Dendrobium candidum aqueous extract attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy through the ERK signalling pathway

Baicalin ameliorates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway activation: A target-based network pharmacology approach

Baicalin, a flavonoid glycoside from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., exerts anti-hypertensive effects. The present study aimed to assess the cardioprotective role of baicalin and explore its potential mechanisms. Network pharmacology analysis pointed out a total of 477 potential targets of baicalin were obtained from the PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction databases, while 11,280 targets were identified associating with hypertensive heart disease from GeneCards database. Based on the above 382 common targets, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed enrichment in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac contraction, cardiac relaxation, as well as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and other signaling pathways. Moreover, baicalin treatment exhibited the amelioration of increased cardiac index and pathological alterations in angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, baicalin treatment demonstrated a reduction in cell surface area and a down-regulation of hypertrophy markers (including atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide) in vivo and in vitro. In addition, baicalin treatment led to a decrease in the expression of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK)/JNK, phosphorylated p38 (p-p38)/p38, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK)/ERK in the cardiac tissues of Ang II-infused mice and Ang II-stimulated H9c2 cells. These findings highlight the cardioprotective effects of baicalin, as it alleviates hypertensive cardiac injury, cardiac hypertrophy, and the activation of the MAPK pathway.

Proto-oncogene cSrc-mediated RBM10 phosphorylation arbitrates anti-hypertrophy gene program in the heart and controls cardiac hypertrophy

AIMS

RBM10 is a well-known RNA binding protein that regulates alternative splicing in various disease states. We have shown a splicing-independent function of RBM10 that regulates heart failure. This study aims to unravel a new biological function of RBM10 phosphorylation by proto-oncogene cSrc that enables anti-hypertrophy gene program and controls cardiac hypertrophy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We employ in vitro and in vivo approaches to characterise RBM10 phosphorylation at three-tyrosine residues (Y81, Y500, and Y971) by cSrc and target mRNA regulation. We also use isoproterenol induced rat heart and cellular hypertrophy model to determine role of cSrc-mediated RBM10 phosphorylation.

KEY FINDINGS

We show that RBM10 phosphorylation is induced in cellular and animal heart model of cardiac hypertrophy and regulates target mRNA expression and 3'-end formation. Inhibition of cSrc kinase or mutation of the three-tyrosine phosphorylation sites to phenylalanine accentuates myocyte hypertrophy, and results in advancement and an early attainment of hypertrophy in the heart. RBM10 is down regulated in the hypertrophic myocyte and that its re-expression reverses cellular and molecular changes in the myocyte. However, in the absence of phosphorylation (cSrc inhibition or phospho-deficient mutation), restoration of endogenous RBM10 level in the hypertrophic heart or ectopic re-expression in vitro failed to reverse cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, loss of RBM10 phosphorylation inhibits nuclear localisation and interaction with Star-PAP compromising anti-hypertrophy gene expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study establishes that cSrc-mediated RBM10 phosphorylation arbitrates anti-hypertrophy gene program. We also report a new functional regulation of RBM10 by phosphorylation that is poised to control heart failure.

Development of novel bosentan analogues as endothelin receptor antagonists for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Since decades, bosentan has been in use for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, chronic exposure to bosentan leads to the development of resistance, tolerance, and serious adverse effects that have restricted its usage in clinical practices. To surmount these limitations, some new bosentan derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their therapeutic efficacy in PAH. Molecular docking analyses of all the synthesized derivatives were carried out using the endothelin (ET) receptor. In addition, the inhibitory ability of synthesized derivatives was determined in in vitro assay employing an ET-1 human ELISA kit. Among the synthesized derivatives, three derivatives namely 17d, 16j, and 16h with higher docking scores and lower IC50 values were selected for determination of the magnitude of the binding force between the derivative and ET receptor using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations study. Further, these derivatives were subjected to in vivo studies using monocrotaline (MCT) induced PAH in rat model. Results of in vivo studies inferred that the derivatives exhibit impressive ability to reduce PAH. Besides, its protective role was also evidenced in hemodynamic and right ventricular hypertrophy analyses, histological analysis, cardiac biomarkers, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) levels, and biochemical studies. Furthermore, gene quantification by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was also performed to examine its effect on the expression of key proteins in PAH. Notably, amongst three, derivative 16h exhibited the most encouraging results in molecular docking analysis, in vitro, in vivo, histopathological, biochemical, protein expression, and MD studies. Besides, derivative 16h also showed impressive pharmacokinetic features in ADMET analysis. In conclusion, derivative 16 h could act as a reliable ET receptor antagonist and requires further exploration to attain its therapeutic utility in PAH management.

