Bazi Bushen capsule attenuates cognitive deficits by inhibiting microglia activation and cellular senescence

The efficacy and safety of Bazi Bushen Capsule in treating premature aging: A randomized, double blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

It is unclear whether traditional Chinese patent medicines can resist premature aging. This prospective study investigated the effects of Bazi Bushen Capsule (BZBS) which is a traditional Chinese patent medicine for tonifying the kidney essence on premature senility symptoms and quality of life, telomerase activity and telomere length.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

It was a parallel, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. Subjects (n = 530) aged 30-78 years were randomized to receive BZBS or placebo capsules 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the clinical feature of change in kidney deficiency for aging evaluation scale (CFCKD-AES) and tilburg frailty indicator (TFI). The secondary outcomes were SF-36, serum sex hormone level, five times sit-to-stand time (FTSST), 6MWT, motor function test-grip strength, balance test, walking speed, muscle mass measurement, telomerase and telomere length.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, the CFCKD-AES and TFI scores in the BZBS group decreased by 13.79 and 1.50 respectively (6.42 and 0.58 in the placebo group, respectively); The SF-36 in the BZBS group increased by 98.38 (23.79 in the placebo group). The FTSST, motor function test grip strength, balance test, walking speed, and muscle mass in the elderly subgroup were all improved in the BZBS group. The telomerase content in the BZBS group increased by 150.04 ng/ml compared to the placebo group. The fever led one patient in the placebo group to discontinue the trial. One patient in the placebo group withdrew from the trial due to pregnancy. None of the serious AEs led to treatment discontinuation, and 3 AEs (1.14%) were assessed as related to BZBS by the primary investigator.

CONCLUSIONS

BZBS can improve premature aging symptoms, frailty scores, and quality of life, as well as improve FTSST, motor function: grip strength, balance test, walking speed, and muscle mass in elderly subgroups of patients, and enhance telomerase activity, but it is not significantly associated with increasing telomere length which is important for healthy aging.

TRIAL REGISTRY

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=166181.

Role of epigenetics in the regulation of skin aging and geroprotective intervention: A new sight

Multiple epigenetic factors play a regulatory role in maintaining the homeostasis of cutaneous components and are implicated in the aging process of the skin. They have been associated with the activation of the senescence program, which is the primary contributor to age-related decline in the skin. Senescent species drive a series of interconnected processes that impact the immediate surroundings, leading to structural changes, diminished functionality, and heightened vulnerability to infections. Geroprotective medicines that may restore the epigenetic balance represent valid therapeutic alliances against skin aging. Most of them are well-known Western medications such as metformin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), rapamycin, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, while others belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies for which the scientific literature provides limited information. With the help of the Geroprotectors.org database and a comprehensive analysis of the referenced literature, we have compiled data on compounds and formulae that have shown potential in preventing skin aging and have been identified as epigenetic modulators.

Bazi Bushen alleviates reproductive aging in aged male mice

Bazi Bushen (BZBS), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in testicular dysfunction within D-galactose and NaNO2 mouse models. This study aimed to ascertain if BZBS could also mitigate the decline in testicular function associated with natural aging. Therefore, male aged mice were employed to evaluate the preventive effects of BZBS on male reproductive aging. This was achieved by assessing sex hormone production, testicular histomorphology, and spermatogenesis. Relative to the untreated aged control group, BZBS administration elevated the levels of sex hormones and spermatocyte populations and preserved normal testicular structure in aged mice. Notably, spermatogenesis was maintained. Further analyses, including malondialdehyde (MDA) assays and real-time PCR, indicated that BZBS diminished testicular oxidative stress and the inflammatory burden. Corroborating these findings, mice treated with BZBS exhibited reductions in the populations of senescent and apoptotic cells within the seminiferous tubules, suggesting alleviated cellular damage. In contrast, we observed that rapamycin, a drug known for its longevity benefits, induced excessive testicular apoptosis and did not decrease lipid peroxidation. Collectively, our results highlight BZBS's promising clinical potential in counteracting male reproductive aging, underlining its mechanisms of action.

