The Role and Mechanism of miRNA-1224 in the Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide Regulation of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages to Osteoclast Differentiation

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals B cell dynamics and osteoclast activation in Talaromycosis-related bone destruction

OBJECTIVE

To explore the changes in bone destruction caused by Talaromycosis and its potential mechanisms.

METHODS

We assessed bone destruction and its severity using Micro CT, hematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, F-actin staining, and Western blotting. We evaluated the biomechanical properties and pain perception in mice through biomechanical testing and the von Frey test. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to analyze B cell composition in mouse tibial bone marrow, with findings verified by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. Inflammatory cytokine levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway were also evaluated using Western blot.

RESULTS

Talaromyces marneffei (TM) infection led to increased osteoclast activity and significant bone destruction, accompanied by a reduction in weight gain, increased pain, and diminished bone biomechanical properties in mice. Post-infection, an increase in the number of B cells, particularly Naïve-B, ProB, and mature B cells, was observed, potentially linked to oxidative phosphorylation processes. TM infection elevated inflammatory cytokines production, ROS production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, TM infection enhanced osteoclast differentiation through the activation of MAPK signaling pathways, including p38, ERK, and JNK.

CONCLUSION

TM infection induces B cell maturation and promotes bone destruction in the tibia of mice. This effect may be associated with mitochondrial apoptosis and ROS production during oxidative phosphorylation, potentially through MAPK pathway activation.

Isolation and purification of carbohydrate components in functional food: a review

Medicinal plants, increasingly utilized in functional foods, possess potent therapeutic properties and health-promoting functions, with carbohydrates playing a crucial role and exhibiting a range of effects, such as antioxidant, antitumor, immune-enhancing, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and hypoglycemic activities. However, comprehensively, accurately, rapidly, and economically assessing the quality of carbohydrate components is challenging due to their diverse and complex nature. Additionally, the purification and identification of carbohydrates also guarantee related efficacy research. This paper offers a thorough review of research progress carried out by both domestic and international scholars in the last decade on extracting, purifying, separating, identifying, and determining the content of carbohydrate components from functional foods, which are mainly composed of medicinal plants, and also explores the potential for achieving comprehensive quantitative analysis and evaluating structure-activity relationships of carbohydrate components. These findings aim to serve as a valuable reference for the future development and application of natural carbohydrate components in functional food and medicine.

The Involvement of microRNAs in Bone Remodeling Signaling Pathways and Their Role in the Development of Osteoporosis

Bone remodeling, crucial for maintaining the balance between bone resorption and formation, relies on the coordinated activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. During osteoclastogenesis, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into the osteoclast lineage through the signaling pathways OPG/RANK/RANKL. On the other hand, during osteoblastogenesis, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into the osteoblast lineage through activation of the signaling pathways TGF-β/BMP/Wnt. Recent studies have shown that bone remodeling is regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs can regulate virtually all cellular processes through binding to miRNA-response elements (MRE) at the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the target mRNA. miRNAs are involved in controlling gene expression during osteogenic differentiation through the regulation of key signaling cascades during bone formation and resorption. Alterations of miRNA expression could favor the development of bone disorders, including osteoporosis. This review provides a general description of the miRNAs involved in bone remodeling and their significance in osteoporosis development.

Mechanism of Circ_HECW2 regulating osteoblast apoptosis in osteoporosis by attenuating the maturation of miR-1224-5p

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) poses a significant clinical challenge with escalating morbidity. This study explores Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patients and its regulatory role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

METHODS

Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patient serum and healthy controls was quantified using RT-qPCR. Diagnostic value of Circ_HECW2 for OP was assessed via ROC curve. Pearson's correlation model examined associations between indicators. Human osteoblasts HFOB1.19, treated with LPS, were analyzed for Circ_HECW2, pre-miR-1224, miR-1224-5p, and PDK2 mRNA levels. TUNEL assay determined cell apoptosis and Western blot assessed cleaved-caspase-3 protein levels. RNase R resistance assay and actinomycin D assay confirmed Circ_HECW2's cyclic structure. RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified binding relationships between Circ_HECW2 and miR-1224 and between miR-1224-5p and PDK2.

RESULTS

Circ_HECW2 exhibited elevated expression in OP patients with diagnostic significance and a negative correlation with lumbar T-score. LPS co-culture increased Circ_HECW2 expression in HFOB1.19 cells, significantly elevating apoptosis index and cleaved-caspase-3. Circ_HECW2 downregulation inhibited HFOB1.19 apoptosis, reduced pre-miR-1224 expression, and elevated mature miR-1224-5p. Circ_HECW2 bound to pre-miR-1224, and inhibiting miR-1224-5p reversed the effect of Circ_HECW2 downregulation on osteoblast apoptosis. miR-1224-5p targeted PDK2 transcription.