Chemical Constituents, Bioactivities, and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Dendrobium officinale: A Review of the Past Decade

Dendrobium officinale, a plant in the Orchidaceae family, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Sweet and slightly cold in nature, it can invigorate the stomach, promote fluid production, nourish Yin, and dissipate heat. Over the past decade, more than 60 compounds have been derived from D. officinale, including flavonoids, bibenzyl, and phenanthrene. Various studies have explored the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of these compounds, which have shown antitumor, hypoglycemic, hypertensive, gastrointestinal-regulatory, visceral organ protection, antiaging, and neurorestorative effects. This paper presents a systematic review of the structural classification, biological activity, and pharmacological mechanisms of different chemical components obtained from D. officinale over the past decade. This review aims to provide a reference for future study and establish a foundation for clinical applications. Furthermore, this review identifies potential shortcomings in current research as well as potential directions and methodologies in future plant research.

The effects of Dendrobium species on the metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as a global health challenge with different types of health conditions such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, the increasing prevalence of obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Despite much recent scientific progress, the use of traditional herbal medicines with fewer side effects is increasing worldwide. Dendrobium, the second-largest orchid genus, has been used as a natural source of drugs for the treatment of MetS. The beneficial effects of Dendrobium, including anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperlipidemic against MetS have been shown in the scientific evidence. The anti-oxidant and lipid-lowering effects of Dendrobium modulate hyperlipidemia via reducing lipid accumulation and maintaining lipid metabolism. Restoring pancreatic beta cells and regulating the insulin signaling pathway are involved in its antidiabetic properties. The hypotensive effects contribute to increasing nitric oxide (NO) generation and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. More research projects, especially clinical trials, are needed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Dendrobium in patients. This review article provides, for the first time, comprehensive information about the efficacy of different species of Dendrobium. The described species can be a source of medicines for the treatment of MetS, which are reported in various evidence.

Smilax glabra Roxb. flavonoids protect against pathological cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway: In vivo and in vitro studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Smilax glabra Roxb., the dry rhizome of Sarsaparilla, which is also known as Tu fuling (TFL) in China, is a well-known traditional CHINESE medicine that is widely used for detoxication, relieving dampness and as a diuretic. We have previously shown that the extracted TFL flavonoids (designated TFLF) possess anti-cardiac hypertrophy effects in vitro. However, the anti-cardiac hypertrophy effects of TFLF in vivo and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To reveal the underlying therapeutic mechanism of TFLF on cardiac hypertrophy by using transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model and cellular assays in vitro.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Cardiac hypertrophy was replicated by TAC surgery in rats or by isoprenaline treatment of rat H9C2 myocardial cells in vitro. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic examinations in vivo and histological analysis of tissues ex vivo. Biochemical kits and quantitative PCR were used to analyze markers of cardiac hypertrophy. Expression and phosphorylation of key proteins in the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway were quantified by Western blotting. We further confirmed our findings in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes treated with isoprenaline and the ERK inhibitor in vitro.

RESULTS

TFLF attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and improved cardiac dysfunction in TAC rats. TFLF treatment induced a strong reduction in serum NT-proBNP levels. Cardiac hypertrophy marker gene (ANP, BNP and β-MHC) expression and the phosphorylation levels of c-Raf and ERK1/2 were decreased by TFLF treatment. TFLF also protected H9C2 cells from isoprenaline-induced hypertrophy in vitro via a similar molecular mechanism as that observed in the rat heart. Moreover, pretreatment with TRLF and the ERK inhibitor further inhibited the mRNA overexpression of hypertrophic genes in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

TFLFs may protect against pathological cardiac hypertrophy via negative regulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Thus, TFLFs are implicated as a potential pharmacological agent for treating cardiac hypertrophy in clinical practice.

Poricoic Acid A Inhibits the NF-κB/MAPK Pathway to Alleviate Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Cardiorenal Syndrome

Objective

To explore the potential and mechanism of action of poricoic acid A (PAA) in treatment of cardiorenal injury and fibrosis due to cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).

Materials and Methods

A CRS rat model was established by transabdominal subtotal nephrectomy (STNx). The experimental group was treated by gavage of PAA (10 mg/kg/day). After 8 weeks of treatment, echocardiography was utilized for detecting heart-related indexes in rats. HE and Masson staining were conducted to detect the degree of pathological damage and fibrosis in rat kidney tissue, respectively. In addition, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and 24-hour urine protein were measured biochemically. Also, the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) in rat kidneys were measured using ELISA. Western blot was used to examine the expression of NF-κB/MAPK pathway-related proteins.

Results

In this study, a CRS rat model was successfully established by STNx surgery. PAA treatment could significantly alleviate the damage of heart and kidney function in CRS rats and reduce the pathological damage of kidney tissue and renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, PAA could also inhibit the renal inflammatory response through downregulating IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the kidney tissue and upregulating IL-10 level. Further mechanism exploration showed that the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway was significantly activated in CRS rats, while PAA treatment could markedly inhibit the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway activity in CRS rats.