Mechanism of Bazi Bushen capsule in delaying the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Ageing is becoming an increasingly serious problem; therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-ageing drugs.

Aims

To investigate the effects of Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) on the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and explore its mechanism of action.

Methods

Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of BZBS in delaying senescence in MSCs. For in vitro studies, MSCs were treated with D-gal, BZBS, and NMN, and cell viability, cell senescence, stemness-related genes, and cell cycle were studied using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red, and oil red staining were used to determine the osteogenic and lipid differentiation abilities of MSCs. Finally, the expression of senescence-related genes and cyclin-related factors was detected by qPCR and western blotting.

Results

Network pharmacological analysis suggested that BZBS delayed cell senescence by interfering in the cell cycle. Our in vitro studies suggested that BZBS could significantly increase cell viability (P < 0.01), decrease the quantity of β-galactosidase+ cells (P < 0.01), downregulate p16 and p21 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), improve adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and upregulate Nanog, OCT4 and SOX2 genes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in senescent MSCs. Moreover, BZBS significantly reduced the proportion of senescent MSCs in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01) and enhanced the expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and E2F1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Upon treatment with HY-50767A, a CDK4 inhibitor, the upregulation of E2F1 was no longer observed in the BZBS group.

Conclusions

BZBS can protect MSCs against D-gal-induced senescence, which may be associated with cell cycle regulation via the Cyclin D1/CDK4/E2F1 signalling pathway.

Lianhua Qingke Preserves Mucociliary Clearance in Rat with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Maintaining Ciliated Cells Proportion and Protecting Structural Integrity and Beat Function of Cilia

Purpose

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of symptoms in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as cough, increased sputum volume, and sputum purulence. COPD and AECOPD are characterized by damage to cilia and increased mucus secretion. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) functions as part of the primary innate system of the lung to remove harmful particles and pathogens together with airway mucus and is therefore crucial for patients with COPD.

Methods

AECOPD was induced by cigarette smoke exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation (200 μg, on days 1, 14, and 84). Rats administered Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) (0.367, 0.732, and 1.465 g/kg/d) or Eucalyptol, Limonene, and Pinene Enteric Soft Capsules (ELP, 0.3 g/kg/d) intragastrically. Pulmonary pathology, Muc5ac+ goblet cell and β-tubulin IV+ ciliated cells, and mRNA levels of forkhead box J1 (Foxj1) and multiciliate differentiation and DNA synthesis associated cell cycle protein (MCIDAS) were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Ciliary morphology and ultrastructure were examined through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded using a high-speed camera.

Results

Compared to the model group, LHQK treatment groups showed a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly reduced goblet cell and increased ciliated cell proportion. LHQK significantly upregulated mRNA levels of MCIDAS and Foxj1, indicating promoted ciliated cell differentiation. LHQK protected ciliary structure and maintained ciliary function via increasing the ciliary length and density, reducing ciliary ultrastructure damage, and ameliorating random ciliary oscillations, consequently enhancing CBF.

Conclusion

LHQK enhances the MCC capability of ciliated cells in rat with AECOPD by preserving the structural integrity and beating function of cilia, indicating its therapeutic potential on promoting sputum expulsion in patients with AECOPD.

Bazi Bushen capsule improves the deterioration of the intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis through microbiota-gut-brain axis

Purpose

The senescence-accelerated prone mouse 8 (SAMP8) is a widely used model for accelerating aging, especially in central aging. Mounting evidence indicates that the microbiota-gut-brain axis may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of central aging-related diseases. This study aims to investigate whether Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) attenuates the deterioration of the intestinal function in the central aging animal model.

Methods

In our study, the SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the model group, the BZ-low group (0.5 g/kg/d BZBS), the BZ-high group (1 g/kg/d BZBS) and the RAPA group (2 mg/kg/d rapamycin). Age-matched SAMR1 mice were used as the control group. Next, cognitive function was detected through Nissl staining and two-photon microscopy. The gut microbiota composition of fecal samples was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Ileum tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the intestinal barrier function was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, including P53, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Macrophage infiltration and the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also detected the inflammasome and pyroptosis levels in ileum tissue by western blotting.