CONCLUSION

Circ_HECW2, highly expressed in OP, holds diagnostic significance and reflects disease severity. Circ_HECW2 reduces mature miR-1224-5p by binding to pre-miR-1224, upregulating PDK2, and facilitating LPS-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Alternative Medical Therapy

Background

Complementary/alternative medicine" (CAM) is defined as a diverse range of medical treatments, largely non-allopathic, mostly traditional, and not integrated into the authoritarian healthcare system. Interestingly for some schools, allopathy is alternative/complementary therapy. Osteoporosis is an ever-known disease treated before the era of allopathic medicine. Even though the customary medical system of India is among the most well-known in the world, every continent has its own alternative therapies for various chronic diseases.

Purpose

This review of the scientific information is to help the readers understand how crucial the conceptual underpinnings of alternative medical therapy systems are to the advancement of conventional allopathic practices.

Method

Many older and recent articles about alternative medical therapy in the management of osteoporosis published in scientific journals are reviewed. Relevant information from cross-references on methods of evaluating the efficacy of different modalities and their scientific pathways is included. An effort has been made to summarise the treatment of osteoporosis by these systems. Opinions, impressions, and inferences are added while describing various aspects of these modalities.

Result

The National Library of Medicine has played an active role in publishing studies of the management of osteoporosis by alternative therapies. Many issues of management of osteoporosis still lack reliable treatment. However, good information is now available about choosing alternate medical therapy that has been studied scientifically and has shown promising results.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants and certain natural treatments can treat osteoporosis and its problems. The use of alternate medical therapy has been proven recently by clinical practice and conventional wisdom. This sharing may help the medical practitioner to understand and judiciously allow complementary therapy while treating osteoporosis.

Effects of Polygonatum sibiricum on Physicochemical Properties, Biological Compounds, and Functionality of Fermented Soymilk

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) on microbial fermentation, physicochemical properties, and functional properties of fermented soymilk. Three types of fermented soymilk were prepared. The first type was fermented directly from regular soymilk (fermented soymilk, FSM), and the other two were fermented after adding P. sibiricum (P. sibiricum fermented soymilk, P-FSM) or P. sibiricum polysaccharides (P. sibiricum polysaccharides fermented soymilk, PP-FSM). The differences in physical and chemical indexes such as pH value, acidity, and water-holding capacity were mainly compared, and the differences in the contents of functional components such as total phenols, total flavonoids, soy isoflavones, γ-aminobutyric acid, and organic acids were compared. The functionalities of the three samples in terms of antioxidant activity were evaluated, and the relevance of each active substance was explored. Compared with the FSM group, the addition of P. sibiricum and P. sibiricum polysaccharides could not only significantly promote the fermentation of Lactobacillus but also significantly improve the stability of the finished products during storage and prolong the shelf life of the finished product. The conversion rates of glycoside soybean isoflavones in the PP-FSM and P-FSM groups were 73% and 69%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the FSM group (64%). At the end of fermentation, the γ-aminobutyric acid contents of the PP-FSM and P-FSM groups were 383.66 ± 1.41 mg/L and 386.27 ± 3.43 mg/L, respectively, while that of the FSM group was only 288.66 ± 3.94 mg/L. There were also great differences in the content and types of organic acids among the three samples, especially lactic acid and acetic acid. By comparing the antioxidant capacity of DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical), AB-TS (2,2'-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate), and iron chelation, it was found that both PP-FSM and P-FSM were superior to FSM, and the antioxidant capacity had a certain correlation with the contents of total phenols and total flavonoids.

Polygonati Rhizoma with the homology of medicine and food: A review of ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygonati Rhizoma (PR), which contains rich national cultural connotations, is a traditional Chinese medicine with homology of medicine and food. It has been used for a long time as a tonic in China's multi-ethnic medical system, and is also used to treat diseases such as premature graying hair, deficiency of blood and essence, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Meanwhile, PR is often used as food in China, India, South Korea and other Asian countries, which can satisfy hunger and provide many health benefits.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper systematically reviewed the ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and related applications research of PR, and provided a reference for the comprehensive applications of PR, including basic research, product development and clinical applications. This paper also refined the national application characteristics of PR, such as rich plant resources, special chemical components and anti-hidden hungry, which laid a foundation for its high value and high connotation development in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature information was collected systematically from the electronic scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Geen Medical, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as other literature sources, such as classic books of herbal medicine.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis of the above literature confirmed that PR has been used in the ethnic medicine system of Asian countries such as China for thousands of years. In this paper, 12 species including official species that can be used as PR are summarized, which provide rich plant resources for PR. The chemical components in PR are divided into nutritional components and active components. The former not only contains non-starch polysaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides, which account for about 50% in PR and are recognized as high-quality diet in the world, but also contains inorganic elements and mineral elements. And a total of 199 kinds active ingredients, including saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc., were sorted out by us. The above ingredients make PR have a special property of anti-hidden hunger. Studies have shown that PR has a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as immune regulation, blood glucose regulation, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial, etc. It has been widely used in medicine, food, cosmetics, gardens and other fields.

