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Liu CM, Shao Z, Chen X, Chen H, Su M, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Zhang P, An L, Jiang Y, Ouyang AJ. Neferine attenuates development of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice by regulating androgen and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:1219-1228. [PMID: 37293563 PMCID: PMC10244910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urinary disease among the elderly, characterized by abnormal prostatic cell proliferation. Neferine is a dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Nelumbo nucifera and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-prostate cancer effects. The beneficial therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of neferine in BPH remain unclear. A mouse model of BPH was generated by subcutaneous injection of 7.5 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP) and 2 or 5 mg/kg neferine was given orally for 14 or 28 days. Pathological and morphological characteristics were evaluated. Prostate weight, prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio), expression of type Ⅱ 5α-reductase, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen were all decreased in prostate tissue of BPH mice after administration of neferine. Neferine also downregulated the expression of pro-caspase-3, uncleaved PARP, TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor Ⅱ (TGFBR2), p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin. Expression of E-cadherin, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 was increased by neferine treatment. 1-100 μM neferine with 1 μM testosterone or 10 nM TGF-β1 were added to the culture medium of the normal human prostate stroma cell line, WPMY-1, for 24 h or 48 h. Neferine inhibited cell growth and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in testosterone-treated WPMY-1 cells and regulated the expression of androgen signaling pathway proteins and those related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, TGF-β1, TGFBR2 and p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased but E-cadherin was decreased after 24 h TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine reversed the effects of TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine appeared to suppress prostate growth by regulating the EMT, AR and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in the prostate and is suggested as a potential agent for BPH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ming Liu
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZiChen Shao
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - XuZhou Chen
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - HanWu Chen
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - MengQiao Su
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZiWen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZhengPing Wu
- School of Aesthetic Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - LiJie An
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - YinJie Jiang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ai-Jun Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Wang X, Wei Z, Hu P, Xia W, Liao Z, Assani I, Yang G, Pan Y. Optimization of Neferine Purification Based on Response Surface Methodology and Its Anti-Metastasis Mechanism on HepG2 Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:5086. [PMID: 37446748 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer continues to be a focus of scientific research due to its low five-year survival rate. One of its main core issues is the high metastasis of cells, for which there is no effective treatment. Neferine was originally isolated from Plumula nelumbinis and demonstrated to have a good antitumor effect. In order to extract high-purity Neferine in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the isolation and purification procedures in this study. The extract conditions of a 7:3 ratio for the eluent of dichloromethane: methanol, 1:60 for the mass ratio of the extract amount: silica gel, and 3 mL/min of the elution flow rate were shown to be the optimal conditions. These conditions resulted in the highest yield of 6.13 mg per 66.60 mg of starting material, with productivity of 8.76% and purity of 87.04%. Compared with the previous methods, this method can prepare Neferine in large quantities more quickly. We subsequently evaluated the antitumor activity of the purified Neferine against HepG2 hepatic cancer cells. The purified Neferine was found to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells through the CCK-8 assay, with an IC50 of 33.80 μM in 24 h, 29.47 μM in 48 h, 24.35 μM in 72 h and 2.78 μM in 96 h of treatment. Neferine at a concentration of 3 μM could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of the HepG2 cells in vitro. We also explored the mechanism of action of Neferine via Western blot. We showed that Neferine could reduce RhoA expression by effectively inhibiting the phosphorylation of MYPT1, thereby effectively exerting anti-metastasis activity against HepG2 cells. Thus, we have optimized the isolation procedures for highly pure Neferine by response surface methodology (RSM) in this study, and purified Neferine is shown to play an essential role in the anti-metastasis process of liver cancer cells. The Neferine purification procedure may make a wide contribution to the follow-up development of other anti-metastasis lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhenhuan Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Po Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weibo Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhixin Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Israa Assani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Guangming Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, China