Results

BZBS improved the cognitive function and neuronal density of SAMP8 mice. BZBS also restored the intestinal villus structure and barrier function, which were damaged in SAMP8 mice. BZBS reduced the expression of SASP factors and the infiltration of macrophages in the ileum tissues, indicating a lower level of inflammation. BZBS enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells, which are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. BZBS modulated the gut microbiota composition, by which BZBS inhibited the activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis in the intestine.

Conclusion

BZBS could restore the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and prevent the deterioration of intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggested that BZBS attenuated the cognitive aging of SAMP8 mice, at least partially, by targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Therapeutic potential of Lianhua Qingke in airway mucus hypersecretion of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine used for treating acute tracheobronchitis. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of LHQK in managing airway mucus hypersecretion in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

METHODS

The AECOPD model was established by subjecting male Wistar rats to 12 weeks of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure (200 μg, on days 1, 14, and 84). The rats were divided into six groups: control (room air exposure), model (CS + LPS exposure), LHQK (LHQK-L, LHQK-M, and LHQK-H), and a positive control group (Ambroxol). H&E staining, and AB-PAS staining were used to evaluate lung tissue pathology, inflammatory responses, and goblet cell hyperplasia. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and ELISA were utilized to analyze the transcription, expression and secretion of proteins related to mucus production in vivo and in the human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 in vitro. To predict and screen the active ingredients of LHQK, network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB reporter system analysis were employed.

RESULTS

LHQK treatment could ameliorate AECOPD-triggered pulmonary structure damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. AB-PAS and immunofluorescence staining with CCSP and Muc5ac antibodies showed that LHQK reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, probably by inhibiting the transdifferentiation of Club cells into goblet cells. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry of Muc5ac and APQ5 showed that LHQK modulated mucus homeostasis by suppressing Muc5ac transcription and hypersecretion in vivo and in vitro, and maintaining the balance between Muc5ac and AQP5 expression. Network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB luciferase reporter system analysis provided insights into the active ingredients of LHQK that may help control airway mucus hypersecretion and regulate inflammation.

CONCLUSION

LHQK demonstrated therapeutic effects in AECOPD by reducing inflammation, suppressing goblet cell hyperplasia, preventing Club cell transdifferentiation, reducing Muc5ac hypersecretion, and modulating airway mucus homeostasis. These findings support the clinical use of LHQK as a potential treatment for AECOPD.

Downregulation of Sirt6 by CD38 promotes cell senescence and aging

Decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels accompany aging. CD38 is the main cellular NADase. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a natural inhibitor of CD38, is a well-known drug that extends the human lifespan. We investigated mechanisms of CD38 in cell senescence and C3G in antiaging. Myocardial H9c2 cells were induced to senescence with D-gal. CD38 siRNA, C3G and UBCS039 (a chemical activator of Sirt6) inhibited D-gal-induced senescence by reducing reactive oxygen species, hexokinase 2 and SA-β-galactosidase levels. These activators also stimulated cell proliferation and telomerase reverse transcriptase levels, while OSS-128167 (a chemical inhibitor of Sirt6) and Sirt6 siRNA exacerbated the senescent process. H9c2 cells that underwent D-gal-induced cell senescence increased CD38 expression and decreased Sirt6 expression; CD38 siRNA and C3G decreased CD38 expression and increased Sirt6 expression, respectively; and Sirt6 siRNA stimulated cell senescence in the presence of C3G and CD38 siRNA. In D-gal-induced acute aging mice, CD38 and Sirt6 exhibited increased and decreased expression, respectively, in myocardial tissues, and C3G treatment decreased CD38 expression and increased Sirt6 expression in the tissues. C3G also reduced IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α levels and restored NAD+ and NK cell levels in the animals. We suggest that CD38 downregulates Sirt6 expression to promote cell senescence and C3G exerts an antiaging effect through CD38-Sirt6 signaling.