CONCLUSIONS

PR, as a classic medicinal material of the same origin, is widely used in the traditional ethnic medicine system. It contains abundant potential plant resources, chemical components and pharmacological activities. This paper also suggests that PR with high application value in food industry, has the potential to become a high-quality coarse grain. Exploring the way of grain and industrialization of PR is beneficial to fully develop the economic value of PR.

Therapeutic approach of natural products that treat osteoporosis by targeting epigenetic modulation

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic disease that affects bone, resulting in a progressive decrease in bone mass, quality, and micro-architectural degeneration. Natural products have become popular for managing OP in recent years due to their minimal adverse side effects and suitability for prolonged use compared to chemically synthesized products. These natural products are known to modulate multiple OP-related gene expressions, making epigenetics an important tool for optimal therapeutic development. In this study, we investigated the role of epigenetics in OP and reviewed existing research on using natural products for OP management. Our analysis identified around twenty natural products involved in epigenetics-based OP modulation, and we discussed potential mechanisms. These findings highlight the clinical significance of natural products and their potential as novel anti-OP therapeutics.

Review on the genus Polygonatum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities

The genus Polygonatum is gaining increasing attention from nutrition experts as well as health-conscious consumers because of its excellent performance in providing nutrients. Among these plants, Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum have been selected for inclusion in China's Medicinal Food Directory due to their high safety profile. Polysaccharides are considered the main functional component and one of the main active ingredients of the plant. In addition, polysaccharides from genus Polygonatum have a variety of nutritional, biological and health-promoting properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiosteoporosis, and hepatoprotective properties. This paper reviews the origin, extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activity, safety, toxicological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides from the genus Polygonatum. Ultimately, we hope that this work can provide a more useful reference for understanding the polysaccharide structure and developing of new functional foods from polysaccharides of the genus Polygonatum.

Mechanisms by which kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs inhibit osteoclastogenesis: Emphasis on immune cells

The immune system plays a crucial role in regulating osteoclast formation and function and has significance for the occurrence and development of immune-mediated bone diseases. Kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs, based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to unify the kidney and strengthen the bone, have been widely used in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. The common botanical drugs are tonifying kidney-yang and nourishing kidney-yin herbs, which are divided into two parts: one is the compound prescription of TCM, and the other is the single preparation of TCM and its active ingredients. These botanical drugs regulate osteoclastogenesis directly and indirectly by immune cells, however, we have limited information on the differences between the two botanical drugs in osteoimmunology. In this review, the mechanism by which kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs inhibiting osteoclastogenesis was investigated, emphasizing the immune response. The differences in the mechanism of action between tonifying kidney-yang herbs and nourishing kidney-yin herbs were analysed, and the therapeutic value for immune-mediated bone diseases was evaluated.

Health-Promoting Activities and Associated Mechanisms of Polygonati Rhizoma Polysaccharides

Polygonati Rhizoma, a typical homology of medicine and food, possesses remarkable anti-fatigue, anti-aging, metabolic regulatory, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetes, and anti-cancer effects. Among bioactive phytochemicals in Polygonati Rhizoma, polysaccharides play important roles in the health-promoting activities through the mechanisms mentioned above and potential synergistic effects with other bioactives. In this review, we briefly introduce the updated biosynthesis of polysaccharides, the purification method, the structure characterization, and food applications, and discuss in detail the biological activities of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharides and associated mechanisms, aiming at broadening the usage of Polygonati Rhizoma as functional food and medicine.

Effects of steam on polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema based on saccharide mapping analysis and pharmacological activity assays

Background

Polygonatum cyrtonema, one of origins of Polygonata Rhizoma (HuangJing in Chinese), is traditionally steamed repeatedly before being used as herbal medicine in China. However, there has no standard for steaming of HuangJing. Therefore, a comprehensive study for effects of steam on polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema based on saccharide mapping, a powerful method developed for polysaccharides analysis, and pharmacological activity are still necessary, which is helpful to explore the effect of steam on the physiochemical and biological activities of its polysaccharides and develop steaming standard of Polygonatum cyrtonema.

