC4473833 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-015-0243-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Factor Xa inhibitor is used for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients receiving orthopedic operation. However, the role of factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban, in angiogenesis is still unknown. Methods and results Streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic mice with model of hind-limb ischemia, were divided into non-diabetic control, diabetic control, and low- and high-dose rivaroxaban treatment groups, in order to evaluate the effect of rivaroxaban in angiogenesis. Doppler perfusion imaging showed that blood flow recovery was significantly increased, and more capillary density occurred in the rivaroxaban treatment group. In vitro studies, human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) treated with rivaroxaban had significant functional improvement in migration and senescence under hyperglycemic conditions. Rivaroxaban also increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions in hyperglycemia-stimulated EPCs. Conclusions Rivaroxaban promoted vessel formation in diabetic mice and improved endothelial progenitor cell function under hyperglycemic conditions. These effects may be associated with enhancement of expression of eNOS and VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Cheng Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jenq-Shyong Chan
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Yang Lee
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Healthcare and Management Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Bang Leu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Healthcare and Management Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Shiong Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Jong Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan ROC
| | - Jaw-Wen Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan ROC. .,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Zhou Z, Tong HHY, Li L, Shek FLY, Lv Y, Zheng Y. Synthesis, characterization and thermal analysis of ursolic acid solid forms. CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/crat.201500034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR; China
| | - Henry H. Y. Tong
- School of Health Sciences; Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao SAR; China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Fanny L. Y. Shek
- Material Characterization and Preparation Facility; Hong Kong Uni versity of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR; China
| | - Yang Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Institute of Materia Medica; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR; China
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18
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Adams CM, Ebert SM, Dyle MC. Use of mRNA expression signatures to discover small molecule inhibitors of skeletal muscle atrophy. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2015; 18:263-8. [PMID: 25807353 PMCID: PMC5512448 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Here, we discuss a recently developed experimental strategy for discovering small molecules with potential to prevent and treat skeletal muscle atrophy. RECENT FINDINGS Muscle atrophy involves and requires widespread changes in skeletal muscle gene expression, which generate complex but measurable patterns of positive and negative changes in skeletal muscle mRNA levels (a.k.a. mRNA expression signatures of muscle atrophy). Many bioactive small molecules generate their own characteristic mRNA expression signatures, and by identifying small molecules whose signatures approximate mirror images of muscle atrophy signatures, one may identify small molecules with potential to prevent and/or reverse muscle atrophy. Unlike a conventional drug discovery approach, this strategy does not rely on a predefined molecular target but rather exploits the complexity of muscle atrophy to identify small molecules that counter the entire spectrum of pathological changes in atrophic muscle. We discuss how this strategy has been used to identify two natural compounds, ursolic acid and tomatidine, that reduce muscle atrophy and improve skeletal muscle function. SUMMARY Discovery strategies based on mRNA expression signatures can elucidate new approaches for preserving and restoring muscle mass and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Adams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City
- Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa, USA
| | - Scott M. Ebert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael C. Dyle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
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19
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Yoon JH, Youn K, Ho CT, Karwe MV, Jeong WS, Jun M. p-Coumaric acid and ursolic acid from Corni fructus attenuated β-amyloid(25-35)-induced toxicity through regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in PC12 cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:4911-6. [PMID: 24815946 DOI: 10.1021/jf501314g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory responses induced by amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) are important causes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blockade of Aβ has emerged as a possible therapeutic approach to control the onset of AD. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) and ursolic acid (UA) from Corni fructus against Aβ(25-35)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. p-CA and UA significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in Aβ(25-35)-injured PC12 cells. Blockade of nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of IκB-α was also observed after p-CA and UA treatment. For the upstream kinases, UA exclusively reduced ERK1/2, p-38, and JNK phosphorylation, but p-CA suppressed ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation. Both compounds comprehensively inhibited NF-κB activity, but possibly with different upstream pathways. The results provide new insight into the pharmacological modes of p-CA and UA and their potential therapeutic application to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University , Busan 604-714, Korea
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20
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Xu T, Wang X, Zhong B, Nurieva RI, Ding S, Dong C. Ursolic acid suppresses interleukin-17 (IL-17) production by selectively antagonizing the function of RORgamma t protein. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:22707-10. [PMID: 21566134 PMCID: PMC3123037 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.c111.250407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells have recently emerged as a major player in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases via the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-17F, and IL-22. The differentiation of Th17 cells and the associated cytokine production is directly controlled by RORγt. Here we show that ursolic acid (UA), a small molecule present in herbal medicine, selectively and effectively inhibits the function of RORγt, resulting in greatly decreased IL-17 expression in both developing and differentiated Th17 cells. In addition, treatment with UA ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The results thus suggest UA as a valuable drug candidate or leading compound for developing treatments of Th17-mediated inflammatory diseases and cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cell Line
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Humans
- Interleukin-17/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Mice
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Th17 Cells/metabolism
- Triterpenes/pharmacology
- Ursolic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- From the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158 and
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- the Department of Immunology and Center for Inflammation and Cancer, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Bo Zhong
- the Department of Immunology and Center for Inflammation and Cancer, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Roza I. Nurieva
- the Department of Immunology and Center for Inflammation and Cancer, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sheng Ding
- From the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158 and
| | - Chen Dong
- the Department of Immunology and Center for Inflammation and Cancer, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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