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Zhou X, Zeng M, Huang F, Qin G, Song Z, Liu F. The potential role of plant secondary metabolites on antifungal and immunomodulatory effect. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5. [PMID: 37272939 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread use of antibiotic drugs worldwide and the global increase in the number of immunodeficient patients, fungal infections have become a serious threat to global public health security. Moreover, the evolution of fungal resistance to existing antifungal drugs is on the rise. To address these issues, the development of new antifungal drugs or fungal inhibitors needs to be targeted urgently. Plant secondary metabolites are characterized by a wide variety of chemical structures, low price, high availability, high antimicrobial activity, and few side effects. Therefore, plant secondary metabolites may be important resources for the identification and development of novel antifungal drugs. However, there are few studies to summarize those contents. In this review, the antifungal modes of action of plant secondary metabolites toward different types of fungi and fungal infections are covered, as well as highlighting immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This review of the literature should lay the foundation for research into new antifungal drugs and the discovery of new targets. KEY POINTS: • Immunocompromised patients who are infected the drug-resistant fungi are increasing. • Plant secondary metabolites toward various fungal targets are covered. • Plant secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory effect are verified in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Yan Z, Zhong L, Zhu W, Chung SK, Hou P. Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases ─ targeting cardiac ion channels. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106765. [PMID: 37075871 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, imposing an increasing global health burden. Cardiac ion channels (voltage-gated NaV, CaV, KVs, and others) synergistically shape the cardiac action potential (AP) and control the heartbeat. Dysfunction of these channels, due to genetic mutations, transcriptional or post-translational modifications, may disturb the AP and lead to arrhythmia, a major risk for CVD patients. Although there are five classes of anti-arrhythmic drugs available, they can have varying levels of efficacies and side effects on patients, possibly due to the complex pathogenesis of arrhythmias. As an alternative treatment option, Chinese herbal remedies have shown promise in regulating cardiac ion channels and providing anti-arrhythmic effects. In this review, we first discuss the role of cardiac ion channels in maintaining normal heart function and the pathogenesis of CVD, then summarize the classification of Chinese herbal compounds, and elaborate detailed mechanisms of their efficacy in regulating cardiac ion channels and in alleviating arrhythmia and CVD. We also address current limitations and opportunities for developing new anti-CVD drugs based on Chinese herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wandi Zhu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China; Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Innovation Engineering at Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China; Macau University of Science and Technology Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute. Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
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Zeng W, Zhang X, Lu Y, Wen Y, Xie Q, Yang X, He S, Guo Z, Li J, Shen A, Peng J. Neferine ameliorates hypertensive vascular remodeling modulating multiple signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114203. [PMID: 36916429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neferine exhibits therapeutic effects on anti-hypertension. However, the effect of neferine on hypertensive vascular remodeling remains unexplored. Therefore, the current study was to investigate the effect of neferine on hypertensive vascular remodeling and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Total 30 male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided randomly into five groups, including SHR, Neferine-L (2.5 mg/kg/day), Neferine-M (5 mg/kg/day), Neferine-H (10 mg/kg/day), and Valsartan (10 mg/kg/day) groups (n = 6 for each group). Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were set as control group (n = 6). Noninvasive blood pressure system, ultrasound, hematoxylin and eosin staining, masson trichrome staining were used to detect the blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), pathological changes and collagen content in abdominal aortas of SHRs. RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analyses were used to identify and verify the differentially expressed transcripts and activation of associated signaling pathways in SHRs. RESULTS Various concentrations of neferine or valsartan treatment substantially reduced the elevation of blood pressure, PWV, and abdominal aortic thickening of SHRs. RNA-sequencing and KEGG analyses recognized 441 differentially expressed transcripts and several enriched pathways (including PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathways) after neferine treatment. Masson trichromatic staining and IHC analysis demonstrated that neferine treatment decreased the collagen content and down-regulated the protein expression of PCNA, collagen I & III, and fibronectin, as well as p-PI3K, p-AKT, TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 in abdominal aortic tissues of SHRs. CONCLUSION Neferine treatment exhibits therapeutic effects on anti-hypertension and reduces vascular remodeling, as well as suppresses the abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiquan Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Qiurong Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Shuyu He