Methods

To explore the effect of steam on physiochemical and biological activities of P. cyrtonema polysaccharides (PCP), six polysaccharides named PCP0, PCP1, PCP2, PCP3, PCP4 and PCP5 were extracted from the herb consecutively steamed for 0–5 times, respectively. Their molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition and PACE fingerprints were investigated through HPSEC-MALLS-RID, HPAEC-PAD and saccharide mapping based on polysaccharides analysis by using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis (PACE) and HPTLC, respectively. In addition, their antioxidant ability and immunostimulatory activities on RAW 264.7 cells in terms of NO production and phagocytosis were compared.

Results

Results suggested that molecular weights could be changed during steam, which increased by first steaming and then decreased with further steaming though all polysaccharides’ molecular weights were 10⁵-10⁷ Da. They all showed irregularly spherical conformation in aqueous solution based on AFM imaging. Their monosaccharide composition and PACE fingerprints were significantly different after steaming, i.e., galactose increased while glucose and mannose decreased, and β-1,4-Galp appeared while β-1,4-Manp increased, after steaming. Steamed PCP significantly increased scavenging activity against ABTS radicals, while PCP0 had the best immunostimulatory effect on RAW 264.7 in terms of NO production and phagocytosis.

Conclusions

In summary, steam significantly affected the chemical composition and bioactivities of polysaccharides from P. cyrtonema. Considering the balance beneficial effects of steaming on antioxidant and immunopotentiation activities of PCP, 2 times of continuous steam is the optimal choice under the given conditions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00650-3.

MiR-1224-5p modulates osteogenesis by coordinating osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation via the Rap1 signaling target ADCY2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) broadly regulate normal biological functions of bone and the progression of fracture healing and osteoporosis. Recently, it has been reported that miR-1224-5p in fracture plasma is a potential therapy for osteogenesis. To investigate the roles of miR-1224-5p and the Rap1 signaling pathway in fracture healing and osteoporosis development and progression, we used BMMs, BMSCs, and skull osteoblast precursor cells for in vitro osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis studies. Osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis were detected by ALP, ARS, and TRAP staining and bone slice resorption pit assays. The miR-1224-5p target gene was assessed by siRNA-mediated target gene knockdown and luciferase reporter assays. To explore the Rap1 pathway, we performed high-throughput sequencing, western blotting, RT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and immunohistochemical staining. In vivo, bone healing was judged by the cortical femoral defect, cranial bone defect and femoral fracture models. Progression of osteoporosis was evaluated by an ovariectomy model and an aged osteoporosis model. We discovered that the expression of miR-1224-5p was positively correlated with fracture healing progression. Moreover, in vitro, overexpression of miR-1224-5p slowed Rankl-induced osteoclast differentiation and promoted osteoblast differentiation via the Rap1-signaling pathway by targeting ADCY2. In addition, in vivo overexpression of miR-1224-5p significantly promoted fracture healing and ameliorated the progression of osteoporosis caused by estrogen deficiency or aging. Furthermore, knockdown of miRNA-1224-5p inhibited bone regeneration in mice and accelerated the progression of osteoporosis in elderly mice. Taken together, these results identify miR-1224-5p as a key bone osteogenic regulator, which may be a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis and fracture nonunion.

A microRNA called miR-1224-5p plays a key role in regulating the balance between bone formation and resorption, and may help in developing therapies for osteoporosis and hard-to-heal fractures. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Levels of miR-1224-5p were known to be low in patients with osteoporosis, caused by imbalanced bone resorption and formation, and high in patients with fractures. Guohui Liu and Bobin Mi at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, and coworkers hypothesized that miR-1224-5p might affect the bone resorption/formation balance. They found that miR-1224-5p levels correlated with fracture healing progress. Boosting levels in mice made bones stronger and improved fracture healing, whereas suppressing levels impaired fracture healing and accelerated osteoporosis. These results show that miR-1224-5p represents a potential target for treatment for osteoporosis and for bone-healing deficits.

A proposed model illustrating (Supplementary materials e) miRNA-1224-5p-mediated bone cell differentiation. Schematic representation of the mechanism through which miRNA-1224-5p mediates bone cell differentiation in fracture healing and osteoporosis.

ATF1/miR-214-5p/ITGA7 axis promotes osteoclastogenesis to alter OVX-induced bone absorption

Background

The dynamic balance of osteoblast and osteoclast is critical for bone homeostasis and overactive osteoclastic function may lead to osteoporosis. Activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) is involved in osteoclastogenesis. However, the detailed mechanisms remain to be explored.