Conclusion

PAA can obviously improve the pathological damage and fibrosis of renal tissue in CRS rats and maintain the function of the heart and kidney. The above functions of PAA may be achieved by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway activity. Briefly speaking, PAA can serve as a potential drug for CRS treatment.

Polysaccharide determination and habitat classification for fresh Dendrobiums with hyperspectral imagery and modified RBFNN

This research aimed to study the visual and nondestructive detection of mannose (MN) and Dendrobium polysaccharides (DP) in Dendrobiums by using hyperspectral imaging technology. In order to determine the MN and DP concentrations nondestructively, we built radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) models based on NIR spectra (874-1734 nm) with a novel chemometric method to calculate the radial bases. And excellent results with the R _P ² coefficients of 0.906 and 0.913 were obtained by the MN and DP detection models, respectively. In order to simplify the detection models based on full-range spectra, we designed an innovative genetic algorithm-successive projections algorithm (GA-SPA) strategy to extract the feature bands efficiently in two stages. Based on the feature bands selected by GA-SPA, we established the simplified detection models with the same high performance as those based on full-range spectra. By importing the feature bands of every pixel in the hyperspectral image into the simplified detection models, we successfully generated the distribution maps of MN and DP. Moreover, we also built an RBFNN classifier to categorize the habitats of Dendrobium. And the total classification accuracy reached 0.887. This research makes progress in Dendrobium quality evaluation and spectral detection technology.

Novel Microcrystal Formulations of Sorafenib Facilitate a Long-Acting Antitumor Effect and Relieve Treatment Side Effects as Observed With Fundus Microcirculation Imaging

The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including sorafenib, remain one first-line antitumor treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, many problems exist with the current orally administered TKIs, creating a heavy medical burden and causing severe side effects. In this work, we prepared a novel microcrystalline formulation of sorafenib that not only achieved sustainable release and long action in HCC tumors but also relieved side effects, as demonstrated by fundus microcirculation imaging. The larger the size of the microcrystalline formulation of sorafenib particle, the slower the release rates of sorafenib from the tumor tissues. The microcrystalline formulation of sorafenib with the largest particle size was named as Sor-MS. One intratumor injection (once administration) of Sor-MS, but not Sor-Sol (the solution formulation of sorafenib as a control), could slow the release of sorafenib in HCC tumor tissues and in turn inhibited the in vivo proliferation of HCC or the expression of EMT/pro-survival–related factors in a long-acting manner. Moreover, compared with oral administration, one intratumor injection of Sor-MS not only facilitated a long-acting antitumor effect but also relieved side effects of sorafenib, avoiding damage to the capillary network of the eye fundus, as evidenced by fundus microcirculation imaging. Therefore, preparing sorafenib as a novel microcrystal formulation could facilitate a long-acting antitumor effect and relieve drug-related side effects.

Date Palm Pollen Extract Avert Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy Fibrosis and Associated Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress, Inflammatory Cascade, and Apoptosis-Targeting Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways

Simple Summary

The use of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) is a conventional approach in improving the side-effects induced by Doxorubicin (DOX).DPPE mitigated DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and ameliorated DOX-induced elevated cardiac injury markers. In addition, serum cardiac troponin I concentrations (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal NBP and cytosolic (Ca⁺²) were amplified by alleviating the inflammatory and oxidative injury markers and decreasing histopathological lesions severity. DPPE decreased DOX-induced heart injuries by mitigating inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis through its antioxidant effect. To reduce DOX-induced oxidative stress injuries and other detrimental effects, a combined treatment of DPPE is advocated.

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) has a potent antineoplastic efficacy and is considered a cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it causes several dose-dependent cardiotoxic results, which has substantially restricted its clinical application. This study was intended to explore the potential ameliorative effect of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying it. Forty male Wistar albino rats were equally allocated into Control (CTR), DPPE (500 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks), DOX (2.5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally six times over 2 weeks), and DPPE + DOX-treated groups. Pre-coadministration of DPPE with DOX partially ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity as DPPE improved DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and mitigated the elevated cardiac injury markers activities of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-cardiac type isoenzyme. Additionally, the concentration of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and cytosolic calcium (Ca⁺²) were amplified. DPPE also alleviated nitrosative status (nitric oxide) in DOX-treated animals, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules as glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and inflammatory markers levels; NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. As well, it ameliorated the severity of histopathological lesions, histomorphometric alteration and improved the immune-staining of the pro-fibrotic (TGF-β1), pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Bax), and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins in cardiac tissues. Collectively, pre-coadministration of DPPE partially mitigated DOX-induced cardiac injuries via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic potential.