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Department of Physical Education, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Aling Shen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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Neferine inhibits the growth of human osteosarcoma cells through activating P38/JNK and suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Hounguè U, Villette C, Tokoudagba JM, Chaker AB, Remila L, Auger C, Heintz D, Gbaguidi FA, Schini-Kerth VB. Carissa edulis Vahl (Apocynaceae) extract, a medicinal plant of Benin pharmacopoeia, induces potent endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary artery rings involving nitric oxide. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154370. [PMID: 35977457 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that affects most countries including those of Africa. Although Carissa edulis Vahl, Diodia scandens Sw. and Cleome gynandra L. are traditionally used in Benin as antihypertensive treatments with some efficacy mentioned by the local population, their biological activity on the cardiovascular system remains poorly studied. AIM The study investigated the vasoreactivity of the plants and assessed the underlying mechanisms using isolated arteries. STUDY DESIGN Aqueous-ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of C. edulis, D. scandens and C. gynandra were prepared by maceration before being subjected to multi-step liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents of increasing polarity. The vasoreactivity of the extracts and fractions were assessed on isolated porcine coronary artery and rat aorta using organ chambers, the role of nitric oxide (NO) using NG-nitro-L-arginine (NO synthase inhibitor), prostanoids using indomethacin (cyclooxygenases inhibitor) and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization using TRAM-34 plus UCL 1684 (inhibitors of calcium-dependent K+ channels), and the vascular uptake of polyphenols using Neu reagent. RESULTS The aqueous-ethanolic crude extract of C. edulis (CECE) induced potent relaxations that were exclusively endothelium-dependent and more pronounced than those to D. scandens and C. gynandra. The n-butanolic fraction of C. edulis (CEBF) was more active than the cyclohexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions. The relaxation induced by CECE and CEBF were inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine and affected neither by TRAM-34 plus UCL 1684 nor by indomethacin. CEBF induced sustained endothelium-dependent relaxations for at least 60 min, and inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, contractions to KCl, CaCl2, U46619 and serotonin in rings with endothelium. Analysis of CEBF by LCHRMS indicated the presence of polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids. Exposure of coronary artery and aorta rings to CEBF caused the accumulation of polyphenols predominantly in the endothelium. CONCLUSION C. edulis leaf extract induced pronounced endothelium-dependent relaxations and inhibited contractile responses by stimulating the endothelial formation of NO. LCHRMS analysis of the most active fraction, the butanolic fraction, revealed the presence of numerous compounds including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids. The polyphenols of CEBF accumulated preferentially in the endothelium of the arterial wall. Thus, these observations support the folkloric use of C. edulis in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Hounguè
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Claire Villette
- CNRS, Plant Imaging and Mass Spectrometry (PIMS), IBMP, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Tokoudagba
- Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Ahmed B Chaker
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lamia Remila
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cyril Auger
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Dimitri Heintz
- CNRS, Plant Imaging and Mass Spectrometry (PIMS), IBMP, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Fernand A Gbaguidi
- Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Valérie B Schini-Kerth
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Protective Effect of Neferine in Permanent Cerebral Ischemic Rats via Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1348-1359. [PMID: 36018507 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00568-6] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Permanent cerebral ischemia is a consequence of prolonged cerebral artery occlusion that results in severe brain damage. Neurotoxicity occurring after ischemia can induce brain tissue damage by destroying cell organelles and their function. Neferine is a natural compound isolated from the seed embryos of the lotus plant and has broad pharmacological effects, including blockading of the calcium channels, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-apoptosis. This study investigated the ability of neferine to reduce brain injury after permanent cerebral occlusion. Permanent