Methods

RAW264.7 cells were used and induced toward osteoclast by RANKL administration. We performed flow cytometry, CCK-8 assay and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining to examine cell apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Mice were subjected to ovariectomy to induce osteoporosis. Micro CT, HE staining and TRAP staining were performed to evaluate bone loss in the OVX mouse model. Bioinformatics methods, luciferase assays and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were used to predict and validate the interaction among ATF1, miR-214-5p, and ITGA7.

Results

ATF1 and miR-214-5p were up-regulated while ITGA7 was inhibited in RANKL-induced osteoclasts. MiR-214-5p was transcriptionally activated by ATF1. ATF1 knockdown suppressed osteoclast formation by miR-214-5p inhibition. ITGA7 was the direct target of miR-214-5p. Knockdown of miR-214-5p abolished osteoclastogenesis, which was reversed by ITGA7 knockdown. In OVX model, miR-214-5p knockdown suppressed osteoclast differentiation and prevented bone loss.

Conclusion

ATF1/miR-214-5p/ITGA7 axis regulated osteoclast formation both in vivo and in vitro, thereby affecting OVX-induced bone resorption in mice. Knockdown of ATF1 might be a promising strategy to manage osteoporosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00476-7.

Al-MPS Obstructs EMT in Breast Cancer by Inhibiting Lipid Metabolism via miR-215-5p/SREBP1

Alkali-extractable mycelial polysaccharide (Al-MPS) is a natural macromolecular polymer that has shown anti-hyperlipidemic and antitumor abilities. This study investigates the mechanism by which Al-MPS inhibits lipid metabolism and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer (BC). BC cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were transfected and/or treated with Al-MPS. CCK-8, Transwell, and scratch assays were used to evaluate the tumorigenic behaviors of BC cells. The expression levels of SREBP1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, vimentin, FASN, ACLY, and ACECS1 in BC cells were detected by Western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-215-5p and SREBP1 mRNA. Nude mice were injected with MDA-MB-231 cells and treated with Al-MPS. The changes in tumor volume and protein expression were monitored. miR-215-5p was downregulated and SREBP1 was upregulated in BC. Al-MPS increased miR-215-5p expression and inhibited SREBP1 expression, lipid metabolism, and EMT in BC. Inhibition of miR-215-5p or overexpression of SREBP1 promoted the tumorigenic behaviors of BC cells by stimulating lipid metabolism and counteracted the antitumor effect of Al-MPS. SREBP1 was a downstream target of miR-215-5p. In conclusion, Al-MPS inhibits lipid metabolism and EMT in BC via the miR-215-5p/SREBP1 axis. This study supports the application of polysaccharides in cancer treatment and the molecules regulated by Al-MPS may be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for BC.

Antiosteoporosis Studies of 20 Medicine Food Homology Plants Containing Quercetin, Rutin, and Kaempferol: TCM Characteristics, In Vivo and In Vitro Activities, Potential Mechanisms, and Food Functions

Dietary nutraceutical compounds have been evidenced as backbone for bone health in recent years. It is reported that medicine food homology (MFH) plants have multiple nutraceutical compounds. Based on our literature research, 20 MFH plants caught our attention because they contain three popular antiosteoporosis compounds simultaneously: quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), their characteristics including natures, flavors, attributive to meridian tropism, and efficacies were listed. The relationships between TCM efficacies, such as “heat clearing,” “tonic,” and “the interior warming,” and antiosteoporosis pharmacological actions such as antioxidant and immune regulation were discussed. The in vivo antiosteoporosis effects of the 20 MFH plants were summarized. The in vitro antiosteoporosis activities and related mechanisms of the 20 plants and quercetin, rutin, kaempferol were detailed. The TGF-β-Smad signaling, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling on bone formation and the RANKL signaling, NF-κB signaling, and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor on bone resorption were identified. From food point, these 20 MFH plants could be classified as condiment, vegetable, fruit, tea and related products, beverage, etc. Based on the above discussion, these 20 MFH plants could be used as daily food supplements for the prevention and treatment against osteoporosis.

Recent advances in polysaccharides from edible and medicinal Polygonati rhizoma: From bench to market

Although the increasing studies have corroborated the biological activities and great market utilization value of polysaccharide fractions derived from Polygonati rhizome, a well-known edible and medicinal plant, Polygonati rhizome polysaccharides (PRPs) still lack sufficient attention. Herein, we make attempt to systematically summarize recent advances in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, and commercial products of PRPs. Based on the detailed extraction and structural characteristics, the biological activities of PRPs including immune-regulation, anti-osteoporosis, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-diabetes and anti-atherosclerotic, are emphatically summarized, as well as the possible related mechanisms. Most importantly, about 365 kinds of commercial functional foods and over 500 patents related to PRPs as the main raw material were analyzed to explore the status quo and bottleneck for the development and utilization of PRPs. In conclusion, this review will benefit to bridge the gap between basic knowledge and market innovations, and facilitate the in-depth utilization of PRPs.

Benefits and mechanisms of polysaccharides from Chinese medicinal herbs for anti-osteoporosis therapy: A review

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disease with an increasing incidence rate. Chinese medicinal herbs have a long history of treating bone diseases. Polysaccharides are an important category of phytochemicals in Chinese medicinal herbs, and their health benefits have increased the interest of the public. Numerous studies have indicated that polysaccharides exhibit anti-osteoporosis effects by balancing bone resorption and bone formation, but the detailed effects and mechanism have not been systematically summarized. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate studies for the period 2000-2021 by conducting electronic searches on the PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases. In total, polysaccharides from 19 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs in 54 studies have shown bone homeostasis protective properties. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that polysaccharides present properties in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis, especially postmenopausal osteoporosis. Moreover, a number of signalling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, BMP/SMAD/RUNX2 signalling pathway, OPG/RANKL/RANK signalling pathway, apoptosis pathway, and transcription factors, are regulated by polysaccharides and participate in improving bone homeostasis. This review will provide a better understanding of the anti-osteoporotic effects of polysaccharides and the concomitant modulations of signalling pathways.

Evolutionary research trend of Polygonatum species: a comprehensive account of their transformation from traditional medicines to functional foods

With the advances in Polygonatum research, there is a huge interest in harnessing the valuable functional ingredients of this genus with the potential for functional foods. This review emphasizes the different aspects of Ploygonatum based research starting from its bioactive compounds, their structural characterization, various extraction methods, as well as biological activities. In view of its integral use as an essential medicinal plant, our review emphasizes on its promising food applications both as an ingredient and as a whole food, and its improved health benefits with potential for agricultural and environmental relevance are also discussed. As we collated the recent research information, we present the main challenges and limitations of the current research trend in this area which can upgrade the further expansion of Polygonatum-related research that will strengthen its economic and accessible nutritional value in the food and health industries. By highlighting the need for the unattended species, this review not only fills existing research gaps, but also encourages the researchers to find new avenues for the natural production of bio-based functional materials and the development of highly functional and health-promoting foods for disease prevention and treatment.

Dietary polysaccharides exert biological functions via epigenetic regulations: Advance and prospectives

Bioactive substances derived from natural products are valued for effective health-related activities. As extremely important component of plants, animal cell membrane and microbes cytoderm, polysaccharides have been applied as medications, foods and cosmetics stemming from their prominent biological functions and minor side-effects. Recent studies indicate that polysaccharides exert biological effects also through epigenetic mechanism. Through the intervention of DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, polysaccharides participatate in regulation of immunity/inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidant damage and anti-tumor, which presents novel mechanism of polysaccharide exerting various functions. In this review, the latest advances in the biological functions of dietary polysaccharides via epigenetic regulations were comprehensively summarized and discussed. From the view point of epigenetic regulation, investigating the relationship between polysaccharides and biological effects will enhance our understandings of polysaccharides and also means huge breakthrough of molecular mechanism in the polysaccharide research fields. The paper will provide important reference to these investigators of polysaccharide research and expand the applications of dietary polysaccharides in the functional food developments.

Commentary on Some Recent Theses Relevant to Combating Aging: April 2020

Theses reviewed in this issue include "Advanced Imaging Technologies for Combined Biomedical Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging," "Engineering Bispecific Chimeric Antigen Receptors to Improve the Efficacy of Adoptive T-Cell Therapy," "Il-36 Gamma Promotes Anti-Tumor Immunity Through Therapeutic Induction of Tumor-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures," "Investigating the Role of Matrix Vesicles During Aortic Valve Interstitial Cell Calcification," "Local Delivery of Cyclosporine and Erythropoietin Promotes Functional Recovery in a Rodent Model of Stroke Injury by Endogenous Tissue Repair," and "Targeting Primary Cilia-Mediated Mechanotransduction to Promote Whole Bone Formation."

miR-1224 contributes to ischemic stroke-mediated natural killer cell dysfunction by targeting Sp1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Brain ischemia compromises natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune defenses by acting on neurogenic and intracellular pathways. Less is known about the posttranscriptional mechanisms that regulate NK cell activation and cytotoxicity after ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Using a NanoString nCounter® miRNA array panel, we explored the microRNA (miRNA) profile of splenic NK cells in mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Differential gene expression and function/pathway analysis were applied to investigate the main functions of predicted miRNA target genes. miR-1224 inhibitor/mimics transfection and passive transfer of NK cells were performed to confirm the impact of miR-1224 in NK cells after brain ischemia.