cerebral ischemia in rats was induced by instigation of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 24 h. The rats were divided into 6 groups: sham, permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), pMCAO with neferine and nimodipine treatment. To investigate the severity of the injury, the neurological deficit score and morphological alterations were investigated. After 24 h, the rats were evaluated to assess neurological deficit, infarct volume, morphological change, and the number of apoptotic cell deaths. In addition, the brain tissues were examined by western blot analysis to calculate the expression of proteins related to oxidative stress and apoptosis. The data showed that the neurological deficit scores and the infarct volume were significantly reduced in the neferine-treated rats compared to the vehicle group. Treatment with neferine significantly reduced oxidative stress with a measurable decrease in 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), nitric oxide (NO), neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS), and calcium levels and an upregulation of Hsp70 expression. Neferine treatment also significantly decreased apoptosis, with a decrease in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and an increase in Bcl-2. This study suggested that neferine had a neuroprotective effect on permanent cerebral ischemia in rats by diminishing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
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Xiao X, Luo F, Fu M, Jiang Y, Liu S, Liu B. Evaluating the therapeutic role of selected active compounds in Plumula Nelumbinis on pulmonary hypertension via network pharmacology and experimental analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:977921. [PMID: 36059960 PMCID: PMC9428143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.977921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are critical factors leading to vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study aimed to explore the effect and potential mechanism of Plumula Nelumbinis on PH by using network pharmacology and experimental analysis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the potential active components of Plumula Nelumbinis against PH were mainly alkaloid compounds, including neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine. Subsequently, by constructing a Su5416 plus hypoxia (SuHx)-induced PH rat model, we found that the total alkaloids of Plumula Nelumbinis (TAPN) can reduce the right ventricular systolic pressure, delay the process of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling, and improve the right heart function in PH rats. In addition, TAPN can effectively reverse the upregulation of collagen1, collagen3, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, PIM1, and p-SRC protein expression in lung tissue of PH rats. Finally, by constructing a hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration model, we further found that TAPN, neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of PASMCs induced by hypoxia; reverse the upregulation of collagen1, collagen3, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, PIM1 and p-SRC protein expression in PASMCs. Based on these observations, we conclude that the alkaloid compounds extracted from Plumula Nelumbinis (such as neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine) can inhibit the abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMCs by regulating the expression of p-SRC and PIM1, thereby delaying the progression of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Hunan Institute of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fangmei Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Minyi Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Hunan Institute of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yueping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Hunan Institute of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Hunan Institute of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Hunan Institute of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Liu,
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10
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Research Progress on Natural Products’ Therapeutic Effects on Atrial Fibrillation by Regulating Ion Channels. Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 2022:4559809. [PMID: 35387267 PMCID: PMC8964196 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4559809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) have a therapeutic effect on atrial fibrillation (AF) by regulating the function of ion channels. However, several adverse effects and high recurrence rates after drug withdrawal seriously affect patients’ medication compliance and clinical prognosis. Thus, safer and more effective drugs are urgently needed. Active components extracted from natural products are potential choices for AF therapy. Natural products like Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen, Sophora flavescens Ait., Stephania tetrandra S. Moore., Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi var. thomsonii (Benth.) Vaniot der Maesen., and Coptis chinensis Franch. have a long history in the treatment of arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure in China. Based on the classification of chemical structures, this article discussed the natural product components’ therapeutic effects on atrial fibrillation by regulating ion channels, connexins, and expression of related genes, in order to provide a reference for development of therapeutic drugs for atrial fibrillation.