RESULTS

We observed striking dysregulation of several miRNAs in response to ischemia. Among those miRNAs, miR-1224 markedly increased 3 days after ischemic stroke. Transfection of miR-1224 mimics into NK cells resulted in suppression of NK cell activity, while an miR-1224 inhibitor enhanced NK cell activity and cytotoxicity, especially in the periphery. Passive transfer of NK cells treated with an miR-1224 inhibitor prevented the accumulation of a bacterial burden in the lungs after ischemic stroke, suggesting an enhanced immune defense of NK cells. The transcription factor Sp1, which controls cytokine/chemokine release by NK cells at the transcriptional level, is a predicted target of miR-1224. The inhibitory effect of miR-1224 on NK cell activity was blocked in Sp1 knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that miR-1224 may serve as a negative regulator of NK cell activation in an Sp1-dependent manner; this mechanism may be a novel target to prevent poststroke infection specifically in the periphery and preserve immune defense in the brain.

Effects of compound deer bone extract on osteoporosis model mice and intestinal microflora

The preventive and therapeutic mechanisms of CDBE on osteoporosis were studied by observing the serum bone-related biochemical indicators, bone trabecular micro-structure and intestinal flora in ovariectomized osteoporosis model mice, in order to provide a scientific theoretical basis for the further study on the effect of CDBE on osteoporosis, and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with clinical traditional Chinese medicines. The components in CDBE were detected by UHPLC-MS. A mouse osteoporosis model was established by the bilateral ovariectomy in female ICR mice. The biochemical indicators related to osteoporosis were detected, the right proximal tibia was scanned by Micro-CT, the intestinal microflora in the colon contents were examined, and the changes of microflora were taken as the main target to evaluate the effect of CDBE on the intestinal microflora in the model mice. A total of 16 compounds were obtained by the combined application of UHPLC-MS. CDBE could significantly increase the contents of E2, Ca²⁺ , CT, HyP, OCN, FOXP3, P1NP and CTX-II, in the model mice. CDBE could significantly improve the trabecular micro-structure, Tb.N, Tb.Sp, SMI and Conn.D. CDBE could make the intestinal flora of osteoporosis model mice tend to healthy mice in species and quantity. CDBE can improve the symptoms of postmenopausal osteoporosis in mice, with a positive effect on the intestinal flora of postmenopausal mice. Its mechanism of regulating the symptoms of osteoporosis may be related to the regulation of bone-related biochemical indicators in the serum of mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This research has a positive impact on the development of functional food with anti-osteoporosis in the future.

miR-325-3p, a novel regulator of osteoclastogenesis in osteolysis of colorectal cancer through targeting S100A4

BACKGROUND

To investigate effect of microRNA-325-3p (miR-325-3p) on bone metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the precise role on osteoclastogenesis.

METHODS

CT-26 cells were injected into tibias to establish bone metastatic model of CRC in vivo. AgomiR-325-3p or antagomir-325-3p were injected in tail-veins of Balb/c mice to interfere the osteoclastogenesis and bone metastasis of CRC. Safranin O and Fast Green staining examined the changes of trabecular area and TRAP staining examined the osteoclast number in bone metastasis of CRC. Real-time PCR was conducted to test the RNA level of miR-325-3p and mRNA levels of TRAP and Cathepsin K in osteoclast precursors (OCPs). Dual-luciferase reporter system was utilized to identify the direct target of miR-325-3p. Conditioned medium from CT-26 cells was collected to stimulate the OCPs during osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and M-CSF in vitro. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein level of S100A4 in OCPs after interfered by agomiR-325-3p or antagomir-325-3p cultured in CM or not.

RESULTS

miR-325-3p downregulated in OCPs in CRC microenvironment both in vivo and in vitro. By luciferase activity assay, S100A4 was the target gene of miR-325-3p and the protein level of S100A4 in OCPs upregulated in CRC microenvironment. Overexpression of miR-325-3p inhibited the osteoclastogenesis of OCPs and it can be reversed after transfection with plasmid containing S100A4. Treatment with miR-325-3p can preserve trabecular area in bone metastasis of CRC.