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11
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Bharathi Priya L, Huang CY, Hu RM, Balasubramanian B, Baskaran R. An updated review on pharmacological properties of neferine-A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13986. [PMID: 34779018 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phytochemicals have recently received a lot of recognition for their pharmacological activities such as anticancer, chemopreventive, and cardioprotective properties. In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) such as lotus seeds, fruits, stamens, and leaves are used for treating various diseases. Neferine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, a major component from the seed embryos of N. nucifera. Neferine is effective in the treatment of high fevers and hyposomnia, as well as arrhythmia, platelet aggregation, occlusion, and obesity. Neferine has been found to have a variety of therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, anti-amnesic, and negative inotropic. Neferine also exhibited anti-anxiety effects, anti-cancerous, and chemosensitize to other anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, cisplatin, and taxol. Induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest are the key pathways that underlying the anticancer activity of neferine. Therefore, the present review summarizes the neferine biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and its effects in myocardium, cancer, chemosensitizing to cancer drug, central nervous system, diabetes, inflammation, and kidney diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural phytochemical is gaining medicinal importance for a variety of diseases like including cancer, neurodegenerative disorder, diabetes, and inflammation. Alkaloids and flavonoids, which are abundantly present in Nelumbo nucifera have many therapeutic applications. Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from N. nucifera has many pharmacological properties. This present review was an attempt to compile an updated pharmacological action of neferine in different disease models in vitro and in vivo, as well as to summarize all the collective evidence on the therapeutic potential of neferine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Centre of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rouh-Mei Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Rathinasamy Baskaran
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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12
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Sengking J, Oka C, Wicha P, Yawoot N, Tocharus J, Chaichompoo W, Suksamrarn A, Tocharus C. Neferine Protects Against Brain Damage in Permanent Cerebral Ischemic Rat Associated with Autophagy Suppression and AMPK/mTOR Regulation. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:6304-6315. [PMID: 34498225 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neferine is the major alkaloid compound isolated from the seed embryos of lotus. Neferine has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic effects, and it maintains autophagic balance. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which neferine attenuates autophagy after permanent cerebral ischemia in rats. We performed permanent cerebral ischemia in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) for 12 h with or without administration of neferine or nimodipine, a calcium (Ca2+) channel blocker. Neuroprotective effects were determined by evaluating the infarct volume and neurological deficits. Autophagy and its signaling pathway were determined by evaluating the expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 class II (LC3-II), and p62 by western blotting. Autophagosomes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Neferine treatment significantly reduced infarct volumes and improved neurological deficits. Neferine significantly attenuated the upregulation of autophagy-associated proteins such as LC3-II, beclin-1, and p62 as well as autophagosome formation, all of which were induced by pMCAO. Neferine exerted remarkable protection against cerebral ischemia, possibly via the regulation of autophagy mediated by the Ca2+-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirakhamon Sengking
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Chio Oka
- Laboratory of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Piyawadee Wicha
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nuttapong Yawoot
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Tocharus
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Waraluck Chaichompoo
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
| | - Apichart Suksamrarn
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, 10240, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Tocharus
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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13
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Qi Z, Wang R, Liao R, Xue S, Wang Y. Neferine Ameliorates Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction Through Anti-Apoptotic and Antioxidative Effects by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706251. [PMID: 34366860 PMCID: PMC8344844 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Septic cardiomyopathy is a common complication of severe sepsis, which is one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units. Therefore, finding an effective therapy target is urgent. Neferine is an alkaloid extracted from the green embryos of mature seeds of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., which has been reported to exhibit various biological activities and pharmacological properties. This study aims to explore the protective effects of neferine against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial dysfunction and its mechanisms. The LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction mouse model was employed to investigate the protective effects of neferine. In this study, we demonstrated that neferine remarkably improved cardiac function and survival rate and ameliorated morphological damage to heart tissue in LPS-induced mice. Neferine also improved cell viability and mitochondrial function and reduced cell apoptosis and the production of reactive oxygen species in LPS-treated H9c2 cells. In addition, neferine significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression and suppressed cleaved caspase 3 activity in LPS-induced mouse heart tissue and H9c2 cells. Furthermore, neferine also upregulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conversely, LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) reversed the protective effect of neferine in LPS-induced H9c2 cells. Our findings thus demonstrate that neferine ameliorates LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and presents a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renrong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuxi No. 2 Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Rongheng Liao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyi Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Significance: Kidney diseases remain a worldwide public health problem resulting in millions of deaths each year; they are characterized by progressive destruction of renal function by sustained inflammation. Pyroptosis is a lytic type of programmed cell death involved in inflammation, as well as a key fibrotic mechanism that is critical in the development of kidney pathology. Pyroptosis is induced by the cleavage of Gasdermins by various caspases and is executed by the insertion of the N-terminal fragment of cleaved Gasdermins into the plasma membrane, creating oligomeric pores and allowing the release of diverse proinflammatory products into the extracellular space. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes leading to the activation of caspase-1, which will cleave Gasdermin D, releasing several proinflammatory cytokines; this results in the initiation and amplification of the inflammatory response. Recent Advances: The efficacy of Gasdermin D cleavage is reduced by a change in the redox balance. Recently, several studies have shown that the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by antioxidant pathways results in a reduction of renal pyroptosis. In this review, we discuss the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney disease; summarize the clinical outcomes and different molecular mechanisms leading to Gasdermin activation; and examine studies about the capacity of antioxidants, particularly Nrf2 activators, to ameliorate Gasdermin activity. Future Directions: We illustrate the potential influence of the deregulation of redox balance on inflammasome activity and pyroptosis as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of kidney diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 40-60.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cuevas
- Molecular Inflammation Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Pelegrín
- Molecular Inflammation Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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15
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De Miguel C, Pelegrín P, Baroja-Mazo A, Cuevas S. Emerging Role of the Inflammasome and Pyroptosis in Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031064. [PMID: 33494430 PMCID: PMC7865380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are components of the innate immune response that have recently emerged as crucial controllers of tissue homeostasis. In particular, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a complex platform involved in the activation of caspase-1 and the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which are mainly released via pyroptosis. Pyroptosis is a caspase-1-dependent type of cell death that is mediated by the cleavage of gasdermin D and the subsequent formation of structurally stable pores in the cell membrane. Through these pores formed by gasdermin proteins cytosolic contents are released into the extracellular space and act as damage-associated molecular patterns, which are pro-inflammatory signals. Inflammation is a main contributor to the development of hypertension and it also is known to stimulate fibrosis and end-organ damage. Patients with essential hypertension and animal models of hypertension exhibit elevated levels of circulating IL-1β. Downregulation of the expression of key components of the NLRP3 inflammasome delays the development of hypertension and pharmacological inhibition of this inflammasome leads to reduced blood pressure in animal models and humans. Although the relationship between pyroptosis and hypertension is not well established yet, pyroptosis has been associated with renal and cardiovascular diseases, instances where high blood pressure is a critical risk factor. In this review, we summarize the recent literature addressing the role of pyroptosis and the inflammasome in the development of hypertension and discuss the potential use of approaches targeting this pathway as future anti-hypertensive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen De Miguel
- Section of Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Correspondence: (C.D.M.); (S.C.); Tel.: +34-868-885031 (S.C.)
| | - Pablo Pelegrín
- Molecular Inflammation Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (P.P.); (A.B.-M.)
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (P.P.); (A.B.-M.)
| | - Santiago Cuevas
- Molecular Inflammation Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (P.P.); (A.B.-M.)
- Correspondence: (C.D.M.); (S.C.); Tel.: +34-868-885031 (S.C.)
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16
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Wei H, Guan YD, Zhang LX, Liu S, Lu AP, Cheng Y, Cao DS. A combinatorial target screening strategy for deorphaning macromolecular targets of natural product. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 204:112644. [PMID: 32738412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural products, as an ideal starting point for molecular design, play a pivotal role in drug discovery; however, ambiguous targets and mechanisms have limited their in-depth research and applications in a global dimension. In-silico target prediction methods have become an alternative to target identification experiments due to the high accuracy and speed, but most studies only use a single prediction method, which may reduce the accuracy and reliability of the prediction. Here, we firstly presented a combinatorial target screening strategy to facilitate multi-target screening of natural products considering the characteristics of diverse in-silico target prediction methods, which consists of ligand-based online approaches, consensus SAR modelling and target-specific re-scoring function modelling. To validate the practicability of the strategy, natural product neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the lotus seed, was taken as an example to illustrate the screening process and a series of corresponding experiments were implemented to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of neferine. The proposed computational method could be used for a complementary hypothesis generation and rapid analysis of potential targets of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wei
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yi-Di Guan
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Liu-Xia Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shao Liu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ai-Ping Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, PR China
| | - Yan Cheng
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Dong-Sheng Cao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, PR China; Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, PR China.
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