CONCLUSION

miR-325-3p can prevent osteoclast formation through targeting S100A4 in OCPs. Overexpression of miR-325-3p efficiently decreased the osteoclast number and attenuated bone resorption in bone metastasis of CRC.

Polysaccharide-rich extract from Polygonatum sibiricum protects hematopoiesis in bone marrow suppressed by triple negative breast cancer

Polysaccharide is one of main components in Polygonatum sibiricum (PS), which is an herbal medicine widely used in East Asia. Polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum has been shown to exhibit multiple biological activities, such as anti-diabetes, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, immunity modulation, and anticancer. Since hematopoietic system is one of determinant factors in cancer control, we here explored the effect of polysaccharide-rich extract from Polygonatum sibiricum (PREPS) on hematopoiesis in the mice bearing triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that the 4T1 TNBC tumor significantly increased myeloid cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen, while decreasing bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), indicative of an inhibition of medullary hematopoiesis. When 4T1 TNBC tumor-bearing mice were treated with PREPS, the percentage of myeloid cells within tumor-infiltrating immune cells was reduced. In addition, PREPS also inhibited hematopoietic cell expansion in the spleen, which was induced by TNBC tumors. Importantly, PREPS markedly increased HSPCs and common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow that had been suppressed by TNBC tumors. These findings suggest that PREPS protect hematopoiesis inhibited by TNBC tumors in the bone marrow. Although PREPS alone did not achieve statistical significance in the suppression of TNBC tumor growth, it may have a long-lasting anti-tumor effect to assist TNBC therapies by sustaining hematopoiesis and lymphoid regeneration in bone marrow.

The Regulation of circRNA RNF13/miRNA-1224-5p Axis Promotes the Malignant Evolution in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To study the biological function of circular RNA RNF13 (circRNF13) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its relationship with prognosis.

METHODS

We constructed stable AML cell lines with downregulated expression of circRNF13, and then, we explored the effect of downregulation of circRNF13 expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion through qRT-PCR, MTT curve, colony formation, transwell migration and invasion experiment, cell cycle, apoptosis, Caspase 3/7 assay, and other experiments. We also studied the expression of C-myc and Tenascin-C by qRT-PCR to explore the role of circRNF13.

RESULTS

When the expression of circRNF13 was downregulated, the proliferation rate of AML cells decreased significantly, the cell cycle was blocked to G1 phase, and apoptosis rate increased significantly. C-myc related to cell proliferation decreased significantly at RNA level. Furthermore, when the expression of circRNF13 was downregulated, the migration and invasion ability of AML cells was significantly reduced, and the expression of Tenascin-C related to migration and invasion also decreased significantly. The luciferase reporter assay system confirmed that miRNA-1224-5p was the direct target of circRNF13.

CONCLUSION

CircRNF13 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AML cells by regulating the expression of miRNA-1224-5p. This study provides some clues for the diagnosis and treatment of AML.

Role of Hippo-YAP Signaling in Osseointegration by Regulating Osteogenesis, Angiogenesis, and Osteoimmunology

The social demand for dental implantation is growing at a rapid rate, while dentists are faced with the dilemma of implantation failures associated with unfavorable osseointegration. Clinical-friendly osteogenesis, angiogenesis and osteoimmunology around dental implants play a pivotal role in a desirable osseointegration and it's increasingly appreciated that Hippo-YAP signaling pathway is implicated in those biological processes both in vitro and in vivo in a variety of study. In this article we review the multiple effects of Hippo-YAP signaling in osseointegration of dental implants by regulating osteogenesis, angiogenesis and osteoimmunology in peri-implant tissue, as well as highlight prospective future directions of relevant investigation.

Extracellular vesicles: Squeezing every drop of regenerative potential of umbilical cord blood

Collection, cryopreservation and transplantation of umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived cells have become a popular option for regenerative medicine, not limited to the transplantation of hematopoietic cell progenitors only. Indeed, increasing evidence shows that extracellular vesicles (EV), which include a heterogeneous pool of membranous structures secreted by the vast majority of cells, can serve as powerful tools for cell-free therapy due to precise multifunctional molecular cargoes. In this issue, Hu et al. [1] described that EV extracted from UCB (UCB-EV) ameliorate bone loss in senile osteoporotic mice and promote in vitro osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells through miR-3960-mediated signaling. These results envision the capability of UCB-EV of priming multipotent stem cells toward the osteogenic cell lineage and interfering on bone resorption processes. Although processing and manufacturing of EV-based products have to further develop major issues, we foresee that EV will soon become new therapeutic products supplied by UCB banks for treating human diseases, including bone-related conditions.